For the first time ever, Visit California invites readers to hit the open road through the eyes of those who’ve truly lived it. The all-new 2025 California Road Trips Guide is ready to order and packed with first-person narratives, spotlighting a diverse collection of stories from travelers, influencers, and experts who share their own unforgettable journeys across the Golden State.
From wheelchair-accessible trails in Yosemite to luxury hideaways in Mendocino, this guide features nine exciting itineraries for on-the-road exploration in the Golden State.
Kristen Bell: California Through a Personal Lens
Among the guide’s most anticipated features is an exclusive interview with this year’s cover star Kristen Bell, who shares her heartfelt reflections on road-tripping through the Golden State. For Bell, California is “what you make of it”—a place where you can find everything from bustling city life to tranquil desert landscapes.
She reveals family-favorite stops like El Capitan State Beach, where she camps with friends (including Jimmy Kimmel), and the sandy off-road haven of Glamis in the southeastern desert. Her perfect escape? The hot springs and mud baths of Calistoga, which she dubs the “California of the movies.”
Whether she's packing Polish pierogies or savoring local favorites like Harry’s Berries, Bell turns every road trip into a snack-focused, podcast-powered adventure for the whole family.
Diverse Voices, Iconic Destinations
This immersive guide features an array of diverse voices, including Cory Lee of Curb Free with Cory Lee, whose passion for accessible travel brings a fresh lens to iconic stops in San Francisco, Napa Valley, Tuolumne County, and Yosemite National Park. His insights make this a must-read for inclusive travel planning.
Luxury expert Jeremy Austin takes readers on a high-end escape through Carmel, Monterey, and Mendocino, highlighting boutique hotels, designer retailers, and fine dining along the coast.
History comes alive with Anthony and Marlie Love, the creators of Traveling While Black, as they explore Gold Country, uncovering the powerful Black narratives woven into the fabric of Sacramento, El Dorado, and Calaveras County.
Photographer Harish Kumar captures the untamed beauty of the Shasta Cascade and North Coast regions with breathtaking visuals that make a compelling case for venturing off the beaten path.
Guidebook author Ann Marie Brown offers expert advice for exploring all nine of California’s national parks, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to expand their adventures.
The guide also includes themed itineraries for every kind of traveler: a taco lover’s dream road trip from Los Angeles County through the Central Valley, a family-friendly theme park tour across Southern California, an artistic reimagining of Route 66, and a winter escape to the snowy slopes of Lake Tahoe and Mammoth Lakes.
How to Order Your Own Copy
Get the full itineraries for these trips in the 2025 California Road Trips guide. Download the digital version or order your free copy to be sent directly to your doorstep.