ON OUR ROUTE
California
Hikes & walks in this region ↓Highlights to explore
Our first choices for nature, scenery and memorable towns. Keep the other places for a longer stay.
17-Mile Drive
What to see →
Alcatraz
What to see →More places & practical guides (40)
San Diego
San Diego combines wide Pacific beaches, a mild climate and relaxed neighborhoods with one of California's most pleasant big city atmospheres. Balboa Park, the historic old town and coastal towns can be easily distributed over several days.
Explore →Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
California's largest state park shows a surprisingly wild side of the south. Badlands, palm oases, slot canyons and huge metal sculptures are located around the small desert town of Borrego Springs.
Explore →Salton Sea
The Salton Sea is not a classic holiday destination, but rather a strange landscape between nature, decay and art. The lake, abandoned places and the colourful desert art around Bombay Beach and Salvation Mountain create an almost surreal atmosphere.
Explore →Joshua Tree National Park
In Joshua Tree National Park Mojave and Colorado Deserts meet. Marked Joshua Trees, bright granite rocks and vast desert areas make the park one of Southern California's most famous landscape destinations.
Explore →Palm Springs
Palm Springs is a relaxed desert city with mid-century architecture, palm trees, pools and direct access to the San Jacinto Mountains. After several days of desert, it is a pleasant place for shopping, eating and relaxing.
Explore →Los Angeles
Los Angeles is not a compact city, but a huge network of very different neighborhoods. Hollywood, Downtown, Santa Monica, Venice and the viewpoints in the hills are far apart and need clear day planning.
Explore →Malibu
Malibu stretches over many kilometers along the Pacific coast. Between rocky bays, surfer beaches and Santa Monica Mountains are some of the most beautiful coastal stops north of Los Angeles.
Explore →Santa Barbara
Spanish architecture, palm trees, mountains and a well-kept waterfront make Santa Barbara feel almost Mediterranean. The city is more compact and relaxed than Los Angeles.
Explore →Solvang
Solvang looks like a small piece of Europe in Santa Ynez Valley with half-timbered facades, windmills and Danish bakeries. The place is touristy but very entertaining as a short stopover.
Explore →Hearst Castle
The property of the media entrepreneur William Randolph Hearst sits high above the coast at San Simeon. Magnificent spaces, art collections and famous pools make Hearst Castle one of California's most extraordinary historical places.
Explore →Morro Bay
Morro Bay is a relaxed harbour town around the distinctive Morro Rock. Sea otters, small boats, fish restaurants and protected shore areas make it a pleasant break on the Central Coast.
Explore →Big Sur
Big Sur stands for the most dramatic coastal landscape in California: steep cliffs, Redwood gorges, waterfalls and Highway 1 just above the Pacific. The route is a highlight but requires careful planning with large vehicles.
Explore →Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Point Lobos is often referred to as the crown jewel of California State Parks. In a narrow space, rocky bays, cypress forests, turquoise water and an exceptionally rich wildlife combine.
Explore →Carmel-By-The-Sea
Carmel is a well-kept seaside resort with small courtyards, galleries, fairytale-like houses and a bright sandy beach. The centre can be explored on foot.
Explore →Monterey
Monterey combines marine history, a lively waterfront and one of the most famous aquariums in the world. The protected bay is also an excellent area for sea otters and whale watching.
Explore →Pinnacles National Park
Pinnacles protects a rugged volcanic landscape with rock towers, caves and important habitats of the California condor. The park is smaller than many other national parks and ideal for an active hiking day.
Explore →San Francisco
San Francisco is more compact than Los Angeles, but challenging due to its hills, traffic and scarce parking spaces for large vehicles. The mixture of bays, historic neighborhoods, cable cars and vantage points is nevertheless unique.
Explore →Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is more than a photo motif. Viewpoints on both sides, coastal paths and the changing fog moods make it your own half-day trip.
Explore →Muir Woods National Monument
Just a few kilometers north of San Francisco Muir Woods protects an old coastal Redwood forest. The short, well-developed paths make the place accessible even for travelers who do not plan a long walk.
Explore →Point Reyes National Seashore
Point Reyes is a rough peninsula with cliffs, lighthouses, beaches, Tule-Elks and frequent fog. The region looks much wilder than the nearby San Francisco.
Explore →Napa Valley
Napa Valley is one of the most famous wine-growing areas in the USA. In addition to vineyards, small places, good restaurants, gentle hills and a well-kept cultural landscape await you.
Explore →Yosemite National Park
Yosemite combines granite walls, waterfalls, mountain meadows, mammoth trees and the high mountains of Sierra Nevada. The park is one of the largest natural experiences in the USA but is heavily visited during the high season.
Explore →Mono Lake
The highly salty Mono Lake is located in front of the eastern Sierra Nevada. Limestone towers, open desert landscape and millions of migratory birds make it one of California's most unusual lakes.
