Using California as the start point, there are many exciting road trips that can be taken. The journey to each destination is just as entertaining as when visitors get there. Certain destinations are popular for road trips from California.
Sierra Nevadas
Known as the backbone of the state, The Sierra Nevadas is a well-traveled path. It takes drivers down Highway 395, where they will see various geological features, as well as forests and mining towns rich in history. Those that start their road trip in L.A. have a seven-hour drive to reach this destination. But if they start at Lone Pine, there can get to Lake Tahoe after four hours of driving.
Big Pine
Along the way, many people stop in Big Pine to dine at the Copper Top BBQ Restaurant. From there, they can veer onto Highway 168, where they will find the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. This forest is populated with many of the world’s oldest trees. Other popular stops include Hot Creek Geological Park and Bishop: Wild Willy’s Hot Springs.
South Lake Tahoe
After exiting Highway 395, most road trippers head to Highway 89, which takes them to South Lake Tahoe. This road trip can be topped off with relaxing at the lake, which was one of Mark Twain’s favorite places to be.
Northern California
Those in Northern California often choose to take a road trip to wine country, which includes both Sonoma Valley and Napa Valley. Though drivers can get there in one day, traveling from San Francisco, most choose to stay for an entire weekend. Popular accommodations in wine country include Meadowood Napa Valley or the Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa.
Napa
While in Napa, visitors often make it a point to dine at the Oxbow Public Market on Highway 121. Further spots of interest to most visitors include Vichy Springs, the local hot springs resort, and the Silverado Trail. It is here that they will find popular wineries such as Mumm and Clos du Val. Those that hike the entire Silverado Trail end up in Calistoga. On the way back to Sonoma, traveling along Highway 12, there are attractions such as the Jack London State Historical Park, Robert Louis Stevenson State Park, and Sugar Loaf Ridge State Park. From here, most make the return trip to San Francisco.