California road journey: Surf, sand and sunset: California is a triple threat to all the other destinations that have caught our attention. But if you love taking road trips, this destination, with its cities, serene landscapes and iconic landmarks, has enough to keep you enthralled for weeks. But for starters, here’s a 5-day road trip itinerary, starting in Long Beach and ending in downtown Los Angeles, to get you started on your California vacation.

Stop 1: Long Beach

Depart from Long Beach Airport and explore this port city known for its massive cargo ships, high-tech Aquarium of the Pacific Ocean and tranquil beaches. Start with a Spanish latte at Red Coffee, then board a Venetian-style gondola from Gondola Getaway at Alamitos Bay to glide through winding canals, under five bridges and past multimillion-dollar homes. After that, head to Ballast Point Brewing on the Alamitos Peninsula for a Grapefruit Sculpin IPA and fish tacos, overlooking the blue water while watching the sunset.

Stop 2: Huntington Beach

Ride a surfboard at Huntington Beach, aka Surf City USA, or relax on the sand near the Huntington Pier and watch the beach’s different stories unfold. Enjoy beach activities like biking on the oceanfront path, drinking cocktails at ocean-view bars and lighting bonfires in the evening. Visit the International Surfing Museum and stroll the 1,850-foot-long Huntington Pier. In the evening, enjoy a comedy show at The Rec Room before checking into the Kimpton Shorebreak. At the hotel, enjoy a firepit, s’mores kit, boogie boards and bikes and admire Aaron Chang’s ocean photographs at the onsite gallery.

Stop 3: Newport Beach

Reach Newport Beach, known for its yacht-filled harbor, by cruising south along Highway 1. Rent an electric Duffy Boat for a self-guided cruise around Newport Bay or enjoy stand-up paddleboarding in the calm harbor waters. Take a historic ferry ride to Balboa Island and enjoy chocolate-dipped frozen bananas, Newport’s classic summer dessert. Shop at luxury stores like Louis Vuitton and Neiman Marcus on Fashion Island or head to Lido Marina Village to browse chic boutiques and dine at waterfront spots like Malibu Farms and Circle Hook Fish Company.

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Stop 4: Disneyland Resort

Put on your Mickey Mouse ears and dive into the fairy-tale magic of Disneyland in Anaheim. Wake up early and stay up late to make the most of your day. Sing along with pirates on the Pirates of the Caribbean tour, encounter holographic ghosts in the Haunted Mansion and soar through space on the Space Mountain roller coaster. Enjoy Disney-exclusive delicacies like Mickey-shaped beignets and giant turkey legs. After the last fireworks over Sleeping Beauty Castle, check in to Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa for a good night’s sleep.

Stop 5: Big Bear Lake

This ski-resort town offers year-round fun, from the thrilling bobsled rides of the Mineshaft Coaster to the entertaining lake tours of the Time Bandit Pirate Ship. In Big Bear Village, enjoy strolling, shopping and dining. Buy mountain-themed souvenirs at Bear Essentials, admire the chainsaw-carved bears at Kirby’s Custom Carvings and end your day with a craft beer at Big Bear Lake Brewing Company. Winter or summer, Big Bear’s alpine playground promises endless adventures and attractions.

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Stop 6: Lake Arrowhead

Lake Arrowhead offers the advantage of elevation, with summer temperatures about 20 degrees lower than inland valleys. Start your day with a Belgian waffle or waffle fries on the lakeside patio at Belgian Waffle Works. Enjoy wakeboard lessons at Mackenzie Water Ski School, then visit Skypark at Santa’s Village for zip-lining, rock climbing, and mountain biking. As the sun goes down, have cocktails and burgers at the lakefront taproom or a craft beer at Lake Arrowhead Brewing Company. Stay overnight in a chalet at the UCLA Lake Arrowhead Lodge, where you can enjoy tennis, volleyball, basketball, pickleball, a rock wall, and a ropes course.

Stop 7: San Bernardino

Head down to San Bernardino and drive the historic route route 66. Rediscover the cool kitsch of the 20th century at the unofficial McDonald’s Museum, built on the spot where the McDonald brothers opened the first McDonald’s in 1940. Browse shelves of Happy Meal toys and see replicas of McDonaldland characters like the Hamburglar and Grimace. Visit the Mitla Cafe, a Route 66 favorite since 1937, and try a cheesy chile relleno. For a memorable night, sleep in a 32-foot-high teepee at the Wigwam Motel, one of Route 66’s most photographed attractions.

Stop 8: Downtown Los Angeles

On the last day of your trip, enjoy all sorts of activities in Los Angeles, the city of dreams. At LA Live, take selfies with the giant statues of Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant and Wayne Gretzky outside the Crypto.com Arena. Learn to play drums with Ringo at the Grammy Museum, then go bowling at Lucky Strike. Sip a martini at Flemings Prime Steakhouse, listen to great live music at The Novo or sing karaoke in the Egyptian-themed Shrine Room. Celebrate the City of Angels with spectacular views at Broken Shaker, the rooftop bar at Freehand LA. Finally, relax at the Freehand’s stylish shared accommodation hotel.

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