Photo Set: An Ode To The Open Road

Summer is the season for road tripping, and the open road beckons. California is a rich stomping ground for exploration, as biodiverse as it is breathtaking. Roll down to Joshua Tree for hot rock climbing, skip along the Pacific Coast Highway or wind up northward in greener climates. Whichever way the wind draws you, adventure seekers are deeply rewarded. In these photos, photographer Josh McNair of California Through My Lens takes us through every nook and cranny of The Golden State. What are you waiting for? Get out there.
Green surrounds the wayward wanderer on the road towards Bishop Creek, CA.

The Sierra Nevada mountain range beginning outside of Bishop, CA.

Rolling towards the Alabama Hills, a well-loved climbing destination.

Get lost somewhere in the California desert.

Joshua Tree National Park during a tranquil sunset.

Driving the Avenue of the Giants through Humboldt Redwoods State Park is a humbling experience.

Highway 395 above Mono Lake winds through arid land.

Moro Rock projects starkly out of the green mountainside in Sequoia National Park.

Rolling through Paso Robles.

Joshua Trees stand guard among the serene, extraterrestrial landscape of Joshua Tree National Park.

Historic Route 66 swings near Amboy Crater, an extinct volcano surrounded by a lava field.

The iconic Hollywood sign watches over the starts of Los Angeles from the Hollywood Reservoir.

Devil’s Slide gives way steeply to California’s Pacific Coast Highway.

The Mormon Rocks: swaths of sandstone that have been pushed above ground due to tectonic activity at the San Andreas Fault.

Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve erupts with color, brought on by California’s state flower.

Bishop Creek beckons outdoor lovers, from climbers of the Owens River Valley to fisherman relaxing by the waters.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.