California is world-renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, and there is no better way to experience them than a classic road trip. From the rugged cliffs of the Pacific Coast Highway to the towering ancient Redwoods, discover the 15 best scenic drives in California. Whether you’re looking for a quick afternoon escape or a full coastal itinerary, come along as we explore the Golden State’s most iconic routes.
To help you plan, I’ve organized my favorite scenic drives in California starting from the North and winding all the way down to San Diego. This isn’t just a list of roads; it’s a curated collection of the most beautiful stretches of pavement I’ve personally explored. So, grab your sunglasses, roll down the windows, and let’s start the ultimate California road trip together with my top 15 routes.
1. Avenue of the Giants (Highway 254)
Towering redwoods on the Avenue of the Giants, one of the best scenic drives in California
See my photos from Avenue of the Giants
Avenue of the Giants, while famous, can be easily missed if you stay on the 101 Freeway, which passes high above the Redwood Forest. This is my absolute favorite scenic drive in Northern California because it meanders directly through massive, ancient groves with easy access to hidden walking paths and quiet loops.
It is an awe-inspiring stretch of road that offers a natural “air conditioning” effect, cooling you off even in the peak of summer. To start this portion of your California road trip, you can find the Southern Entrance to the Avenue of the Giants near the small village of Myers Flat. From there, the road winds North for just over 30 miles until it reaches the Northern Entrance.
On our last trip, we drove from the Northern Entrance to the South, continuing onto the Pacific Coast Highway as it climbs over the mountains toward the ocean and Fort Bragg. The transition from the deep redwoods to the crashing waves is simply gorgeous!
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2. Ft Bragg to Mendocino (Pacific Coast Highway)
Coastal views from the Pacific Coast Highway near Fort Bragg, a top California scenic drive
See my photos from Fort Bragg
The transition from the dense Redwood Forest to the Pacific Coast Highway is a moment you won’t forget. After miles of twisty, shaded forest roads, the landscape suddenly opens up right on the Pacific Ocean, and the view is spectacular. On my last trip, we were struck by the sight of the blue water hitting the jagged rocks that we immediately pulled over just to take it all in.
Pomo Bluffs Park vista overlooking the rugged coastline on a Northern California road trip
See my photos from Fort Bragg
Make sure you stop at the famous Ft. Bragg Glass Beach for beautiful views and to get your own sea glass. Pick up the Glass Beach Trail and enjoy a beautiful short walk to the coast.
On our last trip, we actually made the mistake of skipping the stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway between Fort Bragg and Mendocino because we were rushing to get to Napa Valley. Looking back, that was a missed opportunity. Even though we turned inland early, you should absolutely continue south if you have the time; this short coastal section is widely considered one of the most scenic drives in California and offers some of the best unobstructed ocean views in the state.
From Fort Bragg, you have a choice: continue your coastal journey south to the charming village of Mendocino or head inland on Highway 20. If you choose to head toward inland toward Highway 101, you will climb away from the ocean and back into the mountains through Jackson State Forest. It’s a beautiful transition that offers a unique “birds-eye” view of the massive redwoods you just explored from the ground.
Based on my experience I highly recommend you continue to Mendocino where you can also pick up Highway 128 inland and head to Napa Valley. This way you will enjoy this beautiful stretch of the PCH from Ft. Bragg to Mendocino.
3. Napa Valley from Calistoga to Napa (Highway 128)
Castello di Amorosa castle in Napa Valley, a must-see stop on a California scenic drive
See my photos from Castello di Amorosa
From the 101 Freeway near Geyserville, we picked up Highway 128 to head toward Napa Valley. As we approached Calistoga, we immediately slowed down to take in the rolling hills basking in the afternoon sun. This stretch is easily one of the most scenic drives in California, especially during the harvest season when the vineyards are vibrant and full of life.
Filled with rows of world-famous grape vines, Napa Valley is a must-visit on any California road trip. I recommend taking your time through this section. We particularly enjoyed stopping at the Castello di Amorosa castle, which is a perfect example of the unique architecture and “old world” charm you’ll find along this route.
For a perfect midday break, stop at the V. Sattui Winery artisan deli and store. I love picking up a fresh sandwich and a glass of their estate wine to enjoy at the picnic grounds. There is nothing quite like sitting under the shade of their beautiful giant chestnut trees to soak in the Napa atmosphere before continuing your scenic drive.
4. Sausalito through Marine Headland Park (Conzelman Road)
Sunset view of the Golden Gate Bridge from Conzelman Road, the most scenic drive in San Francisco
See my photos from Golden Gate Bridge
Well known to San Francisco residents, Conzelman Road can take you through the amazingly scenic Marine Headland Park. This is the road that gives you the best views of the Golden Gate bridge, while Sausalito is a cute fishing village turned into a tourist magnet.
