California Road Trip
A Slow Journey South
If you love the idea of taking your time, soaking up big views and experiencing a destination properly rather than rushing through it, a self-drive along California’s Pacific Coast Highway is a perfect choice. Last October I did exactly that: a slow journey south from San Francisco to Los Angeles, combining iconic cities, dramatic coastal scenery and relaxed beach towns, with plenty of stops for great food, wine and unforgettable views along the way. Here is a taste of that journey and why I recommend this classic California road trip to clients who want a mix of adventure, comfort and West Coast sunshine.
Last October, we set off in search of some California sunshine.
San Francisco was the first stop on our journey, where we spent four nights discovering the city’s many attractions. There was plenty of time to visit iconic landmarks like Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge and Pier 39, where we enjoyed clam chowder served in bread bowls while watching the sea lions basking in the warm sunshine. A hop-on, hop-off bus tour allowed us to explore the city’s fascinating neighbourhoods, such as Chinatown, Haight-Ashbury, Golden Gate Park and the famously twisting Lombard Street.
After exploring San Francisco, we collected our hire car and continued our journey towards Monterey, following the Pacific Coast Highway. We stopped along the way to take in the views at Pigeon Point and to visit charming coastal towns.
Monterey is a stunning coastal town that offers boat trips for whale watching, leisurely coastal walks and a variety of shops and restaurants along Cannery Row. The town really does have something for everyone.
The highway between Monterey and Santa Barbara is one of the most scenic sections of the route. The road initially runs parallel to the coast then crosses the iconic Bixby Bridge. This section, known as Big Sur, boasts some of the most dramatic scenery, where the mountains meet the sea. We took a break at Nepenthe to enjoy a delicious lunch with breathtaking views.
Santa Barbara was our next stop for a few nights. With a fabulous stretch of beach and mountains as its backdrop, this laid-back beach city quickly became a favourite. The Spanish-inspired architecture and numerous spots for wine tasting and craft beer gave it an almost Mediterranean feel.
Our final destination was Los Angeles, and for this last part of the journey we swapped the car for the train from Santa Barbara. The views from the upstairs level of the double-decker train were incredible.
We enjoyed a few fun-packed days in Los Angeles and made the most of the city’s famous sights, including Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Venice Beach. We sipped drinks at the Rainbow Rooms and took a tour of the Warner Bros. studios: a glamorous finale to a fantastic trip.
The Pacific Coast Highway journey from San Francisco to Los Angeles was a quintessential California experience. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a history buff or simply seeking a relaxing escape, I would highly recommend it. Highway 1 offers an unforgettable adventure that showcases some of California’s very best coastal scenery.
