The Best Stops for Your California Road Trip

By Karen D

We know, we know, you want to see the Hollywood sign and Pier 39. That’s fine. But there are so many hidden gems between Los Angeles and San Francisco that you might miss if you just visit the big cities… So here are some of the best places to visit on your road trip.

Death Valley National Park

This park has a bit of everything. Beautiful views of the desert and canyons, trails, hikes, and even salt flats.Do not miss: The rainbow of rocks at Artist’s Palette and the salt flats at Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America.

Yosemite National Park

With more than 3,000 kilometers to explore, you could spend days at Yosemite and only see a small portion of the park. There are designated areas for camping, hiking, and even an RV parking site perfect for your road trip adventure. Just be careful: if you are planning on visiting Yosemite in the winter or spring, you should check if the roads to the park are open on your travel dates, as they might be closed due to the snow.

Do not miss: Mirror Lake and the beautiful waterfalls around the park, specially the famous Bridalveil Fall.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

If you are driving on Highway 1 and need a place to spend the night, make it a whole day. This cute little city has a lot to offer, from spas and wine tastings to charming eateries and a peaceful beach, you will definitely find something you love.