The Golden State is an idealized one, synonymous with opportunity and beauty. If you need a refresher on California’s natural beauty, just look at its national parks. How can the land of Yosemite and redwood, sequoia and Joshua trees not be golden? Meanwhile, California boasts a strong road trip culture. Popularized by highways and the last stretch of Route 66, California is lush with roadside attractions like Salvation Mountain and the Cabazon Dinosaurs.
Could California be the quintessential road tripping state? You’ll have to go there to find out.
Flip through the gallery above to see our picks for a Californian road trip.
1. Redwoods National and State Parks, Calif. 2. Murphy-Goode Tasting Room; Healdsburg, Calif. 3. Angel Island, San Francisco, Calif. 4. Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey, Calif. 5. Alabama Hills, Lone Pine, Calif. 6. Venice Canals Walkway, Venice, Calif. 7. Mitla Cafe, San Bernadino, Calif. 8. Cabazon Dinosaurs, Cabazon, Calif. 9. Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum, Joshua Tree, Calif. 10. Salvation Mountain, Niland, Calif.
