15 Scenic Drives to Take While Visiting California

With one of the most diverse landscapes of any other state, California truly has some of the most breathtaking drives I have ever experienced. From sprawling coastlines to winding mountain roads, it’s hard to pick my favorite.

Depending on where you are visiting in California, a scenic drive can be right around the corner. Hop in the car with me and explore some of my all-time favorite drives that everyone should find themselves on at least once during a visit to California!

17 Mile Drive

The 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach, California, encapsulates the essence of the Monterey Peninsula’s natural splendor and luxurious lifestyle. Among the must-see stops along this picturesque route are the Lone Cypress, an enduring symbol of resilience perched on a rocky outpost; the Ghost Tree, offering hauntingly beautiful views at Pescadero Point; and the famed Pebble Beach Golf Links, where you can either play a round or simply enjoy the view of one of golf’s most storied landscapes.

Unfortunately, this drive requires admission, but the fee can be reimbursed for various items at Pebble Beach Resorts. I’m not one to pay to access natural beauty, but for this drive, I would say it’s worth it for the views.

Big Sur

Stretching along California’s Highway 1, this renowned drive is known for its breathtaking views and natural beauty. Sadly, the south end of the road has been closed for quite some time, but it is planning to reopen soon, allowing access from the South again.

You could easily spend a week just exploring this stretch, but it is a highly popular area, so make sure you plan accommodations. Many places book out months in advance.

There are dozens of fantastic campgrounds, and you’ll find some of the most luxurious resorts in the world sprinkled throughout the seaside. If you are driving through for the day and not staying overnight, a few can’t-miss pit stops would be the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge, the unique purple sands of Pfeiffer Beach, the stunning enclave of McWay Falls, the charming Henry Miller library, and a necessary sunset cocktail at Nepenthe. 

Death Valley

The Death Valley Scenic Byway offers an extraordinary journey across a landscape that defines extremity, with its vast expanses, sculpted hills, and the unique honor of featuring North America’s lowest and hottest points.

The journey exposes the sheer magnitude of Death Valley National Park’s 3.3 million acres and allows you to marvel at its diverse terrain, from below-sea-level salt flats to colorful canyons and mountain-size dunes.

Key points of interest that you cannot miss are Dante’s View, Badwater Basin, the Natural Bridge, and Artist’s Palette. I recommend doing this at least once in your life, as the landscape is truly so different from anywhere else, and who doesn’t want to say they visited Death Valley? 

Tioga Pass

This drive unveils some of the most remarkable landscapes of the Sierra Nevada, spanning from Crane Flat all the way to Lee Vining and cresting at the awe-inspiring Tioga Pass. It’s the highest pass in the Sierra’s and you’ll feel that as you drive over the windy mountain road.

While many choose to explore Yosemite by driving directly through the park, I personally find this drive more exciting as it offers a more unique look at the splendor of Yosemite’s alpine scenery. Along the way, you’ll pass the crystalline Tenaya Lake, the expansive Tuolumne Meadows brimming with wildflowers, and the commanding views from Olmsted Point.

If you have time for a longer pit stop, there is also a short hike to Soda Springs, one of the rare springs that actually has carbonated water. There are dozens of other spots to explore along the way, especially if you have time to extend this drive into a multi-day trip (which I highly recommend).

The Redwood Highway

Traversing from Manzanita northward to the Oregon border, this drive offers enchanting views of towering trees, serene lakes, and expansive meadows within the Redwood National and State Parks.

This route not only connects with the Pacific Coast Highway but also brings you through the Avenue of the Giants, showcasing the tallest trees on Earth in their natural splendor. If you have time, one of the most spectacular hikes in California is just off this stretch of road along the Lost Coast. It’s the longest bit of undeveloped coast and is a truly magical place.

Sonoma Wine Country

Navigating through Sonoma Valley unveils a picturesque journey across California’s renowned wine country. This drive not only offers a glimpse into over two hundred sprawling vineyards but also incorporates visits to landmarks such as Jack London State Park and Annadel State Park, highlighting the region’s rich cultural heritage and natural splendor.

Along the route, you can enjoy the unique charm of local wineries, the historic Sonoma Plaza, and the serene beauty of Sonoma Coast State Park, making for a varied and enriching travel experience. September is my favorite time to visit when the weather is warm and most of the wineries are open, with many offering frequent live music and other fun outdoor events.

Lake Tahoe Circle

The Lake Tahoe Circle is a scenic drive that encircles Lake Tahoe, nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains. This route offers breathtaking views of one of the most visually stunning lakes in North America, surrounded by thick forests and towering peaks. There are ample opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and skiing along the loop and depending on what season you visit.

