California Weekend Road Trip Ideas

For a shorter road trip, head north on Pacific Coast Highway from Santa Monica. The coast provides classic Southern California cliffside roads, and this portion of the highway runs along the Santa Monica Mountains. Marvel at old men hanging ten on surfboards at Malibu beach along the way. Glance furtively at the bikers, surfers and oddballs who frequent Neptune's Net, a roadside eatery just before Oxnard (try the greasy fish and chips). Take the on-ramp for the famous Ventura Highway and continue up until you reach Santa Barbara, where there are excellent eateries, entertainment and lodging. Before the return trip, stop off at the Big Yellow House, just south in Summerland, for breakfast.

Neptune's Net
42505 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90265
(310) 457-3095

Big Yellow House
108 Pierpont Ave.
Summerland, CA
(805) 969-4140

This road trip will take drivers across the Sierra Nevada range and back. Starting in Sonora, head northeast on State Route 108. This highway will take visitors through miles and miles of beautiful scenery and small villages. When the junction of U.S. Highway 395 comes up, head south to Mono Lake and the town of Lee Vining for the night. Mono Lake is worth some time and is the main attraction in this area. When it's time to head back to Sonora, the real gem of this trip begins. Wake early and stop by Nicely's in Lee Vining for breakfast before catching State Route 120 (Tioga Pass Road) west. Tioga Pass Road is the only road to cross the spectacular Yosemite National Park, and the views of Mother Nature are astounding. Massive granite peaks surround the road while high alpine lakes and rivers lie in between. This is a place to bring a camera for certain. Tioga Pass closes during the winter because of snowfall, so check with park rangers for information. Continue on State Route 120 until it turns into State Route 49, which runs back into Sonora.

Nicely's
U.S. 395 and Fourth Street
Lee Vining, CA 93541
(760) 647-6477

Tioga Pass Ranger Station
Public Information Office
P.O. Box 577
Yosemite, CA 95389
(209) 372-0200

The southeastern part of California is home to some of the most inhospitable places in the state. However, as long as the vehicle is in excellent shape and proper supplies are taken, the desert can offer peaceful driving through many rugged but beautiful spots. A trip from Barstow to Death Valley National Park would be a good starting point. From Barstow, head east on Interstate 15, then north on State Route 127 (Death Valley Road) in the town of Baker. North of Shoshone, head west on State Route 178, which leads into the park. But beware: Summers here are brutally hot, so it's better to go in the spring, when the cactus flowers are blooming. Bring water, food and warm clothes for the cold desert nights, and make sure that car is purring. The park offers hiking, biking, ghost towns and wildlife. Bring a few extra dollars and stay at the Furnace Creek Inn & Ranch resort, a desert icon.

Death Valley National Park
P.O. Box 579
Death Valley, CA 92328
(760) 786-3200

Furnace Creek Inn & Ranch Resort
State Route 190
Death Valley, CA 92328
(760) 786-2345

The northern coastal route is much different from the southern one. Pacific Coast Highway here is much more majestic and the sea wilder. State Route 1 is the main road, as well as a short section of Interstate 101 farther north. Coastal views in this region are spectacular. The road along the way winds for mile after mile, hugging the coastal hills. Giant redwood trees, guardians of the northwestern coasts, can be found along great stretches of the trip. There are numerous parks to stop in along the way for a picnic, including Salt Point State Park, home of Gerstle Cove Marine Reserve. Marine life in the reserve is completely protected.

Salt Point State Park
State Route 1
Sonoma County, California
(707) 847-3221