California in December: 21 Best Places to Go [2024]

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PLANNING A TRIP TO CALIFORNIA IN DECEMBER?

You’re in the right place because I live in California , and I will share everything I know about traveling to California in December with you!

A year-round destination, you can visit California anytime, but December is ideal for visiting because crowds empty out and even locals vanish to warmer climates like Hawaii.

Beaches are pristine, and major cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles dress up with holiday glamour; little white lights make these cities sparkle even more.

In this article, you’ll learn about the 22 best places to visit in California in December, including Los Angeles, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Palm Springs, and Catalina Island .

Ready to learn where to go in December? Read on to learn about all of my favorite places.

No time to read this whole article? No worries! Use the table below to jump around! 🧑🏻‍🎄

california in december

California in december: weather.

December in California is gorgeous! December weather in California varies by location. Northern California will be colder than Southern. But even in Los Angeles, temps drop during this time, and it can be chilly. I’m in UGGS all winter.

It’s among the cooler months for the state, resulting in daytime highs around the mid to high 60s in Southern California and nighttime lows of approximately 50 degrees.

Days tend to be mostly sunny, occasionally interrupted by scattered rain showers. Moving north to Northern California, it’s a touch cooler.

Take San Francisco, for example, where December brings sunny days in the low 60s and nighttime temperatures averaging around 48 degrees. With SF being on the Bay, it always feels colder than the reading on the thermostat.

For mountain getaways like Lake Tahoe or Mammoth, anticipate sunny days in the mid-30s to 40s, perfect for snow activities, while nights drop to the teens.

December in California offers stunning scenery! Being able to drive to Lake Tahoe or Big Bear for the weekend to enjoy snow in California is one of the reasons I love being here. You can surf and ski on the same day.

California’s rainy season, spanning November to April, brings showers at lower elevations and snow at higher altitudes.

For those in search of warmth in December, the desert beckons.

Enjoy the sunniest, warmest weather with minimal rain chances. Optimal California December vacations await in San Diego and Palm Springs if warmer weather is what you’re after.

With this array of choices, every individual can find their December California bliss.

California stands tall among the premier December destinations!

Best Places to Visit in California in December

There are so many wonderful places in California in December. Here are 22, but honestly, the list could be longer.

Pick your California jam!

1. San Francisco in December

A photo of San Francisco and the bay.

San Francisco is probably one of my favorite places to visit in December. The Illuminate SF Festival of Light runs all through December.

Union Square opens the outdoor ice skating rink in the center of the square, where you can see Macy’s enormous Christmas Tree lit up. Big red blows and lights dot the city that is so beautiful it doesn’t need the extra holiday glitter to shine, yet it becomes more stunning.

When I lived in San Francisco, the tradition was to go skating for an hour and then Christmas shopping in the many Union Square stores and have dinner. It’s a festive time in San Francisco. Visit the Big Four Hotels on the top of Nob Hill, like the Fairmont Hote l , which hauls out a giant gingerbread house. Or drink in the piano bar at The Top of The Mark at the Mark Hopkins Hotel and enjoy 360-degree city views.

It’s also easier to hop on the cable car to escape Union Square because fewer tourists cram the streets, and you can enjoy the city like a local.

It’s also a great city to catch a Christmas show like The Nutcracker by the San Francisco Ballet, Christmas Carol, and Handel’s Messiah.

The New Year’s also takes on a special tone in San Francisco because of New Year’s cruises on the bay and the fireworks display.

Do the usual San Francisco things like ride a cable car, visit the Painted Ladies, and the Golden Gate Bridge.

December has the perfect weather to take a long bike ride from Ghirardelli Square, along the Marina, and over the Golden Gate Bridge.

There is hardly a more magical place than San Francisco in December. Just remember to bring a jacket and perhaps a hat. Nights are chilly in the 50s, and daytime temps are in the upper 60s.

Where to Stay and What to Do

✈️ Ready to book your San Francisco trip? Here are some helpful tips and guides to one of the best places to visit in California in December:

☑️ Find the Best San Francisco Tours here ☑️ Rent the cheapest car here ☑️ Book the Best San Francisco Hotel here .

2. Los Angeles in December

A lifeguard stand on the beach in California with palm trees in the background.

Los Angeles in December is a special treat. Coastal areas are foggy in the morning, burning off by noon. The evening temps are in the mid-40s, and the daytime sees lows 70s. It’s the perfect time to be in LA if you like the moderate weather as I do. LA also empties in December, making it quiet and serene. I live in LA December is my favorite time. I have the place to myself.

While swimming might be too chilly for most people, December is a great time for beach walks and enjoying the scenic coastline.

Some of my favorite things to do in Los Angeles in December are driving around to see the Christmas lights, taking in a show at the Pantages Theatre, hiking in Griffith Park , and stopping by The Langham Huntington in Pasadena for a drink in their old time bar with the mega-rich of Pasadena. It’s great people-watching. It feels like you’re in a movie or a different time-space continuum.

The Langham Huntington has some of the best Christmas decorations of any hotel lobby I’ve ever seen. The hotel is beautiful, and so is the bar.

We also go to the LA County Arboretu m and Descanso Garden s each year to see the holiday light. If you can only do one, I’d do Descanso Gardens; it’s gorgeous and festive, with little food carts that serve hot chocolate and spiked drinks for the adults.

The once-in-a-lifetime things to do in this iconic city are less crowded, so it’s a great time to check out tours like Universal Studio s and the Warner Bros Tou r .

Both these tours are likely to sell out, even in December. 🎫

Each neighborhood from Beverly Hills to Santa Monica rolls out the decorations and puts up the lights so the place sparkles.

Visit the Wizarding World of Harry Pot ter , where Hogwarts features dazzling light and sound displays. Or check out Who-Vill e to try to put a smile on the Grinch. There is excellent shopping on Universal City Walk and superb dining. Everyone is in a good mood in December in Hollywood because most people have off.

Head to Beverly Hills for shopping on the extra gussied-up Rodeo Drive, or drive out to the beach in Santa Monica for excellent boutique shopping on Montana Avenue and Abbot Kinney near Venice Beach.

Check out LA’s top-notch museums like The Getty Villa , The Broa d , and The Huntington Library and Gardens in San Marino.

✈️ Ready to book your Los Angeles trip? Here are some helpful tips and guides to one of the best places to visit in California in December:

☑️ Find the Best Los Angeles Tours her e ☑️ Rent the cheapest car here ☑️ Book the Best Los Angeles Hotel here .

3. Pasadena in December

The Chinese Garden at the Huntington Library and Garden in San Marino, Calfornia.

Pasadena is a fantastic city. It has everything a girl could need, great restaurants, new ones always popping up, and it feels safe.

You can walk alone at night in most parts of Pasadena and feel safe. I know because I’ve lived here for over five years and don’t want to live anywhere else.

Everything is at my fingertips—great museums, like The Huntington Library and Gardens . Great theater, like the Pasadena Playhous e , and great bookstores, like Vromans , have been around since 1894. It’s the oldest and largest bookstore in Southern California.

Pasadena has farmer’s markets and great shopping.

You’ll also find Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena , at the top of Pasadena, surrounded by mountains.

We walk up and down Christmas Tree Lane every December.

Each house on Christmas Tree Lane is lit with a million lights. One house opens to visitors to see their extensive train collection and a few hand-out hot cocoa.

Christmas Tree Lane, designated National Historic Landmark, hosts a highly popular lighting ceremony featuring marching bands, local choirs, and even Santa Claus.

After you stroll down Christmas Tree Lane, head to the beautiful hotel, The Langham Huntington, for a drink. The Langham has some of the best Christmas decorations of any hotel lobby I’ve ever seen. The hotel is beautiful, and so is the bar.

Stroll in Old Town Pasadena, locals refer to it as just “Old Town,” where they have all the chain stores on one strip and some great local finds like my favorite for gifts, Homage .

Pasadena boasts a range of exceptional museums to discover. Notably, the Norton Simon Museum showcases a remarkable art collection, while the USC Pacific Asia Museum resides within an exquisite architectural gem, showcasing art from Asia and the Pacific Islands.

For a glimpse into the city’s history, the Pasadena Museum of History is a must-visit, while the interactive outdoor exhibits at Kidspace Children’s Museu m provide enjoyment for children.

As I mentioned above, if you are ever in Pasadena, don’t miss T he Huntington Library and Gardens , one of the best botanical gardens in the country. Admiring the extensive gardens in the cool December air and bright sun is a treat not to be missed.

Last but not least, The Rose Bowl Pa rade is a renowned annual event featuring elaborate and stunningly decorated floats that parade through the streets of Pasadena, attracting spectators from all over.

✈️ Ready to book your Pasadena trip? Here are some helpful tips and guides to one of the best places to visit in California in December:

☑️ Find the Best Los Angeles Tours here ☑️ Rent the cheapest car here ☑️ Book the Best Pasadena Hotels here .

4. Mammoth Lake Ski Resort in December

A few skiers on fresh powder in Mammoth, California.

Many Californians head to Mammoth Mountain in December to ski and on most long weekends. It’s excellent skiing.

So if you’re looking for something wintery and cold that will provide plenty of winter sports, look no further.

Mammoth is very cold in December, with daytime temperatures can range from the mid-teens to mid-30s Fahrenheit (-9 to 1°C). The temperature tends to be colder at the beginning of the month and gradually gets colder as the month progresses.

There is more to do in Mammoth than just ski. This is a typical resort town with things to do in all directions. Mammoth is about 4 hours from a major city in every direction.

The town makes an excellent base for exploring north and south along Highway 395. However, there are frequent road closures this time of year due to bad road conditions.

A few miles south of Mammoth Lakes is Hot Creek Geologic S ite , which is beautiful to observe in the winter.

But skiing, snowshoeing, and snowboarding are the big winners here — as well as snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. However, if you don’t ski, make sure to take the Gondola up the mountain anyway.

You’ll see stunning views of Mammoth. Mammoth Mountain is the tallest peak in California that you can reach via a lift.

Engage in snow activities like sledding, tubing, and snowball fights. Experience ice skating or admire frozen lakes like Convict Lake. Try a Snowcat tour to Minaret Vista for added enjoyment.

Alternatively, relish Mammoth’s beauty by cozying indoors with hot cocoa, watching snowfall, and glistening icicles.

december road trip california

This is a stunning area in California with giant evergreen forests and gorgeous lakes to enjoy even in December.

The best place to stay is The Village Lod ge , right at the base of the mountain.

Everything is right in the Village, so you don’t have to go far if you don’t want to, like a heated outdoor pool, restaurants, shops, and the Gondola to the top of the mountain.

All units have fireplaces and a full kitchen or a kitchenette.

✈️ Ready to book your Mammoth Lakes trip? Here are some helpful tips and guides to one of the best places to visit in California in December:

☑️ Find the Best Mammoth Tours here ☑️ Rent the cheapest car here ☑️ Book the Best Mammoth Hotels here .

5. Joshua Tree National Park in December

A man walking up a path with a jacket on, he looks cold, and looking towards the mountains in Joshua Tree.

Joshua Tree is magical all year round, but especially in December.

We’ve rented Airbnbs in Joshua Tree during the holidays several times, and it’s the perfect place to slow down, play some board games, cook, and then have a beer by the fire at night under a thousand stars that are clear as twinkle lights.

Joshua Tree in December is a very romantic time to visit.

Nights can get quite chilly in Joshua Tree during December, with temperatures dropping to the mid-30s to low 40s Fahrenheit (1-5°C). It’s advisable to bring warm clothing for the evenings and nights so you can comfortably snuggle under a blanket and watch the clear sky and the stars.

During the day, temperatures in Joshua Tree usually range from the mid-50s to mid-60s Fahrenheit (12-18°C).

This makes December a popular time to visit, as the weather is relatively mild and comfortable for outdoor activities. We really enjoyed hiking in Joshua Tree in December because the climate is so moderate. We wore jackets while hiking.

Spend a lot of time in Joshua Tree National Park and feel the spiritual energy of this beautiful park. Joshua Tree National Park is a captivating desert wonderland located in southeastern California.

Renowned for its distinct landscapes, it seamlessly merges two distinct desert ecosystems—Mojave and Colorado.

Iconic Joshua trees dominate the landscape, their spiky silhouettes adding an otherworldly charm against stark rock formations. These arid expanse beckons adventurers with its world-class rock climbing opportunities, breathtaking stargazing due to its designation as a Dark Sky Park, and a striking interplay of desert flora and geological formations that make it a haven for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. Visit Skull Rock , a boulder that resembles an almost perfectly shaped skull. Or take the very short, yet very stunning one-mile loop trail in Hidden Valley, Joshua Tree .

Joshua Tree is one of my favorite National Parks, and it can take several trips to see the whole park.

✈️ Ready to book your Joshua Tree trip? Here are some helpful tips and guides to one of the best places to visit in California in December:

☑️ Find the Best Joshua Tree Tours here ☑️ Rent the cheapest car here ☑️ Book the Best Joshua Tree Hotels here

California in December

6. palm springs in december.

A mid-century modern house in Palm Springs with a light pink door and a bunch of palm trees next to said door.

The only time to go to Palm Springs is in the winter. Otherwise, it’s too damn hot!

Palm Springs is lovely in December, daytime temps are pleasant, and there is plenty to do and see in Palm Springs.

The city is renowned for its luxurious resorts, spas, and golf courses.

It’s a haven for relaxation, offering visitors the chance to unwind by the pool, indulge in spa treatments, and play golf against breathtaking desert scenery.

Palm Springs has been having a resurgence in the last decade. It has a storied history as a retreat for Hollywood celebrities, from the Rat Pack era to modern-day stars.

Visitors can explore celebrity homes, stroll along the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, shop on Palm Canyon Drive, and catch glimpses of famous residents.

The city has a thriving arts and culture scene, with galleries, museums, and various cultural events and festivals.

The Palm Springs International Film Festival, Modernism Week, and various art shows draw in visitors seeking creative and cultural experiences.

In December, Palm Springs is home to RoboLig hts , the US’s largest private residential holiday lights display. It boasts more than 8 million lights.

During this time, drive around to see the mid-century modern architecture with holiday lights. The city boasts a wealth of beautifully designed homes and buildings that have become landmarks, attracting architecture and design enthusiasts from around the world.

You can see more light displays at the Living Desert in Palm Desert. It’s a beautiful time to see this glamorous place.

Along with great restaurants, bars, and shopping, there are some favorites here that you want to take advantage of, like the Palm Springs Aerial Tramw ay . This is my favorite thing to do in Palm Springs. Once at the top, you can hike around.

Another cool thing to check out if you’re in the area is to drive to Rancho Mirage and tour Sunnylands , the estate of the Annenbergs.

Joshua Tree is also about an hour from Palm Springs!

✈️ Ready to book your Palm Springs trip? Here are some helpful tips and guides to one of the best places to visit in California in December:

☑️ Find the Best Palm Springs Tours here ☑️ Rent the cheapest car here ☑️ Book the Best Palm Springs Hotels here

7. Napa Valley in December

A couple in front of The Culinary Institute of America in Napa.

In December, Napa Valley generally experiences cooler temperatures than it is during the winter season.

The weather can vary, but in general, the average high temperatures during the daytime range from the mid-50s to low 60s Fahrenheit (12-17°C), while nighttime temperatures can drop significantly, often ranging from the mid-30s to mid-40s Fahrenheit (1-8°C).

I love Napa, especially in December. It’s off-season so you won’t be dealing with many tourists, and prices from hotels will be cheaper.

Daytime temperatures typically hover in the 50s, but it does get notably cooler in the early and late hours, making a warm jacket essential.

Enhance your holiday style by adding festive-colored scarves when heading out for evening activities, like dining or attending shows.

After dark, Downtown Yountville becomes a captivating destination with illuminated lights.

Explore the V Marketplace shops, indulge in hot beverages and treats at Bouchon Bistr o and Bakery, and immerse yourself in the art displays.

In Downtown Napa and St. Helena, you can enjoy delightful strolls accompanied by carolers and twinkling lights. Great boutique shopping lines on the main streets.

Calistoga starts the season uniquely with a luminous tractor parade.

Throughout Napa Valley, at wineries and in town centers, holiday tree lightings create a magical ambiance. Don’t forget to visit the wineries in Napa Valley for the full experience of a wine tour.

For a family-friendly experience, the Napa Valley Wine Trai n offers a Santa Train during the holidays, complete with games, costumed characters, and sing-alongs. This interactive train ride is a must-see if you’re visiting with your family in December.

Local restaurants embrace the season with special holiday menus featuring hearty dishes that perfectly complement the valley’s Cabernets, which are in season.

Chefs craft seasonal delights using locally sourced ingredients like celery chestnut apple soup and prime rib with Yorkshire pudding.

Making reservations for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals is advisable.

It’s advisable to make advance reservations for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals.

Some of my favorite places to eat in and around Napa are The French Laundry , Mustard s Grill never disappoints, and I make it a point to always, always, without fail, eat at The Culinary Institute of America .

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ It takes months if not longer, to get reservations at The French Laundry. Please plan if you have your heart set on this place. It’s worth it.

The French Laundry is a three-Michelin-star French and Californian cuisine restaurant located in Yountville, California, in the Napa Valley.

✈️ Ready to book your Napa Valley trip? Here are some helpful tips and guides to one of the best places to visit in California in December:

☑️ Find the Best Napa Valley Tours here ☑️ Rent the cheapest car here ☑️ Book the Best Napa Valley Hotels here

8. San Diego in December

The ocean crashing against a large cliff in San Diego at sunset.

In December, San Diego experiences mild and comfortable temperatures, with average highs around the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit (18-23°C), making it a pleasant destination for outdoor activities and enjoying the coastal charm.

And while San Diego is beautiful all year round, it sparkles in December. With fewer crowds, you can expect lower rates for hotels and accommodations.

Explore Balb oa Park , an astonishing complex of gardens and museums in San Diego—experience Decem ber Nights featuring processions, performances, and culinary delights.

The park’s iconic structures, including the Botanical Building within the Balboa Park gardens, are adorned with captivating light displays.

Opt for a guided tour in a small group to efficiently cover Balboa Park’s highlights and gain insights into its history.

The remarkable San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, where an array of illuminated and adorned boats glide through the bay, offers a delightful spectacle from the shore and is a must-see.

If you have kids treat them to a visit to the San Diego Zoo , which gets an extra touch of magic through lights and festive decorations.

Consider getting the 1-day pass to the San Diego Zoo for convenience.

San Diego’s vibrant neighborhoods, like Mission Beach and Ocean Beach , are particularly captivating in December. Wander through these lively districts, each with illuminated Christmas trees and parades.

Notably, places like Little Italy host special seasonal events featuring food stalls, horse carriage rides, and live music, creating an even more festive atmosphere.

Embrace the San Diego outdoor experience by heading to Cabrillo National Monument, offering the chance to spot gray whales as they migrate from Alaska to Baja, California.

While at the monument, take in the sight of Ballast Point, the historic location where the first European expedition set foot in California.

Explore the oldest of California’s 21 Spanish missions, Mission San Diego. Wander through its historic church, museum, and picturesque gardens.

December invites strolls along San Diego’s scenic beaches, although the water might be too chilly for swimming without a wetsuit.

Take in Sunset Cliffs Natural Park in San Diego , a truly remarkable place to watch the sunset and spot whales off the Pacific.

Keep a light jacket handy for breezy moments.

For an alternative to the beach, delve into the city’s renowned USS Midway Museum , housed within a decommissioned aircraft carrier.

If your visit extends a few days and you’re keen to venture beyond the city, discover our compilation of the top day trips from San Diego.

✈️ Ready to book your San Diego trip? Here are some helpful tips and guides to one of the best places to visit in California in December:

☑️ Find the Best San Diego Tours here ☑️ Rent the cheapest car here ☑️ Book the Best San Diego Hotels here

9. Santa Barbara in December

A beach and a cliff with palm trees.

Santa Barbara is always a good idea. It has a laid-back vibe and is not hard to navigate. And it’s always beautiful.

This not-so-little coastal town is a favorite among Angelinos.

It’s a perfect weekend getaway any time of the year, but in December, it means more lights and long walks on nearby beaches.

There are so many beaches in Santa Barbara that you could spend all your time checking them out. But Santa Barbara has so much more to do than just the beach.

The daytime highs are in the mid-60s with a lot of sunshine, so it’s the perfect weather for outdoorsy stuff, and there is plenty to see outdoors in Santa Barbara.

There is plenty of boutique shopping in Santa Barbara, on the main street, State Street, and on the weekends at  Makers Market , where local artists show off their goods. Makers Market, located in Paseo Nuevo, you’ll see “snow” fall after dark in the evening while carolers sing in costume in December. 

Enjoy the Annual Holiday Parade of Light s on State Street and the illuminated boat cruises on Sant Barbara Harbor in early December.

There are plenty of upscale restaurants in Santa Barbara and Montecito (where Oprah lives), right next door to Santa Barbara. In Montecito, tour the Lotusland Garden and watch the sunset on Butterfly Beach , one of the best beaches in this area.

While in Santa Barbara, visit the Old Mission Santa Barbar a — it’s lovely — enjoy views from the Clock Tower of the County Courthouse and tour El Presid io .

If you’d like to do some top-notch wine tasting, head to nearby Solvang in Santa Ynez Valley , one of the most “ Christmasy Towns in Ame rica “, with plenty of Christmas lights and holiday events.

Despite the cooler nights, December in Santa Barbara retains a certain charm as residents and visitors alike enjoy outdoor activities, strolls along the coastline, and the festive holiday atmosphere that the city offers.

✈️ Ready to book your Santa Barbara trip? Here are some helpful tips and guides to one of the best places to visit in California in December:

☑️ Find the Best Santa Barbara Tours here ☑️ Rent the cheapest car here ☑️ Book the Best Santa Barbara Hotels here

10. Ojai in December

The main street in Ojai, California.

Ojai, California, is one of the most secluded and romantic places to get away. It’s great for a weekend adventure with a mate. It’s a charming getaway a mere hour and a half northwest of Los Angeles.

Clearly, I love all of California. ❤️

It’s small, yet there are excellent restaurants and great shopping on the main street. There are plenty of gorgeous hikes that would be wonderful to take in December weather, and there is the Ojai Valley In n if you’d also like to indulge in some pampering, which I always do.

Ojai, a small city in Ventura County, California city, is in the Topatopa Mountains’ valley.

Its village-like center features art galleries and New Age shops, while the nearby Los Padres National Forest offers scenic trails.

Additionally, Lake Casitas in the vicinity is a popular recreation destination.

In December, Ojai, California, experiences mild, pleasant weather with comfortable temperatures and clear skies. Daytime temperatures typically range from the mid-50s to the low 60s Fahrenheit (13-17°C), while nighttime temperatures tend to be cooler, falling into the mid-30s to mid-40s Fahrenheit (1-8°C).

Between massages and hikes, check out the Ojai Certified Farmer’s Market, The Ojai Valley Museum, and Bart’s Book, a bookstore famous for being mostly outside. There are cool shops on the main drag and great restaurants.

Ojai is where you go when you want to relax to go into the New Year, ready and refreshed.

✈️ Ready to book your Ojai trip? Here are some helpful tips and guides to one of the best places to visit in California in December:

☑️ Find the Best Ojai Tours here ☑️ Rent the cheapest car here ☑️ Book the Best Ojai Hotels here

11. Solvang in December

december road trip california

Solvang, the “Most Christmasy Town in America,” embraces the holidays full throttle.

Solvang is a charming city in Santa Barbara County, California. It is in the Santa Ynez Valley and is known for its Danish-inspired architecture, wineries, and vibrant culture.

Solvang got a little fame when it was featured in the 2004 film Sideways , about the drinking habits of a middle-aged man who didn’t find writing success.

It’s a dark comedy and worth a watch.

Sideways (2004) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailers

In December, Solvang experiences relatively cool and mild weather. The daytime temperatures typically range from the mid-50s to the mid-60s Fahrenheit (13-18°C), while the nights tend to be cooler, with temperatures falling into the mid-30s to low 40s Fahrenheit (1-9°C).

According to the Solvang Journal,

Solvang has been named one of the most festive Christmas cities in the United States. The financial news website 24/7 compiled a list of cities attracting thousands of visitors yearly for the holidays. Solvang ranked third on the list, following Andalusia, Alabama, and North Pole, Alaska. — Solvang journal

Solvang’s Julefest in December is a month-long holiday celebration that includes a parade, Santa’s Village, a tree-lighting ceremony, a Skal Wine & Stein Stroll, Christmas Market Light Show, and – new this year – Aurora Dronealis, a Christmas Drone Show.

The first week starts with lighting a 20-foot Blue Spruce and Christmas Light Shows choreographed to music. Each show consists of three songs and plays four times each night at 30-minute intervals beginning at 6:30 pm.

The second week in December, Solvang hosts festive events like the Jule-Feast, Santa Lucia Parade, Skal Wine and Stein Stroll, and park music.

The 4-course Jule-Feast by Root 246, First & Oak, and Ramen Katori is near the new Christmas tree.

The Santa Lucia parade features lit Cindy Cinderella Carriages, enhancing the holiday spirit. Carriage rides and park music continue all month.

Aurora Dronealis highlighted the third week in December with a 12-minute light show extravaganza with 100 choreographed drones mapping out colorful Christmas themes set to seasonal music.

Week Four is Christmas week and winds down the month of festivities, culminating in the annual Christmas tree burning at the Mission on January 3rd.

Make sure to get reservations in advance if you want to go to Solvang in December; they sell out in advance.

☑️ Find the Best Solvang Tours here ☑️ Rent the cheapest car here ☑️ Book the Best Solvang Hotels here

12. Lake Tahoe in December

Lake Tahoe, California. A large, bright blue lake with a sail boat and snow-capped mountains in the background.

Lake Tahoe’s allure transcends every season, but its winter charm in California is truly enchanting.

Although December’s snowfall isn’t guaranteed, it’s probable that this high Sierra Nevada Mountain basin will be blanketed in glistening white.

Embracing the snowscape is a breeze with cross-country ski rentals. Amidst the crystal blue water, awe-inspiring vistas, and crisp mountain air, a sense of wonder prevails.

In December, Lake Tahoe offers a plethora of activities.

Northstar hosts outdoor ice skating, Heavenly Mountain Reso rt showcases captivating ice sculptures, and the gondola ride presents mesmerizing mountaintop panoramas.

Alternatively, cozy up in a cabin with hot chocolate to relish the snowfall.

A drive along the lake, with an Emerald Bay lookout stop, is a must—it’s the second most photographed spot in the US.

For the adventurous, don snowshoes and explore Vikingsh olm Mansion or the Eagle Falls trail.

Skiing and snowboarding are quintessential at Lake Tahoe’s abundant resorts.

Even in the face of temperamental snow, resorts produce ample man-made snow, guaranteeing slope enjoyment.

Heavenly Mountain Resort caters to crowds with its extensive trails and family-friendly ski schools, while Kirkwood Re sort appeals to powder enthusiasts with fewer crowds and steep runs.

In December, Santa often graces the slopes, a delightful sight for children. 🧑🏻‍🎄

✈️ Ready to book your Lake Tahoe trip? Here are some helpful tips and guides to one of the best places to visit in California in December:

☑️ Find the Best Lake Tahoe Tours here ☑️ Rent the cheapest car here ☑️ Book the Best Lake Tahoe Hotels here

13. Monterey Bay in December

Monterey Bay, California.

Monterey Bay, a beloved coastal town often visited by those completing the Pacific Highway 1 drive, maintains its appeal year-round.

December brings crisp days and the possibility of rain, often in the captivating Monterey fog. The renowned Monterey Bay Aquariu m stands out among the splendid beachside homes, boasting tall tanks filled with luminous jellyfish.

Alternatively, opt for a half-day whale-watching adventure.

A brief half-hour drive south leads to the iconic Bixby Bridge, a recognizable Pacific Coast Highway landmark, particularly for fans of Big Little Lie s set in Monterey.

Despite requiring some bundling up, a December visit offers a more serene experience than the bustling summertime.

For accommodations in Monterey, consider The Spindrift In n situated on Cannery Row, offering sea-view rooms that allow you to wake up to the soothing sound of crashing waves.

Alternatively, the oceanfront townhomes at Lover’s Point provide the perfect setting to enjoy sunsets from your window.

✈️ Ready to book your Monterey Bay trip? Here are some helpful tips and guides to one of the best places to visit in California in December:

☑️ Find the Best Monterey Bay Tours here ☑️ Rent the cheapest car here ☑️ Book the Best Monterey Bay Hotels here

14. Catalina Island in December

An aerial view of Catalina Island, California.

Catalina Island is situated in the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Southern California.

It’s part of the Channel Islands archipelago, which consists of several islands along the California coast. Catalina Island is one of the most well-known islands in this group.

It takes about an hour to get to Catalina Island from one of Long Beach or San Pedro.

December in Catalina Island starts with the annual Christmas tree lighting and ends with a New Year’s Eve celebration in the famous Catalina Casino.

Visiting Catalina Island in December has some advantages, like fewer crowds and cheaper accommodations.

When planning a trip to Catalina Island, the fun starts on the journey to the island via a high-speed boat, the Catalina Island Express . Getting to Catalina Island via the Catalina Express is exciting. Just ensure you get tickets in advance and check the schedule for your return. There are fewer times available in the non-peak season.

While it may be too chilly for swimming and snorkeling on Catalina Island , there are plenty of interesting tours to see on the island , and one of the most fun ways to see the island, renting a golf cart , is fun all year round.

Five women holding up glasses and toasting on a blue golf cart. Wondering is renting a gold cart on Catalina Island is worth it. We thing so.

We LOVE this tour! Book this Private Guided Golf Cart Tour of Avalon which has a perfect 5-star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

✈️ Ready to book your Catalina Island trip? Here are some helpful tips and guides to one of the best places to visit in California in December:

☑️ Find the Best Catalina Island Tours here ☑️ Rent the cheapest car here ☑️ Book the Best Catalina Island Hotels here

15. Yosemite National Park in December

A lake and mountains in Yosemite National Park, California.

Yosemite National Park is a major attraction during spring and summer, ideal for hiking and witnessing peak-flow waterfalls.

However, experiencing Yosemite in December is truly exceptional.

Enveloped in the serenity of winter, the park’s stunning landscapes evoke a near-spiritual feeling, elevating Yosemite to a top California destination for December visits.

There’s a good chance Yosemite will be covered in a blanket of snow. ❄️☃

If you’re lucky enough to visit just after a December snowstorm — it snows for an average of 7 days in December — Yosemite National Par k may be blanketed in snow, perfect for captivating photos and playing in the snow.

Even without valley snow, Yosemite Falls flows after snow or rain.

Winter activities abound in Yosemite. Enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoe hikes, sledding, snow tubing, or downhill skiing/snowboarding at Badger Pass.

Ice skate outdoors or indoors.

Beyond winter sports, Yosemite offers a magical December escape. Embrace tranquility stargaze, spot wildlife, photograph winter scenes, visit museums, and explore the valley.

Yosemite Valley and Wawona are open year-round, while Tioga Pass Road and Glacier Point Road usually close in November.

Confirm road conditions and chain requirements. 🏔️

A December trip to California’s iconic national park is a must for nature in solitude!

✈️ Ready to book your Yosemite trip? Here are some helpful tips and guides to one of the best places to visit in California in December:

☑️ Find the Best Yosemite Tours here ☑️ Rent the cheapest car here ☑️ Book the Best Yosemite Hotels here

16. Anaheim for a Disney December

The Disney Castle and streets of Disney decorated for Christmas.

People love Disney . And California has Disney, Disney Califo rnia Adventure Park , Disneyland Par k , and Disneyland Resor t , all located in Anaheim, California.

Whether you’re traveling with kids or are a kid at heart, Disney pulls out all the stops in December. Disney shimmers, glows, and sparkles even more than it usually does.

The park dazzles with festive lights and celebrations, immersing visitors in holiday joy. The atmosphere is brimming with the holiday spirit, even evident in the gingerbread-scented snowfall at specific locations and times.

Disneyland becomes a festive wonderland in December.

Sleeping Beauty Castle glows with icicles, incredibly stunning at night.

Favorites like It’s A Small World transform with lights and Jingle Bells tune. The Haunted Mansion takes on a Nightmare Before Christmas theme.

Enjoy holiday parades, dazzling decorations, and a grand Christmas tree in Town Square, perfect for magical photos.

Starting at It’s A Small World, the holiday parade is a spectacular feast of sights and sounds with holiday and Disney characters.

Savor seasonal treats at Disney dining, like hot chocolate beignets at Cafe Orleans.

December at Disneyland is a blast, but crowds increase closer to Christmas. Opt for the first two weeks for a more peaceful experience.

Where to Stay In the Park:

Disneyland offers three fantastic on-property resorts: Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel, and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. All are conveniently located within walking distance of the parks. Any of these resorts is an excellent choice to make the most of your park time.

✈️ Ready to book your Anaheim trip? Here are some helpful tips and guides to one of the best places to visit in California in December:

☑️ Find the Best Anaheim Tours here ☑️ Rent the cheapest car here ☑️ Book the Best Anaheim Hotels here

Not sure where to go in California? Find the best region for your California vacation by taking this Quiz.

A photo of a pool with a box that reads, "Find our which regions of California is a tailored fit for your personality. [Quiz]."

17. Bodega Bay in December

A cliff in Bodega Bay, California.

Bodega Bay in December offers peace in a beautiful location.

Bodega Bay is a charming coastal town nestled along the rugged shoreline of Northern California.

Situated about 70 miles north of San Francisco, this picturesque destination offers natural beauty, maritime heritage, and recreational opportunities.

The drive from San Francisco usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The scenic coastal drive takes you through picturesque landscapes along the California coastline.

The town is renowned for its stunning vistas of the Pacific Ocean and its tranquil harbor, which supports a thriving fishing industry.

Bodega Bay’s scenic beaches, cliffs, and rolling hills create a breathtaking backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

It has one of the best spots in California — Bodega Head — to see whales, and December is one of the best times to spot them on their migration path.

If you’re going to Bodega Bay to see gray whales, the best time to go is from October through February , when Grey whales are southbound from Alaska to Mexico, and February through April , on their return voyage. 🐳

Bodega Bay’s maritime history is deeply rooted, with fishing and crabbing central to its identity. Visitors can watch fishing boats come and go at the harbor and enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants .

Nature plays a prominent role in Bodega Bay’s appeal.

Birdwatchers flock to the area for its rich birdlife, particularly during migratory seasons.

The nearby Bodega Head is a popular spot for hiking and wildlife viewing , offering panoramic ocean views and surrounding landscapes.

Filmmaking enthusiasts might recognize Bodega Bay as the setting for Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film “The Birds,” adding an extra layer of intrigue to the town’s identity.

Whether you want to explore coastal trails, indulge in seafood delicacies, enjoy quiet beach moments, or soak in the coastal charm, Bodega Bay presents a peaceful and captivating retreat along the California coast.

Check out this list of 27 Interesting Things to Do in Bodega Bay .

✈️ Ready to book your Bodega Bay trip? Here are some helpful tips and guides to one of the best places to visit in California in December:

☑️ Find the Best Bodega Bay Tours here ☑️ Rent the cheapest car here ☑️ Book the Best Bodega Bay Hotels here

18. Eastern Sierras in December

The Eastern Sierras, Steelhead Lake in California in winter.

The Eastern Sierras stretches from Lone Pine in the south to the Nevada line in the north and contains many of the Sierra’s most awe-inspiring settings.

This side of the Sierra is remarkable, from the highest mountain in the lower U.S., Mount Whitney, to the eastern entrance to Yosemite National Park.

The Eastern Sierras is mainly made up of two counties, Inyo and Mono.

Inyo County, the second-largest county by the district in California, and its northern neighbor, Mono County (pronounced moh-no), are two of the least populated counties in California.

The wintertime view of the backside of the Sierras is breathtaking and just a short drive from the Los Angeles Metro area.

This region offers a different perspective of California’s past and present, with stunning vistas and opportunities to explore Death V alley National Park or engage in world-class skiing for the adventurous.

Abundant natural landscapes await exploration here.

Alternatively, pause at the charming western-inspired towns along Highway I395, stretching south to Lake Tahoe.

December brings cooler temperatures, a welcome change, particularly in scorching spots like Death Valley, where summer temperatures can exceed 110 degrees.

An Eastern Sierra road trip would only be complete with stops at unique sites like Manzanar (WWII internment camp), the Alabama Hills, and California’s tallest peak, Mount Whitney.

✈️ Ready to book your Eastern Sierra trip? Here are some helpful tips and guides to one of the best places to visit in California in December:

☑️ Find the Best Eastern Sierras Tours here ☑️ Rent the cheapest car here ☑️ Book the Best Eastern Sierra Hotels here

19. Paso Robles in December

A field in Paso Robles, California.

Nestled midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco along the historic El Camino Real trail lies Paso Robles, a prominent wine region boasting over 250 wineries.

Regardless of the season, Paso Robles offers an excellent wine-tasting experience. If driving isn’t your preference, consider an all-inclusive wine-tasting tour.

December is a great time to visit Paso Robles as it’s less crowded than summer.

Beyond its acclaimed wineries, you’ll discover exceptional breweries, craft distilleries, and upscale dining options.

Amid Paso Robles’ popularity as a wine destination, it retains its small-town allure, which is evident in December’s events like the Adelaida Cellar’s Walnut & Wine Festival .

Covering 700 walnut-rich acres, the festival combines wine and food pairings to celebrate the walnut harvest.

Adding to the December charm, the Vine St. Victorian Showcase transforms thirteen blocks of Vine Street with beautifully adorned Victorian houses illuminated for the holidays.

For more December ideas and current event details in Paso Robles, refer to Travel Pas o .

✈️ Ready to book your Paso Robles trip? Here are some helpful tips and guides to one of the best places to visit in California in December:

☑️ Find the Best Paso Robles Tours here ☑️ Rent the cheapest car here ☑️ Book the Best Paso Robles Hotels here

20. Big Bear in December

A very snowy chair lift going up a snow covered mountain in Big Bear, California.

December in Big Bear is a lot of fun, especially for those with children!

Located just three hours from Los Angeles, Big Bear is one of Southern California’s cherished year-round mountain getaways. This destination becomes particularly appealing in December, offering an excellent option for those seeking to infuse their holiday celebrations with snowy enchantment.

Snow Mountai n emerges as a family-favorite skiing and snowboarding hub in the region.

Families can also relish open-air screenings of festive films during the Movies in the Meadow events and indulge in thrilling high-speed tubing down the well-groomed lanes of Grizzly Ridge Tubing Park.

An exclusive highlight of Big Bear is the sole bobsled adventure in California – the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain.

Take a picturesque chairlift ascent and then navigate your descent on an individually controlled sled along a concrete track.

Here, the pace is entirely yours to dictate, allowing for exhilarating speed and leisurely descent.

Magic Mountain also offers a range of other activities, including go-karts, mini-golf, the Mineshaft mountain coaster, and the Soaring Eagle experience.

If there is enough snow on the ground, don’t miss the opportunity to try snowshoeing.

Action Tours leads guided excursions suitable for all skill levels, welcoming participants aged ten and above. These tours serve as a perfect introduction to snowshoeing techniques and help you discover the finest local spots.

In cases where snowfall might be insufficient, Action Tours organizes zipline tours and operates a ropes course for individuals aged eight and older.

And when you’re ready to shift your focus from the mountains and snowy landscapes, embark on a delightful cruise across Big Bear Lake, accompanied by Santa himself.

The paddle-wheeler affectionately named Miss Liberty hosts enchanting “Sail with Santa” journeys every Saturday leading up to Christmas in December.

✈️ Ready to book your Big Bear trip? Here are some helpful tips and guides to one of the best places to visit in California in December:

☑️ Find the Best Big Bear Tours here ☑️ Rent the cheapest car here ☑️ Book the Best Big Bear Hotels here

21. Carmel-by-the-Sea in December

A cliff on the 17-mile drive and the Pacific Ocean.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is my favorite California destination. It is stunning. That is the only word for it.

The 17-mile drive is one of the prettiest drives in America.

Carmel tends to be less crowded in December than during peak tourist seasons. This can provide a more peaceful and serene experience as you explore the town and its attractions.

Average highs range from the mid-50s to low 60s Fahrenheit (12-17°C), and lows can dip into the mid-40s to low 50s Fahrenheit (7-12°C).

The town often hosts various holiday events and festivities during December.

These can include tree-lighting ceremonies, holiday markets, and special performances. Keep an eye out for local events that can add to the festive spirit of your visit.

The little town on the water has wine bars, restaurants, and some of the best boutique shopping. Carmel is your jam if you enjoy a laid-back vibe with first-class amenities.

I’m not into golf, but Pebble Beach is one of the prettiest golf courses.

Take the gorgeous 17-mile drive past 25 million-dollar homes on the cliffs of California. Go picnic on a rarely populated white sand beach.

Just bring a sweater. Take long walks up the coast. Enjoy local cuisine in cozy settings and enjoy the magic of the charming place. This vacation is great for couples wanting a romantic environment. My partner and I have the best time when we go to Carmel. It’s serene and fancy.

Carmel is known for its vibrant art scene, and many galleries and studios are open year-round. Exploring the art galleries can be a delightful time, especially if the weather encourages indoor activities.

If you get restless, Monterey is the next town with the Monterey Bay Aquariu m and Cannery Row .

Be prepared to open your wallet if you stay in Carmel. It is one of the pricier places on this list, but it is worth every penny.

✈️ Ready to book your Carmel-by-the-Sea trip? Here are some helpful tips and guides to one of the best places to visit in California in December:

☑️ Find the Best Carmel Tours here ☑️ Rent the cheapest car here ☑️ Book the Best Carmel Hotels here

california in December

Winter in california.

Whether you’re basking in the sun in Palm Springs or enjoying the fresh powder while skiing in Mammoth Lakes, California emerges as the ideal winter getaway.

The most suitable destinations to explore in December are the ones that resonate with your preferences. The Golden State consistently offers a delightful experience with its gentle desert hues, renowned coastline, and unspoiled beaches.

California in December: FAQs

Yes, December is an excellent time to visit California. Since the weather is good all year round, December is the same, with plenty of sunshine. It will be a few degrees cooler, but far fewer crowds. The peak season for California is summer, when kids are off from school. While much of the United States is bundling up in their winter attire, California revels in year-round sunshine. In the southern regions, temperatures seldom dip below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, while in the north, they typically stay above 20 degrees.

During December, California, located on the west coast, experiences moderate and moist conditions, resulting in cooler temperatures, intermittent rain showers, and overcast days. However, there are still ample sunny intervals to enjoy.

Yes, December is a great month to visit Los Angeles. Los Angeles is your perfect holiday destination if you want to avoid the cold, cloudy winter weather and shovel snow. December can be one of the rainiest months of the year, but as someone who lives here, it rarely rains. It rains more in February. December is lovely because LA empties in December.

The absolute cheapest time to take a vacation in California is usually early to mid September.

Yes. California is worth visiting any time. California stands out as an exceptional destination. Boasting an extensive array of landscapes, climates, and attractions, the Golden State provides a wealth of options. Whether you’re seeking a sun-soaked retreat, an urban escape, or a snowy mountain adventure, California has something to offer for everyone.

Yes, we go all year round. The beaches in California in December are lovely and less crowded.

Want to Read More about California:

  • Why Is California Called the Golden State? 17 Reasons Why California Is Golden
  • Ultimate Packing List for California + Free PDF Checklist
  • Does It Snow In California? A Local Answers
  • Best California Day Trips: Northern and Southern California [Local’s Guide]
  • Easy Hike to Griffith Observatory: A Local’s Guide

Is California Safe for Travel Now (A Local Weighs In)

California travel planning guide, 🚑 should i buy travel insurance for california.

100% YES! – With basic coverage averaging $1.50 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from SafetyWing , one of the biggest names in travel insurance. (Read more)

💦 Can you drink the water in California?

Yes — But I wouldn’t. It doesn’t taste very good and there are contaminants in it. You’ll want to buy a Water-To-Go Bottle , which filters drinking water while on the go (traveling) and helps keep you hydrated.

🚙 Is it safe to rent a car in Californi a?

Yes — Renting a car in California is one of the best ways to explore this vast, awesome state, and kind of a must! I always rent with Discover Cars , which checks both international companies and local California companies, so you get the best rates. ( read more )

🏨 What’s the best way to book my California accommodations?

For California hotels, Booking is the best site, but for hostels, use Hostel World . If you’re considering a California Airbnb, don’t forget to also check VRBO, which has better rates than Airbnb.

🧳 What do I pack for California?

Head to the Ultimate California Packing List to get all the information you need about packing for a trip to California.

🛫 What’s the best site to buy airfare to California?

For finding cheap California flights, I recommend Skyscanner .

december road trip california

Jessica Iler is the founder of CA Girl Travels. She is a writer and entrepreneur working in the creator economy since 2016, building websites, writing for Medium.com, and helping others become writers. She is on a mission to help entrepreneurs make money online and travel the world while doing it.

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25 Best Places To Visit In California In December For a Getaway

Places To Visit In California In December

There are many best places to visit in California in December. Yes, you may be surprised to know that December in California offers you different kinds of experiences, thanks to its non-icy temperatures in most parts of the state.

If you want to get away from the snow, freezing temperatures or rain, the golden state is your perfect destination as there are many fabulous things to do and places to visit in the USA in December.

California in December is primarily sunny and provides the best month for being outdoors.

Whether it is for spotting the rich and distinct wildlife in the national parks, hiking in the lush mountains, relaxing at its many beautiful beaches, or enjoying road trips along its winding roads opening to gorgeous views, there are many things to do in California in winter.

The cities gear up for the holidays and are fantastic for California winter vacation ideas.

You will find streets with lights everywhere. Christmas decorations, parades, music festivals, concerts, and markets are the major attractions in California in December.

You can also experience snowfall in California if that’s on your bucket list. There are many places for a ski holiday, snowboarding and admiring the magical white winter in the golden state.

Another cool thing is that you can plan your trip for lower prices than usual and avoid the summer crowds this month!

Hard to believe? Well, read on to discover why you should plan your trip to California in December and all the fantastic places to visit in California in December.

If you are specifically looking for beaches, Check out these 25 Best California Beach Towns For a Family Getaway . Or you can plan a trip to any of these 30 Top Northern California Beach Towns if you want to go off the beaten bath.

CALIFORNIA IN DECEMBER – WHAT WEATHER TO EXPECT?

Depending on the activities you plan to enjoy and the type of holiday you prefer, you can make your pick from the best places to visit in California in December.

Because the weather in December in California slightly varies from place to place, but overall, the days are mostly sunny, ideal for being outdoors, and delightful weather to explore national parks, go hiking, camping and spot wildlife.

You can expect daytime temperatures in Southern California in the mid to high 60s to 70s as well, with the temperatures dropping to about 50 degrees at night, which means sunnier during the day and slightly windy and cold during the nights.

You may also experience slight showers and snow at higher elevations, but it should not interfere with your travel plans.

Best places to visit in California in December

In Northern California, it’s just a bit cooler. As you head towards the mountains, you can expect winter snow in California at Lake Tahoe or Mammoth and the Sierra Nevadas region.

