Snack packing

Whether you’re cruisin’ iconic Route 66 or driving other highways and byways in California, you need great snacks to fuel the journey. Skip the beef jerky and candy bars and head to local delicacies, markets, and nostalgic roadside diners to feed your snack cravings while driving through the Golden State.

Destination delicacies 

 

Every great California road trip needs a few sweet detours. From candy shops with century-old roots to farm stands serving up unexpected treats, these are the tasty stops worth pulling over for.

Butte County cravings

 

Locals swear that Butte County’s Sierra Nevada Beer Brittle, which infuses the craft beer into the rich, buttery brittle, is addictive. Grab a box at Joy Lyn’s Candies in Paradise or Made in Chico. For a high-protein punch, scoop up Maisie Jane’s California Sunshine Fine Nuts in Chico.

Meandering in Mendocino

 

Vacation is all about indulgences. Along Highway 128 in Mendocino, stop at Grace’s Oak Tree, a beloved family-owned fruit stand. Sure, you could grab a crisp apple, but locals will tell you to opt for the decadent frozen apple cider slushie. Ice cream lovers have never experienced the unusual Northern California Candy Cap Mushroom ice cream available at Cowlick’s Ice Cream.

Columbia Candy Kitchen

 

As you cruise through Tuolumne County, a detour to Columbia State Historic Park and Columbia Candy Kitchen is a must. Since 1926, this family-owned candy shop has delighted kids and children at heart with a dazzling array of homemade sweets, including hand-dipped chocolates, fudge, brittles, caramel apples and more.

Andy’s Orchard

 

At Andy’s Orchard in Morgan Hill, the heirloom Blenheim apricot reigns supreme. Prized for its intense flavor, enjoy it straight from the orchard in season or dried and dipped in chocolate year-round. The seasonal farm store also stocks jams and preserves, along with award-winning local honey, making it a one-stop pick for travelers assembling a proper snack haul.

Date night

 

Since 1924, Shields Date Garden has been a must-stop for road trippers near Palm Springs. Enjoy its famous date shakes, date ice cream, and fresh citrus.

Nostalgic roadside eateries 

 

Some things are worth slowing down for. These roadside classics have been serving up comfort food with a side of nostalgia for decades, proving that the best part of a California road trip is sometimes the pit stop.

Ray's Deli & Tavern

 

Established in 1947, Ray's Deli & Tavern in Petaluma still has an old-time feel, with knotty pine interior, historic photos, and 50s diner napkin holders. But it's the from-scratch cooking with local, organic ingredients that keeps locals coming back for its fresh sandwiches and salads.

Service Town USA

 

On California’s Central Coast, Buellton was once known as the “Service Town USA,” a place where road trippers could refuel, grab a bite and take a break. That tradition continues today at longtime favorite eateries like Mother Hubbard’s Restaurant and Ellen’s Danish Pancake House.

Mel’s Drive-in

 

In 1947, Mel’s Drive-in pioneered the concept of the drive-in restaurant. Travelers today can get their fill of nostalgia at Mel’s Drive-in in Santa Monica, perfectly located at the end of iconic Route 66. Stop by for hearty breakfast fare or the classic hamburger, fries and shake.

Oceanside’s oldest diner

 

With its classic comfort food and chrome-and-vinyl décor, 101 Café has fed road trippers in Oceanside since 1928. The classic 1950s décor and colorful outdoor murals make for the perfect Instagram backdrops.

Local markets & grab-and-go favorites

  

No road trip is complete without a well-stocked snack bag. From artisan markets to small-town shops and restaurants, these are the spots to grab something delicious before hitting the road again.

Snack-pack the Presidio

 

A San Francisco road trip becomes an edible adventure at the just-opened Mess Hall in the Presidio. Procure your picnic-ready goodies like Breadbelly pastries and Wrecking Ball coffee, or mix and match bites from Breadwinner, Korean-inspired Boda, and Dayboat Seafood.

Market mania

 

For travelers bound for Yosemite, the markets at Rush Creek Lodge & Spa, Evergreen Lodge, and Firefall Ranch make stocking a picnic basket a joy. The stylish lodge stores are filled with provisions to turn a scenic pullout or trailhead pause into a meal. 

Pop Your top

 

If you’re motoring through Elk Grove on Highway 99, a detour to The Popcorn Store is a must. For 16 years, the store has fueled snacking with dozens of flavors, including everything from gourmet white to sweet standouts like birthday cake and horchata. The shop’s signature California Mix blends caramel, cheddar, and gourmet white into one batch of snacking goodness. 

Tasty Temecula

 

It’s easy to build up an appetite while road tripping through Temecula’s wine country. In Old Town Temecula, stop at Grazing Theory, voted one of the best cheese shops in America, to grab mini charcuterie boxes; perfect for travelers looking to pull over at a scenic spot or vineyard picnic table. For dessert, the Old Town Sweet Shoppe tempts with fudge, candy and over 40 ice cream flavors. 

 

Surf city snacks

 

Hang ten at Huntington Beach’s local snacking spots. Across the street from the Huntington Beach Pier, Subculture Sandwiches crafts generously portioned sandwiches piled high with meat on fresh Dutch crunch bread. For the flavors of the sea, North Shore Poke Co. serves up a customizable menu of fresh ahi tuna, salmon, albacore, Tako and all the Hawaiian fixings.

There's no shortage of delicious reasons to pull over in California. Save this list, plot your route, and get ready for a road trip that tastes as good as it looks.