California is a very big state with an unusual range of landscapes, and many of its best sights are best seen through a windshield, with stops along the way. These ten drives are a starting point. Several are seasonal, and some close after storms or snow, so treat this as a list to plan around rather than a promise. Check current road conditions before you go.

On the coast

1. Big Sur

The cliff-hugging stretch of Highway 1 between Carmel and San Simeon, with Bixby Creek Bridge, redwood canyons and McWay Falls. It is the most famous drive in the state, and it has been closed by landslides more than once. See driving Big Sur.

2. 17-Mile Drive

A private toll road through the Del Monte Forest on the Monterey Peninsula, with rocky points, cypress trees and the Lone Cypress. Short and easy, and a good add-on to a coastal trip.

3. Highway 1 north of San Francisco

Quieter than the south: Point Reyes, Bodega Bay, the cliffs north of Jenner and the village of Mendocino. Our guide to Highway 1 north to Mendocino has the route.

4. The Avenue of the Giants

About 30 miles of the old highway parallel to US 101 through Humboldt Redwoods State Park in Northern California, under some of the tallest trees on Earth. Pull over often and walk among them.

In the mountains

5. Tioga Road, Yosemite

Highway 120 across Yosemite National Park, climbing past granite domes and alpine lakes to Tuolumne Meadows and over Tioga Pass, the highest highway pass in California, before dropping steeply toward Lee Vining. It is open only in the warmer months, and opening dates vary with the snow.

6. Highway 395 through the Eastern Sierra

A long, high-desert road along the steep eastern wall of the Sierra Nevada, past Mono Lake and its tufa towers, the resort town of Mammoth Lakes, and Lone Pine, where the Alabama Hills sit beneath Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States. Pair it with Tioga Road for a loop in summer.

7. The Lake Tahoe loop

About 70 miles around the lake, with Emerald Bay the high point. Busy in summer and subject to winter closures on the Emerald Bay section. See San Francisco to Lake Tahoe.

8. Generals Highway, Sequoia and Kings Canyon

A winding road through the giant sequoia groves of Sequoia National Park, past the General Sherman Tree. The road has tight curves, and the park advises against long vehicles on parts of it; check before taking an RV.

In the desert

9. Death Valley

Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, the golden badlands at Zabriskie Point, Artists Drive and its colored hills, and the sand dunes near Stovepipe Wells. Visit between late fall and early spring; summer heat is extreme and dangerous, and a breakdown can be life-threatening.

10. Joshua Tree National Park

The park road runs through forests of Joshua trees and piles of giant boulders, where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet. Lovely in spring and fall, with famously dark night skies. Keys View, a short detour off the main road, looks out over the Coachella Valley toward the San Andreas Fault and, on clear days, distant mountains.

Planning tips

  • Check seasonal closures: Tioga Road and other high passes close in winter. Coastal roads can close after storms. Desert roads can flood after rare heavy rain.
  • Fuel and range: gas stations are scarce in Big Sur, the Eastern Sierra and the desert parks. Fill up when you can. If you are driving electric, see road-tripping California by electric car.
  • Water: carry plenty, always, and much more in the desert.
  • Daylight: plan the most dramatic roads for daylight. They are unlit, and the views are the point.
  • Park reservations: some national parks have used timed-entry or vehicle reservation systems in busy seasons in recent years. Check each park before you go.
  • Wildfire: in late summer and fall, smoke or fire can close roads and parks. Check conditions and air quality.

Frequently asked questions

What is the single best drive in California?

Most people would say Big Sur, but in summer, Tioga Road and Highway 395 together give it a run for its money.

Can I combine coast and mountains in one trip?

Yes. A loop from San Francisco to Yosemite, over Tioga Pass, down Highway 395 and back via Lake Tahoe works well in summer.

When is the best time for a California road trip?

Spring and fall suit most routes. Mountain passes are a summer affair, and the deserts are best in winter.