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25 Best Day Trips in Southern California

Last Updated By VacationIdea Staff on March 18, 2024

Visit the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens to see what thrives in the sparse desert ecosystem. Enjoy the 1938 Palm Springs Art Museum to learn about regional art, performing arts, and natural science.

Many remnants from the gold rush era are still standing, and visitors love travelling back in time by visiting the historic 1870 buildings, now housing charming B&Bs or hotels. A ride down Main Street in a nicely refurbished horse-drawn carriage is a must. Visitors can venture into the tunnels of a real abandoned gold mine, stroll through century-old pear and apple orchards, fish on Cuyamaca Lake, and much more .

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Environmental Nature Center , 1601 E. 16th Street, Newport Beach, CA 92663, 949 645 8489

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One of California’s Channel Islands, southwest of Los Angeles, Santa Catalina is only 22 miles off the coast and is a curious combination of resort towns such as Avalon , the rustic charm of the old town of Two Harbors, rich wildlife and diverse wild nature at the nearby Mt. Orizaba, and endless adventures. The largest island beach, Descanso Beach, is lined with stately palm trees and colorful cabanas. The magnificent circular art deco Catalina Casino is the island’s cultural hub with a museum, a movie theater, and ballroom. One of the best weekend getaways , Catalina attracts thrill-seekers with its Island Zip Line Eco Tour, snorkeling, diving, boating, and land and sea excursions. See the Map

On the western end of the beach is the leash-free Coronado Dog Beach. The Coronado Ferry Landing is a lively area with shops and restaurants, while the Gaslamp Quarter is famous for its rich nightlife. Centennial Park offers spectacular views of the San Diego skyline, and the Point Loma Peninsula has a popular park with the Cabrillo National Monument, hiking trails, tide pools, and fascinating exhibits on California history. View Map

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15101 Lancaster Rd, Lancaster, CA 93536, Phone: 661-724-1180 , ( website link )

1 Legoland Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008, Phone: 888-690-5346

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Follow the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail to visit all the best wineries and vineyards. Stroll through the historic town center with old trees and gardens and a number of Victorian architectural treasures. Visit the 1882 Keenan/Hartley Home, Rice’s Gas Station, the Uncle Tom Davis Store and the Campbell and Fleenor homes.

200 Palm Canyon Dr, Borrego Springs, CA 92004, Phone: 760-767-4205

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Stroll through the Los Rios Historic District with its centuries-old tile-roofed adobe homes and wood cottages, and if you come in March you can watch the swallows return to their homes in the old mission as they do every year. Cool off or have a picnic at Doheny State Beach. Learn more about the history of San Juan Capistrano at the fascinating Blas Aguilar Adobe Museum. See the Map

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Unfortunately, after a period of popularity, the canals fell into disrepair; but after 40 years of neglect, the canals are in fashion again and the whole neighborhood is being rapidly renovated. It is once more a fun place to visit with funky architecture, pleasant paths along the water, and an interesting landscape. Things to Do in Venice Beach

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• 1. Palm Springs
• 3. Cabot's Pueblo Museum
• 4. Cabrillo National Monument
• 5. Environmental Nature Center, Newport Beach
• 6. Carpinteria
• 7. Catalina
• 8. Coronado Island
• 9. Crestline
• 10. Death Valley National Park
• 11. Disneyland
• 12. Hollywood Forever Cemetery
• 13. Joshua Tree National Park
• 14. Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve
• 15. LEGOLAND California
• 16. California Citrus State Historic Park
• 17. Los Olivos
• 18. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
• 19. Palomar Observatory
• 20. San Diego Zoo
• 21. San Juan Capistrano
• 22. Solana Beach
• 23. Universal Studios Hollywood
• 24. Venice of America Canals
• 25. Whitewater Preserve

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The Automobile Club of Southern California is a member club affiliated with the American Automobile Association (AAA) national federation and serves members in the following California counties: Inyo, Imperial, Kern, Los Angeles, Mono, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Tulare, and Ventura.

Southern California Tourbook Guide

Including hollywood, los angeles, anaheim, pasadena, san diego and santa barbara.

Explore the deserts, beaches and big cities of Southern California with the AAA TourBook guide. From the glitz and glamour of Hollywood to the rugged scenery along the coastline, southern California offers a wide range of experiences for every type of traveler. Plan your next trip with the help of AAA's TourBook travel guide, available now on mobile, tablet or desktop.

