The Top Places to See When Driving From Bakersfield, California to Santa Monica, California

If you're looking for a scenic drive that showcases California's unique landscape and culture, then driving from Bakersfield to Santa Monica is the perfect trip. This route offers some of the best views of California's Pacific coastline, excellent outdoor activities, and a chance to explore some of California's most beautiful small towns. Here are the top places to see when driving from Bakersfield, California to Santa Monica, California.

Scenic Views

The Pacific Coast Highway

If you're driving from Bakersfield to Santa Monica, you're going to want to take the scenic route. No road offers more stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the California coastline than the Pacific Coast Highway. The Pacific Coast Highway stretches from Southern California to Northern California and is considered one of the most iconic drives in America.

The highway hugs the beautiful California coastline, giving drivers incredible views of the ocean and surrounding landscape. Along the way, you can enjoy stops at lookout points, beaches, and parks. Be sure to take your time and explore all that this incredible road has to offer.

Morro Bay

If you're looking for a place to stop and take in the beauty of the coast, Morro Bay is a must-see. Morro Bay is a charming coastal town that sits just off the Pacific Coast Highway and features stunning views of Morro Rock. This rock formation is a volcanic plug that rises 576 feet above the ocean, making it a popular spot for photographers.

Morro Bay also features a beautiful harbor where you can take a harbor cruise, go deep-sea fishing or even rent a kayak to explore the bay. The town also has a lively downtown area with plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes to explore.

Santa Barbara

If you're looking for a town that perfectly captures the beauty and charm of California's coast, Santa Barbara is the place to go. This town is known for its stunning Spanish architecture, pristine beaches, and excellent outdoor activities. The town's historic State Street is a popular spot with both locals and tourists alike. The street features charming little stores, restaurants, and cafes where you can grab a bite to eat or shop for souvenirs.

Be sure to check out the Santa Barbara Harbor, where you can rent kayaks, go on whale watching tours, or take a sailing lesson. The town also has plenty of beautiful beaches to choose from, including Leadbetter Beach and East Beach.

Outdoor Activities

Yosemite National Park

If you're a nature lover, you won't want to miss the opportunity to visit Yosemite National Park. This park is one of America's most iconic national parks and is known for its towering granite cliffs, stunning waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. Yosemite is home to many activities, including hiking, rock climbing, and camping.

The park has over 800 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous, so there's something for everyone. Be sure to check out some of the park's most famous landmarks, such as Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls.

Joshua Tree National Park

If you're more interested in desert activities, be sure to check out Joshua Tree National Park. This park, located in Southern California, is known for its unique rock formations, stunning sunsets, and excellent hiking trails. The park is also a popular spot for rock climbers, with over 8,000 climbing routes to choose from.

Joshua Tree has over 800,000 acres of land to explore, so be sure to take your time and enjoy all that this park has to offer. Some must-see spots include Skull Rock, Hidden Valley, and Keys View.

Charming Towns

Solvang

Located just off the Pacific Coast highway, Solvang is a charming Danish-themed town that's famous for its delicious Danish pastries and quaint small-town charm. The town features beautiful architecture, winding streets, and plenty of restaurants and shops to explore.

Be sure to check out the Solvang Windmills, a series of charming windmills that are a nod to Solvang's Danish heritage. Don't forget to stop by one of the many bakeries in town and grab a Danish pastry or two.

Carpinteria

Carpinteria is a small coastal town located just south of Santa Barbara. The town is known for its pristine beaches, charming downtown area, and excellent outdoor activities. Carpinteria State Beach is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, thanks to its wide sandy beach, clear water, and excellent surfing conditions.

The town also has a thriving arts community, and there are plenty of galleries and studios to explore. Be sure to check out the Carpinteria Farmers Market, which takes place each Thursday and offers an array of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and more.

Conclusion

California is a beautiful state with plenty to see and do. Whether you're driving from Bakersfield to Santa Monica or exploring other parts of the state, there's no shortage of incredible sights to take in. From stunning coastlines to charming small towns, there's something for everyone on this epic road trip. Be sure to take your time and enjoy all that California has to offer.