California is a state that offers diverse landscapes ranging from rugged coastlines to arid deserts, making it a perfect destination for road trippers. There is no better way to explore the beauty of California than driving through its scenic highways in your SUV. With its rugged build and powerful engine, SUVs are perfect for a road trip, especially in California, where the terrain can get challenging.
If you are planning a road trip in California, you must choose the best places to take your SUV. In this article, we will take you through the top places that you can visit in your SUV and make your road trip a memorable one.
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#1. Big Sur
Located on California’s Central Coast, Big Sur is a stunning stretch of coastline that offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. The winding roads that lead to Big Sur are perfect for an SUV road trip. The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is one of the most scenic drives in California, and it passes through Big Sur. The route offers panoramic views of the rugged coastline, towering cliffs, and lush forests.
Things to do in Big Sur:
- Visit Pfeiffer Beach
- Explore McWay Falls
- Go on a hike at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
#2. Joshua Tree National Park
If you are a fan of the desert, Joshua Tree National Park is the perfect destination for your SUV road trip. The park is located in southeastern California and offers a unique landscape with its rugged rock formations, Joshua trees, and vast expanses of sand. The park is also famous for stargazing, thanks to its dark skies.
Things to do in Joshua Tree National Park:
- Go on a hike
- Rock climbing
- Stargazing
#3. Death Valley National Park
Located in Eastern California, Death Valley National Park is known for its extremes. It is the hottest, driest, and lowest place in North America. The park offers a unique landscape with its sand dunes, salt flats, and canyons. It is also home to some of the rarest wildlife species, such as the pupfish.
Things to do in Death Valley National Park:
- Visit Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America
- Explore the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
- Stargazing
#4. Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is one of the most popular destinations in California, known for its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking scenery. The lake is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and is surrounded by lush forests. It is perfect for an SUV road trip, with its scenic drives and challenging terrain.
Things to do in Lake Tahoe:
- Go on a scenic drive around the lake
- Go on a hike
- Water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing
#5. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is one of the most famous national parks in the world, and it is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The park is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in California, such as Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. The park offers a unique landscape with its granite cliffs, waterfalls, and lush forests.
Things to do in Yosemite National Park:
- Go on a hike to Half Dome or Yosemite Falls
- Rock climbing
- Visit the Giant Sequoias in Mariposa Grove
#6. Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes is a charming mountain town located in the Eastern Sierra Mountains. The town is surrounded by stunning peaks and beautiful lakes, making it a beautiful destination for an SUV road trip. The town also offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and skiing.
Things to do in Mammoth Lakes:
- Go on a scenic drive around the area
- Hike to the Minaret Vista
- Ski at Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort
#7. Redwood National and State Parks
Redwood National and State Parks are located in northern California and offer a unique landscape with its towering redwood trees. The parks are also home to a variety of wildlife, including Roosevelt elk and black bears. The scenic drives through the parks are perfect for an SUV road trip, offering breathtaking views of the redwood forests.
Things to do in Redwood National and State Parks:
- Drive through the Avenue of the Giants
- Hike the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail
- Visit the Klamath River Overlook
The best SUV for a road trip
Choosing the right SUV for your road trip is important to ensure a comfortable and safe journey. Here are the top 5 SUVs that are perfect for a road trip in California:
- Range Rover – The Range Rover is a luxury SUV that offers exceptional comfort and advanced features, making it a perfect choice for road trippers who value luxury and style. It also has excellent off-road capabilities and a powerful engine. It’s on the top of the list because it’s the most capable, the most luxurious and the most comfortable car for a road trip. But it’s comes with a cost and only a few car rental companies like Centurion Lifestyle or Enterprise offer this model.
- Subaru Outback – The Outback is a versatile and spacious SUV that offers excellent handling on both paved and unpaved roads.
- Jeep Wrangler – The Wrangler is an iconic SUV that is built for off-road adventures. Its rugged build and four-wheel drive make it perfect for exploring the challenging terrains of California.
- Toyota 4Runner – The 4Runner is a reliable and durable SUV that is perfect for long road trips. It has a spacious interior and excellent off-road capabilities.
- Chevrolet Tahoe – The Tahoe is a full-size SUV that offers plenty of space for passengers and cargo. It also has a powerful engine and advanced safety features, making it a perfect choice for road trippers who value comfort and safety.
The Top 5 SUV’s rental price and fuel efficiency
| SUV Model | Fuel Efficiency (mpg) | Average Rental Price from LAX Airport | Average Rental Price from Los Angeles Car Rental Companies |
| Range Rover | 19 city / 25 hwy | $200 – $800 per day | $150 – $400 per day |
| Subaru Outback | 26 city / 33 hwy | $70 – $150 per day | $50 – $130 per day |
| Jeep Wrangler | 17 city / 25 hwy | $90 – $200 per day | $60 – $170 per day |
| Toyota 4Runner | 16 city / 19 hwy | $100 – $250 per day | $80 – $210 per day |
| Chevrolet Tahoe | 16 city / 20 hwy | $120 – $300 per day | $90 – $250 per day |
The Top 5 SUV’s rental MSRP and capacity
| SUV Model | Passenger Capacity | Cargo Capacity (cu ft) | Price Range (MSRP) |
| Range Rover | 5 | 31.8 | $92,000 – $211,000 |
| Subaru Outback | 5 | 32.5 | $26,795 – $39,945 |
| Jeep Wrangler | 4-5 | 31.7 | $28,900 – $49,000 |
| Toyota 4Runner | 5-7 | 47.2 | $36,765 – $50,745 |
| Chevrolet Tahoe | 7-9 | 94.7 | $49,600 – $72,600 |
FAQs
Q. What should I pack for an SUV road trip in California?
A. It depends on the time of the year and the places you plan to visit. However, some essentials include a first-aid kit, sunscreen, comfortable clothing and shoes, and a camera.
Q. Can I drive an SUV on all roads in California?
A. While SUVs are designed to handle rough terrains, it is always best to check the road conditions before heading out on your road trip. Some roads may require a four-wheel drive, while others may be closed during certain times of the year.
Q. What are some tips for driving an SUV on mountain roads?
A. It’s important to always keep your SUV in good condition and have it checked before your road trip. You should also drive slowly and carefully, especially on steep mountain roads.
Q. What is the average cost of an SUV for a road trip in California?
A. The cost of an SUV varies depending on the make and model. Generally, SUVs designed for road trips are priced higher than regular SUVs. The average cost of an SUV for a road trip in California ranges from $30,000 to $100,000, depending on the make and model.
Conclusion
California is a perfect destination for an SUV road trip, with its diverse landscapes and scenic highways. From the rugged coastlines of Big Sur to the towering redwood trees of Redwood National and State Parks, California offers a variety of destinations for SUV road trippers. When planning your road trip, make sure to choose the best places to take your SUV, pack essential items, and check the road conditions. With proper planning and preparation, your SUV road trip in California is sure to be a memorable one.