With the Southern California guide, you'll get advice from AAA travel experts about the best things to see and do in the Golden State, where to stay and how to plan the trip of a lifetime. You'll learn insider travel tips and answers to many top questions asked by travelers. This guidebook includes information about the top things to do in Southern California cities.

Here's a sampling of what you'll find in the Southern California TourBook:

• Why Joshua Tree National Park is a bucket list adventure
• How to go behind-the-scenes in Hollywood
• Where to watch surfers in Huntington Beach (aka “Surf City”)
• Which attractions are worth a visit at UCLA
• Why the La Brea Tar Pits are home to fossils of ice-age animals
• Where to see the harbor seals in La Jolla
• How to visit the resort towns on Catalina Island
• What to expect inside Disneyland Park
• Where to camp, hike and fish in state parks and national forests

What are some of the must-dos covered in this guide?

We know no two travelers are alike, so we've included a wide variety of things to do in each TourBook, from national parks and museums to theme parks and aquariums.

We cover the top attractions in SoCal like Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, LEGOLAND California and Six Flags Magic Mountain, as well as popular things to do in San Diego like Balboa Park, SeaWorld San Diego and the San Diego Zoo. Interested in some history? The guide includes information about places like Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, The USS Midway Museum and Mission San Juan Capistrano.

You'll find all these attractions and more in this destination guide, plus ideas for family-friendly things to do in Los Angeles and San Diego and sample itineraries to help organize your trip.

Will this guide help me plan a road trip?

Yes, this digital TourBook includes inspiration for scenic drives in Southern California. You can also use the high-quality maps to get started planning your own route.

Is national park information included?

This tour book includes detailed information and travel tips for popular national parks in southern California like Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Channel Islands National Park and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

You'll also find travel information about national historic sites, national monuments and national forests throughout the region.

Explore the Southern California AAA TourBook, and start planning your next travel adventure today!

The 12 Very Best Day Trips You Can Possibly Take In Southern California

Angela is the staff writer for Only in Your State - Southern California.

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No matter the season, it’s always fun to plan mini getaways and fun outdoor adventures in Southern California. If you have a case of wanderlust, and you’re looking for some new spots in SoCal to explore, then you’ll want to take a look at this compilation of our favorite spaces and places to visit. From remote getaways to splendid outdoor hikes and everything in between, we believe that these are some of the very best day trips in Southern California . Ready to start exploring? Let’s go!

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So what do you think? Are these the best day trips in Southern California? Perhaps you know of some other spontaneous day trips near you. If so, feel free to share them with us in the comments!

If you’re looking for another memorable spot to add to your Southern California summer bucket list, you’ll want to check out this divine getaway that everyone should experience at least once.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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More to Explore

Best day trips in southern california, what are some of the top natural wonders in southern california.

SoCal is truly an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Complete with the expansive desert landscape, rugged mountains, and gorgeous coastal views, there's a ton to explore in this picturesque U.S. region. Some of the top natural wonders include:

• Lava Tube : One of our top recommendations for experiencing the best natural wonders in Southern California is a destination known as the Lava Tube in Mojave National Preserve. It's a gorgeous tunnel made entirely of lava that can be explored. Along the way, you'll admire the otherworldly rock formations and rays of light beaming through the cave at various points.
• La Brea Tar Pits : Next up on our list would be La Brea Tar Pits. Located in Los Angeles, this fascinating destination is home to thousands of plant and animal fossils.

Some additional natural wonders in Southern California include:

• Moreton Bay Fig Tree: Santa Barbara, CA
• Arroyo Tapiado Carrizo Badlands Mud Caves
• Slot Canyon: Anza Borrego State Park, Borrego Springs, CA
• Trona Pinnacles: California Desert National Conservation Area
• Point Dume: Malibu, CA
• Zabriskie Point: Death Valley, CA
• Joshua Tree National Park
• Racetrack: Death Valley, CA

For more information about these incredible places, check out our previous article outlining the best natural wonders in Southern California .

What are some other day trip destinations in Southern California?

Some day trip destinations in Southern California worth exploring include:

• The Wayfarer's Chapel
• Carbon Canyon Regional Park
• Gardens of the World
• Europa Village
• The Greystone Estate
• Whitewater Nature Preserve
• Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens
• Oak Canyon Nature Center
• Victoria Beach Tower

Southern California is such a vast region that you could easily devote an entire lifetime to exploring all that it has to offer. There are quite literally thousands of day trips you can enjoy while traveling through, and we've pinpointed some of our favorites in the article above. One of our favorite recommendations is Table Rock Beach . A gorgeous hidden beach, this Laguna Beach destination is hidden from the main road so it's relatively undiscovered.

