Towering sequoias. Enchanting coastlines. Striking mountaintops. Psychedelic deserts. California landscapes are hard to beat. The Golden State draws in thousands of visitors from all over the world each year. This is unsurprising; its environmental and urban diversity is highly regarded. From the crashing tides of San Diego, to the hilly sprawl of San Francisco . It would take a lifetime to truly unravel California’s mystique. I would know, as a California native.
While not even a lifetime here has made me privy to all its secrets, I have gathered a few of them. With its super-blooms, wineries, and national parks, California is its most pristine in the springtime. Its scale and sheer volume of experience makes it best traveled via road trip. For a unique vacation or day-trip, check out these one-of-a-kind regions.
- Santa Barbara and its surrounding sights
Californians understand Santa Barbara’s majesty, but I have found it is not in the minds of out-of-state/international tourists. About a two-hour drive from Los Angeles, Santa Barbara is enclosed by several lush state parks and glorious coasts. Hiking, surfing, wine tasting–it covers the breadth of the California experience like a microcosm. Visit hip galleries and wine bars serving local selections in the downtown Funk Zone. Dip into the Gaviota hot springs. Surf with cool college kids at Sands Beach. Its spot on the 101 makes it an ideal stopover city on a longer road trip. Santa Barbara deserves its own article, but for now, let it reveal itself the moment you round the hills of the 101 past Ventura.
2. The Jacaranda Bloom
Japan has its cherry blossoms, and California has its jacarandas. The state is already famous for its hillside super-blooms of the California poppy. However, zealous enthusiasm has harmful results for the bloom, with tourists trampling buds in hopes of getting the perfect shot. My favorite springtime bloom is that of LA’s own jacaranda blossoms; safe from heavy footsteps high in the trees. Many Angelenos detest them due to their sappy residue, the bright purple trees lining the streets still inspire radiant delight. Iconic L.A. author and resident haver-of–fun-times Eve Babitz once wrote, “the jacaranda flowers had all fallen and squashed onto the streets in sticky mush, no longer turning the town lavender with clouds, but still they’d be there again next May and so would I.” Drive the streets of the Westside for a fortunate viewing.
3. Twentynine Palms and the Mojave Desert
California deserts offer the most surreal landscapes. Tranquil and endless stretches of sand, dotted with the unusual looking Joshua Trees. The Mojave Desert is among California’s most singular regions. Of course, visit Joshua Tree National Park for scenic hikes and drives. But the desert has much to behold beyond the park borders. Twentynine Palms is a funky desert town. Its pastel-colored shops and homes are a mosaic against the stark flatness. Check out vintage shops, the world’s smallest crochet museum, and local watering holes. If you drive towards Yucca you’ll find Pioneertown. A western-inspired unincorporated community that has served as a film set for some classic western pictures. The sight is bizarre and surprising, like desert mirage.
4. Barstow and Highway 15
Headed to Vegas? Regardless of your starting point, you’re sure to end up on Highway 15 through Barstow. A rest stop for most Californians, and a home to others. The sights along Highway 15 are fit for roadside attraction seekers. Train enthusiasts can check out the Western America Railroad Museum for a historical survey of California’s coveted transportation. In fact, Barstow is full of history, being a stop along the historic Route 66. Keep your eyes peeled while driving in and out of the teeny town for signs advertising local curiosities and exhibits.
5. Laguna Beach
When thinking of posh California beach neighborhoods, La Jolla often comes to mind. Maybe even the northern Carmel-by-the-sea, or Santa Monica. Only an hour south of Los Angeles in its neighbor Orange County, lies Laguna Beach. A quaint destination with pleasantly walkable streets. Browse eclectic souvenir shops and enjoy well-crafted cuisine on outdoor dining patios. And who can forget, the beach! Summer draws in larger local crowds, but its spring traffic is nowhere near the packed beaches of Los Angeles.
6. Salinas and the Golden Fields of Upper Central Coast
Another stop along the famous Highway 101, Salinas is a small California town near the more well-known Monterey and Carmel. The home of celebrated writer John Steinbeck, Salinas is a charming relic of California history. For book-lovers, I recommend a visit to the Steinbeck Center to learn more about the author and regional facts. At the right time of year, the road in and out of Salinas is surrounded by golden, hilly fields. California is called the Golden State for its gold rush past. But if you didn’t know better, you’d think its nickname is on account of these idyllic rolling pastures.
7. The Coast of Mendocino County
Let’s head up north. Northern California is famous for its redwoods and wineries. Past Fort Bragg, small coastal communities add a pastoral and serene spirit. Spectacular rock formations line the shores, the forests an imposing force on the coastline. Mendocino County is an ideal getaway from crowded cities. Live slowly and enjoy the best of California’s natural wonder in a more solitary environment.
I intentionally avoided overly specific locations within each region. Part of the joy of any road trip is the exploration itself. You never know what strange or breathless places you’ll stumble upon! And California is full of secrets to uncover. I hope this list inspired a wandering spirit in you, and that you discover new favorite spots in a state I spent my life loving.