You can pick up Alexander Road at the Southen end of Sausalito and stay left on East Road as it winds its way past Fort Baker and turns into Moore Road. From there stay right on Cozelman Road as it takes you into Marine Headlands Park and the gorgeous views of Golden Gate Bridge.
5. Monterey Coastal Drive (Ocean View Boulevard)
Scenic coastal drive along Ocean View Boulevard in Monterey with views of the Pacific Ocean
See my photos from Monterey
Aaah…we’re coming into my favorite beach town in California: Monterey. This place is simply beautiful as it is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and provides amazing coastal views all the way around. Our favorite drive in Monterey is very simple: pick up Ocean View Boulevard close to the gorgeous Monterey Bay Aquarium and follow it all the way around the Monterey Peninsula as it turns into Sunset Drive and end at the entrance of the 17 Mile Drive.
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6. Monterey to Carmel (17 Mile Drive)
The Lone Cypress at sunset on the 17 Mile Drive, the most famous scenic drive in California
See my photos from Monterey
Moving further South, we come to Monterey, which is my favorite beach town in California. The 17 Mile Drive is just that: an amazing 17 miles of scenic beauty which makes it for my favorite drive in California. The best way to drive it is to start in Monterey at the North entrance right off Sunset Drive in Pacific Grove. Pay the entrance fee, get your map and plan to spend some time stopping at all the view points on the map they give you. They are all worth your time…really! Keep driving until you to the South Entrance of 17 Mile Drive towards Carmel. I also love continuing to drive through the beautiful beach village of Carmel and just relaxing at the beautiful beach nearby.
7. Carmel to Cambria (Pacific Coast Highway)
Rugged cliffs and turquoise water in Big Sur on the Pacific Coast Highway scenic drive
See my photos from Big Sur
As we keep driving South, we jump back on the Pacific Coast Highway South of Carmel and we’re heading south towards another beautiful beach village called Cambria. This is the best drive in California in my experience. It is a long drive however because you have to stop at the many vista points on the right side of the road.
The best way to experience the Pacific Coast Highway is to come from North to South, as all the beautiful vista points are all on your right and very convenient for quick stops to take in the scenery.
Great news for your road trip—the Pacific Coast Highway is now fully open through Big Sur! After long-term repairs, you can once again drive the entire coastline from Carmel to Cambria without detours. However, coastal conditions can change quickly, so I always recommend checking the official Caltrans road conditions for Highway 1 before you start your drive to ensure a smooth journey.
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8. Santa Barbara to Solvang (Highway 154)
The historic Cold Spring Tavern, a hidden gem on the Highway 154 scenic drive near Santa Barbara
See my photos from Santa Barbara
Moving further South we come to a few scenic California roads that are known only to locals. One of them is Highway 154 which rides a mountain crest overlooking the beautiful City of Santa Barbara.
I love picking the 154 Highway close to the picturesque Santa Barbara Mission and driving up and North through the mountain towards Solvang. This short road trip features as one of my best Santa Barbara day trips.
I especially like taking a small road called Painted Cave Road which forms a little loop with Camino Cielo road through a very small mountain top village.
The vast panoramas along Painted Cave Road are simply amazing as you get to see all of Santa Barbara. This is one reason I think it is one of the best scenic drives in California.
When looping back to Highway 154, cross the highway and take the old Stagecoach Road and follow it North until you reach the historical Cold Spring Tavern where you must stop and have some lunch. Then you join the 154 Highway again and drive through beautiful rolling hills all the way to Solvang.
9. Mulholland Drive Los Angeles
Twisty turns and mountain vistas on Mulholland Drive, a classic scenic drive in Los Angeles
Mulholland Drive is probably the most famous road in the Los Angeles area as it connects most of the ritzy and secluded communities spread through the many ridges surrounding Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley.
I like picking Mulholland Drive where it intersects Highway 23 (which is another beautiful drive to the ocean). Then drive South and East aver the many crests and valleys pretty much as far as I have time to go. Vista points are scattered throughout the road giving you opportunities to see the sprawling San Fernando Valley from the top. The easiest way to see the vistas along Mulholland Drive is to drive from East to West as the vista point stops will all be on your right as you drive.
10. Corona del Mar to Dana Point (Pacific Coast Highway)
Laguna Beach, California – Rocky Cove near Sugarloaf Point
See my photos from Laguna Beach
Now we get come to the Pacific Ocean again as we pick up the Pacific Coast Highway again in the ritzy coastal town of Corona Del Mar.
Driving South through the beautiful Laguna Beach all the way south to Dana Point will give you a glimpse of the beautiful California beach vibe with trendy restaurants and pristine beaches and lots and lots of sunshine.