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Here are 8 summery SoCal day trips to take when you are ready

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One day, you will be ready to roam again — maybe not far, but in familiar territory. Here are eight places to start, all within a day’s drive of Los Angeles, some with overnight options, a few with beaches and one with that small-town feel.

Qualms? Just because they’re open now doesn’t mean you have to go today. In fact, state officials are still urging Californians to avoid nonessential trips.

For that day when you do feel comfortable heading out, these destinations await.

No matter where you go, health experts urge you to wear a mask unless you’re eating or in the water. (And if you’re eating or in the water, try to keep a distance from strangers.)

1. La Jolla

At Torrey Pines State Beach , swim, fish, walk the sand or sunbathe. (Active and passive recreation are OK on this beach.) The beach is 4½ miles long, between northern La Jolla and southern Del Mar, and lined by red-dirt cliffs, including Torrey Pines Natural Reserve (still closed).

For a memorable overview of nearby beach, cliffs and sea, park at the Torrey Pines Glider Port , watch paragliders take off, get a sandwich at the Cliffhanger Cafe and sit at one of the outdoor picnic tables.

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Plenty of art and architecture await just east of the glider port on the 1,200-acre UC San Diego campus. You can take a self-guided tour among the artworks of the campus’ Stuart Collection and and check out striking academic architecture, including the otherworldly Geisel Library (interior closed) and the crooked little house atop the Engineering building.

In the Village of La Jolla, you can stroll past the shops, galleries and restaurants along Prospect Street and Girard Avenue. Or go tide-pooling or picnicking along Coast Boulevard near Children’s Pool Beach. There’s also pleasant walking along the Coast Walk Trail near Cave Street.

Or you could kayak around La Jolla Shores or the cliffs and caves near La Jolla Cove. Co-owner Michael Luscomb said La Jolla Kayak resumed rentals in late May, tours in early June. “We’re very strong on weekends,” he said.

For takeaway coffee or a snack, head to Pannikin (no sit-down dining) on Girard Avenue. For a fancy dinner, you might try George’s at the Cove , a longtime Prospect Street mainstay whose Level 2 and Ocean Terrace dining areas are open.

Info: sandiego.org

2. Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach, with its gorgeous stretch of sand, cliffs and rockscapes, once was an artists’ colony. Now it’s more of a gallerists’ colony, but undeniably pleasant to visit.

Beyond Main Beach (and its landmark blue-and-white lifeguard tower) in downtown Laguna, a path leads from Treasure Island Park (just south of the Montage Laguna Beach resort) to Treasure Island Beach (good for families, tide pooling and snorkeling). You might not be ready to spend $1,000 for a night at the Montage, but you might consider a patio breakfast, lunch or dinner at the resort’s Mosaic Bar and Grill . Downtown, there’s plenty of window-shopping among the galleries and shops. And there are three state parks in the area.

Crystal Cove State Park , which stretches from Laguna Beach to Newport Beach , has 3.2 miles of beach, a campground, the Beachcomber Cafe (where you’re invited to order by phone rather than touching a menu) and the Crystal Cove Shake Shack at 7703 East Coast Highway (which, believe it or not, has no website). Before visiting, check the beach website for updates.

Info: VisitLagunaBeach.com

3. L.A. County’s South Bay beaches

Wake up early, bring your bike or rent one and ride the Strand, a paved 22-mile-long beachfront route that includes Manhattan, Hermosa and Redondo beaches.

Officially, it’s the Marvin Braude Bike Trail , 14 feet wide and shared by cyclists, skaters, pedestrians and wheelchair users. It can take you far north of the South Bay, through Venice Beach and Santa Monica to Will Rogers State Beach in Pacific Palisades. The southern endpoint is Torrance County Beach. It’s always busy, so it’s best to try this early in the day, preferably a weekday.

Bike-rental options include Hermosa Cyclery ([310] 374-7816) in Hermosa Beach and Marina Bike Rentals ([310] 318-2453) in Redondo Beach.

Another alternative is to pick one or two piers — Manhattan, Hermosa and Redondo each have one — and build a walk. (If you’re new to the South Bay, Manhattan Beach is the priciest of these places, Hermosa is more casual and rowdy and the Redondo Pier and King Harbor Marina are often more diverse.)

Need a cool snack? The Manhattan Beach Creamery has been a favorite for years.

