San Diego to Yosemite NP road trip: 24 stops worth the detour

the third-oldest park — Chavez Ravine, the San Gabriels beyond the pavilions, and a Dodger Dog at sunset

Hidden Little Tokyo basement omakase from veteran chef Yoshiyuki Inoue, serving a nightly edomae tasting to just ten guests. Order: Edomae omakase.

Oakhurst's top-rated fine-dining destination plating seasonal French-inspired cuisine from local farms harvesting exclusively for its kitchen. Order: Tasting menu.

Restored 1854 Army post at the top of the Grapevine with original adobes and living-history days; the fort once hosted the Army's camel corps.

Grand Central Market carnitas stall slow-cooking pork Michoacan-style, serving simple tacos heaped with chopped meat. Order: Carnitas taco.

the Big A halo sign and the outfield rock-and-geyser waterfall, in OC sunshine

Family-run Mexican institution on Western Avenue since 1923, with a menu dated by decade showing how classic Cal-Mex dishes evolved. Order: Green corn tamales.

Late-night trompo al pastor carved to order, LA street-taco royalty. (Mid-City)

Wrestling-themed Mission Hills taco shop known for oversized California and Surfin Cali burritos stuffed with steak, shrimp, fries and secret sauce. Order: Surfin Cali burrito.

Homegrown Visalia counter spot that built a cult following on build-your-own quesadillas with fresh, simple fillings. Fast, cheap, and right on Main Street for the drive up Highway 198.

Simon Rodia’s 99-ft mosaic spires

A destination Italian restaurant that draws diners to Old Pasadena, making bread, butter, and pasta from scratch with local produce. Order: Squid ink lumache.

Granite cliffs, waterfalls & giant sequoias