Here they are: 14 tips for driving in California. The question isn’t whether you should plan a California road trip, but where you should go. And just as important is how to road trip in style so that you can make the most of your trip.
As a born and bred Californian, I’ve clocked in quite a few miles road-tripping across the Golden State. From early morning surf trips down to San Diego to Northern California wine country getaways, the Golden State has endless quality road trips.
I now live in Mammoth Lakes in the Eastern Sierra, which means I have to drive for hours along Highway 395 to get anywhere. To put it simply, I have plenty of tips for driving in California. And, as an expert California trip planner, I help our clients determine the best route for their interests and level of adventure.
20 Essential Tips For Driving In California
When we help concierge clients traveling to California, we suggest adding a couple of days of road-tripping to their itinerary. Ever since the road trip phenomenon took off in the 1940s, California has been one of the most iconic destinations for road trips, adding a layer of adventure to your travels.
Whether traveling for a few days or crisscrossing the state in a week, these are tips for driving in California that we pass along to our concierge clients before they hit the road:
Decide Where To Go
Thanks to one of the most extensive roadway networks in the United States, your options for road-tripping in California are endless. A few itineraries that our travel planning clients constantly request are:
- Traveling The 395 To The Eastern Sierra
- Driving Highway 1 To Big Sur
- Venturing To Yosemite National Park
- Sipping Wine In Sonoma County
Find The Best California Road Trip Route
This is one of those tips for driving in California that may seem unnecessary, but it’s anything but. Yes, we have GPS on our phones and in most of our cars, but it’s still a good idea to have a general idea of the route you’re going to take before you hit the road. That way, you can be present and enjoy the drive instead of being a slave to your GPS.
Avoid Any Major Traffic
What’s one major thing to consider when road tripping in California? Traffic! That’s why one of the top tips for driving in California is to plan around traffic.
If you’re leaving from or traveling through one of our major cities, plan your driving to avoid rush hour. For adventures ranging from skiing to hiking to surfing, I try to hit the road before sunrise, whereas I usually wait until midday to drive otherwise.
And Leave Plenty Of Time To Explore
The best part of a road trip is that you can make up your plans as you go along and give yourself plenty of extra time to do just that. In general, I’d recommend doubling your day’s drive time so that you can explore the small spots without stressing out.
Also, I usually book a hotel room for each night of the road trip, but don’t plan much else to take my time getting from point A to point Z. This is one of those tips for driving in California that will allow you to explore on a whim!
Have A Road Trip-Ready Car
Yes, pretty much any functioning car can get you from A to Z but not every vehicle is road trip ready! It’s always a good idea to check your car’s fluids and tires before your road trip so you’re prepared to go, but my ideal road trip car makes the trip as enjoyable (and comfortable) as possible.
A mid-sized, all-wheel-drive SUV means you have enough room for all your gear (be it luggage, tents, skis, or surfboards), a car that can handle various conditions yet is small enough to park in the crowded California cities.
Download A Playlist
The best road trip is done with a travel partner or two, where you have a mix of chatting, carpool karaoke, and some podcast listening.
Speaking of podcasts, a few of my go-to’s are My Favorite Murder, Radiolab, Against The Rules, California Now podcast, and some quiet time. And when it comes to both podcasts and music playlists, I make sure to download them before I drive. That way, no matter if I head in or out of a cell or wifi signal, I won’t miss a beat!
Take Advantage Of The Scenic Views
I have to give it to the California road planners because they do an incredible job of ensuring tons of Scenic View stops along the roads. I’ve learned over the years to pull off even when it seems like there’s not a view because, often, the turnoff reveals a panorama you didn’t even know was there!
Visit The Many California State Parks
The California State Parks are also a great place to stop for all your social media needs. Not to mention they’re quieter than many of the state parks, making it a great way to spread tourism around and travel more sustainably.
