Big Sur, California
(Driving Time: 1 hour, Distance: 40 miles)
- I'll be awed by the dramatic coastal cliffs, redwood forests, and famous Bixby Creek Bridge along the winding Highway 1 in this legendary stretch of the Central California coast.
Pinnacles National Park, California
(Driving Time: 2.5 hours, Distance: 130 miles)
- This underrated gem offers excellent rock climbing, cave exploration, and hiking trails winding through otherworldly rock spires and talus caves formed by an ancient volcano.
Santa Cruz, California
(Driving Time: 1 hour, Distance: 45 miles)
- With its classic beach town vibe, iconic boardwalk amusement park, and prime surfing spots, Santa Cruz will let me soak up some quintessential California sun and fun.
Yosemite National Park, California
(Driving Time: 4 hours, Distance: 210 miles)
- Immersing myself in Yosemite's jaw-dropping granite cliffs, ancient sequoia groves, and thundering waterfalls promises to be an epic adventure in nature's grandeur.
Napa Valley, California
(Driving Time: 3 hours, Distance: 170 miles)
- A meandering drive through the lush, rolling vineyards with stops at rustic wineries and charming towns will let me indulge in the best food and wine that this world-famous region offers.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, California
(Driving Time: 4.5 hours, Distance: 240 miles)
- These side-by-side parks contain groves of gigantic sequoia trees, the largest living beings on Earth, plus awesome scenery like soaring granite peaks and the depths of Kings Canyon.