California Day Trips, Weekend Getaways & Pacific Coast Highway Vacations
Don’t let summer pass you by! In the spirit of Jack Kerouac: take the weekend off and hit the road. Here are some of the best California scenic drives, Pacific Coast Highway vacations, and California day trips.
Sonoma Mendocino Coast Scenic Drive: Marin City to US 101
This scenic California drive begins on the Marin Peninsula, just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, and follows Highway 1 to the beautiful Pacific coast. The highway passes historic sites, redwood forests, wave-carved coves, quiet sandy beaches, and much more. From Muir Woods to Point Reyes National Seashore, there are tons of state parks and beaches to visit and be amazed at. It’s the perfect retreat for a day or weekend away from the bustle of San Francisco.
Angeles Crest Scenic Byway: La Canada to Mountain Top Junction
Just sixty-six miles long, this scenic California drive offers a secluded and scenic escape from the busy traffic of Los Angeles. The Angeles Crest Scenic Byway climbs from La Canada to the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a breathtaking panoramic view. From the many vantage points along the way, travelers can view the Mojave Desert, the San Gabriel Mountains, and the Pomona Valleys. This Pacific Coast Highway vacation is so relaxing, you’ll forget about your busy life.
Route 1: Monterey to Morro Bay
Needless to mention, but Route 1 from Morro Bay is a scenic drive that beats them all. Starting south of Monterey, the highway takes you along Big Sur, where the Santa Lucia Mountain Range meets the Pacific Ocean. This scenic drive offers an abundance of marine life, sandy beaches, and breathtaking views. In general, taking Route 1 from San Francisco to San Diego is worth taking and renting a convertible is recommended. To see photos, visit TravelPost blogger Marlon’s post.
Carson Pass Scenic Byway: Jackson to Woodfords
The Carson Pass Scenic Byway travels through alpine forests and meadows and over the mighty Caron Pass in the central Sierra Nevada region. Spectacular views of rocky peaks and lakes, along with volcanic landscapes, deep canyons, and dense forests make this seventy-five-mile-long scenic drive as varied as it is beautiful. There are plenty of historic sites, camping, hiking, fishing, and backpacking for this California weekend getaway or day trip.
Scenic Drive Through Sonoma and Napa Valleys: Santa Rosa to Hopland
A scenic ride and a great wine tasting extravaganza! This 132-mile scenic drive winds through Sonoma and Napa wine country and follows three California highways. Winding through rolling mountains and dense forests, the scenic drive also passes Clear Lake, the largest natural lake entirely within the state. Along with the wine tastings, there are numerous state parks and sites including Old Faithful Geyser in Calistoga and Jack London State Historic Park along the way on this scenic drive from California.
BONUS Scenic Drive: San Francisco
At just 49 miles, the Official Self-Guided Driving Tour of San Francisco is one of the shortest. Just start anywhere you see one of the Scenic Drive signs with the great seagull and follow the loop counterclockwise to Mission Dolores, Coit Tower, and other San Francisco highlights. Watch out for rush hour traffic, I recommend doing it mid-week during the day.
