With its stunning landscapes, rich diversity, and iconic highways, California remains one of the ultimate road trip destinations - a place where the American dream meets the open road. From the eclectic streets of San Francisco and sleepy fishing towns along the Pacific Coast to the lofty redwood forests of its state parks and the endless honey-tinted sands along Huntington Beach, there’s so much to see on a California drive.
Half the fun of a road trip is in the planning, like deciding which must-see spots to visit, what delicious local food to try, where to stay, and how you’ll get around. It’s all part of the adventure, and that’s where we come in!
Check out a few of our favourite itinerary suggestions and handy tips that can help you plan your trip of a lifetime…
Highway 1
San Francisco – Monterey – Santa Barbara – Los Angeles
The classic California road trip is undoubtedly along Highway 1- also known as the Pacific Coast Highway - which hugs the coastline from San Francisco to Los Angeles and presents a perfect example of some of the state’s most iconic scenery, and why it’s such a fantastic fly-drive destination.
Start in San Francisco and take in iconic city sights like the Golden Gate Bridge, followed by a couple of nights exploring the coastal gems of Santa Cruz and Monterey. Continuing south along the spectacular Big Sur, you’ll discover tantalising seafood in San Luis Obispo and relish in the upscale vibes of Santa Barbara before driving to Los Angeles, your final stop. Here, there are endless landmarks to visit including the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Griffith Observatory, Beverly Hills for high-end shopping, and Universal Studios Hollywood for your theme park fix.
You’ll be guaranteed an awesome experience whichever direction you take, however, we advise beginning your journey from the north to get the best views of the Pacific Ocean and then make your way south along the coast. Scenic viewpoints are also easily accessed from this side, meaning you can get those perfect sunset snaps en route!
Theme Park Thrills
San Diego – Carlsbad – Anaheim – Knott's Berry Farm – Los Angeles
You may be at the opposite side of the country to Orlando - the Theme Park Capital of the World - but there is a host of white-knuckle fun to be had in California, and what’s more, you can do it in one epic road trip!
Start with aquatic thrills at SeaWorld San Diego, head north to Carlsbad for LEGOLAND California, then travel inland towards Los Angeles for the magical Disneyland Resort Anaheim and the legendary Knott’s Berry Farm. Continue past LA’s Hollywood Hills for Universal Studios Hollywood and finish at Six Flags Magic Mountain in the beautiful Santa Clarita Valley. This 165-mile journey can easily be done in six to eight days and promises to satisfy all your roller coaster cravings while taking in some of California’s gorgeous scenery.
Northern California Triangle
San Francisco – Lake Tahoe – Yosemite
If you’re keen on exploring the rugged wonders of California’s northern wilderness, consider journeying out of the city and seeing an altogether different side of the Golden State. After a few nights absorbing the vibrant streets of San Francisco, drive your hire car towards the 22 miles of majestic shoreline at Lake Tahoe and take in deep breaths of that fresh pine-scented air. With its turquoise-blue waters and snow-capped mountains, Lake Tahoe offers a place where you can ski, canoe, paddle board, hike, cycle, and much more.
Yosemite National Park is a few hours’ drive south and offers the perfect all-American setting to complete your road trip. This vast green space is a great year-round destination that offers different jaw-dropping scenery in every season, from the revitalised springtime waterfalls to the multi-coloured autumn leaves, every vista is spectacular.
Los Angeles – San Luis Obispo – Paso Robles – Pismo Beach
If a slower, more indulgent pace sounds like your thing, drink in this 12-day pleasure trip through the state’s coastal splendour and rippling countryside. Drive a sleek convertible from Los Angeles to Pismo Beach—the Clam Capital of the World—and enjoy plenty of leisurely wine tours and tastings along the way, stopping in San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles for boutique stays and unforgettable experiences.
Timing Your Trip Just Right
California is known for its gloriously sunny weather year-round, but thoughtful planning around the seasons will help you maximise your time here. Springtime (March – May) and autumn (September – November) are considered excellent times to visit as there are fewer crowds at major sites, plus, road conditions are great and not too busy.
