Golden adventures
MAKE ROOM FOR SNACKS AND PERFECT THAT PLAYLIST, IT’S ROAD TRIP SEASON IN CALIFORNIA. OH, SPRING BREAKERS ...
DON’T GET me wrong, I love airplanes and boats and especially trains as much as the next traveler. But in a state as vast as California, some adventures require that you get in the car and drive. Whether you’re looking for a last-minute spring break destination or just want to flee L.A. for a few days, here are some road trip ideas across the Golden State.
LONE PINE TO LAKE TAHOE
U.S. 395 isn’t a road to race through on your way to Mammoth Lakes or Lake Tahoe — rather, it’s one to savor. There are several worthwhile stops along the way.
Lone Pine, the jumping-off point for hikers attempting to summit Mt. Whitney, is home to plenty of inns and eateries accustomed to serving an outdoorsy crowd and the eerily beautiful Alabama Hills. Farther north, Bishop boasts Erick Schat’s Bakery and Spellbinder Books.
The ambitious might consider tacking Death Valley National Park onto their itinerary.
Don’t miss: Manzanar National Historic Site, one of several camps where Americans of Japanese descent, deprived of their civil liberties by the U.S. government, were incarcerated during World War II.
THE ULTIMATE DESERT ESCAPE
Can’t get enough of those desert vibes? This one’s for you.
Begin by driving from L.A. to Joshua Tree and devote a few days to exploring the nearby national park as well as the town’s trendy shops. No desert trip is complete without a swing through Pioneertown; try to snag a seat at Pappy & Harriet’s for dinner, and if you’re up to splurge on accommodations, stay at AutoCamp in Joshua Tree.
Next, drive south through Joshua Tree National Park and hop on Interstate 10 to Palm Springs.
From here, you can kick back at a Palm Springs pool for the rest of spring break or you can hit the road again, this time on California 111 to the strange shores of the Salton Sea, Bombay Beach and Slab City. Spend an hour or two exploring colBarbara. orful Salvation Mountain before journeying home by way of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Julian (be sure to fuel up with apple pie).
Don’t miss: The Cabazon Dinosaurs, a classic Southern California road trip stop.
HIGHWAY 1, FROM L.A. TO SAN FRANCISCO
After leaving L.A., stop in Ventura and spend the day on an Island Packers trip to the Channel Islands, one of the least-visited national parks in the U.S. Kick back at one of the city’s breweries that night; I recommend Topa Topa.
The next morning, stop in Carpinteria for a beach walk and coffee before hitting Santa If you need a little extra caffeine, pop by Handlebar Coffee Roasters across from the Presidio and spend a few hours exploring the Funk Zone’s art galleries and shops.
Arrive in San Luis Obispo in time for sunset, and stay overnight in one of the Madonna Inn’s over-the-top themed rooms. Budget time to enjoy a meal at the Gold Rush Steak House.
You’ll pass the Piedras Blancas elephant seal rookery and the soon-to-be-reopened Hearst Castle — both worth a visit — before encountering the hair-raising, exhilarating turns of Big Sur.
Once you get your fill of wooded hikes and waterfall vistas, drive north across the Bixby Creek Bridge and choose your next destination. Carmelby-the-Sea and Monterey are each worthy stops on any Highway 1 road trip. Or you can venture farther north to Santa Cruz and beyond before making your way to San Francisco. Don’t miss: The chance to kayak in Elkhorn Slough, a prime place to spot otters along Highway 1.
HIGHWAY 1, PLUS CENTRAL COAST WINE COUNTRY
Not sure whether you’re interested in braving the perilous turns of Big Sur? Skip the cliffside views and go all-in on Central Coast wine country instead.
Driving north from L.A., you can stop in famed wine towns such as Santa Barbara, Solvang and Los Olivos. While in the Santa Ynez Valley, make sure to visit Rideau Vineyards, founded by Iris Rideau, celebrated as the first Black woman to own a winery in the U.S.
Your next stop is Cambria, a quiet coastal community known for its lush pine trees and olallieberry pie. Stop for a slice at Linn’s Easy as Pie Cafe, and don’t leave town without a walk along Moonstone Beach.
From Cambria, cut inland to Paso Robles for more wine tasting — I particularly enjoyed my experience at Tablas Creek — and a stroll through the stunning Field of Light at Sensorio. Then, head back down U.S. 101.
If time allows, detour along California 166 to New Cuyama for a stay at the trendy Cuyama Buckhorn, then down California 33 to Ojai and Ventura.
Don’t miss: A stop for ice cream in pint-sized Harmony, population 18.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COAST, L.A. TO SAN DIEGO
I always find myself humming along to the Beach Boys when I drive from L.A. to San Diego. With all the quintessential Southern California beaches in between, I simply can’t resist.
Before hitting the waves, make Long Beach your first stop, specifically the vintage shops and restaurants of 4th Street.
Continue south past Huntington Beach and Newport Beach until you reach the canyons and coastline of Laguna Beach.
Farther south is Dana Point, named the first Whale Heritage Site in the U.S. in 2021. Interested in surfing? Doheny State Beach is a relatively gentle spot to learn.
After San Clemente, San Onofre State Beach, Camp Pendleton and Oceanside come Carlsbad’s famous Flower Fields, open through May 8.
Once you arrive in San Diego, catch sunset at the Point Loma tidepools and toast to a week well spent at Mitch’s Seafood. Don’t miss: The California burrito at Nico’s in Ocean Beach.
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