11 Great Scenic Drives in California
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- čas přidán 20. 06. 2024
- California is full of amazing road trips and scenic drives that you explore throughout the state. I have spent the last eight years driving all over California and I wanted to share some of my favorite drives you could complete in one day in this list video.
You can read more about each of the drives in this list at californiathroughmylens.com/g...
Route 66 full video - • Route 66 Road Trip: 14...
Let me know what I left off in the comments!
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California Through My Lens
5198 Arlington Ave # 937
Riverside, CA 92504
California is the most beautiful place on earth , period .
Yes but it's a shame it's being ruined by over population and people who have no respect for nature
Truck driver born in the South, driven through 42 states. California still the most beautiful state overall
Montana? Alaska?
It's hard to tell which state is the most scenic one... but California definitely has a lot of amazing places to see and visit. Montana is amazing too, Washington, Utah, Colorado... really hard to tell which one I like the best. Yosemite national park is my favourite though...
@@jordancruz6065 Thing is, California is big & diverse enough to have 6 of 7 climates possible, and has locations some iconic locations like Yosemite, Big Sur, Death Valley, etc. I won't go on about many other unique locations. Montana and Alaska are beautiful, but arguably more limited.
My dad is a trucker and he’s always told me Wyoming is super secluded and scenic
Jordan Cruz California tops them because you can generally find what those states offer (with exceptions for example alaska’s inlets and fjords) in california, and with that already california offers a very, very wide variety of scenery not found in alaska and montana
I was fortunate to move to California from Europe 30 years ago. I have never regretted that decision. I have taken all these drives and then some. There are no favorites. Every part of the state is a color in the whole spectrum. There is nothing like it. God Bless.
Me too...
No wondet it expensive to libe here. worth it though
Can’t wait to move out there too
@@lakhwinderg1 NO, NO! Nothing at all exists here in CA except hungry bears, viscious cougars, poisonous snakes, endless deserts bristling with prickly cactus! In '56, at the age of 15, my folks moved here from Oregon and 'we' Californians want to keep it ALL for ourselves!
Sighhhhhhhhh .. I grew up here so of course have seen everything you mentioned (and more) .. choking up here from nostalgia. Deserts, mountains, oceans, ancient forests, State parks .. what DOESN'T California have? 💖
My wife and I live in the UK. We love the States, especially California. We have been lucky enough to have our holiday over 30 times in America. We were due to visit again in April, that was obviously cancelled and we have rebooked for October. We are going to San Francisco, Yosemite, Mammoth Lake, Death Valley, Las Vegas, Palm Springs, San Diego and then Los Angeles, we cant wait and love it so much. We both wanted to thank you for your videos that have kept us excited and enthralled during this lockdown. Hopefully we will be able to travel to your beautiful state in October and enjoy what you brilliantly put into picture.
Should add Tahoe to your list
Thats a lot of places; you could spend two weeks in San Fran & San Diego don't rush it.
I dont get why so many outsiders want to visit Los Angeles, its really nothing special and a place I often avoid. Lots of people, lots of traffic, very congested, no parking or expensive parking, lots of trash, lots of homelessness, lots of crime.
Why do Europeans call it America, and Americans call it the US?
U know it’s a person not from US when they call it “the states” 😂but real question
Why visit 30 times from UK when UK in general is much more pricey in terms of everything , and you seem to like America enough to come back .. I honestly despise the British isles lol too boring grey and the ppl are too uppity in my opinion
HWY 395 is one of the most underrated drives in the state. It is my absolute favorite! Stunning scenery along the way.
@wayouttatune2 Eastern Sierra is our hidden treasure - not as easy to get to but once you are there you just don't want to leave :)
Yes HWY 395 is scenic. One of the most fun parts is at the beggining of the highway. A lot of big bumps, it tickles your stomach, very fun indeed, and scenic.
Correct Oscar! The 395 blew us away and going back in Oct, adding 2 days.
Unpopular opinion: I absolutely adore SB Highway 395 in SoCal. There’s nothing like seeing that rainbow sherbet sunset behind the mountain silhouettes.
