Updated August 2024
There is nothing quite as idyllic and magical as a California summer road trip. If you’re looking for where to go, then this is the ultimate list of road trips to consider for your summer adventures.
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From southern California to northern California, there is much to love. With several national parks in California, you can easily incorporate one during your road trip. Every year I love to discover a new part of the state, so my most recent road trip included stops in Santa Ynez and a very small town called Cuyama. It was a part of the state I hadn’t seen before and came back wishing I had more time to explore.
From wine country in Santa Ynez Valley to the mysterious Mendocino coast, these are seven of my favorite California road trips to take this summer!
Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for California Road Trips to Take this Summer:
- Central Coast and Beyond: Pismo Beach, Santa Ynez Valley, New Cuyama
- Ultimate Northern California Road Trip: San Francisco to Trinidad
- Off-the-Beaten-Path: Gold Country, Sacramento to the Foothills
- Central California for Design Lover’s: Paso Robles, SLO, and Cambria
- Marin and Sonoma Northern California Road Trip
- Slow Road Trip Guide: Santa Barbara, Ojai, and Ventura
- California’s Wild North Coast: Mendocino and Beyond
Travel Tip: The best way to explore California is by driving yourself. We use Booking.com for our rental cars in California, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Book your car with Booking.com here.
7 Epic California Road Trips to Take this Summer
What to Know Before Traveling
When to Book
I always recommend planning ahead. Though you might be able to find some last-minute deals for more low-key hotels, popular spots definitely need to be booked in advance. I would give it 3-4 weeks in advance for hotels, or as soon as you know where you would like to stay.
Rental Car Tip
The best way to explore California is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our rental cars, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Book your car with Discover Cars here.
1. Central Coast and Beyond: Pismo Beach, Santa Ynez Valley, New Cuyama
Central California is one of the most stunning (and somewhat underrated) parts of the state. From laid-back Pismo Beach to wine country in Santa Barbara, Central California truly has something for everyone.
Starting off in Pismo Beach means kicking off your road trip with a breathtaking hike at the Pismo Preserve, sunsets on the beach, and wine tasting at nearby Edna Valley. Pismo is also home to some great restaurants like La Bodega Tapas and Pequin Coastal Cochina at Vespera Resort.
After Pismo Beach, head down to Santa Ynez Valley for Tuscany-like views, stunning vineyards, and the amazing artisan shopping. There are tons of adorable towns to explore in the valley including picturesque Los Olivos and the Danish town of Solvang.
Since Santa Ynez Valley is becoming more and more popular (especially during the summer), ending your road trip in New Cuyama is super peaceful and restorative. Though there is only one hotel in New Cuyama, Cuyama Buckhorn is so relaxing. From the pool to the old-school bar, there is so much to love about this hotel. I can easily spend a whole two days here lounging at the hotel, but if you want to get out and about, go for a drive to the Carrizo Plain National Monument to check out the stunning grasslands.
Number of Nights: 6-7 Nights
Where to Stay:
- Vespera Resort, for the best Pismo Beach hotel
- Hotel Ynez, for the best Santa Ynez Valley hotel
- Cuyama Buckhorn, for the best New Cuyama hotel
2. Ultimate Northern California Road Trip: San Francisco to Trinidad
Having grown up in Northern California, road-tripping along the coast from San Francisco to Trinidad always takes me down memory lane. If you’re not from the Bay Area, flying into SFO and then renting a car is pretty easy, so I would suggest starting there.
Rental Car Tip: We use Booking.com for our rental cars in California, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
From a foodie tour through Chinatown to walking over the Golden Gate Bridge, there are so many iconic things to check off your bucket list in San Francisco. Though you won’t be able to do it all, I think two to three days in SF is a solid amount of time for a road trip.
Depending on how many stops you want to make, everything from Point Reyes to Timber Cove to Mendocino is worth checking out. If you’re anything like me, Point Reyes is a must. I love the seafood and foggy coastline (oysters at Hog Island are a must). Timber Cove has one of the most unique coastlines that nature lovers and explorers will want to see along with great hiking.
Mendocino is a lively and vibrant coastal town that is also great for indulging in fresh seafood and getting outdoors. However, you need to end your trip in Trinidad so that you can see some of the tallest redwoods in the world at Avenue of the Giants.
Number of Nights: 7 Nights
Where to Stay
- San Francisco Proper Hotel, for the best San Francisco hotel
- Nick’s Cove, for the best Point Reyes hotel
- Timber Cove Resort, for the best Timber Cove hotel
- Little River Inn, for the best Mendocino hotel
- Mendocino Grove, for the best Mendocino glamping stay
3. Off-the-Beaten-Path: Gold Country, Sacramento to the Foothills
If you’re looking to blend history and luxury, starting your road trip off in Old Sacramento is a great way to learn more about the Gold Rush era, all while staying at a nice hotel like the Kimpton Sawyer. From the museums to the state capital, there is plenty to see. Plus, Sacramento is full of amazing restaurants, bars, and tasting rooms.
