I was probably no more than 50 yards from the rough bump that lurked around the low-lying, boggy meadow. His soaked brown fur glistened in the morning sun as I watched in disbelief. Remarkably, I followed a black bear. On my road trip from the Bay Area, I traversed Sacramento, Yosemite National Park, and the San Joaquin Valley on a loop from San Francisco. At the time, Yosemite had experienced heavier snowfall than normal in February and March and the national park had to be evacuated. When it reopened, I was one of the first to get back in.
California is versatile and has a special place in my heart. Most of my fondest memories of a US road trip are in the Golden State – whether it’s spotting bears in Yosemite, cruising along Highway 1 while blasting The Beach Boys, or eating juicy peaches at fruit stands along the road of a family in Modesto. Driving isn’t often the greenest way to travel, so I compensate by eating seasonal produce, buying local and taking public transport. I will also try to stay in one place longer to avoid having to drive daily.
Renting an electric car throughout California is the obvious tip, but look for hotels with EV points to avoid charging during the day. California’s roads are long and often winding, and depending on the season, you’re never far from wintry or wet conditions, especially in scenic high-altitude places. Eating seasonally is also easy. California’s weather is similar to that of the Mediterranean, and it is these conditions that make it a favorable farm-to-table destination. Cities like Sacramento and Berkeley have long flown the flag for fresh, seasonal produce, with locally grown almonds, pistachios, tangerines and tomatoes plentiful on menus year-round, helping to reduce food miles. With that in mind, here are four alternative road trips to California that incorporate these sustainable practices.
1. Highway 128
Get started: Yolo County
End: Mendocino
Distance: 144 miles
Take it easy on this 140-mile road trip that’s worth a long weekend or longer. You’ll start in Waters, in Yolo County’s bountiful wine country, and head west toward the rugged Mendocino coastline, passing through four of California’s most fertile states for wine, arts and outdoor recreation along the way (visit128.com).
With vineyards and tasting rooms in all four counties, it certainly helps if you’re into wine, but don’t be put off if you’re not: Sonoma County, for example, is also known for its seasonal food offerings, vibrant arts scene and boutique shopping, while Mendocino County adding outdoor exploration, serene beaches and vegan restaurants. If you’re short on time, or want someone else to drive that day, consider a wine tour of Napa and Sonoma in a luxury, all-electric Tesla through Healdsburg Tours (healdsburgtours.com).
2. Bay Area to Yosemite National Park
By: San Francisco
Nasty: Mariposa, via Yosemite National Park
Distance: 260 miles
There are a few ways to do this and while most will take the 580 and 120 through the Central Valley, it’s worth heading to Lake McClure in western Mariposa County for plenty of fishing and outdoor recreation activities. Then take John Muir Highway 132 straight into Yosemite National Park, where it’s all about the trails, waterfalls and valley views. After a few days exploring Yosemite, it’s on to the historic gold rush town of Mariposa: home to the award-winning Mariposa County History Center, plus several craft breweries and independent restaurants ranging from Mexican to Italian. (yosemite.com).
Yosemite offers free bus service around the park, reducing the need to drive around. Consider settling somewhere like Autocamp Yosemite, near Mariposa, whose signature, durable airstream trailers are equipped with modern amenities and are great for couples and families (autocamp.com). To further your eco credentials, stop in Berkeley on the way there or back for lunch at Chez Panisse, by chef Alice Waters, who pioneered the use of seasonal California produce (chezpanisse.com).
3. Modesto Almond Blossom Cruise
By: Modesto (round trip)
Distance: 60 miles
For just four weeks, starting in mid-February, 120,000 acres of almond orchards around Modesto burst into majestic pink and white bloom. It is here that as many as 80 percent of the world’s almonds are grown. A self-guided audio tour of this agriculturally rich region can be downloaded for $14.99 at visitmodesto.com. It includes local stories and tips on the best almond blossoms, where to stock up on local produce, and general sightseeing advice.
You’ll stop at Rodin Farms, a family farm whose roadside fruit stand sells flavored almonds, fruits, nuts, and honey; Sciabica Olive Oil, the oldest olive oil producer in the US; and Roberts Ferry Gourmet, where no one should pass by without trying its almond butter milkshake.
4. SoCal: mountain towns, beach camping and craft beer
By: Idyllwild-Pine Cove
Nasty: Encinitas
Distance: 98 miles or 248 miles
Pack a tent for this one, which starts in the village of Idyllwild-Pine Cove in the San Jacinto Mountains. There are plenty of easy trails that lead to sweeping vistas, such as the 2.5-mile Devils Slide Trail. From here you can take a 140-mile detour to Palm Springs, through the otherworldly Coachella Valley towards the frankly bizarre, deserted resort town of Salton Sea, before heading west through the dramatic desert of the Borrego Badlands to the coniferous Palomar Mountain State Park.
To follow the original 96-mile route, head south from Idyllwild to stop at Elim Hot Springs, then taste local wines at one of the many vineyards surrounding Palomar. A number of campsites here welcome small groups. Then trade deserts and mountains for sea air: take 76 and 78 toward the Encinitas coast, where a craft beer scene and camping on state beaches like Moonlight or San Elijo await.
Four iconic road trips through California
Highway 1
Imagine California Dreamin’ shooting out of your classic convertible and you’re almost there. This trip stretches 600 miles along the coast and includes stops in beach towns like Monterey, Santa Barbara, and Santa Monica, plus the dramatic Big Sur and Bixby Bridge.
Route 66
This one needs little introduction, but with a long distance of 3,000 kilometers between Chicago and Los Angeles, it does need plenty of time. You’ll cross eight states and three time zones, so give yourself a few weeks to fully complete it.
Highway 395
This offers everything from hot springs to mountains and deserts to skiing over a 900 kilometer route. Endless adventure awaits on this road trip along the Eastern Sierra, with Lake Tahoe, Bodie and Mt Whitney among the highlights.
Los Angeles to Palm Springs
About 100 years ago, Hollywood executives included a clause in actors’ contracts to ensure they would be within a two-hour driving distance throughout the production. Just 10 minutes away from that radius, this is one of the most popular day trips in LA.