Generally, the weather in California gets cooler the further north you are, which means if you’re taking the PCH route, you can shed the layers as you travel down and enjoy the last few days by the LA beaches in blissful warmth. And if you’re planning to spend time in California’s mountains and lakes, wet weather gear is always essential, especially in the autumn and winter months.
If a summer trip is calling you, check out our
2026 World Cup West Coast Adventure with a detailed plan that mixes travelling with the footballing action!
How Long is Enough?
If you’ve got a taste for the nomadic life, no road trip ever feels quite long enough, but two weeks in California? That’s more than enough time to soak up a whole lot of sun-kissed coastline, iconic cities, and jaw-dropping landscapes.
It’s a vast region, so pick your preferred activities and sights and settle on a tailor-made trip that allows you to slow down and savour the highlights, rather than trying to cram too much in. Linger on a beach for the whole afternoon, park up at a pretty harbourside café for lunch, and take frequent breaks at scenic lookout points to stop and breathe in the fresh sea air.
Pick the Perfect Accommodation
Along Highway 1, you can stay in an array of gorgeous accommodations from boutique hotels to beachfront resorts. One of our favourites is the Big Sur Lodge, set within the lofty redwood forests of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, this cottage-style retreat has a pool, on-site bar, and several hiking trails on your doorstep.
Your wine escape can be spent in total luxury at the Allegretto Vineyard Resort near Paso Robles, set amid 20 acres of vineyards, enjoy the resort’s sophisticated spa, refined dining, and rooftop terrace for a taste of the sweet life (or dry if that’s your wine preference!).
A dynamic city stay deserves a chic hotel, try the Handlery Union Square in San Francisco - an urban oasis in a prime location with a heated pool and wonderful personalised service.
Make your California theme park pilgrimage unforgettable with a stay at the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel, located just 500 steps from the fun and excitement of Knott’s Berry Farm itself. Plus, with free daily shuttles to Disneyland, you'll be just minutes away from even more magic.
Handy Tips
California is made for road tripping, with an easily navigable network of highways that link almost all parts of the state. However, it’s always a good idea to be prepared and plan for all eventualities. Here are some practical tips for your trip:
- Plan your route but stay flexible by mapping out key stops and allowing for spontaneous detours or scenic pit stops
- Keep updated on road and weather conditions before setting off each day
- Book accommodation before you go as popular areas like Yosemite, Santa Barbara, and coastal towns book up up fast, particularly in the summer
- Pack layered clothing to accommodate for California’s microclimates - especially in San Francisco, which gets chilly in July and August - as well as the essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
- Download offline maps just in case of patchy signal in the coastal cliffs, mountain regions, and national parks
- Keep your petrol tank above halfway as it’s not uncommon to drive long periods without coming across a place to fill up
- Have cash ready for any toll roads
- Drive during daylight hours for the best views, plus night driving can be tricky on mountain routes
- Explore responsibly by respecting nature and leaving no trace i.e. don’t litter, stick to marked paths, and avoid feeding or touching wildlife
- Keep hydrated and have plenty of snacks for your journey
- Get an awesome road trip playlist downloaded!
Car Hire Made Easy
Whether you’re in need of a convertible in the countryside or a coupe along the coast, we can provide a car to suit your budget, taste, and itinerary when travelling the open roads of the Golden State. And with every car hire booking, you’ll get these benefits included:
- 24-hour roadside assistance
- Free one-way drop-offs within California and between here and Nevada and Arizona
- Comprehensive Insurance with our Gold Plus package, which features GPS, a full tank of fuel, underage driver fees, three additional drivers and child seats for your peace of mind
- Quick and simple check-in online in minutes
- Receive a virtual eSIM with 20GB of data, providing GPS navigation and more, whilst letting you keep your existing phone number
Customise your
Californian adventure with a trip along the open road, from coastal highways to mountain passes, there’s no better way to experience the Golden State’s breathtaking beauty. Give us a call and let us help you start planning your journey today!
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