Going to California for an epic road trip

California, the archetypal city of freedom and expression, is one of the most interesting destinations to tour in the U.S. Home to the Summer of Love from the Counterculture days of ‘67, it is still a relevant beauty, and one exciting way of exploring it is to be on the road. A road trip through California is full of unexpected experiences, and a whole lot of staggering sights. Whether you are a tourist, or a gonzo à la Hunter S. Thompson, you will surely end up with some fond memories of the open road in California.

A lake town that offers some of the most exciting attractions in the region. South Lake Tahoe is a road trip that must be taken by all road trip enthusiasts. You can take the trip from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe, which takes around 3.5 hours. It is a popular weekend destination, with some unusual attractions such as the Folsom Prison Museum. During the fall seasons, Apple Hill is yet another amazing spot to check out.

A city that is a mix of modernity and tradition, Sacramento exhibits a fine example of civilisation. You can drive from Los Angeles to Sacramento by road, and it should take about 1 hour and 30 minutes. There are some really exciting attractions in and around Sacramento, so you can drive around and explore them. One such place is the Lodi Wine Country, which is 40 minutes away from Sacramento, and here you can enjoy wine tasting. Also, head to the Sacramento River Delta area which is an inland river delta.

An idyllic destination for those who are looking to get away from the humdrum. Morro Bay can be reached from Los Angeles by road in about 3 hours and 20 minutes. First and foremost, the place is known for its beaches, and it creates an atmosphere so romantic that you would not want to miss out. This is also a great place for you to try your luck in watersports, and it is a fun place for the whole family. You can also get to Morro Bay from San Francisco, which takes about 3 hours 38 minutes.

Your drive from Los Angeles to Santa Maria takes about 3 hours, but you can extend this if you stop on the way. One of the best places to stop is definitely Malibu. The first stop in your itinerary, Malibu is only about an hour away from Los Angeles. It is an understatement to say that Malibu is popular, it is a must-see, an almost celebrity city. Full of good vibes, and a variety of great things to do. You will also come across Santa Barbara on the way. Santa Maria, on the other hand, is a peaceful paradise. The La Purisima Mission State Historic Park is a historic place of interest to visit here, and there is also the thrill of experiencing one of the best golf courses in the country.

While Ventura is quite an exciting place for a lot of reasons, one of its highlights is the food scene. If you are on Highway 1, then you must stop at Ventura. Yes we know the list of stops on Highway 1 is quite heavyweight, but listen up! The glorious beach of Ventura is known for some remarkable surfing, while you can also expect some good buys at its boutique stores, or second-hand stores. An eclectic mix of good food, and amazing drinks await you. Apart from the restaurants, you can also visit some of its attractions that are certainly going to impress you. The Ventura Botanical Gardens is a hidden gem and a beautiful place to visit. One thing you ought to do here is take a lot of pictures, because the view is Magnificent.

If you are on a road trip through Route 66, you must stop at Pasadena. Of course, most travellers tend to skip the destination, but it is a great place, full of life, and with a lot of culture as well. Pasadena is a city that also has an artsy side, and you can explore a lot of places related to it. Pasadena is also known for its tree-lined neighborhoods, definitely a great place to drive through!

Author: Arka Roy Chowdhury

Disclaimer: This article has been produced on behalf of Visit The USA by Mediawire team.