These are the gorgeous places to visit for Christmas in California in December as a snowy wonderland to go skiing and snowboarding.

California’s coastal towns are also much less foggy in December. So although the water will be cold for a swim, you can relax on the beaches, watch migrating whales and indulge in water adventures if you plan a trip to the beach towns in California in December.

Some places can see the foliage of late fall, while deserts are best visited during December if you are in California.

If you want to pick warm destinations for the California December trip, I recommend deserts and cities around them. Death Valley and Palm Springs make an ideal California vacation in December.

TIPS FOR VISITING CALIFORNIA IN DECEMBER

Now you know what to expect from a December trip to California, here are a few more things to know before you go.

December is off-season for California, so you can expect fewer crowds.

It is slightly affordable to travel to California in December, including California hotel prices that are lower as well.

Like the rest of the world, the peak holiday season is from Christmas to New Year. So if you wish to be here during this time,  book in advance .

For California travel in December, try to have everything  booked by the end of fall , or at least about 3 months before.

warmest place in california in december

December is the best time to spot unique California wildlife, so take tours to spot the baby elephant seals, whale watching tours at Monterey , dolphins, and migrating white whales.

But note that California winter vacations can be expensive if you wait till the last minute to book your trip.

The perfect way to explore the best places to visit in California in December is by  renting a car .

The queues for cabs can be longer, including at the airport and bus stations and cars can run out quickly around Christmas and New Year’s Eve, so it’s best to  book your rental car   before you arrive. You’ll need an international driving permit to  hire a car.

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN CALIFORNIA IN DECEMBER – FOR SNOW

Mammoth lakes.

Suppose you are looking for snow in California to admire the fantastic powdery slopes dotting mountain valleys or to indulge in winter sports. 

In that case, Mammoth Lakes is one of my favourites and the best places to visit in California in December.

The Mammoth Lakes area is known for its spectacular mountain landscapes dominated by the dramatic High Sierra Nevada. 

things to do in Mammoth Lakes

There are loads of  awesome things to do in Mammoth Lakes , with something for everyone – from skiing to snowboarding to hot springs and hiking. You can easily spend a weekend in Mammoth Lakes for a fabulous holiday in December.

Because of the high elevation, snow arrives early at Mammoth Lakes. Did you know? Mammoth Mountain Area gets around 300 inches of snowfall a year at least.

December is the peak ski season at Mammoth Mountain, as you get access to over 3,500 areas of mountain slopes carpeted with snow.

It is home to some of the best ski resorts in California, attracting many families and adventure seekers to the California Eastern Sierras.

You have over 150 gorgeous trails for alpine downhill skiing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, and snowboarding.

Places to visit in California in December

You can take the fantastic Gondola ride to the peak, enjoying the splendid views of the mountainous landscapes on your ride.

There are also plenty of  beautiful natural hot springs in Mammoth Lakes ,  including or near camping sites. After outdoor adventures, there is nothing more relaxing than soaking in these mineral-rich hot springs and enjoying the beautiful views.

You can enjoy fishing, boat trips, hiking, or picnic lunches in any of the stunning  glacial lakes around Mammoth Lakes , surrounded by dramatic mountains offering beautiful sunrise and sunset views.

WHERE TO STAY?

I recommend  Innsbruck Lodge , located near the Village Gondola, for its secluded and stunning location. This lovely lodge offers apartments with kitchens to simple rooms, and they have an on-site hot tub and spa. 

The Westin Monache Resort  is next to the Village Lodge and beside Mountain Center in the Village comes with condos comprising spacious rooms and balconies offering beautiful views.   Book a stay here .

If the popular ones do not appeal to you, check out  Sierra Lodge , centrally located, which offers spacious rooms with kitchenettes.

Another gorgeous destination deep in the heart of the Eastern Sierra known for its stunning location is June Lake, a tiny mountain village.

It is one of the best places to visit in California in December if you are looking for a relatively inexpensive resort town for snow and winter sports with your families. 

The daytime highs at June Lake in December are in the high 30s going up to the low 40s. 

december road trip california

The June Mountain ski area is one of the hotspots for families heading here for winter fun when the ski slopes start welcoming tourists in mid-December. Here skiing is free for kids.

If you are a beginner skier, the flat Highway 158 is an easy route and suitable for snowshoeing. If you are an advanced skier, you can join guided tours with mountain experts to try backcountry skiing.

Ride the ski lift to the top to enjoy fabulous views of four lakes set amidst the magnificent snow-blanketed mountains of the Eastern Sierra. 

Recommended – 10 Top Lakes In Mammoth Lakes Area For a Perfect Winter Holiday

You can also enjoy other winter sports, including snowboarding, ice climbing, snowmobiling, sledging, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

Admire the mountains forming a majestic backdrop for the spectacular alpine lakes from many viewpoints

Stroll through the main streets decked up with lights, at the centre of which is the pretty lit Christmas tree.

Pack winter clothing with layers, good water-proof hiking shoes, and snow boots. 

december road trip california

Interlaken #29 – Deluxe Studio , a studio apartment, is perfect for a family of four, surrounded by beautiful mountain views.  Check her e .

If you prefer a resort,  Double Eagle Resort and Spa  is an excellent choice.  Find out more here .

ALABAMA HILLS

There are some places that can only be enjoyed in winter in the United States, and Alabama Hills is one of them.

Located at the foothills of the dramatic Sierra Nevada Mountain range, Alabama Hills is one of the best places to visit in California in December.

You will be treated to splendid views of the snow-capped mountain vistas everywhere, and it’s a jackpot for adventure seekers and outdoor lovers.

Alabama hills lone pine

You can hike or mountain bike on the many trails leading to beautiful views, ideal for all experience levels. 

Alabama Hills is one of the most photographed destinations thanks to its distinct landscapes. If you want to capture some gorgeous shots, you will love visiting the Alabama hills in California in December.

Camping in the Alabama Hills   is very popular, especially during winter. Star gazing, watching epic sunrise and sunsets, and driving around to see the iconic landmarks are some other activities you can enjoy apart from hiking.

One must-stop is the famous Alabama Hills Movie Road, famous for Instagram-worthy photography.

Check out the famous tourist attractions in Alabama Hills, including the easily accessible geological wonders like Mobius Arch, Lone Ranger Canyon, Nightmare Rock and Boot Arch.

Things to do in Lone Pine CA

Make sure to bring lots of layers, especially jackets, warm sleeping bags, and many blankets if you plan to go Alabama Hills camping.

Instead of camping, if you would rather stay in a hotel or Airbnb or you feel the need for comfort,   Lone Pine   is the nearest town with many vacation rentals, cabins, and cottages available. 

Here are the best picks of Cottages, Cabins, and hotels in Lone Pine, CA –   Quality Inn Lone Pine near Mount Whitney ;  Cozy Muir Cottage ;  Mt Williamson Motel and Basecamp

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

Although it is a beautiful park no matter what time of the year, Yosemite National Park is one of the best places to visit in California in December.

It will not be as crowded as in the spring and summer, and the gorgeous landscapes sprinkled with snow gives a surreal ambience to the park. Plus, there are no entrance reservation requirements during winter in Yosemite.

best places to visit in California in December

The glacier-carved Yosemite Valley in December is magical after a brief but beautiful week of snowfall that will transform the panoramas into a paradise.

It’s the perfect place to capture the most beautiful pictures of the many iconic landmarks in Yosemite, including Tunnel View, El Capitan , Half Dome, Mirror Lake and Bridalveil Falls from many points. 

Do not miss witnessing the unique wildlife here, including spotting some deer and sheep.

You can enjoy some stunning snow-capped views of Yosemite National Park at the popular points with only a few visitors, whether from Sentinel Dome or Taft Point.

Unlike the other places, Yosemite only gets a week of snow in December, which means the pleasant daytime weather will allow you to enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and driving.

Recommended – 10 Top Spots For Watching The Best Sunset in Yosemite

You can also indulge in cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and tubing at Badger Pass Ski Area, the first ski area, established in California.

best view of el capitan

Temps are usually in the 40s during the daytime and 20s at night, but the weather generally feels cold due to its elevation, so pack layers.

Reaching Yosemite during winter may be tricky, and it is best to take four by four over a regular car. Note that Tioga Pass Road and the road to Glacier Point typically close in November.

Many of the trails and facilities in Yosemite also close during the winter. So check road conditions and closures before you go.

WHERE TO STAY

If you want a uniquely traditional Christmas experience, I recommend staying in the famous heritage and historic Ahwahnee Hotel , which organizes conventional holiday decorations.

Wawona Hotel  is another famous historic hotel inside the park.

Another option includes  Yosemite Valley Lodge , which provides comfortable accommodation close to Yosemite Falls. 

Lake Tahoe, considered one of the most beautiful lakes in California, is one of the best places to visit in California in December for families and outdoor adventures.

Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America, located high in the basin of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, is a year-round destination. 

December is one of the popular months as about 100 inches of snow transforms the mountain landscapes into a winter paradise.

Places to visit in California in December

The south of Lake Tahoe is a magical place to visit in California during winter, whether you want to hit the slopes for snow adventures or simply soak in the blissful views of the crystal blue water and the fresh mountain air.

The daytime temperatures hover in the 30s and low 40s, keeping you wrapped in warm clothes as you set out to enjoy various fun activities in the snow. 

South Lake Tahoe is ideal for downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, sledging, snowshoeing, and sleigh rides.

Apart from these, you can also enjoy outdoor ice skating at Northstar or the Heavenly Village ice rink in South Lake Tahoe.

Check out the ice sculptures at Heavenly Mountain Resort or hop on the gondola ride to the mountain top for fabulous views.

Places to visit in California in December

Do not forget to capture the stunning shots of the lake and the surrounding landscapes from the Emerald Bay lookout.

The Lake Tahoe area has many top ski resorts. Among the most famous and fabulous ones are  Charming Mountain Cabin about 7 Mi to Heavenly Resort ,  which gets booked quickly, thanks to the excellent facilities and location.

For a private beach and great amenities, check out  Tahoe Lakeshore Lodge & Spa .

MOUNT SHASTA

Another destination if you are looking for snow is Mount Shasta, located in Northern California. 

It is one of the best places to visit in California in December, with pleasant weather to be outdoors and enjoy powdered snow transforming the landscapes into magical panoramas.

You can easily plan a day trip from Redding or Sacramento to Mount Shasta, connected via Interstate 5.

I recommend spending a weekend in December for a fabulous winter getaway in California with your family.

best places to go in California in December

Compared to other destinations in California that need a bit of a hassle, getting to Mount Shasta is relatively more straightforward as there are fewer or no road closures in winter.

Lassen Volcanic National Park is a beautiful park located close to Mount Shasta. It is a prime spot for enjoying epic snowshoe hikes and cross-country skiing near the stunning Manzanita Lake. 

At Lassen Volcanic National Park in December, you will be amazed by the stunning landscapes and the different wildlife. Do not miss the hydrothermal features at Sulphur Works if you are up for a 2-mile round-trip hike over the snow.  

The average daytime temperatures in December in Mount Shasta and Lassen Volcanic National Park are in the 40s.

Thanks to the snowfall on Mount Shasta, you can enjoy all the snow sports in the mountains. 

Mount Shasta Ski Park offers downhill skiing, ice climbing, snowmobiling, snow tubing, snowshoeing, sledging and snowboarding.

best places in California to visit in December

If you want to try ice skating, do not miss visiting the Siskiyou Ice Rink, the only National Hockey League-sized outdoor rink in California outside Mt. Shasta City Park.

If you do not want to get into these adventures, you can quickly get on the many trails offering fascinating views of the area.

If you are up for an adventurous journey, do the popular one-mile snowshoe trek to  Castle Lake , located in Castle Crags State Park, one of the best ice fishing spots in California and offers spectacular views of Mount Shasta.

Another hike that offers beautiful views and is not complicated is the trek to the pretty Heart Lake.

Plan a trip to the neighbouring McCloud town located only a 15-minute drive away. During winter, it turns into a magical wonderland as many games, rides, and events are held downtown.

California winter

This historic bed and breakfast, in the shadow of 14,162-foot Mount Shasta,  Mount Shasta Ranch Bed and Breakfast ,  is the most famous hotel offering spacious rooms, excellent ambience and amenities, perfect for couples and families.  Check out more here .

Strawberry Valley Inn   offers large bedrooms and fantastic mountain views. It has excellent reviews as well.  Find more here .

Mount Shasta Resort  is perfect for families if you are looking for a fabulous resort surrounded by beautiful views.  Check here .

BIG BEAR LAKE

Big Bear Lake, located in southern California, is known for being a wonderland, attracting thousands of visitors every winter, especially families that come for an adventurous getaway.

Big Bear Lake is one of the best places to visit in California in December to witness snowfall, the gorgeous San Bernardino mountains encapsulated by snow offer plenty of activities to enjoy.

There are plenty of awesome things to do in the winter, whether you want to be adventurous activities like skiing to tasting the delicious Christmas bakes and hot chocolate cosying up to a fireplace.

best places to visit in December near me

Stroll through the streets of the small downtown area, home to many excellent restaurants serving delicious cuisines, and shop for unique souvenirs at the boutique shops.

Since Big Bear Lake freezes by the end of November, it becomes the hot spot for ice skating, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and sleigh ride around the lake.

You can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowboarding at the two famous mountain slopes, Snow Summit and Big Bear Mountain Resort.

If you want to do something at a slower pace, enjoy horseback riding through the snowy trails or hike along the many trails that pass through beautiful landscapes and stunning views.

You can also enjoy snowshoeing, sledging and high-speed adrenaline-kicking tubing at the famous Grizzly Ridge Tube Park.

december road trip california

You can also learn skiing at Snow Summit resort, although you’ll have to book your spot quite early during the peak days.

Plan a day trip to neighbouring Lake Arrowhead , a 45-minute drive away, which is also a fabulous destination for a weekend getaway.

In December, visit Santa’s Village on your way to Lake Arrowhead.

I recommend Big Bear Retreat , the fantastic holiday home perfect for families that can enjoy a comfortable stay with views. Find more here .

Another beautiful holiday home with excellent reviews and location is Moosehead Lodge , known for its beautiful settings. Book here .

This gorgeous chalet Summit Happy Cabin comes with a patio and a hot tub as well as good views, a romantic stay for couples. Check out this here .

Dream Getaway with Secluded Spa is a stunning holiday home featuring a balcony with mountain views, a garden and barbecue facilities, located close to Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain. Find out more here.

SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS

What better than seeing the most giant tree in the world blanketed in snow, which will take you straight into the fairytales during Christmas?

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park in the southern Sierra Nevada mountain ranges is known for being home to some of the largest living things on earth. 

The two parks, located adjacent to each other, can be explored together.

California weather in December

The majestic red trees dominating the panoramas against the powdery snow everywhere make for beautiful photography.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks  are both excellent places to visit in California in December for hiking, photography, cabin stays, and snow activities with flat and easy trails to some of the park’s best-known sites.

There are fewer crowds, and hiking through magical winter wonderland landscapes is a wonderful experience.

You can do all these over a long weekend, thanks to Sequoia National Park, located only a few hours from Los Angeles, making it a fantastic outdoor escape especially in the winter.

You can drive around or hike to witness distinct old-growth forests, gorgeous meadows, hidden streams, lakes, and spectacular granite cliffs.

Wolverton Meadow is 2 miles north of General Sherman, the largest tree in the world, located in Sequoia National Park, one of the best places to visit in California in December.

Enjoy sledging, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing at Wolverton Meadow.

Other trails worth adding to your list of hikes are the Big Trees Trail, Moro Rock, and the Alta trail.

december road trip california

The Kings Canyon National Park is home to the second largest tree in the world, the General Grant Tree, which was also declared the nation’s Christmas Tree in 1926

On the second Sunday of December, witness a small and unique celebration, a trek to the tree.

The other main attraction in the Kings Canyon National Park is the Big Stump snow play area, where you can enjoy sledging and go on guided snowshoe walks in Grant Grove led by Park rangers.

The only downside would be that the road connecting the two parks may be closed due to heavy snow. You might have to drive back down to the foothills if you plan to visit both parks. 

Check ahead for road closures and chain requirements before heading out there.

Blue Jay Paradise , a holiday home located in Three Rivers, is 10 minutes away from Sequoia and is a perfect choice for families with spacious houses and mountain views.  Check here .  

The Quail’s Nest   located in Three Rivers in the California region, features a patio and garden views.  Check more here .

For families, another recommended holiday home is  In The Oaks , a spacious three bedroom house.  Find more here .

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN CALIFORNIA IN DECEMBER – NATIONAL PARKS AND OUTDOORS

Death valley national park.

Considered the hottest place on earth, Death Valley National Park is one of the best places to visit in California in December as it is the perfect month weather-wise.

Death Valley National Park, the driest and the largest national park in the United States, is located in Southern California along the Eastern border with Nevada.

Best places to visit in California in December

This 3 million acre   of   wilderness   is   renowned for stunning desert landscapes, unique vistas encompassing rugged mountains, golden canyons, orange dunes, colourful canyons, valleys, dry lake beds and salt flats.

The park is about a 5-hour drive from Los Angeles, and you can plan a long weekend at Death Valley Park in December to check out all the attractions.

The daytime temperatures in December are in the 60s to 70s, with mostly clear skies. Hence it is the perfect time to explore this massive park, which can be done in two to three days.

If you enjoy hiking, you will find trails of all lengths and difficulty levels at Death Valley National Park. 

From the official parking lot, you can do an easy walk right up onto the multi-coloured mineral deposits that are beautifully vibrant, comprising red, rust, gold, pink, lavender, and blue.

places to visit in december in california

Walk out onto the Badwater Basin salt flats, one of the top landmarks, the lowest point in America. 

Zabriskie Point is another must-visit attraction where you can enjoy the gorgeous views of the fantastic badlands on all sides. It is better to start your day by witnessing a spectacular sunrise at Zabriskie Point.

You can also hike the badlands near Zabriskie Point via the Golden Canyon trail.

Another viewpoint easily accessible by a drive is the gorgeous Ubehebe Crater. Or drive up to Dante’s View for magnificent panoramas over the valley. 

Check out the stunning 100-foot sand dunes, the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, which is one of the few sand areas in the park. It is fun to walk on the dunes, but you will be doing a workout for sure.

For a fund adventure, climb to the top of Telescope Peak, the tallest point in the park.

You should drive the Artist’s Drive, the 9-mile splendid loop featuring Artist’s Palette, one of the most photographed places in the park.

At night, it gets very cold in this desert, hence it is best to pack layers, especially if you plan to go camping.

Places to visit in California in December

Death Valley National Park is a fantastic time to be in December to watch beautiful stargazing and capture the incredible night skies on your camera.

Despite being the largest park in the country, there are limited accommodation options in Death Vallet National Park. 

The Inn at Death Valley  is recommended if you want to stay in Death Valley National Park.  Check more here .

Amargosa Opera House & Hotel  is a 15-minute drive away and a great option for families.  Find more .

JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

Joshua Tree National Park needs no introduction, drawing over four million visitors annually. 

It is one of the best places to visit in California in December if you want to have a holiday that involves hiking, camping, driving around, or relaxing outdoors.

Located just about 2 hours away from Los Angeles over the Colorado and Mojave desert, you can plan a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park. However, I’d recommend spending a long weekend here as there are many things to do and see here.

december road trip california

It is one of the best times to visit Joshua Tree National Park since the weather is cooler. December and January are the coldest months in Joshua Tree when temperatures stay between 50-60°F during the day.

Make sure to bring layers as it gets pretty cold overnight in December, and the temperatures tend to drop to the 30s.

It is surreal to watch stunning sunrises and sunsets across the diverse desert landscapes, including palms, cacti, ocotillos, and the iconic Joshua Trees, which are yucca palms.

You can drive through the park to stop at the top attractions, including Native American heritage, petroglyphs, and the San Andreas Faultline, and tour the historic mining sites.

The park is famous for its hiking and rock climbing, thanks to the masses of huge boulders scattered for miles, which are perfect activities that can comfortably be done in December.

december road trip california

There are quick, family-friendly hikes and challenging trails for all types of travelers.

Hidden Valley Trail, a 1-mile round trip and a relatively easy hike are among the more popular hikes where you will pass through boulders and distinct desert vegetation.

On the Fortynine Palms Oasis trail, also known as the Lost Palms Oasis trail, you will come across a pretty oasis. It is about 7 miles round trip, though, so it may not be suitable for everyone.

Another short walk is exploring the Cholla Cactus Garden, where you can get to know the desert’s unique vegetation.

Skull Rock Nature Trail is another very popular hike in the park, where you will reach a rock formation that looks like a skull. This famous photo spot is an easy hike, less than two miles in and out.

The highest point in the park, offering beautiful panoramic views, can be accessed via Ryan Mountain Trail.

Did you know that the park was once one of the gold-producing regions during the Gold Rush era? You can see the ruins of a gold mine by getting on the Lost Horse Mine Trail.

Some of these trails have little to no shade, and it can get quite hot, so dress appropriately and wear sunscreen and good walking shoes.

december road trip california

Queen Valley Road and Park Boulevard are two famous roads for driving around that you should check out.

Camping is popular in Joshua Tree Park in December, so the spots get booked early. It is best to make reservations well in advance if you plan to camp. The same goes for cabins and glamping, which are very popular during winter.

Do not miss capturing the beautiful starry skies above the stunning and mystic Joshua Trees, as the landscapes are perfect for stargazing on clear moonless nights.

You can also head next to Palm Springs, just a 30-minute drive away.

@Marbella Lane – The Wine Mine Desert Escape  is one of the fantastic accommodations in Joshua Tree, ideal for families as they have luxurious multiple-bedroom apartments and a hot tub.  Check details here .

AutoCamp Joshua Tree , set in Joshua Tree, offers accommodation with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and is an excellent choice preferred by couples.  Check here .

@Marbella Lane – 10 Acres Oasis Desert Retreat  is another family option for beautiful apartments.  Check here .

NAPA VALLEY

If you love wine, you already know that Napa Valley is among the USA’s top wine destinations. 

You can easily plan a day trip, but Napa Valley is one of the best weekend getaways from San Francisco.

Although Napa Valley is only 30 miles, it is home to over 400 wineries serving the best wines in the world, from sparkling wines to chardonnays and zinfandels. 

Take this excellent guided tour with a picnic lunch for the best wine tour experience at Napa Valley.

Best Places to visit in California in December

Although the temperate weather makes it an ideal time to visit any time of the year, Napa Valley is one of the best places to visit in California in December for many reasons.

Since it’s off-season, you can catch reasonable prices on accommodations. You can even book a fabulous stay at any of the top resorts that otherwise can be too pricy in the busy season.

There are fewer crowds at Napa Valley towns in December and plenty of holiday festivals to attend.

You will witness unique landscapes dotted with bare vineyards and the famous Napa Valley wild mustard.

The month of December offers an average high in the upper 50s that can go up to the 60s too, but early mornings and nights can be cold, so carry a warm jacket with you.

The weather is ideal for sampling the area’s fine dining, from classic French to modern. You can quickly get tables in delectable Michelin-star restaurants, including romantic and rooftop dining overlooking a vineyard.

Most restaurants feature special holiday menus, including seasonal delights that use locally sourced ingredients. Do not miss trying out puddings and cuisines made of chestnut apple.

Note that you must make reservations for Christmas and New Year’s Eve ahead of time.

places to visit in California during winter

Witness the holiday lights across the rolling hills and towns. Downtown Yountville is decked up in Christmas lights, and the markets come into life with many bakeries serving special holiday chocolate drinks and baked items.

In downtown Napa, you can watch the carols and enjoy the rides. If you visit Calistoga, make sure not to miss their special parades.

The Napa Valley Wine Train, or the Napa wine train as it is famously known, runs a Santa Train during the holidays, which is a must-do if you are travelling to California in December with kids.

The interactive train offers a luxurious journey with gourmet food, local wine, games, characters in costume, and sing-alongs, which you can enjoy with your kids for fun family time.

Check here to book your tickets on the Napa wine train with options to choose between Gourmet dinner or lunch.

Pamper yourself at the many spas in the cute town of Yountville, known for its many wellness treatments.

Best places to visit in California in December

The most luxurious resort and the famous choice among couples and families visiting Napa Valley is  Auberge du Soleil, An Auberge Resort   known for its vast olive groves, outdoor pool with cabanas, relaxing health and wellness spa and a fine dining restaurant. Check here.

Another resort in Yountville is  North Block Hotel  which has excellent reviews for its spacious rooms.  Find more here .

If you want to go to a hotel in Yountville, check out  Hotel Yountville ,  just a 10-minute walk from the Napa Valley Museum and Napa Valley Symphony, featuring an outdoor pool and a 4000-square-foot spa.   Find here .

If you want to stay in Napa, this Bed and Breakfast,  The George ,  is not only gorgeous but just about 300 m from Uptown Theater and 400 m from Morimoto Restaurant.  Check out here .

Rancho Caymus Inn  in Rutherford is a popular choice among families for its extra large room and ambience.  Find out more details here .

If you want to base yourself in Calistoga,  Embrace Calistoga , a beautiful villa popular among couples.  Check more here .

SONOMA COUNTY

For wine lovers, another county is waiting to be explored, which produces more wine than Napa Valley. 

Sonoma County is one of the best places to visit in California in December for its pleasant weather, tasting different types of wines, attending festivals and enjoying fine dining with fewer crowds.

Depending on your preference, there are many coastal towns and quaint villages in Northern California’s rural Sonoma County.

december road trip california

Unlike the other coastal towns in California, you can expect some rain during the winter months in Sonoma County, but be assured that you can still be out and check out all the activities.

For couples looking for a secluded retreat and families wanting a quiet coastal time, the idyllic fishing village of Bodega Bay is a pretty place to visit during December. It is home to the most stunning beaches in California you can imagine.

There are different kinds of red wines you can try in Sonoma County.

Since most wineries have both outside tasting areas and indoor ones, you can wine taste on the terrace or indoors next to a cosy fire if it drizzles.

If you want to make sure to cover the most of your time, take this  Sonoma Valley Guided Winery Tour with Picnic Lunch ,  where you can visit boutique wineries as you learn about the region’s rich history and enjoy a picnic lunch.

If you love white wines, try out Sonoma Chardonnay, which is perfect for the weather in winter here that blends perfectly with the views.

Healdsburg is home to many boutique wineries and epic restaurants serving the best Zinfandels, Pinot Noirs and Cabernets.

december road trip california

If you are not a wine lover, you can enjoy a delicious dinner at the many outdoor restaurants amidst stunning rolling hills and lush panoramas.

I highly recommend this guided Healdsburg Boutique Wine and Food Pairing Walking Tour that will introduce you to Boutique wine.

If you are looking for something budget-friendly or an offbeat wine town, Sebastopol is a pretty town with many amazing things to do.

For families and couples, if you want to base yourself in Sonoma, I highly recommend  Sonoma Wine Country Bungalow , a fabulous bungalow offering stunning villas perfect for a getaway.  Find out more here .

If you want to stay in a historic place or are fond of heritage buildings, you will love staying at  El Dorado Hotel  directly across the street from Sonoma Plaza in Sonoma.  Check out more here .

I highly recommend  Hotel Les Mars  Located in Healdsburg in the heart of Northern California’s Wine Country, which is quite popular among couples.  Check more here.

If you want to stay closer to the beach, I recommend   H2hotel located in downtown Healdsburg, just a block from the Healdsburg Town Plaza featuring a solar-heated creekside pool.  Find out more here .

Harmon Guest House  is an excellent choice for families and couples.  Check here .

Sonoma Coast Villa   is a famous villa preferred by people with kids if you want to visit Bodega Bay.  Check more about the spacious villas here .

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN CALIFORNIA IN DECEMBER – CITIES

If you want to experience a typical European Christmas, one of the best Christmas towns in California is Solvang. This cute Danish town has grown popular recently, founded over 100 years ago by a group of Danes.

It is one of the best places to visit in California in December if you want to indulge in traditional Christmas festivities, including the famous annual Julefest.

best Solvang attractions

The entire town basks in lights as the locals welcome you with delicious Christmas bakes at the many cute and famous bakeries downtown.

Experience the Christmas Market Light Show, and visit the Santa Village & Winter Lade, which the kids and adults love. Take part in Christmas carols or attend candlelight tours.

Do not forget to shop for Christmas souvenirs at Jule Hus, a famous family-owned shop known for its unique souvenirs.

Whether you plan to extend your trip to Solvang along with a visit to Santa Barbara or a day trip, do not miss checking out the lush wine region of Santa Ynez Valley.

day trips from Santa Barbara

There are more than 120 wineries and tasting rooms, most being family-friendly, known for their excellent location and stunning views apart from their wine varieties.

Victorian Mansion At Los Alamos  is an excellent romantic stay option, located off Highway 101 in the heart of the Santa Ynez wine country. This 19th-century Victorian Mansion has lavish rooms equipped with many amenities, along with a complimentary breakfast.

King Frederik Inn , located in downtown Solvang is a beautiful hotel and one of the top accommodation spots among tourists. This gorgeous Danish-style building is known for its spacious rooms, fantastic amenities, and heritage value.

Ballard Inn & The Gathering Table   is one of the famous B&B in Santa Barbara Wine Country, perfect for making a base if you plan on exploring the nearby vineyards, along with places to visit in Solvang.

PALM SPRINGS

Whether you want to experience the modern architecture, enjoy shopping, or indulge in thermal baths and adventure activities, there is something for everyone in Palm Springs, making it a popular holiday destination among families.

It is one of the best places to visit in California in December as the weather is pleasant to be outdoors, offering a temporary relief from the hot desert temperatures.

california places to visit in december

If you are here on the first Saturday of December, you will be welcomed by the colourful and crowded Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade, where you will see the giant floating balloons as the city is in a festive mood.

There are many incredible things to do in and around Palm Springs. Begin your city tour by checking out the modern architecture in downtown Palm Springs, which is also an excellent spot for shopping.

Stroll through the Moorten desert botanical garden and Palm Canyon Drive, the main shopping street that will be decorated with Christmas lights in December.

Drive around the many neighbourhoods in Palm Springs to admire the holiday lighting and decorations.

There are also plenty of hiking trails and other recreational opportunities such as fishing, ATV riding, or horseback riding.

best places to visit in december in usa

Hop on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to take in soaring views of the desert and find snow on Mt. San Jacinto, which gets about 25 inches of snow in December.

December is also a great time to explore the desert as the daytime temperature is around 70 degrees. So you can go hiking or take jeep tours. 

The trails to Indian Canyons, a sacred nature preserve and true desert oasis, or Tahquitz Canyon are popular. You can also join a tour of the San Andreas fault. 

There are many day trips from Palm to choose from. You can drive to the famous Joshua Tree National Park, where you can see stunning rock formations and the namesake Joshua trees.

Also, plan a trip to Anza-Borrego State Park for hiking and camping, or extend your trip by spending   a weekend in Julian , a charming mountain town, tucked away in the pretty Laguna Mountains, known to all for its juicy apples, ciders, and pies.

places to visit in December California

the  Weekend Palm Springs   is an excellent hotel offering Delux suites and is loved by couples and families for a relaxing stay.  Check more here .

Andalusian Court   is a fabulous stay option, popular among couples for its romantic settings, views, and spacious villas.  Check out here .

Another place loved by couples is  Korakia Pensione , known for its boutique rooms, chic ambience and pretty pool.  Find out more here .

If you are traveling with kids, I recommend  Vista Mirage Resort , which offers spacious studios and a large swimming pool on the premises.  Check out here .

Desert Riviera Hotel  is a great pick if you are looking for a hotel with options to choose from suites, rooms and studios.  Check here .

LOS ANGELES

No list of best places to visit in California in December is complete without Los Angeles, the City of Angels known for its glitz, Hollywood, and Disneyland, among the many other fabulous things and activities.

From shopping to being lucky to meet celebrities on Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles remains an eternally favourite destination for travelers worldwide, and it does not seem to change anytime soon.

If you are fleeing cold and looking for a warmer city, Los Angeles is a great California destination in December, with daytime highs in the upper 60s.

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Despite the winter months being the rainiest of the year in Los Angeles, it usually only rains for six or seven days a month, allowing you to travel around.

Apart from the fewer crowds and lower prices, you can attend many colourful events and holiday festivities in L.A. in December.

Although gardens are fantastic any time of the year, do not miss visiting them in L.A. in December, especially L.A. County Arboretum and Descanso Gardens, which have beautiful illuminations explored best by tours.

If you want to witness boat parades, a cherished holiday tradition along the Southern California coast, head to Los Angeles Harbour.

If you’re in L.A. the Sunday after Thanksgiving, witness the Hollywood Christmas Parade, packed with floats, bands, and giant balloons.

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One thing you should not miss if traveling with kids is heading to Universal Studios, dressed up in holiday decor. 

You can enjoy Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter or Who-Ville to celebrate with the Grinch. 

Although it may be strange to head to the beach in December, one of the best things to do in L.A. is explore the seaside suburbs and the beaches. 

You can plan day trips to towns like  Long Beach   or Huntington Beach nearby.

Enjoy the view from Griffith Observatory, and capture your Insta-worthy pictures at the Hollywood sign. 

For a pinch of adventure, head to Santa Monica pier for thrilling rides and games.

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Many excellent L.A. museums need to be visited, but if you have time for only one, then head to LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art), where you will witness Urban Light, a special edition of lights and display held during this season.

If you wish to stay close to the heart of L.A., I highly recommend  Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SOMA ,  which has excellent reviews, great location, and amenities.   Check out more here .

Another excellent choice for the city centre is  Stanford Court San Francisco , which also offers room upgrades if you book in advance.  Find here .

For couples looking for a cosy and romantic stay, head to  The Clancy, Autograph Collection ,  known for its excellent decor, central location, and spacious rooms.  Find details here .

Omni San Francisco , centrally located at the intersection of California Street and Montgomery Street, is a popular pick among couples and families.  Check out more here .

For a budget option, I recommend  Orchard Garden Hotel   in Chinatown.  Book here .

SAN FRANCISCO

San Francisco, among the top cities in the USA year-round, is one of the best places in California to visit in December. 

It makes for one of the best winter vacations in California if you do not mind getting drenched in the drizzles in between your trip. 

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You can slightly avoid the peak touristy crowds, temperatures will usually be in the mid to high 50s, you will get surprisingly fantastic hotel deals, and you can dine at world-class restaurants without waiting for your tables.

There is no shortage of light displays in San Franciso in December. You can enjoy the lights through guided walking tours of San Francisco or driving around the city.

During the holiday season, it’s fun to go to Union Square ,  which is brimming with festive ambience. The square is decorated with a giant Christmas tree, stores showcasing their holiday lights across the window and unique displays. 

Here you can enjoy a ride on the ice-skating rink surrounded by skyscrapers and lights, an activity loved by kids and adults both.

California winter vacation

Take part in the month-long celebration, the Festival of Lights, where massive light sculptures are installed everywhere.

The California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park hosts the annual exhibit, “ Tis the Season for Science: Life on Ice ,” where you can enjoy indoor snow, live reindeer, and holiday performances.

Head to the San Francisco Ballet to witness the exceptional performance of The Nutcracker.

Enjoy the fascinating views of the Golden Gate Bridge from different angles.

Also, walk or bike the Golden Gate Bridge in the afternoon, or drive up to Mount Tamalpais for spectacular 360-degree views.  

Plan a trip to Alcatraz Island, stroll along the Fisherman’s Wharf for street eats, explore Lombard Street, and taste the unique delicacies at Chinatown and Ferry building.

Check out the exhibitions at MOMO, San Francisco’s famous Museum of Modern Art, or the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park, where you can spot the bloom of magnolias and camellias during wintertime. 

Best Places to visit in California in December

From the Municipal Pier at the Aquatic Cove, you can enjoy the views of the beautifully lit city, including Coit Tower, and do not miss trying out the hot chocolate at Ghirardelli Square. 

Take a night tour in a Big Bus to see all the iconic San Francisco landmarks lit up. You can also join an evening romantic Bay cruise to admire the beautiful views of the skyline of SFC.

If you are traveling with kids, head to the Aquarium of the Bay at Pier 39 to spot the sea lions and the Exploratorium. Pier 39 in December is pretty with holiday decorations and live performances.

If you are looking to explore a city during the winter, one of the best places to visit in California in December is Pasadena.

From excellent architecture to rich history to beautiful museums, this city close to the northeast of downtown Los Angeles has so many things to offer for everyone.

The average daytime highs are in the high 60s or low 70s during December, making it pleasant to check out the attractions.

Explore Old Pasadena, a shopping and dining district known for its Victorian and art deco buildings and boutique stores.

december road trip california

The streets in Old Pasadena are decorated with holiday lights with unique stores selling hot drinks and Christmas special delicacies.

You can enjoy street music performances and events in the city in the evenings.

If you love museums like I do, you will love the fantastic modern Norton Simon Museum, which houses excellent collections of European and Asian art and a sculpture garden. 

Visit the USC Pacific Asia Museum, housed in a beautiful building with collections of Asia and the Pacific Islands art. 

History lovers should check out the Pasadena Museum of History, while your kids will love the Kidspace Children’s Museum.

Spend a day visiting the gorgeous Huntington Gardens, regarded as one of the best gardens in the golden state, home to a pretty library and a museum.

Some landmark attractions include the moon bridge, the Japanese garden, Desert Garden, the lake, and the Chinese park.

december road trip california

Thetington hosts special holiday events during December, including music performances and light displays.

Drive to Altadena, which attracts many visitors during Christmas for its famous and historic holiday lights display called Christmas Tree Lane, a mile of road encompassing deodar trees strung with thousands of lights.

There are parades, marching bands, and choirs held on this street creating a beautiful display.

If you prefer a nice, comfortable resort for a weekend with family, I recommend  The Langham Huntington , surrounded by 23 acres of lush gardens.  Check details here .

Hyatt Place Pasadena   is a popular choice for its excellent location and amenities, which are suitable for all travelers.  Find more here .

Residence Inn by Marriott Los Angeles Pasadena / Old Town is another excellent choice in Pasadena.  Book here .

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN CALIFORNIA IN DECEMBER – ALONG THE COAST

San Diego is one of California’s best places to visit in December.

As California’s southernmost city, you will be treated to most perfect days with temperatures ranging in the 50s-60s in San Diego in December.

It is one of the ideal months to be in San Diego with family as many fun activities are open during the winter season.

Best Places to visit in California in December

You can check out Lego land California or Sea World if your kids love theme parks. You will also witness pretty holiday decorations and special events in December along with all the adventure.

The winter months from December through April are also peak whale watching season in San Diego. So book a cruise to watch migrating grey whales from southern Alaska.

You can also enjoy a little beach time on nearby Coronado Island.

You can enjoy surfing on the pretty beaches, hiking, and admiring the  best San Diego sunrises.

For exploring the rich history, head to Old Town, where you should also try some delicious Mexican food.

Visit the Mission San Diego de Alcalá, an 18th-century National Historic Landmark and one of the city’s main attractions.

Your trip to San Diego is incomplete without exploring the chic neighbourhood of La Jolla, famous for food, beachfront and shopping.

december road trip california

Balboa park, the massive 1200-acre park, is one of the best places to visit in San Diego in December as you can take part in many Christmas activities and events, including the annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights boat parade, when over 80 boats are colourfully decorated ushering in the festive spirits.

Plus, during this festival, there is free admission to all of the museums.

You can go hiking and attend the theatre screening movies at this park.

Also, Balboa Park’s December Nights is San Diego’s premier holiday festival that you should not miss for the delicious food, drinks, and holiday lighting. 

RECOMMENDED –  15 Top Waterfalls In San Diego You Should Not Miss

One of the  beautiful beach towns in North California , Mendocino is known for its magnificent Victorian structures, saltbox cottages, stunning beaches, and incredible views.

Closer to redwoods and the ocean, this easily accessible town is one of the best places to visit in California in December.

Thanks to the temperate Mediterranean climate, the weather in Mendocino can be as pleasant in winter as it is in the summertime, but minus the fog, which is why it is a perfect pick for a beach city to travel in December in California.

 California at Christmas

You will be rewarded with the pleasant ocean breeze, spectacular blue skies, fewer tourists crowd, and sweeping sea views along the rocky cliffs.

The average daily high temperatures are in the low 50s and can dip down into the high 40s.

You can enjoy the Magical Christmas Train with stories and Santa in December.

Visit the beautiful Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, decorated with dazzling holiday lights during the Festival of Lights, as you enjoy live music, Christmas sweets and bakes.

Start by exploring downtown Mendocino, packed with Victorian architecture, historic buildings, brick paved sidewalks, and traditional boutique shops.

The Mendocino coast, stretching from neighbouring Fort Bragg to Point Arena, is the best place if you want to spend time on the seafront.

The rugged cliffs, bluffs, and magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean can be enjoyed via many hikes or short drives.

Mendocino is one of the top towns to enjoy whale watching. Gray whales migrate along the Mendocino Coast from November through April, arriving from Alaska.

places to visit in California during winter

There are many ways and places to do that. You can spot the pretty migrating grey whales by going on the hiking trails in   Mendocino Headlands State Park  or hiking to the iconic landmark Point Cabrillo Lighthouse. 

The best way to spot the whales is by getting on the water. Take a guided whale-watching boat trip in Fort Bragg. The whaleboat trips are available from mid-December through April.

You can plan a day trip to the town of Fort Bragg, which has many attractions and beaches. 

The top thing to do with kids in the area is to take a spin on the famous Skunk Train, which will take you through the best California Redwoods .

Mendocino has many popular hiking trails that offer splendid views and take you through the lush forests.

Van Damme State Park features miles of trails passing through a forested canyon with luxuriant ferns during winter.

Wear good hiking shoes that will help you get a grip as you navigate through the lush forests or slippery, rocky cliffs close to the coast.

The best places to visit in December in California

Agate Cove Inn  is a popular choice, thanks to its excellent location and spacious suites, ideal for couples and families.   Check here .

Headlands Inn Bed and Breakfast , located a 5-minute walk to the Mendocino Bay beach, is a fabulous option to stay for couples and families.  Check here .

Seagull Inn Bed & Breakfast  is an excellent place if you want something simple, centrally located, and best for couples.  Check here .

One of my favourite coastal locations during the winter is Santa Cruz, packed with so many incredible things to do, something available for every type of traveler.

Santa Cruz is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in California in December, with the pleasant weather only one reason.

Winter is a much more relaxed time to explore as you can experience the laid-back atmosphere and beachy festivities with fewer tourists.

Surf City Santa Cruz, located at a 6-hour driving distance from Los Angeles, dwells in Christmas celebrations early, and you should not miss being at the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, one of the landmarks on the National Register of Historic Places. 

A giant Christmas tree decorated with beach balls towers over the park.

There are stunning holiday lights displays at the seaside amusement park, and you can even enjoy a ride on the skating rink.

You can find rides for all ages here, whether in arcade games or the thrilling roller coasters and Ferris wheels.

This pretty town holds its place in the hearts of the US people for bringing surfing to light in the US from the then Hawaiian Kingdom and today the surfing capital of California.

december road trip california

December is the time for the big winter waves coming to Mavericks, just up the coast in Half Moon Bay. 

If you prefer to get away from the crowds at the boardwalk, you can pick from more than a dozen  excellent Santa Cruz hiking trails , which will take you through diverse landscapes, from the majestic coastal Redwoods to spotless beaches and miles of coastal bluffs.

Late December is the best time to watch elephant seals returning to Año Nuevo State Park to mate.

Walk through the coastal groves of Natural Bridges Park. You will come across this overwintering site here for monarch butterflies, majestic butterflies that begin arriving in mid-October.

One of the must-do things in Santa Cruz in December is booking a ride on the famous Roaring Camp’s Holiday Lights Train and Chanukah Train, run by the Roaring Springs Railroad.  

This Holiday Light Train leaves from the boardwalk and passes through the coastline inland to the giant redwoods as you drink hot cocoa and listen to the carols.

december road trip california

For a more traditional train ride, I recommend booking your ticket to start from Felton, which will take you through the redwoods to Bear Mountain, where you can do the Holiday Tree Walk. 

If you are looking to be right across the beach, my favourite recommendations would be  Beach Street Inn and Suites , across from Main Beach.  

If you prefer something elegant, go for  West Cliff Inn, A Four Sisters Inn ,  a stunning 3-story Victorian home steps from the Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk.

I recommend  La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz  in the city centre for couples and people travelling with kids.

If you are traveling with kids to California in December, there is nothing more glamorous and glitzy as the magical world of Disney, which is a bit more fantastic during winter.

Anaheim is one of the best places to visit in California in December for the young at heart and kids.

Even if you are not into Disney, you should visit during this month for all the beautiful holiday lighting and celebrations and the unmissable holiday spirit that will bowl you over.

But unlike other destinations on this list, heading to Disneyland is one of the most fun things to do in California in December, and hence lots of families head to Disneyland to enjoy Christmas, so expect crowds.

december road trip california

All the attractions are themed around Christmas, as the Sleeping Beauty Castle is adorned with icicles and the Haunted Mission is decorated with   Nightmare Before Christmas .

If you love rides, one that you should not miss is  It’s A Small World  against a background of the Jingle Bells. It looks magical with thousands of lights.

Watch the holiday-themed parade, starting at  Its A Small World  and proceeding down Main Street, with the backdrop of lights along the main street. It is a dazzling show with many musicals, dances, Disney tunes, holiday songs, and special fireworks.

Gingerbread men and reindeer enjoy themselves alongside familiar Disney characters in the parade.

There are loads of delicious Christmas special delicacies waiting for you, whether it is the special bakes or the hot chocolate varieties.

Anaheim is also a hub for dining and shopping and has more to offer beyond Disney.

december road trip california

Check out the enormous Christmas tree in Town Square of Anaheim, decorated with exquisite ornaments.

You can enjoy musical performances and theatre at concert halls and check out downtown attractions.

If you want more theme parks, head to Knott’s Berry Farm and Legoland, also themed and decked up for Christmas.

To escape the largest crowds at Disneyland in December, planning your visit for the first two weeks of the month is best.

For Families

Hampton Inn & Suites Anaheim Resort   is a popular choice among families for its spacious suites perfect for a holiday.  Find more details here.

Another excellent choice for people with kids is  Residence Inn by Marriott at Anaheim Resort , which offers luxurious studios.  Check more here .

Hotels & Resorts

Best Western Plus Anaheim Inn , located 5 minutes walk to Disneyland Park’s main gate, is loved by families and couples.  Check out more about this lovely hotel here .

If you want relaxing resorts for your stay, I recommend  Hyatt House at Anaheim Resort , offering spacious rooms and excellent amenities.  Check more here .

Another hotel worth checking out is  The Westin Anaheim Resort , which has excellent reviews.   Book here .

Long Beach has plenty of fantastic things as it is a year-round destination loved by families and couples for many awesome things.

Long Beach remains one of California’s most underrated destinations yet the more giant neighbours, Los Angeles and Santa Monica get most of the attention.

