Road trips are virtually synonymous with gorgeous weather and, in Northern California, there’s so much to see when you’re cruising on four wheels.
But while heading to Tahoe, Big Sur, or the Russian River are epic must-do journeys, they’re just the tip of the road trip iceberg.
On these routes, you’ll find everything from outdoor adventure and historic sites to kitschy roadside attractions and wine tasting. So pack up the car and hit the pavement for these trips on roads less traveled near the Bay Area.
US-395 to Hwy 88: Mammoth Lakes to Hope Valley
The odd tufa formations at Mono Lake on US-395.
(Courtesy of @monolaketufasnr)
This road trip along the spine of the Sierra is chock full of surprises, both natural and human-built. Begin your journey at Mammoth Lakes—an outdoor haven in summer, a skiing wonderland in winter—where you'll find the chic mountain lodge Outbound Mammoth (164 Old Mammoth Rd.) and a restaurant by two brother chefs with Michelin, James Beard, and Food Network cred: Vulcania (6201 Minaret Rd. #240). From there, you’ll follow beautiful US-395 north past geological oddities, ghost towns, and hot springs all the way to Topaz on the Nevada-California border, about 100 miles away. From there, veer westward on US-89, continuing on to US-88 at Alpine Village until you arrive at Hope Valley, a gorgeous mountain pass that rivals Yosemite’s best.
Don't miss...
Devil’s Postpile National Monument
Devil’s Postpile combines one of the finest examples of spaghetti-like columnar basalt in the world with pristine high Sierra views and hiking. // Devil’s Postpile Rd., (Mammoth Lakes), nps.gov
Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve
This ancient lake is best known for its bizarre tufa, pinnacles of calcium carbonate that rise like cityscapes from the water, and salty water so dense, it’s almost impossible to sink. // US-395 (Lee Vining), parks.ca.gov
Bodie State Historic Park
Explore Gold Rush-era deserted streets and abandoned homes and businesses at Bodie, one of the West’s most complete, still-standing ghost towns. // CA-270 (Bridgeport), parks.ca.gov
Travertine Hot Springs
Composed of three natural pools on a hilltop south of Bridgeport, Travertine Hot Springs are the ideal place for a soak. // Jack Sawyer Rd. (Bridgeport), tripadvisor.com
Distance: 130 miles
US-101: Leggett to Ferndale
The Chandelier Tree, one of the kitschy stops in store on US-101.
(Courtesy of @autokennel)
There’s tons of classic kitsch in store on this trip along the Redwood Highway. Add to that some of the largest redwood forests in the state and a historic town so pristine, it’s a Hollywood darling, and you’ve got yourself a road trip. Kick things off in Ukiah, where Vichy Springs (2605 Vichy Springs Rd.), California’s oldest continuing operating resort, tends its mineral hot springs for day use and overnight stays. From there, make your way north through the woods along US-101, before turning off towards lovely Ferndale.
Don't miss...
Skunk Train: Wolf Tree Turn
Ride the Wolf Tree Turn through the Noyo River Canyon on the Skunk Train, a historic steam engine that’s been rolling through the Mendocino redwoods since 1885. // 299 East Commercial St. (Willits), skunktrain.com
Leggett
Leggett is Northern California’s king of old-school roadside attractions. Don’t miss the Chandelier Tree (67402 Drive Thru Tree Rd.), which is large enough to drive a car through, and Confusion Hill (75001 US-101), a “mysterious” spot full of optical illusions.
Avenue of the Giants
Called the “finest forest drive in the world,” motoring along this 31-mile detour on the old US-101 route is like driving through a fairytale. // 17119 Avenue of the Giants (Weott), parks.ca.gov
Ferndale
Ferndale isn’t just your destination, it’s a part of your journey. Be sure to bake some extra time into your road trip to explore the town, especially the shops in its Victorian Village and the eerie hillside cemetery.
Distance: 147 miles
Hwy 49: Mariposa to Placerville
Sutter Creek, one of the charming historic towns on US-49.
