California Trips

What Inspires You?

Beaches ▪ Family ▪ Food ▪ Haunted ▪ Music ▪ National Parks ▪ Outdoor Adventures ▪ Relaxation ▪ Road Trips ▪ Scenic Drives ▪ Shopping ▪ Space ▪ Weekend Getaways

Destinations: Trips by State or Province ▪ Northeast ▪ South ▪ Midwest ▪ West ▪ Canada ▪ Mexico
Seasons: Spring ▪ Summer ▪ Fall ▪ Winter

The Golden State boasts 840 miles of coastline, majestic mountains, historic missions, towering redwoods, legendary wineries, numerous national parks and even a town dedicated to garlic. (That would be Gilroy.) Put the top down on your rental car and drive from San Diego to San Francisco, visit historic California Gold Rush towns or explore the nine national parks and 110 state parks.

Searching for Surf and Self Along the West Coast

Riding waves renews joy and restores confidence after a bad mountain fall.

Bodie, California: A Ghost Town You Should Visit

About 200,000 people visit annually, but the buildings have no residents.

Searching for Wildflowers in California

Spring road trips lead to beautiful, bountiful displays.

Explore California's Redwood Coast

California’s Redwood Coast is one of America’s most breathtaking landscapes.

Celebrate the Seasons at Yosemite National Park

From roaring waterfalls to colorful trees, the park is a year-round spectacle.

Road Trip to Death Valley National Park

Beginning in Las Vegas, the ‘Death Valley Rally’ includes beautiful vistas and unique stops.

A San Luis Obispo County Stay, Three Ways

New California residents try camping, glamping and a destination hotel, all in one road trip.

Weekend Getaway to Solvang, California

A couple looks for romance in a Danish-themed town.

Beach Road Trips from Disneyland

After you meet Mickey Mouse, relax on a Southern California beach.

Family Fun Along California’s Majestic Mountain Loop

Three national parks in three days makes a great getaway.

Driving California’s Majestic Mountain Loop

Two Californians explore three national parks in their home state.

Five National Parks Near Los Angeles

All the destinations are beautiful and within a day’s drive.

Weekend Getaway to Fresno, California

The city makes a convenient base to explore several beautiful national parks.

Cruising the Pacific Coast Highway - California

Road trip continues through the northern California redwoods and on to sunny SoCal beaches.

A Traveler's Tribute to Trees

The drive from Olympic National Park to San Francisco features spectacular views of towering forests.

Napa’s Calistoga Specializes in Stress Reduction and Small-Town Charm

A dozen spas pamper guests with mud baths, massages and mineral pools.

Drive to Napa Valley for the “Other Harvest” — Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Fans of “liquid gold” can set up tasting tours at wineries and shops.

Castello di Amorosa: A Tuscan-Style Castle in California

You’ll feel like royalty at this unique winery in Napa Valley.

San Francisco: A Gateway to Yosemite National Park

An easy road trip takes you from a world-class city to a top national park.

Weekend Getaway to Half Moon Bay

Cozy beach town is a short drive — and a world away — from San Francisco.

Insider's Guide to San Francisco Attractions

Tips on what to see, do, eat and drink on your next visit.

Nostalgic Route 66 Road Trip: Santa Monica to Albuquerque

On the “Mother Road,” you’ll find welcoming smiles and the guardian angel of the trail.

5 Midsize Cities With Thriving Art Scenes

Bigger cities such as New York or Los Angeles are well-known for their galleries, but here are five that might surprise you.

These literary spots offers a unique experience in addition to a good read.

Parents and grandparents help nurture children’s interests on their family vacation.

A photographic journey along an iconic mountain range on the West Coast brings healing and much more.

A world traveler reconnects with her California roots.

During a road trip up the coast, five residents share their passion for the Pacific.

College friends reunite in a desert wonderland with a deepened appreciation for each other.

Once stricken by grief, a world traveler returns the gift of kindness on the way to Big Sur.

A whale watcher dedicates nearly four decades to an unanticipated passion.

Group proves love knows no boundaries.

From San Francisco, Jess and Eddie take a weekend road trip to Happy Camp, California, to learn gold-panning.

Get more California road trip ideas.