10 Places to Visit on a California Road Trip

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SavvySnacking #CollectiveBias

We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open — Jawaharlal Nehru
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Summer is just around the corner! I’m dreaming of road trips, hiking, beach days and everything summer brings. This summer I’m hoping to explore more of my home state. While there are so many place to see in California I rounded up my top 10 hit list. Whether you have a weekend or a week pack the car and hit the open road. Adventure awaits.

1. Lake Tahoe
The largest alpine Lake in North America; deep and wide, bluer than blue and surrounded by the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains. Ok, maybe I’m a little bias but come on check out this view! Whether you stay on the North Shore or South Shore Lake Tahoe has a little bit for everyone — beaches, hiking, biking, night life, skiing, etc.

2. San Francisco
San Francisco is known for its hilly landscape, year-round fog, iconic Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars and colorful Victorian houses. I suggest eating and drinking your way through the city. Make sure to walk across Golden Gate Bridge, visit Fisherman’s Wharf, China Town and the Exploratorium [among other things].

3. Redwood National and State Park
Most people know Redwood as home to the tallest trees on Earth. The parks also protect vast prairies, oak woodlands, wild riverways, and nearly 40 miles of pristine coastline.

4. Disneyland
It’s the happiest place on Earth! Enough said.

My sister + her fiancé

5. Napa/Sonoma
California’s wine mecca. With more than 400 wineries, Napa is this girl’s dream. Are you with me ?!

6. Carlsbad
My hometown will always have a special place in my heart. Carlsbad is a seaside town occupying a 7-mile stretch of Pacific coastline in northern San Diego County, California. Also home of Legoland, Carlsbad Flowers Fields and world class golfing. Make Carlsbad home base and explore all of San Diego over a few days.

7. Yosemite National Park
Set within California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, it’s famed for its giant, ancient sequoias, and for Tunnel View, the iconic vista of towering Bridalveil Fall and the granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome. Spend a few days hiking before heading to your next destination.


8. Central Coast
The Central Coast is an area of California roughly spanning the coastal region between Point Mugu and Monterey Bay. Spend a relaxing weekend driving HWY 101 stopping here and there along the way.


9. Death Valley National Park
Straddling eastern California and Nevada. It’s known for Titus Canyon, with a ghost town and colorful rocks, and Badwater Basin’s salt flats, North America’s lowest point.

10. Los Angeles
Ok, ok — I know L.A. is huge, but it’s a must. From the beach to the valley there’s a different vibe for everyone. Musts include hiking to the Hollywood sign, Venice Beach, Griffith Observatory, See a concert, shop, Cruise along Mulholland, etc. Oh and don’t forget to grab a breakfast burrito at some point.

10 Things to Pack for a California Road Trip*

1. Weekender tote
2. Camera
3. Water Bottle
4. Bathing Suit
5. Sandals
6. Phone/Camera Charger
7. Sunscreen
8. Cash
9. Beach Blanket
10. Snacks

*While this isn’t a complete packing list it’s a few of my must have items.

Can we talk about snacks for a minute? They can make or break a road trip. Heaven forbid you don’t pack enough or something tasty. I personally like to pack better-for-me options! During my last trip to Walmart I snagged a few bags of Lorissa’s Kitchen [Korean Barbecue Beef, Sweet Chili Pork and Szechuan Peppercorn Beef] for a upcoming trip.

Lorissa’s Kitchen is high in protein, low in carbs, low in fat, has no MSG, no preservatives and is gluten free. Along with grass-fed beef, they use responsibly raised pork.

The hubby was pleasantly surprised and pleased by my snack purchase.

Lorissa’s Kitchen #SavvySnackingSweepstakes