Your Guide To Roadtripping Through California

Part 1: A Two Week Itinerary

Your guide to roadtripping California, PART ONE (yes I’ve made a series) ✨ After living in California for just about 8 years, I wouldn’t say I’m an expert on this state but I would say I could give some solid roadtrip guidance 🤭 If you have 2 weeks for a roadtrip in California, this is how I’d recommend you spend it with a start/end point of the SF Bay Area:

🚗 1 night in Big Sur, with a base in Carmel (30m north). Roughly a 2h drive from the Bay Area. Highway 1 is an epic highway along the coast and is full of incredible views, including the iconic Bixby Bridge and McWay Falls which both are incredible during sunset since they face West. Carmel is the cutest town that is worth exploring for the afternoon. There are actually no street addresses in Carmel, and there are tons of cute storybook homes to discover such as the Hansel and Gretel House.

🚗 1 night in San Luis Obispo. This is just short of a 3h drive from Big Sur. Some cool points of interest include the Oceano Sand Dunes (and yes you can drive on the dunes in some parts!) and Morro Rock. While you’re here, be sure to check out SloDoCo for what will likely be the best donuts you’ll ever have.

🚗 2 nights in Alabama Hills. A 5h drive from SLO. You’re likely going to want to camp here which is how I (and everyone I know) always spend our time while here but there are accommodations in Lone Pine if camping isn’t your thing. There’s quite a few hikes out here that are worthwhile, including the infamous Mobius Arch. This is a perfect dark-sky destination for those of you who are into photographing the stars as well.

🚗 3 nights in Mammoth. Under a 2h drive from Lone Pine! Mammoth is incredible regardless of the season, but definitely recommend being here in the spring-fall season. Winter is beautiful but can complicate getting around to some places, such as making you hike a couple of extra miles to see the Hot Creek Geologic Site. There are tons of BLM to camp on out here, including spots right behind Hot Creek. Some places worth checking out is Mono Lake, June Lake, Convict Lake, Crawley Columns, Wild Willy’s Hot Springs, and more.

🚗 2 nights in Yosemite National Park. Just about 1.5h from Mammoth (outside of winter). I’m bias but this is one of California’s best national parks. Make sure you wake up for sunrise to beat 97% of the crowds. Some solid accommodations outside of the park include Firefall Ranch + Rushcreek Lodge. Some must-see locations in Yosemite that you cannot miss are Tunnel View, Lower Yosemite Falls, and Valley View. If you’re up for a hike, my favorite somewhat short hike is Vernal Falls. Do this hike in the afternoon for the best chance of seeing the rainbow that made this waterfall famous :)

🚗 3 nights in Redwood National Park. The drive here from Yosemite could be 9h depending on where you’re going, but don’t let the length deter you. This area is beautiful. I’d suggest you make day 1 a driving day so you’re rested for 2 full days! Points of interest include Lady Bird Johnson trail and Fern Canyon. Accommodations can easily be found but my favorite is via Campspot for the cuter A-Frame rentals.

🚗 2 nights in San Francisco. Only 5.5h to drive back, but make sure you give yourself time to explore Avenue of the Giants! Two nights in SF guarantees you one day to see San Francisco, with POI including Mount Tam and Lombard Street, and the Golden Gate Overlook. If you have a car, definitely go North over the Golden Gate into the Headlands to hike up Slacker Hill and see San Francisco from a new point of view.