10 Must See California Road Trip Destinations

When you live in a San Jose home, you live in a place that allows you to get outside and explore most of the year. The vast majority of the country can’t make that claim! So, take advantage of the abundance of beautiful weather and scenery that surrounds us, and visit some of the protected lands that are ready to host your next adventure.

1. Yosemite National Park

Just three hours east of your San Jose rental, you’ll find one of the top California destinations – Yosemite National Park. The vast land contained within the preserved area is home to wildflowers, waterfalls, and giant sequoias that will inspire and invigorate. While you can visit the park any time of year, be sure to check road conditions before you leave, as roads sometimes close due to weather conditions.

2. Sequoia National Park

If standing next to a regular old maple tree makes you feel small, just wait until you find yourself hiding beneath the canopy of thousands of sequoia trees. These giants are stunning, but there’s so much more to see in Sequoia National Park. While you definitely should get out of your car and explore, the roads that pave the way through the forest hide new visual treasures around each curve. Put your cell phones away (except to maybe snap a few pictures), and enjoy the view.

3. Kings Canyon National Park

You can see two parks in one trip when you visit Sequoia National Park. The road you’ll take leads into Kings Canyon, and it’s worth the extra visit for the majestic bodies of water you’ll encounter. If you go at just the right time at the end of Spring, you’ll visit when there’s still some snow on the ground, yet wildflowers are peeking their heads through.  Nevertheless, no matter when you explore these wondrous grounds, you’ll find yourself in awe.

4. Channel Islands National Park

So, it’s not exactly a road trip. To get to Channel Islands National Park you’ll need to hop aboard a boat or plane. You’ll also need to make sure you come 100% prepared, with everything you need to survive your stay. This trip to the islands is an adventure of survival, and it’s completely worth the extra planning. You’ll be rewarded with whale sightings, access to protected beaches, and water sports galore.

5. Joshua Tree National Park

California offers so more than just beautiful beaches and spectacular forests – we’ve also got vast deserts that are a whole new kind of fascination. It’s worth the 7-hour drive to get to Joshua Tree National Park from your San Jose rental. You can spend your days walking or hiking through the park, and at night, you’ll relax under the stars. There is no place better for stargazing than the desert.

6. Big Basin Redwoods State Park

As a real estate brokerage company offering property management in San Jose, we would be remiss if we didn’t include Big Basin Redwoods State Park on this list of must see places in California. It’s a day trip from San Jose rentals, with a drive time of just a little over an hour. The park is lined with trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. There are areas for swimming and windsurfing, along with all the facilities you’d expect at a state park camping ground.

7. Humboldt Redwoods State Park – Avenue of the Giants

There is no greater romance than taking a slow drive through the Avenue of Giants, the main attraction at the Humboldt Redwoods State Park. This curvy road is surrounded by some of the most massive trees you could imagine. It feels like driving into a whole new world. There are plenty of places to pull off and park, where you can explore your surroundings.

8. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

If you’re okay with heights, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park should be on your bucket list. The seaside cliffs showoff the full glory of both land and sea (although you’ll have to leave the park to get beach access). There’s also a variety of hiking trails, and campsites available for overnight use. For a more comfortable stay, you can spend your nights at the historic Big Sur Lodge.

9. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park displays more of California’s diverse geographic features. Along the hiking trails, you’ll see cold lakes that boil, steam vents, mud pots, geysers, and other hydrothermal qualities. Be careful! Visitors have gotten hurt by not following the rules. It’s important to stay on the hiking paths and heed warnings.

10. Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles National Park is another one we’d hate to leave off our list as a company that offers property management services in San Jose. The park is only 77 miles from our San Jose rentals, and it offers so much adventure! You can go rock climbing, or explore caves, and witness spectacular creatures like condors and eagles.

California is filled with so many splendors! The diverse lands that spread for miles allow us to have access to the best of all worlds – so take advantage of it and hit the road!