16 Epic Northern & Southern California Coast Road Trip Ideas!

Are you thinking of taking a northern California coast road trip to some romantic vineyards or a road trip to southern California for some magical theme parks? Wondering where you can stop on the way to make your trip even better?

Thanks to an easy-to-navigate network of more than 50,000 miles of roadways and 800 miles of coastline, California is an epic place to get behind the wheel and embark on road trips. Some of the famous roads in California are: Highway 1 stretching along the Pacific Coast from North to South, Route 66, and Avenue of the Giants.

In this article, I will share with you 16 of the best northern and southern California coast road trip ideas that can take you anywhere your heart desire, from populous cities with luxury spa resorts to romantic vineyards, natural hot springs, and secluded beaches.

Luxury under Budget aims at helping you get the best deals by maximizing the value of your time and money. My recommendations are based on first-hand experiences and a full analysis of costs vs. benefits. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may get a small commission when you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. This helps support my blog and enables me to provide more free and helpful content. Now, let’s go get you that luxury travel while staying under the budget!

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1. Best Northern to Southern California Coast Road Trip for First-Timers

California is a state that is rich in history and culture. There are many different things to see and do, which is why it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. If you are planning a trip to California for the first time, there are three cities along the coast that you would definitely want to visit: San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego. Each city has its own unique charm and there is something for everyone to enjoy.

To maximize the value of your time and money, you should consider flying to San Francisco International Airport, grab a car rental, drive down to San Diego, and fly out of San Diego International Airport at the end of your road trip.

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San Francisco Itinerary (2 days)

San Francisco is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is known for its hilly streets, Victorian architecture, and of course, the Golden Gate Bridge. Be sure to take a cable car ride and visit Alcatraz Island while you’re in town.

Best Places to Visit in San Francisco Bay Area:

• Iconic Golden Gate Bridge
• Fisherman’s Wharf
• Pier Aquarium of the Bay*
• Pier 39 Bay Cruise
• California Academy of Sciences*
• Alcatraz Island Cruise*
• Muir Woods National Monument

(*) These attractions are included for free with the Go City San Francisco Pass.

$$ For best savings, try to fit these attractions in a one-day and get the San Francisco one-day pass for $60.

Where to Stay in San Francisco:

• Embarcadero: Embarcadero is the place to stay for beautiful waterfront views. The Hyatt Regency San Francisco offers stunning views with the largest hotel lobby in the world.  
• Fisherman’s Wharf: Fisherman’s Wharf is one of San Francisco’s most iconic neighborhoods. It is home to the popular Anchorage Square and PIER 39. RIU Plaza, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Fisherman’s Wharf, and Hyatt Centric are at great locations with walking distance to restaurants and landmarks.
• Nob Hill: Nob Hill is a classy neighborhood right in the heart of the city with excellent luxury hotels. One of the most popular is The InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco, known for its Top of the Mark sky lounge with scenic panoramic view of the bay. The city’s only luxury AAA Five-Diamond hotel, The Ritz Carlton, San Francisco is also located in Nob Hill.
• Union Square: Union Square is the place to go if you want to be in the middle of everything. There are dozens of excellent hotels to choose from in Union Square; a couple of great options are Hotel Nikko and Staypineapple.

Los Angeles Itinerary (3 days)

Los Angeles is a mecca for entertainment. From movie studios to theme parks, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to visit Hollywood Boulevard and the Walk of Fame, as well as Grauman’s Chinese Theatre.

Best Places to Visit in Los Angeles:

• Universal Studios Hollywood*
• Knott’s Berry Farm*
• Los Angeles Celebrity Homes and Lifestyle Tour*
• TCl Chinese Theatre Tour*
• Walk of Fame
• Hollywood Sign/Hollywood Hills Hike*
• Malibu Celebrity Homes Tour*
• Newport Beach Whale Watch*
• Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach, Venice Beach, or Malibu
• The Grove or Rodeo Drive

(*) These attractions are included for free with the Go City Los Angeles Pass. The 3-day Los Angeles Pass offers the best savings at $165.

Where to Stay in Los Angeles

• Hollywood Boulevard: Stay in the middle of nightlife hot spots with Hollywood Celebrity Hotel and Lowes Hollywood Hotel.
• Universal City: From Universal City, you can enjoy easy access to all that the lively city has to offer. The city’s main attractions including Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal City Walk Hollywood, and It’Sugar are within close reach to Sheraton Universal Hotel and Hilton Los Angeles Universal City Hotel.

