{"id":10480,"date":"2020-01-31T14:36:22","date_gmt":"2020-01-31T18:36:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.budgetyourtrip.com\/blog\/?p=10480"},"modified":"2023-06-28T09:10:20","modified_gmt":"2023-06-28T13:10:20","slug":"california-coasting-3-epic-sunshine-state-road-trips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.budgetyourtrip.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/california-coasting-3-epic-sunshine-state-road-trips\/","title":{"rendered":"California Coasting: 3 Epic Sunshine State Road Trips"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

From\ngiant redwoods, to the stunning coastal beaches, magnificent limestone towers,\nwhale watching, and more, a road trip through California will give you the\nadventure of a lifetime! The Sunshine State is great for many things, and it’s\nepic coastal drives are no exception. Bursting with unbelievable views, and\nunforgettable adventures, the only problem with road tripping in California is\nknowing where to start. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Traveling\nCalifornia\u2019s 840 mile coastline provides endless routes, and surprises,\nattracting travelers from around the world. And for good reason! From waves\ncrashing on coastal cliffs, to driving beneath trees that are the tallest\nliving beings on the planet, to driving over high mountain passes and through\ndeep valleys, this part of the world features a little something for everyone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because this part of the country provides a multitude of road adventures, we\u2019ve gathered 3 of the most epic California road trips short enough to take in a day or weekend, and interesting enough to keep everyone in the car wanting more! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re flying into California and want to rent a car, it can actually be quite affordable. Compare car rental prices here<\/a> for the best deal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally,\nkeep reading for road trip essentials, and rules, to ensure you\u2019re prepared for\na trip you\u2019ll never forget. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highway 1 from San Francisco to Fort Bragg<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The drive along Highway 1 from San Francisco to Fort Bragg is one of the most stunning and scenic routes in the entire state of California. Not only does it provide magnificent views where you\u2019ll encounter coastal hills and dramatic sea cliffs, but it\u2019s also known around the world for its magnificent giant redwoods<\/a>. This stretch of highway, heading up to the North Coast, offers endless views in every direction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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San Francisco<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Starting in San Francisco, you\u2019ll begin this road trip with an epic landmark well-known around the world – the Golden Gate Bridge. Perhaps best known for its famous restaurants, food trends, and cable cars, San Francisco is unlike any other place in the world. Not only is it the home of the Golden Gate Bridge and Pier 39, where you can view sea lions like nowhere else, but it\u2019s also home to Alcatraz Island, Lombard Street, and the California Academy of Sciences. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As if the stunning scenery wasn’t enough, this stretch of road also brings you cruising through the rolling vineyards of Napa Valley and Sonoma County\u2019s wine country<\/a>. From there, you\u2019ll arrive in the untouched beauty of The Sunshine State\u2019s northern coast where the coastline features a rugged and quaint terrain like that at Mendocino Headlands State Park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Continuing north on Highway 1 to Fort Bragg, you\u2019ll\nfind countless opportunities to adventure in state parks, watch seals on the\ncoast, explore Glass Beach, and even to see migrating whales through part of\nthe year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Redwood National Park<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Adventuring through this part of the state is an\nexperience unlike any other, and sure to keep everyone in the vehicle excited\nfor more! From marine life to redwood terrain, rugged coastal shores and more,\nthis unique area is a destination you\u2019ll never forget. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lake Tahoe to Yosemite & Sequoia National Parks<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Lake Tahoe, California<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The drive from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park<\/a> attracts adventures from around the world. Highway 395 is the main drag for the High Sierra, and it\u2019s filled with stunning scenic wonders! From waterfalls, to fields of volcanic rock, limestone tufa towers, and more, every piece of this road trip could be an adventure all on its own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Starting near Emerald Bay State Park, you\u2019ll quickly start this trip coasting towards the Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve, where you\u2019ll see the magnificent limestone towers. Lake Tahoe is a large freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It straddles the border of California and Nevada, and is perhaps best known for its beaches and ski resorts. From swimming, kayaking, skiing, and more, outdoor adventures here are endless. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Continuing on your trip to Mammoth Lakes, this next part of the trip is the ultimate family-friendly destination for skiing and snowboarding during the winter months, and for hiking and biking during the summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coasting through California means spending some time in Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks There\u2019s nothing quite like the beautiful and natural scenery of these amazing and wild areas in central California. Exploring Yosemite could certainly be an adventure all on its own, but experiencing some of it is well worth the drive to see the waterfalls and stunning peaks. On top of that, spending one day in Sequoia National Park<\/a> gives you the chance to see stunning meadows, epic waterfalls and offers perfect hiking or snowshoeing through sequoia groves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re looking to spend a bit of time here, head to the Yosemite Valley for an extended adventure in the wilderness. There are endless opportunities to experience this part of California\u2019s many wonders!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SoCal Surf Safari through Orange County <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The drive through Orange County is enjoyed year round by an audience from around the world. This Southern California road trip starts at the southern origin of Highway 1 in Dana Point, a quaint harbor town well-known for its excellent whale-watching during the winter months. Starting the trip on a high, this harbor offers adventuring in 28 parks on the beautiful coast of The Sunshine State.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Continuing north, you\u2019ll cruise into the eclectic and artsy city of Laguna Beach, one of the best coastal towns in California<\/a>, and the state’s premium coastal destination. The city\u2019s topography is unique to other coastal cities in the state, featuring seven miles of beaches and coves where visitors can explore natural tide pools, sea caves, ocean side bluffs, sandy beaches and more! It\u2019s a unique destination with beachfront adventures versatile enough to keep everyone in your group happy, especially the surfer in your crew! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not only are the beaches in Laguna Beach great for surfing, but as you continue up the coast you\u2019ll also find other top destinations for surfers from around the world. Heading into Newport Beach, known for its yacht-filled harbor, and further coasting into Huntington Beach, you\u2019ll quickly understand why this area was dubbed Surf City USA! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Huntington Beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Huntington Beach offers some of the most consistent ocean breaks in SoCal, which have been surfed by national and international champions for decades. Aside from providing the perfect surfing conditions, this area is also home to the International Surfing Museum, the Surfers\u2019 Hall of Fame, and the Surfing Walk of Fame. It\u2019s both perfect for the surfer in your group, and for the history buff! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not only can you watch expert surfers from the bustling Huntington Pier, but the locals and visitors here are eager to share and invite other ocean lovers into the community. Since this road trip is an ultimate drive to take for surfers, catch up on your surf knowledge with the complete history of surfing (1000 AD – present day)<\/a>. An ocean sport rich with history, and not short on passion from it\u2019s following, the beaches here are epic for anyone who enjoys (or wants to learn how to) catch waves!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Road Trip Rules<\/h3>\n\n\n\n