Top 5 Scenic California Roadtrips
Last Updated on December 2, 2023
Highway 1, Pacific Coast Highway – Big Sur
Traveling down Highway 1 in any part of California offers the classic California coastline views but I especially love the scenic overlooks located in Big Sur. Highway 1 is also known as Pacific Coast Highway or PCH if you’re a local. You can drive PCH for 650 miles from Dana Point to Leggett but Big Sur is the midway 90-mile stretch and my personal favorite part of the drive.
What you’ll see:
Panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, rocky coastlines and cliffsides, beaches, state parks, waterfalls, the iconic Bixby Bridge, and active sea animals like whales, seals, and sea otters.
Points that are worth stopping (in order if you drive from LA up north):
- Salmon Creek Falls is just 0.3mi trail that leads to a charming waterfall and a swimming hole. You will need to cross a creek holding a rope at one spot. You can extend the hike to 7.2mi (Salmon Creek Trail to Spruce and Estrella Camps).
- McWay Falls. One of the most beautiful California waterfalls. It will be around 0.5mi round trip to the viewpoint.
- Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Must visit park with spectacular views and beautiful trails.
- Pfeiffer Beach. Arguably the prettiest beach in California. There’s a parking fee and spots are limited so try to come early.
- Bixby Creek Bridge. One of the most photographed bridges in California. No hiking required, there are several pullouts with view points.
- Calla Lily Valley. Lots of beautiful calla lilies bloom in Big Sur from February to mid March. If you love flowers I have a dedicated blog post about California Flower Fields.
If you are lucky with the weather you will drive above the clouds between Gorda and Ragged Point. There are many pullouts to stop and enjoy this view.
Where to stay:
Ventana Big Sur – a luxury coastal CA resort, offers beautiful accommodations and unique experiences along the dramatic California coastline.
Big Sur River Inn and Big Sur Lodge – these two 3-star hotels are both very conveniently located right on highway 1, 4 minutes away from each other in a similar price range. Pick the one that has availability 🙂
Big Sur Campground & Cabins – For the campers, this is a great spot for the full immersive nature experience. Tips if you visit: The coast is mild most of the year so anytime is a good time to visit Big Sur. However, if you drive through during the spring you are more likely to see the beautiful wildflowers in bloom.
Note: As for July 2023 a small part of Big Sur road is still closed. You might have to use a detour if you drive from south. Check road conditions to plan your road trip better.
Highway 395 – Lake Tahoe to Death Valley
Highway 395 is known as the backbone of California and the most popular California route travels from Lake Tahoe to Death Valley. Also commonly referred to as the Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway, there is a lot to take in on this route. It has even been said to be more scenic than Pacific Coast Highway, I am not sure about that but you will have to see it for yourself!
What you’ll see:
Highway 395 offers scenic diversity with lakes, desert land, abandoned towns, state parks, and historical landmarks. If you visit in the fall you’ll also get to enjoy a beautiful display of yellow foliage. You can visit beautiful natural wonders along this route like the Crowley Lake columns, Hot Creek Geologic Site, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, and Mono Lake.
Where to stay:
The most convenient places to stay are in Mammoth Lakes  (close to all the fun) or Bishop (especially beautiful in fall).
When to visit:
It is beautiful any time of the year!
- Winter: There’s a lot of snow in winter and you can find some of the most popular ski resorts in Mammoth Lakes. Make sure to bring chains and get info about the latest road conditions before going.
- Spring: There’s usually still a lot of snow in early spring too, although you can find many beautiful wildflowers in late spring.
- Summer is very pleasant, and you can swim in numerous gorgeous lakes.
- Fall is my favorite time to visit because this area gets the prettiest fall foliage.
Tips if you visit:
Be sure to gas up your vehicle whenever you can because some stretches of Highway 395 have many miles between gas stations.
Avenue Of Giants, Highway 101
Avenue of the Giants is one of the most beautiful roads not only in California but also in the world. Located in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, it takes about an hour to drive through without stops but trust me, you’ll want to make time to stop and take in the views.Â
What you’ll see:
The Avenue of Giants is 31 miles of towering redwood trees with campgrounds and picnic areas nestled throughout. It runs parallel between Highway 101 and Eel River, which is a federally designated Wild & Scenic waterway with the coolest swimming, fishing, and paddling spots. You’ll also find plenty of trailheads along the way, each one leading you into the enchanting redwood forest. The easiest trails I enjoyed were Founders Grove Nature Trail, Rockefeller Loop Trail, and Mahan Plaque Trail.
Where to stay:
Tips if you visit:
If you want to hike, plan for a full day of exploring and if you’re coming for mainly photos and scenery, a half-day should allow you plenty of time to experience the Avenue. If you plan to stay at campsites keep cash on hand. They are available without reservations but only accept cash. I highly recommend reservations during peak season.
17 Mile Drive in Pebble Beach, California
Soak up the California coast on this shorter drive but don’t worry there’s still plenty to see and do along the scenic 17-mile drive in Pebble Beach. Walk the boardwalk at Spanish Bay, shop the boutiques, hike, bike, paddleboard, or tee off at one of the country’s most iconic golf resorts. Admission is paid per vehicle but reimbursed if you spend $35 or more at the Pebble Beach Resort restaurants or stay at one of the resort hotels.
What you’ll see:
Pebble Beach is known for breathtaking cliffside views, multiple powder-soft sandy beaches, and oceanside boardwalks. Pebble Beach is also home to America’s #1 public golf course and golfing resort.
Where to stay:
There are tons of great places to stay in Pebble Beach and in nearby Carmel and Monterey. Some favorites are Carmel Mission Inn, Monterey Bay Inn and Green Gables Inn.
Tips if you visit:
Stop at the visitor center to grab a map or download the map from their website that shows all the scenic overlooks and activity locations.
Start at Pacific Grove Gate which is the northern point because it will be easier to pull into all the stops and you will be closer to the coastline views.
Del Norte County, Northern Highway 101
Find yourself in the middle of California’s only rainforest: Redwood National and State Parks. It is along Highway 101 in Del Norte County. This is further North than the Avenue of Giants but can be combined with that route to make a longer road trip.
What you’ll see:
Lush rainforest foliage and ferns, giant ocean rock formations, beachy scenic stops, and towering redwood trees.
What to visit:
- Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park has some of the most impressive trails in California. Here are my favorites:
- Grove of Titans, 1.3 mi, easy.
It was just recently fully reopened with a new boardwalk that is made to protect sensitive nature. You can find largest known redwoods in terms of wood volume there. - Stout Grove Trail, 0.7 mi, easy. They call it one of the world’s most scenic stand of redwoods. You will also see a lot of moss and carpets of fern there.
- Simpson-Reed Grove Trail, 0.9 mi, easy. It differs from other trails in the park, it is very dense and green, and look like jungle.
- Grove of Titans, 1.3 mi, easy.
- The coolest attraction Trees Of Mystery where you can walk 100 feet high among the redwoods.
- Smith River has incredible teal water and offers variety of fun such as floating or kayaking.
- Klamath River Overlook is a short stop with spectacular views of the mouth of the Klamath River and the Pacific Ocean
- Hidden Beach – one of the prettiest California beach with stunning rock formations. The shortest trail starts right across Trees of Mystery and leads you through a fern rainforest.
Now you’re officially ready for your next California road trip! Happy exploring!
-Asya
Looking for more California travel inspiration?
Check out The Ultimate Death Valley Itinerary
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