Driving South and stopping often at the many vista points along the way, along with finding and stopping many coves and small hidden beaches will help you find peace in the middle of a very populated area.
It is no wonder that this beautiful Southern California portion of the PCH road is on my list of best scenic drives in California.
11. Palm Desert to Idyllwild (Highway 74 and 243)
Highway 74 winds it’s way up overlooking the Palm Springs area
See my photos from Idyllwild
The ritzy desert oasis of Palm Springs is home to movie stars and Hollywood celebrities. Palm Springs is also surrounded by tall mountains that bring an air of awesomeness to the entire area. One of our best scenic drives in Palm Springs starts a bit south of Palm Springs in the desert community of Palm Desert and winds its way through the top mountain ridges overlooking the entire area of Palm Springs and Coachella Valley.
Charming local shops in the mountain village of Idyllwild on a San Bernardino road trip
See my photos from Idyllwild
Passing near the large Lake Hemet, the road forks on Highway 243 and goes thorough the cozy mountain village of Idyllwild and winds its way back down to the town of Banning and back to the 10 Freeway.
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12. Gregory Lake to Big Bear Lake (Highway 18 and 38)
Big Bear Lake and San Bernardino Mountains, a top-rated scenic drive in Southern California
See my photos from Big Bear Lake
Also known as the Rim of the World highway, you can pick it up at the bottom of the mountain in the town on Cajon right of the 210 Freeway. As you drive up and wind your way through the mountain, you will come to the mountain ridge.
We love stopping in the few lake communities dotted over the mountains. Starting in Lake Gregory we love walking around the lake on the beautiful shaded path. Then we drive to the quaint Arrowhead Lake community and spend some time by the lake.
Then we usually stop for an excellent pizza in the village of Running Springs on our way to Big Bear Lake where we like to stop on the East side of the lake near the East Boat Ramp for a beautiful view of the mountains.
Coming back down we like taking Highway 38 which winds its way down passing near Forest Falls all the way down to the city of Highland.
13. Escondido to Julian (Highway 78)
Main Street in the historic gold mining town of Julian, a favorite California scenic mountain drive
See my photos from Julian
Coming closer to the San Diego area, home of famous theme parks Sea World and Legoland and surrounded by amazing beaches, we take a trip into the mountains again. From the trendy city of Escondido we pick Highway 78 and drive South East through the mountains towards the cozy village of Julian. We actually pass right by the famous San Diego Zoo Safari Park which is a beautiful animal park to visit.
We really liked Julian with its small cafes and Victorian houses as well as being able to tour an actual old gold mine.
14. La Jolla Cove to Nicholson Point (Coast Boulevard)
Sea birds on the rocks at La Jolla Cove, a beautiful stop on a San Diego scenic drive
See my photos from La Jolla
Moving further south we come to the beautiful Pacific Coast again, but this time all the way South, in the cozy coastal community of La Jolla. Even though La Jolla Beach is a beautiful and relaxing beach, our favorite place to walk is starting at the Cave Store near La Jolla Cove.
Finding parking in the La Jolla Cove area is somewhat tricky, especially on the weekends, but driving slowly and finding a spot to park on the street is your best strategy. Then we simply start walking down on Coast Boulevard. We stop at La Jolla Cove, relax at the beautiful Ellen Browning Scripps Park and take our time at the harbor seal nursery pool at Point Mencinger.
Beautiful scenery and beaches earn this La Jolla coastal drive a top spot among my best scenic drives in California.
15. Linear Park to Cabrillo Monument (Sunset Cliffs Rd & Cabrillo Road)
Panoramic views of San Diego Bay from Cabrillo National Monument scenic drive at Point Loma
See my photos from San Diego Bay
As we’re heading into the sprawling San Diego area, we’re picking up a small coastal road called Sunset Cliffs Road where it meets Adair Street near Linear Park. Driving South you can stop at Sunset Cliffs Beach and Cave and also at a few vista points along the road as you admire the rugged rocky coast.
Picking up Hill Street and heading to Catalina Boulevard we keep heading South through a bit of uninteresting urban sprawl until the road becomes Cabrillo Memorial Drive and starts going up hill. We keep driving for about 10 minutes winding our way to the end of the road: Cabrillo National Monument State Park. This area, around Point Loma offers the best panoramic views of the San Diego Bay area. From the nearby Navy bases to the San Diego skyline, everything is clearly visible. Stroll around the park and visit the old Lighthouse and small museum for a taste of this place’s history.
What are the Best of the Best Scenic Drives in California?
I know my list is long, but my absolute best scenic drives in California are in this order: 17 Mile Drive in Monterey, PCH from Carmel to Cambria and the PCH through Laguna Beach. However, any of these roads will inspire you as they take you to unique spots in beautiful California.
