California has often been romanticized in song, and there’s a great selection of tunes that can make up the perfect soundtrack for a California road trip. Believe me, you’re going to need quite a few California road trip songs to make it from San Francisco down to San Diego or a similarly long trip.
The variety of songs in our list spans genres like pop, rock, hip-hop, country, and more, each painting a different part of the California landscape. Whether you’re cruising along the Pacific Coast Highway or exploring the many coastal cities, these songs should provide a fitting backdrop. Enjoy your road trip!
» You might like the Best Stops on a Los Angeles to San Francisco Road Trip.
» Looking for more inspiration along the route? Check out all our guides to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and San Diego. Find the best beaches in Monterey, waterfalls in Southern California, and national parks.
» You might be interested in Southern California vs Northern California: Which Destination is Right for You?
California Road Trip Songs
Here’s a list of songs that either mention California in the lyrics or are often associated with the Golden State:
- “California Girls” – The Beach Boys
- “California Dreamin'” – The Mamas & the Papas
- “Hotel California” – Eagles
- “California Love” – 2Pac feat. Dr. Dre
- “Going to California” – Led Zeppelin
- “Californication” – Red Hot Chili Peppers
- “Dani California” – Red Hot Chili Peppers
- “California Gurls” – Katy Perry feat. Snoop Dogg
- “California Soul” – Marlena Shaw
- “California” – Phantom Planet
- “California English” – Vampire Weekend
- “California Stars” – Wilco & Billy Bragg
- “California” – Joni Mitchell
- “California Sunrise” – Dirty Gold
- “California Sun” – The Rivieras
- “California Here I Come” – Al Jolson
- “San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)” – Scott McKenzie
- “L.A. Woman” – The Doors
- “Santa Monica” – Everclear
- “West Coast” – Lana Del Rey
- “Los Angeles” – X
- “California Nights” – Lesley Gore
- “California Roll” – Snoop Dogg feat. Stevie Wonder
- “California Man” – The Move
- “It Never Rains in Southern California” – Albert Hammond
- “California Uber Alles” – Dead Kennedys
- “California Waiting” – Kings of Leon
- “Meet Me in California” – Plain White T’s
- “From California” – The New Amsterdams
- “California (Hustle and Flow)” – Social Distortion
- “Surf Wax America” – Weezer
- “California” – Metro Station
- “California Sunshine” – The Game
- “California One/Youth and Beauty Brigade” – The Decemberists
- “Los Angeles, I’m Yours” – The Decemberists
- “California” – Childish Gambino
- “California Blue” – Roy Orbison
- “California Tuffy” – Geraldine Fibbers
- “For Nancy (‘Cos It Already Is)” – Pete Yorn (Includes the line “We can drive to any place, day or night, across the state…”)
- “California King Bed” – Rihanna
- “California Sunset” – Neil Young
- “California” – Jraffe
- “California Paranoia” – Lawrence Rothman feat. Angel Olsen
- “California” – Tom Petty
- “Hotel California – Gipsy Kings (Spanish Version)
- “California Dreaming” – Arman Cekin feat. Paul Rey
These songs capture different vibes of California, from the sunny beaches and Hollywood glamor to the urban streets and scenic beauty. Enjoy your trip with these tunes!
Travel Planning Guide
🚙💨 Where should I book my rental car?
Renting a car is one of the best ways to get around in California, no matter where you’re visiting. Public transportation can only get your so far, even in big cities. I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks the prices of all major rental car companies, so you get the best rates.
🛌 What’s the best way to book my accommodations?
For hotels and vacation rentals, Booking.com or Expedia.com are the best sites, but you can also book through TripAdvisor. If you’re considering renting a house instead, don’t forget to also check VRBO, which is often cheaper than Airbnb.
🧳 What do I pack for California?
Head to the our California Packing List or Disneyland Packing List to get all the info on packing.
✈️ What’s the best site to buy flights to California?
For finding cheap California flights from around the world, I recommend Skyscanner. I’ve also had pretty good luck with Kayak.com.
Like this article? Save it on Pinterest so you can find it again.
FOLLOW US on Pinterest and Facebook for more California travel inspiration and tips!
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
Laura is a travel fanatic who loves seeing and doing new things. She lives in Ventura, CA, and spends a lot of time exploring California’s cities, beaches, and national parks.