San Francisco is a fantastic starting point for many road trips, but what about a once-in-a-lifetime, three-week trip? Well, we have the best one for you! Our three-week California Desert road trip starts in San Francisco and takes 1315 miles as you move from the past to deserts, valleys, mountains, and more. Plus, this trip is a loop that puts you back in San Francisco! What more could you ask for? Check out our route below to see the adventure that awaits you.
San Francisco to Santa Cruz
Your journey begins with a 76-mile drive, where you can enjoy outdoor activities at Santa Cruz, amble across the Beach Boardwalk or West Cliff Drive. You can also stop in San Jose if you have the time to see the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum.
Santa Cruz to Pismo Beach
A longer 176-mile drive takes you to Pismo Beach. You can drive down US-101 or take a little detour and head on the CA-1 South, known as the Pacific Coast Highway. You do get better views on this route, but you won’t be able to stop at the Pinnacles National Park.
Pismo Beach has plenty of beachside campsites for you to enjoy, along with wineries and local beaches. We recommend visiting Montana de Oro State Park and Morro Bay State Park.
Pismo Beach to Santa Barbara
Santa Barbra is less than a two-hour drive away as you drive past ranches and farmlands. There are a few wineries you can stop at along the way before you reach Santa Barbara. There are lots of historic missions you can see and plenty of campgrounds to enjoy. Some are a little outside of Santa Barbara but can offer stunning scenery that makes them worth the commute.
Santa Barbara to Los Angeles
You have two choices on your drive to Los Angeles. You can take the US-101 S or enjoy the scenic route down CA-1. The scenic route does add a few hours to your journey, but you will drive through Santa Monica, Ventura, Malibu, and other famous beach towns. You will also enjoy beautiful coastal views as you drive.
The shorter drive will allow you to visit Malibu, and you can camp here if you want, offering you a good base point to explore tourist attractions and local beaches.
Los Angeles to Palm Springs
As you move away from Los Angeles, the beaches disappear as you enter the Sonoran Desert. As you reach Palm Springs, we recommend taking a quick detour to Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, where you can learn about the native wildlife, visit a butterfly garden, and hike scenic trails.
Palm Springs to Joshua Tree National Park
A short drive away is the Joshua Tree National Park, a must-visit for everyone! As you approach, the luxury resorts and modern architecture are replaced by a rugged landscape. There are plenty of places to camp, with campgrounds filled with wildflowers and plenty of quiet areas.
Joshua Tree to Death Valley National Park
You are fully in the desert now as you drive towards Death Valley National Park. Now, you will see the desert’s harsh landscape, giving you plenty of photo opportunities. It is a long journey to the National Park, spanning over 200 miles, so plan plenty of stops to keep you alert.
Stopping at the Red Rock Canyon State Park and the Maturongo Museum are great options. There are also Trona Pinnacles in the California Desert National Conservation Area that are worth a visit.
Death Valley to Bakersfield
You have another long drive ahead of you as you return to urban life. Bakersfield is one of the closest cities to Death Valley, sitting in the shadow of the Tehachapi Mountain Range. The city has plenty of amenities, places to eat, and sights to explore, making it a great stop.
You can visit the Trona Pinnacles if you haven’t already or stop at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve in Lancaster.
Bakersfield to Fresno
As you drive to Fresno, you can explore the agricultural regions, extending your trip by a few days. You can stay at Colonel Allensworth Historic State Park and Sequoia National Park if you want to. You can also drive through the Fresno County Blossom Train for beautiful views.
Fresno to Yosemite National Park
Yosemite is an excellent place to explore, with horseback tours and many hiking trails you can complete on your own. The drive takes you again through changes in the landscapes as you move to the Sierra Nevada Mountains. You can stop at Mariposa Grove to see the California Giant Sequoia, too.
Yosemite to San Francisco
Your journey ends with a three-hour trip back to San Francisco. The last drive is the perfect opportunity to soak up the last of California’s diverse geography before you head back home.
Start Your Road Trip Adventure Today
You have your route list of spots to stop at, and now it’s time to finalize your road trip through California. You can prepare yourself with a list of essential items to pack and the best price for a campervan to hire. You can see special offers on campervan rental in San Francisco here as you get ready for your new adventure.