Info: DowntownManhattanBeach.com , HermosaBeach.gov , Redondo.org

4. Palos Verdes Peninsula

Starting in Redondo Beach, follow Palos Verdes Drive as it loops around the dramatic peninsula to San Pedro. Stop at the Point Vicente Interpretive Center . Its interior was still closed as of July 13, but the grounds are accessible, and you can walk along the bluffs. About 2½ miles east, past Terranea Resort (which reopened in June) and across the street from Wayfarers Chapel (visitor center closed), you can walk the pebbly shores and bluffs of Abalone Cove Shoreline Park in Rancho Palos Verdes (parts of the beach are closed).

End in San Pedro, where you can walk to the Korean Friendship Bell ( Angels Gate Park ), with wraparound views on a clear day. Or walk the coastal side of the road ( Point Fermin Park ) to see the vintage lighthouse and rocky cliffs. Keep a lookout for brown pelicans, which often fly by visitors at eye level. There are pullouts throughout the drive where you can pause to enjoy the view.

For a bite, try Nelson’s , the scenic patio restaurant (with fire pits) at Terranea. (Nelson’s accepts walk-in customers.)

Info: rpvca.gov , pvestates.org , spcvb.com

5. Malibu and Topanga

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In Topanga Canyon, follow winding two-lane Topanga Canyon Boulevard through country scenes, passing quirky homes, businesses and landmarks with hippie overtones, including the Los Angeles Horseback Riding ranch ($100 for an hour, reopened July 6).

Info: visitcalifornia.com/experience/malibu

Update: This may be a destination to save for next year. Within two hours of posting this article, we heard from several Ojai residents alarmed by the idea of more visitors because of the health risk they could pose. Hotels and restaurant might be eager for customers, but visitors might not feel welcome everywhere. Also, some trails in the area have closed due to heavy traffic. Los Padres National Forest has closed Santa Paula Canyon and Last Chance Trail through at least July 31 “due to overcrowding.” Also closed: the Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center and Horn Canyon Trailhead, parking and trail.

First, find an oak tree and stand in its shade. Maybe rest for a few minutes in Libbey Park along Ojai Avenue, the main drag here. Window-shop in the Arcade.

Soule Park Golf Course is open. Hike or ride a mountain bike on an Ojai Valley Land Conservancy trail. If you brought a road bike (or a horse), test the Ojai Valley Trail , which runs 9 miles along California 33 to western Ventura, or the Sulphur Mountain Trail , an 11-mile dirt road full of switchbacks and valley views. Consider the Ojai Beverage Co. for a burger or Mandala for a sushi burrito (both have patio dining). If you’re in town on a Sunday morning, try the Ojai Certified Farmers’ Market on Matilija Street — plenty of the goods are grown close at hand. If you’re ready for an overnight (and you’re ready to pay $450 a night for the luxury), the Ojai Valley Inn reopened in June.

Info: ojaivisitors.com

7. Santa Barbara and Carpinteria

Start at Santa Barbara’s Stearns Wharf and get some sea breeze in your hair. Then peruse lower State Street’s shops and restaurants, especially the stretch from Haley to Sola streets, where local leaders recently banned cars to create an eight-block promenade.

Old Mission Santa Barbara tours and museum are still closed, but the nearby Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is open Fridays through Tuesdays, and the Santa Barbara Zoo reopened June 23 (reservations required).

South of town, take lovely, two-lane Foothill Road (California 192) between Santa Barbara and Carpinteria. There, you can stop and meander Linden Avenue, which ends at a beach with lots of sand and gentle waves. Get breakfast or lunch on the patio at Esau’s Café (call to check open days and hours: [805] 684-1070), where the surfer vibes are thick. Or grab a burger at the Spot , which has a rustic patio and food to go.

Info: santabarbaraca.com

8. Coachella Valley

It will be about a thousand degrees here, which explains why you’ll find lots of room. At dawn or dusk, hike in one of the Indian Canyons — Palm Canyon is the most popular — or dawdle in the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert. Prowl Palm Canyon Drive, the main drag of Palm Springs, and consider a meal at festive Las Casuelas Terraza , which dates to 1958.

If this were a year ago, I’d recommend the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which zips from palm trees to snowy slopes. Now the tramway is closed “due to ongoing uncertainties.”

To get the flavor of the valley, you might need a date shake. If so, consider Hadley Fruit Orchards , in Morongo on the way in or out of town, or Shields Date Garden in Indio, which is surrounded by palms. The Shields shop and restaurant are open (patio dining only). The bad news is that its theater, which has been screening “The Romance & Sex Life of the Date” since 1953, is now closed. The good news is that the film, all 17 minutes of it, is now viewable on the Shields website and YouTube .

