California’s Highway 395 is one of the best road trips you can take in 2026. Save these 5 must-see stops along this classic Eastern Sierra corridor⬇️ 1. Big Pine Lakes A high-alpine chain of turquoise lakes below Temple Crag and the Palisades. The hike starts at Big Pine Creek North Fork trailhead and requires a day-use permit in peak season. Expect 15 miles round trip to reach the upper lakes with steady elevation gain. Start early to avoid heat and storms. Bring plenty of water—shade is limite

Nestled among towering pines and the shimmering sea on California’s Central Coast, Cambria California is a picturesque village that unfolds along scenic Highway 1. Antique and art shops, boutique restaurants and a weekly farmers market offer plenty to do, as well as the town’s rich history, beautiful vistas and miles of beach-front boardwalks. Visit Cambria invites you to lace up your hiking boots, clip into your road bike, cozy up by a fire, enjoy walks along the beach, enjoy a Steward­ship Tra