7 Underrated Places You Have to Stop on Your California Road Trip
Driving the coast of California is a must on most everyone’s bucket list – and for good reason! The Golden State delivers iconic attractions, family-friendly fun, delicious dining options and stunning scenery, from the miles of beach coastline to the enchanting Redwoods. Beyond the mainstream map dot destinations, California offers a whole host of hidden gems that will make any road trip unforgettable. From the Mojave Desert to serene, untouched beaches, here are some of the best underrated stops on your next California road trip.
In This Article
Victorville, California
Victorville sits squarely in the Victor Valley at the edge of the Mojave Desert. This high-desert town is just an hour’s drive from Los Angeles. Visitors to Victorville can find plenty of things to do and a number of adventures you can only have in Victorville.
While in town, plan a visit to the California Route 66 Museum. The museum is an interactive collection of artifacts, including a 1917 Model T Ford, that showcases the history of the “Mother Road.” Chow down on some delicious diner fare at the iconic Emma Jean’s Holland Burger Cafe, considered one of the country’s best diners. If you’re traveling through town in late May or early June, plan on visiting the San Bernardino County Fair – the only county fair still located along Route 66.
Solana Beach, California
Continue down the coast with a stop in Solana Beach. While the excitement of downtown San Diego is just 22 miles away, visitors can enjoy a slower pace in this tiny, sun-soaked town. While visiting, relax at Fletcher Cove, watching surfers catch waves, enjoying a picnic with ocean views or collecting seashell souvenirs. Just a short walk away is the Cedros Avenue Design District. This can’t-miss spot is home to more than 85 different merchants, artisans and curators and collectors and is an excellent spot for an afternoon stroll or to visit local shops, galleries and restaurants. Solana Beach is a stunning spot to escape the hustle and bustle of usual tourist traps and lets visitors experience the quieter, more relaxed side of the California coast.
Sebastopol, California
Wine not plan a stop in Sebastopol? This charming town in Sonoma County is consistently ranked as one of America’s best small towns. Sebastopol offers a blend of attractions that extend beyond its highly regarded wineries and craft breweries. Of course, wine enthusiasts can explore many of the sipping spots around Sebastopol – there are more than a dozen wineries and vineyards in town! Sebastopol is located in the Russian River Valley AVA, which is known for its world-class grapes producing some of the country’s finest pinot noirs and chardonnays. Some local favorites include Iron Horse Vineyards, Merry Edwards Winery and Fog Crest Vineyard.
Beyond the vineyards, visitors can take some time to explore town. The Barlow, a 12-acre outdoor market district filled with local artisans, food producers and craft beverage makers that offer everything from local cheeses to unique crafts. Art enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to Florence Avenue, where they can find “junk art” sculptures by local artist Patrick Amiot and his wife, Brigitte Laurent. Stretch your legs along the multi-use trail at the nearby Laguna de Santa Rosa, a 22-mile freshwater wetland complex that is Sonoma County’s largest wetland and one of the most biologically diverse areas in the county.
Walnut Creek, California
Just east of San Francisco lies the quaint community of Walnut Creek. Often considered the “Jewel of the East Bay,” Walnut Creek combines urban amenities and incredible access to the great outdoors. If you’re feeling adventurous, brave the 3,849-foot summit of Mount Diablo. At the peak, you’ll be rewarded with expansive views that stretch across the entire Bay Area, including the San Francisco skyline and Golden Gate Bridge. If you’re not up for hiking the full summit, Mount Diablo State Park offers several trails of varying difficulty.
Beyond the trails, Walnut Creek’s charming downtown area is the perfect place to spend an afternoon. Broadway Plaza is an outdoor shopping center with tons of shops and delicious dining options. For the arts enthusiasts, pay a visit to one of the three theatres at Lesher Center for the Arts.
San Jose, California
Do you know the way to San Jose? We sure hope so, because it’s the perfect pit stop on a California road trip. This often-overlooked vacation destination is the largest city in Silicon Valley and is known for its museums, food and natural beauty, offering a cool mix of attractions to enjoy. Weary travelers can stretch their legs at Alum Rock Park. This 720-acre urban park has hiking and biking trails, picnic areas and a historic mineral springs area. History buffs will love the artifacts and mummy and tomb replicas at the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and kids will appreciate the interactive exhibits at The Tech Interactive.
After working up an appetite, visitors will find a wide range of delicious dining options. San Jose’s food scene is particularly impressive. Foodies can enjoy bites that cater to all tastes. The cuisines range from Indian to Cajun to Vietnamese, reflecting the city’s diverse population. Explore San Pedro Square Market, a bustling food hall with several food vendors, a bar, a spacious patio and live music, or venture into neighborhoods like Japantown for authentic food.
San Luis Obispo, California
San Luis Obispo, a charming town located along the Central Coast, halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, is nicknamed the happiest place in America – and it’s easy to see why. Once a Spanish mission town, this colorful city is one of California’s oldest communities. Explore the town’s history at Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa or visit the Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market, held every Thursday, which features more than 100 vendors across five blocks and is recognized as one of California’s best farmers markets. Perhaps the city’s biggest – and most unique! – claim to fame is Bubblegum Alley. People have been covering the walls with chewed bubble gum since 1960, creating a colorful public art display that is 15 feet high and 70 feet long.
Visitors can also connect with nature. San Luis Obispo, also known as SLO Town, offers abundant access to California’s natural beauty, including hiking trails on the nearby “Nine Sisters” peaks. The Nine Sisters, also known as the “Morros,” is a chain of nine volcanic peaks and hills, including Bishop Peak, that stretch from San Luis Obispo to Morro Bay and provide scenic views of the city and coastline. The downtown area is highly walkable and filled with shops, restaurants and galleries galore. It’s a must-stop on any California road trip.
Big Sur, California
Okay, the Big Sur region is maybe not that off the beaten path, but it is absolutely worth a stop on your California road trip adventure. With sweeping views and a dramatic coastline, Big Sur remains a favorite spot and remained virtually untouched until the construction of the Carmel-San Simeon Highway in 1937. Today, visitors can take in the sights at Bixby Bridge, one of the most photographed bridges in California.
Stretch your legs along the trails that go through the redwood forests and along the Big Sur River at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, or take in the stunning scenery at McWay Falls, where a waterfall cascades directly onto the beach at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. The coastline offers several spots to pull over and take photos or enjoy the views, and the area is home to a variety of wildlife, including California condors and sea otters. After you’ve worked up an appetite, grab a bite at one of the restaurants in town. Big Sur has everything from five-star restaurants to local dives, and many offer stunning views of the coastline, mountains or river.