California is the most beautiful place on earth , period .

Truck driver born in the South, driven through 42 states. California still the most beautiful state overall

I was fortunate to move to California from Europe 30 years ago. I have never regretted that decision. I have taken all these drives and then some. There are no favorites. Every part of the state is a color in the whole spectrum. There is nothing like it. God Bless.

Sighhhhhhhhh .. I grew up here so of course have seen everything you mentioned (and more) .. choking up here from nostalgia. Deserts, mountains, oceans, ancient forests, State parks .. what DOESN'T California have? 💖

HWY 395 is one of the most underrated drives in the state. It is my absolute favorite! Stunning scenery along the way.

One of my favorites not mentioned on this list is the Pebble Beach 17 mile drive. That whole area is absolutely beautiful.

I’m from ca but seeing it like this makes me emotional. So many memories and so many generations before me saw these same beautiful sites. long after I’m gone people will still be going on these same roads seeing this same beautiful state. Wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. Thanks for much for your beautiful footage you share with us

So much to do in California, love this state!

I live in Crestline and feel included being mentioned on this list. What is crazy is that I drove on this highway everyday for 4 years just to go to school. You almost get to the point of forgetting the beauty. Still drive it daily. Thanks for reminding me of how cool my town is.

I did that first drive by accident while trying to get to the Salton Sea. Starting from Orange County. It's crazy how big California really is.

I love the drive along the 126 from Santa Clarita. We drive this all the time to get to Oxnard and Ventura. A gorgeous scenic view of the fields and orange groves. ❤️

This video made me realize that I’ve done Death Valley completely wrong 5 years ago........now I feel the urge to go back!

I-5 down from Oregon with Mt. Shasta right in front of you is also amazing.

Can't forget about the Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park! Those Giant Sequoia Trees are something else. So beautiful!

My wife and I live in the UK. We love the States, especially California. We have been lucky enough to have our holiday over 30 times in America. We were due to visit again in April, that was obviously cancelled and we have rebooked for October. We are going to San Francisco, Yosemite, Mammoth Lake, Death Valley, Las Vegas, Palm Springs, San Diego and then Los Angeles, we cant wait and love it so much. We both wanted to thank you for your videos that have kept us excited and enthralled during this lockdown. Hopefully we will be able to travel to your beautiful state in October and enjoy what you brilliantly put into picture.

I swear this channel is helping me plan my whole damn summer🙌🏽

I've been twice in lake Tahoe, definitely my favorite place to visit every time I spend my vacation in US

Another great bucket list. Another way of looking at this is: In California a Scenic Drive is any road outside an urban area that isn't the Golden State I-5 freeway (which can become very tedious). I've been on all of these roads and yep, they're amazing. I've traveled internationally and seen some pretty spectacular places, there's no other place in the world that has as much as California. (It's almost unfair). For a future video maybe speak to some geologists and historians. The geology of California is incredibly diverse and remarkable. Spotting the signs of glaciation in the Sierras, especially around Yosemite, spotting the few remaining glaciers. Volcanism isn't just that one road. Before Mt St Helen's blew up in 1980 the previous continental U.S. volcanic eruption was Mt Lassen in about 1915. There are also volcanoes dotted in many other places in the state. Once you learn what a cinder cone looks like, you might find yourself at an air show at Edwards AFB and yep those bumps in the distance are volcanoes. The 101 Freeway follows the San Andreas Fault Zone. Once you know what to look for, cliffs (escarpments) along rivers and other features are easily identifiable as seismic. Around Palm Springs and the Salton Sea are oasis's that are the result of ground water moving along the fractured rocks and collecting in spots where palm trees grow. At the southern end of the lake you can see steam rising from thermal vents. Did you know that the photographer Edward Weston got a Guggenheim Grant, he bought a used car and Charis Wilson, his girlfriend, would drive at ten mph while Weston looked around for things to photograph. At night they'd just pull off the road to camp. Finding this out made me stop searching for reservations at overcrowded camp grounds and begin Dispersed camping in National Forests and Dirtbagging in other places. Just being a busy body.

You forgot to include the drive through Joshua National Park: stunning overlook and grand rock formations.

I driven all of these roads, some with my family, some alone on a motorcycle touring the area. I must say, these drives are amazing. I camped throughout these areas, taking time to check it out more. I highly recommend them, you won't be disappointed. 👍

So many amazing things to see in California!

