Looking for amazing winter road trip destinations in California? This time of the year is filled with breathtaking scenery and festive vibes and what better way to spend the holiday season than on a winter road trip! VroomVroomVroom asked travel bloggers what their favourite winter road trips were in stunning California - so what are you waiting for? Start planning your road trip now!
Contributed by: Josh McNair of California Through My Lens
My favorite winter road trip in California is a trip up to Lake Tahoe. Lake Tahoe is a magical place in the winter with snow covered mountains, places to snowboard/ski and lots of activities like snowshoeing to check out. You can drive there from San Francisco or Sacramento in a few hours or you can drive up Highway 395 from Southern California in a few days. Either way, it is a great road trip up to an awesome winter location in California.
Road trip route: South California Lake Tahoe
Contributed by: Kristin from Be My Travel Muse
If you want a Christmas experience that's a little bit different than the typical snowy, white Christmas, just head to Southern California. One of my favorite drives there is the Pacific Coast Highway running from San Diego up to San Francisco. Enjoy the energy of LA, stop by quaint and beautiful Santa Barbara, marvel at the redwood trees in Big Sur, fall in love with the beauty of the central coast as you make your way up to Monterey, and finish with one of the most tourist-friendly cities in the states, San Francisco. Alternatively, I reverse the direction of the drive and you'll be closer to the coast for the whole experience. It basically doesn't get better than this!
Road trip route: San Diego Los Angeles Santa Maria San Jose San Francisco
Contributed by: The Local Adventurer
The strip doesn't hold back when it comes to Christmas. From a rooftop ice skating rink to massive decorations, each hotel and casino is always trying to outdo the others. You can spend an entire day checking out all the free installations.
Road trip route: Los Angeles Las Vegas
Contributed by: Colleen Lanin from Travel Mamas
No place is more magical during the holiday season than The Happiest Place on Earth. My favorite Christmas destination is Disneyland. The parks are all dolled up with cheery decorations and there's even “snow” on Main Street U.S.A.! The classic It's a Small World ride gets into the holiday spirit with festive tunes and decorations. Meanwhile the Haunted Mansion is transformed by Jack Skellington into a less scary Nightmare Before Christmas wonderland. Sister park, Disney California Adventure features the Festive Food Marketplace with tasty dishes and drinks from around the world. Enjoy holiday-themed live entertainment, parades and fireworks displays as well!
Road trip route: San Diego Disneyland Santa Barbara Santa Maria
