Millennials

Pile in the Van: The Open Road Awaits

After a year of so much monotony—the same four walls, the same Zoom faces—it’s no surprise road trippin’ is the travel trend of the year. Family, friends, nature, the quintessential American tradition of getting in a vehicle and just driving: these freedoms are once again there for taking – within your quarantine bubble, of course. From the awe-inspiring views to the memorable hijinks along the way, there’s no better way to spend your vacation this year. And while it’s hard to beat the experience itself, planning your road trip is part of the fun. When all the possibilities lie ahead, the world is yours for the seizing. Luckily, as a Californian, you don’t have to go far to have the road trip of a lifetime. California has every scenic escape you could imagine that can satisfy even the most intense wanderlust. Here is your one-stop resource to all things road trip: where to go, what to bring, and what to know to make this your best trip ever.

A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE ROADTRIPS

Highway 1

Discover Highway 1: The Very Best of California is Yours for the Taking

Yosemite Mariposa County Turns “Sheltering in Place” on its Head

Central

Climb Like a Pro and Enjoy a Breathtaking Vista in Lake Tahoe

Central

Celebrate Stunning California Desert Monuments with a Road Trip

Southern

Learn Creative Ways to Bring Your Outdoors Trip Home with You

State Parks

5 Unique Ways to Connect with Nature in Marin County

Central

Choose Your Destination

Get the ‘Gram

Do Your Research

GATHER YOUR GEAR

Choose Your Destination

Get the ‘Gram

Do Your Research

GATHER YOUR GEAR

Choose Your Destination

Get the ‘Gram

Do Your Research

GATHER YOUR GEAR

Choose Your Destination

Get the ‘Gram

Do Your Research

GATHER YOUR GEAR

Potato Chip Rock

Romona

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite Falls

Carlsbad

The Flower Fields

San Diego

Balboa Park

Joshua Tree

Arch Rock

Big Sur

Bixby Bridge

San Francisco

Golden Gate Bridge

Los Angeles

The Broad Museum

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz Wharf

Palm Springs

Ace Hotel

Everywhere!

In n’ Out

Redwood National Forest

Fern Canyon

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Mission Basilica Museum

Death Valley National Park

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

Salton City

Bombay Beach

Malilbu

The Surfrider

Let’s be honest, you could use some new content on your feed (there are only so many cozy WFH outfits you can post). The art of gettin’ the ‘gram is really just saying yes to your inner explorer. Grab your friends, get up before dawn, and make sure you catch the golden hour before sunset. You can let these breathtaking Insta dream locales do the rest.

Cali is the best place on earth to road trip. With its magnificent deserts, stunning mountains, gorgeous coastlines, waterfalls, lakes, and rivers all within a day’s drive of each other, choosing your route requires little imagination, only a consideration of logistics. The good news is that, with so many amazing destinations, there’s no wrong choice. Here are some of our favorite spots to explore.

No one visits another country without first investigating local customs and the best-kept secrets of the area. To get the most out of your road trip in Cali—a state larger than vacay mainstays Italy and Japan—a little research beforehand will go a long way toward maximizing your experience. Discovering a unique adventure or the best in local cuisine and drink is as easy as spending a few minutes exploring virtually before you hop in the RV. Here are some places to start your research.

Food and Drink

Do’s and Don’ts of Eating Locally in California

STAY

Camping Your Way Up California’s Highway 1

ADVENTURES

12 Totally Free Things to Do in California

SHOPPING

The 7 Coolest Local Shops in Ventura California You Should Check Out

One of the best things about exploring the wilds of California is the cool gear. Certainly no one recommends climbing Mt. Whitney in shorts and running shoes. Instead, a little forethought and intuition can add the satisfaction of being properly prepared for anything that lies ahead. Take advantage of the latest outdoor tech and gear to make your adventure safe, comfortable, and memorable for the right reasons. The fun of shopping for gear is just an added bonus!

Sponsor logo

Thule Chasm Carry On

A weather-resistant carry on designed for short trips and weekends away.

250 Lumen Pop-Up Lantern

Whether at home, in the garage, workshop, or on a camping trip, this mini lantern is an invaluable tool.

FILSON X RANCHLANDS LEATHER CUP SLEEVE - BROWN

Leather beverage coolie handmade in Colorado by Ranchlands.

FILSON X RANCHLANDS LEATHER CUP SLEEVE - BROWN

Leather beverage coolie handmade in Colorado by Ranchlands.

Descensionist Pack 32L

Leather beverage coolie handmade in Colorado by Ranchlands.

FILSON X BRANT & COCHRAN® ALLAGASH CRUISER AXE - STEEL/HICKORY

Built one-at-a-time using time-honored forging techniques, each axe head features Filson branding and the craftsman’s initials.

DAWN PATROL HYBRID SHELL

The Dawn Patrol Hybrid Shell combines our protective BD.Dry™ laminated waterproof breathable solution with an air permeable softshell fabric in key placements.

Wood Burning Stove