POSTCARDS FROM CALIFORNIA 

Driving from San Francisco to Los Angeles on the Pacific Coast Highway is an iconic American road trip experience.


Photo: Road Trip - Postcards from California 

The California coastal drive, ranks as one of the most gorgeous road trips in the United States (and the world).  It's one I've taken several times in my life, as I attended college in Santa Barbara, while living in the Okanagan, BC. And even years later, to do it over again ... 

It’s a picturesque, exhilarating drive with jaw-dropping landscapes, world-class wine tasting, and more hikes than you could complete in a lifetime. The drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles along Highway 1 is a road trip that should be on everyone’s bucket list. 

Big Sur still takes my breath away ... and I've been to the Amalfi Coast.

Consider a self-drive holiday starting in San Francisco - through Yosemite - Monterey and Big Sur - down to San Simeon to visit the famous Hearst Castle, built 5 miles up on a mountaintop and then into Los Angeles ... or just keep going.  It's your trip - you decide where to stop!

Arriving into San Francisco Airport, pickup your car and head to your hotel in downtown San Francisco.  And start exploring ... 


Photo:  Fisherman's Wharf - San Francisco 

There's so many landmarks ... where to begin?!  How about a ride on the famous San Francisco Cable Car to Fisherman's Wharf ... or a boat ride to the infamous island of Alcatraz, once home to Al Capone and Papillion. 


Photo: Cable Cars in San Francisco 

Head to Ghiradelli Square for it's famous chocolates.  North Beach, a bustling neighbourhood steeped in Italian heritage, tablecloth trattorias, coffee shops and retro-flavoured bars. 

Over to cross a marvel of engineering, the Golden Gate Bridge, as you spend the afternoon in Sausalito, just on the other side of the bridge.  You'll discover spectacular views of SF, hiking and biking trails from the Marin Headlands to Muir Woods. 

When you're ready, take the captivating and winding road to Yosemite, lined with redwoods and delightful views.  Yosemite National Park in California's Sierra Nevada mountains is renowned for it's giant, ancient sequoia trees.  Spend a day or two amongst the giants, with falls (water that is) and the granite cliffs of El Capitan.


Photo: Yosemite National Park 

Time to take Highway One or as it's known, the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) down to Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea and Big Sur.   


Photo: Monterey Aquarium 

Cannery Row in Monterey was made famous by John Steinbeck, along with the famous 1967 Monterey Music Festival.  The Monterey Aquarium is a living museum, located in the centre of Monterey, whose streets are lined with fashionable shops, coffee shops made for people-watching and restaurants/cafes serving up the freshest seafood and fish!


Photo: Monterey Cannery Row 

Make your way to the 17-Mile Drive, one of the most scenic drives in the world, lined with Monterey Cypress, spellbinding white sand beaches, dramatic coastal cliffs, enchanting forests and famous golf courses, including Pebble Beach Golf Course. 


Photo: 17-Mile Drive on the way through Pebble Beach 

Wander through Carmel-by-the-Sea, known for it's museums and library of historic missions ... also home to their past Mayor - Clint Eastwood - who owned Hogbreath's Inn ... a famous bar frequented by sports teams from all over the world. 

Here's where you get into the heart of Big Sur ... which lies flat against an oceanic landscape with the Santa Lucia Mountains rising abruptly from the Pacific Ocean. But hang on for the ride and enjoy every minute of it ... you'll swear you're on a rollercoaster, so buckle in! 


Photo: Big Sur 

Let's book you a tour of the decadent Hearst Castle, built on a mountain top by the publishing magnate, William Randolph Hearst.  He hosted many a hollywood party up in the castle, while carrying on a not-so-secret love affair with the Canadian silent picture actress, Marion Davies.  Hearst was made famous by Orson Welles, in his 1941 epic movie "Citizen Kane".  And later on, Hearst's granddaughter Patty Hearst, brought attention to the family again, when she was kidnapped in 1974 by the Symbionese Liberation Army.  

While going to College in Santa Barbara, as part of our landscape architectural course, the Hearst Castle was a field trip for us.  Because of the "feats" overcome in the building of the castle and it's gardens, which began in 1919 and continued through to 1947 - 28 years in the making.  It's a "must-see" stop on your way. 

Photo: The Hearst Castle - San Simeon 

Stop in Santa Barbara, with a downtown area tha reflects Mediterrean-style white stucco buildings and it's Spanish Colonial heritage.  The Santa Ynez mountains provide a dramatic backdrop, while you stop for lunch at a street side cafe along State Street, lined with upscale boutiques and restaurants. 

Malibu is just down the highway, boasting some of the most beautiful beaches in California.  Celebrity homes and beaches include Zuma Beach, just an hour north of Los Angeles. 

Santa Monica's famous pier is only a short drive south, with the boulevard fringed by the tall palms of Pallisades Park, offering delightful views over the Pacific Ocean.  The Pier is home to the end of Route 66. 

Check out LA, the city of dreams, with it's iconic Hollywood sign and world-renowned Sunset Strip, Hollywood Walk of Fame and more.  The Hollywood Route, Downtown LA, The Beach and Weside LA, are just a few to visit ...but make sure you visit Beverly HIlls, Burbank, Hollywood, Venice Beach and Marina del Ray.  


Photo:  The famous Hollywood sign in Los Angeles - the city of dreams 

After a full day, an overnight stay or more ... it's time to drop your car off at LAX and head home ... and start planning your next adventure! 

Need my help to plan that next iconic Road Trip vacation?  CONTACT ME cause Planning A Vacation Makes You Happy (me too!).

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