1. California Highway 1
ROUTE: Hwy 1
DISTANCE: 656 miles
TIME: 8 hours
Why It's a Great Drive
Highway 1 is one of the most iconic and scenic travel destinations for those looking to find driving roads in California. It runs alongside most of the Pacific coastline of the state, and is about 656 miles. With that much length, there's a tremendous amount to see. This great driving road in California features access to national parks and beaches. The most breathtaking section of Hwy 1 is in Big Sur. The entire California 1 is 656 miles in length, so it's worth taking a few days to do the entire route. The road also has closures at times due to weather, so be sure to check conditions before you plan a drive here. But nearly the entire California Coastal Highway 1 has varying degrees of tremendous scenery along the glittering Pacific Ocean.
How to Get There
Hwy 1 runs from Capistrano Beach in Orange County to Leggett, CA in northern Mendocino.
Click here for the Google maps link!
2. California Route 33
ROUTE: CA-33
DISTANCE: 70 miles
TIME: 1.5 hours
Why It's a Great Drive
California State Route 33 is a gorgeous road to drive your sports car. CA-33, also known as the Maricopa Highway, is a 70 mile cruise through Ojai towards the mountains. This great driving road in California is a challenging delight. It loops and winds through the chaparral and pines of the Santa Ynez Mountains. California 33 will take your vehicle over Pine Mtn. Saddle at 6,000ft, and will bring back into the Cuyama badlands. CA-33 has incredibly inspiring views for just about the entire road. It’s a lesser known road to take your sportscar, and it will offer a wild, spirited drive through the beautiful country of California.
How to Get There
From Ventura, hop on CA-33 off of Hwy 101 and head north to its end at CA Route 166.
Click here for the Google maps link!
3. Ortega Highway
ROUTE: CA-74
DISTANCE: 25 miles
TIME: 30 mins
Why It's a Great Drive
This is one of the best driving roads in California. The Ortega Highway is a great California driving road for sports car drivers and Slingshot drivers alike. The road is just south of Los Angeles and will take the driver on a spirited ride through the Santa Ana Mountains. The Ortega Hwy features great curves, some really fun switchbacks. Virtually the entire road offers great views along the way. This is a technical road so it does require discretion as well as a driver's full attention. But if you're looking to find driving roads in southern California, don't miss the opportunity to take your sports car on the famous Ortega Highway!
How Do I Get to the Ortega Highway?
The Ortega Hwy can be started on CA-74 just off of Interstate 5 in San Juan Capistrano, CA. Continue northeast until the Hwy ends at Lake Elsinore near Interstate 15.
Click here for the Google maps link!
4. Klamath River Highway
ROUTE: CA-96
DISTANCE: 62 miles
TIME: 1.5 hours
Why It's a Great Drive
The Klamath River Highway is a beautiful route for those who are looking to find driving roads in northern California. The drive traverses from Happy Camp to Interstate 5 in Hornbrook, CA. The scenic drive on the Klamath River Hwy is a winding delight, making it a great road for sports cars. The highway travels along the second longest river in California, the Klamath River. The road pavement quality is very good overall, making it a great road for any type of vehicle, but especially for spirited drivers. It's not a major trucking route, therefore traffic is generally light. The curves on this great driving road in California stretch for miles, and will offer beautiful scenery for the entire drive. Enjoy one of the best driving roads in California on the Klamath River Highway!
How Do I Get to the Klamath River Highway?
Start this scenic driving road in northern California from Happy Camp just off Hwy 96. The road travels east 62 miles until it reaches Interstate 5 in Hornbrook, CA.
Click here for the Google maps link!
5. Angeles Crest Highway
ROUTE: CA-2
DISTANCE: 60 miles
TIME: 1.5 hour
Why It's a Great Drive
The Angeles Crest Highway is a scenic California driving road that is loved by spirited sports car drivers as well as Slingshot owners looking to test their riding skills. The Angeles Crest Hwy offers an amazing drive through its misty trails of the Angeles National Forest. This great driving road in California features fantastic views of the Saint Gabriel mountains. The curvy mountain road winds through the jagged landscape as well as around mountain peaks while the scent of fresh pine fills the air. There's also a few long stretches to open up the accelerator on. With its twisty curves and awesome scenery, this highway is perfect for those who are looking to find driving roads in Los Angeles. The Angeles Crest Hwy is one of the best roads in California for sports cars.
How Do I Get to the Angeles Crest Highway?
The Angeles Crest Hwy can be started just off Interstate 210 in La Cañada Flintridge, CA. The road traverses northeast for 64 miles to Hwy 138 in Pinon Hills, CA.
Click here for the Google maps link!
6. Generals Hwy to Kings Canyon
ROUTES: Generals Hwy, CA-180
DISTANCE: 87 miles
TIME: 3 hours
Why It's a Great Drive
For one of the most epic roads to drive your sports car or Slingshot, don't miss the California scenic drive from Sequoia National Park to Kings Canyon Scenic Byway. This great driving road in California begins in Three Rivers and continues north through Sequoia National Park. The scenic road loops and curves with delightful hairpin turns while overlooking vast mountain vistas. The drive leads into the national park forest where you'll drive alongside some of the biggest trees on earth. Continue east along Highway 180 for more majestic views into Kings Canyon National Park. National parks offer some of the best rides for Slingshot owners. Not only is the scenery is amazing, but the road quality is always beautifully smooth and well maintained.
How Do I Get to the Kings Canyon Scenic Bwy?
Beginning in the Sierra Nevada foothills near Dunlap, the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway travels 50 miles leading to Roads End, all along California Hwy 180.
Click here for the Google maps link!
7. Westgard Pass
ROUTE: CA-168
DISTANCE: 38 miles
TIME: 1 hours
Why It's a Great Drive
Westgard Pass is a great hidden gem driving road for sports cars and Slingshots. This great driving road in California is a narrow gap between the White Mountains and Inyo Mountains ranges in the eastern part of the state. This twisty California drive lies entirely within the Inyo National Forest, and reaches elevations of over 7000ft. Driving a sports car through this region will offer pristine scenery and grand vistas. With its minimal traffic and continuous curves, it's the perfect ride for Polaris Slingshot owners and spirited sports car enthusiasts! (photo: D. Bailey)
How Do I Get to Westgard Pass?
Westgard Pass is a road on CA-168 that lies between Hwy 395 and Hwy 266.
Click here for the Google maps link!