Scenic Byways In California

a scenic road in the state of california

The Golden State

If you find yourself California dreaming on a cold winter’s day, there are plenty of scenic byways to help you fully experienced this gorgeous state.

California is the most populous US state, with over 39.3 million residents. But just because everyone wants to find their way to California, doesn’t mean it is left wanting for gorgeous scenery and incredible destinations along the way.

While most people associate California with warmer weather and gorgeous beaches, this state totals 163,696 square miles, and offers biodiversity ranging from the snowy mountains in the aptly named Snow Mountain area to the warmer regions in the south.

While many people think of the California gold rush in 1848 when considering the state’s history, this area was home to various Native Californian tribes before being colonized by various European nations and becoming part of the Spanish empire in the 18th century.

Starting with the Californian Gold Rush, and spanning to today, California is considered a trendsetter among The United States, as well as the world.

Popular for everything from Hollywood to the Silicon Valley, California is an economic hub that competes with several other non-nation locations across the globe. Not only does this mean that California has a robust economic profile, but it also means that the tourism industry is booming in this state. All the more reason to check out some of the scenic byways that allow you to truly experience this state.

Exploring California By Road

Not only are there countless national scenic byways to choose from with exploring this incredible state, but several of the state’s routes wind their way through a myriad of scenic locations that truly showcase the diverse landscape that this state has to offer.

While California does not boast the most shoreline of any state, its sprawl from north to south allows you to get an incredible intersection of different biomes and scenery that’s hard to beat.

What better way to summarize how much incredible scenery is available in the state than the nine national parks that make their home within its borders, ranging from the otherworldly appeal of Death Valley to the breathtaking splendor of the Redwood National and State Parks?

If you’re looking to go on a scenic road trip through this incredible state, these byways allow you to take the road less traveled by and see what makes California unique.

If you’re looking to plan your next road trip across California, or just looking to find a more scenic way to get to route work, we’ve got you covered. With 66 national and state scenic byways to experience, California is truly a paradise worth visiting.

Click on the links to the right to compare the different byways available and handpick the best route for your next journey. We promise that by the time you’re done, you’ll find yourself California dreaming whenever you return home.