Ready to hit the road? California has plenty of options for a quick day-trip or extended stay. We’ve got your planning covered for the beach, desert, and mountains with different itineraries to choose from. All you need to do is pick a destination, pack your bags, and go!
CENTRAL COAST
It’s about time. Time to explore the four regions of Monterey Bay, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura. Each region delivers a memorable road trip along highways 1 and 101. Take the time. If you take the time, it will give you all the time you need. And it’s worth every second, whether you’re traveling northbound from Los Angeles or southbound from San Francisco.
NORTHBOUND FROM LOS ANGELES // SOUTHBOUND FROM SAN FRANCISCO
The Laguna Beach coastline.
LAGUNA BEACH
MORNING: Start at a lively café, followed by some beachfront yoga or a hike in 20,000 acres of wilderness. Or, climb to the top of the world and take in 360-degree views of the city.
AFTERNOON: Immerse yourself in a summer art festival, then enjoy the stunning beaches and coves—for paddleboarding, kayaking, tide pools, surfing, or just sunning. For a twilight tee time, Ben Brown’s golf course and country club offers a private game.
DINNER: With more than 100 restaurants dotting seven miles of coastline, there’s an option for everyone. For example, Las Brisas is an iconic culinary experience with sweeping coastline views.
EVENING: Head to the Pageant of the Masters to watch outdoor art come to life under the stars. Late-night drinks and live music at Skyloft downtown are the perfect cap to your day in paradise.
DANA POINT
MORNING: Start your day with a game at Monarch Beach Golf Links’ 18-hole beachside course.
AFTERNOON: A whale-watching tour is a must in the Whale and Dolphin Watching Capital of the World.
EVENING: Unwind looking over the ocean while doing sunset yoga with iHeartYoga.
DINNER: Get a taste of celebrity chef John Tesar’s fresh coastal seafood at Outer Reef.
Sailboats at Marina del Rey.
MARINA DEL REY
Just four miles from LAX, Marina del Rey is Los Angeles’ urban waterfront, offering wide-open spaces, waterfront dining, recreation, and luxe coastal hotels.
MORNING: Have fun on the water, with chartered sailing excursions, paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, parasailing, and more.
AFTERNOON: Hop on a beach cruiser and follow the 22-mile bike path that wraps around the marina and LA’s beaches.
EVENING: Unwind at any of the marina’s seven waterfront hotels, all of which offer sparkling harbor views.
DINNER: Beachside, Brizo, Cast & Plow, Tony P’s Dockside Grill, and SALT boast some of the best patio and terrace views in town.
MAMMOTH
Kayaking at Mammoth Mountain
The Mammoth Adventure Center is your portal to family fun and outdoor activities. With a world-class bike park, scenic gondola rides, and the Via Ferrata guided climbing experience, there’s fun for everyone.
DAY 1: Explore the ropes course, climbing wall, junior zip line, bungee trampoline, and more! End the day with a sunset paddle.
DAY 2: Cruise the bike park and hop on the chair lift or load the gondola to explore over 80 miles of single-track, or rent an e-bike!
MammothMountain.com/discover/summer-getaway
TUOLUMNE COUNTY
Northern California’s Tuolumne County is a road trip destination that is worth every mile.
MORNING: Wake up in the High Sierra at McCaffrey House Bed and Breakfast.
AFTERNOON: Get ready for a day of Yosemite explorations and take a hike at the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias.
EVENING: Wander through the historic gold-country town of Sonora.
DINNER: Grab a local bite at the Diamondback Grill.
Dining at Miramonte.
MIRAMONTE
Enjoy a more transformative getaway just outside Palm Springs at the Miramonte Resort & Spa in Indian Wells.
MORNING: Wake up to the stunning views of the Santa Rosa Mountains and tee off at Indian Wells Golf Resort.
AFTERNOON: Relax by the saltwater pool and find your bliss at the award-winning WELL Spa, which offers massages, facials and more.
EVENING: Enjoy delicious bites and craft cocktails (pictured above!) around a fire pit on the olive grove patio.
