At Griffith Observatory, enjoy panoramic views of Los Angeles, the Pacific Ocean, and the Hollywood Sign. Explore fascinating space exhibits, see the giant Foucault pendulum, and watch the Tesla coil spark show. Travelers can also look through the Zeiss telescope or attend the “Centered in the Universe” planetarium show for a memorable start to the trip.

Discover the otherworldly landscape of Vasquez Rocks Natural Area, known for its dramatic, tilted rock formations featured in Star Trek and The Flintstones. Travelers can hike a section of the Pacific Crest Trail, climb the Famous Rocks, and visit the nature center to learn about the area’s geology and Native American history — all while capturing some of the most unique photos of the trip.

Visit the Tehachapi Loop, a fascinating railroad engineering marvel near the town of Keene. Watch as long freight trains climb 77 feet by looping over themselves — the front of the train passes right over its own tail! This historic track, active since 1876, can be viewed from a scenic overlook along Woodford-Tehachapi Road, offering travelers a unique and memorable stop on the journey north.

Explore Red Rock Canyon State Park, a hidden gem of the Mojave Desert with towering red cliffs, layered rock formations, and rugged canyons that glow at sunset. Hike the 1.2-mile Hagen Canyon Nature Trail for up-close views of the striped rocks and keep an eye out for desert wildlife like kit foxes. This scenic, less-crowded park feels like your own private desert adventure.

Lake Isabella: 11,000 acres of fun in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Kayak, fish, windsurf, or swim, picnic or camp by the shore. For extra adventure, raft the Kern River or grab a legendary burger at Cheryl’s Diner.

Feel tiny—in the best way—beneath the General Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park. At nearly 275 feet tall and 36 feet wide, it’s the largest tree on Earth by volume. Walk the 0.8-mile Giant Forest trail and be dwarfed by towering sequoias that make your car look like a toy. No stat can prepare you for the awe of standing beneath it.

Bass Lake: Just a 2-hour 20-minute drive from Sequoia, this 1,170-acre retreat is perfect for paddleboarding, jet skiing, or floating with a cold drink. Rent a pontoon at Miller’s Landing, grab a lakeside burger at The Forks Resort, or hike the Willow Creek Trail for sunset. Relax, unwind, and wish you had one more day.

Yosemite National Park: The grand finale of your road trip. Marvel at El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, and Half Dome. Hike the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall or cruise the valley floor for views that take your breath away. Whether camping under the stars or visiting for the day, Yosemite is pure magic.