Road trip California in one day!

Mr. Holliman and I are no strangers to road trips. With our kids in tow, or just the two of us, we really enjoy time spent on the road. The journey, as we always say, is just as fun as the destination. We absolutely enjoy stopping to explore, always finding new and interesting places along the way. We love to chat along the way and we simply enjoy each others company.

Here in California you can really do it all in one day. The diversity of this state of ours means you can easily start your day surfing and end it snow boarding or skiing... or even camping in the desert.

So, where should you begin? Here are a few suggestions from Visit California.

Sea to Snow

Surf Ski LA Getaway: Start your day in Venice Beach riding the waves with a surf lesson at Fun Surf LA before fueling up on avocado toast or brioche French toast at the Pier House. Hit the road for a three-hour drive north to Big Bear Mountain Ski Resort to arrive for their popular night ski session and see how surf skills easily translate to slope moves.

San Simeon to the Mountains: Soaking up the sun on one of the many Central Coast beaches, exploring Hearst Castle or visiting the elephant seal rookery are just a few highlights to experience in San Simeon. When you’re ready for a colder adventure it’s time to hit the slopes in Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, or play in the snow in Yosemite.

Dual Sport Day: Shred in the morning and swim in the afternoon all without ever leaving North Lake Tahoe. Try your hand skiing or boarding on the slopes of Squaw Valley, Diamond Peak or Boreal Mountain Resort before heading to the lake for an afternoon of jet skiing.

Big Bear to Orange County: With the San Bernardino National Forest, Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, Big Bear Lake is an outdoor lover’s treasure trove. Ski, snowboard, hike or go tubing, while exploring the Inland Empire. When you’re ready to warm up it’s just a three hour drive to the sun-drenched Orange County coast.

City to Mountain: In California you really can have it all. In Los Angeles, visitors get cosmopolitan city life and laid-back beach vibes. Have a fabulous brunch, build a sandcastle, and then journey up scenic Highway 395 through the stunning scenery of the Eastern Sierra’s before arriving in Mono County. Here you can cross-country ski, snowshoe or explore the forest via dog sled.

From Wine to Winter: Oenophiles and ocean lovers will enjoy Paso Robles’ nearby pristine beaches and many boutique wineries. After enjoying the sea of wine, and with a designated driver at the wheel, it’s time for a change of scenery. In just three hours, be snowshoeing in Sequoia King Canyon, and in six, hitting the slopes at Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort.

Desert to Sea

Moro Rock to Morro Bay: From your base in Visalia, it’s easy to spend a day watching the sun rise over the Sierra Nevada mountains and seeing it set into the Pacific Ocean. The Moro Rock to Morro Rock trip affords intrepid travelers the opportunity to climb the carved out stairway at Moro Rock to the panoramic summit in Sequoia National Park and finish the experience on the coast at the famous volcanic Morro Rock in Morro Bay.

Sea Caves to Desert: Start the day on the water kayaking through sea caves, rock climb in the beautiful backcountry during the afternoon, and end the evening star gazing from your campsite in the vast Anza-Borrego Desert, all without leaving the greater San Diego area.

Ocean to Cave: It might be called Goat Rock Beach, but the Sonoma County park is actually home to a colony of Pacific Harbor seals. Walk along the sandy shores and you’ll be treated to many sunning themselves along the coastline. In the afternoon travel an hour inland to the Alexander Valley Vineyards and explore its 25,000 sq. ft. cave. Instead of stalactites and stalagmites here the cave is lined with vino.

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