It is one of the best places to visit in California in December with kids for a relaxing weekend getaway, thanks to plenty of green open spaces, pretty beaches, museums, a gorgeous waterfront lined with excellent restaurants and a vast string of bars and cafes.

There are many amazing free things to do in Long Beach  as well, a bonus in addition to the lower hotel prices and fewer crowds in December.

free activities in long beach ca

When the central attraction of a city is over 6 miles of sandy beaches, you are in for a fantastic beach holiday.

You can enjoy all the beach sports and head downtown to watch the display lights or the parade at the harbour. 

If you are with kids, do not miss visiting the Aquarium of the Pacific to view sea life up close. 

There are many fantastic restaurants along the waterfront offering special delicacies in December, and nearby Shoreline Village is a perfect addition for shopping at quaint shops.

If you want to stay close to the beach,  Hyatt Regency Long Beach is right across, offering king-sized rooms and family condos.  Find more here.

Residence Inn Long Beach Downtown , located downtown has excellent reviews and offers studios perfect for families.  Check more details here .

Residence by Marriott Inn Long Beach   features spacious studios and is a popular pick among couples.   Book here .

Another popular spot along the fantastic coast is Big Sur, a famous stop in the summer for families and adventure seekers for hiking, camping, biking, and gorgeous views.

Big Sur is one of the best places to visit in California in December if you want to skip the crowds, get amazing discounts on hotels and tours, and enjoy the splendid views without the infamous California fog.

Many people prefer a  road trip along Big Sur , which I highly recommend for an extended holiday and exploring loads of attractions easily accessible on the coast.

Despite its popularity, Big Sur is one of the country’s most extended stretches of untouched coastline against the gorgeous backdrops of the Pacific Ocean and the Saint Lucia Mountains.

Big Sur road trip map

You can choose from several hiking trails – whether to go beside the rocky cliffs along the ocean dotted with rustic beaches or walk through some of the densest forests home to gigantic towering redwood trees and hidden waterfalls.

I recommend doing a bit of both as you will be awed by the stark contrast of the beautiful landscapes located so close to each other.

Drive on Highway 1 or the Pacific Coast Highway winding along the coast to admire spectacular views of both land and sea. Stop at the iconic landmarks, including the gravity-defying Bixby Creek Bridge and Keyhole Rock.

December in Big Sur is also the prime time for spotting migrating marine life, including grey whales, dolphins, and elephant seals.

The hike to the pretty McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is a popular trail among outdoor lovers. Some trails here will open to coves and beach stretches, ideal for evening strolls.

december road trip california

If you want to splurge on a lavish stay, you will love the grand  Alila Ventana Big Sur ,  a favourite among couples. Apart from the magnificent property spanning hundreds of acres, you are treated with amenities from a spacious patio, spa, pools, and more.

The Big Sur Lodge , located in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, is a great choice.

Big Sur River Inn , known for its famous restaurant, also has fabulous rooms with great ambience and views.

If you want to enjoy one of the most beautiful coastal stretches in California minus the crowds, one of the best places to visit in California in December is Monterey.

This city, which draws thousands of beachgoers during the summer, looks a bit foggy and even cold during December, but it only creates a mystic ambience across these rugged cliffs, best enjoyed via a drive.

This famous beachside town is a perfect stop for those making the trip on the Pacific Highway 1 drive.

Although it feels slightly colder, the average temperature hovers around the mid-40s on the Peninsula, ideal for being outdoors.

Yosemite to Big Sur road trip

You will get to spot migrating whales while driving or hitting the beaches, as it is one of the best months for watching these gentle giants.

You can enjoy biking, kayaking, or spotting the migrant seals coming down to Mexico from Alaska.

Many hiking trails along the cliff open to fantastic views, including at the California State Parks south of Carmel or Point Lobos. Or you can drive to the many boutique wineries.

At night, do not miss to stroll through the streets of the historic Old town of Monterey to see the holiday lights at Christmas.

A must-stop is the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is a delight to both the adults and the kids. You will learn about the kelp forests and tide pools and watch jellyfish and penguins swimming.

Check out the Christmas on the Wharf decorations at the Aquarium, where you will see a pretty 30-foot Christmas tree decorated with vibrant sea creatures.

december road trip california

If you are in Monterey in mid-December, the Aquarium is the venue for the annual Christmas in the Adobes event, where you can check out more than 20 historic adobes dressed up for the holiday season.

Other popular things to do in Monterey include visiting Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row.

One of my favourite recommendations in Monterey is  Merritt House Hotel   for its cute and stylish interiors and its excellent location close to many attractions and famous restaurants.

Victorian Inn   on Foam street is worth your money as it is a lovely hotel located a stone’s throw away from the beach. The architecture and the interiors are a great and elegant combination of Victorian charm with modern conveniences, something to try out on your holiday.

Monterey Bay Inn  is the best choice to enjoy the stunning views of the beach and the coast from right across the room. Located on the coast of Monterey Bay, Monterey Bay Inn also houses a rooftop whirlpool and direct access to San Carlos Beach.

SANTA BARBARA

The American Riviera, Santa Barbara, is one of the famous beach towns throughout the year. 

The Central California coastal city has everything; whether it is a fun downtown, beautiful historical sights, unique Spanish architecture, farm-fresh food, and beautiful wineries or its many pretty beaches, you will find them all here.

Since Santa Barbara enjoys a Mediterranean climate, winters are very mild here. 

The average temperatures are in the 60s, pleasant for outdoor activities. Some rainy days may be in December, and the evenings can be colder, so carry a warm jacket with you.

So it is one of the best winter vacations in California if you are craving some sun without the fog.

You will be surprised how laid-back Santa Barbara is all year long, despite its many things for everyone.

warm places to visit in December California

Apart from these relaxing vibes, Santa Barbara is one of the best places to visit in California in December because the city gets prettier, and the Christmas spirits will enchant you with many fun activities, parades, and events.

The shopping areas are decorated with holiday lights, carol performances, and parades, with additional holiday markets selling wares and other unique souvenir items made by the local artisans.

If you are in Santa Barbara in early December, watch the colourful Holiday Parade on State Street. 

At Santa Barbara harbour, enjoy the Parade of Lights, where decorated boats cruise around against special fireworks in the sky.

You can enjoy holiday-themed concerts across many theatres in Santa Barbara, usually held throughout the month.

Did you know? Santa Barbara County, surrounded by the Santa Ynez Mountains, has more than 200 wineries and 150+ tasting rooms.

december road trip california

Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet, and Merlot are famous wines here. 

The best part is that the most famous tasting rooms are located in Funk Zone, within walking distance of the Presidio Neighborhood downtown.

You can find renowned names here, like Margerum Wine Company, Grassini Family Vineyards and Jamie Slone from boutique tasting rooms and breweries. 

Book a wine tasting tour to sample the best of Santa Barbara wines, where you will tour many vineyards. 

The best way to taste the local specialities is by going on a guided food tour in the city.

Other top things in Santa Barbara include surfing, whale watching, hiking, and exploring the historic architecture downtown.

One of the great landmarks is Stearns Wharf at the Santa Barbara Harbor, the West Coast’s oldest operating wharf.

Drive on the wooden wharf for stunning views of the Santa Barbara coastline and the Santa Ynez Mountains.

Stroll along the beach boardwalk, or watch a gorgeous sunset by taking a cruise tour. Go tide pooling with your kids at Carpinteria State Park. Admire the skyline of the city from the courthouse tower. 

For the best coverage of your time, I recommend taking a narrated trolley tour, which covers many attractions, including Old Mission Santa Barbara, the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, and Butterfly Beach.

Santa Barbara Inn  is a popular choice with excellent reviews, thanks to its location right across the beach and all the modern amenities.  Find more details here.

If you are looking for a luxurious stay, check out  El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel , offering sweeping Pacific Ocean views, located 5 minutes drive from Central Santa Barbara.  Find out more here .

If you want to experience a comfortable stay at a Victorian-era heritage building, quite popular among families, check out  Simpson House Inn , with excellent reviews.  Check more details here .

Cheshire Cat Inn & Cottages  is another recommended stay option.   Book here.

MAP OF THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN CALIFORNIA IN DECEMBER

Please note:  This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you).  Learn more .

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24 Best Places to Visit in California During Winter

Lake Tahoe looks spectacular even in the winter

Looking for winter vacation ideas in California?

California is a tourist’s paradise.

It is a state of diverse landscapes and climates that changes with every few hundred miles that you drive.

Winter in California has its own beauty: The crisp air, the crunchy snow under your feet, the deep blue skies above – it all beckons you!

Union Square is the heart of Christmas festivities in San Francisco

Also Read: 10 Days in California Road Trip Itinerary

With so many different landscapes and attractions, there are countless opportunities for adventure during the winter. 

From the beach towns of San Diego, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara to the snow capped mountains of Tahoe, there’s something for everyone.

Winter is also a great time to visit the Golden State because there’s less crowds and lower prices, but it can also be more challenging without the sun.

Some of the best places to visit in California in winter are the national parks. 

Beautiful winter scenery in Yosemite National Park, California

California has many beautiful National Parks and Preserves, with some being located near famous cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles and Palm Springs.

Many of these locations are perfect in winter, including Muir Woods National Monument (near San Fran), Joshua Tree National Park (near Palm Springs) or Sequoia National Forest (near LA).

Also Read: Best Things to do in California

Californian cities are not too far behind when it comes to California winter vacation ideas.

Holiday season brings up all the festive cheer and is an amazing time to enjoy the trendy neighborhoods of San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. 

Christmas lights on Balboa Island

Winter in California: Weather & Essential Travel Information

California in December can be warm and sunny or freezing, depending on where you are going. 

Much of southern California except for high elevations and the coast of central California have a very mild winter and sunny skies throughout the season. 

The water will be cold for a swim but you can enjoy relaxing on the beach and excursions like whale watching. 

The weather is perfect for hiking in the California deserts and along the coast. 

For higher elevation areas like Lake Tahoe or Sierra Nevadas, several inches of snow is the norm. 

You can enjoy snow activities like skiing, snowshoeing, and building a snowman.

These are the perfect places to visit for a picture perfect White Christmas in California. 

Sand snowman on the beach in Southern California

If you are planning to drive, expect the roads to be icy and prep the car for low temperatures. 

The northern coast will be a mix of all: you can have a smattering of snow or even clear sunny skies on the beach or foggy mornings in the redwoods. 

Plan a trip here if you want to have something of everything!

Tips to book your winter getaways in California

California winter vacations can be expensive if you wait till the last minute to book your trip. 

Also they will be more expensive if you travel during the peak holiday season from Christmas to New Year. 

Most of the destinations on this list also make excellent places to visit in January in California or even February, so try scheduling an off peak getaway to enjoy better rates and deals. 

Book your vacation 3 to 4 months in advance for the best discounts. For California travel in December, try to have everything booked by the end of fall. 

If planning a last minute vacation, look for shorter duration and less touristy places for better rates. 

Charming Christmas decor and photo ops can be found throughout the state

Best Winter Vacations in California

There is no doubt that California is the best place to live in during winter, but it’s also a great place to visit! 

The best places to visit in California in winter vary depending on where you are going and what you want to do. 

The state has some great destinations for winter travel in California—whether it’s skiing at Mammoth Mountain or camping near Big Sur.

If you’re looking for some new winter destinations in California to go this year, then look no further than these must-see spots.

Here are our best places to visit in December in California:

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is home to some of the most iconic landscapes in America. 

The park also has amazing wildlife.

Visitors can often spot bears, deer, and bighorn sheep in the park. 

Yosemite Valley Tunnel View in the winter

The park is open all-year round and has plenty of hiking trails that make it worth visiting in the cold. 

The scenery of this national park is just breathtaking in all seasons, but in December and January you’ll be able to witness the snow capped mountains that surround the picturesque Yosemite Valley. 

If you go on a day with clear skies, you can see Half Dome from many different angles – including up close at Mirror Lake.

Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy the park’s fantastic views in the winter months with fewer crowds.

Also Read:  Los Angeles to Yosemite Road Trip Itinerary

Pacific Coast Highway near Big Sur is the most scenic drive in the world

If you are visiting the Central Coast and want to explore its wilderness, then this is the place for you.

The name “Big Sur” comes from a Spanish phrase meaning “Big South.”

Big Sur offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean along with breathtaking hikes through redwood groves. 

You will find waterfalls, sea caves, sea stacks, and marine life sightings including gray whale, seal, and sea otter in Big Sur . 

The best way to explore this area is by taking a drive on Highway 1 or the Pacific Coast Highway, as it winds along the coast and offers spectacular views of both land and sea.

In winter, you will get a different perspective of this beautiful place away from the crowds.

McWay Falls, Big Sur, California

Looking for am amazing place to visit in California in winter? Try San Diego!

San Diego , California is a major tourist destination for people who want to explore the Southern California coastline. 

The city boasts of year round sunshine and is one of the most popular winter destinations in the US.

Christmas decorations in Old San Diego Town California

It also happens to be one of the warmest place in California in December.

The city has deep roots in history and culture that are still visible today in attractions such as the Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park architecture, and Cabrillo National Monument.

Because of its pretty beaches and nearby coastal communities like La Jolla and Coronado Island, San Diego makes a fun winter weekend getaway in California. 

San Diego, California, downtown skyline

Huntington Beach

The oceanside town of Huntington Beach is located in Orange County, California and enjoys a mild climate year round.

It’s home to an amusement pier with a historic carousel and the site of the annual Surf City USA Surfing Championships. 

Huntington Beach offers visitors an endless array of activities including biking along scenic beaches, fishing at Bolsa Chica State Park, or taking a stroll through Downtown’s historic Main Street district.

Huntington Beach also has plenty of local shops and restaurants as well as activities for outdoor enthusiasts including surfing lessons, kayaking trips, and fishing charters.

Pacific Ocean and the pier at sunset in Huntington Beach, California

Paso Robles

Paso Robles, a small city in Central California, is a beautiful hidden gem. 

It is known for its wine country and has become an increasingly popular destination for tourists in recent years.

Apart from the wineries, Paso Robles is also home to mild winter, beautiful scenery, museums, and variety of recreational activities.

Wineries near paso Robles in Central California

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is located near the California-Nevada border and is renowned for its desolate landscapes and superlative scenery. 

Personally, Death Valley is amongst our favorite winter vacation spots in California.

Scenic road to Death Valley National park, California

It is the largest national park in mainland USA and comprises landscape covered by salt flats, sand dunes, mountains, valleys and dry lake beds.

It is one of the most extreme and hostile environments on Earth.

The temperature inside Death Valley can reach up to 134 degrees Fahrenheit (57 Celsius) in the summer and there are no trees whatsoever to provide shade. 

This makes winter an ideal time for visitors to explore Death Valley without the intense heat. 

Badlands view from Zabriskie Point in Death Valley National Park at Dusk, California

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park are located in the southern Sierra Nevada mountain range and are home to some of the largest living things on earth. 

The two parks are located adjacent to each other and considered a single unit. 

This Land of Giants has a variety of landscapes including old growth forests, meadows, streams, lakes, waterfalls, and breathtaking granite cliffs.

Roads in Kings Canyon National Park in winter

The parks are amongst top places to go in California in winter for nature lovers.

The towering sequoia trees are a sight to behold and it’s hard not to feel tiny and insignificant when you’re surrounded by them. 

Visitors can explore Sequoia National Park on hiking trails or take the scenic drive through Kings Canyon National Park for an unforgettable experience.

The famous General Sherman Tree hiking trail is open in winter for those who want to see this 275 feet tall giant. 

There is no better time to visit Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks than in winter. The sequoias trees look grand when blanketed by the fresh snow. 

However be prepared for slippery roads and icy conditions.

General Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park during the winter

Lake Arrowhead

Lake Arrowhead is a beautiful mountain lake that draws visitors and locals alike.

Located at an elevation of 5174 feet in Southern California, Lake Arrowhead offers a host of winter recreation activities.

It can be very cold, but it has a lot to offer. You can enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or ice fishing on your trip.

Newport Beach

Miles of pristine white sand beaches and clear blue surf are waiting at Newport Beach – one of the most popular winter destinations on the Southern California coast. 

Located in Orange County, California, Newport Beach is ​perfect for swimming, surfing or fishing.

Visitors can also enjoy the many shops and restaurants along Newport’s piers or spend an afternoon strolling through pretty Balboa Island.

Beautiful homes near Newport Beach, California

If you want to get into the holiday spirit, there’s no better way than to visit Lake Tahoe in northern California. 

With snow-covered trees, icy mountain peaks, and sparkling lakes, it’s a winter wonderland that leaves visitors enchanted. 

Families and couples love to enjoy the brisk air of this idyllic landscape.

Lake Tahoe looks spectacular even in the winter

Visitors can enjoy activities such as skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, sledding on frozen lakes, or simply take in all of the beauty of the area.

Tourists can drive around the lake for a winter road trip or spend time exploring more of what South Lake Tahoe has to offer like hiking trails, ski resorts, and even casinos on the Nevada side.

For budget travelers, Lake Tahoe is one of the best places to visit in California in January after the holiday crowds have gone away.

Ski in the view of Lake Tahoe in winter

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a beautiful oasis in southern California. 

The park is located over the Colorado and Mojave desert and features a variety of desert landscapes including palms, cacti, ocotillos, and the iconic Joshua Tree –  a type of yucca.

Visitors enjoy exploring the many cultural and geological attractions within the park including Native American heritage, petroglyphs, a view of the San Andreas Faultline, and historic mining sites. 

Joshua Tree Landscape

Napa Valley Wine Country 

For couples looking to spend a romantic winter in California, consider wine tasting in the Napa Valley. 

The Napa Valley Wine Country is a top destination for wine lovers from all over the world. 

The valley, which stretches across California’s North Coast and encompasses California’s most prestigious vineyards, welcomes millions of visitors annually.

Napa downtown is one of the most romantic places to visit in California

Visitors to Napa Valley are often overwhelmed by the sheer number of vineyards in the area. 

Visitors can indulge in wine tasting, tour the wineries, and admire the striking architecture in Napa Valley. 

The Napa Valley Wine Country offers something for everyone, including lavish resorts, spas, golf courses, historical sites, and even activities for kids.

The Napa Valley Sign in Napa California

For the ultimate northern California road trip in winter, consider driving up the coast to the charming city of Mendocino. 

Mendocino, a small coastal city in Northern California, is known for its natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere. 

Downtown Mendocino is a charming place with its Victorian architecture, historic buildings, brick paved sidewalks, and beautiful gardens.

The Mendocino coast, stretching from Fort Bragg to Point Arena, is lined with rugged cliffs, bluffs, and picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean.

The coast line here is spectacular: the waves crash and foam against the coastal cliffs at high tide.

Santa Cruz Natural Bridges State Beach

Also Read: Northern California Road Trip Itinerary

Mount Shasta

If you’re looking for a winter destination, consider Mount Shasta City located in Northern California. 

Mount Shasta City is one of the few places in California that has a true winter wonderland. 

Snowfall in Mount Shasta and its surrounding areas is pretty heavy and perfect for a variety of winter activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, ice climbing, and more.  

The city can be easily reached in a day trip from Redding or Sacramento, making it a popular winter vacation destination for those in the Bay area.

Mount Shasta and Heart Lake is very scenic and great for nature lovers

Mammoth Mountain

The best place to visit in California during winter season is Mammoth Mountain Ski Area. 

This ski resort town has more than 300 inches of snow every year and it offers some of the most breathtaking views.

There’s lots of winter activities for tourists including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, sledding and snow fun for the entire family.

The area along with the community of Mammoth Lakes is California’s most popular ski getaway and among the best places to go in California in December. 

Frozen Convict Lake surrounded by mountains on a winter day;

San Francisco

San Francisco is one of the most popular and beautiful cities in California. 

It is famous for its world-class attractions, rich cultural history, and an incredible culinary scene. 

Visit attractions such as the Golden Gate Bridge , Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf, Lombard Street, and Chinatown.

December is our favorite time to visit San Francisco for all the holiday activities. 

San Francisco City Hall decorated for Christmas

See the Christmas tree in Union Square, drink hot chocolate at Ghirardelli Square, and see the beautiful lights all over downtown for an epic California winter vacation. 

Also Read: San Francisco Winter Vacation Itinerary Ideas

San Francisco street cars look charming during the holidays

The Monterey coastline offers a lot of breathtaking views and scenic spots in the summer, but what about winter?

This is one of the best times to visit Monterey though the ocean will be cold and the coast foggy. 

The drive down Highway 1 is beautiful in winter. Monterey itself is a delight. Whale watching is abundant. 

You will find trees glowing with holiday lights at Christmas, lots of holiday activities for kids, and off season hotel rates. 

A must stop is the Monterey Bay Aquarium – you can see the jellyfish and enjoy penguins swimming in their habitat.

Also consider a trip to Pacific Grove to enjoy its beautiful beaches and monarch butterfly garden. 

Beach hiking trails in Monterey California

Los Angeles

No list of best places to visit in December in California can be complete without Los Angeles: the City of Angels.

Los Angeles is a city that is known for its glamour and Hollywood. 

It offers many opportunities to tourists and visitors, from excellent shopping to the chance to meet celebrities on Sunset Boulevard.

Venice canals at Christmas in Los Angeles

Visit the Hollywood sign or enjoy dinner at one of the best restaurants in America. Enjoy the thrill rides at the Santa Monica pier and enjoy the canals at Venice Beach. 

Enjoy the view from Griffith Observatory or see the stunning museums on Miracle Mile. Whatever you choose to do, your Los Angeles winter getaway will be fabulous!

Also Read: 2 Days in Los Angeles Itinerary Ideas

Christmas decoration in Griffith park trail at Los Angeles

Anaheim is the home of Disney! For several families, visiting Disney in the winter holidays is a rite of passage. 

Attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is one of the best things to do in California in December. 

However, the two theme parks of Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, as well as the Downtown Disney District is just one of many attractions in Anaheim. 

Anaheim has a variety of family-friendly activities for the whole family including other theme parks such as Knott’s Berry Farm and Legoland. 

From sports arenas and concert halls to museums and theaters, there are plenty of fun things to do in Anaheim.

Anaheim is also a hub for dining and shopping and one of the best places to visit in California in December. 

Monterey Bay Marina at night, at Christmas time.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is known as ‘The American Riviera’ and has been voted amongst America’s Top Beach Cities. 

The city enjoys a Mediterranean climate and winters are very mild here – making it the best winter vacation in California for sun lovers.

Dolphin Christmas light decorations light the entrance to Santa Barbara harbor at night.

Santa Barbara offers something for everyone from surfing to whale watching, shopping to hiking.

There are many things you can do in Santa Barbara such as exploring the historic architecture in downtown, walking on the beach boardwalk, tide pooling at Carpinteria State Park, or a sunset cruise around the harbor.

Do not forget to visit the beautiful Mission Santa Barbara or admire the view from the courthouse tower. 

Enjoy snowshoeing on Lake Tahoe in winter

Palm Springs

The resort city of Palm Springs has been the most popular winter getaway for Californians since decades. 

There are many reasons to visit Palm Springs including amazing shopping  and mid century modern architecture, but most people come for the sparkling waterfalls, mineral pools, and soothing massage jets. 

If you’re looking for something more relaxing than an amusement park or theme park this should be your list.

There are also plenty of hiking trails nearby as well as other recreational opportunities such as fishing, ATV riding, or horseback riding. 

Palm Springs California in amazing to visit in December

Santa Cruz is one of the top hotspots for those looking for California December vacations along the coast. 

It is home to the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Here you can find rides for all ages including roller coasters, ferris wheels, and arcade games. 

Santa Cruz Beach is also a major attraction. Explore the tide pools or swim or read a book while enjoying the sunshine.

You’ll be in close proximity to scenic walking trails, redwood trees, golf courses, and miles of coastal bluffs, making the city perfect for outdoor lovers and California winter getaways.. 

Santa Cruz Boardwalk at Sunset, California

Big Bear Lake

When it comes to snow places in California, Big Bear Lake is an underrated gem!

Big Bear Lake in Southern California is surrounded by snow-covered mountains and is favorite for snow lovers in the Los Angeles area. 

Big Bear Lake has plenty of things to do in the winter, from skiing to ice fishing. 

Big Bear Lake, California on a snowy day

The lake freezes over late November through January so that means lots of opportunities for ice skating, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and more!

Unique activities include snowboarding or horseback riding through the snowy trails or taking a sleigh ride around the lake. 

California Winter Road Trip

If you are like us and can’t spend all your holidays in one place, then consider an epic California Winter Road trip!

Sun lovers can plan a Pacific Coast Highway road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles . 

Pacific Coast Highway near Santa Monica

Or consider a Southern California road trip from San Diego to Joshua Tree via Borrego Springs, Salvation Mountain, Salton Sea, and Bombay Beach. 

Snow lovers can road trip the northern coast on california, see majestic redwoods, and end the vacation skiing in Mount Shasta. Or visit Yosemite Valley in the winter on your way to Lake Tahoe. 

The options for a California road trip in winter are really endless! Read our post on best road trips in California for more ideas. 

December in California is the perfect time to go whale watching near Monterey

California in December Packing List

Here’s a comprehensive packing list for California vacations in December. 

For sunny destinations and beach winter getaways, pack swimsuits, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Take a pair of water shoes or flip flops.

For winter snow destinations, take warm travel jackets and accessories including snow boots, gloves, hats, and scarves. You can take your own ski / snowshoe gear or rent at destination. 

Read our post on Ultimate California Packing List to pack your bags. 

Holidays are over, but it’s never too late to enjoy the beautiful California winter destinations. 

Big Bear Lake panoramic views in winter

We hope you liked our post on Places to go in California in December. What are your favorite California winter destinations?

Where are you planning to spend winter in California this year? 

The 20 Best Places to Visit in California in December

Lake Tahoe is one of the best places to visit in California in December - as seen from the Heavenly Gondola

Whether sledding down a desert dune or through a snowy winter wonderland, there are some amazing places to visit in California in December. You can find magical travel destinations in all directions, and this list of the best places to visit reflects the state’s natural beauty and mind-boggling diversity. 

Holiday decorations and festivals add a special glow to our favorite winter destinations. From tree lightings to art installations, it’s not hard to find the perfect winter escape for your family. And if one thing unifies the following destinations, it’s that Californians love s’mores around a campfire!

Read on to find the perfect destination for your family’s December getaway!

Things are changing fast – make sure to double-check what’s open before your trip. And be sure to follow all local guidelines to keep yourself and others safe!

Also, we use affiliate links to keep our blog free for you to read and to pay for the occasional pizza night. If you purchase through a link on our page, we might receive a small commission at no cost to you.

Where to go in California in December with Kids?

When I started this list, I was thinking of places to visit for families, but each could make an epic couples or girlfriend getaway too. After all, there’s nothing like December to bring out the kid in each of us.

We hope that you gain ideas and inspiration for your next winter escape here. And for a visual guide, check out the map here. All the locations below are color-coded by region: Southern California (red), the California Desert (orange), the Sierra Nevada (green), the Central Coast (aqua), the Bay Area (blue), Wine Country (purple), Gold Country (yellow), and the Shasta Cascades (brown).

In the post, I start in Southern California and zig-zag my way north to the Cascades.

Happy exploring!

California Weather in December

Given that this list of places to visit in California in December is literally all over the map, you’ll find that there is no such thing as “California weather” in December. As a general guideline though, late fall is a great time for travel because you escape most of the seasonal extremes. 

December is the perfect time to visit the deserts. We visited Death Valley National Park in early December last year. The sunny days we enjoyed were around 70 degrees, perfect for running around and exploring.

In the mountains, early snowfalls will likely have begun, though this varies each year. On average, Tahoe gets about 75 inches of snow in December. You may come across some snowfall (we’re hoping to this year!), but you also have a good chance of skiing the slopes in the sunshine.

And speaking of sunshine, California’s coastal towns are much less foggy in December. On a nice day, you can enjoy stunning clear blue skies from Monterey to Mendocino.

1. San Diego in December

Bonfires on the Beach in front of the Hotel del Coronado make San Diego a great place to visit in California in December

San Diego is a wonderful city for a family escape year-round, but it’s an awesome place to visit in California in December. December adds a bit more sparkle to the many fun things to do there. With the weather rarely falling below 60, it’s easy to enjoy San Diego’s many activities even in the winter.

During the first weekend of December, Balboa Park transforms into a twinkle-light-filled wonderland during the December Nights Festival . Full of food, fun, and free museums, the event attracts a  crowd every year.

Elsewhere in the park,  Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo offers decorations, displays, and entertainment near your favorite animals. A quick stroll away, families enjoy the Old Globe’s annual performance of the Grinch Who Stole Christmas , now a 20-year-old tradition.

San Diego is a beach city, so it’s no surprise that for the past 50 years, boats have taken to the Harbor to celebrate. The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights takes place around San Diego Harbor on two December Sundays.

One of my favorite places to be in San Diego anytime is Coronado Island. In December the famous Hotel Del Coronado is all dressed up for the season with snowy surprises and an ice skating rink with views of the beach and ocean. Warm up with hot cocoa and snacks when you reserve a rink-side fire pit at the Frostbite lounge. If you can get away, make time to experience the one-of-a-kind celebration that is Holidays at Legoland in nearby Carlsbad.

WHERE TO STAY

I’ve noticed that I don’t feel like I’m on vacation in San Diego until we arrive at the beach in front of the Hotel del Coronado . And staying in a cottage at the Beach Village during the holidays is near the top of my California bucket list.

Besides easy access to the ice rink, guests and visitors can enjoy holiday movies on the beach and a private beach bonfire complete with s’mores and Santa hats. Guests can even schedule a special delivery by the hotel’s “elves.”

2. Los Angeles in December

Holiday fun on the beach in LA

We love a good holiday movie. After every Thanksgiving, we bring out our list of favorite movies to watch throughout the season. So where better to make holiday movie magic come to life than Hollywood?

If you’re in town the Sunday after Thanksgiving, be sure to catch the Hollywood Christmas Parade . The famous event offers something for parade lovers: floats, celebrities, bands, giant balloons, and of course, a visit by Santa Claus. Reserved grandstand seating is available, or you can watch for free throughout the parade route.

Some of my favorite childhood memories of LA were family trips to Universal Studios . I loved seeing the magic behind some of my favorite movies, and my dad could always be counted on to volunteer for one of those interactive shows!  During the holiday season, Universal transforms thanks to Grinchmas and Christmas in Hogsmeade . It might be that bit of holiday movie magic that you’ve been looking for.

If you’re more into the small screen, Warner Brothers also offers holiday-themed studio tours. I’m keeping my eye out to see when the next Friendsgiving or Holiday in Stars Hollow experience will be offered! 

Outside of movie magic, LA’s endless options for family fun make it an ideal place to visit in California in December. Take a holiday train ride through the Griffith Park Holiday Light Festival , wander through LA Zoo’s Wild Wonderland of Light , or venture out to Logan’s Candies for Candy Cane Making Demonstrations in Ontario. In the Los Angeles area, there is no shortage of options for winter fun.

Located in the heart of Hollywood, the Roosevelt Hotel provides its guests with a unique and memorable stay. This is your chance to experience Hollywood history first hand! Built in 1927, The Tower once housed Clark Gable and Carole Lombard. Marilyn Monroe called The Cabanas home in the 1950s.

The Tower is best suited for families, as The Cabanas are steps from the hotel’s famous pool and cafe, still popular and open until 2 AM!

3. Big Bear in December

Family Tubing at Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain, top activity on a Big Bear Winter Itinerary

Three hours from Los Angeles, Big Bear is one of Southern California’s favorite year-round mountain escapes. It’s a great place to visit in California in December, especially for those looking to add some snow to their holiday festivities.

Snow Mountain is one of the area’s most family-friendly skiing and snowboarding spots. Families also enjoy outdoor screenings of holiday movies during Movies in the Meadow and high-speed tubing on Grizzly Ridge Tubing Park’s groomed lanes.

Unique to Big Bear is California’s only bobsled experience, the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain . Start with a scenic chairlift ride, and then navigate down in an individually controlled sled on a cement track. You can go as fast or slow as you want! Other activities at Magic Mountain include go-karts , mini-golf , the Mineshaft mountain coaster , and Soaring Eagle .

If there’s enough natural snow on the ground, give snowshoeing a try. Action Tours leads tours for all levels, ages 10+, which can help you get the basics down and find the best local areas. If there’s not enough snow yet, they also lead zipline tours and a ropes course for ages 8 and up.

When you’re over the mountains and snow, take a cruise on Big Bear Lake with Santa. The paddle-wheeler known as Miss Liberty has “Sail with Santa” excursions each Saturday before Christmas in December.

Check out all our tips for planning an unforgettable Big Bear getaway .

As we were finishing up our Big Bear Village stroll,  BlueGreen Vacations Club at Big Bear Village caught my eye. Condos at this resort range from 2-4 bedrooms and come with location, comfort, and family-friendly amenities. People book these far in advance! Make a reservation asap if there’s availability during your preferred dates.

4. Riverside in December

Riverside in December centers around the Mission Inn's Festival of Lights

You may not find Riverside on every list of places to visit in California in December. But I’m a sucker for holiday lights. And you can’t get many more holiday lights than you’ll find at the Mission Inn in December.

During December, the Mission Inn is lit up with about 3 MILLION holiday lights and 400 animated figures during its Festival of Lights . The lights at this historic hotel turn every day at 5 PM, offering passers-by a bit of holiday magic. In past years, festivities have also included horse-drawn carriage rides and street vendors. Nearby Main Street has a miniature train, carousel, and Ferris wheel.

Restaurants have started to offer holiday treats to enjoy while taking in the scene. The Gingerbread Shop is right across the street. Head here for delicious desserts including cinnamon rolls, apple crisp, and, of course, gingerbread cake and gingerbread men. The latter can be found peeking out from their fancy hot beverages.

If your little ones love the Polar Express as much as ours do, take a short drive from Riverside to Perris, CA where you’ll find the Southern California Polar Express Train Ride . Passengers take a magical one-hour trip to the North Pole set to the movie soundtrack. Enjoy delicious hot chocolate served by dancing waiters and settle in for a reading of the classic story.

This one’s pretty obvious.  A stay at the Mission Inn for the Festival of Lights may not be a tranquil relaxing getaway. But you’ll also get an inside look at the lights and decorations from every corner of the famous hotel.

Guests love to view the lights reflecting off the water in the pool and the holiday decor everywhere. Just know that there will be crowds and all that you’d expect when staying in the heart of a holiday festival!

5. Orange County in December

Festival of Lights at WinterFest OC

The “OC” pulls out all the stops during the holiday season. Newport Beach, Dana Point, Huntington Beach, and San Juan Capistrano keep their towns aglow all December making the region a top place to visit in California in December.

Newport Beach is known for its Christmas Boat Parade , when more than 100 decorated sailboats, yachts, and even kayaks cruise along the waterfront. The town has been continuing the tradition for over 100 years now. View the parade from the Balboa Village Fun Zone , or get on the water yourself with Newport Landing Cruises .

Newport’s boat parade takes place over five nights, but if you miss it you can still enjoy a Holiday Lights Cruise to see the town’s “ring of lights” from the water. You can also catch holiday boat parades and light cruises nearby in Dana Point and Huntington Harbour .

Winter Fest is held at the OC Fair and Convention Grounds in Costa Mesa. Visitors can play hockey at the Anaheim Ducks Village, browse the World’s Largest Candy Maze at Yowie’s Sweet Shoppe, play at an Alpine Village with tubing slide and snow play areas, and even get a chance to spy Santa flying overhead with his reindeer.

Further south, families love Capistrano Lights at the Mission San Juan Capistrano . The Mission offers festive programming and nightly tree lighting for 30 days. Having been raised Catholic, I’ve been to many California missions. This was the first I’ve ever paid admission to visit. Though the chapel still has services, it feels more like a history museum and is interesting to view in this context. 

Of course, I have to mention Anaheim’s star attraction. But I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you about the Holiday Experiences at Disneyland!

The Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach & Resort is an awesome spot for families to stay in Orange County. There’s plenty for families to do with multiple heated pools, a kids club, beach bonfires, bikes to rent, and a bridge that crosses over the PCH to the beach.

And nothing says holidays at the beach like the sandcastle they display in their lobby every holiday season!

6. Death Valley National Park in December

December Sledding: trading in the snow for sand dunes at Death Valley National Park

We made our first trip to Death Valley in December. The weather was mild and sunny, allowing for full days of fun adventuring. If you’re looking for a unique escape from the cold, Death Valley makes a perfect place to visit in California in December.

During our quick trip, we sledded down the Mesquite Sand Dunes , wandered through Badwater Basin (at noon), and explored Golden Canyon and the Red Cathedral .

We also rented a Jeep from Farabee’s because we weren’t very mobile in our RV. A few hours in, and we wished we had more time to explore further out. Titus Canyon , Tea Kettle Junction, and the Racetrack Playa are definitely on the list for our next visit to the park.

Our visit didn’t have a single thing to do with the holidays. We just wanted a place to travel in December without crowds. Or tire chains. We were giving RV’ing a try, and it was a perfect place to do so.

Check out our full guide to Death Valley in December here.

We camped in the Furnace Creek Campground during our stay. Though the site offered little privacy and we were close to our neighbors, we had a good time trying out the whole RV thing there.

If camping isn’t your jam, a stay at the Inn at Death Valley will take your stay to a whole new level. A classic Hollywood hideaway that once hosted stars like Marlon Brando, Clark Gable, and Carole Lombard, the Inn was recently restored to its former glory days. The spring-fed pool is always 87-degrees, so make some time to enjoy a fresh December dip after a day of exploring.

7. Palm Springs in December

Santa Rex at the Cabazon Dinosaurs

As with Death Valley, December in Palm Springs offers warm sunny days that are more pleasant than most other times of the year. But unlike Death Valley, there’s plenty here to get you into the holiday spirit.

The season kicks off with the Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade , which has been held on the first Saturday of December since the early 1990s. Floats coated in holiday lights and giant floating balloons keep visitors coming back year after year.

About 20 minutes outside of town is the Cabazon Dinosaurs , a fun roadside attraction that features one of the largest manmade dinosaur sculptures in the world. There’s a gift shop in the belly of the apatosaurus, and visitors can climb up into the head of Mr. Rex. In 2020, the dinosaurs were freshly painted to celebrate each season. In December, Mr. Rex transformed into Santa Rex! It may be a little gimmicky, but I loved the concept and hope it continues through 2021!

One of the great things about Palm Springs is that in addition to the amazing desert weather, you can also hop on the Aerial Tramway and find snow on Mt. San Jacinto ! Mt. San Jacinto gets about 25 inches of snow in December. It’s not exactly Tahoe, but it can still make for an exciting day of snow near the desert.

For another type of outdoor adventure, drive under an hour to Joshua Tree National Park . You can see some great Joshua Tree sights in a day, including the Cholla Cactus Garden, the Hidden Valley Trail, and some beautiful sunset sights.

Palm Springs has some awesome family-friendly vacation rentals, like this mid-century modern house with a hot tub and pool.

If you’re looking for a hotel stay, consider the La Quinta Resort & Club . Every December the resort transforms into a winter wonderland with desert style. From breakfast with Santa to outdoor holiday movie screenings complete with s’mores, there’s holiday fun here for the whole family.

8. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks in December

Base of the General Grant Tree_Kings Canyon National Park

I love those beautiful photos of sequoias in the snow, with their red bark striking a stunning contrast to snowy white. With flat and easy trails to some of the park’s best-known sites,  Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are both great places to visit in California in December. Both offer opportunities for snow play in spectacular settings.

In Sequoia National Park, Wolverton Meadow is 2 miles north of  General Sherman, the largest tree in the world. This is a popular family spot for sledding, snowman building, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. 

On weekends, park rangers and naturalists offer guided snowshoe walks nearby for ages 10+.

In Kings Canyon National Park, the Big Stump snow play area is a great place to play with sledding hills and more. Park rangers lead snowshoe walks five miles away in Grant Grove. The walks average about two hours and allow access into areas where you’d otherwise sink in the snow. Finish your snow day with a cup of hot cocoa near the fireplace in John Muir Lodge .

The General Grant Tree in Kings Canyon is the second largest tree in the world. It was also designated as the nation’s Christmas Tree in 1926. From that year forward, on the second Sunday in December at 2:30 in the afternoon, the Sanger Chamber of Commerce organizes a “Trek to the Tree.” The National Park joins in the celebration by placing a giant wreath at the base of the tree.

In winter, the road that connects the two parks may be impassable. It usually closes in January, but it’s worth knowing that you might have to drive back down to the foothills if you plan to visit both parks. Check road conditions before you go.

In Kings Canyon, the Grant Grove cabins are clustered in the Grant Grove Village . This is a convenient base within walking distance of Grant Grove. Like many National Park accommodations, they offer a rustic experience and some have shared bathrooms. Make sure you note your cabin’s features before you book! If you’re a national park history buff you might appreciate the stand-alone “Honeymoon Cabin” (Cabin 9). Built in 1910, it’s the oldest structure still standing in the Village.

Over in Sequoia National Park, the Wukaschi Lodge is the most popular place to stay. Like Grant Grove Cabins, the main draw here is the convenient location. Guests also appreciate the lodge’s stunning setting and the common area’s warm fire throughout the winter months.

9. Mammoth Mountain in December

Mammoth Mountain Ski Lift

Mammoth Mountain is one of those spots in the Eastern Sierra that looks close to many cities but takes about 4 hours from every direction. Thanks to its remote location, it’s free from the over-development that other mountain communities have experienced and is set in beautiful natural surroundings.

Consider the drive as part of the journey. Pack up some limes , and make time to stop and admire the beauty of the Eastern Sierras along the way. The feel of escaping to a winter wonderland makes Mammoth one of the best places to visit in California in December.

The ski resorts are central to winter fun, with lessons offered for ages 3 and up. June Mountain is a particularly good spot for families with 1,500 acres of less crowded slopes, an easy-going atmosphere, and awesome views of the surrounding peaks and lakes. Lift tickets are free for kids under 12.

Other popular snow options include snowshoeing along the Lakes Basin , a fancy Snowcat Tour to Minaret Vista, and playing at Woolly’s Tubing Park .

When you’re ready to get out of the snow, take a scenic gondola ride to the Mammoth Mountain summit at 11,053 feet. Snap your photos at the summit sign before enjoying a scenic lunch at the Eleven53 Cafe. Up to 2 kids (12 and under) ride free with each paying adult.

If you’re in town during the annual Night of Lights celebration at Canyon Lodge, enjoy a free family-friendly event with music, a parade, kids’ activities, snowmobiling, tubing, and a fireworks show that illuminates the beautiful Sierra sky.

Located in the heart of Mammoth, the Village Lodge is a popular family-friendly Condo-hotel.

When traveling as a family, we try to make as many of our own meals as possible, and having a full kitchen makes all the difference in the world. On top of that, you also get awesome amenities like a heated pool, hot tubs, fire pits, and help with lift tickets and other local activities.

And you can’t beat the location, steps from the Village shopping, entertainment, and direct gondola access to the slopes.

10. Yosemite in December

december road trip california

Our first visit to Yosemite was planned for the weekend after Thanksgiving. We expected crisp and cool weather perfect for hiking but there was a sudden snow dump the day before we arrived. We decided to go ahead with our visit and were rewarded with a true winter wonderland. Yosemite in the snow is gorgeous!  It’s now one of my top places to visit in California in December.

During our trip, we enjoyed a tour with Yosemite Family Adventures . Our guide convinced us to try snowshoeing on the trail to a frozen Bridalveil Falls. My mom was hesitant, but we all gave it a try and loved it. After, JJ had a great time sledding down the hills nearby.

That day we also took some of my favorite photos at Tunnel View and enjoyed a perfect lunch and some warm-up time by the fire at the Ahwahnee. We capped off the day building snow forts with amazing views at El Cap Meadow . And we barely scratched the surface!

Next time we visit in the winter, I’m going to take a spin on the Curry Village Ice Skating Rink , an open-air rink with Half Dome as a backdrop. Badger Pass also opens in mid-December, offering a chance to ski, snowboard, or go tubing, right in the middle of Yosemite.

Read more about our favorite Yosemite family adventures in every season here.

december road trip california

During our winter trip, we stayed in the Explorer Cabins at Tenaya Lodge . We always enjoy having our own space and appreciated the small living room with a fireplace. It was the perfect way to relax after a long day in the park and made for an easy way to get outside for snowman building the next morning

The main lodge was beautifully decorated for the holidays. You get to most of the lodge amenities here, and can also enjoy activities like ice skating and gingerbread house building. While we enjoyed visiting, it felt a bit too crowded for me to want to stay at that part of the lodge. And that was pre-COVID!

If you stay at Tenaya Lodge, give the concierge a call before you go. There were several activities offered for families that I wanted to join, but most were already full when we arrived. As with anything near Yosemite, planning ahead is helpful!

11. Lake Tahoe in December

The Tubing Carousel at Soda Springs Mountain Adventure

Ah, Lake Tahoe. Like many of us from the Bay Area, I’ve been visiting Lake Tahoe for as long as I can remember. But my family wasn’t big on skiing, so I didn’t take my first lesson until I was an adult. Then I pretty much failed my lessons and remain fairly terrified of skiing today. But I still love a good snowy day near Lake Tahoe.

If you want to give skiing or snowboarding a try, Diamond Peak in Incline Village is a great option for families. It’s a little more under the radar than the other big resorts, and lift tickets are free for kids 6 and under. If you’re traveling with a toddler, you can also take advantage of interchangeable tickets for parents.

For another take on family snow fun, check out Soda Springs Mountain Adventure . My boys loved playing at Planet Kids, which is for little ones under 7. First off, you arrive in an open-air jeep snow-vehicle, which was a big win for the boys in and of itself. Their favorite activity was the tubing carousel. We couldn’t get them off of it! We’re hoping that they’ll take a bit more advantage of the tubing hill and ski/snowboard learning zone when we go again this year. For older kids, there’s also Tube Town and, of course, the slopes.

Fun options for families that don’t involve ski slopes include a scenic ride on the Heavenly Gondola or Squaw Valley Aerial Tramway , honest-to-goodness sleigh rides , dog sledding , and ice skating . And that’s only scratching the surface!

Getting cozy at a Tahoe cabin is one of the reasons Tahoe tops my list of places to visit in California in December. There are options for every taste, style, and budget. This one caught my eye for a family trip, with a swing set, plenty of snowman building space, a bocce court, and a hot tub. Everything you need for a fun family Tahoe escape!

12. Solvang in December

december road trip california

This Central Coast town was once named the “Most Christmassy Town in America” by TIME Magazine. In December, the annual Julefest takes over, with hundreds of glowing trees along the sidewalks downtown. It’s no surprise to find Solvang on many lists of the top places to visit in California in December.

Solvang, as we know it today, started with nostalgic Danish immigrants who wanted to bring home to the California sunshine. Today’s visitors love its Danish architecture, bakeries, and even family-friendly wine tasting options for mom and dad.

In December, visitors get to experience the Christmas Market Light Show, go on a scavenger hunt for hidden Danish gnomes, and visit the Santa Village & Winter Lade . This area has real snow, live animals, and holiday treats. You can also get into the spirit of the season with free candlelight tours and Christmas carols.

