For the first time, Visit California is offering its 2025 California Road Trips Guide with a focus on first-person accounts from travelers, influencers, and experts. The guide includes nine itineraries that cover a range of experiences across the state.
A key feature of this year’s guide is an interview with Kristen Bell, who appears on the cover. Bell discusses her personal experiences road-tripping in California. She describes the state as “what you make of it”—a place where you can find everything from bustling city life to tranquil desert landscapes. She also shares favorite stops such as El Capitan State Beach, where she camps with friends including Jimmy Kimmel, and Glamis in the southeastern desert. For relaxation, she mentions Calistoga’s hot springs and mud baths, calling it the “California of the movies.” Bell says her family trips are centered around food and podcasts.
The guide also highlights diverse perspectives. Cory Lee of Curb Free with Cory Lee provides insights on accessible travel at locations like San Francisco, Napa Valley, Tuolumne County, and Yosemite National Park. Jeremy Austin offers a luxury-focused itinerary through Carmel, Monterey, and Mendocino featuring boutique hotels and fine dining options.
Anthony and Marlie Love from Traveling While Black explore Gold Country and discuss Black history in Sacramento, El Dorado, and Calaveras County. Photographer Harish Kumar documents natural sites in Shasta Cascade and North Coast regions. Ann Marie Brown contributes advice for visiting all nine national parks in California.
Other suggested trips include a taco-themed journey from Los Angeles County through Central Valley, a theme park tour across Southern California for families, an artistic Route 66 itinerary, and winter escapes to Lake Tahoe and Mammoth Lakes.
The digital version of the 2025 California Road Trips Guide is available for download or can be ordered for free delivery.