I drove from Guerneville to Lassen National Park, took the 29 and 53, then the 20 to I-5 at Williams. Stunning through those winding hills west of Calistoga and the Robert Louis Stevenson State Park, passing east of Clear Lake. Geothermal area through Middletown, stopped at Calpine Geothermal Visitors Center.

I’m amazed why four people would dislike this video.....incredible.

Things you need. A good car, a good camera, and a sense of adventures. My family did the Route 1 drive right along the ocean and it was amazing. Additionally, the 17mile drive in Montgomery is also beautifully!

Hwy 1 from Ragged Point to Morro Bay is spectacular !!

I went to California for my first time last year. We did two of the scenic drives on your list. Kings Canyon and the Big Sur portion of the coast Highway. California really is as beautiful as you hear. I now understand all of the "hype" it deservedly gets! Can't wait to try the other nine on your list! Thanks 😊

I think Angeles Crest Highway and Palms to Pines Scenic Byway are gorgeous.

You make me want to quit my job ,but a motor home and just drive Cali!!

I’ve been to every road on this list. They are all wonderful, especially Avenue of the Giants. Another great one is the drive through Del Norte redwoods along the coast, just below Crescent City, CA.

Love this! I love California! Lived in the midwest for over 20 years in Illinois, didn't know what I was missing:)

Can't believe you left out Interstate 5 between Bakersfield and Tracy. Such a beautiful route

One of my favorites close to where I grew up in southern Orange County is the drive between San Juan Capistrano and Lake Elsinore along the Ortega Highway (state route 74). Beautiful mountain scenery just beyond the urban sprawl.

Thumbs up for: Avenue of the Giants (The road is great and the trees are stunning)

In Death Valley I recommend visiting Scotty's Castle!

I've done several of these and love them all!

I loved the Anza borrego drive. It was amazing and we got out to hike through the desert. The saltan sea was eerie but beautiful.

Love scenic drives. Thank you for sharing. California definitely has it all!

Just went to kings canyon scenic drive on Wenedsday!! I highly recommend it.Well worth it

Hwy 70 through the Feather River Canyon it is a Scenic byway

Bro! Thanks for this vid! Another place to drive, kinda scenic, is Hwy 20 here in NorCal. It stretches laterally from Hwy 101, around Clearlake, across Hwy 5, through Yuba by an extinct Volcano, or lava dome. Some say it's a remnant of the Cascade range...but they dont really know. Then continue East on Hwy 20 up the Sierra foothills, around Green Valley, and end at Interstate 80 in the Tahoe National Forest. If you're in Cali and have done all the regular gorgeous scenic drives, then this is a cool little day drive with some stuff to see.

I liked how you left out the usual suspects, 1 and 395 and focused on the less known but equally beautiful highways in this awesome state, I did learn something new and got ideas for my next weekend drive!

My favorite is 17 Mile Drive, Pacific Grove

I used to live in Scotia at the North end of Avenue of the Giants and would ride my motorcycle to Garberville and back. Riding was the best therapy after a hard day at work. Great video thanks for sharing, ALOHA

5:05 - I have never hiked to the top of Clouds Rest. Thank you for including footage of the views of Tenaya Canyon and Yosemite Valley from the other end. Beautiful.

Terrific video with a lot of fond memories. I know you have focused on rural scenery, but driving Sunset Boulevard from Chinatown to the beach is a great way to see LA and the urban SOCAL world.

We drove Highway 1 from San Francisco to Santa Monica in 2018, virtually the whole way was plagued by coastal fog, this was a pretty much once on a lifetime holiday, but if possible I'd love to do this route again. Thanks Josh another stunning video.👍

Just got home last night from a trip through Yosemite inspired by your last video including driving through Tioga Pass (first day it opened). It was magnificent and still not crowded. Glacier Point was my favorite stop which I would not have known about had I not subscribed to your channel. This latest video and your continued effort to show quality highlights of the great state of California has motivated us to travel more often. Can’t wait to try some of these scenic drives. Thank you and keep up the great work!

One of my favorite drives is the entire length of the State 89 (Pacific Crest Hwy) beginning near Topaz on US 395 , ending at Mount Shasta on Interstate 5. This Hwy carries/shares on to other hwys as well, which makes it an incredible journey as you go through several mnt passes, big valleys, big lakes and small towns. Its the only north south hwy through the Sierra.

