Best Drives Along the California Coast

California is a wonderful place to hop in your car and head out for a road trip. The state is very diverse from the luscious green forests to the crystal clear coasts to the hot desert. There are plenty of drives to choose from, so let us recommend a few! But before you head out, make sure your car is ready for your road trip. If you need any routine maintenance services, give Wrench a call! We will conveniently come to you so you can keep packing!

1. Pacific Coast Highway
   The Pacific Coast Highway is a drive that stretches across the whole state, right along the beautiful California coast. There are many attractions along the way, but be sure to spend at least on beach day to relax by the waves. If you are more of a city traveler, you will pass by many large cities including San Francisco, San Diego, and Malibu. This drive is very long, so be sure to take a lot of time, or you could just do part of the drive.
2. Highway 395
   Highway 395 is a long drive that starts in California and goes all the way up to Canada! In California section of this drive, you will go through the desert, but you will also pass some lakes and ghost towns! Though this is a long drive, there are plenty of places where you could stop and go on a hike to stretch your legs. This diverse drive is sure to please a huge range of people, so start packing your vehicle today!
3. Route 66
   This historical drive starts in Chicago and ends near Los Angeles, so if you are looking for multi-state road trip, this drive is for you! If you are just looking at enjoying the California portion of Route 66, you will pass quite a few major cities such as Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and San Bernardino. People all over the world come to experience the wonders of this drive so go ahead and add it to your road trip bucket list.
4. Highway 101
   This highway starts in Los Angeles and ends in Washington state, perfect for a coastal view of the West. In the California portion of this drive, you will run into a bunch of interesting stops along the way, so be prepared to stop and look around. In the very beginning of the drive, there will be a lot of traffic because Los Angeles is highly populated city. If you wait it out, you will eventually get to the Pacific Coast Highway and get beautiful views of the ocean. Then you can follow this drive all the way up North, experiencing the entire West Coast of the country.
5. Ebbett’s Pass Scenic Byway
   This is a fantastic drive through the Sierra Nevada mountains, full of breath-taking views and great hiking opportunities. You will get an up-close look at the wildlife in the area as well as the green forests and flowing rivers. If winter sports are your thing, bring your skiing or snowboarding gear! This drive is full of outdoor activities so go get in touch with nature and take this drive for your next trip!
6. Trinity Scenic Byway
   This scenic drive shows off Northern California and runs West to East rather than right up the coast. You will, again, get closer to the local wildlife and plants in this day trip drive. Follow along the Trinity River and keep your eyes open for the stunning scenic views. Though nature is a huge draw for travelers, there is also historical significance from the Native Americans to the Miners and Loggers that made California into what it is today.
7. Silverado Trail
   The Silverado Trail is a drive that goes right through California’s very own Napa Valley, the heart of wine country. This scenic drive offers more than just great views, some of the best wineries in the state are right along the way. Be sure to stop and pick up a bottle or two, or bring a few friends and enjoy your day wine tasting. Of course, don’t ever drink and drive!
8. Mount Shasta - Cascade Loop
   Since California is full of beautiful nature, we are going to recommend lots of drives for outdoorsy people, and Mount Shasta’s Cascade loop is another great attraction! Explore volcanoes, lakes, and forests in this 500 mile drive. Bring you tents and other camping gear and spend a night under the stars. If you own a boat, consider bringing it up to Shasta Lake and enjoy a day in the water!
9. Redwood Highway
   Drive through clusters of tall Redwood trees in the Redwood Highway drive. Redwood trees are the tallest living thing with a stunning height of 350 feet tall. If you choose this drive it won’t disappoint! You can drive through a standing Redwood tree, see a one-log house, or take a gondola ride through the vast forest. Bring the family on this drive as it will appeal to almost all ages!
10. California 1
    Explore the Big Sur Coast with this 650 mile drive right up the California Coast. This drive doesn’t stretch across the whole state, it ends a little past San Francisco, but there are plenty Coastal wonders for you to enjoy. Make sure you stop along the way to enjoy a beach day. You can soak up the sun, go scuba diving, or just dip your toes in the sand. Be sure to pack your sunscreen and any other things you need to keep yourself and your car happy and healthy during your scenic road trip adventure!