Ready to hit the open road and uncover California’s beating heart? This Central California itinerary lays the groundwork for diverse adventures, ranging from the mountains to the coast. From playing in Lake Tahoe’s alpine wonderland and marveling at granite monoliths in Yosemite National Park to coming face-to-face with marine life in Monterey and catching waves in Pismo Beach, you’re in for a road trip full of dynamic discoveries across the Golden State.

Distance: 524 Miles • Total Drive Time: 10 Hours

1. Lake Tahoe: Pure Waters, Peak Pursuits

Starting point

Kick off your road trip in Lake Tahoe, where 72 miles of topaz shoreline, soaring peaks, and 300 days of sunshine open the door to epic outdoor adventures. Often called Lake Tahoe’s crown jewel, Emerald Bay State Park invites you to soak up its dramatic mountain backdrops while kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or boating on the lake’s glistening waters. For an aerial view of the park, stop at the Inspiration Point along Highway 89 or hike up the Rubicon Trail. Before you go, take the Vikingsholm Trail to reach Vikingsholm Castle, a replica of a historic Scandinavian castle.

Other popular trails to traverse in the area include the 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail, which loops along the ridgelines of the Lake Tahoe Basin, and the Mount Tallac Trail within Desolation Wilderness, which offers three trail options ranging from easy to moderate.

In the summer, make a splash in South Lake Tahoe’s family-friendly beaches such as Pope Beach, Kiva Beach, and Lakeside Beach. In winter, carve the slopes at world-renowned ski resorts like Heavenly Mountain Resort, Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort, and Kirkwood Mountain Resort.

After indulging in outdoor pursuits, stay and play in South Lake Tahoe. At night, watch the resort city come alive with vibrant nightlife, casinos, and a diverse dining scene ranging from casual brewpubs to upscale restaurants.

Featured Resort: Tahoe Valley Campground

Tahoe Valley Campground makes the perfect base camp for exploring South Lake Tahoe and its surrounding areas. Nestled amidst towering pines, this campground features mostly shaded sites and over 300 full hookups. On-site, you’ll find top amenities, including a swimming pool, playground, horseshoe pits, and laundry facilities. The campground is also strategically located just minutes from the “Y”, providing convenient access to restaurants, grocery stores, casinos, and more.

2. Answer Yosemite’s Wild Call

Drive 124 miles • 2 hours, 30 minutes

Almost the size of Rhode Island, Yosemite National Park will shock and awe you with its massive granite formations and plunging waterfalls. Start your journey by admiring or conquering El Capitan, a vertical rock formation that’s 2.5 times taller than the Empire State Building. You can take in the iconic granite walls from the Tunnel View vantage point, hike the strenuous 20-mile El Capitan Trail to the summit, or rock climb with the Yosemite Mountaineering School.

Next, head east to Glacier Point for sweeping views of Half Dome and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Here, you’ll find the starting and finishing point for popular trails like the Panorama Trail and Four Mile Trail. Afterwards, explore the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, which houses some of the world’s largest and oldest trees, or wander alpine lake trails in the tranquil Tuolumne Meadows. If you want to get on the water, consider rafting down the Merced River or reeling in rainbow and brown trout from 770 miles of streams and mountain lakes.

Beyond the natural wonders are historic and cultural attractions worth seeing. Step inside the Ahwahnee Hotel, a National Historic Landmark built in the 1920s, and then visit the Yosemite History Center, where a replica stagecoach and costumed volunteers bring the region’s past to life. Be sure to make a pit stop at the Ansel Adams Gallery, which showcases an impressive collection of the renowned artist’s original photographs.

Featured Thousand Trails Resort: Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes

Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes is located only five miles from the entrance to Yosemite National Park on Highway 120. It has 254 total spaces, including 35 full hookup sites and 32 on-site yurt and cabin rentals. Beyond its convenient access to the park, the campground offers fishing, swimming, and gold panning thanks to the Tuolumne River flowing through it. Other family-friendly amenities include shuffleboard, mini golf, and an enclosed game room.

3. A Whale of a Time in Monterey

Drive 247 miles • 5 hours

Take your foot off the gas pedal and savor Monterey’s attractions and outdoor activities set against a striking Pacific Ocean coastline. A top highlight is the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a world-renowned marine life and conservation center housed in a former sardine cannery. Here, you can marvel at jellyfish, leopard sharks, penguins, and giant Pacific octopuses. From the aquarium’s outdoor decks, look for sea otters, seals, and other marine life in the protected Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Next, explore Cannery Row, once the “Sardine Capital of the World,” now bustling with hotels, restaurants, pubs, and shops within its 19th-century architecture. Nearby, Old Fisherman’s Wharf provides a fun experience with saltwater taffy, unique shops, and serves as a meeting point for fishing excursions and whale-watching tours, where you might spot dolphins, sea lions, and even orcas. Round out your stay by hiking or biking the 18-mile Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, offering panoramic views along the coast.

Venture outside the city and you’ll quickly stumble upon more Monterey County gems. Cruise down 17-Mile Drive to reach the famous Pebble Beach golf course, immerse yourself in the life and works of John Steinbeck at the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas, and sip your way through countless wineries and tasting rooms in Carmel-by-the-Sea and Carmel Valley.

Featured Thousand Trails Resort: Marina Dunes RV Resort

Enjoy the best of both worlds at Marina Dunes RV Resort in Marina. Its convenient location is just a stone’s throw away from the ocean and Marina Dunes Preserve, and a 15-minute drive away from downtown Monterey’s restaurants, shops, and popular attractions. All 89 sites within this eco-friendly park have a BBQ and picnic table. An exercise room, playground, laundry facilities, and bike rentals are also available.

4. Take It Slow in Pismo Beach

Drive 153 miles • 2 hours, 30 minutes

Situated halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Pismo Beach gives off classic beach town vibes with its nostalgic attractions and natural wonders. Start your visit at the 1,200-foot Pismo Beach Pier, ideal for strolling, watching surfers, and fishing. On the beach, catch a wave on beginner-friendly surf breaks and then stop by the Monarch Butterfly Grove from October to February to gaze at thousands of black and gold butterflies resting on eucalyptus trees. Afterwards, head to Pismo Preserve to traverse over 11 miles of trails weaving through oak woodlands and coastal ridgelines that open up to sweeping Pacific Ocean views. Turn up the adrenaline by kayaking through sea caves and horseback riding or ATVing through the Oceano Dunes.

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When hunger strikes, chow down on award-winning clam chowder at Splash Café, a Pismo staple since 1989, or enjoy Latin-inspired dishes at the Ventana Grill. Locals also recommend getting a freshly baked treat from Old West Cinnamon Rolls and sampling local wines at Tastes of the Valleys wine bar. When the sun goes down, cap off your day with rooftop cocktails at Cypress Beach House or a fun game of retro bowling at Pismo Bowl.

Featured Thousand Trails Resort: Pacific Dunes Ranch

Pacific Dunes Ranch is a compelling choice for RV travelers thanks to its secluded location in Oceano Preserve’s rolling dunes. The year-round, pet-friendly campground boasts 185 full-hookup sites and can accommodate large RVs up to 66 feet in length. Direct trails to the beach mean you’ll be hiking, biking, swimming, or fishing in no time.