I never had a desire to go to California because all I've ever heard about is all the people, cities. This is the second video I've watched of yours....now I want to go to California! I had no idea how beautiful it is! Thank you again for posting!

I ve done a few on your list including all of the pch which has to be the ultimate driving experience in the world 👍

46w Paso Robles to Cambria

Great job! Thanks for uploading this. I'm a native Californian and have yet to see half these places! I just retired-----so you've helped me start a great bucket list. With so many loving to hate on CA these days, it also reminded me of things to love about the Golden State! Blessings!!

Great list! I like the drive to Santa Cruz down 17. Also going north on 1 north of Santa Cruz to Davenport.

Death Valley was crazy hot! But the view is so amazing !

Omg how beautiful it’s California,, thank you I will try next year I spend all my savings with this quarantine:( but you giving back a hope thank you !!!!!!

DAMN IT!! JUST Spent an hour watching an 8 min video and google mapping my next few scenic drives!!! Back to work!!

I really enjoy the beautiful routes that you’ve shown. We had a vacation last summer and drove to Crater Lake from Los Angeles in an Class C RV and it allowed us the opportunity to have been on the same routes you’ve shared. We were able to stay at Lake Siskeyu with Mt. Shasta as a view and drove down Pacifc Coast Highway seeing the Redwoods. Thank you for your beautiful presentations about our glorious state of California 😎🙏❤️🏔

Just was at Lassen, and I've through big sur a few times. CAs got some great drives

Highway 395 from topaz lake to lone pine can be done in a day...it is one of the most beautiful areas in the country

Sounds like this a perfect thing for my family when we come out in November.

I’ve lived in Cali all my life,only now have I started exploring it,I will definitely be driving some of these beautiful byways.🚐👋🏼

Watching this video while planning where I want to take my GTI when I take a road trip to Cali. Nice work man.

Hoping to visit Lassen this summer! Also, I recommend a wine country drive that’ll take you through Napa into Sonoma: 101N -> 37E -> 121N (Carneros Valley) -> 12E -> 29N (Napa Valley) -> 128W (over the mountain into Alexander Valley). Tons of wineries along the way.

Excellent job in assembling a very good list. I do live in the Bay Area and until recently I was the Director of Motoring for Porsche club of America in our area. There are many local roads that we take in our regular Runs (typically 30-45 Porsches) that are stunning. Some you may consider are: 1- Hwy 25 from Hollister and hwy 98 east to Coalinga. It is a 100 Mile route without much traffic! 2- Hwy 33 from Ojai (So Cal). And there are many more. I travel around the world a lot and I truly have a hard time being impressed with much of what I see compared to what we have in California. I do enjoy them all, nevertheless. Thanks again.

Thank you for including some of my favorite drives in CA. The volcanic byway up in northern CA is incredible. I would say if there is any scenic drive that I would include is hwy 1 between leggett and Mendocino, really out as far as bodega bay. It’s white knuckle driving at time but there are so many places you just have to stop along the way and just say wow. And tons of itty bitty charming towns. So there’s plenty of places to eat and get other services. Unlike Big Sur. Lots of light houses. Lots of whale watching opportunities from the shore. Those who live near the Bay Area know what an incredible drive that is.

There is an amazingly stunning drive from Ojai up to pine mountain club. I took that scenic route for the first time this year. So many hiking trails and rose valley falls. Jaw dropping views. Rivers and rock formations. It’s the back road from Ventura to the Carrizo plain. I can’t wait to get back up there and spend more time.

Kings Canyon Scenic Byway looks amazing

What a beautiful place to take a road trip

Just completed my tour of California as a local I can only say exploring your back yard is a must! Very beautiful

Shasta, Black Butte, Lake Siskiyou and McCloud Falls! just spent some time up there, absolutely amazing. 395 was also an awesome drive

Fun fact. that last waterfall (Burney falls) was one of the filming locations for the movie Willow featuring Val Kilmer and Warwick Davis. It happens to be one of my favorite and nostalgic childhood movies. So if there are any other Willow fans out there, shout out to ya 👍

Good stuff, demonstrating why California is still the most awesome state in the country. But I'm glad you left off the incredible area that I occasionally visit. I don't want to give it away. I want to keep it as unspoiled as possible. Suffice it to say it's remote, it's big, and it's best visited in fall and spring, although the temperatures are never extreme.

