Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, California
(Driving Time: 3 hours, Distance: 190 miles)
- This ruggedly beautiful stretch of California's central coast offers jaw-dropping views of the Pacific Ocean, towering redwoods, and ample hiking trails to explore.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
(Driving Time: 5 hours, Distance: 300 miles)
- Bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and volcanic peaks await at this underrated gem, which harbors some of the best geothermal features in the West.
Napa Valley, California
(Driving Time: 1 hour, Distance: 45 miles)
- With hundreds of world-class wineries dotting its rolling hills, Napa Valley is a must-visit for oenophiles seeking to sample California's finest varietals.
Yosemite National Park, California
(Driving Time: 4 hours, Distance: 200 miles)
- From the towering granite cliffs of El Capitan to misty waterfalls and ancient sequoia groves, Yosemite's stunning natural wonders are a feast for the senses.
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
(Driving Time: 3.5 hours, Distance: 210 miles)
- Straddling the California-Nevada border, this massive alpine lake surrounded by snowcapped peaks beckons with crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming, boating, and beach days.
Redwood National and State Parks, California
(Driving Time: 5 hours, Distance: 300 miles)
- Prepare to be humbled by nature's giants—the towering ancient redwood trees that reign supreme in this incredibly lush forest along the Northern California coast.