On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson hits the road with three seasoned travelers to explore California’s epic road trip experiences.

To kick things off, Johnson chats with Zach Dundas, the editorial director behind the Wildsam field guides and Wildsam Magazine, a publication focused solely on road trips. Dundas explains why the open road remains one of the most profound ways to experience California. “You could come up with dozens of different themed road trips just within the state of California, and that's what makes it amazing,” says Dundas. He then dives deep into California’s extraordinary range—recommending a route that begins in the artsy neighborhoods of San Francisco and travels east to Yosemite National Park. He also highlights the surreal beauty of Joshua Tree National Park and shares an itinerary that links California’s desert, mountains, and forests.

Next, Johnson catches up with Scott Clark, the chef and owner of Dad’s Luncheonette, a beloved roadside eatery in Half Moon Bay. Clark talks about leaving the fast-paced fine dining world to open Dad’s Luncheonette, a cozy spot in a red train caboose along California’s coast. “I wanted to make food that felt like home, but that you’d actually want to eat,” he says. Clark also shares highlights from his new cookbook Coastal: 130 Recipes from a California Road Trip, including stories about foraging in Monterey, making frequent stops at oyster shacks, and exploring hidden coastal gems.

Finally, Johnson chats with Alessandra Martinez, a digital creator who recently embarked on a four-day theme park road trip with her husband and four kids. Their high-energy itinerary hit Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland Resort, and LEGOLAND California. Martinez offers tips for navigating theme parks with kids of all ages and reflects on how to make road trips feel magical for the whole family. “Let everyone pick one thing they’re most excited for—and make sure it happens,” she says.