Yearning for the thrill of the open road? California is one of the best places in the USA to go on a road trip. And if you’re on the lookout for the best routes to take in the Golden State, chances are you’re feeling pretty overwhelmed with options.
To make the decision a bit easier, I decided to take the time to list some of my favorite scenic drives in California that everyone must do at least once in their lives. From roads that lead up to sky-high peaks to drives through the desert in search of colorful mountains, these are some of the best scenic drives in California that absolutely need to be on your bucket list this year!
The Most Scenic Drives in California That Will Get Your Jaw on the Ground
1. Highway 395 (Sierra Nevada Mountains)
Sitting at the bottom of the dreamy Sierra Nevada mountains, Highway 395 is an amazing route to take if what
Starting in bustling Los Angeles and ending at peaceful Lake Tahoe, this classic California drive will make you feel as though you’ve been transported back in time into old Western California. As the small towns scattered all over the highway have stayed pretty intact since back then.
Moreover, the highway runs all along the Sierra Nevada mountains, which pretty much guarantees epic mountains vistas the entire way long. As if that weren’t enough to convince you to brave this road trip, this incredibly scenic drive also passes through two of California’s most beautiful national parks: Joshua Tree and Death Valley National Park.
If you’re into off-the-beaten path destinations, you’ll also be treated to some of California’s best hidden jewels. Including the whacky-looking Mono Lake, Bristlecone Pine Forest, a ghost town called Bodie, and Devil’s Postpile.
- Length: 450 miles
- Required TIme: Several days. Highway 395 can take several days to entire weeks to complete depending on how many stops you make. And how much time you linger at each place. Moreover, there are many small detours along the road worth overnighting at. So make sure you take that into account when planning!
2. Highway 190 through Death Valley
Despite its somewhat melancholic name, Death Valley National Park is one of the most colorful and liveliest
The highway will have you passing some of Death Valley’s highlights. Including Mesquite Sand Dunes at Stovepipe Wells, where you can park and head out on a one-mile walk up to the tallest sand dune in the park! Further along the road, you’ll stumble across Scotty’s Castle, a ranch full of history and a glimpse into what life during the 1920s was like in the area.
Next, make sure you stop at Harmony Borax Works. An abandoned mine and borax plant you can explore to get a pretty good picture of what life back in the 1800s was like here.
Another must-do during your visit is taking a little detour and following another incredibly scenic drive: The Artist’s Drive Loop, which is a short road lined by dreamy mountainsides splashed in every color of the rainbow.
At the very end of Highway 190, you’ll find Death Valley’s most iconic sight: Zabriskie Point. This viewpoint gives the most beautiful vistas of the park’s emblematic golden badlands below. Making it a perfect spot to end the drive as well as catch an insanely stunning sunset!
- Length: 93 miles
- Required Time: One to two days
3. Jacinto Reyes Scenic Byway
Cutting through Cuyama, the Valley of San Joaquin, and up to mountain peaks that stand tall over 5,000 feet,
At just over 36 miles, this drive is relatively short. But dedicating at least two days to it is recommended in order to make a stop to explore Los Padres National Forest, where you can spend a day hiking or horseback riding to get a closer experience to the nature of the area.
If you’re up for hiking, a wonderful trail for beginners is the Piedra Blanca Formations trail, which offers gorgeous views all along as well as wildlife sighting opportunities. Moreover, if you’re feeling up for a more challenging feat, the Dry Lake Ridge Botanical Area hike is a must, especially if you love all things plants!
- Distance: 36.5 miles
- Required Time: 4 hours just to drive through the road, but at least a day to two days is recommended to make the most out of your time at Los Padres National Forest.
I hope this list of the most scenic drives in California inspired you to hit the road! Even though there are plenty more roads offering incredibly scenic views, these are all great options, especially because they all cross through some of the Golden State’s top highlights and national parks!
Did any of these scenic California drives tempt you to buckle up and head out to the open road? Which one fits your personality the most? Let me know your favorite in the comment section down below.
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