California has always felt like magic to me. There’s something about the light, the landscapes, the energy. This spring, I finally carved out time to experience the state in a more intentional way with a road trip that blended city life, beach vibes, and a natural beauty. I flew into San Francisco International Airport, rented a car, and spent several days exploring Oakland, Santa Cruz, and Sonoma. Each destination offered something totally different, and together they created one of my favorite travel experiences in a long time.

Whether you’re craving culture and diversity, a dreamy seaside escape, or a peaceful reset surrounded by wine country views, this Northern California route is a perfect way to experience it all. Here’s how my journey unfolded, plus everything I’d recommend if you’re planning your own.

First Stop: Oakland

Distance from SFO: 30 minutes

I began my trip in Oakland, and honestly, it exceeded my expectations. The city felt vibrant, creative, and most of all, welcoming. I loved the diversity here – not just in the people, but in the food, art, and experiences. There was a sense of belonging I hadn’t expected, and it made me want to explore every corner.

Ride a Gondola on Lake Merritt

Lake Merritt is known for its walking trails and scenic views, but I decided to experience it from the water. I booked a private Venetian-style gondola ride with Dolce Vita Gondola, which turned out to be such a peaceful and charming way to see the lake. I picked up a glass of wine from Lake Chalet, located right on the water, and enjoyed a relaxing float as the city moved around me.

Visit the Oakland Zoo and Ride the Sky Gondola

At the Oakland Zoo, I took the Skyride gondola up over the hills, where I was greeted with sweeping views of the Bay Area. At the top lies the California Trail, a beautiful and educational area that’s home to rescued native wildlife including bison, condors, and even grizzly bears.

Try Something Adventurous with BANDALOOP

If you’re in the mood to step outside of your comfort zone, BANDALOOP offers vertical dance classes that are unlike anything else. I learned how to move and dance while suspended from a harness on the side of a building. It was exhilarating, surprisingly accessible for beginners, and absolutely unforgettable.

Experience Friday Nights at OMCA

One of my favorite evenings was spent at the Oakland Museum of California. On Friday nights, the museum comes alive with food trucks, live music, and open galleries. It’s the perfect way to end a busy day and connect with the community through art, history, and great vibes.

Where I Stayed: Kissel Uptown Oakland

I stayed at Kissel Uptown Oakland, a modern boutique hotel with an onsite restaurant and rooftop lounge. Its central location made it easy to walk to nearly everything I did, and the atmosphere was both stylish and comfortable.

Where to Eat in Oakland

Oakland’s food scene is incredibly diverse and packed with flavor. I dined solo at some of the most memorable spots I’ve visited in recent years.

• Burma Superstar: This was my first time trying Burmese food, and it quickly became a favorite. The flaky platha bread, chicken curry, and calamari were all unforgettable. Every bite was packed with flavor and warmth.

• Enssarro: A beloved Ethiopian restaurant known for its bold spices and traditional dishes. I ordered the meat and veggie sampler, which was beautifully seasoned and served with Jebena coffee and incense at the end. It was both comforting and ceremonial.

• Parche: A bright and modern restaurant inspired by Afro-Colombian culture. I came here for brunch, and one bite of the brunch bowl instantly transported me back to Colombia.

• Jaji: Located right next to my hotel, this was my first experience with Afghan cuisine. The food was flavorful and deeply satisfying, and the space was just as beautiful as the dishes.

Second Stop: Santa Cruz

Drive Time from Oakland: 2 hours

From the city energy of Oakland, I made my way down the coast to Santa Cruz. As soon as I arrived, I felt like I had stepped into the California I used to dream about as a child—sunshine, surfers, colorful boardwalks, and that salty breeze. It was playful, vibrant, and it brought out my inner child in the best way.

Ride the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is iconic, and it didn’t disappoint. I rode the historic Giant Dipper roller coaster and took in a dreamy sunset from the Sky Glider as I floated above the beach. It felt like something out of a summer movie.

Dine at Shadowbrook in Capitola

For dinner, I headed to Shadowbrook, a romantic and cozy spot accessible by cable car. The space was covered in vines and glowing with fairy lights. It felt like I had stepped into a fairytale.

Stroll Through Capitola Village

Capitola Village is full of charm, with pastel storefronts, beachy boutiques, and relaxed cafes. I spent the afternoon wandering through the area, soaking up the laid-back energy and picking up a few local treasures along the way.

Watch Surfers at Steamer Lane and Visit the Surfing Museum

Watching the surfers at Steamer Lane was mesmerizing. I also stopped by the nearby Surfing Museum, located inside a lighthouse with panoramic views. The whole experience captured the carefree spirit of California’s surf culture.

Explore the Redwoods and Visit the Mystery Spot

Just 15 minutes away in Felton, I hiked among the towering redwoods and visited the quirky, gravity-defying Mystery Spot. Whether you believe in energy vortexes or not, it’s a fun and fascinating stop.

Don’t Miss These Local Gems

• Gayle’s Bakery: The perfect spot for fresh pastries

• Hidden Peak Teahouse: A peaceful place to slow down and sip

• Penny Ice Creamery: A local favorite for small-batch ice cream

• The Picnic Basket: Great lunch by the beach

•Zameen at the Point: Delicious Mediterranean food with a view

Where I Stayed: Chaminade Resort

I stayed at Chaminade Resort, nestled in the forested hills above Santa Cruz. With its stunning sunset views and quiet surroundings, it was the perfect place to reset before the final leg of the trip.

Final Stop: Sonoma County

Drive Time from Santa Cruz: 3 hours

After a few days of beachside adventure, I met up with the Visit California team and we made our way north to Sonoma. I’ve been traveling slower lately after dealing with burnout, and Sonoma felt like exactly what I needed. The pace was gentler, the scenery was calming, and it gave me space to just breathe and be.

Wine Tasting at Bartholomew Estate

I started the day with a wine tasting at Bartholomew Estate, and I was immediately struck by how peaceful and scenic the property was. It felt like a world away. The wine was lovely, but it was the stillness of the place that left the biggest impression.

Coastal Foraging with a Local Guide

One of the most unique experiences of the trip was booking a coastal foraging tour through California State Parks. I walked along the rugged coastline, tasted wild plants, and learned about the native ecosystem. It was grounding, educational, and surprisingly calming.

Dinner at Sea Ranch Lodge

I wrapped up the day with dinner at Sea Ranch Lodge, where the food was fresh and flavorful, and the sunset view over the cliffs felt almost unreal. We even stumbled upon blooming pink wildflowers on the drive in, adding to the magic of the moment.

Where I stayed in Sonoma

I stayed at Timber Cove Resort, perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific. It felt secluded and peaceful, the kind of place that encourages you to disconnect and soak in the beauty of your surroundings.

How to Plan This California Road Trip

Here’ s a simple overview of the route I followed:

Fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

Oakland: 30-minute drive from SFO

Santa Cruz: 2 hours from Oakland

Sonoma: 3 hours from Santa Cruz

Return to SFO: 1.5 hours from Sonoma

Each destination brought something completely different to the journey. Oakland gave me a sense of community and cultural richness. Santa Cruz let me play and reconnect with joy. And Sonoma reminded me to slow down and savor the present moment.

If you’ve been dreaming of a California road trip that balances energy with ease, this route might just be your sign to go for it.