A road trip is one of the best ways to see the Golden State.

The highlights were the stumble-upon gems in between.

It ends in the garlic capital of Gilroy.

The coastal winding road of Highway 1 along the ocean in California

Credit:Blaise/Courtesy of Visit California

For those who prefer more of a themed itinerary, there are a handful of options.

For each itinerary, a QR code provides a link to a more detailed online version of the trip.

At 41 years old, I need solitude.

Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace and Pioneertown motel in Pioneer Town California

Mariah Tyler/Travel+Leisure

Ill drive to the beach and walk next to the water.

Ill drive to San Diego, Ill drive to Santa Barbara, Ill drive to Malibu.

I get my energy from that.

Golden Highway view of South Fork American River with lush trees and open sky

Carol Highsmith/Courtesy of Visit California

And of course, finding new places to eat.

The California Travel Guide can beordered or downloaded at visitcalifornia.com, and is available at California Welcome Centers.