California Road Trip: Carmel to Yosemite and La Jolla

This 13,904 km route through California connects iconic coastal destinations including Carmel by the Sea, Monterey, Big Sur, and La Jolla Cove with inland landmarks like Yosemite National Park, Lake Tahoe, and the Alabama Hills. The 218-minute journey showcases California's dramatic Pacific coastline, historic settlements, and diverse natural landscapes.

Distance
13904.0 km
Mode
route
Start
Welcome to California
End
El Matador State Beach
Stops
40
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Welcome to California — The most populous U.S. state, stretching from Pacific coastlines to deserts and mountains, celebrated for its diverse landscapes and cultural influence.
  2. Carmel by the Sea — Coastal town on central California's dramatic coastline with white sand beaches and craggy cliffs
  3. Monterey — Historic waterfront city with Fisherman's Wharf and Monterey Bay Aquarium; founded 1770 as Spanish mission
  4. Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate — Exclusive coastal residence showcasing modern architecture and ocean views, representing Malibu's luxury real estate and celebrity culture.
  5. La Jolla Cove — One of the most beautiful beaches in San Diego with fine white sand and clear blue water
  6. Newport Beach — Coastal city with renowned beaches, active harbor, and The Wedge body surfing spot
  7. Santa Barbara — The American Riviera with sun-drenched coastline, Spanish colonial architecture, and Mission Santa Barbara
  8. Bixby Creek Bridge — Iconic California landmark spanning steep coastal cliffs between Carmel and San Luis Obispo
  9. Oakland Bay Bridge — Iconic suspension bridge spanning San Francisco Bay, connecting Oakland to San Francisco and featuring distinctive yellow-orange towers.
  10. Long Beach — California's seventh most populous city with the nation's second busiest container port and waterfront attractions
  11. Santa Monica — Beachside city famous for its pier with amusement park rides, sandy shores, and vibrant coastal boardwalk atmosphere.
  12. Lake Tahoe
  13. Morro Bay — Coastal town anchored by Morro Rock, a distinctive volcanic peak rising from the ocean, popular for maritime activities and seafood dining.
  14. Corona Del Mar — Upscale coastal community in Orange County featuring dramatic cliffs, coves, and exclusive beaches surrounded by wealthy neighborhoods.
  15. Big Sur
  16. Balboa Pier
  17. Yosemite National Park
  18. Alabama Hills — Desert landscape of distinctive rounded granite boulders near Lone Pine, used extensively for Western film locations and scenic photography.
  19. Marin County
  20. Laguna Beach
  21. Joshua Tree National Park
  22. Manhattan Beach — Beach city renowned for volleyball, pier fishing, and a long sandy coastline attracting surfers and families seeking seaside recreation.
  23. Golden Gate Bridge — Globally iconic suspension bridge painted international orange, spanning San Francisco Bay and connecting the city to Marin County.
  24. Palace of Fine Arts — Neoclassical landmark in San Francisco featuring a grand dome and colonnade reflecting pool, originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition.
  25. Griffith Observatory — Historic hilltop planetarium in Los Angeles offering telescopic views of the cosmos and panoramic city skyline vistas at night.
  26. Los Angeles
  27. San Francisco
  28. Hollywood Sign — Iconic white lettering perched on Mount Lee symbolizing the global entertainment industry and offering panoramic views of Los Angeles.
  29. Venice Beach — Bohemian coastal boardwalk featuring street performers, muscle beach, and eclectic shops reflecting Southern California's artistic counterculture.
  30. Beverly Hills — Exclusive hillside enclave renowned for luxury mansions, high-end shopping on Rodeo Drive, and celebrity residences spanning golden-age Hollywood.
  31. Santa Rosa — Wine country hub in Sonoma County known for vineyards, botanical gardens, and proximity to redwood forests and hot springs.
  32. Calabasas Hills — Rugged canyon landscape north of Los Angeles featuring hiking trails, oak-studded slopes, and celebrity ranch estates nestled in wilderness.
  33. California State Capitol — Neoclassical dome building in Sacramento serving as the seat of state government, showcasing 19th-century architecture and political history.
  34. Santa Cruz — Coastal town famous for its historic wooden amusement park boardwalk, surfing beaches, and gateway to redwood forests.
  35. Palm Springs — Desert resort city renowned for mid-century modern architecture, mineral hot springs, and winter retreats in the Coachella Valley.
  36. Alcatraz Island — Former federal penitentiary in San Francisco Bay housing notorious criminals, now a National Historic Landmark offering audio-guided tours.
  37. Walt Disney Concert Hall — Striking contemporary architectural masterpiece in Los Angeles featuring curved stainless steel exterior and home to the LA Philharmonic orchestra.
  38. Balboa Park
  39. Echo Park
  40. El Matador State Beach — Spectacular beach in Malibu with sea caves, massive rocks, and dramatic coastal scenery

Useful for your trip

Timing
Visit El Matador Beach at low tide when sea caves and natural archways are most accessible.
Timing
Summer and fall are the best times to visit La Jolla Cove when weather is warm and sea is calmer for outdoor activities.
Tip
Shelter Island in San Diego is accessible via a man-made causeway connecting it to Point Loma near Liberty Station.
Tip
El Matador Beach is accessed by a steep staircase descending a 150 ft bluff north of Malibu.
Avoid
Swimming at El Matador Beach can be challenging due to rocky terrain and strong currents; surfers enjoy the swells.
Tip
La Jolla Cove is protected as a marine reserve and offers diving and swimming with sea lions, whales, and sea turtles.
Where to stay
Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate Vineyards serves as an exclusive venue for weddings and private events with 360° views.
Food
Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate Vineyards produces premium wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc blends.
Tip
Monterey's historic waterfront, Fisherman's Wharf, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium are major attractions.
Tip
Shelter Island was originally a sandbar that became accessible from mainland San Diego in 1953 after dredging and development.

Video on this route

CALIFORNIA: Hidden Corners of the Golden State | Travel Video 4K

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