California is a state that beckons road trippers with an array of beautiful landscapes, from coastal vistas to mountain ranges. Here are 10 scenic road trips in California with their best stops for travelers to enjoy.

1. Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1)

– Best Stops: McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, the Bixby Bridge, Elephant Seal Vista Point near San Simeon, and the historic Hearst Castle.

2. Big Sur Coast Highway

– Best Stops: Pfeiffer Beach for its purple sand and keyhole rock formations, the Nepenthe Restaurant for cliff-top dining, and the Point Sur Lighthouse.

3. Sierra Nevada Scenic Byway

– Best Stops: The breathtaking viewpoints of Yosemite National Park, Mono Lake’s incredible tufa towers, and the ghost town of Bodie.

4. Redwood Highway (Highway 101)

– Best Stops: The Avenue of the Giants for a drive through towering redwoods, the quaint town of Ferndale, and Redwood National and State Parks for hiking among ancient trees.

5. Death Valley Scenic Byway (Highway 190)

– Best Stops: Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America; Zabriskie Point for its eerie landscapes; and Dante’s View for panoramic desert vistas.

6. Angeles Crest Scenic Byway (Highway 2)

– Best Stops: Mount Wilson Observatory for stargazing, the many hiking trails around Angeles National Forest, and enjoying winter sports at Mountain High Resort.

7. Silverado Trail through Napa Valley

– Best Stops: World-renowned wineries and vineyards for tastings and tours, the old faithful geyser of California in Calistoga, and charming downtown St. Helena.

8. Sonoma Coast Highway (Highway 1)

– Best Stops: Goat Rock Beach for sunbathing and perhaps seal-watching, Bodega Bay known from Hitchcock’s “The Birds,” and Fort Ross Historic State Park.

9. Gold Country (Highway 49)

– Best Stops: The historic town of Sutter Creek, exploring caverns at Black Chasm National Natural Landmark, Columbia State Historic Park to step back into the Gold Rush era.

10. Joshua Tree Scenic Byway (State Route 62)

– Best Stops: The iconic Joshua Tree National Park with its unique tree formations and rock climbing opportunities, the quirky Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum, and Pioneertown for Wild West experiences.

These routes are just starting points; each road trip has numerous additional points of interest that cater to diverse tastes whether it’s hiking trails off Big Sur or gourmet dining in Napa Valley. Always check local conditions before embarking on your trip to ensure accessibility and safety.