(Courtesy of @visitsuttercreek)
Take a trip back in time to California’s Gold Rush days on US-49. The road journeys through the Sierra foothills from Mariposa to Auburn, alongside some of the most storied sites and cutest towns in the entire state. Begin the drive in Mariposa, whose fabulous museum (5119 Jessie St.) Smithsonian once called one of the best small institutions west of the Mississippi. From there, the road takes you north through pint-sized communities teeming with shopping, wine, beer, and great food; past the ruins of early mines and other mid-19th century ephemera; then drops you in the middle of Auburn, a beautifully preserved historic town and the gateway to Placer County Wine Country.
Don't miss...
Kennedy Gold Mine
Tour the remains of one of the world’s deepest gold mines (try their paranormal nights investigations for something a little out of the ordinary) or wander the ruins on your own. // 12594 Kennedy Mine Rd. (Jackson), kennedygoldmine.com
Sutter Creek & Amador City
Sutter Creek and Amador City are, without a doubt, two of the most interesting, most charming historic towns in Northern California with great food, great shopping, and beautifully restored hotels like the Imperial in Amador City (14202 Old Hwy 49).
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
Visit the exact spot where California miner James W. Marshall first discovered gold, changing the trajectory of the West Coast forever. (If you’re feeling lucky, you can try panning the river yourself). // 310 Back St. (Coloma), parks.ca.gov
Placer Wine Trail
Taste your way through more than two dozen boutique wineries located in and around Auburn on the Placer Wine Trail. // placerwine.com
Distance: 180 miles
Hwy 25 to US-101: San Juan Bautista to Paso Robles
Mission San Juan Bautista
(Courtesy of @supervisoralejo)
Slow things down on a trip through the volcanic hills and wide-open ranchlands that roll slowly into Central California Wine Country. The route begins just south of the Bay Area in the historic town of San Juan Bautista before traveling on to Highway 25 and towards the rugged landscape at Pinnacles National Park. After stretching your legs and getting a look at the park’s most famous feathered residents, you’ll continue south to the junction of US-101, past fields of lavender, and on to the vineyards and sweet downtown square in Paso Robles.
Don't miss...
Mission San Juan Bautista
San Juan Bautista is best known for its mission, founded by Spanish Franciscans in 1797. The complex and its cathedral are not-to-be-missed, but be sure to continue on through the whole San Juan Bautista State Historic Park, which has several historic buildings open for viewing and exploration. The modern town’s Main Street (Third Street) just a block away has local shops and eateries that also make for a charming stop. // 19 Franklin St. (San Juan Bautista), oldmissionsjb.org
Pinnacles National Park
Pinnacles National Park has nothing like the crowds at Yosemite, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t impressive. If you’re up for a big hike, the 8.6-mile High Peaks Trail shows off the best of the park’s monumental rock formations, as well as its endangered California condors. If that’s too much to tackle, try the much shorter Moses Spring to Rim Trail Loop (2.2 miles) or the 5.3-mile Old Pinnacles Trail to Balconies Cave. // Hwy 146 (San Benito), nps.gov/pinn
Hambly Lavender Farm
With lavender fields stretching three football fields in length, Hambly is a magical, purple-hued stop not far from Paso Robles. Wander the rows of flowers and pick your own bouquet from May to September, or join a one-hour guided tour of the entire farm. // 1390 Grana Pl. (San Miguel), hamblyfarms.com
Paso Robles
The laid-back sister to San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles has a delightful small town Wine Country vibe with some world-class surprises (i.e., the radiant outdoor art exhibition Sensorio; 4380 CA-46), not to mention some of the best restaurants and vineyards in Central California. Check out our updated modern guide to the town. // travelpaso.com
Distance: 119 miles
(Courtesy of Travel Paso)
Spring in Paso Robles is when the hills turn vibrant green, wildflowers bloom, and warm days invite you outdoors. Sip newly released wines, explore scenic back roads, and savor farm-fresh flavors at local restaurants—all without the crowds. It’s the perfect season to slow down, soak it in, and discover why Paso Robles shines in spring.
// Visit travelpaso.com to learn more.
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