California is massive – the state is so large that it offers completely different vacations depending on where you go.
In the south, you have the classic, sunny beach weather of Los Angeles and San Diego. Up north, San Francisco offers a much cooler, completely different foggy coastal vibe. Linking the two is the famous Highway 1, which winds right along the cliffs of Big Sur. Then, dominating the entire eastern side of the state, you have the towering Sierra Nevada mountain range, with three national parks: Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia.
California actually lays claim to nine national parks, more than any other state in the country. They protect an insane variety of landscapes:
And, of course, no California guide would be complete without mentioning Cheryl’s absolute favorite place: Disneyland.
13 road trip ideas across the West so you know where to go, how long to stay, and what to see
*Sample routes from 4–31 days across national parks and hidden gems
*Driving times + best stops so you don’t miss the good stuff
*Season + weather notes to avoid closed roads and peak‑crowd days
*Lodging ideas in the right spots so you cut backtracking