Info: visitgreaterpalmsprings.com

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Born and raised in California, Christopher Reynolds has written about travel, the outdoors, arts and culture for the Los Angeles Times since 1990.

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CTR# 1016202-80 Copyright © 2015 Automobile Club of Southern California. All Rights Reserved.

The Automobile Club of Southern California is a member club affiliated with the American Automobile Association (AAA) national federation and serves members in the following California counties: Inyo, Imperial, Kern, Los Angeles, Mono, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Tulare, and Ventura. Find a different club.

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5 classic california road trips.

By Westways staff and contributors

Published April 22, 2019 Last updated: March 28, 2023

From the mountains and deserts to the redwood forests and the ocean, these road trips showcase the best of California's landscapes.

We Southern California road-trippers are spoiled with miles of scenic highways that crisscross our state and pass through topography ranging from desert and forest to mountain and valley to coastline. Where to start?

These 5 drives take you through California’s diverse landscapes. And because half the fun of a road trip is stopping to explore whatever catches your fancy along the way, we also highlight the top attractions for each. Before you set off on your journey, be sure to check for seasonal closures and business hours.

1. Get your kicks on Route 66

This painted Route 66 sign with Roy’s Motel & Café in the background is an iconic shot of this historic route. Photo by Russell Kord / Alamy Stock Photo

By Carolyn Graham

"Are we there yet?”

It’s the phrase that launched a million road trips, and perhaps nowhere was it uttered more times than along the enduring US Route 66—2,448 miles of legendary blacktop that ferried travelers between the Midwestern hub of Chicago and the golden shores of Santa Monica from 1926 until it was decommissioned in 1985.

These days, adults don’t hear those words very often. Electronic entertainment has almost eliminated back seat boredom, and, while possibly preserving parental sanity, it has robbed our kids of the rituals of playing the license-plate game, arguing with siblings, and, most important, looking out the window.

And that’s a shame, especially along the California portion of Route 66, a stretch of 300-plus miles that rolls from the sunbaked Mojave Desert to the Pacific Ocean. We often forget that the Mother Road winds right through our backyard, a sort of progressive museum that offers glimpses into our heritage. It tells our stories as Americans and Californians. It portrays the mining, farming, and railroad history that shaped Route 66’s communities and characters. 

So, gas up and get your next generation of road-trippers to put away their gadgets. You might hear a little whining from the back seat, but that’s how you’ll know you’ve arrived.

Pirate Cove Resort and Marina, Needles

This  pirate-themed resort  opened in 2009 atop 1,100 acres of Colorado riverfront near the California-Arizona state line. A far cry from the accommodations of yesterday’s Route 66ers, Pirate Cove’s 2-story, loft-style cabins and campsites overlook the Colorado River and the marina inlet, where you’ll find water play and off-road activities.

The famous road’s original blacktop, emblazoned with the Route 66 insignia, snakes along the property’s backside. Visitors can take a short trek to the rock-framed Route 66 billboard that was erected in the 1920s to greet travelers crossing the arid desert landscape.  Rates start at $113 (campsites) and $300 (cabins); cabins require $500 deposit.

The landmark Roy's Motel & Cafe is today a gas station and a popular filming site. Photo by Jennifer Halter

In this tiny mining town, which is now little more than a wide spot, travelers can step out into the roadway (after looking both ways, of course) to capture an iconic photo of the Route 66 signage painted on the asphalt with the landmark Roy’s Motel & Café neon sign in the background. Recently restored and now a gas station, landmark Roy’s is a popular filming site.

Stop in for souvenirs such as custom T-shirts and hoodies, magnets, and more than 4 dozen varieties of craft soda (try prickly pear, blueberry cream, and the popular Route 66 Route Beer). 

The approximately 4-mile out-and-back Amboy Crater Trail leads hikers through a lava field to the rim of the cinder cone volcano. Photo by William Silver/Alamy Stock Photo

Nearby Amboy Crater , which oozed lava for several miles when it last erupted 10,000 years ago, has an observation point and a hiking trail to the rim; make sure to bring water, and check the weather before heading out on the trail as it can get dangerously hot.

Route 66 Mother Road Museum, Barstow

Find historic Route 66 photos and memorabilia, local history exhibits and artist displays, plus a treasure trove of souvenirs at this museum run by volunteers and located in Casa Del Desierto, a Harvey House built in 1911.