Genoa! Bridgeport! Olancha! Big Pine, Lone Pine, Benton
I’m from ca but seeing it like this makes me emotional. So many memories and so many generations before me saw these same beautiful sites. long after I’m gone people will still be going on these same roads seeing this same beautiful state. Wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. Thanks for much for your beautiful footage you share with us
buggy627 (insert hug)
I'm glad you count your blessings. I was born in California and have been wanting to move back so soon. Everyone tells me it's too expensive but I know I can make a way
One of my favorites not mentioned on this list is the Pebble Beach 17 mile drive. That whole area is absolutely beautiful.
That is a great one as well!
Same here,
Love the coastline.
Drove Mustang on 17 Mile Drive on a lovely day, It was so pleasant!!! :)
Definitely a beautiful drive, but deserves an asterisk since you're charged for it, which I think is a bit cheesy.
Ryan Priddy that drive CO$T$
Oh yes I was wondering why Pebble Beach 17 mile drive is not listed !!! Absolute stunner .
So much to do in California, love this state!
Me too! I see this B.S. on the web all of the time about how horrible it is here, drug needles everywhere, hordes of people fleeing the state, etc. etc. I'm not going anywhere.
I live in Crestline and feel included being mentioned on this list. What is crazy is that I drove on this highway everyday for 4 years just to go to school. You almost get to the point of forgetting the beauty. Still drive it daily. Thanks for reminding me of how cool my town is.
I swear this channel is helping me plan my whole damn summer🙌🏽
haha, glad to hear that! :)
Me too!
PCH MALIBU DRIVE
California incline off Palisades Park in Santa Monica to PCH North. My daughter's first drive with her learning permit as a licensed driver.
I did that first drive by accident while trying to get to the Salton Sea. Starting from Orange County. It's crazy how big California really is.
You forgot to include the drive through Joshua National Park: stunning overlook and grand rock formations.
I-5 down from Oregon with Mt. Shasta right in front of you is also amazing.
This video made me realize that I’ve done Death Valley completely wrong 5 years ago........now I feel the urge to go back!
I love the drive along the 126 from Santa Clarita. We drive this all the time to get to Oxnard and Ventura. A gorgeous scenic view of the fields and orange groves. ❤️
Really surprised to see someone that likes this drive. It's the primary way to go from Ventura to Magic Mountain, so I'm very familiar with this drive. I've never thought much about it but will pay closer attention next time.
Agree with you, Courtney. It's beautiful....
There’s a dog rescue organization in Fillmore where we’ve adopted dogs. The area surrounding the facility is lovely. All the orchards as well.
I used to live in Santa Clarita. Heavenly!
So many amazing things to see in California!
I agree, it is crazy how beautiful the state is!
You make me want to quit my job ,but a motor home and just drive Cali!!
haha sounds fun to me!
Colombia is dangerous. How about the cartel?
Another great bucket list. Another way of looking at this is: In California a Scenic Drive is any road outside an urban area that isn't the Golden State I-5 freeway (which can become very tedious). I've been on all of these roads and yep, they're amazing. I've traveled internationally and seen some pretty spectacular places, there's no other place in the world that has as much as California. (It's almost unfair). For a future video maybe speak to some geologists and historians. The geology of California is incredibly diverse and remarkable. Spotting the signs of glaciation in the Sierras, especially around Yosemite, spotting the few remaining glaciers. Volcanism isn't just that one road. Before Mt St Helen's blew up in 1980 the previous continental U.S. volcanic eruption was Mt Lassen in about 1915. There are also volcanoes dotted in many other places in the state. Once you learn what a cinder cone looks like, you might find yourself at an air show at Edwards AFB and yep those bumps in the distance are volcanoes. The 101 Freeway follows the San Andreas Fault Zone. Once you know what to look for, cliffs (escarpments) along rivers and other features are easily identifiable as seismic. Around Palm Springs and the Salton Sea are oasis's that are the result of ground water moving along the fractured rocks and collecting in spots where palm trees grow. At the southern end of the lake you can see steam rising from thermal vents.
Did you know that the photographer Edward Weston got a Guggenheim Grant, he bought a used car and Charis Wilson, his girlfriend, would drive at ten mph while Weston looked around for things to photograph. At night they'd just pull off the road to camp. Finding this out made me stop searching for reservations at overcrowded camp grounds and begin Dispersed camping in National Forests and Dirtbagging in other places. Just being a busy body.
