California is home to many jaw-dropping scenic drives. Whether you are looking for a multi-day road trip or a short day drive, you will find a route to suit in the Golden State.
The Pacific Coast Highway between San Francisco and Santa Monica is likely the most iconic drive in California, with spectacular scenery, charming coastal towns, and lots of things to do en route.
If you are looking for a shorter drive along the coast, do the 90-mile Big Sur Coast drive between Carmel and San Simeon. This drive is considered one of the most scenic drives on the planet.
In Eastern California, the drive along US 395 between South Lake Tahoe and Lone Pine is spectacular, with views of the majestic Sierra Nevada. In the fall, you will enjoy another dimension of beauty from fall color.
The Silverado Trail between Napa and Calistoga in the Napa Valley is short and scenic. You can visit wineries along the way, and enjoy views of rolling hills and vineyards.
For epic desert landscapes, consider CA-190, the main road through Death Valley National Park. Along the way, you can take in major sights like the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and Zabriskie Point.
Tioga Road through Yosemite National Park offers beautiful mountain views, alpine lakes, and views of Yosemite's granite domes and meadows. It's open in the summer and fall.
Lake Tahoe sits on the border between California and Nevada and the drive around the lake, about 72 miles, is stunning in any season, although it's easiest to drive in the summer or fall.