The Golden Triangle is a classic California road trip route connecting San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas, with a few scenic detours along the way. You’ll travel in a loop through changing landscapes, from city streets to ocean cliffs, desert highways to forested mountains. It’s a chance to sample big-name destinations and smaller gems in one go, getting a feel for what makes this corner of the USA so popular for road trippers.
Kick off in San Francisco, where cable cars still roll up hills and the fog clears to reveal the Golden Gate Bridge. Spend a day or two sampling dim sum in Chinatown, checking out street art in the Mission, and heading out to Alcatraz. The city’s got that laid-back edge, and it’s easy to see why it’s a favourite for so many travellers. There’s always something to do, whether it’s catching a baseball game at Oracle Park or just people-watching at Fisherman’s Wharf.
Then comes the Pacific Coast Highway, a route that gets a spot on every “must-drive” list for good reason. Monterey’s world-class aquarium is a crowd-pleaser, and it’s worth pausing along the way to spot sea lions or grab lunch with an ocean view. Carmel and Big Sur turn up the scenery further: think winding roads built for slow cruising, stops for proper coffee, and a coastline that looks and feels a world away from the everyday.
Santa Barbara keeps things easy with walks along the beach or wanderings through Spanish-influenced streets before the buzz of Los Angeles kicks in. LA’s a patchwork of neighbourhoods, where you can sip green juice in Venice one morning, then dig into tacos downtown the next. Movie buffs have plenty of studio tours and filming locations to choose from, and families are spoiled for choice with theme parks and sandy beaches.
From LA it’s a straight shot into desert country, and the first sign of Las Vegas is always a thrill. Neon lights, headline shows, and huge buffets set the tone, but it’s the sheer energy that sticks with most people. If you want a breather, a dip in your hotel’s pool or a quiet stroll through one of the newer art districts dials things back.
Head further east and the landscape starts to feel other-worldly. Driving through Death Valley, heat shimmers over the salt flats by day, and the night sky is packed with stars. It’s a reminder of just how much ground you’re covering between each stop.
Back over the state line, Yosemite National Park is pure contrast - cool mountain air, epic rock formations, waterfalls, and meadows. Walk beneath ancient sequoias or find a quiet spot by the Merced River for a proper break from the road.
Last, it’s on to wine country. Napa and Sonoma slow the pace with vineyard tours, relaxed meals, and a different kind of road - a short drive between tasting rooms rather than long days behind the wheel. That’s part of the magic here: the trip keeps shifting gears, never letting things get samey.
Why put the Golden Triangle on your list? Few road trips line up such a complete mix of places, food, scenery, and off-the-cuff experiences. It’s a way to tick off California’s big bucket-list moments, with enough small surprises to keep you guessing. If it’s variety you’re after, this is a route where no two days feel the same.
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