Santa Barbara Itinerary (1 day)

Santa Barbara is a coastal city worth a stop on your road trip to Los Angeles. It is known for beautiful beaches and high-end hotel spas along the edge of the sea. Nestled in the Montecito foothills, San Ysidro Ranch has a celeb-filled history with A-list names like Vivien Leigh, Sir Laurence Olivier, and John F. Kennedy. Another luxury 5-star resort in Santa Barbara is Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore. The waterfront property provides onsite tennis courts and access to nearby golf destinations.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy Santa Barbara on a budget. Take a walk in the historic downtown where you will find Mediterranean-style buildings with red-tile roofs or try some local wine!

San Diego Itinerary (3 days)

San Diego is a year-round destination at California’s southernmost gateway, only 17 miles from the Mexico and California border. It is also only a two-hour drive from Los Angeles and Palm Springs.

Best Places to Visit in San Diego:

• SeaWorld San Diego*
• San Diego Zoo*
• San Diego Zoo Safari Park*
• LEGOLAND California*
• Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
• Little Italy San Diego

(*) These attractions are included for free with the Go City San Diego Pass and will be cheaper than buying tickets separately. Depending on how many parks you want to visit, you can book the number of days accordingly. Since the pass is all-inclusive, you will save more by visiting more attractions and activities.

Where to Stay in San Diego

Downtown San Diego is literally at the center of it all. Better yet, it is only a few minutes drive from the airport! Stay at San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter or Four Points by Sheraton Little Italy for easy access to restaurants and nightlife.

Some of the best California beaches are located in San Diego. In La Jolla Cove, you will find incredible views, quaint streets, and lots of sea lions. Alternatively, drive across the two-mile Coronado Bridge to get breathtaking views of San Diego from Coronado Island.

In addition to beautiful beaches, San Diego is known for its Mexican heritage and delicious tacos. If you’re in town, don’t forget to check out the famous Roberto’s Mexican Food!

2. Best California Coast Road Trip for Hot Springs Lovers

Thanks to its volcanic past, California is bubbling with natural hot springs, lava tubes, craters, and geysers. Hot springs lovers can follow this itinerary for a diversified spa vacation from northern to southern California or break it into small road trips for weekend getaways!

💦Best Northern California Coast Road Trip for Hot Springs

From San Jose or San Francisco, you could go up north to Calistoga Hot Springs Spa or go east past Sacramento towards Mammoth Lakes.

There are excellent hot springs near Mammoth Lakes. They are mostly natural hot springs that are free to enter. Some of the popular hot springs you may have heard of are Benton Hot Springs, Travertine Hot Springs, and Keough Hot Springs.

💦Best Southern California Coast Road Trip for Hot Springs

Palm Springs is a famous hot spot for day spas, natural hot springs, mineral pools, and native plants. Head southeast from Palm Springs and you will find the newly renovated JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, a wonderland for posh pampering. Other luxury spa resorts include Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort and Parker Palm Springs.

3. Northern California Coast Road Trip for Hidden Beaches

If you and your family love exploring secluded and hidden beaches, this northern California coast road trip would be perfect! The northern stretch of the California coast is filled with beautiful hidden beaches, towering trees, and quaint fishing villages – all accessible by Highway 1 and Highway 101.

The highlights of this northern California coast road trip itinerary are Bowling Ball Beach near Mendocino and Glass Beach in Fort Bragg. The Bowling Ball Beach got its name due to huge round black rocks visible during low tide while the Glass Beach got its name from shiny glass pebbles.

After a visit to the Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, don’t forget to take a fun ride on the Skunk Train – a steam locomotive that would take you through one of the most picturesque redwood forests in California.

From December to May, you can catch the migration of the California gray whales with a whale-watching cruise along the coast of California!

4. Northern California Road Trip – State Parks

With over 250 state parks, California offers plenty of options for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and camping. This northern California road trip itinerary will take you through some of the most beautiful destinations in Northern California’s Shasta Cascade.

