PART 1: SAN JOSE TO LOS ANGELES.
1. In San Jose, your first stop is The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum.
The building itself was inspired by Temple of Amon at Karnak, and the museum contains the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts in the country.
2. Stop nearby at the mystifying Winchester Mystery House.
The oversized mansion is said to be a maze of dozens of rooms and is possibly haunted. Enter at your own risk!
3. Continue on to San Simeon to visit the stunning Hearst Castle.
The Hearst Castle was built in the middle of last century and is comprised of "165 rooms and 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools and walkways." Whoa.
4. Go forth to Cambria Pines to see the folk-art wonder that is Nitt Witt Ridge.
5. Before heading to L.A., stop by San Luis Obispo to visit the wonderfully kitschy Madonna Inn.
With room names like "Barrel of Fun," "Everything Nice," and "Krazy Dazy," you might even have to spend the night.
PART 2: LOS ANGELES SIGHTS.
6. Start off at the Griffith Observatory.
Built in the 1930s, the structure itself is a great example of both art deco architecture and Spanish influence in the area.
7. Swing by the L.A. County Museum of Art.
8. And continue on to Frank Gehry's spectacular Walt Disney Concert Hall.
The stainless steel structure was completed in 2003. The shape of the iconic building was designed to resemble a ship's sails.
9. Continue to Downtown Los Angeles to take in its beautiful art deco buildings.
The Eastern Columbia Building on South Broadway and other surrounding buildings are a stunning example of the opulent design of the late 1920s and '30s.
10. And on the way out of town, take in the Watts Towers.
PART 3: FROM LOS ANGELES AND BEYOND.
11. Head to Pasadena to visit The Gamble House.
The Gamble House dates back to the early 1900s and is landmarked for its beautiful arts & crafts style architecture and detailing.
12. From there, go on to Garden Grove to take in the massive Crystal Cathedral.
Modern day churches don't usually garner much attention, but this one is worth noting due to its impressive size and intricacy. Its 16,000-pipe organ is currently undergoing an incredible two-year renovation.
13. Continue South to San Diego to see the futuristic Geisel Library at UCSD.
14. And if you're feeling like really hitting the open road, drive a few hours east to Salvation Mountain in Niland.
Sure, it's a liiittle out of the way, but this enormous, colorful art installation, all hand-painted by the late Leonard Knight, is unlike anything else in the world.
And with so many interesting locations on the road ahead, get there surrounded by the comfort of all the apps and amenities you love in a Volvo.