Bottle Tree Ranch, Oro Grande

A testament to Route 66’s quirky characters, this bizarre roadside attraction features a forest of metal-and-bottle “trees” created by Elmer Long, who passed away in 2019. His collection of cobalt blue, amber, green, and milky glass bottles are arranged atop old pipes and rebar that he welded into sculptures.

Wind chimes catch desert breezes as you crunch along the rock-covered paths to admire this strange collection, arranged amid old car parts, road signs, and World War II–era machine guns.

California Route 66 Museum, Victorville

Thousands of international visitors stop here not only to soak up California’s Mother Road history, but also to snap photos in front of a 1966 (of course) Volkswagen microbus. See the museum’s Seeburg Select-O-Matic jukebox and peruse the 1917 Model T, old motel signs, and filling-station memorabilia.

Wigwam Motel, San Bernardino

Wigwam is one of the best remaining examples of a kitschy Route 66 motel. The 19 concrete-and-stucco tepees for rent have been renovated, maintaining their 1949 charm, but now offering such comforts as Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. Adults might be inclined to kick back poolside while the kids take a dip.

A steady stream of lookie-loos cruise through to snap pictures, especially when classic-car owners overnight here during  Ontario’s Route 66 Cruisin’ Reunion  or  San Bernardino’s Rendezvous Back to Route 66 , both held in the fall.  Rates start at $109.

2. Eastern Sierra sojourn

Bodie State Historic Park, a former gold rush town, is one of the highlights along US Route 395. Photo by Scott Miller

By Jeff Crider

US Route 395 between Lone Pine and Bridgeport serves up some of the country’s most dramatic mountain and desert scenery. Travelers enjoy continuous views of the Sierra Nevada’s jagged peaks to the west while driving north from the sagebrush-covered desert floor of the Owens Valley to the pine forests of the Eastern Sierra.

This state-designated scenic byway provides spectacular views of 14,495-foot Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the U.S. outside of Alaska.

Museum of Western Film History, Lone Pine

Costumes, cars, props, and more  chart the history of filmmaking in the Alabama Hills, Eastern Sierra, and Death Valley. The museum offers a $2 brochure with details for a self-guided driving tour through the Alabama Hills just west of Lone Pine to view 10 historic movie and TV locations, including those for  Gunga Din  and  Rawhide .

Manzanar National Historic Site (12 miles north of Lone Pine)

Manzanar  was one of 10 camps where more than 10,000 Japanese Americans were interned during World War II. The visitors center has exhibits and a 22-minute film. Outside, a self-guided driving tour takes you past sentry posts, reconstructed barracks, and the camp cemetery.

Ancient bristlecone pines perched high in the White Mountains of the Eastern Sierra are among the oldest trees in the world. Photo by Jeff Szucs

Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest (east of Bishop)

Some of the world’s oldest trees, including the more than 4,800-year-old “Methuselah” tree, are perched atop  the desolate White Mountains . Be forewarned: The steep and narrow mountain road to get there from the Owens Valley includes hair-raising dips and sharp turns. Along the way you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Sierra Nevada. The Schulman Grove Visitor Center is typically open May­–October, and the road is typically open May–November.

Erick Schat’s Bakkerÿ, Bishop

It’s famous for  sheepherder bread , which was first introduced here during the Gold Rush era by immigrant Basque sheepherders who were nostalgic for the bread of their homeland. The shop is equally worth a stop for its other Dutch- and European-style breads, original Cheeze Breads, pastries, deli sandwiches and soups, and candies.

Limestone formations called tufas rise out of Mono Lake, creating a bizarre and beautiful landscape.

Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve

Tufas, bizarre-looking limestone formations that poke out of  Mono Lake , create an otherworldly landscape. One of the largest concentrations of “tufa towers” is at the  South Tufa grove . To get there, take State Route 120 (5 miles south of Lee Vining) east until you reach the interpretive kiosk and short trail. Learn more about tufas at the  visitors center  off Highway 395 just north of Lee Vining.

Mono Cone, Lee Vining

Find road food at its best at  Mono Cone —including supertall, soft-serve vanilla ice cream cones dipped in chocolate.

The structures in Bodie State Historic Park, a gold-rush ghost town, are frozen in time. Photo by Suzanne Tanaka

Bodie State Historic Park

This gold-mining ghost town is cool and creepy. In 1880, Bodie was home to nearly 10,000 people, but the boom was short-lived. Peer into windows, and you’ll see dusty antique furnishings and disintegrating curtains. Learn more about Bodie’s history at the museum/bookstore or on a guided talk. Caution: The last 3 unpaved miles before the park can be a little rough at times, so take it slow.