Most Julefest events happen on the weekends, but dates and details vary each year. One shop you can depend on to be open year-round is Jule Hus, which has been family-owned for over 50 years. Pick up a souvenir ornament and special gifts, like music boxes and unique advent calendars.

Solvang offers plenty of options for family fun all year long. Read our list of the top 20 things to do with kids in Solvang here.

If you prefer to stay in downtown Solvang, Hotel Corque is a visitor favorite. It’s in the quieter part of town, but it’s an easy walk to the downtown holiday attractions. 

13. Cambria in December

Boys playing on the boardwalk in front of Moonstone Beach, another great road trip stop on Highway 1 with kids.

Another favorite Central Coast town, Cambria goes all out for the holidays with the Cambria Christmas Market making it a top place to visit in California in December.

Modeled on Germany’s famous Christmas Markets, the Cambria Christmas Market shines with millions of twinkle lights, themed vignettes, visits from Santa, live music and carolers, cozy fire pits, and, of course, delicious food and drink in the Biergarten. Tickets are required, but children 10 and under are free.

When you get to downtown Cambria, don’t miss a slice of Linn’s famous olallieberry pie. A mix between a blackberry and a raspberry, this delicious treat put Linn’s on the map many moons ago.

Down near Moonstone Beach, December marks the beginning of the gray whale migration along the California Coast. The Whale Trail has a designated spot near Shamel Community Park that is a good place to view wildlife like whales, dolphins, sea lions, and otters. The park also has a playground where kids can get their wiggles out.

Further up the road, Hearst Castle decks the halls out every December. Visitors get to experience the estate as guests of Mr. Hearst would have during the holidays in the 1920s and 1930s. From large outdoor wreaths to towering trees, this is a chance to see Hearst Castle in a unique light.

Check out more Highway 1 stops near Cambria on our ultimate guide to Highway 1 with kids .

The Cambria Christmas Market is set on the property of the Cambria Pines Lodge . We stayed here as a family in Feb 2020, which seems like a lifetime ago! The Jr. Suite gave us plenty of room with a separate sitting area with a fireplace, and we enjoyed exploring the grounds and gardens.

The Lodge is marketed as being near Moonstone Beach and within walking distance to downtown Cambria, but I would say both claims are a stretch. We made a comical attempt to descend the steep hill to downtown Cambria with a stroller, which I would not recommend to anyone! John ended up running back up the hill to get the car for our return trip which would have been a total disaster in the evening.

All that aside, I do recommend staying at Cambria Pines Lodge if you are attending the Christmas market. There are even hotel-only nights when you can have all the lights to yourselves. Know that during these nights the vendor booths are closed. But if you’re there for the ambiance, it would be a great opportunity to wander through the lights and decorations without the crowds.

14. Monterey in December

Taking in the surroundings while looking for Whales in Monterey

Monterey is a pretty magical destination all year round. It cools down but rarely dips below 45 degrees on the Peninsula. That means there’s plenty of fun to be had both indoors and outside.

The region’s most beloved attraction, the Monterey Bay Aquarium , is mostly indoors, so you’ll have no problem staying warm while learning about the kelp forests and tide pools.

Outside, visitors wander through the Christmas on the Wharf decorations, including a 30-foot Christmas Tree decorated with colorful sea creatures. 

Winter is also prime time to view gray whales migrating north. They usually start appearing near Monterey Bay at the beginning of December. This past winter we went on an awesome tour with Discovery Whale Watch . Just make sure to pick up a pack of ginger tablets before you board! Bobbing while watching an adorable baby gray whale was tough for many of us on board.

If you’re interested in the area’s history, the annual Christmas in the Adobes event takes place in the middle of December each year. Explore more than 20 historic adobes all dressed up for the holiday season.

If you’re a fan of the crisp weather and sunny skies, take a hike in one of our favorite California State Parks south of Carmel. With fewer crowds, mild weather, and clear skies, the whole family is sure to fall in love with Point Lobos .

Because Monterey is such a family-friendly destination, you can find many great options for an overnight or weekend stay. One favorite is the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa . Located a block from Cannery Row, this waterfront hotel is an easy walk to the aquarium, food, and shopping options.

Kids staying at the hotel can join the Plaza Explorers Program. They’ll receive their own discovery kit, with tide pool bingo, binoculars, and exploration gear. They’ll also earn prizes for completing activities during their stay.

15. Santa Cruz in December

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is all decked out in December. Here the boys pose on a decorated car from the famous Giant Dipper Roller Coaster Ride.

We know that we’re pretty lucky to be a short drive away from Santa Cruz . This beach town is fun all year round. While the traffic and crowds are heavy all summer, winter is a much more relaxed time to explore. The laid-back atmosphere and beachy festivities make it an awesome place to visit in California in December.

One of the first things anyone thinks of in Santa Cruz is the Boardwalk . Though many of the rides shut down during the colder months, the Boardwalk still gets festive during the holiday season. Take a whirl on the ice rink that’s surrounded by fire pits groups can reserve ahead of time. The arcade games nearby are open, and the park is anchored by a giant Christmas tree decorated with beach balls. Every few minutes, a machine blows out snow bubbles. Not surprisingly, the tree was my boys’ favorite part. You’ll find plenty of photo-ops up and down the park.

Roaring Camp’s Holiday Lights Train and Chanukah Train begin their journey from the Boardwalk. It’s fun to wave at the friendly people watching through town, and my parents enjoyed their visit with Santa on board.

For a more traditional Roaring Camp experience, leave from the station in Felton and chug through the redwoods to Bear Mountain for the Holiday Tree Walk . Wander through trees decorated by local school children, warm up with cider, and donate gifts to Toys for Tots. 

Over at Natural Bridges, a wide boardwalk leads to an overwintering site for monarch butterflies. The number of monarchs has sadly been declining every year on the California coast, but we still spotted quite a few during our last visit. The butterflies begin arriving in mid-October and leave by mid-February.

Other special holiday events in Santa Cruz include Capitola’s surfing Santa and the annual lighted boat parade .

Read our guide on 15 Ideas for an Amazing Weekend Getaway in Santa Cruz .

If you want to stay in the thick of things, the Dream Inn has been a popular choice for visitors to Santa Cruz since the 1960s. It has a fun retro vibe that reflects Santa Cruz’s quirky nature and is within walking distance to the Boardwalk and Wharf.

If you’re looking for more room and relaxation, check out Seascape Beach Report in Rio del Mar. The resort has condos and villas for up to eight people, three ocean-view swimming pools, and a private beach. Guests can drive golf carts to the private beach where resort staff will build a beach fire and provide all the fixings you’ll need for s’mores.

16. San Francisco in December

Holiday decorations in Union Square, San Francisco

Further up the coast, San Francisco shines throughout the holiday season. I have great memories of holiday visits to the city as a kid and hope to continue that tradition with my boys too.

Union Square is the heart of the city’s holiday celebration. The square holds a popular outdoor ice skating rink , a Christmas Tree, and the Bill Graham Menorah with activities and performances through Chanukah. If your kiddos are hoping for a cat or puppy this year, Macy’s teams up with the San Francisco SPCA for an annual event in which animals up for adoption are showcased in the store’s famous Union Square windows.

When you’re ready to move on, hop on a decorated cable car and head to Fisherman’s Wharf for the Lighted Boat Parade. 

Over in Golden Gate Park, the city’s beloved Conservatory of Flowers transforms into an illuminated interactive experience during “ Night Bloom .” And at the California Academy of Science’s annual exhibit, “ Tis the Season for Science: Life on Ice ,” visitors will get to enjoy indoor snow, live reindeer, holiday performances, and more!

There is no shortage of light displays in the city. From Illuminate SF Festival of Light’s art installations to the Parol Lantern Festival and Parade to Zoo Lights the city is aglow all season long. 

Last but not least, it wouldn’t be Christmas in our house without tamales. If you’re not going to be home to make your own, pick up the next best thing at La Palma Mexicatessen . The Mission standby sells delicious tamales all year, but they make tens of thousands to sell every December.

If you’re looking for somewhere special to stay in San Francisco around the holidays, look no further than the Fairmont .

In December, you’ll be greeted by a HUGE gingerbread house in the lobby. The gingerbread house is 25 feet high by 35 feet wide and constructed with more than 6,000 gingerbread bricks. For an extra special occasion, plan a private dining event for up to 10 guests inside!

17. Mendocino in December

Looking out onto the ocean from the Mendocino Headlands State Park

Sandwiched between redwoods and the Ocean, Mendocino is not the easiest town on the California coast to reach. But once you get there, you’ll find its unconventional and adventurous spirit is a draw for visitors of all ages. In the winter, the hills are greener, the skies are clearer, and fewer tourists crowd the quaint streets making it a perfect place to visit in California in December.

Downtown Mendocino has no chain stores, and the village’s awesome boutiques are a great place to find that perfect gift for a special someone. The Out of This World was science-obsessed JJ’s favorite shop, hands-down. It’s filled with a wonderful collection of science toys and tools. They’ll even let you peek through the telescopes pointed at the ocean through their front window.

Mendocino is a town that loves its whales. Bring some binoculars and try to spot them from land at the gorgeous Mendocino Headlands State Park or Point Cabrillo Lighthouse . Of course, the best place to spot a whale is on the water. Readers recommend Hooked on Mendo for a memorable family-friendly experience.

The town of Fort Bragg is only 15 minutes north of Mendocino but has a completely different feel. The top thing to do with kids in the area is to take a spin on the famous Skunk Train . In December, families enjoy the Magical Christmas Train with stories, music, and Santa.

Nearby is the beloved Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens . In December the gardens are aglow during the Festival of Lights . Enjoy live music, sweets, and pathways full of, you guessed it, twinkle lights. Kids of all ages enjoy roasting marshmallows by the campfire.

Curious to know more about things to do in Mendocino with kids? Check out our family guide to Mendocino .

If you’re looking for a unique lodging experience, consider a stay in the historic Keeper’s Quarters at the Point Cabrillo Light Station , a California State Historic Park.

Enjoy the spectacular ocean views and 300 acres of Nature Preserve. The location is located between Mendocino and Fort Bragg, meaning easy access to the best things to do on the coast. Properties range from the amazing 4-bedroom Head Lightkeeper’s House to smaller 1-bedroom cottages. 

18. Columbia in December

The Equestrian Parade at Columbia State Historic Park features an appearance by Santa himself (called Father Time here)

Visiting Columbia, CA is another of my favorite childhood memories. My mom loves exploring little California towns, and I guess I caught the bug.

Located in Gold Rush country, the entire downtown of Columbia, CA is a California State Park. Staff and volunteers dress like they are from a nineteenth-century mining town and invite visitors to experience a polished version of what the town might have been like.

Making the holidays come to life here is an annual tradition. Decorations are up throughout the town, and Nelson’s Candy Kitchen is busy making fresh candy canes for all to see.

In early December, Lamplight Tours guide visitors through vignettes in a walking play. Later in the month, enjoy a Victorian Feast with Christmas carols. At Miner’s Christmas, docents encourage visitors to try roasted chestnuts, take part in family-friendly crafts, and try to catch a glimpse of Father Christmas.

Check the town’s calendar for the date and time of the annual Equestrian Parade, Toy Drive, and Las Posadas Nativity Procession.

A short drive away, visit Railtown 1897 which offers a Polar Express experience with hot-hot-hot chocolate and appearances by many of the story’s characters. At the North Pole, Santa boards to give each passenger “the first gift of Christmas.”

The Columbia State Historic Park operates three vacation cottages close to downtown. Each has the story of the people who once lived there, giving a deeper historical insight into visitors’ experiences of the town. They are also comfortable, provide plenty of space for families, have full kitchens, and are close to all the downtown attractions. 

19. Nevada City in December

Downtown Nevada City Lit Up for the Victorian Christmas Street Fair

We recently visited Nevada City with the kids. It didn’t take much to imagine the town’s narrow, hilly streets, aglow from the light of gas lamps, being from another era. This is a great place to visit in California in December if you want to feel like you’ve landed in a Hallmark holiday movie. In fact, you might even recognize it as the setting of The Christmas Card .

This quaint town leans into that ambiance during the annual Victorian Christmas Celebration . Carolers in period clothes, brass bands, and bagpipes fill the streets. Visitors can try roasted chestnuts and carriage rides through town. And keep an eye out for the town’s walking Christmas Tree.

A short drive away in Grass Valley, an annual Cornish Christmas Celebration commemorates the town’s historical ties to Cornwall with musicians, jugglers, and traditional cloggers.

If there’s not enough snow for you in town yet, the Sugar Bowl , Boreal , and Soda Springs ski resorts are each less than an hour away. As I mentioned in the Tahoe section, Soda Springs Mountain Adventure is a winter wonderland for kids who may not be ready to ski yet. Planet Kids is for little ones under 7 with a fun tubing carousel and easy hills perfect for their ski and snowboard learning zone. For older kids, there’s also Tube Town and, of course, the slopes.

In walking distance to the heart of Nevada City, but far enough away for peace and quiet, the Outside Inn is an affordable option with unique themed rooms.

If you’re worried about your kids climbing the walls in your hotel, book the Climbing Suite which comes with a climbing wall and a mural of Yosemite for inspiration.

Need more space? The 850 sq ft cottage has two bedrooms, a bathroom with a claw foot tub, a full kitchen, and private decks.

20. Mt. Shasta in December

McCloud River Mercantile Hotel with Mount Shasta in the Background

Up in the northern part of the state, snow is the norm and small-town holiday ambiance is a given.

The historic town of McCloud transforms its streets into a Victorian-inspired winter wonderland. During the month-long sip-and-shop, visitors enjoy wagon rides and carolers, and weekly events in the shadow of Mount Shasta. Don’t miss out on gourmet s’mores at Marshmallow’s on Main.

Outside of Mt. Shasta City Park, take a spin on the Siskiyou Ice Rink . At 85 feet wide by 200 feet long, the rink is the only National Hockey League-sized outdoor rink in California. Enjoy skating in the open area surrounded by the beautiful Mt. Shasta scenery.

Mt. Shasta Ski Park is popular with locals and visitors seeking a change of pace from the big Sierra mountain resorts. If more casual and less crowded slopes appeal to you, Mt. Shasta Ski Park might be an ideal fit.

As an alternative to skiing, snowboarding, and sledding, you can rent a dogsled through Dogsled Express and take in the beautiful snowy mountain scene while getting pulled along by trained huskies. Another option is renting a snowmobile. Fun Factory Snowmobile Rentals can rent you a vehicle and let you know where the best trails are.

The Mt. Shasta area also has great options for winter hikes and snowshoe treks. Take the popular one-mile trek to Castle Lake , one of the best ice fishing spots in California. Heart Lake is another great hike that isn’t too challenging with awesome views.

If your kids are as obsessed with The Polar Express as mine are, trains play an important role in your holiday traditions. For a unique stay near Mt. Shasta, consider the Dunsmuir Railroad Park Resort where you can eat on a train and sleep in a caboose! The resort’s family cabooses comfortably sleep up to five. 

Road Trip Planning Basics

These are our go-to resources when planning a California road trip!

Rent a Car ↗

Compare car rental deals to find the best price with Discover Cars . All fees and taxes are included in your quote.

Book Your Stay ↗

Booking.com is our first – and often last – stop for finding great deals throughout the Golden State.

Cover Your Trip ↗

Easily compare and buy travel insurance with TravelInsurance.com , our go-to site for travel coverage.

If you enjoyed this post about the best places to visit in California in December, you might like these too:

  • Road Trip Essentials (+ Printable Packing List)
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  • California Spring Break:  10 Unexpected Places for Family Adventure

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Things To Do California In December: Wildlife, Beaches & West Coast Adventures

Thinking of visiting California in December? Here’s why it’s a great time to go.

Given its position in the northern hemisphere, you might have ruled out visiting the United States in the winter.

But did you know that December is one of the best times to visit California?

Far from the icy temperatures of New York or the rainy streets of Portland , California in December is a sunny bubble of wildlife sightings, beautiful beaches and incredible travel experiences.

Having spent two winters in California, I think it’s the perfect time for visiting the Golden State.

Some of the most unique things to do in California are only possible at this time. And, some of the most popular things to do there are just better, cheaper and easier at this time of year.

Here’s why you should plan your trip to California in December, and what to expect while you’re there.

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Is December a good time to visit California?

5 reasons to visit california in december, what to do in california in december, places to visit in california in december, practical tips for visiting california in december.

Its sunny weather isn’t the only reason to escape to California in the winter months, but it’s definitely a bonus.

California has some of the best weather in the whole of the USA, making it an ideal place to visit at any time of year.

California weather in December

Even though December is one of the coolest months in California, it’s still mild enough to enjoy the best of the state.

Plus, rainy season doesn’t usually kick in until January, meaning you can enjoy California’s beautiful outdoors.

Given the size of California – it’s the third largest state! – temperatures can vary a lot. 

In San Diego and Los Angeles , you can expect December temperatures between 10°C and 19°C.

Further north, cities like San Francisco are usually a few degrees colder, while ski towns can hit below zero.

This diversity in climate is one of the things that makes California so special – and also why it’s one of the best places in the US to visit in December.

You can enjoy everything from camping and skiing to city exploring in December in California – or a mix of everything!

RELATED READ: Why you should visit Portland in February .

Still not convinced that December is a great time to visit California?

Here are five very good reasons to travel California in December (beyond the milder weather):

1 – It’s less busy

December is off season for California tourism. During the other months of the year – especially in the summer – California is one of the busiest travel hotspots in the USA.

In December, however, the crowds are minimal (by California standards, anyway!).

That means you can enjoy shorter queues, emptier streets and a more immersive travel experience .

2 – It’s a great time for travel photography

With the shorter days and fairly dry weather, December is a great time for travel photography in California.

Sunrise usually falls around 6:30-7AM and sunset around 5PM, meaning you can still enjoy a full night’s sleep and a full day of exploring.

Not only that but the iconic California beaches and other popular spots are much quieter, too.

If you’re a fan of street photography, the higher ratio of locals vs tourists in December will also be a bonus.

California beach in December

3 – It’s more affordable

With fewer crowds and therefore less demand, California hotel prices are at their most affordable in December.

Note that I said  affordable  – California is far from cheap, of course, but December usually has the best prices of all.

Find a California hotel or apartment:

4 – you can enjoy multiple trips in one.

With so many different locations and climates, California is one of the most varied states in the US.

It’s no surprise, really, given its gigantic size and north-south spread. Don’t let the distances put you off, though.

In one trip to California, you can enjoy everything from skiing to surfing, with something to suit every travel style.

5 – December is the best time for spotting California wildlife

While I wouldn’t say California is the best place to enjoy ecotourism in the United States , it’s not far behind.

And December is undoubtedly the best time to enjoy the state’s best ethical wildlife encounters .

At this time of year, the west coast’s famous elephant seals are beginning to come ashore to give birth – meaning you might see pups! – while gray whales, orca and dolphins are all migrating past the coast.

You can book whale-watching tours all along the California coast in December. Some popular spots include San Diego , Newport Beach and Monterey .

Further up the California coast, thousands of monarch butterflies gather in the town of Pacific Grove .

An elephant seal in California in December

So, now you know why December is a great time to visit California, you’re probably wondering what to do while you’re there.

Good news: With the mild weather meaning you won’t be stuck indoors, there are lots of things to do in California in December!

Here are some of the best ways to soak up this sunny state in the cooler months.

Take a road trip

California is one of my favourite road trip destinations in the world. From the epic Imperial Sand Dunes to the Redwoods in northern California, there’s so much to see!

It’s also a great starting point for exploring other states, such as Arizona.

In the summer months, the California roads can get busy. In December, however, they’re reasonably quiet – making it the perfect time to plan a California road trip .

This is especially true for the Pacific Coast Highway, which gets busy even in the late winter thanks to Chinese New Year.

READ NEXT: The perfect California to Arizona road trip.

Explore the cities

Like the rest of the state, California’s cities see an influx of tourists in the warmer months.

With fewer local travellers around, December is a great time to explore the bigger cities in order to avoid the summer crowds.

San Francisco and LA are particularly quiet and affordable at this time of year, while San Diego pretty much guarantees some winter sun.

Mission Beach in San Diego California USA

Enjoy the wildlife

You won’t have to go far to see some awesome wildlife in California.

Most of the wildlife in California can be found along the coast.

So, if wildlife is your reason for visiting, try to plan a route that stays near the sea.

Did you know that California is home to a number of ski resorts?

While Colorado and Utah may be home to the more famous hills, California offers some steady competition.

Check out this list of ski resorts in California to see just how many there are and find one that fits your trip.

Photograph the national parks

The National Parks in California get crazy busy in the summer months, but they tend to be relatively quiet in winter.

The lower number of visitors combined with the moodier weather makes December a perfect time to take some epic landscapes photos .

Once you’re finished, you can also enjoy a peaceful hike on one of the many trails.

Attend a festival

California loves a good festival – even in the winter.

In December, California hosts some of its most unique festivals of all.

There are the Christmas events that you’d expect, such as San Diego’s Balboa Park December Nights and the Christmas Boat Parade in Newport Beach.

However, in true California style, there’s also an annual cannabis festival  and a sustainability-focused SnowGlobe Music festival at Lake Tahoe .

How long does ESTA take USA visa for California

You can visit pretty much all of California in December.

However, if you’re looking for a unique winter getaway, these are my favourite places to visit during the winter months.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree is one of the most popular national parks in all of California. Once you see the otherworldly trees that grow here, you’ll probably understand why!

Since it’s in the middle of the desert, Joshua Tree is much better to visit in the cooler months. Just keep in mind that it can get pretty chilly at night.

If you’re camping, make sure you have a warm enough sleeping bag to keep you cosy.

Alternatively, there are lots of cute Airbnb cabins in Joshua Tree – perfect for a cosy winter night!

If you’re rather stay in a hotel, check out the totally unique Sacred Sands guest house . There’s nothing like taking a dip in a warm outdoor bath with views into the park.

If you’re heading east, consider venturing into Arizona, too.

December is a great time to enjoy Arizona’s best hiking trails, such as Havasu Falls.

Visit Disneyland

Disney may not be everybody’s cup of tea but this one is the original ‘happiest place on Earth’.

During December, Disney puts on even more of a show with Christmas specials such as parades, shows and other performances.

If you’re travelling to California with kids (or big kids!) Disneyland is a must-visit.

Tip: Book your tickets in advance to save time at the entrance and enjoy the best prices.

San Francisco

One of the most expensive places in all of California, San Francisco is a great place to visit in December.

You avoid the massive influx of tourists that happens with Chinese New Year and get to enjoy a more authentic taste of the city.

It will be a little on the chilly side, but that only makes the local clam chowder taste better. Plus, you won’t have to worry about crowds!

San Francisco California USA

Home to seven ski resorts, Lake Tahoe is a great place to head for some winter sport action in California.

If you’re not into skiing – or are travelling with someone who isn’t – then it’s still a great place to enjoy a cosy winter escape with incredible views.

Since it straddles the Nevada border, Lake Tahoe is also the perfect stop if you’re planning to visit Vegas, too.

Redwood National and State Parks

California is famous for its redwood trees – aka the tallest trees in the world.

You don’t have to be a nature lover to enjoy these incredible trees because they’re absolutely breath-taking.

During December, the roads are much quieter, so you can spend time photographing the area without interruption.

It’s also a great time to visit because you can retreat to a cosy cabin afterwards. This cosy cabin has all the charm of a tiny home and wouldn’t be out of place in Oregon.

Red Wood National Forest California USA

As with any trip, a little planning will go a long way.

Now you know what to expect from a December trip to California, here are a few more things to know before you go.

You might need a visa

Unless you’re a US resident or from an ESTA country, you will probably need a visa to enter California.

Visa applications can take a while to process, so make sure you leave plenty of time to apply.

Driving in California

Driving is pretty much the only way to get around in the US, so hiring a car is virtually essential.

If you’re not American, you’ll probably need an international driving permit to hire a car there, so make sure you apply for one well in advance if that’s the case.

Airport queues can be long and cars can run out quickly around Christmastime, so it’s best to book your rental car before you arrive.

Click here to check prices and availability for your trip.

READ NEXT: How to get to Havasu Falls, America’s coolest waterfall.

Make sure your travel insurance is adequate

Health care in the United States is some of the most expensive in the world. You never want to end up sick while travelling, but that’s especially true in the US!

Make sure you have adequate travel insurance – adequate being the crucial word! – before visiting California.

Wherever your trip will take you, I use and recommend Heymondo .

Their coverage is much more comprehensive than most and they will cover activities, circumstances and people that other policies won’t.

As a partner of Alajode, they’re offering 5% extra off for my readers. Click here to find out more, get an instant quote and save even more!

Pack for all seasons

While much of California enjoy abundant sunshine through December, it can get chilly.

This is especially true in the northern part of the state and in the desert areas (of which there are lots!).

Therefore, make sure you come prepared for all types of weather and pack plenty of layers for the changing temperature.

I recommend packing at least waterproof jacket and one warm winter coat to make sure you never get caught out!

If you planning on hiking in California in December – something I highly recommend! – make sure you have warm, sturdy hiking shoes and a waterproof hiking backpack.

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Why you should visit California in the Winter

About Jodie Marie Dewberry

Jodie has been travelling the world full time since 2017, sharing the most unique places in the world along with tips for living as a digital nomad. She is a passionate wildlife photographer and has worked with a number of prominent travel brands, including airlines, tourism boards, hotels and tour operators.

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YEAR OF THE MONKEY-a blog about travel, dogs and food

10 Amazing Things to do in California in December: A Resident’s Guide

November 13, 2022 November 13, 2022 | Paroma

Last Updated on November 13, 2022 by Paroma

If you’re planning to visit California in December, then you’re in for a treat! With its gorgeous, balmy/mild weather, there are plenty of fun things to do in California in December to make it one of the most memorable winter vacations for you. From whale watching to waterfall viewing and from wine tasting to taking in the holiday decor, there are gazillion indoor and outdoor activities to do in December in our beautiful state where there is no need to stay bundled up indoors. Read this post to find out about 10 amazing ways to enjoy California in December!

Best things to do in California in December, how to spend December in California

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Table of Contents

WHY SHOULD YOU VISIT CALIFORNIA IN DECEMBER?

Let California be your destination of choice in winter, as it is for thousands of snowbirds in USA flocking into to enjoy our balmy weather when the rest of the country is in the gripping throws of snow, sleet and a deathly wind chill sending a shiver down everyone’s spines.

There are dozens of destinations in this huge state of ours to fend off the cold and you can start off with this perfect guide on 12 warm California spots to escape from those freezing temperatures.

Our 50F-ish (10C) mornings with warmer, sunny afternoons and cooler nights are a welcome respite from the murderous negative temperatures elsewhere, so much so that sipping wine in Napa Valley gob smack in the middle of December with only a jacket on, kind of feels really unfair. Plus, who can resist the call of those world famous beaches of ours with silky white sand for days?

As a Californian who chose this place to be her home 12+ years ago (and is never leaving), I am here to tell you all about the best things to do in California during December, which is a really special month to visit for a myriad reasons (heading to the nearest beach is kind of a default so I am not going to include it in this list).

December is not only the time to savor the Christmas spirit hanging thick in the air, but also to do a myriad activities which are seasonal delights and unique to the state. Witnessing the grey whale migration from the arctic to Baja, enjoying the gurgling of many waterfalls coming to life and visiting National parks such as Death Valley and Joshua Tree that are best enjoyed in cooler weather are some of the unique things to do in California in December and are all great reasons for visiting during this month. 

December is rainy season in California, so please pack in that umbrella or rain jacket and rain boots if you plan to hike (the trails do get muddy). You can  also consult my San Francisco packing list for details and a handy, downloadable guide on what to pack for all four seasons. Finally, please be flexible with your plans since landslides and heavy rains may be disruptive to your plans, such as driving down Big Sur along Highway 1, which is a once in a lifetime experience.

What to do in California in December: a guide

THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN CALIFORNIA IN DECEMBER

1) see the holiday lights and decor.

Although not as showy or opulent, California does a warm-ish Christmas pretty well! The best part about visiting during December is seeing the fun, quirky, colorful and outlandish Christmas lights and decorations in small towns and major cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles and in Orange County. You can read my post on where to find the best Christmas lights in San Francisco to see how my city gets into the festive mood! 

Best things to do in California in December: See holiday lights and Christmas decor

2) VISIT THE CHRISTMAS MARKETS AND FAIRS

Why spend all that money to go to Europe when we have heartwarming Christmas markets and festivals in California itself? Visit San Francisco for Santacon, lavish holiday teas and holiday fairs , the fairy tale Danish city of Solvang for its Julefest and Nevada City for its Victorian Christmas markets. Here is a handy list of all the Christmas markets, fairs and celebrations held all over California in December to ring in the holiday season!

Things to do in California in December: Attend Christmas markets

3) GO ON A WHALE WATCHING EXPEDITION

Winter, especially December is all about whale watching along the coast to catch sight of the majestic grey whales as they migrate from the Arctic to Baja California to give birth to their calves. There are tons of places along the California coast to go whale watching and you can read my jumbo guide on where to go whale watching in California to plan a special trip in December ! 

Best things to do in California in December: Go whale watching along the coast

4) ADMIRE THE MONARCH BUTTERFLIES

California is the wintering refuge to these endangered beauties as they migrate all the way from the Canadian Rockies to the Eucalyptus groves of the central coast from November-March. The best places to see them are the Natural Bridges State Beach and Park   in Santa Cruz and the monarch butterfly sanctuaries in Pacific Grove and Pismo Beach . Please obey all rules, do not disturb the butterflies and watch them from afar through binoculars or a telephoto lens.

Best things to do in California in December: See Monarch butterflies

5) EXPLORE DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

Death Valley National Park will deter you with record breaking temperatures in summer, but is one of the top destinations to visit in winter and should definitely be one of the top things to do in your December in California bucket list. If you do want to visit Death Valley, remember to book the hotel as early as possible since it is a very popular destination in winter and gets thousands of visitors at this time.

Visit Death valley national park in California in December

Photo credit (Unsplash)

6) GO WINE TASTING MINUS THE CROWDS

If you’ve been following my blog for a while now, you kinda know that wine tasting is one of my favorite activities. If you love wine as much as I do, then definitely stop by California wine country in winter for a leisurely tasting experience minus the crowds.

Wine country with its good food and ambiance is one of the most romantic getaways in California and there is no dearth of places to slake your thirst for good wine in this state. The vines may be bare, but the wine is as good as ever!

You can read my first timer’s guide to Napa for planning a hasslefree itinerary or my posts on Calistoga , dog friendly Napa and Sonoma wineries or wine tasting in Paso Robles (Central Coast) and Carmel Valley for experiencing the best of California wine country in low season, i.e. winter when reservations are easier to make. Finally, I also have a jumbo guide on all the different wine regions in California (Anderson Valley to Temecula) which you can explore for a winter wine tasting expedition.

Go wine tasting in Napa or Sonoma in December in California to avoid crowds

7) VISIT JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

Being in the high desert, Joshua Tree National Park is best visited in winter and December is a great time to go and check out those fuzzy, gnarly Joshua Trees. I’ve been to Joshua Tree both as a day trip from Palm Springs and also for a few days with our dog during Christmas break and have fallen in love with this desert ecosystem a bit more with every visit. 

Joshua Tree is another extremely popular winter getaway in California, so please make your hotel reservations in advance, dress warmly (since the high desert witnesses extremes of temperature) and be prepared for some desert rain, which is a surreal sight to behold.

Visit Joshua tree national park in December in California

8) EXPLORE THE HIGH DESERT IN CALIFORNIA

The high desert towns of Palm Springs , Borrego Springs, Slab city, Salton Sea and quirky attractions such as Salvation Mountain and East Jesus are best visited in winter for cooler weather (the summer heat is absolutely brutal in this part of California). Hiking to the Slot Canyons in Anza Borrego Desert State Park is also a good idea for winter.

This high desert road trip from Palm Springs to Borrego Springs is one of the best things to do in California in December and will take you through a quirky landscape like no other! Highly recommend if you want to the arid side of California which is a far cry from its gorgeous coast and beaches.

December in California: go on a high desert trip from palm Springs to Borrego Springs

9) GO SKIING IN THE SIERRAS

The eastern Sierras in California transform into a premium skiing destination in winter, with Truckee (one of the several venues of the winter Olympics in 1960), Squaw, Lake Tahoe and Mammoth Lakes turning into busy ski towns buzzing with ski resorts. If you’re an avid skier, read this guide on the best ski resorts in California to reserve for your December ski-cation.

What to do in December in California: go skiing in the Sierra Nevadas

10) EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK IN DECEMBER

Yosemite National Park turns into a magical winter wonderland come December, with a blanket of snow enveloping the park. You can still hike in Wawona and Yosemite Valley, enjoy your stay in the comforts of the Ahwahnee or go skiing in Badger Pass Ski Area. There are several road closures so please be mindful. Also, park temperatures range from 28-53F (-2C to12C), so please dress very warmly. Read more about visiting Yosemite in December here and how to prepare for your travel.

When in California in December: visit Yosemite National park in winter

I hope you enjoyed reading this post on the best things to do in California in December and are planning a trip to my gorgeous state soon. Thanks a lot for stopping by and safe travels!

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Here are 10 awesome things to do in California, USA in December to make it a winter to remember! #california #wintervacation #USA #NorthAmerica #winterincalifornia #DecemberinCalifornia #December

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The Perfect 10 Day California Road Trip Itinerary (2024 Guide)

Alesha and Jarryd

  • Last Updated: February 4, 2024

Plan the ultimate California road trip itinerary with our 10-day road trip itinerary, including all of the best national parks, cities and other attractions!

California is instantly captivating. Its major cities twinkle in the spotlight, from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco to the Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles. Its natural beauty is abundant as well, from the cliffs of Big Sur to the beaches of Santa Barbara.

However, California is ever-changing, and it changes fast. Rising snow-capped mountains soar out of lifeless deserts. Roads weave through conifer forests and giant redwoods, where alpine lakes mingle among hot springs and local towns that boomed with the growth of climbing.

Metropolises and epic nature are never far apart in this state. But it’s the California road trips between them that make it the perfect state to turn on the engine and put the car in drive.

This ultimate California road trip itinerary will include the highlights of this massive west coast state. From national parks to big cities, lazy beach towns, and more, here is our guide to planning the best California road trip!

Looking for the absolute best things to do in California? Check out our complete list here !

Table of Contents

Where To Stay In Los Angeles

Where to stay in san diego, where to stay in palm springs, where to stay in mammoth lakes, where to stay in lake tahoe, where to stay in sacramento, where to stay in san francisco, where to stay in santa monica, california road trip wrap up, the perfect california road trip itinerary.

The best way to travel from northern California to southern California , or vice versa, is via an epic California road trip. Sure you can take a quick flight, but the best way to absorb all the the Golden State has to offer is by exploring on land.

This 10-day California road trip itinerary gives you a nice introduction to this beautiful state. California is massive, and 10 days is not nearly enough for seeing all of it. But in these 10 days, you’ll get to see as much as possible. Let’s get into it!

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Los Angeles

Day 1 – Los Angeles

World-famous Los Angeles makes for the perfect place to start your California road trip itinerary. With easy access from around the world, fly into LAX, rent a car, and start exploring. Here are a few of the best things to do in Los Angeles !

  • The Griffith Observatory

Start your time in Los Angeles by getting your bearings. The Griffith Observatory offers amazing insight into the cosmos, but just as applicable are its far-reaching views across the city, the Hollywood Sign, and the Pacific Ocean.

Home to Lotus flower beds, floating swans, and paddle boats, Echo Park is a glimpse into LA’s past and current beauty. Book a paddle boat in advance to best enjoy the scenery. Afterward, pick from a smorgasbord of local food trucks.

  • The Hollywood Bowl

As the sun sets on Los Angeles, take in a show at the beloved Hollywood Bowl. The airy amphitheater has consistent events from festivals to concerts featuring a whole range of genres. With the sky a burst of colors, it’s a captivating music space.

  • Hop-on Hop-Off Bus

Getting around Los Angeles can be a nightmare. Lack of solid public transport and gridlocks can slow you down on what’s already a tight California road trip itinerary.

The Hop-on Hop-Off Bus delivers you to some of the city’s highlights, including the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Sunset Strip, and Beverly Hills. You can always wait to pick up your rental car until after you explore LA!

Have more time? Check out our 3 Days in Los Angeles itinerary !

Close to Rodeo Drive, The Peninsula has a world-class restaurant, a rooftop pool, a fitness center, and a full-service spa. It’s the best option for luxury in Los Angeles!

In Venice Beach, Stay Open brings one of the best beaches in Los Angeles. Enjoy free bike rentals and WiFi so you can explore LA with ease.

Close to Hollywood Boulevard, Banana Bungalow leaves you close to the action with cheap onsite dinners plus regular free BBQs. If you’re on a budget during your California road trip, there are some great cheap hostels around the state!

Day 2 – San Diego

This drive takes 2 hours from downtown Los Angeles

After a leisurely drive from Los Angeles, discover the lovable San Diego , where sprawling parks harbor dozens of museums, galleries, and world-class zoos.

Beaches offer more than just a quick surf, in fact, you can expect to find life-changing burgers. At night, the bay glistens alongside the Gaslamp Quarter, here you can reflect on a busy first few days.

San Diego is a must on any California road trip. Here is our list of the best things to do while visiting San Diego.

San Diego

  • Mission Beach and Hodad’s

Before you make it to downtown San Diego, stop for a swim and the best burgers in America. Big call, so I’ll let you decide. Hodad’s is a gastronomic and cultural gem. While Mission Beach is the perfect way to cool off after a big drive.

  • San Diego Zoo

The extensive San Diego Zoo takes you on a journey through our natural world. Experience the Elephant Odyssey or the Polar Bear Plunge alongside 4,500 other endangered or rare animals from across the globe.

  • Balboa Park

It takes days to explore the incredible Balboa Park with a fine-tooth comb. But in such a short time, pick your favorites among the 16 museums, impressive Spanish architecture, landscaped gardens, and galleries.

  • USS Midway Museum

Covering 10 acres, the USS Midway Museum boasts 30 historic aircraft on board the famous carrier. Learn more about WWII and the Battle of Midway, and experience real cockpits alongside other interactive exhibits. Afterward, wander along the Embarcadero.

  • The Gaslamp Quarter

Once the sun has set, the Gaslamp Quarter lights up and the streets’ cobblestones glimmer under the stars. Enjoy a fun night in San Diego while exploring this romantic district home to high-end restaurants and candle-lit cocktail bars.

With four outdoor pools, half a dozen restaurants, a golf course and a spa, the five-star Fairmont Grand Del Mar has all your needs covered.

In Downtown San Diego, Motel6 offers cable TV, free Wi-Fi, and close proximity to the top adventures around the city.

Set in the Gaslamp Quarter, HI San Diego is a refurbished urban hostel with a fun atmosphere, a game room, plus self-guided tours and adventures.

Have more time? Check out our 3 Days in San Diego Itinerary !

Day 3 – Palm Springs

This drive takes 2 hours and 15 minutes from San Diego.

In southern California, Palm Springs is a gateway to epic mountain ranges and mystical deserts. Your time here is packed with hiking trails delivering memorable views and guiding you through a unique national park. But the town itself has a charming culture, shopping, and regular enchanting events.

  • Joshua Tree National Park

The main reason to visit Palm Springs is to explore Joshua Tree National Park. This intriguing national park showcases the beauty of the desert landscapes, its unique flora, which gave the park its name, plus the colors that make every use of an open canvas.

  • Downtown Palm Springs

After visiting Joshua Tree National Park, shop, eat, and walk your way through downtown Palm Springs. Adorable boutiques whisper your name with handcrafted goods looking to find a home in your road trip vehicle. On Thursday evenings, the town comes to life for its weekly VillageFest.

  • Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

With no time to hike, take a trip up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to the summit of San Jacinto Peak. The stunning rise provides views across the Coachella Valley along with the Chino Canyon.

  • Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve

If you choose to avoid downtown Palm Springs, Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve is a great alternative. Walk among 150-year-old trees where the desert mixes with exotic landscapes to create a spectacularly colorful ecosystem.

  • The San Jacinto Mountains

Another option is to explore the San Jacinto Mountains in greater detail. The Deer Springs Trail is a challenging, designated National Scenic trek that takes you to the San Jacinto peak for an ultimately rewarding experience through memorable desert landscapes.

Find more of the best things to do in Palm Springs here !

Close to downtown Palm Springs, The Paloma Resort is set in historic bungalows with mountain scenery and offers inspired Spanish cuisine in a former mission.

The Travelodge provides travelers with easy access to the town’s best restaurants and shopping while being a great base to explore beyond.

With free onsite parking and complimentary breakfast, the Crashpod Hostel is cozy, inexpensive, and a great place to recuperate.

Day 4 & 5 – Mammoth Lakes

This drive takes 8 hours and 15 minutes from Palm Springs, via Death Valley National Park

Today on your California road trip itinerary, drive from Palm Springs through the ethereal Death Valley. The drive along Route 395 will be unforgettable, delivering you first to Convict Lake and then to the beauty of Mammoth itself.

On the second day, explore the lakes, ride the gondola, and hit the hot springs.

Find more things to do in Southern California here !

  • Death Valley National Park

Break up your journey to Mammoth Lakes with a drive through the otherworldly Death Valley National Park. Stop by Badwater Basin and stand almost 240 feet below sea level in the depths of Death Valley.

If you love unique natural scenery, Death Valley is a must on any California road trip!

Death Valley

  • Convict Lake

Next, get a sneak peek at Convict Lake. The alpine lake is surrounded by fast-rising peaks and while it’s a sunrise hot spot, its serene beauty can be admired at any point. Just off the highway, you won’t even have to leave the car.

  • The Village at Mammoth Lakes

After an enormous and beautiful day on the road, enjoy a relaxing evening in the Village at Mammoth Lakes . Shops, restaurants, and bars combine in this classic mountain village. Enjoy a nice meal before resting up for the day ahead.

  • Stand-Up Paddleboarding

There’s no better way to enjoy the enchanting lakes than on a stand-up paddleboard. The handful of nearby bodies of water are often calm and glass-like, leading to ease of movement and the chance to feel small alongside the stunning Sierras.

  • The Minaret Vista

On your way to Devil’s Postpile, stop at the Minaret Vista to admire the eternal beauty of the Sierra Nevada. Set in the Eastern Sierra Range, these craggy mountains fall down to vast valleys and feature two soaring spires, including Clyde Minaret.

  • The Devils Postpile

A national monument, the Devils Postpile is a formation of giant basalt columns. These were created by lava which cooled over 80,000 years ago. The hexagonal columns can reach up to 60 feet in height.

  • Rainbow Falls

A part of the Devils Postpile National Monument , don’t miss out on a trek to Rainbow Falls. Walk from the post pile to discover a 100 feet waterfall whose consistent rainbows gave the fall its name. You can also walk directly here by driving to the Rainbow Fall trailhead.

  • Mammoth Mountain Gondola

It’s been a busy day of activity, so take it down a notch with a ride on the Mammoth Mountain Gondola . The ride up lands you at over 11,000 feet. The panoramic views span the Mammoth Lakes Basin.

  • Wild Willy’s Hot Spring

End your day with a recuperating experience at Wild Willy’s Hot Spring. It’s been a busy trip so far, so put your legs up in one of the two springs whose temperatures range from 95 degrees up to 105.

From Westin Monache Resort , you can take the gondola to the top of Mammoth Mountain before returning to make use of your kitchenette as well as the onsite pool and hot tub.

The Tamarack Lodge dates back to the 1920s and, among the included kitchens and private fireplaces, the lodge hasn’t lost any of its charm.

The Moderne Hostel provides guests with large communal and cooking areas, including BBQ facilities, while being close to Mammoth Mountain.

Day 6 – Lake Tahoe

This drive takes 2 hours and 40 minutes from Mammoth Lakes

With one full day in Lake Tahoe, it’ll be up to you how much you explore. Do you choose to focus your day driving through Yosemite National Park on your way there or do you take the direct route to explore local hikes, parks, and lakeside towns? There’s no losing here.

  • Yosemite National Park

An option along the drive from Mammoth Lakes is the world-famous Yosemite National Park. You’ll need to make it a priority to explore well, but views of El Capitan and Half Dome make any “detour” worth it. Yosemite National Park is so famous that you may even choose to solely focus today’s exploration on that! Luckily this ultimate California road trip is customizable, and you can easily change it to allow for more time in Yosemite National Park.

  • Fallen Leaf Lake

A direct drive to Lake Tahoe leaves ample time to explore. Check out the nearby, charming Fallen Leaf Lake where you can SUP or kayak before enjoying some waterfront eats surrounded by epic mountains.

  • Eagle Rock Trail

For rewarding views of Lake Tahoe without a lengthy hike, meander down the Eagle Rock Trail. The mile-long trek is family-friendly and ends with breathtaking views of the lake with enchanting nature along the way.

  • Emerald Bay State Park

Along the west shoreline of Lake Tahoe, you’ll find the popular Emerald Bay State Park. Find hiking, swimming, and mountain biking throughout while you can also explore Vikingsholm, with its impressive Scandinavian design.

Visiting the charming mountain town of Tahoe City is a great way to ring in the evening. Along the lake’s edge, the town has elegant mountain architecture, local galleries, plenty of places to eat, and bars in which to toast to a great day.

If you need more ideas for exploring Lake Tahoe after your California road trip, here are the best things to do in Lake Tahoe !

Lake Tahoe

Live in the lap of luxury at The Ritz-Carlton , complete with on-site restaurants, spas, and a pool with gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains.

A stay at the Mother Nature’s Inn comes with free onsite parking, along with inclusive WiFi and Smart TV, while being close to the beach.

The sprawling Mellow Mountain Hostel is close to Heavenly for skiing, summertime gondola rides, the beach, and some of the best action in South Lake Tahoe.

Day 7 – Sacramento

This drive takes 2 hours from Lake Tahoe

Next on your California road trip, enjoy the drive from Lake Tahoe through the Eldorado National Forest on your way to Sacramento.

Take the time to explore the underrated city where farm-to-table restaurants are much more than a niche. Take in the history and, if you have energy, try your hand at some fun outdoor sports.

  • Downtown Sacramento

Culture, history, and food collide in downtown Sacramento. A surprising foodie haven and cocktail paradise, travelers will also be happy to see so many museums and galleries to visit as you’ll discover below.

  • California State Railroad Museum

Within the Old Sacramento Historic Park, the California State Railroad Museum is an ode to westward expansion and the worker’s efforts. The latter particularly focuses on the prominent role of Chinese railroad workers. Explore 19 authentic trains before traveling on one yourself.

  • The American River Trail

If you prefer to keep experiencing the state’s splendid nature, head to Discovery Park. It’s here you can explore one of America’s great bike trails, the American River Trail which spans 32 miles through brilliant scenery.

  • White Water Rafting

Add some adrenaline to your California road trip with some white water rafting. With snow melting from the Sierra Nevada, this part of California is prime for some adrenaline-pumping rafting on the American River.

Looking for more incredible things to do in Sacramento? Check out our ultimate guide here !

