California Road Trip Adventures

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson hits the road with three seasoned travelers to explore California’s epic road trip experiences.

To kick things off, Johnson chats with Zach Dundas, the editorial director behind the Wildsam field guides and Wildsam Magazine, a publication focused solely on road trips. Dundas explains why the open road remains one of the most profound ways to experience California. “You could come up with dozens of different themed road trips just within the state of California, and that's what makes it amazing,” says Dundas. He then dives deep into California’s extraordinary range—recommending a route that begins in the artsy neighborhoods of San Francisco and travels east to Yosemite National Park. He also highlights the surreal beauty of Joshua Tree National Park and shares an itinerary that links California’s desert, mountains, and forests.

Next, Johnson catches up with Scott Clark, the chef and owner of Dad’s Luncheonette, a beloved roadside eatery in Half Moon Bay. Clark talks about leaving the fast-paced fine dining world to open Dad’s Luncheonette, a cozy spot in a red train caboose along California’s coast. “I wanted to make food that felt like home, but that you’d actually want to eat,” he says. Clark also shares highlights from his new cookbook Coastal: 130 Recipes from a California Road Trip, including stories about foraging in Monterey, making frequent stops at oyster shacks, and exploring hidden coastal gems.

Finally, Johnson chats with Alessandra Martinez, a digital creator who recently embarked on a four-day theme park road trip with her husband and four kids. Their high-energy itinerary hit Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland Resort, and LEGOLAND California. Martinez offers tips for navigating theme parks with kids of all ages and reflects on how to make road trips feel magical for the whole family. “Let everyone pick one thing they’re most excited for—and make sure it happens,” she says.

GUESTS

Zach Dundas, editorial director at Wildsam
Scott Clark, chef and owner of Dad’s Luncheonette
Alessandra Martinez, digital creator and influencer

RESOURCES

Zach Dundas is the editorial director behind the Wildsam field guides as well as Wildsam Magazine, a publication exclusively dedicated to road tripping.

Wildsam
Wildsam Magazine
Route 66 
Napa
Sonoma
San Francisco
Surfing 
Los Angeles County
Joshua Tree National Park
Yosemite National Park
High Sierra Region
El Capitan
Half Dome
Eastern Sierra
Integratron
Twentynine Palms
Palm Springs
Mt. Shasta

Scott Clark is the chef and owner of Dad’s Luncheonette in Half Moon Bay, as well as the author of Coastal: 130 Recipes from a California Road Trip.

Dad’s Luncheonette
Half Moon Bay 
French Laundry 
Benu
Ferry Building
Ferry Plaza Farmers Market
Watsonville
Highway 1
San Mateo County 
Route 92
Morro Bay
Monterey
Santa Cruz
Stinson Beach
Bolinas
Marin County
Marshall
The Marshall Store
Julia’s
Big Sur
Paso Robles

Alessandra Martinez is a content creator known as @livin.mivida.ale specializing in family-friendly travel and lifestyle.

Mission Viejo
Rancho Santa Margarita
Universal Studios Hollywood
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Toadstool Cafe
Disneyland Resort
Mint Julep Bar
Disney California Adventure Park
Anaheim
LEGOLAND California
LEGOLAND Castle Hotel
San Diego County

ABOUT THE HOST

Soterios Johnson, formerly the local host of National Public Radio’s Morning Edition on New York radio station WNYC, has been the host of the California Now Podcast since its inception in 2018.

OUR TEAM

Host, Soterios Johnson
Editorial Director, Jené Shaw 
Producer, Kate Eplboim
Technical Producer, Jessica Marshall
Theme music, Aaron Taos