I’m amazed why four people would dislike this video.....incredible.
Stephen Parslow it went up to 12
Maybe because they wish they lived here 😂👍
Because of the dem crap running it
Christopher Hand please explain?
It's because a lot of people wish they lived in California so they badmouth it instead. I love Colorado but I love the scenery of California even much more more. The only negative thing about California are there are way too many people here, and many many more sucking off the teeth of the nanny state. That's what gives California a bad name because it sure isn't the scenery. I have lived here for 52 of my 65 years. I am moved away four times only to come back.
In Death Valley I recommend visiting Scotty's Castle!
I think Angeles Crest Highway and Palms to Pines Scenic Byway are gorgeous.
Great suggestions, I have never done the Palms to Pines Scenic Byway. I will have to add that to my list!
I agree, the Palms to Pines Scenic Byway is amazing, especially the stark contrast in climate zones.
+1 for Palmes to Pines Scenic Byway. Have done it twice and it definitely belongs on this list. I'd even argue it beats some of the ones shown in the video!
@@californiathroughmylens Angeles Crest hwy2 . From wrightwood to la canada
@@larryp3641 We go there a couple of times a year. I love to see the snow and also the scenery in the summer. Each season has its beauty....
I've been twice in lake Tahoe, definitely my favorite place to visit every time I spend my vacation in US
Can't forget about the Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park! Those Giant Sequoia Trees are something else. So beautiful!
I went to California for my first time last year. We did two of the scenic drives on your list. Kings Canyon and the Big Sur portion of the coast Highway. California really is as beautiful as you hear. I now understand all of the "hype" it deservedly gets!
Can't wait to try the other nine on your list!
Thanks 😊
So cool! Those are two of the most diverse as well. I am glad you got to see them.
You were lucky to see Big Sur when you did - there was a storm in 2021 that knocked out part of Big Sur's coast highway so it can be used for who knows how long :(
@@Nagranddan It has been fixed and was reopened at the end of April this year.
@@HH-9627 Really? That's incredible they were able to fix it this fast. Hoping to do a trip this year or next year :)
Can't believe you left out Interstate 5 between Bakersfield and Tracy. Such a beautiful route
XD
Hell no boring as hell
Hwy 1 from Ragged Point to Morro Bay is spectacular !!
Love this! I love California! Lived in the midwest for over 20 years in Illinois, didn't know what I was missing:)
My favorite is 17 Mile Drive, Pacific Grove
Bro! Thanks for this vid!
Another place to drive, kinda scenic, is Hwy 20 here in NorCal. It stretches laterally from Hwy 101, around Clearlake, across Hwy 5, through Yuba by an extinct Volcano, or lava dome. Some say it's a remnant of the Cascade range...but they dont really know.
Then continue East on Hwy 20 up the Sierra foothills, around Green Valley, and end at Interstate 80 in the Tahoe National Forest.
If you're in Cali and have done all the regular gorgeous scenic drives, then this is a cool little day drive with some stuff to see.
Great list! I like the drive to Santa Cruz down 17. Also going north on 1 north of Santa Cruz to Davenport.
heck yeah! love Santa Cruz. Easily my favorite place in the world, and Davenport is beautiful as well. My family is originally from there, and my grandma lives there so i visit at least once a year.
17, great if you enjoy a traffic jam.
Thumbs up for: Avenue of the Giants (The road is great and the trees are stunning)
I drove from Guerneville to Lassen National Park, took the 29 and 53, then the 20 to I-5 at Williams. Stunning through those winding hills west of Calistoga and the Robert Louis Stevenson State Park, passing east of Clear Lake. Geothermal area through Middletown, stopped at Calpine Geothermal Visitors Center.
Hwy 70 through the Feather River Canyon it is a Scenic byway
I driven all of these roads, some with my family, some alone on a motorcycle touring the area. I must say, these drives are amazing. I camped throughout these areas, taking time to check it out more. I highly recommend them, you won't be disappointed.
