Across the Golden Gate Bridge to the north of San Francisco you'll find beautiful and rugged nature in Marin County. In a whirlwind of a day, you'll visit Mt Tamalpais ("Mt Tam") with sweeping views of San Franscisco, the white sand at relaxed Stinson Beach, and the towering redwoods at Muir Woods. _x000D_
From long stretches of sandy coastlines to sprawling desert landscapes, Southern California has so much to explore for those seeking a weekend getaway. Sip wine amongst the vineyards of Temecula, soak up the sun in Santa Barbara, travel back to the Old West in Joshua Tree, or head down to Baja California's up-and-coming wine country.
Spend a morning hiking the trails around Wachusett Mountain, which offers great views over central Massachusetts from the peak of Wachusett Mountain. Recharge and relax the afternoon away at nearby Wachusett Brewery, enjoying a flight of local brews, good food, and often live music in the outdoor setting.
With one week in California, it takes careful planning to fit in the many attractions that the Golden State has to offer. From famous Highway 1 with its scenic views of the Pacific to the sheer cliffs of Yosemite National Park, California's open roads form the perfect canvass for unforgettable road trips. Beyond these highlights, there are many lesser-known attractions that are equally worthwhile and largely undiscovered by the masses. Discover boiling mud pots in Lassen Volcanic National Park, go sea kayaking off the Channel Islands, or see the tufa towers of Mono Lake. History and culture play a role in each itinerary as well, from hearing stories of the Gold Rush in Old Sacramento to sampling exquisite varietals in the Napa and Paso Robles wine regions. Below are five itineraries that showcase the best seven-day long road trips in California.
Leave the city behind and spend the day getting a feel for the countryside. With berries in summer and apples in fall, pick some fresh produce, fill up on a home-cooked meal, and soak up the natural scenery of this peaceful setting.
Jump in your car and explore the incredible natural landscapes the American Southwest has to offer. With one week to spend, get away from it all with visits to Joshua Tree and Death Valley National Parks. Admire expansive views of the Grand Canyon and the unique Antelope Canyon. Hike your way through the incomparable Zion National Park and enjoy the sunset in Bryce Canyon. Reinvigorate your traveling spirit by taking advantage of these week-long trips close to home. These trips are designed from Los Angeles and Las Vegas but can be adapted to other starting points within the area as well.
The stretch of coast between Santa Cruz and Pacifica (known to locals as the Slow Coast) is packed with amazing views, charming small towns, and beautiful beaches, yet despite its proximity to San Francisco is much less crowded than Big Sur and other famous sections of California's dramatic coastline. The adjacent Santa Cruz Mountains also contain a number of fun diversions for outdoor lovers, allowing for the creation of a jam-packed day trip loop.
Forget the wineries in Napa or Sonoma: for those that live in the South Bay, the Santa Cruz mountain wine region is much closer and gives its better-known cousins to the north a run for their money. With its mountainous terrain and marine influences, the Santa Cruz Mountains offer ideal soil and growing conditions for world-class distinctive wines.
The drive to Pinnacles National Park from San Jose (less than 2 hours) is worth its weight in gold. The drive itself isn't anything special, but the destination makes up for that, and then some. The rock pinnacles that give this park its name are truly spectacular, and hiking on the trails that wind along and between these sheer rocks is an unforgettable experience.
Get away from the city for the day and unwind in this quintessential SoCal town. Dip your toes in the water of its sandy beaches, marvel at the artisanal products crafted by local artists, and sip on award-winning local wines.