The main attraction here is the Mono County Courthouse, built in 1880 and the state’s second oldest in continuous use. Also worth a stop is the Mono County Museum , housed in an 1880-built schoolhouse, to learn about the area’s early settlers. Consider a visit during the town’s Independence Day celebration, which has been held for more than 160 years.

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3. Majestic mountain drive

A drive through Yosemite reveals breathtaking scenes of mountains, meadows, trees, and waterfalls. Photo by David Gomez

By Laura Kiniry

The Majestic Mountain Loop provides an excellent overview of all that Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite national parks have to offer. While not anything close to a circular loop, the itinerary links the 3 parks’ main attractions.

With scenery that includes giant trees, towering peaks, and the occasional black bear, it’s a trip that appeals to everyone from nature-loving kids to adventurous adults. 

Wuksachi Lodge

A modern lodge with a rustic feel,  Sequoia National Park’s 102-room stone and cedar gem  is an ideal base for exploring the park’s main attractions. At 7,200 feet above sea level, it also offers breathtaking views of the night sky.  Rates start at $175.

The peaks of the Great Western Divide are visible from the top of Moro Rock. Photo by Catherine "Cat" Evans

A steep,  350-plus-step climb to the top of Sequoia’s imposing dome-shaped monolith  rewards with panoramic scenery, including the towering peaks of the Great Western Divide. Its granite west face is popular among rock climbers.

Crystal Cave

Embark on a  guided tour  of subterranean stalactites and stalagmites in this marble karst cave, one of 250 caves within Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks. Enjoy illuminated paths during the day or opt for an evening visit by candle lanterns. (The cave is scheduled to reopen in May 2023 after being closed due to the KNP Complex Fire; it is typically open May–September).

Get out of the car in Sequoia National Park for the easy trek to the mammoth General Sherman Tree. Photo by Josh Xavier

General Sherman Tree

It’s one of the largest and oldest living things on earth: a nearly 275-foot-tall cinnamon-bark beauty with a diameter of 36 feet. From its base, take the Main Trail to the Congress Trail for an easy, 2-mile loop trek among other giant sequoias.

Zumwalt Meadow

 The meadows of Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite parks are wide-open wildlife oases, often attracting bears and woodpeckers. With its granite walls and ambling river   Zumwalt Meadow is among the parks’ loveliest grasslands, tucked in the heart of Kings Canyon. A gentle, 1.5-mile trail circles the area.

Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite

A great stopover on the way to Yosemite, Tenaya Lodge has more than 25 room types, an award-winning spa, and 4 restaurants serving up everything from barbecue to artisanal pizzas. Take a comfy seat in Its recently remodeled lobby. This year, the lodge has relaunched its Flashlight Hike and has partnered with a local bike company to create self-guided bike trails for guests.  Rates start at $199.

Yosemite Falls

North America’s tallest measured waterfall cascades 2,425 feet in 3 distinct sections. The leisurely, mile-long Lower Yosemite Fall paved loop trail provides spectacular views of both the upper and lower falls. More adventurous types will want to try the Yosemite Falls trail, a 7.2-mile round-trip trek that ascends 2,700 feet.

 4. Gold and wine on Highway 49

By Rachel Ng

In Mother Lode Country, gold and wine have a symbiotic relationship, with roots tracing back to the mid-1800s Gold Rush.

As the precious metal started to dwindle, many fortune-seeking prospectors, including John Sutter and James Marshall, turned to another lucrative venture—winemaking. The Sierra Foothills wine region’s diverse terroirs, high elevations, and large day-night temperature swings made for quality zinfandel and syrah.

From Calaveras County to El Dorado County, the 2-lane State Route 49—flanked by gothic-looking oak trees and bucolic pastures dotted with napping cows—traverses former boomtowns and winds past fruit stands and charming wineries.

Moaning Caverns Adventure Park, Vallecito

Moaning Caverns  is said to have the largest cave chamber in California. Descend a 100-foot spiral metal staircase to explore towering stalagmites, ancient stalactites, dramatic draperies, and mammoth flowstones, or join the 3-hour Expedition Crawling and Spelunking Tour to belly-crawl through tight, dark spaces.

Located in the gold rush town of Murphys, this hotel has been welcoming guests since 1856. Photo by Jennie Nunn

This former gold-mining town has a thriving live music scene. Enjoy acts nearly every night at Murphys Irish Pub, as well as at a variety of free music events held in the community park during summer months. Shop, eat, and sip wine on Murphys’ Main Street. If you’re up for a little adventure, drive 1 mile north to tour  Mercer Caverns , named after the gold prospector who discovered them around 1885.