Start at the Clear Lake State Park, which is the largest freshwater lake in California, renowned for fun water sports like swimming, fishing, boating, and jet skiing. Continue the trip to explore the Lava Beds National Monument, a surreal moon-like landscape shaped by molten earth. There are volcanic tablelands dotted with cinder cones, pit craters, and spatter cones.

Mount Shasta is another iconic gem in this region. The volcano rises straight up from California’s northernmost central valley and has been a prime spot for summer and winter sports. John Muir, known as the “Father of the National Parks” said that his “blood turned into wine” when he first caught sight of Mount Shasta. End the trip at The Grover Hot Springs State Park or continue for an hour to arrive at the famous Lake Tahoe.

5. Northern California Road Trip – National Parks

This awe-inspiring northern California road trip itinerary takes you from Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks through the Yosemite National Park and ends at Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Start the trip in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, about a five-hour drive from Los Angeles, where you can explore the Roaring River Falls, Giant Forest, and Moro Rock Trail. Driving northwest, you will find remarkable natural wonders in Yosemite National Parks like Glacier Point, El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls.

Next, you can stop at Lake Tahoe or Emerald Bay State Park, which features unique blue-green water. Continue the journey to Lassen Volcanic National Park and admire its hissing steaming vents, boiling springs, bubbling mud pots, and an active volcano with the last major eruption in 1914.

6. Northern California Coast Road Trip – Winery Tours

California is the wine capital of the United States with more than 4,000 wineries and all kinds of tasting tours. This northern California coast road trip idea is perfect for those who want to immerse into the wine culture of the Golden State. One stop you can’t miss is the most famous vineyard in California – Napa Valley, home to more than 400 wineries with unique styles and stories.

Napa Valley Luxury Guide

Beyond sampling wine, you can go “winery hopping” on a luxury limousine or enjoy the view of Northern California’s vineyards in a hot air balloon.

Check out the best Winery Tours in Napa Valley here!

Where to eat in Napa Valley:

There are 6 restaurants in Napa Valley with Michelin stars including The French Laundry (3 stars), The Restaurant at Meadowood Napa Valley (3 stars), La Toque (1-star), The Restaurant at Auberge (1 star), Kenzo Napa (1 star) and Bouchon Bistro (1 star).

Where to stay in Napa Valley:

Luxury lodging properties in Napa Valley include Auberge du Soleil in Rutherford – known for its culinary roots, Bardessono Hotel & Spa in Yountville – within walking distance of Girard Winery and Somerston Wine Estate, Calistoga Ranch – located in a secluded canyon with its own private lake, Las Alcobas – a luxury collection hotel in a historic setting, and Meadowood Napa Valley – an award-winning hotel with tennis courts, golf course, hiking trails, and spa.

7. Sequoia National Park to Lake Tahoe – Scenic Drive

This super-scenic road is a mini version of the full-scale road trip through California national parks in #5. It starts at the Giant Forest in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and ends at Lake Tahoe or Emerald Bay.

Giant Forest is home to over 2,000 giant sequoias. In fact, it features some of the world’s largest and longest-living trees. There are all kinds of activities such as scenic drives, picnics, hiking, and wildlife viewing.

Continue the journey to Glacier Point, known as the grandest view in the West. This drive-up vista point takes in all of Yosemite’s major granite landmarks such as Half Dome and Nevada Falls. The next stop is the Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve, home to a one-million-year-old saline soda lake surrounded by unique tufa limestone formations.

Continue to Lake Tahoe, one of the world’s largest alpine lakes and America’s second deepest lake – second only to Crater Lake. On Highway 89, stop at Inspiration Point for a world-class view of Emerald Bay – the hauntingly beautiful green water and Tahoe’s only island, Fannette.

8. Lake Tahoe to Founders Grove – Scenic Drive

This scenic road trip takes you to some of the best attractions that Northern California has to offer: Lake Tahoe, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Mount Shasta, and Founders Grove.

Start at the Lake Tahoe – one of the world’s deepest and bluest natural lakes. In the summer months, it’s popular for swimming, boating, and fishing. In the winter, it’s perfect for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy the powdery playground. Famous ski resorts include Squaw Valley, Heavenly, Alpine Meadows, and Kirkwood.

Lassen Volcanic National Park had its last eruption at Lassen Peak in 1914. It is still considered active with steam vents, boiling springs and bubbling mud pots.

