Top Breathtaking West Coast Road Trips, As Voted By Travelers

Exploring the West Coast: A Guide to Scenic Road Trips

The West Coast of the United States is a breathtaking region that offers an incredible variety of landscapes, from sandy beaches to rugged mountains. One of the best ways to experience this area is by taking a road trip. Whether you're looking for a short adventure or an epic journey, there are countless routes that showcase the beauty and diversity of the region.

Highway 1: The Iconic Coastal Drive

Highway 1 is arguably the most famous road trip on the West Coast, stretching from Dana Point in Southern California to Leggett in the north. Many travelers choose to focus on the section around Big Sur, which is known for its dramatic ocean views, natural beauty, and unique attractions like the Bixby Bridge and Carmel-by-the-Sea. This route covers approximately 500 miles and offers plenty of opportunities to stop and explore. Be sure to visit Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and keep an eye out for whales and sea otters. However, be aware that certain parts of the route may be closed due to landslides, so it's important to check road conditions before starting your drive.

U.S. 101: A Coastal Alternative

For those who prefer a shorter trip, U.S. 101 offers a scenic alternative along the California coast. Starting in Los Angeles and heading north to San Luis Obispo, this route provides beautiful ocean views and a chance to explore charming towns like Santa Barbara and Solvang. Santa Barbara, often referred to as the American Riviera, is a great place to stop for its Spanish Colonial architecture, restaurants, and wine tasting rooms. Don't miss Gaviota State Park, where you can hike to wind-carved caves, and take a detour to Solvang, a town with Danish-style architecture.

Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway: A Journey Through Nature

For a more adventurous road trip, consider the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, a 500-mile route that takes you through volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, and caves. This route passes through Lassen Volcanic National Park, Mount Shasta, and Lava Beds National Monument, offering a mix of natural wonders and historical sites. You'll also have the opportunity to visit Crater Lake National Park, home to the deepest lake in the United States. This route is ideal for those who enjoy exploring volcanoes and unique geological formations.

Highway 395: A Route Through Mountains and Lakes

U.S. Highway 395 stretches over 1,300 miles, but the section from just north of the San Bernardino National Forest to Lake Tahoe is particularly scenic. Travel influencer Asya Olson describes this as one of the prettiest road trips in California. Along the way, you'll pass by Alabama Hills, Manzanar National Historic Site, and Mono Lake, where you can see tufa towers. Once you reach Lake Tahoe, take time to explore the iconic shoreline and visit Emerald Bay State Park and Zephyr Cove.

Waterfall Loop in the Shasta-Cascade: A Nature Lover’s Dream

Northern California's Shasta-Cascade region is known as the Waterfall Mecca, and there's a driving loop that takes you to 13 waterfalls in about 200 miles. Highlights include Burney Falls, Hedge Creek Falls, and McCloud Falls. This route overlaps with the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, making it a great option to combine both adventures. The town of Mt. Shasta offers lodging options, and the drive ends with stunning redwood forests.

Napa to Mendocino: Vineyards, Redwoods, and Coastal Views

This short road trip from Napa to Mendocino includes vineyards, redwoods, and coastal views. You can take CA State Route 29 to Calistoga and then continue via Highway 128 through Anderson Valley. Stop at wineries like Roederer Estate and enjoy the serene environment of Navarro River Redwoods State Park. The drive ends in the artsy town of Mendocino, where you can explore local shops and galleries.

Eureka to Oregon: A Coastal Adventure

From Eureka, California, the U.S. 101 highway continues north to Oregon, offering stunning Pacific Northwest scenery. Stop at Fern Canyon and Trees of Mystery, and explore the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Don’t miss Tillamook Creamery for cheese and ice cream, and make sure to visit Cannon Beach for the iconic Haystack Rock.

Mendocino to Eureka: A Redwood Journey

After leaving Highway 1, continue to Eureka via U.S. 101. Stop in Fort Bragg to see Glass Beach and ride the Skunk Train. The Avenue of the Giants offers a scenic drive through redwood forests, and the Victorian village of Ferndale is a must-see.

San Diego to Anza-Borrego State Park: Mountain Views and Desert Landscapes

This route from San Diego to Julian includes a detour at Mt. Laguna and the Sunrise Highway. Enjoy mountain views and stop at Julian for apple pies. From there, head to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park for desert hikes and stargazing. The park is known for its dark skies and is considered one of the best stargazing destinations in the country.

San Francisco to Mendocino: Coastal Beauty

The drive from San Francisco to Mendocino can be taken via U.S. 101 or Highway 1. The coastal route offers numerous stops, including Muir Woods, Stinson Beach, and Point Reyes National Seashore. Explore Tomales Bay for fresh oysters and visit Sea Ranch and Point Arena Lighthouse. Blogger California Through My Lens recommends the area from Jenner through Salmon Creek State Park, and don’t forget to try the Michelin-starred Harbor House in Elk.

Joshua Tree to Death Valley: Desert Wonders

This short road trip takes you to two of California's desert national parks. Spend a day exploring Joshua Tree National Park, known for its unique rock formations and yucca plants. Then, drive to Death Valley National Park, the largest national park in the contiguous United States. Travel blogger California Crossings suggests adding Amboy Crater, Kelso Dunes, and Shoshone to your itinerary for a scenic route.

Methodology

As a travel writer living in California, I have personally driven at least a part of each of these road trip routes and recommend them as some of my favorites. To ensure accuracy, I also consulted travel blogs, Instagram influencers, and Reddit forums. These routes were selected based on their scenic beauty and the variety of stops and destinations they offer.

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