Top Things to do in California
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Top 10 Scenic Drives in California, United States
California is a fertile, peaceful place where you’ll find a near-equal balance of vineyards and deserts, beaches and mountains, hippies and traditionalists. Catch an epic wave in Big Sur or swirl a glass in Napa Valley. Be dazzled by the Joshua Tree night sky or just star-gaze in Hollywood. Swish down the slopes of a Tahoe ski resort, or cruise across the Golden Gate Bridge with the top down and the music blasting. Above all, don’t forget to soak up some Golden State sunshine.
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1. Mendocino Coast
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 756 reviews
A scenic drive along California's Pacific coastline offering beaches, historic lighthouses and old-time fishing villages.
Reviewed By Martysfo - San Rafael, United States
Great cliffs, fog and quiet mark this coast. It is cold and chilly, even in August. Yet it is a must see so one can step back in time to how California used to be. A bonus is the trip up through the Anderson Valley Wine Region on the way to the coast from the Bay Area.
2. Tioga Road
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 369 reviews
This road, leading to Yosemite's high country, winds through one of the highest mountain passes in the state.
Reviewed By sgphoto - Grand Junction, United States
Wonderful drive up to the Tioga entrance station. Even we tried to get tickets to Yosemite to go over into Yosemite, the website told us no passes were being issued to Yosemite. We were very frustrated, but it turned out to be a real blessing as we were able to enjoy the lakes and mountains leading up to the pass (and then back down!). Ellery lake is gorgeous in the morning (about 8am) with perfect reflections. Saddleback lake (up a good travel road) was low, but still beautiful. The Sierra's are beautiful along the way..take the time to explore!
3. Tioga Pass
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,160 reviews
Dramatic drive starting at elevation 6,100 feet outside of Yosemite Valley and finishing 47 miles later atop Tioga Pass.
Reviewed By sherylfu - Berkeley, United States
Such a beautiful drive over Tioga Pass--something for everyone, photographers, geology freaks, hikers, lake lovers.
4. Pacific Coast Highway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,643 reviews
Running along the northern California coast, this highway has some of the best views of any in the United States.
Reviewed By WaitForIttttt - Hazlet, United States
My husband and I drove the Pacific Coast Highway while making our way down the West Coast from Seattle to San Diego. This was the most beautiful drive we have ever taken. The views of the coast and the Pacific are absolutely stunning. There are tons of vistas and beaches to stop at, and sometimes even the road itself is a sight to see. There was also so much to see along the way! We stopped at: * Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park * Shelter Cove * Glass Beach * Bowling Ball Beach * San Francisco * Point Arena Lighthouse * Davenport Pier * Monterey * 17- Mile Drive * Bixby Bridge * Big Sur * Santa Barbara I'd recommend trying to take in all of them because we enjoyed every single place we visited. Also, make sure to check for closures. We were fortunate in that the entire stretch was open when we visited. There were some minor areas of construction where we had to wait a bit before passing, but it wasn't a long wait. I think everyone should experience this beautiful highway and every breathtaking mile it has to offer!
5. Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 507 reviews
Home of the 31 mile Avenue of the Giants (Redwoods).
Reviewed By Waz-pap
Very special place to really appreciate the Redwoods and hike in old growth forests - a must for everyones bucket list
6. Avenue of the Giants
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 943 reviews
Reviewed By radar60 - Lompoc, United States
Avenue of the giants is a stunning 32 mile scenic drive through magnificent redwoods and meandering eel river vistas. Plenty of groves where you can stop and go for a hike to admire Mother Nature’s incredible beauty. We stopped by the drive through tree but our vehicle ( VW Atlas ) was too wide. Still a drive worthwhile taking.
7. Redwood Highway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 820 reviews
Reviewed By SailorSuzan - Seattle, United States
I recommend visiting a 'visitor's center' for the Redwood National Park to get an overview of the collection of land parcels that make up the Redwood National and State Parks so that you can appreciate what's left of the giant redwoods. Even along US Highway 101, there are easy on/off to enjoy glimpse of some great groves. Remember there is only 4% of the original forest left - hence the collection of small parcels, but still incredible.
8. Highway 1 Discovery Route
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 156 reviews
Roam this 101-mile stretch of Highway 1 in San Luis Obispo County (SLO CAL) where you'll find 10 uncrowded beaches, 12 state parks, Hearst Castle, three bountiful wine regions, farm-to-table cuisine, and unique wildlife habitats. Wherever you roam along the Highway 1 Discovery Route, you will find the best of Highway 1!
Reviewed By D4283UWwendyh
This is a wonderful road that for many mikes is along the Pacific coast. Do not use it as a freeway, it is not. Great scenic drive with lots to see and do along the way. Most is one lane in each direction, but the scenery is not something that you will want to speed past.
9. Colorado Boulevard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 251 reviews
The site of the Rose Parade in Pasadena.
Reviewed By terrihK9755MZ - Phoenix, United States
We walked up and down Colorado Ave shopping and exploring. It was a beautiful day. The streets are clean, great stores and restaurants too. We had a lovely day taking in Pasadena.
10. State Street Underpass
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,386 reviews
Seven straight miles of shops.
Reviewed By christinam22018 - San Diego, United States
Visiting Santa Barbara is always fun. The city has great shopping, dining and the beach! We walked from one end of State Street all the way for the Wharf. We went into the antique shops and record shops. It’s a nice stroll so bring comfy shoes and your credit card! We stopped into a store; I can’t remember the name; but she sells slightly used high end items. I found a gorgeous Oscar de la Renta silk scarf for $100. It was a good find! There are numerous local businesses up and down the street. There is also a ‘mall’ with all the typical stores. It’s was very enjoyable.
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