Mount Shasta is a magnificent volcano that rises straight up from California’s northernmost central valley. It is filled with explorable volcanoes, lava tubes, craters, geysers, and natural hot springs. Last stop is at Founders’ Grove, one of the most visited redwood attractions on the Northern California Coast. This most-visited grove in Humboldt Redwoods is conveniently located next to a Highway 101 offramp on the Avenue of the Giants, and it’s also truly an exceptional sight.

9. Shasta Lake to Lassen Volcanic National Park – Scenic Drive

This scenic route is perfect for a long weekend road trip since the driving distance among the attractions add up to only five and a half hours.

Start at Shasta Lake – the largest reservoir in California and drive towards the snow-capped volcanic Mount Shasta. You can stop at Castle Crags State Park to enjoy a hiking or swimming in the Sacramento river. Next, head south on Highway 89 – part of the 500-mile Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway. Take a stop at the McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park and admire Burney Falls – nicknamed as the “eighth wonder of the world”. Finish at the beautiful placid Lake Almanor or the bubbling mud pots and steaming geysers of Lassen Volcanic National Park.

10. Southern California Coast Road Trip – Theme Park Thrills

This southern California coast road trip is one of the best itineraries for families with kids as it passes by some of the most popular theme and attraction parks in California. For discounted tickets to these attractions, consider using the Los Angeles Pass or San Diego Pass.

Start your theme park adventure in San Diego, home to the world-famous San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park as well as SeaWorld San Diego. Enjoy exciting animal presentations and thrilling rides at these parks before heading north for LEGOLAND California – located in Carlsbad, a seaside town only an hour away from downtown San Diego. Spend the night at a LEGOLAND themed hotel just a few steps a way from the them park entrance and immerse in the life of princesses, pirates, knights, and more!

Head north for another hour and you will arrive at the the land of make-believe: Disneyland Park and Disneyland California Adventure. Stay at one of three park hotels for free rides and additional time to enjoy the parks: Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa, Disneyland Hotel, and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.

Just a fifteen-minute drive from Disneyland is the Knott’s Berry Farm, a 57-acre theme park that is one of the most visited theme parks in North America. A fun-filled day awaits with thrill-seeking roller coaster rides and water slides.

Next stop is Los Angeles, the center of the film and television industry filled with celebrity glamour. Get on interactive rides at Universal Studios Hollywood and Warner Bros. Studios Hollywood to experience the journey of making a Hollywood film.

Last but not least, if adventure is still calling, go on to visit Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia and enjoy the tallest and fastest looping roller coaster in the world. 

11. Southern California Road Trip – Architecture Admiration

Embark on Southern California road trip to some of the most influential and iconic buildings in the US with designs ranging from sleek modern to ornate Spanish Colonial Revival style.

Start from California’s southernmost gateway – San Diego. Located 17 miles from the Mexico and California border, this oceanside city has a lot of Mexican influence in culture and architecture. One of the most notable sight in San Diego is Balboa Park, designated as America’s largest urban cultural park with 16 museums, a performing arts center, and gardens.

Within Balboa are historic structures that serve as San Diego’s iconic landmarks: The California Quadrangle, California Building, and California Tower. The park is free to the public, but the entrance to some museums have a fee, such as the Museum of Man, San Diego Museum of Art, San Diego Natural History Museum, Fleet Science Center, and San Diego Air & Space Museum.

Grab the San Diego Pass for Unlimited Visits to the Best Museums in Balboa Park!

On the way north to Sunnylands, don’t forget to stop by Borrego Springs and admire Ricardo Breceda’s sculptures. Pick up a detailed map at the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association bookstore in Borrego Springs to find the locations of large crap-metal sculptures that have helped Breceda make a name for himself.

Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway is the beautiful estate in Palm Springs where Elvis and Priscilla Presley honeymooned in 1967 after their wedding. Continue to drive east to Riverside and uncover the sophisticated history and unique architecture of Mission Inn Hotel and Spa, where Richard and Pat Nixon honeymooned after marriage. Eight other U.S presidents including Theodore Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy have visited the inn.

12. Southern California Road Trip – Ghost Towns

Escape city life and quaint seaside towns along the coast to indulge in this adventure as one of the most “haunting” California road trips.