👍
One of my favorites close to where I grew up in southern Orange County is the drive between San Juan Capistrano and Lake Elsinore along the Ortega Highway (state route 74). Beautiful mountain scenery just beyond the urban sprawl.
Oh, that is a great one as well!! Good suggestion
I grew up in Perris... and still live there. Ortega is a beautiful drive!
Dont forget blackstar and santiago canyon rd too
Just went to kings canyon scenic drive on Wenedsday!! I highly recommend it.Well worth it
Thats awesome! It is so beautiful!
I loved the Anza borrego drive. It was amazing and we got out to hike through the desert. The saltan sea was eerie but beautiful.
Agree with both of those things! I like Salton Sea, it is eerie for sure but a cool spot to explore
Totally agree, caught the Super-bloom last year as well. The Julian route has so much to see as well
I've done several of these and love them all!
5:05 - I have never hiked to the top of Clouds Rest. Thank you for including footage of the views of Tenaya Canyon and Yosemite Valley from the other end. Beautiful.
I’ve been to every road on this list. They are all wonderful, especially Avenue of the Giants. Another great one is the drive through Del Norte redwoods along the coast, just below Crescent City, CA.
Things you need. A good car, a good camera, and a sense of adventures.
My family did the Route 1 drive right along the ocean and it was amazing. Additionally, the 17mile drive in Montgomery is also beautifully!
I liked how you left out the usual suspects, 1 and 395 and focused on the less known but equally beautiful highways in this awesome state, I did learn something new and got ideas for my next weekend drive!
Please do the Gold Country Hwy 49!
@michele Johnson ... you are absolutely right! Overlooking historic highway 49 is rather odd. It’s incredible!
I was scared driving the 49!! But it was scenic. Is Tioga Pass worse?
Terrific video with a lot of fond memories. I know you have focused on rural scenery, but driving Sunset Boulevard from Chinatown to the beach is a great way to see LA and the urban SOCAL world.
Just got home last night from a trip through Yosemite inspired by your last video including driving through Tioga Pass (first day it opened). It was magnificent and still not crowded. Glacier Point was my favorite stop which I would not have known about had I not subscribed to your channel.
This latest video and your continued effort to show quality highlights of the great state of California has motivated us to travel more often. Can’t wait to try some of these scenic drives. Thank you and keep up the great work!
So glad the video encouraged you to visit Yosemite! Glacier Point is easily one of the most beautiful places in all of California! Thanks for subscribing to the channel
@@californiathroughmylens My wife and I have also planed a trip up to Yosemite after watching the video of your drive through Tioga Pass. Thank you.
So picturesque! You guys are lucky to live in Cali!
Not much people out there since the park is only having limited people since the virus, I’m going next month for a few nights, was supposed to go a week a couple weeks ago but it wasn’t open yet, I can’t wait 😊
Omg how beautiful it’s California,, thank you I will try next year I spend all my savings with this quarantine:( but you giving back a hope thank you !!!!!!
Awesome, I hope you can visit in the future!
I ve done a few on your list including all of the pch which has to be the ultimate driving experience in the world 👍
Love scenic drives. Thank you for sharing. California definitely has it all!
One of my favorite drives is the entire length of the State 89 (Pacific Crest Hwy) beginning near Topaz on US 395 , ending at Mount Shasta on Interstate 5. This Hwy carries/shares on to other hwys as well, which makes it an incredible journey as you go through several mnt passes, big valleys, big lakes and small towns. Its the only north south hwy through the Sierra.
Sounds like an awesome drive!
I think you might have the best underground idea here. 89 has little traffic except for the west shore of Lake Tahoe.