Placer County is a more relaxing and low-key place where unwind and check out stunning spots like the PaZa Estate Winery. Both El Dorado and Amador County are beyond adorable, and foodies will love the charming restaurant and bar scene. More adventurous travelers can even go whitewater rafting on the American River.
Number of nights: 4-5 Nights
Where to Stay
- Kimpton Sawyer, for the best overall Sacramento hotel
- The Citizen Hotel, for the best boutique Sacramento hotel
- The Flower Farm Inn, for the best Placer County inn
- Park Victorian, for the best Auburn hotel
4. Central California for Design Lover’s: Paso Robles, SLO, and Cambria
Those that love good food, good wine, and stylish hotels will find themselves right at home on a Central California road trip. If you’re coming from the south, start off with a foodie-centered stay in San Luis Obispo. The San Luis Creek Lodge is California chic while still being affordable, and there are tons of nearby eateries like Mistura and Flour House that provide unforgettable experiences.
Cambria is smaller than SLO, and offers a more quaint and scenic charm. The coast is truly stunning, and there are several coastal hiking trails that are great for catching an epic sunset. Once you make your way up to Paso Robles, you’ll find tons of great wineries and tasting rooms along with the iconic Field of Lights at Sensario Paso Robles.
Number of nights: 5 – 6 Nights
Where to Stay
- The San Luis Creek Lodge, for the best SLO hotel
- White Water Cambria, for the best Cambria hotel
- Geneseo Inn, for the best Paso Robles hotel
5. Marin and Sonoma Northern California Road Trip
If you’re looking for a quick yet relaxing getaway in Northern California, this three-day trip from Point Reyes to Elk is amazing. Point Reyes is one of my favorite places to enjoy fresh oysters and check out all of the amazing animals and tide pools at the Point Reyes National Seashore.
On your second day, head to Timber Cove in Sonoma County with steeper cliffs, wider beaches, and even more picturesque views. From kayaking to hiking to wine tasting, you can easily spend at least two nights in Timber Cove. However, if you want to switch things up, drive further and end in Elk at the Harbor House Inn for a cozier and more intimate experience.
Number of nights: 3 Nights
Where to Stay
- Nick’s Cove, for the best Point Reyes hotel
- Timber Cove Resort, for the best Timber Cove hotel
- Harbor House Inn, for the best destination hotel
6. Slow Road Trip Guide: Santa Barbara, Ojai, and Ventura
Those looking to road trip closer to SoCal will love driving through the Spanish-style architecture in Santa Barbara, all the way down to the laid-back beach town of Ventura. Santa Barbara seriously has something for everyone, including wine tasting in the Funk Zone, biking along the boardwalk near the harbor, or shopping on State Street.
If you only want to spend one night in Ventura, you can do everything from hitting the pier (where they have some of the best fish tacos) or simply enjoy a beach day and explore downtown. However, for those looking for more adventure, take the time to boat over to the Channel Islands, which is one of the most untouched landscapes in the country. From kayaking to snorkeling, there are so many fun things to do!
Once you’re ready to slow down, end your trip in the mellow and magical town of Ojai, which is a bit more inland. If you’re looking to truly relax, Ojai is the place for you. It is the perfect place to chill out with spa days, nature walks, or a visit to the farmers market.
Number of nights: 3 -5 Nights
Where to Stay
- Kimpton Canary Hotel, for the best Santa Barbara hotel
- Waypoint Ventura, for the best Ventura hotel
- Capri Hotel, for the best Ojai hotel
7. California’s Wild North Coast: Mendocino and Beyond
If you’re looking to explore the northern coast of California as far as possible, Mendocino is a great starting point. As mentioned above, I loved to enjoy fresh seafood and enjoy the great outdoors while staying in Mendocino. After Mendocino, stop by Fort Bragg to check out the famous Glass Beach.
Next, spend some time in Humboldt Redwoods State Park and Ferndale to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy some of that crisp Northern California air. From Old Town Eureka to a Harbor Cruise on the Madaket (the last surviving original ferry from 1910), you’ll definitely want to spend a couple of days here. End with beautiful beaches and hearty comfort cuisine in Trinidad.
Number of nights: 7 – 10 Nights
Where to Stay
- Glendeven Inn & Lodge, for the best Mendocino hotel
- Whalesong House, for the best Trinidad stay
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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
