Holiday air travel seems miserable. I don’t have first hand experience really- I stay close to home around Thanksgiving and Christmas. I’m one of those rare lucky people, with my immediate family all within driving distance. No weather delays, camping out at airports or paying a million dollars in airfare to eat turkey, exchange gifts with family and give my mama a tight hug. Blessed!! That said, the travel bug knows no season. Inevitably, I still go in search of new adventures in November and December each year. So you know what that means… road trip!!?! In the Golden State, where you can drive for 13+ hours without crossing state lines, you have countless destinations for a California road trip.

Many people think of the same few places to visit in Cali: the Bay Area, Los Angeles and San Diego. If you want to join me and get off the beaten path a bit, here are four places on my list that I have yet to visit. Yes, even some of us Cali natives still have ground to cover. In the wise words of Martin, ‘Gas up the Pacer!‘ It’s time for a road trip!

Mount Shasta

How have I missed visiting all of the seven volcanoes in California? Brown Lady and the Volcano. How dope does that sound??  Like the stuff adventures are made of. Taking selfies on a 1915 fire truck at the Sisson Museum. Hiking the waterfall at McCloud River, watching a sheet of water falling over a lava cliff, Mount Shasta sounds like my opportunity to be Indiana Jones and I’m here for all of it.

Big Sur

I feel like I’ve always heard great stories about Big Sur. It’s been on my list for years, I’ve just never made it. The more I read about the hot springs, dramatic views of the ocean, tide pools and purple sand beach, I’m can’t help but wonder what’s taken me so long. Seriously, purple sand- how could I not go??

Yosemite

So I’ve been sleeping on Yosemite, completely.  I’m embarrassed to admit it, in my mind Yosemite was just hella trees and well… nature. Maybe a few cabins, some tents and RVs.  Nice I’m sure, but not exactly my jam. Turns out they have spas, yoga… and wine tasting?!? Suddenly Yosemite is checking all types of Brown Lady activity boxes.  I should have known better. But now that I do, I’m absolutely planning my first trip.  Spa days, wine tastings and yoga is my kind of camping trip. If you happen to be into the more rustic side of things, they’ve got you covered too. Grab your tent and go find some trees.

Joshua Tree

While I’ve loved my trips to the desert, Palm Springs specifically, I haven’t quite ventured out to Joshua Tree National Park. It seems like a peaceful and majestic place. An epic hike just waiting to happen. If you’ve kept up with me and the girls, we are no strangers to epic hike moments (wrong turns and all).

Maybe the girls and I will make the journey on our next desert adventure. Palm Springs here we come!

Less Camp, More Glamp

You’ll notice that my list is super outdoorsy. That may surprise you, since my nature hikes are often just the grassy areas around wineries. But hey, I do love trees, fresh air and a good hike. I just hate camping. Truly, I refuse to do it. So I guess that may explain why I haven’t made it to these extremely well known national parks and open spaces yet. However, as glamping becomes increasingly popular with options that include beds and bathrooms, even I can brave the forest! Who’s with me??!

Brown Lady Travel Tip

If you’re looking for a winter road trip, I’d recommend you start in Southern Cali and save the spots in the North for spring and summer.

What hidden gems are on the list for your California road trip??