A few California State Parks that I frequent when I road trip across California are Red Rock State Park, Hearst Pier (see above), Mount Tamalpais, Julia Pfeiffer Falls, and Garrapata (see below).
Check The Weather Forecast
True, we generally have temperate weather here in California, but actual weather does happen! Whether it’s high winds, rain, or driving snow, we get the weather in almost every season, so be sure to check the forecast before you start driving.
And Check The Road Conditions
With that, changing weather brings road conditions, such as highway closures or the need for chains. Before you head out to drive for the day, visit the Caltrans website to check the road conditions where you’ll be driving. Living in Mammoth Lakes means I deal with wintry conditions a good part of the year. So I always carry extra supplies (including chains, water, antifreeze, and flares) in case the weather shifts.
Shop, Stay, And Eat Local
Here at Salt & Wind, we travel to eat, shop, and stay local. There’s no surer way to ensure that local charm stays intact than supporting local businesses. So, whether it’s staying at a boutique hotel, shopping at a locally-owned store, or buying directly from a farmers market, I encourage you to always look for ways to go local!
Know The Local Road Rules
If you’re not from California, be aware that we have several road rules that can result in hefty fines. A few tips for driving in California that you might not know?
- Understanding Carpool (HOV) Lanes: These lanes are common in metropolitan areas and often require two or more passengers during peak hours. Misuse can result in hefty fines.
- Be Aware of Toll Roads and Bridges: Some highways and bridges (like in the Bay Area or Orange County) are toll roads with cashless payment. Set up a FasTrak or expect a mailed bill if you’re in a rental.
- Watch for Wildfire and Road Closure Alerts: Especially in summer and fall, check for fire-related road closures or smoke warnings on Caltrans before you drive.
- Gas Up in Rural Areas: In places like Big Sur, Death Valley, or the Eastern Sierra, gas stations are few and far between—don’t let your tank dip too low.
- Legal Right Turns on Red: In most of California, it’s legal to turn right at a red light unless a sign says otherwise. Always yield to pedestrians first.
- Parking Can Be Tricky: Learn what curb colors mean (e.g., red = no parking, green = short-term, white = passenger loading) and always check signs for street cleaning and permit restrictions.
- Know Basic Rules About Cannabis and Alcohol in Cars: It’s illegal to have an open container of alcohol or cannabis in the car, even for passengers. Both should be sealed and stored in the trunk if transporting.
Head to Visit California for even more California-specific road rules.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tips for Driving in California
The best time to go on a road trip in California depends on your destination within the state. For coastal drives such as Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway), the best times are late spring through early fall (May to October), when the weather is more likely to be clear and sunny.
For trips to the desert areas like Joshua Tree or Death Valley, cooler months like February to April and October to November are ideal to avoid the extreme heat. If you're planning to visit the Sierra Nevada, including Yosemite and Lake Tahoe, summer months (June to September) are best for hiking and lakeside activities, while winter is perfect for snow sports.
Essential items for a California road trip include a reliable GPS system or updated maps, plenty of water (especially if traveling through desert areas), snacks, a first aid kit, sunscreen, sunglasses, appropriate clothing for varying climates, a camera or smartphone for photos, and possibly camping gear if you plan to camp. It's also a good idea to carry a basic tool kit and spare tire, given the remote stretches you may encounter.
Safety tips for driving in California include being aware of California's specific traffic laws, such as the rule that all passengers must wear seat belts and hands-free only use of mobile phones. Be prepared for varied driving conditions by checking the weather forecast, especially when driving through mountainous or desert areas.
Always keep a safe following distance, as traffic can be heavy, particularly in urban areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco. Finally, always have plenty of water and a plan for where to stop for gas, particularly in remote areas of the state.
Get A Personalized Travel Itinerary
Get to Exploring California Highway 395
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California Road Trip Travel Guide
Thinking about taking a road trip in the Golden State? You’ll want to check out our California Road Trip Travel Guide for travel tips, itinerary ideas, and more California-inspired recipes.
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