Plan Your California Summer Road Trip
Explore California
With Memorial Day fast approaching, it is the perfect time to get out on the open road and explore our own backyard. Whether you are going on a quick weekend trip or an epic multi-day adventure. Here are a few tips on how to plan and where to go to help make this the summer road trip of a lifetime.
Tips for success
Pick your route: Once you decide on a destination, pick your route. The most direct way to LA from the Bay Area is to take I-5, but do you want a direct route or do you want to enjoy coastal views, mountain passes, or dirt roads? Finding fun stops along the way is half the adventure and the route you choose helps dictate what kind of stops you will find along the way.
Car check and packing: Make sure your vehicle is up for the same adventure you are. Basic road trip rule of thumb is to get an oil change, check tire pressure, windshield wipers, and start with a full tank of gas. But packing for the route you take is key, too. Make sure you have a first aid kit at all times, yummy snacks, and water. Additionally, if you are planning on taking a mountainous route down 395 past Yosemite and Mammoth Lakes, you might want a portable air compressor for off road adventures, or traction boards, and extra water. If you’re taking Highway 1 along the coast, you may want to pack some sunscreen in the front seat, have a bathing suit close by, and cue up your playlist with some California Reggae. Something else to consider is the type of bags to bring with you. Remember, not all getaways warrant a wheeled suitcase.
Hit the road!
Top stops along the way
Napa and Sonoma Valleys: Cradling California’s most famous wine country, these two world-famous wine regions, both about an hour’s drive north of San Francisco, boast rolling hills planted with some of the most coveted grapes in the world. Napa Valley reigns as the land of grand estates, expansive tasting rooms, quaint towns, and elegant lodgings, many lining the celebrated Silverado Trail. Sonoma County tends to have a more intimate feel, especially as you head further north towards the Russian River. Whether they’re in a castle or renovated barn, the hundreds of wineries in Napa and Sonoma Valleys earn their gold medals and international accolades.
Big Sur: Big Sur is a rugged stretch of California’s central coast between Carmel and San Simeon. Bordered to the east by the Santa Lucia Mountains and the west by the Pacific Ocean, it’s traversed by narrow, two-lane State Route 1, known for winding turns, seaside cliffs, and views of the often-misty coastline. The sparsely populated region has numerous state parks for hiking, camping and beachcombing.
Hearst Castle: William Randolph Hearst inherited thousands of acres around San Simeon, and over time, he purchased more. The spread eventually encompassed about 250,000 acres. With architect Julia Morgan, Hearst conceived a retreat he called La Cuesta Encantada—Spanish for “Enchanted Hill.” By 1947, when Hearst had to leave the remote location because of his fragile health, the estate was still unfinished even though it comprised 165 rooms and 123 acres of gardens, terraces, pools, and walkways—all built to Hearst’s specifications and showcasing a legendary art collection.
Yosemite: Yosemite National Park in beautiful Mariposa County welcomes you to experience this majestic park in all four seasons. Explore things to do such as watching awe-inspiring vistas, granite icons, breathtaking waterfalls, and discovering fascinating history, all while staying in Yosemite and Mariposa County. Whether it’s your first time visiting Yosemite National Park or you’re a seasoned veteran traveler, you’ll always find something new to do.
Mammoth Lakes: Mammoth Lakes is a town in California's Sierra Nevada mountains. It's known for the Mammoth Mountain and June Mountain ski areas and nearby trails. The town is a base for Devils Postpile National Monument, a formation of basalt columns, and the soaring Rainbow Falls.
Mono Lake: Mono Lake is an ancient saline lake located at the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada in California. Home to trillions of brine shrimp, millions of birds, and world-famous tufa towers, its tributary streams also supply water to Los Angeles, nearly 350 miles to the south.
Bodie Ghost Town: Only a small part of the town survives, preserved in a state of "arrested decay." Interiors remain as they were left and stocked with goods. Designated as a National Historic Site and a State Historic Park in 1962, the remains of Bodie are being preserved in a state of "arrested decay". Today this once thriving mining camp is visited by tourists, howling winds, and an occasional ghost.
