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Summer Road Trips in California

Routes

30

Avg Distance

715 mi

Avg Drive

13h 32m

Destinations

14

California in the summer offers a diverse range of driving experiences, with 30 routes averaging 715 miles and over 13 hours. You'll encounter drives with significant elevation changes, reaching up to 4564 feet, and many routes boast park access. The longest trips can span over 1300 miles, providing ample opportunity to explore.

Planning Tips

Carry extra water — summer heat in the car and at rest stops dehydrates faster than you think.
Start drives early or late to avoid peak afternoon heat, especially through desert or plains stretches.
Check your tire pressure before long summer drives — hot pavement increases blowout risk with underinflated tires.

Frequently Asked Questions

We've identified 30 routes in California that work well for summer travel, based on drive quality, typical weather conditions, and distance (averaging 715 miles).

Drive times and distances come from actual road network data via OSRM. Fuel costs use current state-level gas prices. Drive scores factor in elevation profile, road variety, and terrain. All data is recalculated regularly.

Yes. Click any route to see its full trip page with turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost estimates, elevation profile, stop suggestions, weather conditions, and more.

Summer Routes

Editor's pick

Los Angeles, CA → San Antonio, TX

1353.9 mi 22h 57m Score: 8/10

This cross-country adventure scores an 8 out of 10, featuring high-altitude climbs and reaching a maximum elevation of 4564 feet. With park access along the way, it’s a substantial journey for summer exploration.

Editor's pick

McKinleyville, CA → San Diego, CA

804.2 mi 15h 8m Score: 6/10

A notable 804-mile drive within California, this route offers elevated terrain with climbs up to 2834 feet. Its inclusion of park access makes it a compelling option for experiencing the state's natural beauty.

Editor's pick

San Diego, CA → Willow Creek, CA

763.6 mi 14h 16m Score: 7/10

Boasting good EV coverage and 12 DC fast chargers, this 763-mile trip is a practical choice for a summer drive. It also provides access to parks, adding a natural element to the journey.

Crescent City, CA → Los Angeles, CA

755.3 mi 14h 14m Score: 7/10

Fortuna, CA → Chula Vista, CA

754.9 mi 14h 35m Score: 8/10

Hydesville, CA → San Diego, CA

746.9 mi 14h 24m Score: 8/10

McKinleyville, CA → San Bernardino, CA

736.2 mi 13h 45m Score: 7/10

McCloud, CA → San Diego, CA

731.2 mi 13h 37m Score: 7/10

Alturas, CA → San Diego, CA

726.6 mi 14h 31m Score: 8/10

Mount Shasta, CA → San Diego, CA

723.1 mi 13h 28m Score: 6/10

Weaverville, CA → San Diego, CA

708.3 mi 13h 11m Score: 6/10

Redway, CA → San Diego, CA

700.6 mi 13h 32m Score: 7/10

Fontana, CA → Arcata, CA

696.7 mi 13h 28m Score: 8/10

Irvine, CA → Arcata, CA

695.1 mi 13h 25m Score: 8/10

Los Angeles, CA → McKinleyville, CA

683.6 mi 12h 45m Score: 7/10

Myrtletown, CA → Santa Ana, CA

677.6 mi 13h 5m Score: 8/10

Redding, CA → Chula Vista, CA

672 mi 12h 28m Score: 6/10

Eureka, CA → Anaheim, CA

669.9 mi 12h 55m Score: 8/10

Anaheim, CA → Willow Creek, CA

669.1 mi 12h 25m Score: 7/10

Willow Creek, CA → Anaheim, CA

668.9 mi 12h 25m Score: 7/10

Fortuna, CA → Irvine, CA

667.5 mi 12h 48m Score: 8/10

Long Beach, CA → Willow Creek, CA

667.1 mi 12h 23m Score: 7/10

Palo Cedro, CA → San Diego, CA

662.5 mi 12h 23m Score: 6/10

Anaheim, CA → Alturas, CA

657.6 mi 13h 18m Score: 8/10

Laytonville, CA → San Diego, CA

653.3 mi 12h 28m Score: 7/10

Chula Vista, CA → Susanville, CA

646.3 mi 13h Score: 8/10

Cutten, CA → Los Angeles, CA

644.2 mi 12h 25m Score: 8/10

Eureka, CA → Los Angeles, CA

643.9 mi 12h 24m Score: 8/10

Los Angeles, CA → Willow Creek, CA

643.4 mi 11h 55m Score: 7/10

Los Angeles, CA → Humboldt Hill, CA

640.1 mi 12h 22m Score: 8/10

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