In central Sacramento, the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel , evokes class and provides high-end amenities with a poolside bar and hotel restaurant.

With easy access to downtown, Wyndham Garden provides a great place to recuperate before with an onsite restaurant and bar, plus free WiFi.

Save money on your California road trip with this incredible hostel! Nestled in a former Victorian mansion, HI Sacramento provides guests with a social experience with a spacious patio and complimentary breakfasts.

Day 8 & 9 – San Francisco

This drive takes 1 hour and 40 minutes from downtown Sacramento

Start your day early and head towards the stunning California coast, where you should reach San Francisco by mid-morning. From there, head to the waterfront where you’ll enjoy delicious cuisine and epic bay views.

With two days of your California road trip, take your time in San Francisco, see all the attractions, and even take a day trip to Napa Valley.

  • Embarcadero

Canvassing the waterfront of San Francisco, the Embarcadero is the perfect place to start your exploration. As you wander along the boulevard you’ll pass a number of historic piers with excellent views with many offering boat tours into the harbor and Alcatraz Island .

  • Fisherman’s Wharf

With gorgeous views of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf is a fantastic lunch spot. The early fishing boats have long gone and the Dungeness crab is ready.

Fisherman’s Wharf is also home to the Hyde Street Pier and its historic ships.

  • Lombard Street

Take your mind away from the famed bridge and you’ll notice how undulating San Francisco is. We mean, it’s crazy steep. Lombard Street represents this best. Home to eight compact turns and beautiful landscaping, it’s a unique drive.

Lombard Street

  • Golden Gate Bridge

Ok, you’ve been patient. It’s time for the Golden Gate Bridge. The incredible site, of orange arches spread between two rising headlands, will be one of the most memorable parts of any California road trip. Admire it from the Presidio before walking along for amazing views of San Francisco.

  • Napa Valley

Finding time for Napa Valley with just two days in San Francisco can be tricky. But lovers of wine and captivating landscapes should make time. An hour north of San Francisco, Napa Valley has over 400 wineries covering a range of budgets and styles.

Save time and energy during your visit to Napa Valley with this half-day wine tour .

If you want more ideas, check out our list of the best things to do in San Francisco !

Your second day in San Francisco is all about nature. Start with an early morning hike up to the Twin Peaks. This slice of untouched nature offers splendid from its summit, at 922 feet.

  • Golden Gate Park

San Francisco’s own Central Park, Golden Gate Park combines historic architecture and eye-catching nature. Walk or ride along the miles of trails to discover the Dutch Windmill and Japanese Tea Garden to go alongside its Botanical Garden.

  • Ocean Beach

After a busy morning of hiking and biking, take some time to relax at Ocean Beach. The three-mile beach spreads the crowds and allows ample room to take in the Pacific Ocean, rugged coastline, and the far horizon.

  • Union Square & Chinatown

Having got enough exercise and sun on day 9 of your California road trip, take some time to indulge. Union Square is the city’s top shopping district and also home to the towering Dewy Monument. Afterward, enjoy some mouthwatering eats in SF’s famed Chinatown.

  • Oracle Park

Leave room, of course, for a ballpark hot dog as you end your second day in San Francisco at the beautiful Oracle Park. Set right on the bay, it’s a great place to catch a game of baseball as the sun sets to the west.

The high-end Fairmont Heritage Place provides guests with luxurious apartments with full kitchens and a private terrace complete with a fire pit.

Set in Union Square, Club Donatello is a four-star hotel with an onsite restaurant, and a rooftop lounge, and is close to Oracle Park. Make the most of your California road trip itinerary by choosing mid-range accommodation right near all the best attractions!

Enjoy modern amenities and a lively atmosphere at ITH Pacific Tradewinds Hostel which is close to Chinatown and the San Francisco waterfront.

Take a look at our list of the 25 best things to do in Northern California if you need more inspiration!

San Francisco

Day 10 – Santa Monica

This drive takes around 9 hours from downtown San Francisco.

After departing San Francisco, you’ll start wrapping up your California road trip by looping around and heading back down to southern California.

Make your way south on a California coast road trip where you’ll soon meet Half Moon Bay and the splendid beauty of one of the most famous roads in America. We’ve saved the best for last!

The Pacific Coast Highway is packed with highlights and epic scenery like the famous Big Sur, making it the perfect way to end your California road trip.

  • Pacific Coast Highway

One of the most iconic roads in America, no California road trip is complete without a journey down the famous Pacific Coast Highway. Yes, you can take this drive from the PNW, but the section between San Francisco and Santa Monica is highlight packed.

Read More: Plan your Pacific Coast Highway road trip with our ultimate guide !

  • Carmel By the Sea

10 minutes from the famous Monterey, Carmel By the Sea is laden with adorable seaside cottages that lead to white sand beaches. However, the architecture combines with the art scene to be the true highlight. Explore a town once home to Jack London and now over 100 art galleries.

The section of Highway 1 through Big Sur is a shock to the senses, in all the best ways. From tunnels and Pfeiffer Beach to the unforgettable Bixby Bridge, Big Sur is maybe the most scenic spot on this drive. No California road trip is complete without driving through Big Sur!

  • Santa Barbara

You’re almost done with your California road trip, so take a break in Santa Barbara ! The stunning town of Santa Barbara is known for seafood, powdery white sand beaches, and fascinating Spanish history. Though you could easily spend days in Santa Barbara, if you’re short on time you can just have a quick driving break here.

  • Santa Monica Pier

There’s no better way to end your California road trip itinerary than with a sunset viewing at the Santa Monica Pier. This iconic landmark will appear around the corner as you caress the edge of Malibu along Pacific Coast Highway . Park the car and watch the sky become ablaze before enjoying some of the pier’s rides.

Check out all the best things to do in Santa Monica here .

Enjoy the beauty of the west coast at the charming Shutters On The Beach with an onsite restaurant along with surfboard and bike rentals.

Enjoy free parking, a simple breakfast, an onsite gym, and free WiFi at the Days Inn which is close to major routes into LA.

A block back from the famed local beaches HI LA – Santa Monica is prime for the last night of your California road trip. They offer lots of fun activities, like a pub crawl and group dinners.

Santa Monica

This California road trip itinerary takes you around the state, through its major cities and best national parks. You’ll experience a mix of civilization, lush landscapes, and lifeless deserts, sometimes on the same day.

From the cliffs of Big Sur to the mountains of Yosemite to the beaches of Santa Barbara, there is so much to see in California! Even the best California road trips couldn’t really include it all, but we’ve done our best to give you a good introduction.

Ten days is short for a west coast road trip, but it’s better than nothing! As a quick and inspiring glimpse into the Golden State, it’s the perfect platter to decide what you’ll inevitably later explore in greater detail.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Alesha and Jarryd

Alesha and Jarryd

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My Top 11 Favorite Things to Do in California in December

11/10/2023 by Kristin Addis 1 Comment

Dreaming of a December escape? There’s nowhere like California to make those winter fantasies come to life. From the Sierra Nevada’s snow-covered slopes to the Mojave Desert’s starlit skies, California offers a stellar variety of experiences perfect for the last month of the year.

So bundle up — or strip down for a hot spring dip — as we explore the best things to do in California in December.

Table of Contents

1. Get Cozy in Lake Tahoe

best things to do in California in December

December in Lake Tahoe is a winter daydream come to life, nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, whose scenery transforms into a snowy paradise ideal for every cold-season activity you could imagine. From world-class skiing and snowboarding across various resorts, such as Heavenly and Squaw Valley, to enchanting sleigh rides that’ll make you feel like you’re in a holiday movie, the options are endless.

But the fun doesn’t stop at outdoor adventures. Lake Tahoe also offers unique experiences like the “Magic of Tahoe” holiday light shows, in which the region sparkles in festive brilliance. And don’t forget the cozy, cabin-style lodgings that beckon after a long day in the snow, inviting you to relax by a roaring fire with a mug of hot chocolate in hand. What more could you ask for?

2. Visit Hot Creek

best things to do in California in December

December at the Hot Creek Geological Site is a snow-draped spectacle you’ll have to see to believe. The beauty of the natural springs bubbling up through a snow-covered canyon is unmatched, so you can understand why this is one of my favorite places to visit in California in the winter !

The journey here is a bit of a trek this time of year — you’ll hike about 1.5 miles each way on a snow-packed dirt road to reach the viewpoints. Snowshoes or at least spikes for your boots are recommended. Although tempting, don’t attempt to drive down, as trucks have been known to get stuck. While the waters are too hot to soak in, the site is near other hot springs perfect for a winter dip. The play of sunset light on the snowy landscape? Just the cherry on top.

3. Take a Dip in a Hot Spring

best things to do in California in December

December is a great time to indulge in Mammoth’s natural hot springs, especially those off Benton Crossing Road, just south of Mammoth Lakes . If soaking in a natural, steamy pool while surrounded by snow sounds heavenly, this is one of the absolute best things to do in California this month.

These springs are “primitive,” meaning they’re natural and free. However, due to winter conditions, the dirt roads leading to them are closed, so you’ll need to hike or snowshoe about a mile on a mostly flat trail, but don’t let the hike deter you. These springs still get visitors, so for a solitary experience, aim for sunrise. Choices like Willy’s Hot Spring, Hilltop Hot Spring, and Crab Cooker Hot Spring offer varying views and temperatures, all easily found on Google Maps.

4. Snowshoe to Convict Lake

best things to do in California in December

December’s serene atmosphere makes Convict Lake a must-visit, especially if you’re already in the Mammoth Lakes area. Whether you’re an early bird catching the sunrise or a sunset chaser, the views here will not disappoint. While the road leading to the lake is usually plowed, don’t expect to drive all the way around. Bring your snowshoes for a full exploration!

5. Head to Yosemite

best things to do in California in December

Visiting Yosemite in December offers the perks of fewer crowds and a magical winter wonderland atmosphere. The hiking trails are transformed by a blanket of snow, giving you a whole new Yosemite to explore. Popular spots like Mirror Lake and Lower Yosemite Falls offer shorter, manageable hikes that are still accessible during the cold season. But remember, some routes may require crampons or snowshoes, so always check current conditions. In this quieter time, you’ll truly appreciate Yosemite’s natural grandeur, so bundle up and go explore!

6. Stargaze in Joshua Tree or Death Valley

best things to do in California in December

December nights in Joshua Tree and Death Valley offer some of the clearest skies for stargazing, thanks to the dry desert air and minimal light pollution. Both parks are designated International Dark Sky Parks, making them some of the best spots in California for celestial viewing. While the desert can get chilly at night, dropping down to the 30s or even lower, the crisp air enhances visibility. So, pack some warm layers, a hot thermos, and a comfy blanket. Trust me, the view of the Milky Way and winter constellations is worth braving the cold!

7. Go Skiing at Big Bear Lake

If you’re yearning for a snowy escape, Big Bear Lake is where you want to be in December. With its top-notch ski and snowboard resorts like Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, this place transforms into a snowy playground perfect for all levels of skiers and boarders. This month usually sees excellent snowfall, setting you up for a day of pristine slopes followed by cozy evenings. Bonus: the holiday vibes are strong, with plenty of festive events and activities around the lake. So, pack your ski gear and get ready for a winter to remember at Big Bear Lake.

8. Catch a Sunset at Mono Lake

best things to do in California in December

Unlike other lakes that freeze over, Mono Lake’s high salinity keeps it liquid year-round. The eerie limestone tufas jutting out from the water create a unique, otherworldly landscape that’s great for photography. The South Tufa area is particularly stunning at sunset and often accessible in December, despite what Google Maps might suggest. If it hasn’t snowed recently, you can usually drive right up to the parking lot. But even if you have to hike a short distance, the captivating view is more than worth it.

9. Hug a Giant Redwood

best things to do in California in December

December is an enchanting time to get up close and personal with California’s towering redwoods. The crowds are fewer at Redwood National and State Parks, allowing for a more chill (no pun intended) experience as you wander through forests that feel like natural cathedrals. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a light dusting of snow on the branches, transforming the forest into a sparkling winter playground. Just remember to bundle up, as temperatures can dip, adding a crispness to your redwood adventure.

10. Enjoy the View at Anza-Borrego

best things to do in California in December

If you’ve read my post about Anza-Borrego Desert State Park , you already know I adore this place in the wintertime. December here means cooler temperatures, making it an ideal time for exploring. This is the largest state park in California, and it offers a wide range of hiking opportunities, from slot canyons to vast, open desert.

The park’s lower elevations mean you’ll escape the snow found in other parts of California, offering a different but equally stunning seasonal landscape. With fewer visitors this month, you’ll have a more solitary experience, making it easier to spot the desert’s unique flora and fauna. Just remember to pack plenty of water and sunblock!

11. Experience Holiday Cheer in Nevada City

If you’re yearning for a traditional holiday experience, Nevada City should be on your list. In December, this quaint town becomes a festive paradise as it gears up for its annual Victorian Christmas celebration. The streets come alive with twinkling lights, carolers in period costumes, and the aroma of roasted chestnuts filling the air. It’s like stepping back in time and into a Charles Dickens novel. The atmosphere is heightened by the possibility of snow, making it a magical destination for anyone looking to bask in the holiday spirit. Just remember to dress warmly, as evenings can get quite chilly here this month.

The best things to do in California in December are far more than just sun-soaked paradises. Here you can find a wealth of experiences that cater to all sorts of travelers. Whether you’re snowshoeing around Convict Lake, soaking in the warmth of natural hot springs, or basking in the holiday spirit in Nevada City, there’s something special waiting for you in the Golden State. So grab your snow boots or your stargazing binoculars and head out to explore the best that California has to offer during this special time of year.

Where will you go first?

About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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11/22/2023 at 4:56 am

Your Top 11 Favorite Things to Do in California in December is my holiday season bucket list! Excited to explore your recommendations and make December unforgettable. Thanks for the festive guide! 🎄❄️

Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

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A Two Week California Road Trip Itinerary

Last updated: June 3, 2022 . Written by Laurence Norah - 114 Comments

The United States is pretty much the perfect country to road trip in, with great roads, cheap gas and hundreds of gorgeous destinations to choose from. It’s no wonder that a California road trip is on many visitors to-do lists!

We’ve taken a number of fantastic US road trips , including Route 66 , the Pacific Coast Highway , the Oregon Trail and a route through the Deep South , and have never failed to have an amazing time.

One of our favourite states to explore though has to be California. With a mix of an excellent climate, some of the best National Parks in the country, and world-famous cities to explore, you’re never going to run short of things to do in California.

With this in mind, I wanted to put together a classic two week California road trip itinerary, taking in some of the best that the sunshine state has to offer. I did a trip almost exactly the same as this a few years back, so I know that it’s a good one.

California Road Trip

Two weeks is also a good amount of time for a trip like this, although you could of course extend it by a few days if you wanted to see a bit more, or wanted to go a bit slower.

California Road Trip Itinerary

This California road trip itinerary has you starting and finishing in San Francisco. As it’s a loop, you could also start and finish at any other point. If you would prefer another starting location, LA would be the most logical.

The route runs anti-clockwise, but you are welcome to drive it in whichever direction you prefer!

San Francisco – 3 Days

We’re going to start our California road trip with three days in San Francisco. San Francisco is home to the second largest airport in California, so there are plenty of opportunities for getting here for both domestic and international travellers.

Tram in San Francisco streets

San Francisco, and the surrounding San Francisco Bay Area is also an excellent city to base yourself for your first three days.

If you’re arriving internationally, you’re going to want a few days to adjust to the time zone difference before hopping into a car. For this reason, I’m going to recommend spending three nights in San Francisco, and picking up your hire car as you leave. You won’t want (or need!) a car while you’re in the city – parking is expensive and there are plenty of other options to get around.

You won’t be short on things to do in San Francisco, and in fact, might feel a little overwhelmed by all the choices!

Our suggestions would be to take in the Golden Gate bridge (hire a bike to get here easily), explore Chinatown, pop across to Alcatraz , revel in the tourist trap that is Fisherman’s Wharf, don’t miss golden gate park , head to the top of Nob Hill for cocktails at The Mark, hop on a cable car and, if you still have time, take a stroll at Lands End.

San Francisco Sunset

To get yourself oriented, we can also recommend taking a walking tour with the excellent SFNative folks, they know the city backwards. Finally, if you’re looking for some great photo opportunities, check out our guide to the best photography locations in San Francisco .

Accommodation wise, there are plenty of options in San Francisco. Here are some of our favourite picks for your stay, across a range of budgets.

  • HI San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf Hotel – found right on Fisherman’s Wharf, this budget hostel offers both dormitory and private accommodation options. There’s free breakfast and free parking, making this an excellent option for the location.
  • Marines’ Memorial Club & Hotel – found in the popular Union Square district, this great value 3-star hotel has a rooftop restaurant, library, and on-site theatre. Rooms have private bathrooms and coffee makers, and breakfast is included. A paid parking garage is available nearby.
  • Parker Guest House – found in the old Mission district just behind the San Francisco mission building, this is a well reviewed and good value guesthouse offering private rooms. Free breakfast is available, and parking is available on site for a reasonable (by San Francisco standards) fee.
  • Columbus Inn – Just a few hundred yards from Lombardy Street and Fisherman’s Wharf in the North Beach district,  this 3* inn offers great value for the location. Private rooms offer en-suite and tea/coffee making facilities. There’s also free parking on site.
  • Golden Gate Hotel – a very well reviewed 3* hotel just minutes from Union Square. Continental breakfast and afternoon tea are included. Rooms are definitely on the cosy side, and some have shared bathrooms, but the price is great for the location. Paid parking available nearby.
  • Staypineapple Union Square – we stayed at this restored historic 4* 1913 hotel on a recent trip to San Francisco, and loved the mix of the old and the new. We loved the rooms, the colorful pineapple theme, and the free pineapple flavoured cupcakes certainly helped! Parking is available nearby for a fee.
  • Four Seasons Hotel – if you are after five star luxury, then consider the Four Seasons hotel. Also found in Union Square, rooms are huge, there’s an on-site restaurant, fitness centre, and many rooms have city views.

See more options for hotels in San Francisco here, as well vacation rentals on Plum Guide here and Vrbo here .

Pacific Coast Highway – 2 Days

The drive down the section of the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to Los Angeles is definitely one of the best road trips in the world. So it’s really a no-brainer that this would be your first destination after you pick up your hire car and head out of the city.

Pacific Coast Highway California

There are numerous highlights along the way, from cute seaside towns to gorgeous wilderness areas. Don’t miss Santa Cruz , Monterey , Big Sur and the Julia Pfeffer Burns State Park (camp here if you can!).

The latter is particularly famous for the waterfall that cascades onto the beach, a gorgeous photo opportunity.

From Big Sur head further south and take in highlights like the seals at Cambria , tasty food at San Luis Obispo, the gorgeous Pismo beach, Hearst Castle and more.

For loads more information on this stretch of highway and to help you plan the perfect coastal road trip, check out our super detailed guide to planning a  Pacific Coast Highway road trip .

California road trip - Waterfall onto beach Juiia Pfieffer Burns State Park California Big Sur

For the 2 days you’ll spend on this part of your California road trip, we recommend stopping overnight around Monterey or Carmel on your first night, and San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay or Cambria on your second night.

There are plenty of accommodation options all the way down this stretch of highway, from campsites and B&B’s to luxury hotels – it all depends on your budget and what you’re aiming for. Here are a few options to consider in our recommended towns along the way.

For your first night, we recommend one of the following:

  • If you like to camp, then there are camping options in the national parks along the route here, including the Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground . I’ve camped here and it’s lovely to be surrounded by the massive redwoods. Just be aware that it is popular, and booking in advance is a must.
  • Sandpiper Inn , Carmel – we stayed here when we visited Carmel. We enjoyed the comfortable rooms, inclusive breakfast, and proximity to the beach. Free parking is available.
  • Coachman’s Inn , Carmel – we’ve stayed at a number of the boutique hotels which are in the Four Sisters Inn collection, and they’ve all been excellent. This inn, found in the heart of Carmel Village, gets good reviews. Rooms include coffee makers and free popcorn, wine with hors d’oeuvres is served in the evenings, and breakfast is included.
  • The Inn at 1252 , Monterey – a good value inn on the way into Monterey. Rooms feature coffee makers, and a heated pool is available year round. There’s also a fitness room, free parking and free coffee.
  • The Jabberwock B&B , Monterey – just a few blocks from Cannery Row, this very well reviewed B&B offers seven lovely guest rooms, some of which have fireplaces and hot tubs. Free parking, and breakfast is included.

For your second night, we recommend one of the following:

  • Apple Farm Inn , San Luis Obispo – we really enjoyed our stay here on one of our Pacific Coast Highway road trips. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, the breakfast was fantastic, and the on-site bakery has some delicious food. There are also two pools on site, and free parking.
  • Madonna Inn , San Luis Obispo – this four star family-owned motel just to the south of SLO is a truly quirky destination, and a landmark of the central coast. Each of the 110 rooms is uniquely decorated, with pink being a key theme throughout. We didn’t stay here, but we did have dinner at the Gold Rush steak house on-site, which was fantastic.
  • Seaside Inn , Morro Bay – this 2* budget inn is one block from the waterfront. Rooms have a microwave and refrigerator, and there’s free on site parking and coffee.
  • Beach Bungalow Inn and Suites , Morro Bay – five minutes walk from the aquarium, this three star inn is very well reviewed. Comfortable rooms have fireplaces, refrigerators and coffee machines, and a hot breakfast is included as is parking.
  • Cambria Palms Motel , Cambria – this 2* motel is a couple of blocks from downtown, and offers comfortable rooms at a good price. Rooms have refrigerator and coffee machine, and free parking is available on site.
  • El Colibri Hotel & Spa , Cambria – on one of our visits to Cambria we stayed here for a couple of nights and really enjoyed it. The rooms are lovely, with fireplaces, and some have spa tubs. There’s an on-site spa, outdoor hot tub, and breakfast is available. Free parking on-site.
  • J Patrick House B&B , Cambria – this five star Irish themed inn was Cambria’s first B&B. There’s a a free wine hour, evening cookies and a full breakfast included with your stay. Each room is individually designed, and there’s free parking on site. A great pick in Cambria.

Santa Monica, LA – 2 Days

Los Angeles can be a big, confusing place, particularly after your trip down the Pacific Coast Highway. That’s why I suggest you head to Santa Monica and make that your LA base.

On the coast, and technically a separate city (it’s kind of hard to tell as LA and its surrounds are part of a fairly vast urban sprawl), you’ll have access to the wonderful beach and pier, as well as nearby Venice, most famous for its beach and people watching opportunities.

santa monica sunset

Again, there’s no shortage of things to do in LA. If you’re interested in film, you can visit the Hollywood sign, walk the Hollywood walk of fame or go on a tour of the backlot at Universal Studios .

Art lovers will find their thrills at the Getty Center , which also offers gorgeous panoramic views of the surrounding city. Other highlights include Sunset Boulevard, and of course, you can hop on one of those tours of the stars homes if you’re so inclined.

LA also has plentiful accommodation options to suit all budget. Here are some of our recommended options:

  • Santa Monica Motel – we enjoyed our stay at this basic 2* motel, which is around a 10 minute walk from Santa Monica Pier. There’s free morning coffee and free parking, and rooms come with coffee makers and in-room refrigerators. It’s definitely a value option.
  • Banana Bungalow – this hostel offers shared and private accommodation, around a mile from the downtown Hollywood area. There’s free parking on-site, and reviews are positive.
  • Magic Castle Hotel – this 3* hotel is a short walk from the Hollywood walk of fame, and you get a pool, unlimited free snacks, free continental breakfast and reasonably priced parking. It’s also a short walk to the Hollywood Bowl, and only three miles from Universal Studios. We really enjoyed staying here.
  • Villa Delle Stelle – this boutique hotel in central Hollywood gets excellent reviews and will make you feel like a celebrity. Each suite is designed after a specific old Hollywood Celebrity, and guests can avail of celebrity style services such as in-room massages, private chefs and a personal trainer. Free parking is also included.
  • The Georgian Hotel – this beautiful 1933 4* Art Deco hotel is a short walk from Santa Monica pier, and offers ocean views and on-site dining. Breakfast is available, and parking is available on-site for a fee.

See more LA listings here for inspiration , as well as LA listings on Vrbo here . For a more curated apartment rental option, check out Plum Guide. You can see their LA listings here .

If you’re not excited about Los Angeles, you could also choose to skip it and head down the coast to San Diego County and the city of San Diego itself. This is a more laid back (and easily navigable!) experience compared to LA, and there’s a great deal to do here as well.

For more reading on San Diego, check out this guide to things to do in San Diego we put together.

Joshua Tree National Park – 1 Day

Time to head out of the city, and the remainder of this itinerary is going to focus on exploring some of California’s unbelievable wilderness areas and National Parks. We’re going to start this off with a trip to the Joshua Tree National Park , home to those iconic shaped trees that the park is named for.

Joshua Tree

It’s a wonderful place, the meeting point of two deserts, and offers good opportunities for camping, hiking and star-gazing.

The best way to experience the park is to camp overnight in one of its many campgrounds (you should definitely reserve a spot well in advance if this is your plan), otherwise, there are various lodging opportunities outside the park if you’re not big into camping. You should also be aware that there is very limited water availability in the park (and no hookups for RV’s), so make sure you bring plenty of water and food – this is a remote desert environment after all!

Here are some suggested accommodation options in nearby Twentynine Palms.

  • 9 Palms Inn – this budget 2* property gets good reviews, and rooms come with a coffee machine, microwave and refrigerator. There’s also free parking on site.
  • El Rancho Dolores – this is a great value 3* property with a seasonal pool. Rooms have microwaves and refrigerator, and free parking is included.
  • Sunnyvale Garden Suites – a very well rated 2* hotel offering a range of suites, each of which comes with a BBQ as well as a full kitchen. There’s a hot tub and gym on site, and free parking is available.
  • Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites – this 3* chain hotel offers comfortable and well reviewed accommodation, with an outdoor heated pool and fitness centre. Rooms have coffee making facilities, microwave and small fridge, and there are BBQ facilities available for guest use.
  • Flying Point Homestead – if you want something a little bit different, check out this property. It’s actually a holiday home rather than a hotel, but one of the options is a beautiful silver streak trailer!

See more listings for Twentynine Palms and this general region on  Plum Guide here .

Note, if you want to include a detour to Las Vegas, this would be the moment to do just that. We’d suggest adding a couple of days to your trip if you want to experience the city and its surrounds as there’s a lot to see and do here. Then you can rejoin the trip at the next stop.

For more on that sort of trip, check out our two week USA road trip itinerary , which include Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon.

Death Valley National Park – 1 Day

Moving on from one desert environment to another desert environment – and the largest national park in the contiguous United States. Death Valley (the name was given by gold rush travellers who nearly perished here) is the hottest and driest place in North America, and has recorded the hottest ambient air temperature in the world.

Badwater basin

So, overall, a hot place.

Other than making you want to crank up the AC then, what does Death Valley offer? Well, there’s that sense of remoteness. The vast, unforgiving wilderness. The knowledge that you’d probably die fairly quickly if you happen to wander off and get lost (don’t wander off and get lost folks).

Death Valley

Truth be told, there’s plenty to do here. You can visit Badwater Basin, the lowest point in the entire North America, which actually sits 86 metres below sea level. Then there are sand dunes, salt flats, craters, colourful canyons and hiking opportunities galore.

Just be aware that this is a seriously inhospitable, and, in the summer months, unbearably hot, destination, so plan and pack accordingly . If you’re looking for more ideas on spending a day in Death Valley, check out this excellent post .

Mammoth Lakes – 1 Day

From Death Valley we’re going to head further north, up to Mammoth Lakes . This drive is quite incredible, along the Sierra Nevada mountains, and the scenery (and temperatures) will change dramatically as you ascend into this gorgeous part of the world.

Mammoth Lakes are an adventure lovers playground. You can go hiking, camping, cycling, rock climbing, horseback riding, fishing – the list goes on! There’s also a ghost town , craft beer companies, shopping opportunities – basically, pretty much everything you could imagine.

lake mono

Whilst you’re here, you should also take the opportunity to visit Lake Mono . Now a state nature reserve, Lake Mono is a million year old lake notable for the “tufa” towers, calcium carbonate structures that stand above the lake like strange modern art installations. Definitely worth a visit, and particularly photogenic at sunrise and sunset.

Yosemite National Park – 3 Days

Finally on our awesome California road trip, I’m going to suggest you spend three days exploring Yosemite National Park before heading back to San Francisco to return your hire vehicle and head home.

Vernal falls Yosemite

Yosemite is without doubt one of my favourite places in the entire United States. It’s a wonder of nature, a photographer’s paradise, and somewhere I dare anyone to visit without falling instantly in love.

There’s a lot to see and do here, which is why I’m going to suggest taking three days to get the most out of your visit. This will let you see all the highlights, as well as go for some longer hikes (or drives), and not feel too rushed.

Glacier point view Yosemite

I’ve got a full guide to the best photography locations in Yosemite , but in brief, don’t miss Yosemite Falls, the hike up to Nevada and Vernal Falls, the drive (or hike) to Glacier Point, Tunnel View, Valley View and Bridalveil Falls.

If you love longer, more challenging day hikes, then Half Dome is a seriously challenging walk (permit required), as is the walk up to the top of Yosemite Falls .

There are a range of accommodation options in Yosemite National Park, ranging from campsites to canvas-sided tent cabins, through to luxury hotels.

There are 13 campsites available in the park , with a number of these available for reservation, and the rest operated on a first come first serve basis. If you want to camp, we highly recommend booking well in advance, which you can do here .

There are also nine lodging options operated by Yosemite Hospitality inside the park, which are the only other accommodation options available in the park itself. These can be reserved up to a year in advance, and range from simple canvas cabins through to a high-end luxury hotel. These can all be reserved online in advance here .

Important –  As of 2022, Yosemite has introduced a reservation system for park entry. If you are visiting between late May and the end of September and planning on driving into or through the park between 6am and 4pm you will need to have a reservation. You can find out more and make your reservations online here .

Yosemite view of El Capitan

California Road Trip Map

We’ve put together a map of our suggested California road trip itinerary, which you can see below, and also on Google Maps here . Note that depending on the time of year, access to Yosemite can be restricted due to snow, so you have to take the longer way round.

In addition, parts of the Pacific Coast Highway are often closed due to damage caused by landslides. As such, the map should be seen as an overview rather than a definitive route. You’ll want to plan your own California road trip route that matches any current road conditions and closures.

You can check the status of the coast route (state highway 1), as well as all the other roads in the state, on the Caltrans website here .

California Road Trip Itinerary Map

California Road Trip Itinerary Overview

  • Days 1 – 3: San Francisco
  • Days 4 – 5: Pacific Coast Highway
  • Days 6 & 7: Los Angeles
  • Day 8: Joshua Tree
  • Day 9: Death Valley
  • Day 10: Mammoth Lakes
  • Days 11 – 13: Yosemite National Park
  • Day 14: Return to San Francisco

When to Take a California Road Trip

California is a fairly good year round destination, but there are a few things to be aware of when planning your trip. In the Winter months, places like Yosemite can become accessible particularly from the east side, due to snow, as you can see in the map above.

The main road in to Yosemite is the Tioga Road, and this is usually closed from November through to May or even June. In addition, parts of the park, including Glacier Point road, are often closed for a similar timeframe.

If this happens to you, you’ll have to take a serious detour to get in based on this itinerary. A better option might be to embrace the snow, and head up to Lake Tahoe for some fantastic skiing opportunities. Or, you can head east, out to Nevada and the pleasure city of Las Vegas.

big sur coastline

In summertime, the heat can be quite intense, in particular in places like Death Valley, where in the summer months temperatures can exceed 100F, and it’s not recommended to spend much time outside.

Where to Stay in California

California has a serious range of accommodation options to meet pretty much every budget, although larger cities and busier months do tend to increase the prices. We’d always recommend booking in advance for your trip if possible – in particular for national park campsites and hotels, and to get the best deals on city centre hotels.

For two people travelling together, you’re looking at a budget range of $60 – $150 per night for comfortable private en-suite accommodation, although you can obviously spend far more than that!

Our preferred option for hotel booking is booking.com, as they usually have the best prices, regularly run deals, and many properties offer good last minute cancellation policies. See their listings for California , San Francisco and Los Angeles to get you started.

We also use and recommend Plum Guide and Vrbo for vacation rentals.

For more ideas, take a look at our travel resources page for helpful hints and tips on getting the best deal on accommodation when you travel.

How to Get Around California

This is a road trip, so obviously you’re going to want a hire a car! We nearly always hire cars for our US road trips through Enterprise . We generally find they have the most competitive prices and widest choice of locations, plus if you’re thinking of a one way trip they have reasonable fees for doing that.

If you’d prefer to compare prices across a range of providers, then we recommend Rentalcars.com .

Drivers with foreign licenses are allowed to drive, if your license is in a language other than English then you would be best with either an international drivers license, or a certified translation.

Another option of course is to hire a camper van or RV, which will let you stay in campgrounds and other, more out of the way areas. This can be a fun way to travel in a more self sufficient style. If this sounds like you, we recommend comparing RV rental prices at Motorhome Republic . They list all RVs from many of the major suppliers to help you find the right one for you. See their USA listings here .

We can also recommend checking out  RVShare , who offer peer to peer campervan rental – a bit like the AirBnB of RV rental! Similar options include Outdoorsy and RVEzy .

If this is your first time in the USA, or you just want a reminder of what it’s like to drive in the USA, check out our guide to driving in the USA for lots of tips!

Practicalities for a California Road trip

Travelling in the USA is relatively easy, but we wanted to share a few things to help make planning your California road trip a little easier.

Electricity

The USA uses a 110v electrical system, with plugs that are either two pin or three pin. The holes are flat, and sometimes the two pin plug holes will be different sizes, so the plug will only go in one way.

If you’re coming from much of the rest of the world, including Europe, the UK or Asia, you will definitely need a travel adaptor like this . You will also need to check that your equipment supports the 110v supply, as much of the rest of the world uses a 220v supply.

In our experience, most electronics like laptops and phone chargers accept a universal voltage, whilst higher power devices like hairdryers do not. Always check the device itself, the voltage rating should be on your plug or adaptor somewhere.

Internet Access

Internet access is widely available across the USA in the form of WiFi, which can be found for free at most hotels, cafes, bars and restaurants. There are also a number of free WiFi hotspots in some of the cities on our list.

If your phone is unlocked you can pick up a pay as you go SIM in the USA. One of the better options is from Straight Talk , which you can buy in Walmart stores.

For more options on getting online when travelling, check out our guide to getting online when travelling to help you figure out the best options.

The USA uses the US dollar, and there are ATM’s available throughout. In our experience though, you can pay for nearly everything with a credit card, so you will rarely need cash. Whilst it is worth having a few bills on you, for the most part you won’t need them.

Instead, just make sure you have a credit or debit card that doesn’t charge you any foreign transaction fees and uses a fair price for currency conversions, and you should be good to go.

Water across the USA is safe to drink, unless otherwise indicated. There are drinking fountains in the majority of public locations, and we recommend you travel with a re-usable water bottle so you can just fill it up as you go.

One thing we always love about travelling in the USA is how drinking water is always brought to your table at a restaurant – something we wish was standard around the world!

For the most part, the USA is a safe destination to travel in, and we have never had any problems. Of course, every country has crime, and areas where you would be wiser to avoid, however if you practice basic safety precautions, keep your valuables out of sight and behave as you would at home, you should be fine!

Further Reading and Resources for a California Road Trip

California is a very popular destination, so there’s no shortage of research material to help you plan your trip! Here are some of my favourite resources:

  • We have a guide to things to do in San Diego
  • I’ve written a guide featuring some of my top tips for driving in the USA to help get you going on the road!
  • Wondering how much a California road trip will cost? Check out our  guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA to help you plan your trip budget.
  • Jess has a guide to driving the Pacific Coast Highway , which will give you lots of ideas for that section of the road
  • If you’re interested in California’s wine country, see our guide to visiting Napa Valley
  • Route 66 ends in California, so take a look at our guide to planning a route 66 trip , as well as our detailed 2 week Route 66 itinerary and 1 week Route 66 itinerary
  • Fodor’s Guide to California , which also includes details on a number of fantastic road trips
  • The Lonely Planet California Guide , which is great for finding things to do, places to eat and places to stay
  • A US road atlas , because sometimes you don’t want to rely on GPS!
  • If you’re planning on hiring an RV or camping, this guide to free and super cheap campgrounds will quickly pay for itself
  • The official Visit California page, which will give you more advice on what to see and when to visit
  • For more in California, see this awesome guide to places to visit in California , from fellow bloggers at yTravelBlog
  • My guide to things to do in Redding California , if you decide to head to northern California
  • Getting online when travelling in a foreign country can be daunting – check out our guide to getting online when travelling to help you figure out the best options for your trip
  • And if you’re looking for inspiration for the rest of the USA, check out our USA section , which includes a Deep south itinerary , tips for New Orleans during Mardi Gras – and lots more!

Detailed itinerary and trip planning advice for the ultimate California two week road trip, including San Francisco, LA, the Pacific Coast Highway, Death Valley, Yosemite and more!

And that sums up my perfect two week California road trip itinerary! If you’ve got any comments, suggestions or additions, do pop them in the comments below. Plus, if you liked this post, do check out the rest of my itinerary series , which will help you plan the perfect trips all around the world!

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robert feinberg says

16th December 2023 at 4:48 pm

Hello, we are planning a road trip to California in July, and using your template, but adding a few different options. we are traveling with 2 15 year olds, and they want to surf. any recommendations you can make on that, as well as stops that will be good for them? much appreciated.

Laurence Norah says

16th December 2023 at 8:26 pm

So there are a lot of surfing options all along the coast from San Francisco to San Diego. A lot will depend on the experience of your children and whether or not they are experienced surfers or are looking to learn. Also, some locations will have surfboard rentals wheras others are more remote. So it will depend what you need in that regard. However, there are good options all along the California coast, including Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz, Pismo, Morro Bay, Ricon Point and Surfrider beach (Malibu). I’d just recommend doing some research to ensure you match the breaks to the skill level required 🙂

Have an awesome trip!

Kim Dawtrey says

7th October 2023 at 9:39 pm

Hi Lawrence We are just home after nearly three weeks in the US on a route based on your California Road Trip, although we also went to the a Grand Canyon and Las Vegas. The information within your blog was a great help in planning our trip. Unfortunately we were unable to drive down the whole Pacific Highway due to landslide near Big Sur, but we loved the 17 mile drive and would recommend staying in Pacific Grove (we stayed in Bide-A-Wee hotel which was great). We were also unable to drive across Death Valley as the NP was closed due to the damage to the roads, we did however visit Death Valley Junction and throughly recommend a visit to Amargosa Opera House. The board outside says tours at 9.00am and 6.00pm, but the young lady in the hotel reception was more than happy to give us a tour for a donation, fascinating place and history. If you haven’t visited I can send you some photos. Another side trip we did was to Bristlecone Ancient Pine Forest, amazing place, great drive up to 10,000 feet, with fresh snow at the top! The Grand Canyon and Yosemite were certainly the highlights for us. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip, thank you for all your valuable information, if we were 40 years younger, we would love to be doing what you and Jess are doing!

8th October 2023 at 12:33 pm

Thank you so much, I’m happy to hear you had a great trip in California and beyond! Unfortunately the Pacific Coast Highway does get blocked quite regularly due to landslides, and it also sounds like unfortunate timing with Death Valley. However I am glad to hear you still had a good time overall! We haven’t visited the Amargosa Opera House, we will definitely have to add that to the list!

Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences, and safe onward travels 🙂 Jess and I love to hear from fellow adventurers who have been out exploring!

All the best,

erika liaci says

3rd July 2023 at 2:54 pm

Hi we are finalising our US Road trip to/from LAX in mid August. Would you recommend still going to the Death valley? I am a bit scared of the temperature which might be 50C? Thanks erika

4th July 2023 at 9:26 am

So I would personally probably skip Death Valley in August. It’s going to be too hot to do very much, and you would likely be able to better spend your time elsewhere. An extra day in Yosemite for example!

Have a great trip!

17th April 2023 at 11:43 am

Hi – this 2 week California road trip looks amazing. Your blog is really helpful for planning our own trip. Would it be possible to know the driving distances between each of the places please. Thanks Sam

18th April 2023 at 8:09 am

Hi Sam, thanks very much! So I didn’t put distances because in my experience they tend to change with side trips etc. Also, the Pacific Coast Highway is regularly affected by landslips so stretches of the route can be closed.

That said, as a rough guide:

From San Francisco to Santa Monica is around 500 miles From Santa Monica to Joshua Tree is around 150 miles From Joshua Tree to Death Valley is around 260 miles From Death Valley to Mammoth Lakes is around 200 miles From Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite is normally around 75 miles but this depends on the pass being open From Yosemite back to San Francisco is around 170 miles.

I hope this helps! Have a great time in California 🙂

28th January 2023 at 2:46 pm

Hi. Would you recommend Zion National Park or Bryce Canyon? We will be driving back from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas and are thinking of an extended detour north rather than going back via Kingman. Thanks

29th January 2023 at 9:07 am

It is with some dismay that I’m not able to accurately answer your question as both parks are still on my to-do list and I haven’t visited either. So rather than inaccurately answer your question I would have to say I don’t know. I definitely want to visit them both, and from the photos I have seen I don’t think you would be disappointed with either, but that’s about as much as I can say for now until I have visited both!

Sorry not to be of more help but I hope you have an amazing trip nonetheless!

Maxine says

4th August 2022 at 8:16 am

This post has been super helpful and given us great ideas for a trip we are planning with our two teenagers next summer. We want to include vegas, therefore, would you recommend that we head there after San Diego before heading back to Yosemite? Thank you

4th August 2022 at 6:06 pm

Thanks very much, glad you found the post useful! So yes, heading from San Diego or Death Valley to Las Vegas would make the most sense. I’ve actually written a trip out that is similar to this one but include Vegas (and the Grand Canyon if you wanted to also include that). That’s here:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/2-week-usa-road-trip-itinerary/

You can save time of course by skipping the Grand Canyon 🙂 Let me know if you have any more questions, I’m happy to help. Otherwise, have a great trip!

William D Villont says

6th January 2022 at 9:03 pm

My wife and I took a California trip similar to this one except we went south to San Diego as our final destination. I really enjoyed the trip and can fully understand why you highlight this trip as one someone should surely take. We agree. My only disappointment of the trip is that, at the time, I was doing videography and that is all I took on the trip, my video camera. Now that I have gotten back into photography I wish I had taken my camera as well. We rarely get out the old video (VHS tape) and watch and I have not taken the time to transfer the VHS to DVD yet. I just gave it away, that this trip was sometime ago because I was shooting VHS. Anyway I would love to take this trip again and if this Covid thing ever goes away, maybe I will. Thanks for sharing this trip.

7th January 2022 at 11:29 am

Hi William,

I’m glad to bring back positive memories of your California trip! Interesting to hear you mostly took video. I have a similar reverse quandry when I travel, I usually only find myself able to concentrate on one medium of story telling as we go, so I focus on photos. But I often think it might be nice to have more videos. I hope you get to watch your video soon and also to take the trip again one day!

Have a lovely and safe 2022,

Delaney Blute says

1st July 2021 at 3:18 am

Hi! Thank you so much for the wonderful travel recommendations. I’m planning on taking this trip with my mother and sister, possibly leaving next late summer. Do you have a ball park recommendation for price for the entire trip for 3 people? We plan on budgeting it, but just wanted to know if you had any estimate of what this trip would cost for 3 people. Thanks so much!

1st July 2021 at 12:47 pm

Hi Delaney,

This is a great question. So it’s really hard to give a price estimate because everyone has a different travel style, and it will depend on what type of accommodation you are thinking of booking, whether you are happy to share a room for the three of you vs have individual rooms, whether you are ok with budget dining vs more expensive options and so on. I’m also not sure if you’re from the US or not, so car rental if you need to rent a car would also be a cost to consider.

I do have a guide which has a ballpark idea of costs for travel in the UK, which you can see here: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-travel-in-usa/

That should give you an idea of how much each element of the trip should cost you, to help you come up with a rough figure. The main costs are going to be your accommodation, gas / car rental / car parking in cities, food, and any attraction entry.

I hope this helps! Let me know if I can provide any further input, and have a great trip 🙂

Chantelle says

7th March 2020 at 2:06 pm

We have a trip booked for just short of a month in September! Your blog was really helpful, thank you!

I was wondering if you had some advice on Car vrs Camper. Is it easy to find places to stay in a camper or would you recommend a car and motels. We are happy either way just want our trip to be as stress free as possible!

7th March 2020 at 5:07 pm

Hi Chantelle!

So we have done both, and honestly, we prefer motels / B&Bs to campsites.

In the USA, campsites are a bit different to the UK in my experience. They tend to have more formal “sites” for each visitor, which means they can’t just squeeze another person in. When they are full they’re full. For National Parks especially, this means that they can book out and then you can be stuck trying to find somewhere to stay. You can of course book them in advance, so that’s an option. The other good news is that if you have a campervan all is not lost as there are places you can camp for free. However these tend not to be totally exciting, Walmart carparks for example let folks stay overnight, but this might not be the dream option.

The other thing is that if you do the math, you will find that the cost of renting a campervan + the cost of paying campsite fees will probably be a lot more than the cost of a cheap car and economy lodging. Plus if you plan on visiting a few of the cities in this itinerary a camper will be more effort than it’s worth. You didn’t mention budget so this might not be a huge factor, but I just wanted to highlight it.

I think you can see where my preference lies for this itinerary. Obviously if you love camping and want to spend more time out in the backcountry and national parks, it’s a great option. But you might find that buying a cheap tent and a couple of sleeping bags for a few nights is a better option than renting a camper 🙂

Have a great trip – let me know how it goes and what you decide to do! We have a facebook group you’re welcome to share your experiences in here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelloversandphotography/

chantelle sims says

14th March 2020 at 2:44 pm

This has been so incredibly helpful thankyou!!

My pleasure Chantelle – have a great trip!

Sharon says

16th February 2020 at 7:40 pm

Great inspiration and ideas, thanks

16th February 2020 at 9:34 pm

Our pleasure Sharon, thanks for stopping by and commenting!

Thiago says

12th February 2020 at 7:45 pm

Just want to thank you for these super detailed guides, guys;

13th February 2020 at 10:48 am

Our pleasure Thiago, if you have any questions we’re happy to help 🙂 Safe travels!

Kathy Reed says

26th January 2020 at 5:51 pm

Hi – this was an amazing find! Loved all of your recommendations. Do you have any recommendations for anything just a little further north into the Redwoods. Perhaps starting in Santa Monica and going north? Though i do love the loop feature of this itinerary. Makes it so hard to decide. Thanks!

28th January 2020 at 9:19 am

We have travelled north of this itinerary as well, with our highlights including Napa Valley, Point Reyes National Park and Redding, however we’ve not put together a detailed itinerary for this sort of trip as we’ve not covered the area in enough detail. If redwoods are what you are after particularly, then on this itinerary you can see them near Santa Cruz, if you did want to follow it.