Joshua Tree: Two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado, come together in Joshua Tree National Park. A fascinating variety of plants and animals make their homes in a land sculpted by strong winds and occasional torrents of rain. Dark night skies, a rich cultural history, and surreal geologic features add to the wonder of this vast wilderness in southern California.
Lost Coast: Without major roads to access this ocean-wrapped region, it is justly called the Lost Coast. But you can explore on foot. In fact, the nearly 25-mile-long Lost Coast Trail is on the bucket list for many avid backpackers.
Top things to do in Lake Tahoe
Heavenly Mountain Gondola Ride: You can take the 2.4 mile ride up on the gondola or hike up and enjoy the views on the way back down. While at the top, you can stop to enjoy the vistas from the Observation Deck, shop at the souvenir store, and enjoy some coffee at Café Blue.
Water Sports: Kayaking, Jet Skiing, Paddle Boarding: Well, Lake Tahoe is a lake after all. Take the time to enjoy a dip or paddle around and explore all the different inlets and shorelines. If motorsports are more your thing, you can rent jet skis and boats from different marinas along the lake. If you are looking for a more pampered approach to lake life, check out a Tahoe Wine Tasting Cruise on a historic wooden Chris Craft boat.
Epic Hikes to Stunning Vistas and Waterfalls: Lake Tahoe offers hikes for all different abilities from easy strolls to epic day trips to backpacking adventures. There are an abundance of waterfalls to be found from surrounding melting snow peaks. Check out this article from 7x7 to find your next Tahoe hike.
Visit Vikingsholm Castle: Vikingsholm is located at the head of Emerald Bay, one of the most photographed spots in the United States. This magnificent structure, now a national and California landmark, is considered one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture outside of the Nordic countries. The property on which Vikingsholm is built includes 232 acres of Lake Tahoe’s most beautiful vistas, the only island in Lake Tahoe, and the only waterfall that flows directly into the lake. It is a great destination for a day of sightseeing, hiking, boating, and swimming.
Mountain Biking: Northstar Resort is great for downhill mountain biking in the safety of a bike park. Northstar is better suited for a more advanced rider, while Boreal/ Woodward is better for beginners with different skill zones and lift access to prevent you from getting tired on the climbs. The Flume Trail and the Tahoe Rim Trail are classics and are not to be missed with breathtaking views from Lake Tahoe’s Eastern Shore and technical single track descents. Check out all of Lake Tahoe’s most popular mountain biking trails here.
Top stops in San Francisco
Listen to the Wave Organ: Created in 1986, this stone masterpiece carved out of granite and marble allows high tide waters to travel in and out of 25 organ pipes creating mesmerizing sounds. Check the tide schedule before you show up!
Enjoy a Picnic in the Park: There are an abundance of parks to stumble across and explore. In fact, there are more parks in San Francisco than in any other city in the state of California, 220 parks to be exact. If you are looking to escape the urban jungle and find cool places to get outside in San Francisco, you’re in luck. Many parks offer an abundance of wilderness, winding trails, and spectacular backdrops. Some of our favorites include: Dolores Park, McLaren Park, Golden Gate Park, Buena Vista Park, Marina Green, and the park at Fort Mason. Find your next picnic spot.
Mural Hunting: Many may find spray paint a nuisance, but these murals are a San Francisco staple that everyone from tourists to locals must check off their to do list. Who needs art museums and galleries when you can hit the streets in search of the art less appreciated in a kaleidoscope of different colors and themes? Count on epic Instagram photo opportunities and stumble upon a unique find for the perfect photo op. The streets of San Francisco have got you covered. You can easily spend a day admiring one mural after another.
Walk/Bike Across the Golden Gate Bridge: Each year, the Golden Gate Bridge attracts more than 10 million visitors to take in its tremendous 746-foot tall towers, sweeping main cables, signature International Orange color, and Art Deco styling. It is a sensory experience featuring color, light, and sound. Run, walk or bike… whatever you do make sure to take it in and appreciate the moment.
Visit Nine Different Famous Staircases: Murals aren’t the only place you will find art hiding in the city! Famous for tiled staircases and pristine landscaping, these steps are well worth the workout. Explore all nine famous steps and find your favorite.