I used to live in Scotia at the North end of Avenue of the Giants and would ride my motorcycle to Garberville and back. Riding was the best therapy after a hard day at work. Great video thanks for sharing, ALOHA
We drove Highway 1 from San Francisco to Santa Monica in 2018, virtually the whole way was plagued by coastal fog, this was a pretty much once on a lifetime holiday, but if possible I'd love to do this route again. Thanks Josh another stunning video.👍
I lived at the Monterey Bay area for almost 70 years.....but have recently moved 210 miles north to finally reside with my wife of 13 years....and, at 1100' elevation, we have an excellent view of the Pacific Ocean. Almost 40 years ago two friends and I rode motorcycles along Highway 1 all the way from San Francisco 150 miles or so to where it ends and rejoins US 101. At the very end of our ride, while taking a break, we met a father and son who had ridden motorcycles all the way from Texas to do the same. We didn't have the heart to tell them we had just ridden all the way, and, because of the thick coastal fog (which is much more prevalent in the summer) we had seen very little of the ocean and sometimes the fog was so thick we had trouble even negotiating the road we were riding on and often had to go at a much slower pace than the speed limit just to be able to stay on the road.
So my advice is IF you really want to take this scenic trip, avoid the summer and do so late spring or early fall....when the persistant summer fog is much less prevalent.
Because of the direction the earth spins on it axis, the earth has prevailing westerly winds. If the earth rotated in the opposite direction, it would be an entirely different story....we would have ''The Prevailing Easterlies."
BHE
Highway 395 from topaz lake to lone pine can be done in a day...it is one of the most beautiful areas in the country
Great choice, such a rugged part of Highway 395!
I think Topaz is the most beautiful lake I've ever seen. Even prettier than Tahoe.
Hoping to visit Lassen this summer! Also, I recommend a wine country drive that’ll take you through Napa into Sonoma: 101N -> 37E -> 121N (Carneros Valley) -> 12E -> 29N (Napa Valley) -> 128W (over the mountain into Alexander Valley). Tons of wineries along the way.
DAMN IT!! JUST Spent an hour watching an 8 min video and google mapping my next few scenic drives!!! Back to work!!
I haven't been there yet but I am super curious about the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway. It sounds beautiful!
Just was at Lassen, and I've through big sur a few times. CAs got some great drives
Death Valley was crazy hot! But the view is so amazing !
Highway 101 in Santa Barbara to Ventura County is also a great conterder too. Hundreds of acres of vineyards and coastal views.
Kings Canyon Scenic Byway looks amazing
46w Paso Robles to Cambria
Great choice, I love that drive!
yes!! so pretty
Simply Stunning. Thanks for sharing.
Great job! Thanks for uploading this. I'm a native Californian and have yet to see half these places! I just retired-----so you've helped me start a great bucket list. With so many loving to hate on CA these days, it also reminded me of things to love about the Golden State! Blessings!!
I never had a desire to go to California because all I've ever heard about is all the people, cities. This is the second video I've watched of yours....now I want to go to California! I had no idea how beautiful it is! Thank you again for posting!
Always remember some people will always be jealous and bash it if something they wish they could be but realize they will neve be.
Love your suggestions. How I miss California!
These drives look amazing.
Thank you!!! Your videos have helped plan my summer!!!
AWESOME!!! So much to see and appreciate, so little time. Thank you for sharing!
Watching this video while planning where I want to take my GTI when I take a road trip to Cali. Nice work man.
Shasta, Black Butte, Lake Siskiyou and McCloud Falls! just spent some time up there, absolutely amazing. 395 was also an awesome drive
I loved the Ave. of the Redwoods when I drove it many years ago. By all means, get out of the car at some point and hike! I hiked a little trail that descended from road-level down into a little valley, and had the oddest sensation -- it felt like I was shrinking in size because the lower in the valley the trail went, the larger the redwoods and the ferns along the trail got. It was fun and strange at the same time.
You nailed many of them.... Hwy 1 from Marin County up to Jenner in Sonoma Co. is another one. And Angels Crest Highway. The state if full of awesome roads ... Thanks.
Thank you for including some of my favorite drives in CA. The volcanic byway up in northern CA is incredible. I would say if there is any scenic drive that I would include is hwy 1 between leggett and Mendocino, really out as far as bodega bay. It’s white knuckle driving at time but there are so many places you just have to stop along the way and just say wow. And tons of itty bitty charming towns. So there’s plenty of places to eat and get other services. Unlike Big Sur. Lots of light houses. Lots of whale watching opportunities from the shore. Those who live near the Bay Area know what an incredible drive that is.
I love that drive as well. I have only done it once, but I want to do it again!
