My initial plans for spring break were pretty unremarkable. I was going to go home, ignore my emails and catch up on some sleep. However, about a week before I got a text from one of my friends asking, “How do you feel about a road trip across California?” 

Having spent most of my childhood in Southern California and never having ventured to Central or Northern California, besides a fifth-grade field trip to Sacramento, I excitedly said yes.

During our weeklong trip, we went from USC to Santa Barbara, Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Napa Valley, San Francisco and several national parks.

This was ambitious, but we were able to spend enough time in each place to know these areas by finding stunning trails, locally owned restaurants and cliche tourist quests, like the San Francisco cable cars. A few of my personal favorite excursions in this trip were hiking at Point Lobos, visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium and sightseeing at Battery Spencer. 

Observing the immense cultural differences across California cities was beyond interesting, even awe-inspiring, and prompted me to think about how differently people live across our state. The intense busyness of San Francisco, where everyone walked like they had somewhere to be, in comparison to the calm quiet of Napa Valley’s grassy fields, was drastic.

This trip really prompted me to consider why USC students often opt to travel to other states or go abroad for vacations rather than exploring California. When my friends and I talk about traveling, we discuss going to Europe or Asia, often planning trips that never come to fruition, but why don’t we consider exploring the beautiful state we live in? California is an incredibly unique state where there are urban, rural and coastal environments — all just hours away. 

Being from Orange County and going to college in Los Angeles, I’ve realized it’s very easy to get stuck in my own little bubble. I’ve gotten used to my favorite places around campus and have stopped seeking out new parts of L.A. But pushing past my comfort zone on this road trip and staying in a different place every night was mind-opening. 

Being able to see the depth of natural elements in places like Yosemite and Sequoia really made me wonder why I don’t spend more time in nature myself, and it helped me realize that in striving to do so more in the future, I could continually gain new insight into the world around me.

With a 2025 report from Maharishi International University proving the benefits of solo travel for self-discovery, emotional regulation and stress reduction, there are so many advantages of road-tripping even without travel companions. The most memorable moment during this week was sitting alone overlooking Point Lobos. Having spent the majority of this trip attached at the hip with two of my friends, having the serenity of a bit of time alone to reflect and people-watch was soothing. 

I found a bench on the edge of a cliff overlooking the water with the playlist of “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before” (2018) blasting in my right AirPod while the other remained off to listen to the waves crashing. Spending peaceful time alone in nature allowed me to reflect on my trip and my life in general — what supports my growth and what doesn’t. 

Gaining that sense of clarity helped me truly grasp that there is so much more to life than sitting at a desk, stressing over due dates and completing projects. Like many of us here at USC, I am an overachiever, and taking a break to breathe in fresh air, hike radiant trails and see remarkable sights was incredibly refreshing and proved beneficial for my mental and physical health. 

As detailed in a July 2025 report by the London Psychologist Centre, the break in routine that road trips provide is invaluable — increasing dopamine, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression and reducing cortisol. Additionally, spending time walking and hiking is a great method of exercise that allows you to sightsee while exercising self-care. 

We are privileged enough to live in this state filled with so much natural beauty and memorable locations nearby. The Golden State of California is a dream destination for many, and we should strive to treat it that way. 

Spending time directly engaging with this treasured land can support overall well-being and help preserve its rich history. As students studying in California, we should take the time to appreciate and explore all that it has to offer.

While airborne travel is an amazing opportunity to engage in other cultures and have new experiences, I really do believe getting to know this outstanding state through the scenic route has so much to offer in itself. I encourage you all to consider spending time and effort immersing yourself in California and venturing out of L.A. to truly make the most of your time here and expand your perspective. After all, adventure awaits.