I've Explored Every Corner of California by Car—These Are the Items I Never Road Trip Without, From $17

Travel + Leisure

12-06-2025

Some of my most memorable travel adventures have happened not in the air, but on the road. Whenever I had the chance, I'd set out along California's Pacific Coast Highway, with Santa Barbara as my first stop. From there, I'd wind through Carmel-by-the-Sea and along Mendocino's rugged coastline, always wishing for more time in each place. As one road trip turned into a dozen, I quickly learned that packing well was key—whether it was choosing the right pair of pants for long hours in the driver's seat or remembering essentials like a first-aid kit, water bottle, and chapstick.
These days, most of my road trips revolve around vineyard stays. Over time, I've learned to pack smart—comfy boots for walking vineyard terrain, a stain remover pen, and a sturdy tote for the bottles I inevitably bring home. Those essentials have served me well on road trip adventures throughout California, from breezy beach towns to the towering sequoias and cliff-hugging spruce trees of its unforgettable national parks. If you're ready to get behind the wheel for your own West Coast getaway, read on for my top road trip essentials, from beach-ready sandals to moisture-wicking shirts that protect against desert heat.
For longer road trips that call for outfit changes, tech gear, and must-have accessories, a compact carry-on makes all the difference. The Monos Carry-On Pro is my go-to thanks to its sleek, dent-resistant polycarbonate shell and built-in front compartment—perfect for keeping essentials like my laptop within reach. It's especially convenient when hopping from hotel to hotel, without the hassle of lugging around a bulky duffel.
A cooler is a must for road snacks and drinks, and Calpak's lightweight soft-sided cooler is a great fit. Expandable side buckles make it easy to access items, and there are multiple exterior pockets to store smaller items, like my favorite nutritional snacks when hunger strikes on the road.
Road trips require easy, hands-free phone access for everything from directions to voice-activated stops. The VanMass Car Phone Mount keeps your phone securely in place with a strong adhesive base, a sturdy vent clip, and a lower back release button for added stability. It's one of those small upgrades that make a big difference. $55 at Amazon $55 at Away Travel
I've often learned the hard way how important it is to have a small bag nearby when you're on the road. The Away Toiletry Bag is ideal for short trips and comes equipped with an exterior zip pocket for easy access to items and multiple interior compartments to keep toiletries well-organized. $40 at Amazon $40 at Yeti.com
Another road trip must-have? A reusable water bottle. This 26-ounce Yeti Rambler is leakproof, vacuum-insulated, and features a chug spout lid for easy sipping as you drive.
It's no secret that I love a good outfit to wear for my treasured pastime: drinking wine. My favorite retailer for dresses, Revolve, currently has a whole page dedicated to winery tour looks. There are so many great styles for different body types, but the Callahan Mira Dress is my top pick because it's black—an ideal color to help mask any burgundy spills.
A Chelsea boot is my go-to shoe for vineyard visits—comfortable, easy to slip on, and built with a durable sole for all-day wear. While my favorite Toms boot style is no longer available, this pair from Athlefit is a solid alternative to complement my winery outfits.
The perks of a wine road trip mean you can bring your favorite bottles home without having to worry about checking a bag at the airport. Vin Fresco's Wine Tote Bag features a leather exterior that's stain-resistant with padded straps to carry it as a backpack. With two compartments to hold wine bottles, I'll be eagerly toting Cardinale Winery's newly released 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon and Intrada Sauvignon Blanc to pour in the cute stainless-steel tumblers that the bag comes with.
On warmer vineyard days, a pair of polished shorts or a comfy skort is my go-to. Spanx's Stretch Twill Shorts offer gentle compression and a super-soft fabric for all-day comfort. Plus, with seven mostly neutral colors to choose from, they're a versatile choice for multiple stops along your route.
The Gap Cotton Gauze Easy Barrel Pants live up to their namesake, with a flowing fit made from 100 percent breathable cotton and an elasticized waist that will serve me well during my long-anticipated Napa dinner at Chef Rogelio Garcia's farm-to-table phenom, Auro.
