Most Scenic CA Road Trips

Summer is here, with all the soul crushing heat to prove it! That means it’s a great time to stay inside and complete your online traffic school. However, it’s also a great opportunity to get out on the road and take in some of the beauty of California. Just don’t be shy about using your car’s air conditioning!

California State Route 152

Once you complete LA traffic court, you are going to love getting back on the road. When traveling between Southern and Northern California, the quickest way is usually by taking Interstate 5. However, that’s a lot of flatland and dirt. A great solution is to spend only part of the drive on Interstate 5, then use one of the many connecting highways to do the rest of the trip on Route 101. A favorite highway that connects between the two major freeways is California State Route 152. Going west on 152 gives you a beautiful view of the San Luis Reservoir. There are places to pull over to take in the view and take some pictures too. Just don’t let the reflection from the sun blind you! After passing that, there is always Casa de Fruta. Casa de Fruta was originally a small fruit stand that has now grown into a large roadside attraction. Before hopping on Route 101, make a stop at Casa de Fruta for lunch in their restaurant or a quick ride on Casa de Choo-Choo, a small railroad that runs around the property.

Silverado Trail

The actual drive along the Silverado Trail only takes about an hour, as the drive itself is only 26 miles. But it can also be a whole day trip if you plan carefully. The Silverado Trail runs through Napa Valley’s wine country. There are several wineries in the area that offer tours of their facilities. Even better, these wineries offer wine tastings. The scenery is beautiful, so enjoy a beautiful day out, but bring a designated driver.

Joshua Tree

If you have a couple days and lots of sunscreen, Joshua tree makes for a great road trip. The desert holds a lot of unique rock formations and, of course, Joshua trees, which can only be found in that area. Plan for frequent stops, as there is a lot of excellent hiking and rock climbing in the area. Also, plan to spend at least one night camping, as Joshua tree has some of the best stargazing available in Southern California.

Pacific Coast Highway

All the best of California’s scenery can be observed while driving up or down the Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 1. Much of the highway runs directly along the coast, offering breathtaking views of the ocean. One overlook features a llama farm (which also offers lodging), along with great views of the seal population and beautiful seabirds. Further north, drivers will find Big Sur, which features one of the most impressive Redwood forests in the country. Continuing the drive north, there’s Carmel, a quirky little town that is great for shopping and a bite to eat. That’s followed by Monterey Bay, where visitors can find the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. Highway 1 then winds through Santa Cruz, a small city that features excellent beaches, redwoods, mountains, and an awesome boardwalk park. The Pacific Coast Highway also includes one of California’s most famous landmarks, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. To truly enjoy a trip on the Pacific Coast Highway, try to plan for at least two to three days. Like all road trips, it’s best enjoyed while taking your time.