Let me know if I can offer any more advice for your trip!

4th January 2020 at 4:39 pm

Hi Great site for info ? Just would like to know what time of year would you recommend doing this road trip ive just read on here ,we’re coming from the UK so any info will help us plan Many thanks Barry

5th January 2020 at 11:25 am

It can definitely be done at any time of year, but I might avoid the depths of winter as snow can make the roads into Yosemite a challenge, plus it will be quite cold. So if you are looking for more of a summery California road trip, I might suggest May through September. We just toured California in August, and it was definitely very hot inland, as well as being busy so perhaps May/June or September would be the best time for a good combination of weather and fewer people 🙂

Debbie says

4th January 2020 at 3:03 pm

Hi We are planning this trip in April 2020! We will skip LA (Not interested) & Yosemite (We’ve already been) & we will only spend 1 day in San Francisco (we’ve already been) my question is do you think we can do the rest in 7 days?? We definitely want to do the scenic drive from San Francisco to San Diego & back to San Fran an thank you for all the wonderful information!!

5th January 2020 at 11:32 am

Hey Debbie!

Awesome 😀 So you can do the Pacific Coast Highway from SF to San Diego in a couple of days if you don’t mind going at a bit of a pace. I’d probably slow it down to 3 days though. I’m not sure if you still plan on seeing Joshua Tree and Death Valley – if you plan on going up and down the Pacific Coast Highway both ways, then you’re actually going to end up driving much more than this itinerary if you do visit Death Valley, as you’ll do about 2/3rds of the route and then turn around.

I’m not sure if you wanted to go to Las Vegas instead, but what you could do instead of going all the way back is finish in Vegas. I have noticed that many car hire firms don’t charge one way fees for trips between SF and Las Vegas, and flights out of Las Vegas are also very inexpensive. Even if you don’t want to do the whole Las Vegas thing, there are some lovely outdoor attractions in the area including the Hoover Dam and the spectacular valley of fire state park.

Anyway, just a thought. To answer your question – yes, you could do the rest in 7 days but I fear it might be a bit rushed,

30th December 2019 at 1:24 am

How many miles is this trip in total?

30th December 2019 at 3:28 pm

Around 1400 miles, but you’ll want to add on detours, side trips etc. So I’d say 1500 – 2000 to be on the safe side 🙂

Mallikarjun says

19th December 2019 at 8:51 pm

Can you please let me know the “Public Transport” options, it may be Bus, Metro or any other services in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego. I am planning for a trip in end of Jan 2020 for about 6 to 7 days to cover these cities. Or is there any travel packages you suggest for these cities. Please let me know.

Thanks, Malli

22nd December 2019 at 5:29 pm

My pleasure, and apologies for the slow response, I’ve had some site issues I’ve been working on.

For your question, are you looking for public transport between the cities, or in the cities? If the former, then I’d generally recommend the long distance bus as the best way to get between the cities in California, although you will struggle to get to more remote locations this way.

For each city you mention, there are different options. San Francisco is the easiest to get around, as there’s a great bus system as well as bikes, e-bikes and scooters. LA is a bit trickier – there are both buses and a metro, but just be aware that the distances can be quite far as the city is very spread out. So the best option is to figure out what you want to see and make sure the accommodation you pick is as close to the sights as possible.

San Diego is also easy to get around for the most part, with buses, trolleys and trains.

I hope this helps 🙂

Samantha says

28th October 2019 at 1:20 pm

Hi! this sounds amazing and I am literally looking at booking this for June next year! From looking about the only area that I am a bit unsure of is Death Valley – where is best to stay around there and if only doing a day – what would be the best suggestion of something to do? I am also thinking that we will add 1 day on to do a Vegas stay since its so close!

29th October 2019 at 8:31 am

Hi Samantha,

So when we visited we stayed just outside the valley at Panamint Springs – specifically we stayed here .

A day is enough to see the highlights of Death Valley. You’ll want to visit Badwater Basin of course, the lowest point in North America. Other highlights including the Mesquite Sand dunes, Zabriskie Point, the Devil’s Golf Course, the Artists Drive and Palette and Mosaic Canyon.

We can definitely recommend tacking on a trip to Vegas as well. We’re actually thinking of publishing a new itinerary in the coming months which includes Vegas, as it’s a popular addition 🙂

Gisele leduc says

13th October 2019 at 3:38 pm

Would like to know w ymt is there a bus trip to 14 days in calif. Where does the bus leave from in the US. And approx how much is the cost

14th October 2019 at 8:36 pm

Sorry, could you clarify? Are you looking for a tour of California?

15th October 2019 at 3:32 pm

Looking for next year we live in Ottawa Canada and would like to take a 14 day bus tour especially san Francesco and pacific route. Are there bus tours leaving let’s say from Buffalo, New York we can easily drive to these destinations. I meant leaving from New York City and Buffalo. What would be the cost and does it include meals. Thank u

Gisele Leduv says

15th October 2019 at 7:37 pm

Hi I would like to know if there are Any bus tours leaving from New York City or buffalo 14 day road trip to California especially the pacific coastland. What would be the cost for such a trip.

16th October 2019 at 8:08 pm

Hey Gisele,

I have looked but most tours that depart from New York and go to California are much longer, because the distance is so great from the east coast to the west coast. If you want a tour that focuses more on California, it would definitely be easier to get one that departs from San Francisco or Las Vegas rather than New York – is that a possibility?

vivianchoo says

5th October 2019 at 4:44 am

Good articles and good photos, Helps a lot. Thank you!

5th October 2019 at 10:16 am

My pleasure – have a great trip!

Jason Parsons says

19th August 2019 at 3:23 pm

This is a super inspiring blog. Which area did you stay in Yosemite? We are planning to complete our road trip with 3 nights in Yosemite. We will have a car and plan on day trip walks within the park.using a hotel or lodge as our base.

19th August 2019 at 4:09 pm

Thanks very much! In Yosemite we’ve stayed in a few places. On the trip with the photos in this post, we stayed in Curry Village, which were canvas tents ( https://www.nationalparkreservations.com/lodge/yosemite-curry-village/ ).

Jess has also stayed at the Wawona hotel, and the other lodge options are The Ahwahnee Hotel and the Yosemite Valley Lodge. I would definitely recommend staying with the park if you can as it makes it a lot easier to see everything within a short distance. The various options are at different price points though, so you’ll have to figure out which is best for you 🙂

Have an amazing trip!

julie morton says

15th June 2019 at 4:36 pm

Great article, thank you. I will be doing a similar route with my husband in September. Do you have any further guides on the Mammoth Lakes area or could you suggest somewhere to base ourselves there for a couple of nights please? We will be coming from Death Valley and then heading on to Yosemite.

15th June 2019 at 8:31 pm

Hi Julie! We don’t have anything else about Mammoth Lakes unfortunately on our blogs. We have guides to other parts of California, including Yosemite, but Mammoth Lakes is still on the to do list.

Have a great trip, sorry we couldn’t help this time!

Tara West says

2nd June 2019 at 6:30 pm

Hi there, Just found your blog. Really helpful. Thank you. We are thinking of doing a Californian road trip with our 5 month old baby in Sept. How long are the drives between the places you mention? I wouldnt want to do LA so would probably do San Diego instead. Is there anywhere you advise missing out with a baby? Thanks so much. Tara

3rd June 2019 at 6:26 pm

Our pleasure, we’re delighted to be able to help 🙂

So the drives will obviously vary depending on what you stop and see, but none of the days on the itinerary should have more than four hours driving. We’ve also not got any personal experience with traveling with a baby, however, just bear in mind that even in September Death Valley is going to be very hot. Other than that I don’t see a reason not to go to any of the locations on the list, and Death Valley will be manageable, just take care with the heat 🙂

Priya Singh says

30th April 2019 at 6:40 am

I really appreciate the work you have done, you explained everything in such an amazing and simple way.Good post. I was searched for this topic. Finally, I got the information on this blog. Thanks for the effective information.

30th April 2019 at 5:38 pm

Thanks Priya – pleased we were able to help! Have a great trip 🙂

Rafael says

5th March 2019 at 1:45 pm

Hi guys, great post. I found it really handy now as i’m planning a 3 week road trip through California (and Nevada) in a month (apr 6 to 27). We are starting in LA, just a few days and then planning to go to Joshua Tree (Mojave, is it worth it?), Las vegas, Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Yosemite, San Francisco, and Route 1 back to LA. It’s quite a lot of days, and i find hard to plan where to sleep every night, as i’m not sure how long would it take me to visit every national park, and even cities. So my question is, should i book in advance all different accomodation? In that case how many days should we give to the different national parks and places. As the trip gets so long, we are being really careful with our budget, and that takes me to the second question, what are the best places to stay on a budget in the different stops?

By the way, we are a group of four, planning to rent a car.

Thanks again for your post. Looking forward to read your answer!

Rafael from Uruguay

5th March 2019 at 2:50 pm

Thanks very much 🙂

So to answer your questions. I think Mojave is worth it if you like deserts and wide open spaces.

In terms of accommodation, you are not travelling at a very busy time of year, although it is easter towards the end of April. However there are no Federal holiday, so it should not be too busy. So this means you should be able to book quite last minute. The only places I would advise maybe booking in advance would be any national parks you want to stay in, which can be busy year round. So Yosemite, Grand Canyon and Death Valley, if you plan on staying inside the park, you will want to plan your accommodation in advance.

In terms of budget accommodation, the parks all have campsites, so that would likely be the cheapest option if you don’t mind camping. Some have existing tents you can hire if you don’t want to bring your own tent – Yosemite for example has some nice fixed tents which are not too expensive. For other cities, I’d advise looking at the budget motel chains like Motel 6, Red Roof Inn and so on. These can be very cheap, but do be aware they are not always very central. So you might find something like AirBnB to be more cost effective.

As you are visiting a number of parks you will probably want to buy a national parks pass, which will save you money on parks entry.

I’d also advise taking a look at my guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA, which should give you some more budgeting ideas 🙂

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-travel-in-usa/

Let me know if you have any more questions!

c. m. crawford says

17th February 2019 at 3:22 pm

I would take extra care with possessions in the big cities in California. I left my purse in the back of my rental car, parked in a highly visible location on a beach in San Francisco, and even though there were people walking up and down the beach, the window was smashed and the purse stolen. Luckily wallet & phone were on me and the purse was even found and turned in to the police, but I had to exchange the rental car. Other than that California is awesome.

17th February 2019 at 4:34 pm

Sorry to hear that Cris! This is definitely an issue around the world, we always recommend not leaving any valuables in sight in a car as it makes for a tempting option for a thief 🙁 Glad to hear you got your purse back though!

Matthias says

9th February 2019 at 6:57 pm

Hey you guys! You have a great blog and this post inspired the route for my first trip to California with a buddy (we’re planning on doing pretty much the same route). But our plan is doing it the other way around: Also starting end ending in SF but heading to Yosemite from there and doing the trip clockwise. Would love to hear your thoughts on that idea 🙂

10th February 2019 at 6:06 pm

Hi Matthias!

The route would work either way. The only thing is that many people prefer to drive the PCH from north to south as you are on the right hand side of the road, so you get clearer views. But it’s stunning either way to be honest 🙂

Catherine Smithfield says

18th January 2019 at 4:12 pm

Hi Laurence,

Fabulous site guys… I would love some tips please my husband and I are planning a once in a lifetime trip to the USA, we fly into and out of Los Angeles , arriving 16th October and leaving 5th December. We will be spending thanksgiving with friends in Washington state . We would like to drive the Pacific highway, see some of LA, San Fran , Yosemite,Death Valley Las Vegas,- just very quick as we feel we should see it and the Grand Canyon . We love nature, beautiful landscapes, we are also foodies . Any suggestions would be very welcome , hire car v Rv , obviously due to the length of our trip I would like to be sensible on accommodation costs…is there a reliable decent hotel/motel chain you would recommend, or Airbnb. I have also been looking a5 the trusted Housesitters website but have recently come across a few very negative reviews . Many thanks catherine(UK)

18th January 2019 at 6:33 pm

Hi Catherine!

Thanks so much! We’ll do our best to help out.

So first of all, if you haven’t already, we can definitely recommend checking out the USA sections of both our websites:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/category/destinations/north-america/usa/ https://independenttravelcats.com/category/travel-destinations/united-states/

Where we have loads of posts that you will find useful. Most particularly, I’d advise reading our driving in the USA , and our guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA . That latter one in particular will help you in terms of costing out the trip.

For a hire car, a normal car rental is going to be a lot cheaper than an RV, especially as you will most likely still have to rent campsite space to stay at. A standard hire car in the US will usually start at around $200 a week. Our US travel budget post has a lot more on how to find the best deal and things to watch out for.

In terms of accommodation, the US has a wide range of options. The cheaper chains include: Red Roof Inn, Motel 6, Super 8, America’s Best Value Inn, Travelodge. The next step up would be Comfort Inn and Holiday Inn.

Note that the cheaper hotels are often found a little way outside of towns, often at interstate exit ramps. It’s also worth being aware that they are nearly all franchises, and so as a result the quality can vary dramatically, so it’s always worth reading reviews before visiting.

For booking and reviews, we highly recommend Booking.com . We have nearly always found this to be the cheapest option, even compared to turning up at the property, and the reviews can be a helpful guide. However, just bear in mind that cheaper hotels tend to rate worse, as folks can have high expectations!

Hopefully all this helps, let us know if you have any more specific questions we can help with!

Natasha says

9th January 2019 at 10:22 am

PS We are also planning to visit family in LA and have possible access to accommodation in Pacific Grove so should we be considering finding snow at Big Sur instead of north of San Fran? PPS Budget is going to be very tight!

9th January 2019 at 10:38 am

Hey Natasha!

So I’ll answer the Big Sur question first 🙂 Snow isn’t very common at Big Sur as it’s right by the sea, and it doesn’t usually get much except at higher elevations. The most reliable option is to head east to Tahoe or Yosemite, although that is going to be quite a drive and won’t fall into the definition of a short drive I’m afraid 🙁 The other option is to head up towards Auburn, as you get closer to the Sierra Nevada Mountains you will definitely find snow, but again, this isn’t going to be a short drive.

Whilst there is always a possibility of snow elsewhere, I wouldn’t want to guarantee it!

In terms of house swaps, the closest option we have for you is TrustedHousesitters , but that’s more of a house sitting opportunity than a home swap. I know there are home swapping platforms, but we’re not familiar with them, so I wouldn’t want to give a recommendation!

I hope you have a wonderful trip!

9th January 2019 at 2:44 pm

Thanks for the super-prompt response! Very helpful to know Big Sur is unlikely to tick the box and we hadn’t considered Auburn so I’ll find out more about that instead. Otherwise we’ll stick to Yosemite or Tahoe, which we’ve heard lots about.

9th January 2019 at 2:50 pm

My pleasure! Those two will definitely be fantastic, Yosemite in winter in particular is stunning. We have a guide to visiting Yosemite here 🙂

Also, I know real snow is ideally preferable, but there are a number of locations that generate snow that are going to be closer to San Francisco. If you google “snow in san francisco” or something similar, you should find some options!

9th January 2019 at 10:17 am

Thrilled to find your fascinating and helpful site! We live in Cape Town, and are planning a month in California between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, focussed around spending time with family in San Fran.

But my 14- and 16-year-olds have never experienced snow so we’re looking for guaranteed on-the-ground snow in early/mid December, as short a drive from SF as possible. Skiing not required, but snowman-building and perhaps some sledging would be great.

Also, can you recommend a site we might arrange a house swap through?

20th November 2018 at 8:30 pm

Hi, I’d like to know if February os a good time to make this travel. And what do you think about Sequoia National park?

27th November 2018 at 11:22 am

February would be good, just be aware that there might still be snow in Yosemite and so you’ll need to keep an eye on road closures around that area. We haven’t visited Sequoia National Park, but we have heard it is a great park, well worth visiting 🙂

12th November 2018 at 10:53 am

Hi there! This post has been really helpful as my partner and I are planning our honeymoon for April 2019 and we would love to roadtrip in the US. We have about 12 nights and would love to spend good chunks of time in San Francisco, LA or Santa Monica and some national parks. We would also love to do the Pacific Coast. We were originally thinking of flying into San Francisco and out of LA, but your post has me wondering if a roundtrip is better. Would you suggest we amend your suggested route? Which of the the national parks would be the best to visit?

12th November 2018 at 4:15 pm

Hey Neely! There are so many great National Parks, but Yosemite is definitely up there as one of my favourites. I would say a round trip is better – the route I have outlined makes a nice loop, and car hire is nearly always better value if you return the car where you picked it up 🙂

Chiara says

2nd October 2018 at 5:21 pm

Hi! I love your blog guys! We are thinking about a road trip in California next summer, and this post is a perfect inspiration! We will travel with our kids, they will be 3 and 6 and we have 3 weeks instead of 2. Do you have suggestions on how/where to use the extra days? Considering we can’t plan super long tiring car journeys and have to incorporate some activities they would enjoy too like some beach life, aquariums… Any suggestion is very welcomed! Thank you very much in advance!

4th October 2018 at 4:20 am

Hey Chiara!

So my suggestion would be to follow this itinerary, but just to go a bit slower and spend a bit more time in each place. I’d definitely suggest the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the San Diego Zoo as two great options along the way, and Universal Studios in LA is also sure to be a hit 🙂 Along the PCH you’ll also find loads of lovely beaches, so I think you’ll easily be able to stretch this two week road trip into a three week California itinerary! Have an awesome time!

4th October 2018 at 2:09 pm

Thank you very much!

ANGELINE MONTIJO says

19th August 2018 at 3:48 pm

Hi Im planning a road trip with my family to California from Orlando,Fl on June 2019. I want some advice where should we start.

19th August 2018 at 5:41 pm

Hi Angeline! Do you mean where to start in terms of planning? If you could let me know how long you are travelling for and what your interests are, then we can try to help. In the meantime, we can help out with some tips on driving in the USA:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/tips-for-driving-in-usa/

And some tips on budgeting for your trip:

The overall route you take will also take you through part of our Deep South USA itinerary:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/usa-deep-south-road-trip-itinerary/

As well as parts of our Route 66 itinerary:

https://independenttravelcats.com/2-week-route-66-itinerary-ultimate-american-road-trip/

Which should both serve to help inform your planning on your route 🙂

Lisa Stark says

16th August 2018 at 1:20 pm

Hi, my partner and me are planning to do a road trip next September 2019, starting from San Fran and heading south, eventually arriving in San Diego over a 2 week period. Can you recommend a good car hire company, how long before we should book and some nice places to stop with boutique hotels, This will be out first time in America and I’m completely at a loss where to start planning. Many thanks. Lisa

16th August 2018 at 7:05 pm

Hey Lisa! Well, that’s a great question. There are a number of hire car companies that we recommend, you can see our list here: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/travel-resources/#Car-Rental

It looks like you are doing a one-way trip, so just bear in mind that sometimes the “meta-search” tools that search a variety of providers don’t always account for that. So it might be easier to go direct. We’ve found that it really varies, but we’ve often had success with Enterprise and Hertz. It’s also worth bearing in mind that pick up from an airport location is nearly always more expensive than a city location, so if you can be flexible in that regard you will likely save a bit of money. Especially somewhere like San Francisco, as you don’t really need the car for the city and it will just end up costing you in car parking fees and wasted rental fees for a car you aren’t using.

For hotel and car bookings, I’d usually say the further in advance the better so you have everything sorted and don’t have to worry about it. In terms of stops, your route pretty much follows the Pacific Coast Highway, and we have a super comprehensive guide to all the towns along the route which you can see here:

https://independenttravelcats.com/planning-a-california-pacific-coast-highway-road-trip-from-san-francisco-to-los-angeles/

That also has planning tips and suggestions. I’d also advise reading our tips for driving in the USA: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/tips-for-driving-in-usa/

And our guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-travel-in-usa/

In terms of other things to think about, I’m not sure which country you are coming from, but definitely consider getting a travel credit card that won’t charge you for foreign transaction fees, and maybe a SIM card that offers roaming in the USA. Three in the UK has a pretty good deal for SIM cards that offer free data in the USA.

Hopefully this helps a bit, let me know if you have other questions. It gives me an idea to put together a first timers guide to travelling in the USA 🙂

6th August 2018 at 12:24 pm

This is a great read, thank you for sharing. My partner and I are looking to do a similar trip in October this year. However, we are slightly confused on the route (and in what order) to do it all in. We want to do 14 nights and start in San Francisco and either end in San Diego or Vegas. (Everyone says Vegas is a must see at least once and although not on the top of our list, we thought we could add it on the end).

Our initial thoughts are 3 nights in San Fran, 2 in Yosemite, 1 in Monterey, 1 in Santa Barbara. 3 in la, 2 in San Diego and 2 in Vegas. Does this sound too ambitious? And any thoughts on in what order we would do this? I would appreciate anyones input on this. Thank you in advance!

6th August 2018 at 12:58 pm

My pleasure. So the only slight niggle in your itinerary is that Yosemite is the opposite direction to the Pacific Coast Highway, so that will add a bit of driving time to your route (it’s about 3 – 4 hours each way from San Francisco). I definitely recommend Yosemite, it’s just going to take a bit of time to do it on this trip. Overall your route is certainly do-able, as long as you don’t mind a fair bit of driving. I like that you are scheduling multiple nights in the various locations, that will give you more time to enjoy without rushing. I’d say that your order is pretty good, I can’t think of a better way to do it.

6th August 2018 at 1:27 pm

Thank you for taking the time reply! I am glad it sounds doable. I think the multiple stops should help to break up the drive (I won’t be doing it my other half has that pleasurable job =) ). Yes Yosemite is the one we are are a bit confused about as when to add it. Before or after San Fran and at what point as you say it is out of the way, but is a must for us, and we don’t want to miss anything on the drive down from San Fran to La, so a tricky one. Thank you for your input, much appreciated!

Tim Shakespeare says

24th July 2018 at 9:42 am

Hi there, my wife and I are coming mid October to California for a road trip celebrating my 50th. We start in SF, only for 2 days, then have 3 days before we get to Yosemite. Have you any recommendations of where to visit in that time, we don’t mind going in any direction before heading towards Yosemite? We then head to Las Vegas for my actual birthday for 3 days then onto LA for a further 4 days, any suggestions of where to spend time between the cities?

24th July 2018 at 9:42 pm

Hey Tim! Well, it really depends on what you are interested in! Obviously you’re not too far from Napa Valley if it’s wine you’re after, or you could head north to Redding, where there’s some beautiful scenery. A sojourn along the Pacific Coast Highway, or at least part of it, is also an option – there are so many cute towns along that route to check out (see our guide here: https://independenttravelcats.com/planning-a-california-pacific-coast-highway-road-trip-from-san-francisco-to-los-angeles/

Between Vegas and LA, the obvious choices are Joshua Tree National Park, and the whole Mojave Desert is pretty impressive. I’m assuming you’ll stop at Death Valley from Yosemite, but if not, you could head up that way. Another option is to head south from Vegas and find Route 66, and follow then into LA, which is a fun option. You can see more on Route 66 here: https://independenttravelcats.com/2-week-route-66-itinerary-ultimate-american-road-trip/

Hope this helps a bit! Have a great trip and happy birthday!

tim shakespeare says

27th July 2018 at 2:56 pm

Thanks Laurance, that info is really useful

28th July 2018 at 4:08 pm

My pleasure 🙂

Paula Lambie says

20th July 2018 at 2:35 pm

Hi Laurence, Absolutely loved your article. We are a group of 6 friends that are coming from Trinidad and want to stay about 7-8 days on a road trip starting in LA and possibly leaving from San Fran. We are coming around the end of Feb 2019 and leaving around March 6 or 7th. Still in the planning stages and would appreciate any advice or recommendations. I want to include Yosemite and Sequoia but don”t know if it is feasible with the time period we are looking at. Any advice would greatly be appreciated. Take care.

22nd July 2018 at 9:09 pm

Thanks very much. So Yosemite would be feasible, but you have to bear in mind that in February and March it can still be quite snowy in the park, and it’s also a four hour drive each way from San Francisco, so that’s going to eat up a lot of your time. My suggestion would be to definitely do the Pacific Coast Highway over two or three days, and then depending on your interests, either some time in places like the Joshua Tree, or the cities like LA, San Francisco or San Diego. Another option is to go further north of San Francisco, although Yosemite is a really incredible place and well worth the effort to get out there!

Hope this helps, have a great trip!

Louisa says

12th June 2018 at 6:03 pm

Hi Laurence, We are a family of 5 holidaying in California in August and staying San Francisco (3 nights) -Yosemite (3 nights)-Monterey (2 nights)-Santa Barbara (1 night) and at the moment San Diego (2 nights) and LA (3 nights). I am wondering if we are being over ambitious at the end of the holiday and should just stay in LA rather than driving down to San Diego and back to LA for our flight back? Is San Diego a must see? I am torn between wanting to see it all while we are in California but not overdoing it and rushing too much. What are the travel times likely to be realistically between Santa Barbara, LA and San Diego at that time of year? Thank you for any advice.

13th June 2018 at 11:07 am

Hey Louisa!

I think San Diego is worth visiting, and as you have 3 nights already in LA I don’t think you’ll have too much rush. I will be honest and say that I don’t know exactly what the travel times at that time of year will be, but I find that Google usually estimates travel times pretty well – just avoid the peak rush hours and you should generally be fine 🙂

Shelley says

14th May 2018 at 9:00 am

Hi Laurence, Great website! We are booking a 3 week trip over Christmas. LA to San Francisco, via Vegas/Death Valley etc. Weather wise, what should we expect, particularly with Yosemite? Is there anywhere along the coast which is worth stopping off between LA and San Francisco for a night? Many thanks Shelley from Sydney

14th May 2018 at 2:53 pm

Hi Shelley!

Thanks for your comment – sounds like you have a wonderful trip planned. So, Yosemite in particular can be tricky in winter. It can be accessed, but you need to be aware that it will obviously be quite snowy, and access isn’t possible from all sides – the route I have laid out for example you would have to alter a bit in order to access Yosemite in winter, as the Tioga Road is closed. You also usually can’t get up to Glacier point in winter. But the major attractions in the valley are accessible. For more on visiting Yosemite in Winter, you can check out this guide to Yosemite in a day that Jess wrote: https://independenttravelcats.com/planning-day-yosemite-national-park-introduction-yosemite-valley/

There is a lot to see and do on the Pacific Coast Highway, certainly enough to fill a day or two. There are lots of towns to stop at, and which you choose really depends what you are into. Cambria is a favourite of ours, but there’s a lot to see and do. This post breaks down all the highlights, so you can make an informed decision 🙂

Have a fabulous trip!

Lis Brown says

1st May 2018 at 11:15 pm

Hi Laurence, great post and photos! My husband and I are planing to do 2 weeks driving trip in California, i love all your suggested destinations, I may do the same trip as yours. However, I will be 4 months pregnant (planning to go in May) during the trip, may I know if the in-land route/parks and lake visits are suitable for me and accessible by car or light walking/ light hiking? your trip is start from san francisco and end there too, am i right? thanks in advance!

2nd May 2018 at 8:24 pm

Hi Lis! Thanks very much 😀 The trip does start and end in San Francisco yep.

For your question – I have to admit to not being an expert as we’ve not had any kids, however there is definitely light hiking in the majority of places. Just be aware it can get very hot in some parts of California, so do take plenty of water along. My advice would be to check the websites for the national parks you want to visit and see what hiking routes they have – I think you should be fine, but it’s always best to check as one persons “light hike” is another persons marathon 😉

Theresa says

10th April 2018 at 1:59 am

This looks like a great route, but I was really hoping to see Sequoia National Park. Any advice?

13th April 2018 at 6:16 pm

Hi Theresa! Thanks very much! As that’s in the north, you’d want to add it on near San Francisco. So you could either spend less time in the city, or lose a day somewhere else on the route. It’s hard to give specific advice without knowing your exact interests, but as you sound like you prefer nature to cities, perhaps spending less time in the cities might work better for you? Have a great trip!

15th April 2018 at 5:51 pm

Thanks for your reply. Sequoia National Park is south of Yosemite on the map (Redwood National Park is north of San Francisco). It doesn’t appear that there is road access to Sequoia NP on your route which heads north on 395. I did more research and verified that is the case.

18th April 2018 at 6:22 am

Hi! My apologies, I was thinking of the redwoods to the north of San Francisco and got a bit confused – but that is another option if you can’t make it to Sequoia. Road access can be a challenge due the mountains, and also in winter some of the roads into Yosemite are closed due to snow. So you might have to alter the route a fair bit to make it to Sequoia if that’s a priority 🙂

Jacques says

5th April 2018 at 10:41 pm

Hi Lawrence , we are also considering tyis roadtrip this month. Were from Canada. Assuming we are on the road a giving day with no reservations for a room the same night , by what time do we need to confirm a room or is there plenty of options once arriving early evening. Thank for everything.

6th April 2018 at 5:09 pm

Hi Jacques! At this time of year for the most part you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a room at the last minute. It does depend a little on what level of accommodation you are after, but for quick and easy motels we found they had lots of availability in general. We do definitely advise always checking prices online somewhere like booking.com though, as we nearly always got better deals that way compared to turning up – often the person at the desk didn’t have the power to actually match a price. So do keep that in mind 🙂 Have a great trip, and let me know how it goes!

Jacques Gauthier says

20th May 2018 at 1:13 am

Hi Lawrence ! We decided to take two weeks to travel from San Francisco to LA (Manhattan Beach) . We travel along the coast for these 14 days and enjoyed it tremendously. Next trip will be the National Parks .

Thank you .

20th May 2018 at 2:36 pm

13th March 2018 at 1:27 pm

We are hoping to do everything in your itinerary plus San Diego, we will only have 15 nights and would like to spend at least 2 full days in San Diego and 2 full days in SF, do you think this is reasonable without spending too long out of the 15 days in the car?

13th March 2018 at 8:34 pm

I think that should be do-able yes, if you are focused and don’t get too distracted 😉 Have an awesome trip!

Jacqueline says

19th February 2018 at 4:25 pm

Hi! I am planning a trip with my 10 year old son and love the looks of your itinerary. What would you suggest budget wise for this trip (minus flights) for the two of us?

Thanks, Jacqueline

19th February 2018 at 6:03 pm

Hi Jacqueline! It’s quite tricky to put a budget together on a case by case basis because everyone has different styles and standards of travelling. I’d suggest taking a look at my guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA, which covers pretty much all the areas you need to consider, and should give you some ballpark figures 🙂

Let me know if you still have questions after checking that out 😀

Gai Pendlebury says

12th October 2017 at 11:04 pm

Thank you — what a great and helpful site you have made.We are flying into San francisco from Australia in April.We only have 10 nights.Your suggestions are great — we will miss the LA part.Happy for anyone hear to put in their opinions for an itinerary!We will spent 4 or 5 nights in San fran and 3 in yosemite but the 3 nights are up for grabs –we have done Big Sir before so probs wont go south on the coast.I am thinking maybe Lake tahoe,gold rush towns …love to walk,history, beautiful scenery and quaint American towns.Happy to drive long distances– thank you –your photos are wonderful!

Laurence says

13th October 2017 at 10:33 am

Our pleasure – thanks for commenting to let us know, it’s always appreciated. Sounds like you have some good plans already – one idea might be to head north for Shasta Cascade region and see the caves / redwoods. I have a post about that region on the site too 🙂 Have a fabulous trip!

14th October 2017 at 5:09 am

Thank for that .I will look into it a bit more — I am really impressed with your links for such like 12 best spots for photographing San Fran or Yosemite. So helpful to know where to go to get those great shots!

Jules Selby says

28th August 2017 at 10:24 pm

We are planning two weeks but thinking of hiring an RV instead of hotels, what do you think?

28th August 2017 at 10:43 pm

An RV is definitely a good idea, but do be aware that they can be pricey, and you often have to pay for camping on top of that as well – although there are a lot of places you can camp for free in the US! So really it’s up to you – we’ve done both, and RV’ing is definitely a lot of fun!

Bob Steiner, Jr says

25th June 2017 at 4:07 am

You can’t drive a highway 1 through Big Sur. The highest us closed and detours long and winding over dirt roads

25th June 2017 at 1:32 pm

Thanks for pointing this out. Do you know how long the road will be closed? I’ll put a note in the post.

Erica Landry Napolitano says

16th April 2017 at 7:52 pm

This is some great advice for our upcoming trip. We have almost three weeks out in CA and these will be some great spots! Traveling with an 8 and 10 year old this still seems doable! Thanks.

16th April 2017 at 7:54 pm

My pleasure, have an awesome trip!

Jenna Francisco says

17th September 2016 at 5:18 am

So many good ideas here, and I agree that visitors should plan at least 3 days in San Francisco and Yosemite. One suggestion I’d make related to the “when to visit CA” section–SF and much of the coast are cold and foggy in the summer, so it’s a good idea for visitors to dress in layers and expect lots of fog in summer, that way they won’t be disappointed!

Sarah @ Endless Distances says

14th August 2016 at 1:16 pm

Wow this is so exhaustive!! I’ve don’t the pch before and it’s a dream. I would also definitely recommend staying in Santa Barbara – and the Mexican street food!!!

20th August 2016 at 8:28 pm

Thanks Sarah! It’s a fun place to road trip for sure – thanks for the recommendation!

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The Planet D: Adventure Travel Blog

The Ultimate California Road Trip Itinerary

Written By: The Planet D

Road Trips , United States

Updated On: February 8, 2024

This California road trip itinerary will take you along incredible the famous Pacific Coast highway, through deserts, and around lakes and mountains. It is one of the most diverse road trips you can take in the United States.

We have personally driven these roads and highways on different road trips in California and we visited all the sights recommended. This two week itinerary can easily be mixed and matched to create different California road trips as long or short as you like.

California Road Trip Itinerary

Make sure to download your Pacific Coast highway Self Drive tour before embarking on your California road trip. Explore the California Coast at your own pace as you follow the app to discover monuments, towns, and points of interest along the route. It will track your route and play automatically to tell you about your stops as you drive from Monterey to Pismo Beach.

Table of Contents

California Road Trip Map

california road trip itinerary map

1. San Francisco – 2 Days

We’ve planned the initial stage of our California road trip itinerary from San Francisco . It is easy to fly into from all major hubs and car rentals can be picked up directly at the airport. Plus, traffic in San Francisco isn’t as congested as it is in Los Angeles making it the perfect start for any California road trip itinerary.

California road trip golden gate bridge

Spending two days in San Francisco will give you the chance to see all the iconic sites like the incredible Golden Gate Bridge before moving South. We have an excellent 72 hours in San Francisco guide where you can plan your entire stay in San Francisco .

  • Tip: When we visited San Francisco for the first time, we bought a  City Pass  and explored all the neighborhoods by bus. It was a great way to get acquainted with the layout of the city and have the option to hop on and hop off whenever we wanted with a 24 or 48-hour pass.
  • Click here to search all the car rental agencies and get the best price for your California Road Trip!

Things to do in San Francisco

road trip california palace of the arts

  • San Francisco Cable Car
  • Golden Gate Park – one of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge
  • The Painted Ladies – made famous by Full House
  • Hippie district of Haight Ashbury and China Town
  • Palace of the arts
  • See our complete guide to the Best Hikes in San Francisco

Make sure to get out on the Bay to see the city when in San Francisco, this Golden Gate Bay Cruise let’s you see many of San Francisco’s top attractions. You’ll cruise along the waterfront, sail under the Golden Gate Bay Bridge, go around Alcatraz and see the former hippy enclave of Sausalito. Whatch for marine life such as sea lions, dolphins and whales as you cruise the Marin Headlands wildlife reserves.

Where to Stay in San Francisco

For first-time visitors to San Francisco, we suggest staying near Fisherman’s Wharf. You will be close to all the iconic places in the city.

  • Luxury: Argonaut Hotel – A 4-star hotel located next to the SF Maritime National Historic Park for about $300 per night. TripAdvisor / Booking.com
  • Mid-Range: Pier 2620 Hotel – This eco-friendly hotel is close to the beach. It is a new and modern design, with a fitness center. $200 per night TripAdvisor / Booking.com
  • Budget: Hotel Zephyr – This boutique has nautical-themed rooms, central, near Pier 39, Lombard Street, and Ghirardelli Square. TripAdvisor / Booking.com
  • Read our full guide for San Francisco Neighborhoods and Accommodation Where to Stay in San Francisco 

2. Monterey / Carmel By the Sea – 1 Day

Drive just 2 hours and 45 minutes from San Francisco to Monterrey

California Roat Trip stop: Monterey

After leaving San Francisco, we make our way down the Pacific Coast Highway to Monterey. You can stay either stay in Monterey or Carmel by the Sea. Monterey and Carmel by the Sea are only 10 minutes from each other. We stayed at Carmel by the Sea and it was a great location to get around Big Sur.

When visiting Monterey, you’ll want to get out on the water as it is one of the best places in the world for whale watching. This Monterey Bay tour departs from Old Fisherman’s Wharf to set sail for some whale watching. You’ll see Californian Sea Lions basking in the harbor as you pass Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. 

Things to See and Do

The Ghost Tree of 17 Mile Drive

  • Cycling 17 Mile Drive – If there is one thing to do in Carmel before moving on, you must take a tour of 17-Mile Drive. We had a blast on e-Bikes with Big Sur Adventures . Read about our full experience at 17-Mile Drive – California’s Most Scenic Drive. 
  • Cannery Row – The Historic Cannery Row has been transformed from old warehouses to colorful buildings lining the waterfront filled with eateries and shops.
  • Monterey Aquarium – The Monterey Aquarium is the centerpiece of the city where they study the waters of Monterey Bay and tackle the oceans health problems.
  • Kayaking Monterey Bay – Don’t miss getting on the water in Monterey. We highly recommend taking a kayaking tour of Monterey Bay with Adventures by the Sea to view sea otters and sea lions.
  • Surfing Carmel – Beginners will love the easy break and sandy shallow waters of Carmel Bay. We spent the morning taking a lesson with the Carmel Surf Company

Hotels and AirBnBs in Monterrey

The Hideaway – Centrally Located on Juniper Street, a short walk to restaurants, and just a few blocks from the beach. This luxury boutique hotel has in-room fireplaces and offers a modern design. TripAdvisor / Booking.com

Suggested Place to Eat – La Belana Cucina Toscana takes you straight to the heart of Tuscany with a traditional setting. Sit outside on the heated patio and enjoy a fresh farm to table menu drizzled in olive oil and truffles.

4. Big Sur – 1 Day

Continue down the Pacific Coast Highway 1 for an hour from Monterrey to Big Sur .

california road trip mcway falls

The Pacific Coast Highway is the Grand Dame of all California road trips. We suggest a minimum of 2 days exploring the coast along Big Sur. You can easily keep your base in Monterey to explore these sights.

A great compliment to your Big Sur road trip is to download this Pacific Coast Highway Self Drive tour. The app showcases the top scenic stops and views from Monterey to Pismo Beach. It tracks your route and the audio guide plays commentary to tell you stories and suggest points of interest. On this leg, you’ll see places like Garrapata State Park, Pfeiffer Canyon, McWay Falls, and the Bixby Bridge.

Considered by many the world’s most scenic drives, The Big Sur portion of California Coastal Drive on Highway 1 is a must for any road trip lover. In our opinion, all California road trips should include this leg as there are so many gorgeous stops from sea cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Things to See in Big Sur

California Road Trip Bixby Bridge

  • Bixby Bridge – Don’t miss stopping at the Bixby Bridge. Made famous by many a film and TV Show (most recently Big Little Lies . Tip : Go for sunrise no tourists were there at all when we were up before dawn.
  • Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – This a good place to go for hikes and walk along the trails. It’s most famous for the McWay Waterfalls and offers beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.
  • Pfeiffer Beach – One of the best beaches on the route. Pfeiffer Beach is a bit of a drive off the main highway down a narrow and bumpy road, so it attracts fewer tourists than other viewpoints on Highway 1. Check out: 24 Of The Best Beaches in California
  • Garrapata State Park – Hiking trails along the coast, Karst formations, sea arches, and jagged rocks make for extraordinary views of a rugged coastal landscape at Garrapata State Park. For a complete breakdown of photography stops with GPS Co-ordinates visit our Photography Guide to Big Sur

Where to Stay in Big Sur – Ventana Resort

When exploring Big Sur we made a home base at Ventana Resort and spent two days exploring the surrounding area. We spent one night in  their glamping tents  and one night in a luxurious suite overlooking the ocean. Ventana is the perfect base for exploring Big Sur as it’s in the heart of everything.

Check out our guide to The Best Places to Camp in Big Sur

Where to eat in Big Sur

The views at Ventana are spectacular

  • The Sur House – Located at  Ventana Big Sur , The Sur House is an upscale dining establishment using locally sourced cuisine created by Executive Chef, Paul Corsentino. $90 Fix menu offers a divine three-course meal. Location: 48123 Highway 1
  • Big Sur River Inn – The  Big Sur River Inn  was the first hotel and restaurant in the area. Enjoy the photographs from a bygone era dating back to 1932.
  • Nepenthe – Open since 1949,  Nepenthe  is a staple of Big Sur attracting artists, poets, and travelers to its 800-foot sea cliff views. Location: 48510 Highway One
  • Big Sur Roadhouse – This locally run eatery has a funky vibe with family-style seating. Designer Steve Justrich transformed the roadhouse into a unique design that they claim as homegrown modernism.

5. Coastal Highway Stops

This drive takes 3 hours from Big Sur to Santa Maria, but take you time to see all the sights.

southern california road trip

We continue down the coast from Big Sur to the charming town of Santa Maria, which is one of our favorite California road trip stops. Be sure to give ample time for breaks on this route. There is still a lot more to see on this portion of the California Coast and you can easily spend a day exploring the sites as you make your way to your next overnight stop. 

  • Hearst Castle – Built by San Simeon, this incredible estate was built on 127 acres on a hill overlooking San Simeon. Pop in for a tour of America’s castle before driving on to spend the night in the lovely town of Santa Maria.
  • Morrow Bay – Another beautiful beach, Morrow Bay’s main attraction is Morrow Rock, a 180-meter tall volcanic plug standing proud offshore.
  • Pismo Beach is another place to stop if you still have time before spending the night in Santa Maria.

6. Santa Maria – 1 Day

santa maria wine country

So it is a good time to park your car and get out to explore the nearby vineyards for a proper “Sideways” wine tour experience. We have it as one day on your California road trip itinerary, but if you can spend two days here, we recommend it.

Things to do in Santa Maria

dune buggy adventure california

  • Wine Tours – There are several vineyards to choose. Hire a private car through Gold Coast Executive Transportation to take you on a wine tour. We had an amazing time touring Wine Caves of  Cottonwood Canyon .
  • Dune Buggy Adventure – To explore even more of the highest dunes in the world, go on a Dune Buggy adventure with  Steve’s ATV Rentals, 332 Pier Ave. Oceano.  Get in a dune buggy and hit the dunes.
  • Hidden Hollywood – Don’t miss this very cool Hidden Hollywood at the Dunes Center museum in Guadalupe Cecil B. Demille created an entire set of the pyramids of Egypt in the middle of the California Sand Dunes. He didn’t want anyone to use his set again, so he buried it in the desert and didn’t tell anyone where it was. It was nearly forgotten by everyone, until the 1990s when the director, Peter Brosnan decided to search for the hidden city.

Hotels and AirBnBs in Santa Maria

Check in to the historic Santa Maria Inn in the center of town. It has been a staple in Santa Maria since 1917. Be sure to peruse the halls to see legendary movie stars that have stayed here.

  • Santa Maria Style Barbecue – If you want to try authentic Santa Maria Style Barbecue, go to Far Western Tavern Tavern in Orcutt.

7. Santa Barbara – 1 Day

Today we drive a short distance of just 1 hour from Santa Maria

california coast road trip | deb and Dave

Continuing on through wine country and making our way through our California road trip itinerary, we arrive in Santa Barbara for a night before stopping in Los Angeles.

Santa Barbara is considered one of the world’s most beautiful wine regions with nine different wine routes to explore. It is a popular escape from Los Angeles, and there are many things to do here.

Things to do in Santa Barbara

biltmore four seasons santa barbara

  • Sunset Sail – We suggest a sailing trip to enjoy the beautiful sunset and the California Coast followed by dinner on a patio by the waterfront.
  • Stearns Wharf – Historic deep-water pier dating back to 1871.
  • Shopping – Santa Barbara is all about the upscale experience, stroll the Spanish style shops lining State Street.
  • Museums – Check out the many museums. The Museum of Art, MOXI – The Wolf Museum of Exploration and Innovation and Museum of Natural History and the Sea Center.

Santa Barbara Hotels and AirBnBs

We stayed at the luxurious Four Seasons Biltmore Santa Barbara. This estate is the perfect place to relax after all that driving.

8. Los Angeles – 2 Days

It’s an hour and a half to Los Angeles so you can start enjoying the city immediately

los angeles sunset

Click here for map CA coast

We’ve come to the next metropolis on our California Road Trip and it is time to explore L.A. Los Angeles is a good place to start for southern California road trips. Who doesn’t love Los Angeles? There are so many things to do in LA , that you could have your entire California road trip right here.

Things to do in Los Angeles

Hollywood Sign California Road Trip

The possibilities are endless for sightseeing in L.A. so you can decide how long you want to stay here. From Universal Studios and Disneyland to hiking up to see the Hollywood sign or follow the Hollywood Walk of Fame. You must get out to see the beaches of Los Angeles. Our favorite beach is Manhattan Beach where you can see the famous 90210 beach house. But everyone loves popping over to Venice Beach too. I hope you’ve rented a nice car to drive along Rodeo Drive but if not, don’t worry, you’ll fit right in with the Bohemian atmosphere of Venice Beach. Read 25 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles – Hollywood, Hikes, And More

  • Note: You seriously need a car to explore L.A. It is spread out and it was made for driving.
  • Check out our post: Where to Stay in Los Angeles – 4 Hotels to Make You Feel Like a Star. 

Option: Continue to San Diego – Or Turn North

From Los Angeles you can continue south to San Diego or start heading north to make your way back to San Francisco.

  • The Best Things to Do in San Diego – A Local’s Guide to the City
  • Where To Stay In San Diego – The Best Neighborhoods & Areas

For our road trip, we turned north up towards the National Parks .

9. Joshua Tree National Park – 1 Day

From Los Angeles we drive two hours to the iconic Joshua Tree National Park .

california road trip joshua tree national park

Get the link to this portion of your road trip ideas in California.

Joshua Tree National Park is where two deserts meet: The Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert. There are lookout points and there’s even a cactus garden. You can camp overnight in Joshua Tree and there’s also rock climbing. It’s one of the premier places on earth for bouldering. We only suggest spending a day here on this California Road Trip Itinerary, but if you have more time, put a tent in the back of your car and spend a couple of days hiking Joshua Tree and exploring more of California

10. Death Valley National Park

It takes about 2 hours to drive through non stop

Death Valley California road Trip

If you are planning a California road trip, you must try to include a day driving through Death Valley. It’s very hot, dry, and it’s a beautiful drive, but this portion of your California road trips planner should involve some precautionary steps. The average temperature is 48 degrees Celcius. (120F) Luckily there are enough stops at viewpoints along the road that keep you from having to trek too far for viewing in the heat.

