5 Incredible Destinations to Visit on a Road Trip in California

Road trips. California. These three together in a single sentence are enough to elicit any road-tripping fan’s innermost travel fantasies and desires. With hundreds of miles of coastline, pristine national forests, valleys, and some of the best resorts in the country, what better way to see it than by road trip?

But where should you start? And where should you be heading?

In this guide, I’ll show you some of my favorite spots to visit on a road trip in California. These are things that are unique to the state and can be found nowhere else.

Need to Save Money for Your Trip? Make Sure You’re Not Overpaying on Your Car Insurance

First things first, before you start planning your vacation, there’s one thing we need to address: car insurance.

It’s important to ensure that you have enough coverage when driving in California – since the state has strict laws about what kind of insurance is required by law – but also ensure you’re not overpaying for your car insurance!

To avoid getting ripped off by these companies on your insurance, make sure that you’re getting the cheapest option you can buy in California. And if there are any questions or concerns about whether or not something looks fishy, ask! Trust me; you’ll be glad that you did when the time comes to file a claim or renew your policy down the line.

Now that that’s sorted, let’s get right down to business.

1. Lake Tahoe

The first stop on this list is Lake Tahoe, situated in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. This beautiful body of water is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and pine forests — it’s genuinely one of the most breathtaking landscapes in all of North America.

While there are several ways to enjoy Lake Tahoe (skiing at Heavenly Mountain Resort or hiking along its trails), one of the best ways to take advantage of its beauty is by taking a boat tour around its waters. You can see all kinds of wildlife at close range and get an up-close look at how beautiful this lake really is!

2. Yosemite National Park

Yosemite is one of California’s 28 national parks, attracting millions of visitors annually. It’s also home to some of the most spectacular scenery in all of North America — from towering waterfalls to granite cliffs that jut straight out of sheer rock faces into pristine alpine lakes below.

It’s hard to believe such scenery could exist in our backyard! The park has over 400 miles of hiking trails, including several that lead up into Yosemite Valley itself.

3. Bodega Bay

Like the Red Rock Canyon state park, Bodega Bay is an excellent choice if you’re looking for fantastic scenery and peaceful seclusion. Located on the North Coast of California, this small town is surrounded by beautiful beaches and rolling hills.

The coast is dotted with small towns filled with family-friendly activities, including whale watching and fishing charters. And if you’re looking for something more adventurous, head inland to explore redwood forests and hike through sand dunes at Pismo Beach State Park.

4. Disneyland Park

What list would be complete without Disneyland? It’s hard to imagine heading out on an epic cross-country road trip without stopping at Disneyland. This famous theme park attracts millions of tourists annually from around the world just for this experience alone!

The park features two theme parks – Disneyland and Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney, a retail, dining, and entertainment complex. So if you’re looking for an exciting day out with all your favorite characters, this is definitely the place for you!

5. Universal Studios Hollywood

Finally, if you love movies and television shows, then Universal Studios Hollywood is the place for you. As one of the most popular theme parks in the world, Universal Studios Hollywood offers visitors an immersive experience unlike anything else in Southern California.

This fun spot is where you’ll find rides like Jurassic Park: The Ride and King Kong 360 3D. Visitors can also see shows featuring famous characters like Spider-Man and Shrek at Universal CityWalk.

California Is an Incredible Place to Visit, and Road Trip Is a Great Way to Do It!

Ultimately it doesn’t matter where you’re going to see the sights, only that you enjoy the trip while you’re taking it. So get out there and road trip in style, then hit all those must-see sights along the way, then go at your own pace and enjoy every minute of your California road trip.