Explore →Bodie Ghost Town
Bodie is one of the best preserved ghost cities in the American West. Houses, shops and workshops are in the state of the so-called Arrested Decay and convey an amazingly direct picture of the former mine life.
Explore →Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes is a good starting point for mountain lakes, volcanic geology, hiking tours and winter sports. The city also offers the best supply on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada.
Explore →Devils Postpile National Monument
The almost regular basalt columns of the Devils Postpile were created by cooling lava and later glacier erosion. The monument is located in a remote valley west of Mammoth Mountain.
Explore →Sequoia National Park
Sequoia National Park protects some of the most powerful trees on earth. Giant Forest, deep canyons and high Sierra peaks form a landscape that goes far beyond the famous General Sherman Tree.
Explore →Kings Canyon National Park
Kings Canyon connects Giant Sequoias near Grant Grove with a deep-cut mountain valley along the Kings River. The drive to Cedar Grove is one of California's most beautiful mountain ranges on an open road.
Explore →Death Valley National Park
Death Valley is a landscape of extremes: salty areas below sea level, coloured hills, dunes and high mountains lie close together. The park is huge and requires good preparation due to heat, distances and weak reception.
Explore →Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lassen combines volcanic cones, steaming fumaroles, clear mountain lakes and snow fields. The park looks like a compact blend of Yellowstone and alpine Sierra landscape, but remains much quieter.
Explore →Redwood National & State Parks
On the north coast, the tallest trees on earth grow. Redwood National Park and associated State Parks protect ancient coastal redwoods, wild beaches, rivers and a rich wildlife.
Explore →Avenue Of The Giants
The Avenue of the Giants runs as a quiet side road through Humboldt Redwood's State Park. At about 50 kilometres old redwood groves, small towns and accesses to the Eel River alternate.
Explore →Glass Beach & Fort Bragg
Fort Bragg is a good base for the rough Mendocino Coast. Glass Beach is known for its rounded glass, but coastal paths, cliffs and historic Skunk Train also make it interesting.
Explore →Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is located high in the Sierra Nevada on the border with Nevada. The clear blue water, granite bays, mountain forests and numerous viewpoints make the lake attractive all year round.
Explore →Hidden Gems
These places are partly off the classic route or require more preparation. That's why they are one of the most exciting additions to a long California trip.
Explore →Conclusion
California is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular road trip destinations in North America. No other state connects world cities, Pacific coasts, deserts, high mountains, volcanic landscapes and the highest trees on earth at this density.
Explore →Mendocino & Fort Bragg
A coastal village, headland walks and nearby Fort Bragg offer a slower contrast to the national parks.
Explore →Planning this region
California is rightly described as one of the most varied states in the United States. In a comparatively narrow area, Pacific coasts, deserts, high mountains, huge mammoth trees, volcanic landscapes, wine regions and world cities combine.
Explore →More highlights
In addition to the main stops, California offers other destinations that can be perfectly integrated into the route depending on the season and available time.
Explore →Camping, services & boondocking
This proposal combines comfortable supply nights with simple campgrounds and free overnight stays. After two to three self-sufficient nights at the latest, a place with fresh water and disposal is deliberately followed again. Where Boondocking with a large Fifth Wheel does not make sense, the plan remains with an official campground.
Explore →Hikes & walks nearby
No detailed trail matches these preferences. Try Any duration or Any route type. Explore the guide ideas below or search the trail sources.
From our travel guide
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Hiking
Watching the Starry Sky Discovering metal sculptures
Check trail length, difficulty and the return route with the park before choosing a walk.
From our travel guide
Joshua Tree National Park
Hiking
Bouldering and climbing Photographing stars
Check trail length, difficulty and the return route with the park before choosing a walk.
From our travel guide
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Cypress Grove Trail
The short circular path leads through wind-shaped Monterey cypresses to open coastal views.
China Cove & Bird Island Trail
Turquoise water, small bays and bird colonies make this section particularly photogenic.
Check trail length, difficulty and the return route with the park before choosing a walk.
From our travel guide
Pinnacles National Park
High Peaks Trail
The promising round leads through the middle of the rock towers and offers good chances to see condores.
Hiking
Watching Condors Rock climbing
Check trail length, difficulty and the return route with the park before choosing a walk.
From our travel guide
Muir Woods National Monument
Main Trail
The largely flat path follows Redwood Creek through the highest and densest part of the forest.
Canopy View Trail
Those who have more time rise from the valley to quieter forest paths above the main path.
Check trail length, difficulty and the return route with the park before choosing a walk.
From our travel guide
Yosemite National Park
Hiking
Cycling in the Valley Watching Wild Animals
Check trail length, difficulty and the return route with the park before choosing a walk.
Look a little further
Search current recommendations for California. These links open an external search using your preferences.
Trail details checked against park sources in September 2026. Check current closures, weather, permits and any return transport before setting out.