  • Safety in Death Valley : Pack plenty of water, cover-up, and wear sunscreen.
  • Get the Google maps of  road trips California with a detour to Vegas .

11. Yosemite National Park – 2 Days

From Death Valley we drive 7 hours to Yosemite National Park

California Road Trip: Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is one of the Big 3 National Parks in the USA and it did not disappoint. It is where the legendary photographer Ansel Adams set up shop and took some of the most recognizable nature photographs of all time.

Things to See in Yosemite

Yosemite has all those iconic formations that you’ve all heard of like “The Nose” and “El Capitan”. Here you’ll find Bridalveil Falls, and the famous Tunnel View Lookout. Glacier Point is another not-to-miss stop. It’s also a place for adventurers to get out an enjoy nature. There are so many hiking trails you will need days to complete them all. Read more at Things to do in Yosemite National Park

california road trip mariposa valley

En route to Yosemite, be sure to stop at Sequoia National Forest. We combined our stay in Yosemite with seeing the sequoias as they are less than an hour away. A highlight for us was taking the park tour to see the Grand Sequoia Trees of Mariposa Grove. It is a bit of a drive from Yosemite, but hey, you’re on a road trip so it’s right up your alley!

When booking accommodation in Yosemite, plan in advance. During high season, things sell out fast! Curry Village has a range of canvas tents and wooden cabins plus hotel rooms. Accommodation range from basic tents with shared bathrooms to private hotel rooms with bathrooms. Check out TripAdvisor for prices .

  • Yosemite Valley Lodge is a great location to make a base in Yosemite. There’s free parking, free Internet and a pool. Read more: Where to Stay in Yosemite National Park

12. Lake Tahoe – 2 Days

From Yosemite it is 2 hours and 30 minutes to Tahoe.

lake tahoe california trips

There are two major tourist areas to make a base in both South and North Lake Tahoe. The south is certainly the busier of the two sides of the lake with casinos, nightclubs and lots of people. While the north side of the lake is all about nature, quiet family run lodges and rugged and historic ski hills, the South sits directly on the Nevada border and feels kitschy and commercial.

Things to do in Lake Tahoe

Emerald Bay, south Lake Tahoe

  • Scenic Drive – The best views most certainly happen when driving between South and North Tahoe via Emerald Bay State Park. It takes an entire day to really explore the lake and you must give a lot of time for sightseeing at Emerald Bay.
  • Emera l d Bay State Park – Emerald Bay has several different scenic stops and each one is a must! When you pull over, be sure to get out of your car and hike to the viewpoints. They get more spectacular with each turn! Hike down to the bay and see the famous Vikingsholm Castle or go on a lake cruise.
  • Camp Richardson – If you are up for more hiking, there are trails all around Camp Richardson that are less steep than the hike down from Emerald Bay. They also offer hotel and cabins for lodging.
  • Skiing – Sugar Bowl Ski Resort is the closest skiing to San Francisco and receives the most snowfall out of all the hills in California. After driving up the long and winding road, we stopped for a magnificent view of Donner Lake. North Star offers the luxury end of the spectrum of skiing with the only slope-side five-star lodging in the area, and don’t forget Mt.Rose offering Tahoe’s Highest Base elevation. Heavenly Mountain located in South Tahoe.
  • Read Things to do in Lake Tahoe in Winter

Hotels and AirBnBs in Lake Tahoe

Where to stay in Lake Tahoe Cedar Crest Cottages

  • There are plenty of lodging options in North Lake Tahoe and a good stay for families would definitely be our lodge at Cedar Crest Cottages .
  • Sunnyside Resort is a welcoming resort located on the Shore of Lake Tahoe. Your stay includes continental breakfast and afternoon tea.

Where to Eat – We loved our meal and the friendly staff at  Sunnyside Restaurant and Resort  located at 1850 W Lake Blvd, Tahoe City. It has been a Sunnyside tradition since 1965.

13. Sacramento – Bonus Night

sacramento

It’s about a five-hour drive from Lake Tahoe to San Francisco, so if you want to split up the 5-hour drive we suggest stopping in Sacramento . Even if it’s not on your California road trip itinerary from the start, it’s worth the time to see all of this history. The state capital of California is worth a visit even if you only see the historic downtown landmark of Old Sacramento. This 28-acre district is filled with old town saloons and bars taking you back to the 1800s.

Where to Stay in Sacramento

A great place to stay is  The Kimpton Sawyer Hotel  that is just a short 15-minute walk from Old Town. This new upscale hotel is located in the heart of Sacramento overlooking the Golden 1 Center, home of the Sacramento Kings.

How much does it cost to Road Trip in California?

As you’ve seen, your California road trip itinerary can move in a lot of different directions. There were a lot of stops we didn’t even make because this state is so enormous. As such, the cost can vary greatly depending on lodging.

Accommodation – If you stay in a campground you will pay $35 per night but you can also spend up to $1000 per night in luxury lodges like Ventana in Big Sur or the Four Seasons in Santa Barbara.

This road trip is 1500 miles in total . If the average car gets 20 miles per gallon and the average cost of fuel is $3.50 per gallon, you can expect to pay $262 in fuel for this trip.

Meals too can have a broad range. If you want a multicourse meal at some of the luxury hotels, you can spend up to $200. but you can also hit roadside diners for $20. We mixed and matched packing lunches, eating in diners and sometimes splurging on gourmet meals. We suggest you do the same to make the most of your trip.

If you can get breakfasts included and pack sandwiches and waters for lunch, you have just saved a lot of money for a romantic dinner out.

Full Map of Our Road Trip in California

California Road Trip Map

Whatever route you choose, you will go through some of the best  scenery in all of California . We hope to have given enough information to create your own tour by offering these California road trip ideas.

california road trip itinerary

You have now completed the route and can make your way back to The San Francisco Bay area to return your rental car. Or feel free to stick around California. There are so many places to visit , you can spend months exploring.

Did you enjoy this California Trip Planner? Why not pin it to use as a reference for future road trips.

California Road Trip Itinerary

And that ladies and gentlemen are our picks for the best road trips California has to offer. So, now you are ready to hit the road with a solid plan of all the things to do in California!

To see our full itinerary through California check out  Follow ThePlanetD from Oceans to Mountains  on the Visit California Website.

  • Things to do in Napa Valley
  • 16 Best Cities in California
  • 27 Best Beaches in California
  • 15 Best Hikes in California – Inspiration to Get Outdoors

You may also like these other great road trips:

  • 25 of The Best Road Trips in the World – That We’ve Taken
  • 13 of the Best Canadian Road Trips – That We’ve Done
  • Arizona Road Trip – The Ultimate 10 Day Itinerary
  • Dempster Highway Road Trip – Yes You Can Drive to the Arctic
  • The Cowboy Trail – A Southern Alberta Road Trip
  • Driving the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper Alberta

Our trip to California was in partnership with Visit California. For more information on California travel and itineraries,  visit their website. As usual, all opinions are our own.

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

  • Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
  • Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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49 thoughts on “The Ultimate California Road Trip Itinerary”

Wow, what a great itinerary! I remember my California road trip like it was yesterday – an unforgettable experience. Starting in San Francisco was a smart choice – it’s such a diverse city with so much to see and do. I couldn’t get enough of the panoramic views from Golden Gate Park! And that City Pass was definitely a worthwhile investment. Made getting around the city super convenient. The drive along the Pacific Coast Highway was absolutely stunning. It’s a journey I think everyone should experience at least once. For anyone planning this road trip, don’t rush it! Take your time and really soak in the breathtaking views. It’s worth every second.

Oh wow! This is a great itinerary. Super detailed – thank you. We love California.

Thank You for sharing! This detail very use full for me!

This is really an ultimate road trip! I live in CA and have done so much of this but only little bits at a time. Beautiful photos!

This California road trip is really amazing and very useful for road trippers. Thank you for sharing.

Thanks Sharon, I’m glad we could help! And have a great road trip! When do you leave for California?

This is incredible and you travel photography is totally shocking! In spite of the fact that I live in California, there are a few places on your excursion that I haven’t visited at this point! I’m anticipating getting to Lake Tahoe and Death Valley sooner rather than later! A debt of gratitude is in order for sharing!

You are going to love Lake Tahoe. In the winter it’s a great destination. They really have it figured out as a four season destination. Make sure to bring plenty of water for Death Valley. I am sure you are used to the heat, but we were amazed with how hot it actually was.

Santa Barbara, California is a nice place to vacation and travel to often.

Santa Barbara is gorgeous. I’ve always wanted to go there since the soap opera called Santa Barbara. It didn’t disappoint.

I’m looking forward to getting to Lake Tahoe and Death Valley in the near future! Thanks for sharing!

Enjoy! They are two great and very different locations.

Super detailed – thank you!

Thanks, I’m glad we could help!

This is a great itinerary! There is so much to see in California. I have been creating CA road trip itineraries for 4 years of different duration and covering various interests. I currently have 35 and counting on my blog.

Oh wow! There are so many places to see in California, it really does take years. This road trip planner is from several different trips we’ve taken as well. It would be a dream to do it all again at one time!

I could not agree with you more about California being one of (if not the) best destinations for a road trip. Have you ever thought of renting a campervan to make the trip? It really makes the trip all the more immersive when you can stop and sleep right in the middle of it instead of having to venture off the beaten path to find lodging. And in most cases, you can do that in Cali. I recommend Travellers-Autobarn for an awesome campervan rental. They have locations in San Francisco and LA. I put their link in the website field. Happy Trails!

A campervan would be amazing. We love camping and meeting people on the road and we find that campgrounds are so much fun. Thanks for the tip!

Good to see wonderful snapshot of California and California road trip itinerary.

Thank you for sharing with us.

Great guide. Brings back so many California road trip memories. Planning one now with kids in tow!

Thanks! We love California

California is just amazing and blog was so informative about the Joshua Tree,Los angles ,South Lake Tahoe,Yosemite,Death Valley i love these kinda places actually nice write-up thanks or posting!

This post made me move towards road trip to California. Incredible post along with awesome photograph which is central attraction of the blog. Reading this post made my day. I wish I could travel like you without any worry of time.

Appreciate it for your great effort that made my day with motivation.

I hope you get the chance to road trip in California. We also have a photography guide to Big Sur with all the GPS coordinates so you can make the most of yoru trip. https://theplanetd.com/visual-guide-to-big-sur-coastal-drive-california/

A California road trip has been on the top of my travel bucket list for so long and this post hasn’t changed my mind. I’ve been to both LA and SF but would love to see all the amazing scenery in between.

Two great locations! You already have a great start to your road trip? Where would you like to go next?

This post makes me want to move home and go on a road trip! Thanks for giving me so many places to book mark. Can’t want to visit Cali again now!

Lucky you being from California. It is one of the greatest states in our opinion 🙂

Yes indeed it is great

This is great and you photography is absolutely stunning! Although I live in California, there are several places on your road trip that I haven’t visited yet! I’m looking forward to getting to Lake Tahoe and Death Valley in the near future! Thanks for sharing!

Wow, that is a serious road trip, filled with so many gorgeous things! When I was growing up, we did the Highway 1 trip several times, and I have so many great memories of it. This route takes you to all kinds of places I am yet to explore! Love it!

This is some great advice for our upcoming trip. I’m currently planning a road trip from San Francisco, so this is super helpful! Beautiful pictures you captured. Thank you so much for sharing this post.

I just want to tell that your photographs are really very inspiring and they just got me. I wanted to meander in the streets of this state. Thank you for taking us on this part.

Okay … just read over all the comments and I see a lot of people don’t care for Las Vegas. Fair enough. Please don’t right the whole city off as wasteful and uncaring for the environment. I’d ask you to please be open minded and learn more about our city before jumping to that conclusion. There’s more to Las Vegas than the four miles people know as the Strip.

Get in touch regarding Las Vegas and anything you want to know about the Southwest. I’ve lived in Vegas for five years and know the Southwest well. Would love to chat about your plans and provide recommendations/answer questions. You know where to find me!

We’ve been living in the bay area our whole lives and still haven’t done this route. SF direct to LA yes, but not this kind. Sounds like an adventure! I heard you two were at a Travel Massive event in SF late last year no? It was at a beer shop I believe. We were there too!

Hi. That trip sounds amazing. I’ve actually been to all those places on a Trek America tour. Alcatraz is a must see, there is plenty to do in Vegas without gambling and if you get the chance to take a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon do it because the views are to die for. You’ll have a blast! l look forward to reading about it.

You guys are going to have such a great trip! I’m from the SF area, went to college in LA and spent several summers on family backpacking trips in Yosemite, so I have to admit I’m actually a little jealous. Enjoy it extra for me, please!

Too bad you will be missing Lake Tahoe! One of the most beautiful places in the country! You definitely have to plan a trip to visit here at some point 🙂

Did a similar road trip last year and Cam is right, you need to stop by Sequoia National Park and see the General Sherman Tree (it’s basically on the way from Yosemite to Bakersfield!). With that said, still looks like tons of fun and I’m sure it’ll be a blast!

Thanks for the report : ) We will be doing about the saem route in September: Denver-Ouray-Arches-Bryce-Zion-Grand Canyon-Las Vegas-Death Valley-Mammoth Lakes-Yosemite-SFO 🙂

— Anton Way Any Way – Airfare search done right http://www.wayanyway.com

Sounds like a lot of fun. I’ve always wanted to do a west coast road trip. I have driven from the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas, and I definitely did not spend enough time at the Grand Canyon. Las Vegas is fun, and as for shows any Cirque du Soleil show will be a good bet. I saw O which was fantastic.

Seriously–you are driving right by some really amazing places with no time to stop. You have to add several more days and visit Sequoia National Park (world’s largest trees), and Death Valley National Park.They are both incredible! Las Vegas is soulless and weird and there’s nothing to do if you don’t like gambling (my friend Jane who lives there slaps me every time I say that–well, not really, but I can tell she wants to). Replace your time in Las Vegas with time in Sedona, Arizona, about an hour’s drive south of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Plus, Zion isn’t all that far from Bryce Canyon National Park, which is way better! How’s that for unsolicited advice!

If you want to get out of California, these are all great suggestions. We need a year to really visit California and all the great States that Surround it.

Wha?! You’ve never been to Vegas…? Looks like a fun road trip, we’ve done a couple Californian road trips but we’ve never made it to Utah or Arizona. We originally planned to due a Utah, AZ, NV, CO road trip combined with TBEX this year, but Baby B is not a fan of long car trips, so that ones on the shelf for a few years

What a great route, including some mind-blowing scenery. Don’t spend too long in Vegas. We were disgusted by the excess and waste also. A sidetrip to the Hoover Dam would be an eye-opener as to just how much water is being sucked up. The water of Lake Mead will be so low by 2017 that they dam may not be able to produce any power.

Whoa! I met Felipe from Twtvite in Berlin last summer. Cool guy! Sounds like the road trip will be a blast. Zion National Park is amazing!

You’re not doing Highway 1 at all????

That’s by far one of my favourite road trips, between SF and LA!

Thanks for your great and motivating article.

A Vanlifer’s Ultimate California Road Trip [With Local Destination Guides]

The beauty of van life is the ability to drive wherever, whenever you want. And, in our opinion, a California road trip is one of the best adventures you can go on in the United States.

There aren’t many places in the world that have deserts, mountain ranges, and white sandy beaches all in one area — this is why California comes out on top as a road trip destination. From the redwoods in the Sequoia National Park to the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, California has it all. And if the Golden State wasn’t on your road trip bucket list already, it will be soon enough.

Pacific Coast Highway

As road trippers, we know that sometimes the hardest part about van life or road trips is finding a route that’s both time and fuel-efficient. It can be a tedious task, we get it.

But luckily for you, we’ve done the hard part and curated the ultimate California road trip itinerary.

Whether you plan to begin your journey in California or if you’re passing through the area, keep on reading. You won’t want to miss this California coast road trip!

Short On Time? Here’s Our California Road Trip Itinerary

If you don’t have time to read our entire guide, you can view a short version of the itinerary below; you can go ahead and jump to any section that peaks your interest. 

Also, be sure to check out our itinerary maps. So as not to overwhelm you, we’ve split the itinerary into 2 legs:

  • Redwood National Park to Los Angeles

LA to Lassen Volcanic National Park

Redwood national park to la.

California Road Trip southbound leg

The first leg largely takes you along the Pacific Coast Highway. Here is our recommended list of stops on this leg of the road trip:

Redwood National Park

Napa valley, san francisco, monterey county, santa barbara.

  • Greater Los Angeles

California road trip northbound leg

This leg will keep you on the coast until you reach San Diego; from there, you’ll head inland and north again.

These are the stops we’ll recommend for the second leg of the journey:

Palm Springs

  • Joshua Tree
  • Death Valley

Sequoia National Park

  • Lassen National Forest

Redwood National Park California Road Trip

Our California road trip starts off along the state’s north coast at the Redwood National Park. 

As I’m sure you can gather from the name, the Redwood National Park is one of the top places in the world to walk amongst some of the biggest trees on Earth. If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to be an ant, then you’ll have your answer after visiting Redwood. 

Some of the trees in the Redwood National Park are over 2,000 years old and stand over 300 feet tall. With countless hikes, scenic drives, and access to the beach, you can spend 2 to 3 days at the National Park, taking in all the natural beauty, wildlife, and breathtaking views. 

Scenic Drives in Redwood National Park

Sometimes, the best part about a road trip is driving along large stretches of road with valleys or coastlines rolling past your windows.

As the Redwood National Park is easily accessible, there are numerous routes you can drive along for uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean or the towering redwoods . Here are some of our favorites: 

  • Redwood Creek Overlook
  • Klamath River Overlook
  • Crescent Beach Overlook
  • Howland Hill Road
  • Bald Hills Road
  • Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway
  • Coastal Loop

Campgrounds in Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park California Road triT

Redwood National Park is actually split into 4 sections: the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, the Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, and the Redwood National Park.

There are no hotels within the National Park boundaries , but there are 4 campsites in the 3 State Parks. It’s best to book these campsites in advance, especially if you’re visiting during the summer months. 

Visitors Centers

As with many National Parks throughout America, the Redwood National Park has a couple of visitor centers where you can learn more about the area and all of its history.

The Kuchel Visitor Center is the park’s main center, but you can also find the Hiouchi Redwoods Visitor Center in the northern section of the park.

Mendocino California

From the Redwood National Park, there is a beautiful scenic drive down Highway 1, aka Pacific Coast Highway, which takes you along vast stretches of California’s coast. Many people refer to this drive as the Lost Coast, and we find it the perfect route to the next California road trip stop of Mendocino. 

The drive is roughly 4 hours , but there are numerous campgrounds along the way to break up your time on the road. Some of the campsites are even dotted along the shores, so the journey is a destination in itself. 

When you reach Mendocino, you’re in for even more incredible hikes through spectacular state parks, strolls along the magnificent California coastline, and you can even add a little wine tasting to the itinerary if you so wish. 

State Parks in Mendocino

Mendocino Headlands Park California

These are the state parks you’ll find in Mendocino :

  • Russian Gulch State Park 
  • Mendocino Headlands State Park
  • Van Damme State Park

Other Things to Do in Mendocino

Apart from visiting parks, here are a few more things you can do while you’re exploring Mendocino :

  • Wonder through Downtown Mendocino
  • Visit the Mendocino Bay Viewpoint for that perfect photo opportunity
  • Cycle or hike along the Big River Haul Road
  • Witness incredible wildlife at the Jug Handle State Natural Reserve
  • Kayak or paddle board down the Big River
  • Head to the Point Cabrillo Light Station
  • Visit one of Mendocino’s vineyards for a wine tasting experience

Also, from November through to April, you can head out on a whale watching tour to see California gray whales .

Napa Valley California

If you didn’t manage to get any wine tasting done in Mendocino, you’re in luck. Napa Valley is one of California’s most famous wine regions , and is lined with vineyards and wineries of indescribable beauty. If you’re a wine connoisseur, we’d highly urge you to dedicate a few days for a wine country road trip through Napa County.

Of course, as you can imagine, there are numerous vineyards to explore, with the most popular being the Sattui Winery in St. Helena.

Things to Do in Napa Besides Wine Tasting

If you aren’t a fan of wine , don’t worry — there are plenty of other things to do in Napa :

  • See the vineyards and Mount Saint Helena from a bird’s eye view in a hot air balloon.
  • Ride the 36-mile round trip Napa Valley Wine Train.
  • Visit Calistoga and relax in some of the country’s best and only mud baths.
  • Walk along the streets of Downtown Napa.
  • Dine in style at one of Napa’s six Michelin Star restaurants. 
  • Hike up, Mount St. Helena. The hike is moderately challenging, but you get magnificent views of the Napa region.
  • Drive down the Silverado Trail to see the hills and vineyards of Napa.

San Francisco California

After wrapping up in Napa Valley, you’ll want to make your way down to San Francisco.  Well known throughout the world for its numerous attractions and landmarks, San Francisco is an absolute must-visit destination on your great California road trip. 

Golden Gate Bridge

When 4 engineers designed and built the Golden Gate Bridge in 1937, it was the longest suspension bridge on Earth. That record has now been beaten by the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge in Tokyo, but the Golden Gate Bridge still remains one of the modern wonders of the world.

The bridge, which is 1.7 miles long , has become the most photographed bridge on the planet and should definitely be on your must-see list when visiting San Francisco.

If famous bridges weren’t enough, San Francisco is also home to — arguably — the world’s most notorious prison, Alcatraz. The federal prison may not house any prisoners today, but it has become one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions.

When you visit the prison on Alcatraz Island, you can take a walk inside and see where the likes of Al Capone and George Kelly served their time . 

Ride the Cable Cars

San Francisco cable cars

San Francisco is the only place in the world with manually operated cable car systems running through its streets. 

When the first cable cars were added to their tracks in 1873, their popularity soared. But, just under 20 years later, engineers designed the first electric streetcar, and so the decline of manual cars began. 

In our opinion, the cable cars in San Francisco are an excellent way to see the city, and as they’re the last manual cable cars in the world, its an experience you won’t get elsewhere.

Visit San Francisco’s Resident Sea Lions

If you’ve heard anything about San Francisco, then you’re probably well aware of the city’s resident sea lions. You can find the California sea lion community on the docks of Pier 19 at the Fisherman’s Wharf . 

If you’re traveling with kids, then Fisherman’s Wharf is also a great place to explore as it has a high concentration of family-related activities. The USS Pampanito submarine, which took part in World War II, Madame Tussauds wax museum, and  Ripley’s Believe It or Not! are just a few of the kid-friendly attractions in Fisherman’s Wharf. 

Visit the Twin Peaks

If you’re after amazing views of the Bay Area, you need to head to the Twin Peaks. The peaks stand at 922 feet tall and are easily accessible by car or tourist bus.

After you’ve been to the top of the peaks, you can make your way back down to the 64-acre park and enjoy some quiet time. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the endangered Mission Blue Butterfly.

Santa Cruz California

Roughly an hour’s drive south of San Francisco is the next stop on your California road trip — Santa Cruz.

Santa Cruz sure does have some character and is seen by many as the land of the mountains, surf, and laid-back vibes .

When you think of a Californian beach town, Santa Cruz is what will pop up in your head.  Surfers ripping waves in the ocean, boardwalks along the beach, and plenty of ice cream stalls dotted around the place. 

Whether you stop in Santa Cruz for just the day or if you spend the entire weekend there, you’re guaranteed a fun, relaxed, and enjoyable visit. 

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is iconic. It’s been in numerous movies mainly thanks to its old-fashioned fun fair that features a historic wooden roller coaster, The Giant Dipper. 

Everyone loves amusement parks, especially when they’re situated right alongside the beach, so spend the afternoon getting your adrenaline pumping and indulge in the Boardwalk’s many sweet treats.

Drive Along West Cliff Drive

Driving along any stretch of California’s Pacific Coast Highway is unforgettable, and the West Cliff Drive is no exception. West Cliff has some of the most beautiful views in all of Santa Cruz, and if you have time, we highly recommend getting out of your car and taking in the refreshing ocean air.

Carmel, Monterey, California

You may never have heard of Monterey County, but once your road trip is complete, you’ll most definitely want to head back. 

Carmel-by-the-Sea

One of the most popular attractions in Monterey is the beach in the city of Carmel. The beach is stunning with its white sand and relatively calm waters, which makes it a great stop for families on the road.

After you’ve finished up at the beach, you need to take a stroll through the quaint Carmel-by-the-Sea town. It feels like you’ve jumped in a time machine and headed back in time. The cobblestone paths and unique buildings are an attraction of their own when visiting Monterey. 

Drive the 17 Mile Drive

The 17-mile drive down the Monterey Peninsula’s southern side is an epic road that gives you some of the most beautiful views that Monterey has to offer.

We recommend starting the drive from the Pacific Grove Gate and working your way down to Carmel to enjoy the beach and Carmel city. 

Other Things to Do in Monterey

Here are a few more activities that are worth your time while you’re in Monterey :

  • Go shopping on Cannery Row and see one of the largest populations of California sea lions.
  • Visit the award-winning Monterey Bay Aquarium.
  • Go souvenir shopping at Old Fisherman’s Wharf.
  • Head out on one of the many whale watching tours.

Big Sur California

A short, 45-minute drive south of Monterey, is Big Sur, which is home to over 90 miles of jagged coastline and the St. Lucia Mountain Range . With this great diversity of landforms come numerous activities for nature lovers to enjoy. 

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

The Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park got its name from one of Big Sur’s beloved pioneers, Julia Pfeiffer. While walking one of the seven marked trails, you’ll encounter intriguing coves, picturesque waterfalls, and towering redwood forests. 

One of the most popular trails is the Waterfall Overlook Trail. It’s less than a mile long and takes you to the McWay Falls, which is one of Big Sur’s most popular attractions.

If you’re on the hunt for whales, this is the place to be.

From December to February and March to May, migrating gray whales frequent the waters around the Big Sur coast , with some even coming up into the cove into which the McWay Falls flows.

Pfeiffer Beach

pfieffer beach, California

If your feet are sore from hiking, or you’re just short on time, you can head to Pfeiffer Beach.

Pfeiffer offers its visitors expansive shorelines that are towered by rock formations and thick vegetation.

One of the most famous rock formations in the area is a few feet out into the ocean.

This rock is the Pfeiffer Keyhole Rock, which got its distinguishable arch from thousands of years of erosion. During low tide, you’re able to walk through the water to the rock, and if you can wait until sunset, then you’ll have an incredible photo opportunity. 

Sand Dollar Beach

Sand Dollar Beach is Big Sur’s largest stretch of unbroken sand and is said to be one of the best surfing locations in the area.

Now, we know not everyone is into surfing, so if you’re heading to the beach, you can also try your luck at beachcombing.

You see, this is where the shoreline gets its name — from sand dollars that wash up on the shore. Sand dollars are flat, burrowing sea urchins that, once dead, turn white and end up on the beach.

Santa Barbara, California

From Big Sur, your next stop will be down the coast in southern California.

Santa Barbara is home to many celebrities , including George Lucas, Ellen DeGeneres, and Drew Barrymore.

And, with celebrities settling in Santa Barbara, it must be a nice place to visit. 

This charming city, which many people nickname the American Riviera, is full of fancy shops and 5-star restaurants, along with beautiful beaches, cozy cafes, and numerous photo opportunities. 

Visit the Mission Santa Barbara

The Mission Santa Barbara is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, which makes it a must-see during your California road trip. 

In 1925, an earthquake destroyed buildings all throughout Santa Barbara. Then, during the rebuild, builders designed and constructed buildings in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, which was inspired by the Mission Santa Barbara.

Stearns Wharf and the Santa Barbara Pier

Santa Barbara Pier

Stearns Wharf isn’t just a great place to head to if you’re after incredible views — it also leads to the Santa Barbara Pier, which sits at the end of State Street. 

Built in 1872, the Santa Barbara Pier is the oldest working wooden wharf in California . At the time of construction, it was also the longest deep-water pier in the area between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Nowadays, the pier is home to numerous attractions, like the Sea Center and the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.

Walk, Skate, or Cycle the Cabrillo Bike Path

If you want to feel like you’re in a California-based movie, you’ll want to either skate, cycle , or walk down the Cabrillo Bike Path. The path runs between some of Santa Barbara’s best beaches and has palm trees lining its edges.

Head to the Funk Zone for Some Nightlife

After a week or two on the road, you may well feel like you need a night out. If that’s the case, the Funk Zone is the perfect place to go!

The Funk Zone is full of some of Santa Barbara’s best cafes, restaurants, and entertainment venues, as well as boutique shops, art galleries, and street art displays .

Malibu California

Just over an hour down California’s Pacific Coast Highway is the beach city of Malibu.

Now, we would be lying if we said the majority of your time won’t be spent on one of Malibu’s many beaches, because, well, that’s what Malibu is known for!

Point Dume State Beach

One of Malibu’s most popular beaches, Point Dume is the perfect place to relax and unwind. If you aren’t into lying on a beach, the State Beach also has a hiking trail that offers you a short and interesting hike with views of the Santa Monica Bay, Santa Monica Mountains, and, on a clear day, Catalina Island.

Zuma Beach, Malibu, California

Zuma is another one of the city’s well-known beaches. It’s the biggest one in Malibu, so as you can imagine, it’s a hotspot for locals and tourists alike. 

The beach is a great stop for families, couples, or solo travelers; if you can, stay for the sunset . Depending on the conditions, the sky lights up with shades of orange, red, and pink.

Once you finish up in Malibu, you can drive a further 20 minutes south to Santa Monica to enjoy the Santa Monica Pier, the Santa Monica Beach, and even visit the original Muscle Beach Gym.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California

Everyone, and we mean everyone, has heard of Los Angeles. So, of course, it was a no-brainer to add to your California road trip itinerary.

LA is home to amazing entertainment, nightlife , restaurants, and theme parks, all of which certainly make it a place you don’t want to miss.

Hollywood Sign

If you head to Santa Monica, the Hollywood Sign in northern Los Angeles is on your way. The Hollywood sign is about a 30-minute drive from Santa Monica , and in our opinion, you can’t visit LA without making a trip to see the world-famous mountainside lettering. 

If you don’t want to hike up to the sign, then there are a few places you can head to that offer amazing views from down below. These include Lake Hollywood Park, the Hollywood Reservoir, and North Beachwood Drive. 

While, sadly, you can’t touch the sign, you can hike up Mount Lee to get views of Los Angeles from behind it.

There are a few options to get you to the top of the mountain; these include:

  • Walking along Mulholland Dr or Deronda Dr from Lake Hollywood Park
  • Hike the Wonderview Trail
  • From the Griffith Observatory parking lot take the Mount Hollywood Trail
  • Set off from the Bronson Caves

Stargaze at the Griffith Observatory

Griffiths Observatory LA

At the peak of Griffith Park is the Griffith Observatory, which is one of the world’s finest planetariums. If you’re interested in all things space, then the Griffith Observatory is a must-do while you’re on your California road trip visiting LA. 

The observatory has a 290-seat planetarium, giant telescopes, and educational films that teach you all about the planets, stars, and give you sneak-peek at the mysteries of the universe.  

Take a Ride on a Hop-on-Hop-off Bus

One of the easiest ways to see LA is by jumping on a hop-on hop-off bus. Not only do these buses take you to all the must-see destinations, but they also have guides to the city’s history and other relevant information.

Head Down to Venice Beach

While in LA, you’ll find yet another world-famous California destination — Venice Beach.

Venice Beach is an ideal destination for those looking to catch some waves before relaxing with a drink at one of the many bars.

Drive to Huntington City Beach

If you’re a beach lover, you’ll want to head about an hour south of Venice Beach to Huntington Beach.

On your drive, you’ll also pass through Long Beach; we highly recommend visiting all 3 beaches as they all have unique characteristics that set them apart from the rest.

Anaheim, California

This one only really applies to all the Disney lovers out there, but when there is a Disney park in the area, you just have to go.

The first-ever Disneyland Park to open was in Anaheim in 1955. Since Anaheim is only a 26 drive from Los Angeles, it is a no-brainer. 

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach, California

If you aren’t a Disney fan, your next stop after departing Los Angeles should be Laguna Beach. It’s about an hour’s drive south, but the picturesque coastline is well worth it. 

After all the outdoor activities you’ve been doing, we hope you aren’t sunburnt by this point, as Laguna Beach has lengthy stretches of sandy seashore, and many hiking trails to explore.

Head to the Beach

As Laguna Beach has seven miles of coastline, you could spend days exploring some of its many beaches. Here are some to help you make a decision:

  • Crescent Bay – Good for kayaking and sea lion spottings
  • Thalia Street Beach – Perfect for beginner surfers
  • Rockpile Beach – Ideal for experienced surfers
  • Treasure Island Beach – Amazing views and a secluded cove to explore
  • Aliso Beach – For firepits and bonfires
  • Main Beach – Basketball and volleyball nets

Hike Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

The Laguna Coast Wilderness Park has 40 miles of trails that wind through vast sycamore and oak woodlands. You can do all sorts of activities on the trails, from mountain biking to bird watching.

San Diego, California

The southernmost destination of our California road trip takes us to San Diego.

San Diego is yet another city in California that has unforgettable beaches, vibrant nightlife , and captivating attractions. Exploring these is definitely worth your time.

Visit Balboa Park

Balboa Park is home to the San Diego Zoo, which is classed as one of the best zoos not just in the United States but in the entire world. 

What’s more, the 1,200-acre park that houses the zoo makes an ideal location for bike rides, scenic walks, and picnics.

Spend Time at Mission Beach and Pacific Beach

San Diego Beach

Mission Beach and Pacific beach connect together to form the shoreline of San Diego. With miles of sand, nearby boardwalks, and even an amusement park, you’ll always find something to keep you entertained throughout your visit. 

Although these beaches are connected and share the same coastline, they couldn’t be any more different from one another. Mission Beach has calmer waters and a more relaxed vibe in general. Pacific Beach, on the other hand, is more upbeat and lively, with restaurants, shops, and bars lining the Mission Boulevard.

Enjoy the Views at Sunset Cliffs

As I’m sure you can tell by its name, Sunset Cliffs is San Diego’s best sunset-watching location. With untouched vegetation and dramatic cliff faces, the area is picture-worthy during the day and night, but it’s best to go around sunset time.

Palm Springs, California

Now it’s time to turn around on your California road trip and head back up north to Palm Springs.

Palm Springs has a few notable attractions that deserve your attention, so it makes sense to stop here before you go on to hike Joshua Tree and Death Valley later on in the trip. 

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Once you make it to Tramway Road, you’ll come across a gondola ride that works its way from Palm Spring up into the San Jacinto Mountains.

If you’ve been struggling with the heat, the aerial tramway will be a godsend as the air temperature drops by double digits once you reach the top . 

Tahquitz Canyon

Tahquitz Canyon, California

It’s not every day you see flowing water right in the middle of a desert. But, at Tahquitz Canyon, that is exactly what you’ll see. 

The two-mile loop trail leads you to a waterfall that is tucked into the Tahquitz Canyon. If you worked up a sweat on the trail you can even take a dip in the falls to cool off .

Mount San Jacinto State Park

If you like what you saw on the Palm Spring aerial tramway, why not hike through southern California’s second-highest mountain range?

The Mount San Jacinto State Park takes you up roughly 11,000 feet above sea level and gives you impeccable views of the alpine forests and surrounding areas.

Joshua Tree National Park 

Joshua Tree National Park

We hope you rested up in Palm Springs as you’ve got some long hikes ahead of you in the Joshua Tree National Park.

Joshua Tree is around a 40-minute drive from Palm Springs and has some stark differences from the coastal towns you drove through not long ago.

Joshua Tree has over 795,000 acres of rock formations and stark desert with hiking trails a-plenty throughout. 

Hidden Valley Nature Trail

The Hidden Valley Nature Trail is one of the shorter and easily accessible hikes in Joshua Tree, and it will take you on a 1-mile loop through an opening into a large rock-walled bowl. 

Barker Dam Nature Trail

Barker Dam Joshua Tree California

The Barker Dam Nature Trail is another relatively short route that goes for 1.3 miles past Joshua trees, rocks, and bodies of water.

Many people turn around and walk the loop back once they reach the remnants of a water tank. But we recommend carrying on. Although this makes the hike shorter, you actually miss the best bit — the largest trees beyond the dam.

Ryan Mountain Hike

If you’re after a more challenging hike, then the path from Park Boulevard up the Ryan Mountain should be right up your alley. Known as the Royal Mountain Hike, this 3-mile up-and-down hike takes you up 1,000 feet of elevation. But the 360-degree views of Joshua Tree at the top are well worth it. 

Other Things to Do in Joshua Tree

Here are a few more things you can do at Joshua Tree National Park apart from hiking:

  • Visit Skull Rock
  • Drive up to Keys View Lookout Point
  • Explore the Cholla Cactus Garden
  • Marvel over Joshua Trees’ rare permanent spring, Cottonwood Spring Oasis
  • Hike the Arch Rock Trail
  • Gaze at the stars come nightfall

Stargazing at Joshua Tree National Park

What to Do After Joshua Tree

If you want to explore other natural attractions on your California road trip, make your way over to the San Bernardino National Forest. From the deserts in Joshua Tree to the 800,000 acres of woodlands in San Bernardino, you’ll truly feel like you teleported to another world and not just driven an hour down the road. 

San Bernardino is an awesome hiking location with hot springs, the Big Bear Lake, scenic drives, and wildlife encounters. But be aware, there are bears in the area.

Campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree has a large selection of campsites to choose from. However, if you’re traveling into the area with an RV or van, 2 of the best sites are the Black Rock Campground and the Cottonwood Campground as they both have drinking water and flushable toilets.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park

Now it’s time to head back up to northern California to explore Death Valley. And don’t worry, we know it doesn’t have the most appealing name, but the area is truly magnificent. 

Death Valley is the lowest, driest, and hottest place on Earth. If that doesn’t intrigue you, then I’m not sure what will.

An aptly-named section of the park, Furnace Creek, received the hottest temperature ever recorded in July of 1913.

Wondering what that temperature was?

Well, it was 134°F. Yikes.

Dante’s View

Dante’s View offers one of the best viewpoints at Death Valley.

There is a parking lot at the viewpoint, along with trails, to give you a different perspective of the land down below. 

Zabriskie Point

Zabriskie Point, Death Valley, California

If you’re visiting Death Valley at sunset, you should head to Zabriskie Point. There is a short walk to the overlook, and then there are short trails that lead out into the hills.

Badwater Basin

Few can say they’ve been to the lowest point in the USA. But you can — if you visit Badwater Basin, that is! Badwater Basin sits 282 feet below sea level and comprises wide-open salt flats.

Other Things to Do in Death Valley

If you feel that you can tolerate a bit more heat, here are a few other activities to engage in at Death Valley National Park :

  • Explore the lumpy salt flats of Devil’s Golf Course
  • Enjoy the 9-mile scenic drive down Artists Drive
  • Hike Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch
  • Walk to Darwin Falls and enjoy the natural wonder of a waterfall in the desert
  • Sled down the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
  • Visit the Ubehebe Crater and witness a once active volcano

Campgrounds in the Death Valley National Park

Campsites in Death Valley work on a first-come-first-serve basis.

That said, the Furnace Creek Campground takes reservations during its busy season.

If you plan to camp at Death Valley, remember — temperatures are scorching during the summer months, and because of this, most campsites are closed.

Sequoia National Park

Time to beat the heat of Death Valley and head west to get to some much-needed shade in the Sequoia National Park.

The Sequoia National Park is home to the world’s largest redwood, Hyperion .

Hyperion stands over 380 feet tall, and if that isn’t a reason to visit Sequoia, then I don’t know what is. 

If the height of Hyperion doesn’t impress you enough, Sequoia is also home to the largest tree by volume. The General Sherman Tree is more than 36 feet in diameter at its base. For perspective, it would take about 20 people holding hands to hug this tree.

Things to Do in the Sequoia National Park

Moro Rock Summit

Sequoia National Park offers more than just majestic redwoods for you to admire; there are plenty of attractions and activities from which to choose.

Here are some that we’d recommend:

  • Visit the Giant Forest Museum
  • Climb 390 steps to Moro Rock (the view is well worth it)
  • Drive through the Tunnel Log
  • Explore the Crystal Cave marble cavern
  • Take a dip at the Tokopah Falls
  • Drive under Tunnel Rock

Hiking Trails in the Sequoia National Park

Needless to say, there are a few excellent hiking trails at the park, too:

  • Crescent Meadow Trail
  • Big Trees Trail
  • Congress Trail

Campgrounds at the Sequoia National Park

There are 7 campgrounds dotted around the park.

That said, the best one to head to if you’re traveling in RVs or vans is the Potwisha Campground.

Potwisha can accommodate RVs up to 24 feet long, and the area has flushing toilets, water, and other amenities.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite is one of America’s most famous National Parks. And for a very good reason.

The park’s vistas are stunningly beautiful and offer guests a range of activities, from hiking and biking to fishing and rock climbing. 

Yosemite Falls

One of the prettiest parts of the Yosemite National Park is the Yosemite Falls. This waterfall pours its way down over the granite wall smashing against the rocks down below.

Because of its height, you can see the waterfall from numerous areas in the park, but the best view is at the start of the Yosemite Falls hike. 

You can hike your way down the trail to reach the base of the falls with minimal effort. On particularly hot days, the mist the falls create is pleasant and refreshing, so we highly recommend this hike.

Another of Yosemite’s popular sites is the Half Dome climbing wall. Climbers from all over the country have flocked to Yosemite to tackle the giant granite wall that towers over the valley.

If you aren’t looking to climb the wall, then there are two great options that give you fantastic views of the Half Dome.

The first is at the Glacier Point Lookout, where you can see how much the rockface actually looms over the valley and the surrounding mountains.

And the second option is the Mirror Lake hiking trail, which takes you to the bottom of the rock so you can see it from an ant’s perspective.

Tunnel View

Yosemite Park Tunnel View

The most iconic Yosemite Valley view is from the Tunnel Valley, which stretches out to Bridalveil Fall, El Captain, and the Half Dome.

The best time to visit is during the afternoon, when all the walls are bathed in direct sunlight.

Other Things to Do at Yosemite

Here are a few more things for you to do while you’re at Yosemite National Park :

  • Gaze at the 3,000-foot El Captain Rock.
  • Drive an hour up to Glacier Point
  • Hike to the Bridalveil Fall
  • If you’re skilled, try climbing the rocks of Yosemite
  • Hike Tioga Road
  • Cycle along Yosemite’s 12 miles of paved paths

Campgrounds at the Yosemite National Park

Yosemite has 13 campgrounds, most of which have sites for RVs.

It’s important to book ahead as much as possible to secure yourself a camp space , as all the campgrounds in Yosemite fill up fast.

Emerald Bay at Lake Tahoe

Heading further northeast on the ultimate California road trip will take you up to Lake Tahoe, where you can spend the day hiking through the Sierra Nevada Mountains or participating in water sports on the lake itself.

Emerald Bay

Emerald Bay is a small sheltered cove of Lake Tahoe that has relatively shallow water, which gives the bay its beautiful turquoise color . 

Overlooking the bay is a Scandinavian castle, Vikingsholm, which is open to the public. Guests can take a tour inside after hiking its steep one-mile trail.

Alternatively, you can jump in a kayak or get up on a paddle board and explore the lake from the water itself. 

Hiking Lake Tahoe

Some of the more beautiful hiking trails are at the lake’s southern end. These trails include:

  • Fallen Leaf Lake Trail
  • Cascade Falls Trail
  • Rubicon Trail

Partake in Winter Sports

During the winter months, Lake Tahoe transforms into a world-renowned alpine skiing destination. Even if you aren’t an avid skier, the ride to the Observation Deck via a 9,123-foot gondola gives you outstanding views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding areas. 

Other Things to Do in Lake Tahoe

When you’ve had enough of skiing and water sports, you can still find a few exciting things to do around Lake Tahoe:

  • Have a picnic at the D.L Bliss State Park
  • Relax on the sandy beaches at the Sand Harbor State Park
  • Hike the Eagle Rock Hiking Trail

Sacramento, California

Sacramento is one of our final stops on this California road trip itinerary. As the state capital, the city features plenty of historical landmarks . Below are our top picks.

California State Railroad Museum

Over 500,000 people flock to the California State Railroad Museum every year, and if you too are interested in trains, we suggest you make a stop there yourself . 

The museum is spread out over six buildings and showcases railroad cars and locomotives, along with their history, and how the railroads shaped California and its economy.

Pony Express Terminal

The endpoint of the Pony Express was in the Pony Express Terminal in Sacramento. Although the mail service is no longer around, the building was named a National Historic Landmark, which now belongs to the Wells Fargo History Museum.

American River Bike Trail

Grab a bike and cycle along 32 miles of paved roads on the American River Bike Trail. The trail runs from Discovery Park to Beal’s Point and has separate lanes for people going either way.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic Park, California

Our final stop on this California road trip will take you to the Lassen Volcanic National Park, which is around a 3-hour drive from Sacramento. And, don’t worry, Lassen is well worth it.

The Lassen Volcanic National Park is home to all 4 types of volcanos: cinder cone, plug dome, composite, and shield. And the best part is some of these volcanos are still active . 

Hikes and trails throughout the park can take you alongside volcanic gas vents, steam vents, turquoise pools of water, and boiling mud pots. Now, that’s something you don’t see every day. 

But, along with the volcanic activity in the area, there are also plenty of lakes, waterfalls, and scenic drives that you can fill your days in Lassen with. 

The Best Trails in the Lassen Volcanic National Park

Not everything comes easy, and some of the best views require some work to get there. We hope you have your hiking boots ready, as the Lassen National Park has some incredible hikes that you won’t want to miss. These include:

  • Bumpass Hell Trail – Easy
  • Sulphur Works Sidewalk Trail – Easy
  • Devils Kitchen Trail – Challenging
  • Lassen Peak Trail – Challenging
  • Cinder Cone Trail – Challenging

Other Things to Do in the Lassen Volcanic National Park

If you’re tired of hiking, you can find some time to relax and take in the natural beauty at the landmarks below:

  • Manzanita Lake 
  • Juniper Lake
  • Emerald Lake
  • Boiling Springs Lake
  • Kings Creek Falls
  • Mill Creek Falls

Finally, you can take a drive down the Lassen Park Highway and immerse yourself in the surrounding scenery from the comfort of your vehicle.

Campgrounds in Lassen Volcanic National Park

There are 7 separate campgrounds throughout Lassen, but only 3 can accommodate RVs and trailers. These 3 sites include Manzanita Lake, Summit Lake, and Butte Lake.

That said, there are no RV hookups, so make sure your RV or van is equipped with everything you’ll need during your stay. 

California Road Trip: Conclusion

California Road Trip

So, there you have it! The ultimate California road trip. We hope this itinerary has helped you shape your future trip through the beautiful state of California.