Hundreds of thousands of fortune seekers journeyed through the desserts and mountains in California for the gold rush in 1848. They built towns in remote deserts, valleys, and mountains, but ended up leaving as the gold ran out. Trace their footsteps starting at Old Town Temecula. Book your haunted wine & bar tour with Temecula cable car or join a haunted pub crawl.

Continue to Calico Ghost Town, an old mining town that has been around since 1881 and was abandoned in the 1890s. Explore the Mystery Shack mining museum or take a mountain bike to ride the surrounding trails. Next, stop at Randsburg – a living ghost town south of Ridgecrest or continue to Ballarat – the abandoned ghost town near Death Valley National Park.

13. Southern California Coast Road Trip – Shopping Hot Spots

California is a premier shopping destination with various kinds of luxury designers, boutique stores, outdoor shopping centers, and outlet malls. There are many shopping hot spots along the coast of California that will give you plenty of ideas for road trips.

There is no better place to begin a shopping spree than Rodeo Drive. The pristine streets in Beverly Hills are lined with luxury brands, designer limited collections, and boutique shops. You can get the first two hours of parking free in the self-parking lot or pay an all-day flat rate of $15 for VIP parking garage at the Two Rodeo shopping mall. Continue to other outdoor shopping centers like 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica or The Grove in Los Angeles.

A little south of Los Angeles is South Coast Plaza in the Costa Mesa, known as the largest luxury shopping center in California. lf shopping at full price isn’t your cup of tea, check out outlet malls like Ontario Mills, Citadel Outlets, and Desert Hills Premium Outlets for some great deals. Further south close to San Diego, you will find find lovely boutique shops near Solano Beach or upscale brand stores at Westfield Shopping UTC. Last but not least, check out the Fashion Valley, which covers more than 200 shopping brands and restaurants.

14. Southern California Road Trip – National Parks

Take a detour from other California road trips along the coast to enjoy the rugged beauty of the Desert Region, highlighted by Death Valley National Park and Joshua Tree National Park.

You can fly direct into Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) or take the car from Los Angeles. Unlike the neighboring areas of Los Angeles, San Diego and Orange County, summer months are off-season in this area where temperatures can exceed 100°F (37°C).

Lying at an ecological crossroads where the Mojave Desert meets the Colorado Desert, Joshua Tree National Park is packed with rugged mountains and desert flora. Lost Horse Valley is known as the centerpiece of Joshua Tree National Park, where you will find plenty of unique spiny trees and incredible rock formations.

Death Valley National Park is the largest National Park south of Alaska and home to Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America. If you have not seen a lava cone, it’s also worth taking Route 66 to visit the 6000-year-old Amboy Crater.

15. Southern California Road Trip – Movie Locations Tour

Have you experienced the sparks of joy as you walk through a beautiful sight and suddenly realize that you have seen it on a movie? If you haven’t, this road trip is for you!

Start the trip in Los Angeles, the entertainment capital and the backdrop to hundreds if not thousands of films, TV shows and commercials. Take it all in at the Griffith Observatory, which has made its appearance in The Terminator, Rebel without a Cause, and LA LA Land. Although you won’t be able to sit on the Hollywood Sign like Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake in Friends with Benefits, it’s still worth taking a hike for incredible views of the city. It’s also not unusual to see a movie set near the Hollywood sign or Walk of Fame in L.A. Stay the night at the famous Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel and see if you could recognize where they filmed the Pretty Woman.

Get tired of the city scenes? There are plenty of places to relax and have a quintessential California weekend getaway. You could also escape to Pioneertown, about 15 miles away from Joshua Tree National Park, or Mammoth Lakes for the views of snowcapped mountain tops that filled the screen in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.

16. Rim of the World Scenic Byway

The Rim of the World Scenic Byway is a 110-mile loop passing through some of Southern California’s most naturally beautiful landscapes in California’s Inland Empire.

Begin the journey in Cajon Pass and make your way east to Silverwood Lake, a large reservoir with beautiful blue water or continue to Lake Arrowhead which offers panoramic views and lakefront estates. Consider staying at Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa, close to Lake Arrowhead Village, a historic 1920s hot spot with waterfront shops and restaurants. Take a steamboat ride on Arrowhead Queen or enjoy kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. Next, head towards Big Bear Lake, a resort town with alpine scenery and two twin hills perfect for hiking and winter sports: Snow Summit and Bear Mountain.