How to Plan the Ultimate California Summer Road Trip: West Coast Road Trip Tips

How to Plan the Ultimate California Summer Road Trip: West Coast Road Trip Tips

California is made for road trips. With its golden beaches, dramatic coastline, national parks, charming small towns, and buzzing cities, there is a slice of paradise for everyone. And summer? It is the perfect time to soak it all in—sun-drenched highways, vibrant festivals, and long days that stretch into unforgettable nights.

If you are ready to hit the road and explore the best of the Golden State, this detailed summer road trip guide is packed with routes, tips, stops, and hacks to make your journey smooth, scenic, and spectacular.

A Car driving highway near ocean view

Best California Road Trip Routes for Summer

1. The Classic Pacific Coast Highway (PCH / Highway 1) - Scenic Drive Lovers

Route: San Francisco → Big Sur → San Luis Obispo → Santa Barbara → Los Angeles → San Diego

Highlights:

  • Golden Gate Bridge Views
  • Bixby Creek Bridge and Big Sur’s rugged cliffs
  • Santa Barbara’s Spanish charm
  • Malibu beaches
  • La Jolla coves in San Diego

Pro Tip:
Start north in SF and drive south so you are on the ocean side of the road, the views are jaw-dropping.

2. The National Parks Loop

Route: San Francisco → Yosemite → Sequoia → Kings Canyon → Death Valley → Joshua Tree → Los Angeles

Highlights:

  • Hike among giant sequoias and granite cliffs.
  • Stargaze in Death Valley and Joshua Tree.
  • Visit the lowest and hottest point in North America.

Pro Tip:
Check Road closures in summer due to heat in Death Valley and wildfires near Yosemite. Carry extra water and always have a full tank in remote areas.

3. Northern California Nature Loop

Route: Sacramento → Lassen Volcanic NP → Mount Shasta → Redwood NP → Mendocino → Napa Valley

Highlights:

  • Lava tubes and boiling springs in Lassen
  • Towering Redwoods near Crescent City
  • Wine tasting in Napa and Sonoma

Pro Tip:
Ideal for those looking for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Great for hiking, camping, and nature photography.

Why Summer is Ideal for a California Road Trip

  • Weather Perks: Sunshine and minimal rain make it easy to plan outdoor activities.
  • Extended Daylight: Enjoy long days and golden-hour drives until almost 9 PM.
  • Events and Festivals: From SF Pride to the OC Fair, there is always something happening.
  • Open Access: Iconic roads like Tioga Pass (Yosemite) are only open during summer months.

Must-See Stops on Your California Road Trip

Here is a curated mix of popular and underrated gems to add to your itinerary:

San Francisco

  • Top Sights: Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Painted Ladies
  • Insider Tip: Skip Pier 39 and explore the Mission District’s murals instead.

Big Sur

  • Top Sights: Pfeiffer Beach, McWay Falls, Nepenthe Restaurant
  • Insider Tip: Cell service is spotty—download maps in advance.

Santa Barbara

  • Top Sights: Stearns Wharf, Old Mission Santa Barbara, Funk Zone wineries
  • Insider Tip: Walk the Urban Wine Trail to tasting rooms in a fun beach setting.

Los Angeles

  • Top Sights: Venice Beach, Griffith Observatory, Hollywood Sign
  • Insider Tip: Visit early or late to avoid traffic. Skip Hollywood Blvd—it is a tourist trap.

Joshua Tree National Park

  • Top Sights: Cholla Cactus Garden, Hidden Valley Trail
  • Insider Tip: Visit at sunrise or sunset to avoid the heat and catch epic skies.

San Diego

  • Top Sights: Balboa Park, Coronado Island, Sunset Cliffs
  • Insider Tip: Spend a cool day exploring La Jolla’s tide pools and seals.

Packing List: Summer Essentials for a California Road Trip

Travel Must-Haves

  • Driver’s license and car registration
  • Roadside emergency kit
  • Phone mount + car charger
  • Navigation apps (Google Maps + offline maps)

Summer Gear

  • Sunscreen (reef-safe preferred)
  • Sunglasses and hat
  • Reusable water bottle (Hydro Flask or LifeStraw)
  • Swimwear, towel, flip-flops
  • Daypack for hikes

Optional Add-ons

  • Lightweight sleeping bag or picnic blanket
  • Folding chairs for beach or campsites
  • Cooler or insulated lunch bag
  • Travel snacks (see our post on Healthy Travel Snacks)

Pro Tip:
Layer up—California mornings can be cool even in summer, especially along the coast.

Road Trip Tips and Tricks

1. Book Accommodations Early

Summer = peak season. Book campsites, hotels, or Airbnb’s in advance—especially near national parks and beaches.

2. Rent the Right Ride

Consider a convertible for Highway 1, or a campervan if you are planning to camp often. Check that your car has working A/C (necessary in the desert).

3. Avoid Traffic Traps

Plan city entries/exits during off-peak hours (10am–3pm or after 7pm). Use Waze or Google Maps to check real-time traffic.

4. Pack Reusable Everything

California bans single-use plastics in many areas. Bring your own straws, bags, and utensils.

5. Mind the Gas Tank

Fuel up before entering remote areas like Death Valley, Big Sur, or Sequoia. Stations may be miles apart—and overpriced!

Where to Eat Along the Way

California is a foodie's paradise. Here is a quick foodie stop guide:

  • In-N-Out Burger: Iconic West Coast fast food
  • Café Gratitude (LA or SF): Vegan with a vibe
  • Philz Coffee (Bay Area and LA): Must-try cold brew
  • Splash Café (Pismo Beach): Clam chowder that is worth the detour!
  • Taqueria El Farolito (SF): Authentic Mission burritos

Pro Tip:
Use Yelp or Google Reviews to find roadside diners, farmer’s markets, and food trucks—it is part of the fun!

Eco-Friendly Travel Tips

California is eco-conscious—so your road trip should be too:

  • Carry reusable water bottles and containers.
  • Dispose of waste properly, especially in natural areas.
  • Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect coastal ecosystems.
  • Offset your carbon footprint through apps like Wren or MyClimate.

Best Photo Spots

  • Battery Spencer (SF) for a postcard view of the Golden Gate
  • Bixby Bridge (Big Sur)
  • El Matador Beach (Malibu)
  • Tunnel View (Yosemite)
  • Zabriskie Point (Death Valley)
  • Sunset Cliffs (San Diego)

Bring a tripod, wide-angle lens, and extra storage for your phone or camera—you will need it!

Sample 10-Day California Summer Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: San Francisco
Day 2: Santa Cruz → Monterey
Day 3: Big Sur
Day 4: San Luis Obispo → Pismo Beach
Day 5: Santa Barbara → Malibu
Day 6: Los Angeles
Day 7: Joshua Tree National Park
Day 8: Palm Springs → Temecula (wine tasting)
Day 9: San Diego
Day 10: Return or extend trip to Laguna Beach or inland desert

California’s diversity is unmatched—from iconic coastal drives to soaring mountains and deserted oases. Road-tripping through this dynamic state in summer means you will get sunshine, scenic beauty, and the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Whether you are a seasoned traveler or planning your first big adventure, the Golden State is sure to leave you sun-kissed and awe-struck.

Ready to plan your California summer road trip?
Share this guide with your travel crew, bookmark it for your adventure, and subscribe to our newsletter for more lifestyle and travel tips!

Have your road-tripped through California? Drop your favorite stops in the comments—we would love to hear them!

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