4 Charming CA Towns Near WA State Perfect for the Next Road Trip

Discover the charm of 4 unforgettable California towns just a road trip away from Washington state. Start your adventure now!

I haven't been on a road trip in a long time.

The last road trip I took was in Washington, from Yakima to Ellensburg.

This was during the tail end of the COVID pandemic, and I went on this quick road trip by myself.

I stopped in the Red Pickle for a black bean burger and fries, took a brisk walk downtown and peered inside a few shop windows, and then I parked my car and walked around the Central WA University Campus on a quest to find the Japanese Garden. (I never did find it, bummer!)

For my next road trip, I want to head to California, and I want to take my 13-year-old kiddo with me.

I can't wait for us to hit the open road and take in all the fresh California air! (That was a sleek iCarly reference, if you caught it.)

Now, I will share with you some towns that I cannot wait to visit on my next road trip to California.

These are California towns less than a 12 hour drive or so from Central Washington, so give or take an hour depending on where you live in Washington state.

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9 HR DRIVE TO CRESCENT CITY FROM WASHINGTON STATE

Crescent City

• Battery Point Lighthouse
• Check out the tide pools at Pebble Beach Trails

10 HOUR DRIVE TO EUREKA FROM WASHINGTON STATE

Eureka

Actually, Eureka is about a 10 1/2 drive from Central Washington.

Things you can do in Eureka:

• Sequoia Park Zoo
• Humboldt Botanical Garden

12 HOUR DRIVE TO SACRAMENTO, CA FROM WASHINGTON STATE

Sacramento

Take I-5 South to head to Sacramento. Here are some fun activities to do in California's capitol city.

• Have a treat at Vic's Ice Cream Parlor
• See the Johnny Cash Mural
• Buy something at the Corti Brothers Grocery

12 HOUR DRIVE TO CHICO, CA FROM WASHINGTON STATE

Chico

It's a college town, so there are plenty of fun things to do in Chico.

• Play some games at Gold Country Casino Resort in nearby Oroville

• Visit the Bidwell Mansion

• Rent a Baby Goat in nearby Oroville (Take the goat to the park and play)

SEE ALSO:

• 12 Of The Dirtiest Sounding City Names in California