Simply Stunning. Thanks for sharing.

This is outstanding. Thank you so much for this video.....it makes me want to get in my car right now.!

Loved this video so much that I just sent it to my whole family. Thank you so much as always. Your videos with your Dad always make my day better.

Please do the Gold Country Hwy 49!

I live in the High Desert region in Southern California and I enjoy driving through Highway 18 in the San Bernardino Mountains. It drives through Big Bear Lake, Running Springs, and Lake Arrowhead. I like to go in the winter and spring times because the snow is beautiful.

I loved the Ave. of the Redwoods when I drove it many years ago. By all means, get out of the car at some point and hike! I hiked a little trail that descended from road-level down into a little valley, and had the oddest sensation -- it felt like I was shrinking in size because the lower in the valley the trail went, the larger the redwoods and the ferns along the trail got. It was fun and strange at the same time.

California is on my bucket list!

Awesome. A love letter to CA. Love my state.

I live on the Central Coast of Cali. And love Big Sur.

Hwy 108!...northern cal it’s an amzing drive!

I always enjoy your videos and the wonderful places you take us. Thank you so much for the hard work it takes to make these for us!

There are so many wonderfully scenic roads in the state! You have a fantastic list. One addition I will mention is Hwy. 198 between U.S. 101 in San Lucas and Hwy 33 in Coalinga. I was driving south on Hwy. 25 from Hollister past the east side of Pinnacles National Park and then took Hwy. 198 west without any expectations as just a way to get to I-5 but I was blown away by the amazing scenery and the winding, hilly drive with magnificent vistas. I've taken other highways such as Hwy166, Hwy. 58 and Hwy. 46 between the Central Valley and the Central Coast, but I was most impressed by Hwy. 198 and highly recommend taking it. I also love the scenic winding hilly roads in the San Francisco Bay Area peninsula and in the hills east of Oakland and Berkeley. There is Hwy. 9 and Page Mill Road in the Peninsula in the hills above Silicon Valley and Grizzly Peak Blvd and Skyline Blvd, and if you're driving in the spring after a good rainy season the drive on Bear Creek Rd. between Briones Regional Park and San Pablo Dam Road is breathtakingly beautiful! The last thing I will mention is that if you do the Route 66 trip and you have a sweet tooth, The Donut Man in Glendora is a must stop for their fresh fruit donuts when they are in season!

so incredible! I’ve always wanted to drive Big Sur, but all these magnificent views are truly stunning! Thank you for the virtual drive, giving us a chance to visit your beautiful state.

Josh, thank you for another fantastic video! You did a really excellent job once again. I love the shot of the F-15 flying through the canyon at 3:35. I've got all my buddy's at work hooked on your videos too. So many great places to visit with so much useful information thanks to you.

AWESOME!!! So much to see and appreciate, so little time. Thank you for sharing!

Thank you!!! Your videos have helped plan my summer!!!

Wow what an amazing list and yes we have done some of these, but not all. And NOW all I want to do is go on a roadtrip! Perfection.

Two more suggestions: 1. Angeles Crest Hwy 2. Highway 33 from Ojai to Maricopa (or take the turnoff towards Gorman instead of Maricopa, which I recommend).

Love your suggestions. How I miss California!

Thank you so much for this video. It reminded me of all these places that I visited too. I love road trips....

You nailed many of them.... Hwy 1 from Marin County up to Jenner in Sonoma Co. is another one. And Angels Crest Highway. The state if full of awesome roads ... Thanks.

Excellent video with excellent scenic highway choices. I too agree hwy 1 along California's Central Coast and Big Sur is at the top of the list. Starting in San Luis Obispo heading towards Morro Bay and then past fabulous Hearst Castle is only the first 25 miles. As you proceed North it just keeps getting better as you pass McWay Falls and cross over the iconic Bixby Bridge.

California looks very beautiful. I would love to visit it 🥰🥰🥰

2020 is definitely the year of the road trip. Great recommendations!

Josh, love your videos. Thank you so much for these. It’s helped me understand what’s out there so much more. Thank you

I haven't been there yet but I am super curious about the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway. It sounds beautiful!

Highway 101 in Santa Barbara to Ventura County is also a great conterder too. Hundreds of acres of vineyards and coastal views.

all the shots are stunning !!!