While South Lake is a bit more built up, the north side of the lake tends to be a bit quieter. If you visit during the summer months, I recommend renting a boat and visiting Emerald Bay for stunning clear water and a refreshing dip beneath the majestic mountains. 

San Luis Obispo North Coast Byway

This route offers a mesmerizing drive along California’s rugged coastline, featuring breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, rolling hills, and vast vineyards. This scenic route showcases the natural beauty and agricultural bounty of the region, with charming coastal towns, pristine beaches, and iconic landmarks like Hearst Castle.

People tend to skip over this portion of the state and flock to the bigger cities of San Francisco, Los Angeles or San diego but it is not to be missed. Once the highway opens back up in the south side of Big Sur, you can continue on from here to take Highway 1 up the rest of the coast.

Joshua Tree

Taking you through the captivating landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park, it’s no surprise this drive is incredibly scenic. Characterized by its unique Joshua trees, rugged rock formations, and vast desert expanse this route let’s you experience the stark beauty of the Mojave and Colorado deserts, with opportunities for photography, hiking, and camping.

There are different routes you can take, my favorite being in from the North Gate and out at the South Gate with a necessary sunset stop at Keys View. If you have the time, it is well worth staying in the park and camping out to really soak up the magic of this place. 

Palms To Pines

This scenic byway is a captivating drive that spans from the desert landscapes near Palm Desert, up through the San Jacinto Mountains, and down to the idyllic town of Idyllwild. The route showcases a dramatic transition from the desert floor to alpine forests, offering panoramic views, unique geological formations, and a variety of activities along the way such as hiking and bird watching.

Once in Idyllwild, I recommend staying for at least a night to enjoy the charming town and possibly even meet the mayor (who just so happens to be a dog!). 

Santa Ynez Valley

This drive through Santa Barbara Wine Country takes you through the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley, renowned for its picturesque rolling hills and premium vineyards. The region is celebrated for its excellent wines and breathtaking landscapes, and offers a tranquil escape with charming towns like the dutch inspired Solvang and Los Olivos dotting the route.

You will find some of the best wine tastings, local artisan shops, and farm-to-table dining experiences of anywhere in the state and it’s often much less populated than the northern wine countries of Napa or Sonoma. 

Kings Canyon

The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway reveals the grandeur of Kings Canyon National Park, taking you through awe-inspiring landscapes characterized by deep canyons and ancient giant sequoias.

The route offers stunning views of rugged cliffs, roaring rivers, and serene meadows and is home to some of the world’s largest trees. Along the route you will also find deep valleys carved by glacial action and stunning views of the Sierra Nevadas. 

Angeles Crest

The Angeles Crest Scenic Byway is one of Southern California’s hidden treasures. It offers a stunning escape from Los Angeles’s urban sprawl into the serene beauty of the Angeles National Forest.

This picturesque drive, which is part of the larger Angeles Crest Highway (California State Route 2), spans approximately 66 miles from La Cañada Flintridge in the west to Wrightwood in the east. It traverses the San Gabriel Mountains, providing a scenic route that is both tranquil and exhilarating. Mt Wilson Observatory is a must-stop along the way, and on clear days, you can sometimes see as far as Catalina Island.

Big Bear

The drive from Los Angeles to Big Bear is a popular route many take in search of a ski weekend or boating getaway in the warmer months. The most common routes to Big Bear Lake involve winding roads that ascend into the San Bernardino Mountains and stunning views. From the base of the mountains, the drive takes you through a series of gradual climbs and turns, each revealing new layers of natural beauty.

The routes to consider include Highway 330/Highway 18 (the front way) and Highway 38 (the back way), each offering unique sights. While it can be beautiful in the winter months with the snow, I actually prefer going up in the fall when you will hit less traffic and occasionally get some beautiful foliage. The town of Big Bear is also incredibly charming and a great fall escape from a cozy cabin weekend. 

Anza-Borrego Desert

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California’s largest state park, offers a mosaic of scenic drives that traverse its vast and varied desert landscapes. Among these, the drive along S22 through Borrego Springs is my absolute favorite. It winding through the heart of the park showcases its remarkable features. As you navigate this route, the expansive desert vistas stretch out in all directions, punctuated by the dramatic silhouettes of the Santa Rosa Mountains.

Spring visits are particularly magical, as the desert floor comes alive with a vibrant carpet of wildflowers, creating a stunning contrast against the earthy tones of the desert. The park’s unique geological formations, including the famed Borrego Badlands and Tubb Canyon, offer a glimpse into the natural forces that have shaped this landscape over millions of years and are a must-see along your drive.