Best Driving Roads in California
With high peaks, low valleys, scarce desert, and pristine beaches, California is brimming with beautiful drives. It’s one of the most geographically diverse states in the US, so if you’re looking for a day trip, you’re spoilt for choice. California’s also the third largest state - so many options can make it a challenge to choose. To make it easier, we’ve narrowed down to five of the best driving roads in California.
Please note that we’ve given estimated driving times, which doesn’t include stops. But scenic drives are much better when you take your time and stop to take in the views, so be sure to account for this when planning your trip.
1. Angeles Crest Highway
Distance: 66 miles Driving time: 2 hours
Just minutes away from downtown Los Angeles, you can hop on the Angeles Crest Highway. The route loops through the San Gabriel Mountain range with delightful twists and turns. Drivers can reach the summit of the famous Mount Wilson and there, you can visit the Mount Wilson Observatory which sits above the hazy smog layer of Los Angeles, making it the perfect place to get a clear view of LA.
Cruise through the towering forest trees, revelling in hairpin bends on the mountainous terrain, and enjoy the beautiful Alpine scenery. The mountain road climbs to a high point of 7,901 feet at Dawson Saddle, you’ll be dumbstruck by the views of the Mojave Desert and the San Gabriel and Pomona Valley. If you’re staying in Los Angeles, this drive is the perfect respite that you sometimes need from the bustling city.
2. Tioga Road
Distance: 74 miles Driving time: 2 hours
Tioga Road, or Highway 120, is the entrance to the famous Yosemite National Park. From Lee Vining to Yosemite Valley, drives traverse through some of the world’s most jaw dropping landscapes. There are few roads more scenic than the Tioga with its mountains, alpine lakes, granite cliffs, evergreen forests, and meadows. We hope you’re not scared of heights, because the Tioga Pass reaches an eye watering 9,943 feet of elevation! It’s the highest highway pass in California with the views to match. For more incredible views (you certainly won’t be lacking in them!), be sure to check out Olmsted Point. There, drivers get a unique view of the Tanaya Canyon. If you fancy stretching your legs, many people hike the Olmsted Point Nature Trail, which is just half a mile long.
When the road reaches Yosemite Valley, visitors are inundated with crashing waterfalls, deep valleys, towering granite monoliths, and ancient giant sequoias. For a bit to eat, head to the Yosemite Valley Lodge Dining Room, where you’ll be rewarded with outstanding views of a 2500 foot high waterfall.
During peak hours, drivers generally need to book a slot to avoid the road getting too busy. The road is also typically closed from mid-November to late May, be sure to check if the road’s open before heading out on your day trip.
3. San Luis Obispo North Coast Byway
Distance: 57 miles Driving time: 1 hour 5 minutes
For a trip through paradise with plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy your surroundings, this driving road is a must-see. The San Luis Obispo North Coast Byway is a section of Highway 1, stretching from San Luis Obispo to Ragged Point. Ragged Point is known as the gateway to Big Sur, famous for its rugged, vast landscapes, so we recommend hopping out of your car here to explore the area.
Starting from the idyllic coastal town of San Luis Obispo, drivers cruise through the lush Los Osos Valley before reaching the coastline. This road then hugs the coastal highway for the remainder of the trip, offering endless views of the Pacific Ocean. Along the way there are plenty of quaint beach cities to explore, like Morro Bay, known for its iconic Morro rock, biologically diverse bay and romantic promenade. Continuing on down the route, a stop at San Simeon is a must. The famous newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst made a name for himself here by building the Hearst Castle. The estate was once Hearst’s home and now offers tours of its 165 rooms.
With endless opportunities to hike, swim, explore beach towns, and enjoy sweeping ocean views along rugged coastal cliffs, traversing down this beautiful highway is an incredible day out.
4. Death Valley Scenic Byway
Distance: 81.5 miles Driving time: 2 hours
The famous Death Valleys features the lowest point and hottest place in North America, dipping 86m below sea level. If your car has very good air conditioning, this scenic drive should be high on your list. This byway is a gateway to over 3.3 million acres of expansive vistas, complex geology, unique scenery, rare and desert wildlife.
It’s a diverse landscape with sand dunes and rugged canyons while being surrounded by towering, lush mountain ranges. Drivers will love cruising through this smooth road, which varies in elevation throughout. While this drive features the lowest point of North America, there are points that rise thousands of feet above sea level. Drivers can cut off from the main highway onto a dirt road and make their way to Aguereberry Point. There, you’ll reach the highest point of the Death Valley at 6,433 feet of elevation. For a truly unique adventure, we recommend taking this route. Be sure to bring lots of water with you!
5. Lake Tahoe Scenic Byway
Distance: 72 miles Driving time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Lake Tahoe is considered one of the most beautiful places in the world. It’s one of America’s great destinations, so a trip there is an absolute must. And as we know, the best way to see a place is by driving. This smooth drive loops around the lake with its crystal clear waters in sight throughout. Be prepared for some steep cliffs, it’s all part of the fun!
There are endless opportunities to stop off and gape at the lake, which is surrounded by evergreen forests and snowcapped mountains. There are also plenty of beaches to lounge before taking a dip in the lake, Carnelian Bay being one. There, you can glide through the waters or rent a kayak. For a sparkling white sand beach, Kings Beach is just the thing. Kings Beach is also the name of the quirky town, with lots of places to grab a bite to eat. Get back on the road and you’ll enter Sugar Pine Point State Park, with its expansive pine trees that earned the park its name. There’s hiking trails aplenty, which you’ll find even more of at D.L Bliss State Park. This park is known for its alpine views and the Rubicon Point Light, the highest elevation lighthouse in the US. There’s so much to see along the Lake Tahoe Scenic Byway, with more beaches, viewpoints, and parks than we can count on two hands. A day trip exploring these roads is definitely a day well spent.