Planning a summer road trip? From the winding forests and craggy coastline of Northern California, cruise down Highway One on miles of coastline and rolling hills to the sunny beaches and deserts of Southern California. Adventure as a family or take a solo trip to unwind—California offers plenty for everyone on your ultimate road trip.

What child forgets trees so big you can (literally) drive through them? Vast forests filled with giant redwoods are just one of the highlights that help make this region memorable. Add exploring lava tubes, caverns and waterfalls and a coast stacked with sea lions, and you have unforgettable family adventures.

The San Francisco Bay Area and surrounding regions are hard to resist. Cable cars meet surf beaches and boat voyages offer sea lion sightings. The museums are so much fun you don’t think they’re museums at all. With its iconic sights and a wealth of family-friendly eateries to choose from you have a delightful region to explore.

The landscapes here are dramatic and fun for families to explore. From vast rock formations, giant redwoods, booming waterfalls and desert scenery to ocean cruises, historic ghost towns, adventure parks and breathtaking overlooks, California’s mountains provide the kind of outdoor family time you won’t stop talking about.

Families love California’s Central Coast. It’s a winning combination of epic drives, surf-soaked beaches, adventure sports, and irresistible wildlife, not to mention a world-class aquarium and rugged national park. Eateries tend to have a casual vibe, so prepare for everything from burgers and tacos at shore-side cafes to mouthwatering ice cream. This laid-back atmosphere pretty much sums up this region's family-friendly feel.

While movies and TV may be a centerpiece of Southern California fun with its studio tours and theme parks, there's more to this region than movies. You'll find museums, desert tours, beaches, whale watching and more.

From apples to Zinfandel grapes, citrus and avocados, everything worth eating (and drinking) grows in abundance in Northern California, making the region a driving force in America’s ‘farm-to-table’ food movement. From platters of fresh seafood plucked straight from the Pacific, to grass-fed cattle roaming freely inland, its near-perfect climate produces some of the highest-grade foods in the nation. From coastline to mountaintops, taste your way around every delicious inch of the region using our inspiring road trip guides.

With its dynamic and progressive food scene, more than 300 Michelin-star restaurants, and stunning rural surrounds – producing everything from world-class wines to award-winning cheeses and olive oils – it’s hard not to eat well in the Bay Area and beyond. From Sacramento to San Francisco, Sonoma to San Jose, enjoy an unforgettable tasting menu as you explore this 47-square-mile culinary mecca. Spoiled for choice? You certainly are. Use our road trip guides for inspiration and be sure to reserve ahead.

From Bakersfield to Death Valley, Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park, California’s mountains are full of epicurean delights. Follow the old Gold Rush trail through the Sierra foothills to discover a different kind of wine country, feast on freshwater fish plucked straight from the lake, and stock up on picnic supplies from one-of-a-kind artisanal delis. Whether you crave local smoked meats or a breakfast fit for kings, make your refueling stops count with our inspiring road trips for foodies.

From Monterey to San Luis Obispo County and south to Santa Barbara and Ventura County, California’s Central Coast showcases the best of the Pacific’s bounty. Make your coastal sojourn an epicurean quest as you hop between seaside towns and popular oceanfront escapes, feasting on fish tacos, freshly-caught crab and oyster platters as you go. Whether you want to wine and dine or lunch on the beach, both casual and upscale eateries abound – each with its own distinct personality, and most with killer ocean views. Browse our road trip guides for not-to-miss meal-stops and watering holes.

Los Angeles is a culinary melting pot, with its star-studded restaurants, multicultural eateries and family-friendly dining spots. But the tastebud-tingling treats don’t stop there. Follow the coastline south to San Diego, known for its innovative seafood scene, or make like a celebrity in Palm Springs, a popular gourmet escape. Head to Orange County and Los Angeles’ beach towns for an unmistakable blend of sun, sea, sand and steak. From breakfast delis to supper clubs, our inspiring road trip guides have your meal stops covered.

Northern California’s small towns are full of distinct character. Stretching from the coast to the mountains, discover what makes them special as you explore each unique town . From sculpture gardens and specialty museums to historic sites and farmers’ markets, experience the area’s culture at your own pace, on four wheels. Use our inspiring road trip guides to plan a cultural route to remember in Northern California.

San Francisco is an urban metropolis, filled with world-class culture, from eclectic art galleries and museums to Broadway-caliber plays and first-rate concerts. However, there’s more to this region than the City by the Bay. Experience California’s famous surf scene first-hand on the sun-drenched beaches of Santa Cruz, stroll the heritage parks of Sacramento, taste your way around the historic wineries of Napa Valley and Sonoma County and savor the vibrant diversity of Oakland and the East Bay. There’s something for every culture lover in the Bay Area. Use our road trip guides to find your perfect cultural pit stop.

Home to Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous U.S, California’s Sierra Nevada Mountain range and its surroundings are as rich in history as they are outdoor adventures. Trace the famous Gold Rush trail between far-flung towns and trading posts, discover the history of the railroad at museums and national monuments, taste your way between one-of-a-kind wineries, breweries and distilleries, and enjoy nights out like a local at quirky theaters and entertainment venues. From Truckee to Bakersfield to Nipton, our guides have your cultural road trip covered.

If unforgettable cultural experiences framed by palm trees, golden sands and Pacific sunsets sound like your perfect road trip, look no further than California’s Central Coast. From Santa Barbara and Ventura County in the south to Monterey and Carmel in the north, the cities and towns that dot the region’s shoreline are filled with must-see attractions. Sip your way through world-class wineries with ocean views, marvel at a diverse range of architectural gems like Hearst Castle in San Simeon, pause to reflect at historic Spanish-style missions and shop like a local at farm stands and artisan stores.

Home to many of the country’s most innovative performers, richest art collections, and influential live music and comedy clubs, Southern California is a hub of creative culture – with a history just as intriguing. From modernist concert halls to Spanish-flavored missions, the region’s eclectic architecture is as diverse as the multicultural heritage it represents. Whether you're into movies, museums or ancient ruins, no trip to Southern California is complete without a stop at these cultural hotspots. Browse our road trip guides and to find out more.

Forests of ancient redwoods ripple across Northern California. Countless trails wind through these magnificent trees, making even short walks extraordinary. Include a bit of horseback riding, a stroll along windswept beaches, gazing at roaring waterfalls or a glide down crystal-clear rivers and this is one exciting region to discover.

San Francisco is hard to resist. This enticing city is perfect for exploring by foot or bike, from its city parks to its sandy beaches. Venture further out for scenic drives, whale watching trips and redwood forests. All this, and more, are waiting to be discovered in the City by the Bay and beyond.

Some of America's most scenic wild spaces can be found in the mountains of California. The National Parks of Yosemite and Sequoia/Kings Canyon might tempt you. You may want to explore the high dunes of Death Valley. Or try whitewater rafting, hiking to emerald lake or gazing at dramatic waterfalls. No matter what, you'll be drawn in by the peace, the freedom and the wraparound views.

From Monterey to Ventura County - this region is defined by a glittering coast. A Central Coast road trip could be filled with surfing, kayaking, horseback riding, whale watching or more. Perhaps you'll end the day with some just-caught local seafood. Or take a spectacular coastal drive and find your own favorite beach to catch a spectacular sunset.

Southern California is a region of contrasts, sweeping from San Diego, Orange County and Los Angeles to Temecula, the deserts of Greater Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park. Enjoy coastal beauty in San Diego, go sailing in Orange County or take a bike ride and discover Los Angeles' contemporay culture. Head inland for other-wordly landscapes of canyons, rock formations, Suess-like trees and breathtaking views.