As we wrap up this article, we’d love to know your favorite parts of California. Did this itinerary help you? And is there anything we should have added to the destination or activity list? Let us know in the comment section down below!

california-road-trip

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Horseshoe Bend is one of the most photographed sites in the state of Arizona. And for good reason: The curve of the Colorado River’s path and the shape of the surrounding rock formations offer truly unique, unforgettable views.  The natural landmark attracts over 2 million people every year, and we are here to give you […]

Colorado National Monument Visitor’s Guide: Activities, Best Time to Go, and Other Tips

The Colorado National Monument is one of the most popular and scenic tourist destinations in Colorado. Endless canyons, breathtaking rock formations, and an abundance of animal and plant life arguably rival the better-known Grand Canyon. Trust us: you won’t want to miss this landmark. To help you plan a trip to the Colorado National Monument, […]

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The Best California Road Trip Itineraries: 13 Grand Adventures

California is built for road trips. We’ve got 163,000 square miles of mountains, desert, redwood forest, beaches and pastoral landscapes. And while driving the Pacific Coast Highway or doing a lap of Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks are popular (more on them below), there are a whole lot of other backroads and coastal drives that await you.

So, we’ve compiled our favorite baker’s dozen of California road trip itineraries. These CA road trip ideas cover the whole state, north, south, east and west and all of them promise stunning landscapes and epic adventures.

Palm Springs sunset road.

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  • Our 13 Fave California Road Trip Itineraries

This CA road trip planner has a lot of detail. Each itinerary has mileage info and suggested number of days along with a rough idea of which roads to take. We’re also suggesting some itinerary highlights, when to go and some top stays along the way.

We think you should read the whole thing, so that you can get itinerary ideas for multiple trips. But if you’re in a hurry, please use the table of contents to skip around to the areas which most peak your interest.

Pacific Coast Highway: SF to LA

Pacific coast highway: north coast, north coast redwoods, the central coast loop, napa/sonoma wine country drive, highway 49 gold country route, the lassen/shasta volcanic legacy highway.

  • National Park Trifecta: Yosemite, King's Canyon and Sequoia National Parks

Highway 395 Eastern Sierra Drive

South coast beaches: la to san diego, california deserts loop: san diego to death valley, the best of the sierra nevada scenic drive, the best california road trip itinerary (in 2 weeks).

McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer State Park

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  • Start : San Francisco
  • End : Los Angeles (you can do the reverse, but pullouts are easier to do north-to-south.)
  • Miles : 460
  • # of Days : 3-6
  • Route : Highway 1 all the way down

The Pacific Coast Highway is America’s classic road trip and hand’s down the most popular California road trip itinerary. It actually runs the full length of California from the Oregon Border to San Diego. And we cover more sections of it in the North Coast and South Coast road trips below.

But the section from SF to LA is a fave Cali road trip for the sheer jaw-dropping scenery. If you need some convincing, check out our advice on why we think Big Sur is so worth it .

Just go ahead and bookmark our SF to LA PCH itinerary . It’s a 5-7 day slow roll down the coast which is optimized for epic coastal views, marine life, wine tasting and fun beaches.

On the northern section of the drive, key stops include whale watching in Monterey Bay, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and the 17-mile drive through Carmel .

Once you hit Big Sur , our favorite stops include the Point Lobos State Park, Garrapata Beach, redwoods in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, McWay Falls, Pfeiffer Beach (purple sand!), Sand Dollar Beach, the Piedras Blancas lighthouse , Hearst Castle and elephant seals at Ragged Point.

Dinosaur Cove Cove Shell Beach Pismo, with beach and tree.

After Cambria, you can head inland for wine tasting in Paso Robles or stay on the coast road. You can visit quirky Harmony town , do some fun hikes and eat cookies in Cayucos , or take on some activities in Pismo Beach , like visiting Pismo’s best beaches or doing some Edna Valley wine tasting .

In the southern section of the hike, you can visit the quirky Solvang Danish town, do yet more wine tasting in Los Olivos and swing into Santa Barbara to visit the mission and art galleries. Then it’s a long roll down Highway 1 past some of Northern LA County’s prettiest beaches.

When to Do the PCH

Summer is the busiest time to visit Big Sur . And winter is very tricky because winter storms often close Highway 1 through Big Sur. We favor April/May or September-November for the finer weather and slower pace.

Notable Places to Stay on the PCH

The Hyatt Carmel Highlands is a 5-star splurge with killer views. For something more low-key amidst the redwoods, you can also rent glamping cabins in Big Sur . Get an ocean view (with free sunsets!) at the Vespera Marriott in Pismo Beach.

Mendocino Coast Road with beach overlook

  • End : Leggett
  • Miles : 210
  • # of Days : 3-5
  • Route : Highway 1 all the way up

This northern section of the PCH is less popular than the Central California section, but it’s notable for its rugged coastline, Tule elk, some of our favorite northern California coastal towns . And if you’re thirsty, there’s no shortage of wine tasting throughout this region.

On the southern end of this road trip, notable stops include Muir Woods (reservations in advance are required), the Marin Headlands and dog-friendly Stinson Beach (one of our favorite CA hippie towns .)

Point Reyes National Seashore boat wreck.

In the mid section, Point Reyes National Seashore is worth at least a full day, with tons of hikes, Tule elk, elephant seals and the lovely cypress tunnel. There are also wine and cheese tasting rooms nearby. Cute Bodega Bay is worth a stop, as are the Sonoma Coast, Fort Ross and Salt Point State Parks.

There’s also a ton to do in and around Fort Bragg and Mendocino. Detour onto Highway 128 to visit the Anderson Valley vineyards and take a stroll through the Hendy Woods redwood groves. You can also find coast redwoods and a fern grove in Van Damme State Park , killer sunsets on the Mendocino Headlands, a quiet cove at Jug Handle beach and the skunk trail and rail bikes in Fort Bragg.

We are (arbitrarily) ending this routing in Leggett on Highway 101, but you can combine this California road trip plan with the one for the North Coast redwoods and do both as a loop.

When to Do the North Coast

This part of California receives a ton of rain between December and March. Any other months are fine and April/May and Sept/Oct are quieter times to go.

Notable Places to Stay on the North Coast

The Palace Hotel in SF is one of the city’s oldest and it offers afternoon tea in their stunning atrium lobby. For some oceanfront bathing, the Seamist cottage in Bodega Bay has an ocean front hot tup and the North Cliff hotel in Fort Bragg has ocean view bathtubs with a fireplace.

San Francisco to Redwoods National Park road trip. giant coast redwood trees

  • End : Crescent City
  • Miles : 355
  • # of Days : 4-7 days
  • Route : Highway 101/Highway 1 all the way up

This is one of our favorite California road trip itineraries for all of the forest bathing opportunities. California’s North Coast Redwoods can easily be done as a loop in conjunction with the coastal route just above. Or, if you are keen for some serious me-time in the trees, you can just focus on this particular itinerary.

This road trip covers 13 state parks, one national park and some whacky roadside attractions…all focused on Coast Redwoods. We have a very thorough redwoods road trip itinerary with a full FAQ, map, advice on the best time to visit the redwoods , and trip planning ideas.

But here are some of our favorite highlights: The Avenue of the Giants scenic drive in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, the scenic Drury parkway drive in Prairie Redwoods State Park, the Roosevelt Elk in Prairie Redwoods, the wacky Trees of Mystery , the Lady Bird Johnson grove in Redwoods National park, and the groves and Boy Scout hike in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.

Phew, that’s a lot of trees!

Roosevelt Elk in Prairie Redwoods State Park

When to Do the North Coast Redwoods

Notable places to stay in the redwoods.

There aren’t a lot of fancy hotels in this part of California. You’ll want to look for cozy inns and places that give you forest or ocean views. You can go glamping in the woods near Trinidad, or at the Mendocino Grove , or lodge at the Lighthouse Inn in Crescent City is near Jedediah Smith and close to downtown restaurants and the actual lighthouse.

California Morro Bay beach

  • Loop : Between Monterey and Santa Barbara
  • Getting There : ~2 hours from LA to Santa Barbara or SF to Monterey
  • Miles : 506
  • #of Days : 3-5
  • Route : Highway 1, Highway 101, Highway 33

Many folks just drive down Highway 1 through Big Sur, which is certainly worth the views and the beaches. But there are some really great things to see and do on the Central Coast’s interior.

This itinerary goes down (or up) the coast and then laps back, taking some little known scenic roads. This whole region has a chill vibe and you can use that to set a leisurely pace for your road trip.

Drive…stop at a beach…drive…stop for a walk…drive…have a long lunch…drive…do a wine tasting…wash rinse repeat.

All of the key stops that we noted on the PCH itinerary above are still relevant. But some of our favorite interior stops include: wine and olive oil tasting in Paso Robles , the San Luis Obisbo Mission, eating danish in Solvang, and the Carrizo Plain National Monument (if the spring flowers are blooming).

We also recommend taking a winding scenic drive through Los Padres National Forest. It goes from Ventacopa to Ojai on Highway 33. And for that matter, it’s really fun to wander around the wine country backroads in Paso Robles and Los Olivos. Even if you aren’t into wine, the countryside is really beautiful.

Paso Robles sunset Adelaida road.

When to Do the Central Coast Loop

This route is really fun in the summer, after the June gloom fog clears. The Carizzo Plain often blooms in early April. And there are fall wine harvest festivals, which is a great time to visit Pismo Beach .

Notable Places to Stay in on the Central Coast

There’s the completely over the top Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo, the Ojai Valley Inn (with spa!), and yet more glamping tents and trailers at the Flying Flag in Buellton (near Solvang).

Sonoma County vineyards and trees.

  • Start/End : Loop from San Francisco
  • Mile s: 213
  • # of Days : 3-4
  • Route : Highway 101, Highway 29, Highway 128, Highway 116

Many people just go to either Napa or Sonoma and hang out in one spot for wine tasting. But it’s worth extending your wine country stay and doing a wider loop because you’ll find lovely country drives, state parks, fine cheeses and fun on the water.

This wine country drive is a loop which starts in SF, goes up Napa Valley and down through Healdsburg, with a side trip to Guerneville before heading down Sonoma Valley. If you want to go wine tasting, especially on a weekend, it’s best to get reservations in advance.

In Napa Valley, start by taking a wander around Napa’s downtown shopping and art district. The Oakville Grocery is a great place to pick up picnic provisions and you can do a mud bath in Calistoga. From there, branch off of Highway 128 and take the slow road to the Petrified Forest and Safari West, before heading into Healdsburg.

Healdsburg has a really cute downtown with galleries, boutiques and a great indy bookstore. Heading southwest on Westside road will take you along the Russian River and past the Armstrong Woods State Park (redwoods!) to quirky Guerneville . If it’s summer you can do a lazy river float along the Russian River, or take a cedar bath at the Osmosis Day Spa. Then head south to groovy Sebastopol where there are three dairy tasting rooms from the California Cheese Trail , Finally, heading back east, taking Highway 12 down Sonoma Valley.

Take a hike in the Trione Anondel State Park or visit the Jack London State Historic Park , then taste some yummy private label Jack London wine at the Kenwood Winery. Sonoma has the well-preserved Sonoma Mission, a chill downtown square and a couple more cheese stops.

Armstrong Woods Hiking. Things to do in Guerneville California

When to Do the Napa/Sonoma Drive

This region gets a lot of rain in the winter. Which is not to say that you can’t visit during that time, but pay attention to the forecast. The fall is a fun time because of the wine harvest festivals. Any weekend from May to September is going to be very busy, so book ahead.

Notable Places to Stay in Napa/Sonoma

Go for some Buddhist vibes at Bann in Oak Knoll , Dr. Wilkinson’s spa is a quirky boutique motel with mud baths, Autocamp Russian River has the full glamping experience with luxury tents and Airstreams, or a historic ranch stay at the Beltane in Glen Ellen .

Hangtown mural in Placerville.

  • Start : Mariposa
  • End : Nevada City
  • Miles : 186
  • # of Days : 2-4
  • Route : Highway 49 all the way up

By most measures, California’s economy is one of the largest in the world. And it all started when, in 1849, gold was found in them thar hills. This historic Highway 49 route, also known as the Golden Chain Highway, takes in some of California’s well-preserved gold rush history and it has a lot of fun activities for kids and history buffs.

The key on this itinerary is to take it slow and take advantage of the many historic markers and tiny little towns along the route. Start in Mariposa, which is also the western gateway to Yosemite National park. It also has a historic park with gold rush exhibits and one of the oldest (and loveliest) county courthouses in the state.

There’s another small county museum in Coulter and a nice vista along the Don Pedro reservoir. If you’re keen on covered bridges, you can take a detour to Knights Ferry. Otherwise continue to Jamestown for the Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, and then through Sonora to the Columbia State Park. It’s an oldey timey gold rush town and living museum.

Take a side trip up Highway 4 to Calaveras Big Trees State Park for some Giant Sequoia trees. Then north to Indian Grinding Rock State Park and then the adorbs little town of Sutter Creek. If you are into wine, there are a lot of places to stop in the stretch between Sutter Creek and Placerville.

North of Placerville, you’ll find the Gold Bug Park and Mine and Sutter’s Mill, which is where gold was initially found. You’ll find the Empire Mine State Park near Grass Valley along with a cute historic downtown in Nevada City, before ending the trip at Malakoff Diggins State Park .

If you have extra time, stay on Highway 49 and then take the Gold Lake Highway scenic byway to Highway 395.

Malakoff Diggins state park terrain red cliffs and trees

When to Do the Gold Country

Unless there have been heavy winter storms, you can do this drive any time of year. Although expect to find cold winter temps in some of the state parks and Nevada City.

Notable Places to Stay in Gold Country

Bed, breakfast and wine at the Hanford Inn in Sutter Creek. The National Exchange Hotel was built in the throes of the gold rush and it occupies a sweet spot in downtown Nevada City. Or you can go glamping at the Autocamp Midpines , which is just 5 miles from Mariposa.

Mount Shasta California-volcano and misty lake

  • Start : Mount Shasta
  • End : Lassen National Park
  • Route : Highway 89

The official Volcanic Legacy Scenic Highway actually starts at Crater Lake and the full drive is 500 miles. But this alternative routing is shorter and takes in the best bits of the California section. On this drive, you get a lovely mix of volcanic geology, waterfalls and charming historic communities.

This part of northern California is not nearly as popular as places like Lake Tahoe or the PCH, so you can enjoy a relaxed pace and a strong dose of outdoorsy vibe with this itinerary.

Key stops include historic Dunsmuir, Weaverville Joss House State Park, Shasta State Historic Park, Burney Falls, Bumpass Hell hydrothermal pool, Devastated Area interpretive trail and Lake Almador.

Lassen National Park Boardwalk

When to Do the Lassen/Shasta Drive

Late May through late October. The waterfalls are best in spring, but the main road through Lassen is  closed in the winter .

december road trip california

National Park Trifecta: Yosemite, King’s Canyon and Sequoia National Parks

  • Start : Three Rivers
  • End : Groveland
  • Miles : 276
  • # of Days : 4-6
  • Route : Generals Highway, Highway 180, Highway 41, Highway 120

This California road trip itinerary is optimized for sheer awe inspiring nature.

Sequoia National Park is famous for their giant Sequoia trees and Kings Canyon has conifer forest and the deepest canyon in North America. There’s a scenic route connecting the two parks. The Generals Highway covers the best-of Sequoia National Park and Highway 180 covers the best-of Kings Canyon, including the Giant Forest, Grant Grove, and trails to Mist Falls and Zumwalt Meadow.

Yosemite is California’s most popular national park, and for good reason. It presents the best of the Sierra Nevada mountain range with pine forests, giant Sequoia groves and soaring granite peaks.

Valley highlights include the Mariposa grove, Glacier Point overlook, Vernal Falls, Mirror Lake loop, and Yosemite falls. In the upper reaches, there’s the scenic drive over Tioga pass, tons of hikes and the Merced grove. Consider cribbing part of this SF to Yosemite itinerary if you’re also keen to add on some Gold Country.

California scenic road in Kings Canyon National Park.. rocky canyon wall

When to Do the National Park Trifecta

Mid-spring through late fall is best. The parks are open throughout the year, but Tioga Pass and the higher elevations will be closed for snow. You can do Yosemite Valley in the winter , but keep an eye on the National Parks site for closures.

Notable Places to Stay on the Trifecta

The Ahwahnee is Yosemite’s historic inn and it has great views and lovely architecture. They Tenaya Lodge is located in the southern section of Yosemite, offering free park entrance and amenities for the kids. And Autocamp in Midpines is a cool glamping option near-ish to Yosemite Valley.

However you stay, even if it’s a modest motel, book early for these parks.

Dawn in the Alabama Hills Eastern Sierras

  • Start : Bridgeport
  • End : Lone Pine
  • Miles : 147
  • # of Days : 4-6 days
  • Route : Highway 395

The Eastern Sierra doesn’t get as much love as the Western Sierra (and Yosemite), but there’s a lot there for people who like crazy geology, hot springs, ghost towns and sparsely populated forests.

This drive is a straight down (or up) Highway 395 and can easily be combined with a visit to Lake Tahoe, the higher elevations of Yosemite National Park or Death Valley. We’ve got a full 5 day Eastern Sierra itinerary along with detailed stay and play guides for both Bishop and Lone Pine .

Some highlights on this itinerary include: Mono Lake and its moonscape, Bodie Ghost Town State Historic Site, the June Lake Loop, Mammoth Lakes, the Devil’s Postpile National Monument, Convict Lake , Hot Creek Geologic site, the Laws Railroad Museum, Manazar National Historic site, and the Alabama Hills.

And if that isn’t enough for you, there are about 2 million acres of National Forest lands which feature alpine lakes, scenic canyon drives and more hiking and fishing than you’ll ever have time for.

Convict Lake Highway 395 in fall

When to Do the Highway 395 Drive

Unless you are a skier, winter is not a great time as many of the forest areas and Tioga Pass (via Yosemite) will be closed. Summer is a great time to visit, but it will be hot in the southern end. This is one of our favorite California road trip itineraries for October because the fall color is unbelievable.

Notable Places to Stay in the Eastern Sierra

Just for grins, you can rend a covered wagon at the Virginia Creek Settlement motel . And if you want to pick a central spot for your base, there are tons of condo rentals in Mammoth Lakes .

Torrey Pines state park San Diego, with ocean view.

  • Start /End: Los Angeles or San Diego
  • Miles : 120
  • Route : Highway 1, I-5, Coast Highway/El Camino Real

Forget Disneyland, the San Diego Zoo and the California Missions. This SoCal road trip itinerary is all about the shoreline. And there’s 120 sweet, sweet miles of it between the Los Angeles and San Diego airports.

For this road trip, be sure to override the Google mapping instructions. It will always steer you on the large freeways and this itinerary is best done on the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) and the slower surface roads.

Key stops in greater LA include: Manhattan Beach (stroll or bike The Strand), Huntington Beach (10 miles of uninterrupted sand), Newport Beach (electric Duffy Boat rentals), Catalina Island (old school beach resort) and Laguna Beach (Crystal Cove State Park), and Dana Point (whale watching).

Key stops in greater San Diego include: Carlsbad (spring ranunculus flowers), Encinitas (Moonlight Beach), Solana Beach (San Elijo Lagoon), Torrey Pines State Reserve, and La Jolla (sea lions and tide-pooling).

Dana Point beach and coastline

When to Do the South Coast Beaches

Try to avoid the May/June gloom season. Otherwise, go for it!

Notable Places to Stay in on the South Coast

Laguna Beach House , is a unique surf-themed ocean-front stay. The Hotel del Coronado is an old-school 130 year-old luxury resort hotel with historic architectural features and a prime spot on the beach. The Sea Bird is an oceanfront hotel in Oceanside, with a spa!

Death Valley trip- Mesquite Dunes at dawn. Sand dunes in shadow

  • Start/End : San Diego
  • Miles : 822
  • # of Days : 7-8
  • Route : San Diego, Julian, Salton Sea/Bombay Beach, Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park, Kelso Dunes, Death Valley National Park, Ballarat, San Diego

This is one of the best winter California road trip itineraries for its vast open landscape. The southeastern California deserts include both the Sonoran and Mohave deserts. And what to some people is a whole lot of brown, to us is a surprisingly diverse ecosystem with a lot of subtle beauty.

And this lap from San Diego (or LA) shows off the best of CA’s deserts. This itinerary has a fun mix of forest, desert, weird geology and even offbeat art projects.

The first section includes Julian (apple cider and pies), Anza Borrego (hiking and metal sculptures), Slowjamistan (a weird micronation), the Slab City squatter community and the East Jesus art installation .

Center yourself in Palm Springs, taking in the mid-century vibe, palm oasis’ and a scenic lap around the Palms to Pines drive .

Spend at least a day in Joshua Tree (two is better), using our Joshua Tree hiking guide to prioritize which areas to explore, then head into Joshua Tree town for more quirky art projects.

Ignore the Google mapping instructions for how to get to Death Valley and instead, take the slow way to Death Valley via the Amboy Crater and Kelso Dunes. Then use our Death Valley visitor’s guide to plan your time there.

On the way back to San Diego, take the Trona Wildrose road out via Ridgecrest, stopping at Ballarat Death Valley Ghost town on the way out.

Scenic vista of the Palms to Pines scenic byway. curving road in desert

When to Do the California Deserts Loop

This whole region is volcanically hot in the summer. October to April is best and going between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is a very quiet time to be in the National Parks.

Notable Places to Stay on the California Deserts Loop

In Palm Springs, go for the Fleur Noire , a low-key spot with floral murals and rosé all day. Joshua Tree town has a ton of quirky trailers and cabins to rent , and the Inn at Death Valley is a fancy historic inn right in the heart of the park.

We’ve also got camping guides for Death Valley , info on hotels and motels in and near Death Valley , and also for Joshua Tree campgrounds .

Emerald Bay Scenic Lake Tahoe Drive lake and pine trees

The two CA road trip itineraries below combine several of the plans noted above into one larger itinerary.

  • Start/End : Anywhere along the loop
  • Miles : 900-1,000
  • # of days : 12-14 days

Glue together the Yosemite/Sequoia, Highway 49 and Highway 395 road trips into one epic, mountain adventure. This itinerary does a full lap around the Sierra Nevada range, with Lake Tahoe at the north end and Lake Isabella at the south end.

After you finish up Highway 49, head over to Lake Tahoe, where you can do a scenic drive around Tahoe . Head over to Highway 395 via either historic Carson City or take Highway 88 over Monitor Pass.

Once you’ve lapped Highway 395, ignore the Google maps instructions and head back over to the western Sierra via Highway 178 and Lake Isabella.

Yosemite National Park Hetch Hetchy

When to Do the Best of the Sierra Nevada Scenic Drive

This drive is best done between late May and early November. You’ll avoid snowy road closures. For any portion of the trip that occurs on a weekend (especially in Yosemite and Tahoe), be sure to book lodging ahead.

Bixby Bridge on the Pacific Coast Highway

  • Start/End : San Francisco or LA
  • Miles : ~1,000 miles
  • # of Days : at least 14, more is better

This loop combines two of the most popular road trips in California: Yosemite/Sequoia and the Pacific Coast Highway from SF to LA.

You can do the drive in either direction, however we like doing the PCH from north-to-south as it’s easier for the scenic pullouts. Do not underestimate how much driving this is, so get an early start everyday and bake in some down time.

If you have extra days and want to spend some time in San Francisco, we have travel tips for SF first timers and a local’s guide to San Francisco .

If you don’t care to visit SF, just use Highway 152 to cut over from Yosemite directly to Monterey and start down Big Sur. If you don’t care to visit LA, head northeast from Ventura, on the scenic Highway 33 through the Los Padres National Forest to Ventacopa, then east from there.

When to Do California’s Most Epic Road Trip

November through April are the worst weather for both the Sierra Nevada range and Big Sur. You’ll also get some June gloom along the coast. We like April/May or July-October for this route.

Nothing behind me, everything ahead of me, as is ever so on the road. Jack Kerouac

Got that right Jack! Enjoy your epic California road trip. Whichever of these routes you take, you are sure to have a most grant adventure.

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The Best Winter Road Trips in the Golden State

The Best Winter Road Trips in the Golden State

California is the place to be during the winter months. Fuel your wanderlust by embarking on a road trip and creating lifelong memories.

December 13, 2020

California is the place to be during the cold winter months. Whether you’re dreaming of cozy nights in a winter cabin , chilly evenings spent around the bonfire on a   weekend glamping trip , or admiring the magnificence of sunsets by the beach, the Golden State has it all.

Although a   playlist can create the perfect atmosphere for winter festivities and extra family time, the ultimate long-term cure for any winter blues is a  road trip . Fuel your wanderlust this time of year by embarking on a road trip in December (or January or February) and creating memories that’ll last a lifetime.

California's most beautiful winter road trips

Thanks to the Golden State’s diverse terrain, you can make your version of a winter wonderland as sunny or snowy as you desire. If you’re up for the drive, take a dip in the beach and ski down the mountains on the same weekend. If that’s not enough for your adrenaline rush, the best winter road trips featured on our list will definitely have you packing a bag and taking PTO by the end of the day.

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Incredible destinations for road trips in December

December is the time to don your ugly Christmas sweater and enjoy many of the cheesy guilty-pleasure activities you don’t like to admit you enjoy. Whether you head out to explore California Christmas tree farms or watch glistening Christmas lights in San Francisco , nothing beats a festive road trip in December.

december road trip california

Mendocino County

Leave the holiday stress behind and rediscover the charm of a simple Christmas in Mendocino County. Make the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens your first stop on the winter road trip . The magical place lies on 47 acres of land between California’s scenic Highway 1 and the Pacific Ocean—be prepared for plenty of holiday cheer. Make sure to get your tickets online prior to visiting, as COVID-19 restrictions don’t allow walk-ins for non-members.

Later, check out the towering redwood trees at Montgomery Woods and soak in the relaxing sounds of nature. For a truly festive end to your day, take the Magical Christmas Skunk Train ride in Fort Bragg. The little ones traveling with you will especially enjoy the socially distanced visit from Santa and the complimentary goodie bags they get to take home.

december road trip california

Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake transforms into a classic Christmas wonderland in December, complete with twinkling lights and snowy pines as far as the eye can see. Several outdoor recreational activities can be enjoyed at a safe distance in this beautiful California locale, making it an ideal winter road trip destination .

Many SoCal snowboarders and skiers take off to Big Bear Mountain Resort at the first sign of snowfall to take advantage of the fresh powder. Packing your snowshoes for a Big Bear road trip in December is an absolute must, too; the endless white hiking trails around Big Bear will transport you into a winter fairytale. Keep an eye out—you just might experience a rare deer sighting.

The best road trips in January

Recovering from any post-holiday blues has never been easier. Thought you missed your chance for a memorable winter road trip? Think again. January gives you the perfect opportunity to start your year off on the right foot and take in the wonders of nature before warmer weather attracts more visitors. 

december road trip california

Big Sur is one of the main reasons why driving along Highway 1 is a bucket-list item . Waterfalls, historic landmarks, scenic overlooks, and beautiful coastal campgrounds make up this dreamy destination. Your biggest challenge while visiting Big Sur will be choosing which phenomenal state park to visit next. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park are both top options for those looking to get in touch with nature. You also won’t regret squeezing in a walk along the coastline before you leave.

december road trip california

Soda Springs

The fun never stops at Soda Springs. Step into a winter wonderland upon arriving in this mountainous landscape you won’t be able to get enough of. Snowboarding, skiing, and snow tubing are just a few of the outdoor activities you can enjoy here. Overnight rental options are also available at Soda Springs, so you’ll be able to postpone your return from your winter road trip adventure by a day or two. (We know you’ll want to.)

Where to plan a road trip in February

Thought we’d run out of winter road trip ideas by now? Nope. By February, you’ll probably already be dreaming of the sun and chill days by the beach. To have a little something to look forward to, get a taste of the California sun during one of these winter road trips.

december road trip california

Monterey Bay

The air in Monterey Bay may be cool and crisp during the winter months, but the temperature rarely dips below 45 degrees. If you made a New Year’s resolution to get more active in 2021, hike around the scenic trails in Monterey in February and snap pictures of the surrounding views—sans the large crowds.

A relaxing morning whale-watching excursion should also be on your agenda while winter road tripping in Monterey Bay. Winter is the prime time to catch the gray whales beginning their migration north. Dolphins, sea otters, and sea lions are also commonly spotted on these scenic shores. Need we say more?

december road trip california

Palm Springs

No winter road trip itinerary is complete without Palm Springs. It’s an ideal sunny escape for a road trip in February —the scenic desert destination with towering palm trees and luxurious resorts will have you feeling like you stepped into a movie set. The best part? Even though it’s February, the resort pool waters are warm and welcoming. 

But it’s not all glitz and glam in Palm Springs. You can enjoy many adventurous outdoor activities here. Hiking is one great way to explore the area; Bump and Grind, Lykken, and Homestead Trails are all convenient and scenic pathways in the area where the sun shines even during the coldest winter months.

A quick  getaway to Joshua Tree National Park is also a worthy addition to your itinerary. Learn about the cultural history of the park, its animals, and strange rock formations while you’re there. Wrap up your trip by falling asleep under the clear night skies for the ultimate stargazing experience .

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The top 5 road trips in California

Alexis Averbuck

Sep 10, 2023 • 4 min read

Bixby Bridge on the way from San Franciso to L.A.

The ultimate California road trips take you from sea to mountains and through desert and redwoods © Oleksandr Telesniuk / 500px

Road-tripping is the ultimate way to experience California , so fill the gas tank and buckle up for unforgettable drives through scenery that tugs at your heart and soul.

Get ready for memory-making encounters as you wheel through sensuous wine country, humbling redwood forests, epic desert expanses, endless miles of coastal highway and sky-touching Sierra Nevada peaks. Just make sure that rental car has unlimited miles – you'll need 'em all.

California is the third-largest state in the US , and you could easily spend weeks navigating its rural byways, safely distant from the nerve-jangling, often-jammed interstate system. These five classic road-tripping routes are soaked in enough epic scenery to make each deliciously slow, winding mile worthwhile.

A late afternoon view of Pacific Coast Highway (aka Highway 1) on the Central California coastline in the Big Sur area.

1. Pacific Coast Highway

Best road trip for world-class ocean views & autumn trips Dana Point at Interstate 5–Hwy 101 in Leggett; 656 miles

No matter if you follow the entire 656 miles or just a short stretch of coast-hugging Hwy 1 , you'll hit the Insta jackpot. Posing options include dramatic sea cliffs, sun-soaked surfing towns, playful harbor seals and the Golden Gate Bridge .

Our top pick for classic California dreamin’ snakes along the Pacific coast, although officially, only the short, sun-loving stretch of Hwy 1 through Orange and Los Angeles Counties can legally call itself Pacific Coast Hwy (PCH). Never mind those technicalities, because equally bewitching ribbons of Hwy 1 and Hwy 101 await all along this route.

Local tip: For best results, avoid driving the PCH in the spring and summer months, when the central and northern coastline can be socked in by fog and the rainy season can initiate landslides. Instead, September and October will yield the sunniest skies and some of the best weather as you spend a week checking this beaut off your bucket list.

Scenic road in the Mojave National Preserve

2. Route 66

Best for iconic drives & weekend drives Arizona border near Needles–Santa Monica; 315 miles

Get your kicks on America's “ Mother Road ,” which brought Dust Bowl refugees, Hollywood starlets and hippies to California. Cruise from the desert to the Pacific Ocean, pulling up alongside retro relics, sleeping in a tipi hotel and fueling up in neon-lit diners.

The Golden State was the promised land at the end of a long and sometimes lonesome road. Today you motor across the Mojave Desert – a relative breeze compared to times of yore – through famous western towns, like Barstow and Daggett, into the San Bernardino National Forest. Emerge in Pasadena and Los Angeles before dead ending into Hwy 1 in Santa Monica for a grand coastal-view payoff.

3. Gold Country and California Highway 49

Best for historic hills & family road trips Oakhurst–Nevada City; 200 miles

Follow Hwy 49 through the rough-and-tumble Sierra Nevada foothills, a stronghold of gold-rush history with thrilling, mostly true tales of banditry, bordellos and bloodlust.

That highway number is significant: it commemorates the ’49ers who came seeking fame and fortune in California’s original Gold Rush. Today the route winds through Gold Country towns such as Placerville and Nevada City, past ghostly Old West mines and Victorian buildings housing inns, restaurants and museums.

You won't want to miss the blend of western history and charming wineries strung along stunning views of the Sierra Nevada. Give yourself three to four days to enjoy this outdoorsy, family-friendly road trip. Summer and early fall are ideal times to go.

Detour: Hwy 49 comes mighty close to Yosemite National Park (15 miles) and Lake Tahoe (75 miles), both wonderful jumping-off points for family camping and natural majesty.

Avenue of the Giants California

4. Avenue of the Giants

Best for road trips with kids & raw redwood brilliance Stafford–Highway 101 junction; 32 miles

The incredible 32-mile road at Humboldt Redwoods State Park is canopied by the world's tallest trees, some of which were seedlings during the Roman Empire. It’s one of the most justifiably celebrated drives in California, a place where travelers stand with jaws agape and necks craned upward. The best time is in the morning when sunlight glints off dew-drenched ferns.

The route connects a number of small towns with mid-20th-century motels, diners serving “lumberjack” meals and pull-offs packed with Harleys.

Among the majestic groves along the Avenue, like the rightly famous Rockefeller Grove and the Founders’ Grove, the California Federation of Women’s Clubs Grove is home to an interesting four-sided hearth, designed by renowned architect Julia Morgan. Walking trails wind through all the groves for proper tree-hugging.

A road in Death Valley disappearing into the horizon

5. Desert Solitaire in Death Valley

Best road trip for moody moonscapes & winter or spring driving Palm Springs–Death Valley; 290 miles

Tank up and load the water onboard as you road-trip from Palm Springs through Palm Desert and Joshua Tree up to Death Valley . You’ll drive where California pioneers and gold miners once rolled their wagons. 

In Death Valley National Park the magnum forces of natural and human history collide. Artists Drive is nine miles of vividly variegated desert hills, a taster of the area’s sensuous sand dunes, water-sculpted canyons, rocks moving across the desert floor, extinct volcanic craters, palm-shaded oases, soaring mountains and endemic flora.

Local tip: Go between February and April for spring wildflower blooms and cooler temperatures. Give yourself three days to soak up sites like Badwater Basin (the lowest elevation in the US), Mesquite Flat and Emigrant & Wildrose Canyons .

This article was first published January 2011 and updated September 2023

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5 Unforgettable California Road Trips

C alifornia has everything from golden beaches to towering redwood forests—rolling vineyards to snow-capped peaks. As the third largest state in the U.S., the vast sprawl and varied topographical scenery mean California makes for some of the world’s most beautiful road trips. Whether you prefer rugged coastlines or the fresh mountain air, sit back, relax, and rev up for these incredible California road trips.

Santa Cruz to Pacifica – 67 Miles

Fields of wildflowers hug the gently sloping hills on one side of the road between Santa Cruz and Pacifica, while rocky cliffs drop precipitously into the crashing waves of the wild Pacific Ocean below on the other. After exploring the rides at the Boardwalk and watching the surfers ride the waves along West Cliff Drive in the laid-back beach town of Santa Cruz, start your journey north to Davenport. This quaint little town perched on a bluff overlooking the ocean is so tiny that you’d miss it if you blink, but it’s well known for two quirky restaurants , the Davenport Roadhouse and Whale City Bakery.

After a lunch of clam chowder or calamari, continue north. Go past Swanton Berry Farm and a string of rugged beaches before stopping to see the elephant seals at Año Nuevo State Park. The next stop is the historic Pigeon Point Lighthouse, built in 1871 and the tallest lighthouse on the West Coast of the United States. Pull into the lovely town of Pacifica as the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean, and grab a bite at what’s been dubbed “The World’s Most Beautiful Taco Bell,” perched directly on the shores of Pacifica State Beach.

Carmel to Pismo Beach – 168 Miles

The 168-mile stretch between Carmel-by-the-Sea and Pismo Beach along the rugged California coast is one of the most spectacular road trips in the world. Towering mountains rise to the heavens on one side, with cliffs dropping precariously to the sea on the other. Craggy rocks dot the coastline, creating spectacular vistas as wild waves crash to shore after their long journey across the Pacific. Make your first stop along this rugged, windy drive at the Bixby Bridge Vista Point to photograph the famous Bixby Bridge. The most photographed bridge on the U.S. West Coast, the Bixby Bridge was built in 1930 and is one of the tallest single-span concrete bridges in the world.

Next, stop at the Big Sur Bakery for the fantastic cinnamon rolls or a wood-fired pizza before continuing south on Highway 1 to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in Big Sur for a bracing hike through one of the best places to see redwoods in California . A further 65 miles south is a highlight of the road trip—Hearst Castle. A grand historic estate built by the publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst in 1919, Hearst Castle is one of California’s most visited historic monuments. After you tour the 165-room castle, continue the final 53 miles to Pismo Beach to stay overnight in one of the quirky retro-style motels along the beach. Note: Highway 1 is often closed in the winter due to mudslides, so be sure to check for road closures before your trip.

Sacramento to Yosemite – 141 Miles

Yosemite National Park is the fifth most visited National Park in the U.S., for good reason. As soon as you enter its magnificent borders, you feel as though you’ve stepped foot in a magical realm. Granite peaks soar overhead, waterfalls crash hundreds of feet to the valley floor below, and a vast collection of animals roam uninhibited throughout the picturesque landscape. While Yosemite is a gorgeous destination on its own, the road trip to get there is half the fun.

Start your journey in the state capital of Sacramento, the once rollicking wild west town best known as the starting point of the California Gold Rush in 1849. Take a historical walking tour of Old Sacramento’s underground before hitting the road south on State Route 99. Wend through the Central Valley’s golden fields before heading east towards the rustic Gold Rush Country town of Angel’s Camp, one of the area’s most important mining communities in the Mother Lode region during the gold rush. Travel back in time as you walk down the main street past 19th-century storefronts before continuing on State Route 4 to Mercer Caverns just outside the town of Murphy’s. These spectacular caves formed 12 million years ago feature guided tours and exquisite examples of stalactites and stalagmites.

Before you reach Yosemite, stop for an hour or two in the charming Columbia State Historic Park, a former Gold Rush mining town that has been entirely preserved. Mine for gold, visit a historic saloon, or even ride a stagecoach. Finally, drive the last 68 miles to the Yosemite Valley Vista Point, a stunning overlook that gives you a bird’s eye view of California’s most popular national park. This drive is incredibly stunning in the autumn when fall foliage is at its peak in Goldrush Country.

Northern California Volcanoes – 216 Miles

California is part of the Ring of Fire, a geological zone that circles the Pacific Ocean and is a hotspot for volcanic and seismic activity. Thus, it’s no surprise that California is home to over seven volcanoes. While most have not erupted in the past few thousand years, they are still considered potentially hazardous as they still have molten lava deep within their cores. While the threat of an eruption is unlikely, a drive past these majestic volcanoes is highly likely to inspire awe at the wonder of nature.

Head north on Interstate 5 for 163 miles before heading east on State Route 36 to Mineral. It’s here you’ll start the 30-mile Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway (State Route 89), which takes an hour to explore and goes past the Sulphurworks Hydrothermal Area, Emerald Lake, and the towering Lassen Peak. Continue north on CA 89, also known as the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, to Mount Shasta. A popular ski area and stratovolcano in Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Mount Shasta last erupted 3,200 years ago. Pop into the Mount Shasta Sisson Museum to learn more about the local history before returning to Interstate 5.

San Francisco to Mendocino Through Wine Country – 189 Miles

Northern California’s most famous wine region provides one of California’s best road trips. California produces a whopping 84 percent of American wine from just 50 miles north of San Francisco in Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino counties. Over 800 wineries are spread out in this beautiful region, where narrow highways lined with rolling vineyards are perfectly backdropped by crisp blue skies most of the year.

Off State Route 12 lies Domaine Carneros, a French-style winery modeled after a historic estate in France’s Champagne region. Sip pinot noir or sparkling wine on an outdoor terrace before continuing to Yountville, where foodies will find the three Michelin-starred restaurant The French Laundry . If you have planned ahead and gotten a coveted reservation, well done! Otherwise, proceed to the elegant Chateau Montelena in Calistoga. This European-style winery has perfected Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc for the past 140 years, making it one of the oldest wineries in the region. Finally, drive the last 100 miles through the redwood forests of California’s coastal mountains before arriving in the peaceful coastal community of Mendocino. Check into the Stanford Inn By the Sea for a cozy stay with spectacular views and a renowned plant-based restaurant.

Whether you choose to sip wine in Napa, walk among the giant redwoods, or eat a taco on the beach in Pacifica, these California road trips promise to provide you with a truly unforgettable experience.

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COMMENTS

  1. California in December: 17 Amazing Places to Visit!

    California Desert Parks on a December Road Trip. If you love road trip vacations, then plan to visit all of Southern California's famous desert parks, plus a portion of historic Route 66, on a December road trip! Daytime highs in the California desert are in the high 60s to low 70s in December, making it a wonderful time to explore the region.

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    Tip #2: Visit early in the month and avoid weekends. Local schools are in session until mid-December and Thanksgiving holiday-goers usually vacate the resort by December 1. Also, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays tend to have fewer crowds and shorter wait times for rides. Tip #3: Arrive early in the morning.

  3. Ultimate California Road Trip: Ideas for 7, 10 & 15 Days Itineraries

    The perfect 10 Day California Road Trip itinerary for must-visit places to see in California including San Francisco, Los Angeles, ... December in California is the perfect time to go whale watching near Monterey. It is gorgeous in a wild way. In Big Sur, you will find amazing state parks, some of California's best hiking trails, iconic ...

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    8. San Diego in December. San Diego is home to some of California's best beaches. 🏝️. In December, San Diego experiences mild and comfortable temperatures, with average highs around the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit (18-23°C), making it a pleasant destination for outdoor activities and enjoying the coastal charm.

  5. 25 Best Places To Visit In California In December For a Getaway

    LAKE TAHOE. Lake Tahoe, considered one of the most beautiful lakes in California, is one of the best places to visit in California in December for families and outdoor adventures. Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America, located high in the basin of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, is a year-round destination.

  6. 24 Best Places to Visit in California During Winter

    San Francisco. San Francisco is one of the most popular and beautiful cities in California. It is famous for its world-class attractions, rich cultural history, and an incredible culinary scene. Visit attractions such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman's Wharf, Lombard Street, and Chinatown.

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    3. Whale-Watch at Channel Islands National Park. One of the best places to visit in California in December is Channel Islands National Park . This gem of a park is located off the California coast and is an easy day trip from Oxnard or Ventura (or anywhere that you can get a private transfer from).

  8. The 17 Best Places to Visit in California in December Solo

    14. Palm Springs. One of the best December getaways on the West Coast is to the colorful Palm Springs area, a roughly two-and-a-half-hour drive from Los Angeles. Solo females will have fun exploring this perfect mix of rugged nature and retro downtown, full of interesting artwork and trendy eateries.

  9. The 20 Best Places to Visit in California in December

    The Tower is best suited for families, as The Cabanas are steps from the hotel's famous pool and cafe, still popular and open until 2 AM! 3. Big Bear in December. Tubing Fun at Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain. Three hours from Los Angeles, Big Bear is one of Southern California's favorite year-round mountain escapes.

  10. California In December: The Complete Travel Guide

    2 - It's a great time for travel photography. With the shorter days and fairly dry weather, December is a great time for travel photography in California. Sunrise usually falls around 6:30-7AM and sunset around 5PM, meaning you can still enjoy a full night's sleep and a full day of exploring. Not only that but the iconic California ...

  11. 10 awesome things to do in California in December

    5) EXPLORE DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK. Death Valley National Park will deter you with record breaking temperatures in summer, but is one of the top destinations to visit in winter and should definitely be one of the top things to do in your December in California bucket list. If you do want to visit Death Valley, remember to book the hotel as ...

  12. The Ultimate California Road Trip Itinerary

    Complete guide to doing a California road trip, including map, budget, and best things to do. Helpful California road trip itinerary planner. ... December 17, 2018 at 3:32 pm . Fantastic blog Victoria! I love the photos too. I'd love to visit California again. Reply. Ben Zweber. December 21, 2018 at 4:00 pm .

  13. The Perfect 10 Day California Road Trip Itinerary (2024 Guide)

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  14. California's Best Places to Visit in December

    Mendocino Coast. The Mendocino Coast, with its dramatic cliffs and wild, untamed beauty, is a stark contrast to California's more famous sunny beaches. In December, the rugged coastline is often shrouded in mist, giving it an ethereal quality. This is the perfect time for quiet beach walks, exploring quaint coastal towns, and enjoying the ...

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    6. Stargaze in Joshua Tree or Death Valley. December nights in Joshua Tree and Death Valley offer some of the clearest skies for stargazing, thanks to the dry desert air and minimal light pollution. Both parks are designated International Dark Sky Parks, making them some of the best spots in California for celestial viewing.

  16. A Two Week California Road Trip Itinerary

    Route 66 ends in California, so take a look at our guide to planning a route 66 trip, as well as our detailed 2 week Route 66 itinerary and 1 week Route 66 itinerary. Fodor's Guide to California, which also includes details on a number of fantastic road trips. The Lonely Planet California Guide, which is great for finding things to do, places ...

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    Read more: How To Road Trip California On A Budget. 3. Yosemite National Park Road Trip. A trip to Yosemite National Park is a must for any California road tripper. Located within the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Yosemite National Park is a wonderland where nature's grandeur stands unrivaled.

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    A Vanlifer's Ultimate California Road Trip [With Local Destination Guides] 9 June, 2022 by Megan Bryant. The beauty of van life is the ability to drive wherever, whenever you want. And, in our opinion, a California road trip is one of the best adventures you can go on in the United States. There aren't many places in the world that have ...

  21. The Best California Road Trip Itineraries: 13 Grand Adventures

    Table Of Contents. Our 13 Fave California Road Trip Itineraries. Pacific Coast Highway: SF to LA. Pacific Coast Highway: North Coast. North Coast Redwoods. The Central Coast Loop. Napa/Sonoma Wine Country Drive. Highway 49 Gold Country Route. The Lassen/Shasta Volcanic Legacy Highway.

  22. The Best Winter Road Trips in the Golden State

    Mendocino County. Leave the holiday stress behind and rediscover the charm of a simple Christmas in Mendocino County. Make the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens your first stop on the winter road trip. The magical place lies on 47 acres of land between California's scenic Highway 1 and the Pacific Ocean—be prepared for plenty of holiday cheer.

  23. The top 5 California road trips

    Best for historic hills & family road trips Oakhurst-Nevada City; 200 miles. Follow Hwy 49 through the rough-and-tumble Sierra Nevada foothills, a stronghold of gold-rush history with thrilling, mostly true tales of banditry, bordellos and bloodlust.. That highway number is significant: it commemorates the '49ers who came seeking fame and fortune in California's original Gold Rush.

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    The 168-mile stretch between Carmel-by-the-Sea and Pismo Beach along the rugged California coast is one of the most spectacular road trips in the world. Towering mountains rise to the heavens on ...