Knight Foundry, Sutter Creek

Established in 1873 and listed on the National Register of historic Places, this facility is the last water-powered  foundry  and machine shop in the U.S. It’s open to the public on the second Saturday of each month, when docents are available to answer questions as you take a self-guided tour of the complex. Equipment and machinery are on-site just as they were during the town's Gold Rush-era heyday.

Hanford House Inn, Sutter Creek

This Gold Rush town B&B combines the sophistication of a boutique hotel with the thoughtful touches of a family-owned operation. Breakfast is prepared for inn guests with herbs handpicked from the on-site garden, a complimentary glass of Amador County wine is offered upon arrival, and guests also enjoy fresh-baked scones and cookies.  Rates start at $145.

Lava Cap Winery, Placerville

Three generations of winemakers use sustainable farming practices on volcanic soil to cultivate their award-winning petite sirah, sangiovese, barbera, and zinfandel.  Lava Cap  is also known for its buttery chardonnay.

Visitors can learn how gold was mined at Gold Bug Park in Placerville. Photo by Sandra Foyt/Alamy Stock Photo

Gold Bug Park and Mine, Gold Bug Park, Placerville

Venture deep into a hard-rock gold mine, where costumed guides bring history and geology lessons to life with animated storytelling. Learn how gold is extracted from milky quartz at the stamp mill and watch a blacksmith forge iron and steel at his workshop.

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, Coloma

Trace the beginnings of California’s Gold Rush on a guided tour of this 576-acre state park , which features a Chinese general store and a replica of Sutter’s Mill. The recently opened 2.5-mile Gam Saan Trail (Gam Saan means “Gold Mountain” in Cantonese), which is dedicated to the Gold Rush’s Chinese miners, connects the state park to Hennigsen Lotus Park in Lotus.

Hungry? Stop by the shabby-chic Argonaut Farm to Fork Café for breakfast or lunch, locally made gelato, and artfully poured lattes.

5. California combo: redwoods and the coast

By Jeff Greenwald

On State Route 36, sinuous, roller-coaster roads wind west from Red Bluff through Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park, past rustic towns and pastures, to Hydesville near the coast. No wonder this 135-mile stretch is arguably the most beloved motorcycling road in California—and one of America’s top riding routes.

Snaking back and forth from one turn to another, feeling the road rise and fall beneath you, is a recipe for mindful happiness—whether on 2 wheels or 4. This route is neither a loop nor a straight line, but more free-form.

Once you get to the end, catch your breath—then meander the roads along US Highway 101 to discover these gems at or near the coast.

Swimming, rafting, and fishing in the Smith River, located in the Six Rivers National Forest, are popular ways to enjoy this area. Photo by Agefotostock/Alamy Stock Photo

South Fork Mountain Interpretive Wayside Exhibits (about 55 miles east of Fortuna)

Take in a panoramic view of the longest continuous mountain ridge in the continental U.S., running 47 miles. Also enjoy sweeping views of the Six Rivers National Forest, the South Fork of the Trinity, and—contrasting against the green forest—the odd basalt peaks called Black Lassic and Red Lassic.

Cheatham Grove

Despite its tranquility, this lovely redwood grove, located in  Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park , served as the location for the speeder bike chase scenes in  Star Wars: Episode VI–Return of the Jedi .

Dozens of 19th-century mansions and other historic buildings in one of California’s best-preserved  Victorian villages  reflect a prosperous dairy heritage. On Main Street, you’ll find cafés, B&Bs, and galleries. An on-site restaurant in the 1890-built  Victorian Inn  offers California and Pacific Northwest cuisine; its Portuguese paella is a nod to the town’s Iberian heritage.  Rates start at $149.

Centerville Beach County Park  (5 miles west of Ferndale). From this  secluded beach , take in a breathtaking view of the Lost Coast, California’s longest stretch of natural, unadulterated beaches.

The 31-mile Avenue of the Giants courses through Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Photo by Spring Images/Alamy Stock Photo

Avenue of the Giants (southeast of the Route 36 junction and parallel to Highway 101)

This 31-mile scenic road traverses more than 51,000 acres of America’s most spectacular redwoods.

Stop in at the general store and post office in this tiny community to send a postcard and enjoy a frozen fruit bar.

You may also like:

• Enjoy a drive on one of the 8 national scenic byways in California
• 10 cool things to do on your Highway 1 road trip
• 10 charming Central Coast towns where you can relax and recharge

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