Bordered by soft, sandy beaches and laced with picturesque walking trails, Malibu is the perfect first stop on your California road trip. The town and its people are warm, comfortable and laid-back, just as you might expect from such a scenic spot. Surfers try their luck on the waves, walkers pick their way over the dry, rocky terrain, families tuck into hearty meals at classic roadside diners, and couples enjoy sampling local wines beneath the dusky Californian sky.

Known for hosting the beach houses of many Hollywood stars, Malibu is an iconic Pacific paradise. There’s something for everyone in the town and the surrounding countryside. Beach lovers have a wide selection, from the rocky coves of Point Dume and El Matador to the powder-soft sands of Zuma Beach. Hikers can enjoy the stunning backdrop of Malibu Creek State Park, where famous films such as Planet of the Apes and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid were shot. Places like Malibu Pier or Surfrider Beach cater for those who enjoy watersports, such as surfing, diving or fishing.

Your Southern California to Northern California road trip will be packed with awe-inspiring scenery, amazing destinations and plenty of driving, so use your stay in Malibu to get yourself energised for an epic adventure.

To the north of Malibu, through the hot Californian desert, lies the geological marvel that is Red Rock Canyon State Park. Dominated by colourful cliffs and incredible, jagged rock formations, the park is as historic as it is beautiful. Hundreds of years ago, the park was home to the indigenous Kawaiisu people. Their legacy now lives on in the many drawings and carvings that have been discovered in and along the mountains.

While Red Rock Canyon State Park is breathtakingly beautiful enough to justify the journey, many flock to the park to see the filming location for a range of western classics, and other features such as Jurassic Park and Holes.

If you're travelling in the summer and leave Red Rock, driving through the Great Basin Desert to reach your next destination, you may feel as though you have left civilisation behind. While there are towns dotted along the Three Flags Highway, they're few and far between. A great place to visit, if you need a break from the long road, is the small, historic town of Lone Pine.

Yosemite National Park is a famed valley protected by the state of California, known as much for its natural beauty as it is for its varied wildlife. A great stopping point on any road trip, Yosemite can be explored through a network of walking trails, or by following the winding, scenic roads from the comfort of your campervan.

It’s difficult to choose a favourite feature of Yosemite National Park, as it has a variety of natural wonders to behold. Yosemite Falls is just one of many waterfalls to flow into the vast park, but it’s so named as it’s the tallest, at nearly 762 metres. Impressive mountains border Yosemite, such as the iconic Half Dome, or the 914-metre tall El Capitan. Discover the flatlands throughout the park, like the Tuolumne Meadows which spreads from the Tuolumne River, and see if you can spot some deer or bobcats. Take a step back in time as you journey through the impossibly tall and ancient Giant Sequoia trees.

Yosemite National Park isn’t the only geological marvel in the area. While you’re travelling the Three Flags Highway in the summer, be sure to visit the Hot Creek Geological Site, where natural springs bubble with geothermically heated boiling water.

This sunny Northern California region is the birthplace of some of the greatest wines ever produced. Many people travel from all over the world just to visit one of Napa Valley’s high-end vineyards and wineries, so it’s worth a visit when you’re in the area.

Stretching out for miles and miles over the beautiful countryside are vines with grapes in every colour. From the warm-climate Cabernet Sauvignon to the cool-climate Chardonnay, wine is produced in Napa Valley all year round. While wine tasting here is always recommended, remember never to drink and drive. Only take part in the tasting if your campervan is in a Campervan park or one of the many free car parks, and you’re finished driving for the day.

You’ve made it all the way from Los Angeles to Bodega Bay on your epic Northern California road trip. Now’s the time to sit back, relax and enjoy yourself. Bodega Bay is famed for its natural beauty, with sandy beaches and picturesque walking trails. Explore the quaint harbour, with its fascinating boutiques, or stretch your legs as you wander through the various protected parks.

While you’re in town, make sure to sample some fresh seafood, caught and prepared each day for the many waterfront restaurants. Then grab a pair of binoculars and walk to the end of the Bodega Head peninsula for your chance to spot some grey whales.