A lightweight, versatile swimsuit cover-up is a California road trip must-have. My favorite crochet piece is no longer available, but this open-knit cover-up maxi dress from Quince is the kind of day-to-night piece you'll pack for every coastal escape. Plus, it'll pair perfectly with my favorite cheeky Triangl Vinca bathing suit.
Don't leave home without a comfortable way to lounge in the sand. The Bo Toys Beach Mat Lounge Chair comes with a convenient zippered tote and is made from a durable polyester, with an adjustable reclining backrest for ultimate relaxation.
Of course, you'll need a stylish bag to store all your sandy beach essentials. The Aerie Jumbo Crochet Bag is my go-to, but this structured woven shoulder bag at Amazon is under $25 and perfect for transitioning to an upscale beachfront dinner. $400 $280 at Andreaiyamah.com
When evening arrives, dinner is always at Caruso's, a Miramar Beach restaurant with ocean views and a glamorous interior that will make you want to throw on your favorite, casually chic dress. The Andrea Iyamah Essi Maxi Dress fits the bill as it's made from breathable cotton, with lovely features like double-rope detailing along the neckline and a low back closure.
It's always a good idea to pack a pair of stylish and comfortable sandals for any beach road trip. I recommend Franco Sarto's Britt Slide Sandal, which is accented with geometric cutouts and comes with an adjustable buckle. They pair well with casual and dressier looks and can even withstand a sandy beach walk. $35 at Amazon $35 at Knockaround.com
The sun is no joke in California's desertscapes, so you'll want to be prepared. I've been traveling to Palm Springs since I was little, and two non-negotiable items to always pack to beat the heat are a good pair of sunglasses and a breathable bucket hat. Knockaround's Songbirds West End Sunglasses are lightweight and feature polarized amber lenses and full UV 400 protection you'll appreciate.
Get even more protection with the wide-brimmed Shinchic Bucket Hat, made from a nylon material that provides necessary UPF 50+ sun protection and comfortable breathability.
When it comes to desert-ready fashion, breathable fabrics will be your best friend. It's no secret that linen is having a moment, and the lightweight comfort it provides is perfect for humid desert days. The Quince Linen Sleeveless Swing Dress is lightweight, breathable, and durable. It can be easily worn while window-shopping down Palm Canyon Drive or dressed up for dining alfresco at Le Vallauris.
Also key for any desert road trip is a breathable tee. I've learned over the years that not all tops are created equal, and Goldie Tees' Signature tees and tanks continue to prove they're a cut above the rest. Made from 100 percent Peruvian pima cotton, the tank has a light, silky texture that feels like a cool hug on a hot day.
A versatile athletic dress is a must for a desert visit. This smocked, flowy option from Aerie is lightweight, fast-drying, buttery-soft, and incredibly breathable. Even better? This detail-packed dress also has built-in shorts, pockets, and adjustable straps to make 100-degree days a little more comfortable.
Teeming with national parks from its interior valleys to its golden coast, any outdoor enthusiast will be more than pleased with a road trip to some of California's best hiking spots. To keep your foundation strong on any trail, it's important to invest in a pair of supportive shoes. The Nortiv 8 Waterproof Hiking Boots have a durable midsole and mesh tongue that promotes ventilation.
For sun protection and moisture-wicking material, REI's Sahara Shade Hoodie never fails, no matter how far or high you choose to roam. The super-soft and stretchy material offers UPF 50+ sun protection, and a three-panel hood has an internal drawstring to keep your neck well-protected.
Pair the breathable shirt with REI's Trail Made Shorts, made with a water-repellent stretch nylon with six pockets to store all your small essentials.
As temperatures along the coast and interior can often fluctuate, a good outdoor waterproof jacket is also clutch. Muji's Water Repellent Hoodie is made from organic cotton and has a rounded silhouette that can be changed by tightening the hem and cuffs. Its versatile fit makes it a good choice for hiking, biking, or any other outdoor activity.
Last but not least, it's always a good idea to have a fully charged phone for any outdoor adventure, particularly if you're hiking for hours or get lost. The iWalk Portable Phone Charger is about the size of a lipstick case and comes with a built-in USB-C port. The battery bank can charge a phone from 0 to 50 percent in just 30 minutes for a quick boost on the trail.
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