I’ve been wanting to do the rim of the world drive ever since I first heard of it two years ago. I got a vintage map fromAAA that they released. It’s hanging in my wall. I’m totally going to do it now. Thanks for the inspiration
I live on the Central Coast of Cali. And love Big Sur.
all the shots are stunning !!!
Excellent job in assembling a very good list. I do live in the Bay Area and until recently I was the Director of Motoring for Porsche club of America in our area. There are many local roads that we take in our regular Runs (typically 30-45 Porsches) that are stunning. Some you may consider are: 1- Hwy 25 from Hollister and hwy 98 east to Coalinga. It is a 100 Mile route without much traffic! 2- Hwy 33 from Ojai (So Cal). And there are many more. I travel around the world a lot and I truly have a hard time being impressed with much of what I see compared to what we have in California. I do enjoy them all, nevertheless. Thanks again.
A short drive is up to Skyline in Oakland, over through Canyon to Moraga. Or, over the hump of Mt. Tam to Stinson Beach. Probably too crowded these days. I just drove hwy 32 from Chico to Chester. Ah! It was nice and cool.
Love Porsches!!! Good for you folks! Have great times!
Gracias amigo for the recommendation.
Sounds like this a perfect thing for my family when we come out in November.
Thank you so much for this video. It reminded me of all these places that I visited too. I love road trips....
Great information.. this will be my guide for my next CA scenic travels..thanks for sharing your idea..
We have truly enjoyed your channel! Thank you!
Awesome. A love letter to CA. Love my state.
I always enjoy your videos and the wonderful places you take us. Thank you so much for the hard work it takes to make these for us!
Good stuff, demonstrating why California is still the most awesome state in the country. But I'm glad you left off the incredible area that I occasionally visit. I don't want to give it away. I want to keep it as unspoiled as possible. Suffice it to say it's remote, it's big, and it's best visited in fall and spring, although the temperatures are never extreme.
I really enjoy the beautiful routes that you’ve shown. We had a vacation last summer and drove to Crater Lake from Los Angeles in an Class C RV and it allowed us the opportunity to have been on the same routes you’ve shared. We were able to stay at Lake Siskeyu with Mt. Shasta as a view and drove down Pacifc Coast Highway seeing the Redwoods. Thank you for your beautiful presentations about our glorious state of California 😎🙏❤️🏔
Hwy 108!...northern cal it’s an amzing drive!
I haven't driven that one, I need to do it!
California Through My Lens please do ..go in the spring it was the most beautiful experience my family and I have ever had !
Agreed. We do it as part of a loop, up over 108 then back on 4. 108 is stunning, especially right after they open the road in the spring when there is still lots of snow on the ground.
This is outstanding. Thank you so much for this video.....it makes me want to get in my car right now.!
Outstanding! Thanks so much
I’ve lived in Cali all my life,only now have I started exploring it,I will definitely be driving some of these beautiful byways.🚐👋🏼
Thanks for this video. This one will help me to plan my trip.
There is an amazingly stunning drive from Ojai up to pine mountain club. I took that scenic route for the first time this year. So many hiking trails and rose valley falls. Jaw dropping views. Rivers and rock formations. It’s the back road from Ventura to the Carrizo plain. I can’t wait to get back up there and spend more time.
Josh, thank you for another fantastic video! You did a really excellent job once again. I love the shot of the F-15 flying through the canyon at 3:35. I've got all my buddy's at work hooked on your videos too. So many great places to visit with so much useful information thanks to you.
Wow what an amazing list and yes we have done some of these, but not all. And NOW all I want to do is go on a roadtrip! Perfection.
Skyline Blvd. to Alice's restaurant for lunch.
La Honda Road to Hwy. 1 at dusk. It smells like perfume. I was there around June a few years ago.
Yes, Alice's for lunch!
Josh, love your videos. Thank you so much for these. It’s helped me understand what’s out there so much more. Thank you
My pleasure! Glad to hear you like the videos!
Hwy 33 between Ojai and Maricopa is a memorable stretch of road in CA.
California is on my bucket list!
Enjoyable and helpful as always. Really excellent cinematography!
What a beautiful place to take a road trip
Great channel and great video. Super informative! Thank you.