From the sun-kissed beaches of Southern California to the rugged, northern coastlines, from the serene deserts to the towering sequoias and redwoods, there’s an adventure at every turn on a Californian road trip. Here’s a route that will take you through some of the most iconic and stunning attractions California has to offer.

Begin your journey in San Diego, where you can explore Balboa Park, soak up the sun at Coronado Beach, or visit the world-famous San Diego Zoo. As you head north on Interstate 5, make a stop in Anaheim to experience the magic of Disneyland, or divert slightly to experience the surf culture at Huntington Beach.

Continue your road trip by cruising into Los Angeles. No trip to LA is complete without a stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, taking in the city views from Griffith Observatory, or lounging on Santa Monica Beach. Take a scenic drive up the Pacific Coast Highway towards Malibu for breathtaking ocean vistas.

Next on your list should be Santa Barbara, often referred to as the American Riviera. Enjoy the Mediterranean-style white stucco buildings, visit local wineries, and maybe even kayak in Channel Islands National Park.

As you venture further north, Pismo Beach offers a fantastic place for some relaxation or dune buggying before reaching San Luis Obispo. Here you can discover the quirky art installations of Bubblegum Alley and the historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.

Further along Highway 1—now becoming a twisting marvel hugging cliff edges—an absolute must-see is Big Sur. This dramatic stretch of coastline is home to wonders such as McWay Falls and Bixby Creek Bridge. Continue on through Monterey for its famous aquarium and Cannery Row.

The charm of Carmel-by-the-Sea welcomes travelers with its fairy-tale cottages and stunning beaches before moving forward to San Francisco. In this eclectic city by the bay explore Fisherman’s Wharf, snap photos of the Golden Gate Bridge, and perhaps catch a boat to Alcatraz Island.

Leaving San Francisco behind, head inland to Yosemite National Park where granite cliffs, waterfalls, clear streams, and giant sequoias await. After some time appreciating nature’s splendor, make your way towards Lake Tahoe straddling California and Nevada—a paradise for both skiers and beachgoers depending on the season.

Finally descent towards Southern California again through Central Valley’s fertile fields until you reach Los Angeles once more completing this iconic loop that encapsulates all that California has to offer—a golden state road trip never to forget.