Lana Del Rey’s Ultraviolence = Big Sur on a foggy day

Everybody’s talking about Lana’s sophomore sad-sack triumph. I wouldn’t call her Americana masterpiece much of a road trip banger (especially for the driver!), but imagine an inevitable foggy morning driving down the coast on Highway 1 listening to “West Coast” or “Cruel World.” All those blown-out-of-proportion guitars, all those crashing waves and rocky cliffs: they were practically meant to be together. Round out the drive by stopping by the Henry Miller Memorial Library, where you can channel Del Rey's literary references and browse books full of sad girls and old men.

SZA’s Z = Orr Hot Springs Road

Orr Hot Springs Road is one of the most beautiful roads north of the Bay Area. Mountainous and remote, it connects Ukiah on the 101 to Mendocino on the 1 and contains Orr Hot Springs Resort and the Montgomery Woods. Non-single cut, "Julia" sums up the curvy roads, the clothing-optional quietness of the hot springs, and the magical trickling light in the redwood groves.

The lady's bathroom at the Madonna Inn. Photo: Lisa Gordon

Mariah Carey’s Me. I Am Mariah... The Elusive Chanteuse = Paso Robles and the Madonna Inn

There is always a time and place for Mariah. Forget Sonoma and Napa, take old school jam “Dedicated” south to Paso Robles, which is known for its French-style blends and Zins. Roll up to Castoro Cellars or Jada Vineyard blaring “Thirsty” and you will be well taken care of. The only way to end the tour would be to end up at the infamous and wildly decadent Madonna Inn, an over the top kitschy hotel that Mimi was practically born to rule.

How to Dress Well’s What Is This Heart? = June Lake

June Lake is almost too far to even get to from the Bay Area, but its secret and secluded mountain lakes are a magical place for a long weekend (or week or month). How to Dress Well's new release is just as magical and surprising. Secret, building choruses that are as clean and crisp as the Caribbean blue of the lake and as personal and honest as the sweet owners of the The Haven or the bartenders of The Tiger Bar and Cafe.

The Black Keys’ Turn Blue = Bodie Ghost Town

You have to travel down a dusty dirt road with sheep clanging their bells over the hillside before you even get to Bodie Ghost Town. The Black Keys’ most recent release captures the eerie, forlorn atmosphere not only of the town itself with its sand blown, abandoned homes full of rotting furniture, newspaper and drapery, but the road that gets you there. Title track “Turn Blue” perfectly expresses the sky as dusk settles and you hightail it out of there.

Listen to this playlist of the best cuts from each album:

And leave your favorite road trip albums in the comments!

News Daily Newsletter

The Bay

Emma’s Must-Sees

Videos from KQED Live

Donor-Advised Funds

RoyskoppRoyskopp

Soundtracks for All Your Bay Area Road Trips