Now that summer’s almost here, we’re all yearning to hit the road. California offers a lot! From the beach to the mountains from North to South, California is a place where we can ride all year around.
The Shasta Cascade region is what we like to call our world-famous waterfall loop. You can drive a large loop in one day and see five to seven waterfalls all in a single day. Then, riding through Lassen Volcanic National Park. we can see plenty of boiling mud pots and steaming vents all around the park that show the volcanic activity that’s happening hundreds of feet below the surface.
Highway 299 from Redding to the Pacific Ocean is about a three-hour ride all the way to the coast and it’s full of so many gorgeous spots: fun saloons and a ton of ways to celebrate their Gold Rush history like Weaverville which was established in 1850 as a mining settlement or James town. On Highway 299’s western side, stop at the Bigfoot Museum in Willow Creek and Mad River Brewing Company in Blue Lake.
Just an hour’s ride North of San Francisco is Sonoma Wine Country. This place is yours to discover over 500 wineries and experience the rustic charm of down-to-earth locals, farmers, winemakers, and acclaimed chefs at farm-to-table restaurants. At the end of each day, unwind at your hotel or resort; several offer afternoon tea or cocktail hour. Make your Sonoma riding vacation even more memorable by booking a one-of-a-kind wine tasting experience that feature cycling through the vineyards, a horseback ride or multiple course wine & food pairings.
Riding through Southern California’s segment of the historic Route 66 is the “quintessential American road trip.” Along the way, expect to find historic landmarks, great food, and serendipity. “Cast aside your preconceived ideas because you will be surprised with every single mile.
If you’re riding east to west on Route 66 in California, your first stop should be in Needles, site of the historic El Garces train depot and hotel. Spend the night at the Fenders River Road Resort on the Colorado River. It’s a great place to set up base camp to explore the Mojave Desert.
As you push west on Route 66, you’ll reach San Bernardino. San Bernardino History and Railroad Museum in the town’s historic district and classic Mexican food at the 1937 Mitla Cafe. In Rialto, see the cone-shaped tents that appeared in the movie Cars at the 1949 WigWam Motel. In Rancho Cucamonga, stop in at the 1955 Magic Lamp Inn, a restaurant that “looks like a movie set for something like Alibaba and the Forty Thieves or Arabian Nights. It’s really a treasure.
Route 66 zooms through Pasadena and into Downtown Los Angeles, ending at Seventh and Broadway. That district is vibrant and there’s so much to see. Before reaching the Beach Cities, walk this district, seeing the Bradbury Building with its interesting architectural details and the astounding facades of some of the old theaters.
