Starting in San Diego
San Diego, which sits right on the U.S. border with Mexico, is the southernmost city on the California coast, and makes a great place to start a road trip. (You'll have to take I-5 out of San Diego, though--Highway 1 starts between Los Angeles and San Diego near San Juan Capistrano.) The world-famous San Diego zoo definitely deserves a visit, as does Sea World. Less known are sunny San Diego's many fine museums, clustered in the Balboa Park neighborhood. The city also boasts several strolling and exploring neighborhoods, including the historic, well-preserved Gaslamp Quarter and lively Hillcrest. You're on a road trip, so jump in your car and take a drive across the distinctive Coronado Bay Bridge to the sprawling Victorian Hotel del Coronado.
Welcome to Los Angeles, the City of Angels
Get your binoculars ready and prepare to "star gaze," as fashion and flair emerge everywhere in the hot spot of Los Angeles. Walk around Lake Hollywood for incredible views of the legendary HOLLYWOOD sign. Then escape to Malibu's El Matador La Piedra, and El Pescador state beaches, where huge, craggy boulders and spectacular views are worthy of a photo opportunity. After dark, set out in the car for Mulholland Drive, and of course, you can't forget to cruise the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood.
Next Stop: Santa Barbara
You'll be glad you've come to Santa Barbara, known for its distinguished architecture and casual Southern California lifestyle. Nestled at the ocean's edge and looking out toward the Pacific, views come easy as you drive through this quiet, relaxed beach town. Loved all over the world for its unique beauty and charm, you'll enjoy Santa Barbara's clean, clear air, spectacular scenery, and beautiful, palm-lined beaches. Be sure to turn the wheels toward the Mission Santa Barbara and the Botanic Garden. With numerous attractions and myriad activities, you'll find plenty to do in this artistic city.
As you travel north, take a tour of nearby Hearst Castle or spend the afternoon picnicking in wine country. Just a short drive away, you'll venture into the Santa Ynez Valley, which is graced with vineyards and makes an ideal place to rest for a picnic. If you prefer authentic Danish pastries, then stop at Solvang, a distinctively Danish village decorated with windmills and true Scandinavian influence.
Enjoy S.L.O. Living in San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo is your next stop, where historic buildings, country stores, and beautiful landscapes are an everyday occurrence. Visitors from all over the world are drawn to the city's delightful small-town atmosphere. Outdoor cafés and quaint coffeehouses encourage you to put your feet up, perpetuating the local motto of the "SLO life." While the downtown area is a hub for activity, the nearby Mission Plaza offers quiet solitude. The San Luis creek runs quietly through Mission Plaza, serving as the perfect place to park your car and cool off from the California sunshine.
Spend a Day in Monterey
As you head up toward Monterey, you'll witness the changing landscape when you drive by artichoke farms and rolling sand dunes. Make a pit stop at one of the roadside produce vendors for fresh fruit and homegrown produce. Once you arrive in Monterey, you'll want to visit the Cannery for shopping and sightseeing. The nearby Monterey Bay Aquarium is world famous for its incredible display of marine life and educational resources. Set your course for the picturesque 17-Mile Drive, an 8,400-acre scenic tour of Monterey's coastal landscape. Pack your golf clubs and head for the course at famous Pebble Beach Golf Links.
Take a Cruise Around Santa Cruz
Once you reach the beach at Santa Cruz, you'll see unique Northern California culture in this college town with a surging scene. At the Wharf, you'll find restaurants, shops, and seafood takeout windows--all accentuated by the barking and baying of lounging sea lions. The climate here is mild and usually warmer than the northern regions along the coast. The University of California at Santa Cruz emits some of its youthful sprit, and you'll notice that skateboards and bikes are a common mode of transportation here. Put on the brakes and take a walk along the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, where you can ride the carousel for lofty views. In addition, Neptune's Kingdom offers state-of-the-art miniature golf with robotic special effects.
All Aboard to San Francisco!
The first thing you may notice when you drive into San Francisco is the luminous fogbank rolling into the city. Don't be dismayed. The fog usually lifts mid-day, giving you the chance to view San Francisco's hottest attractions: Alcatraz Island, Chinatown, Coit Tower, and Pacific Bell Park, to name just a few! Take a cable car ride through Nob Hill and enjoy San Francisco's thriving restaurant scene, serving up some of the best California cuisine. Drive through Golden Gate Park, stop along Fisherman's Wharf for a bread bowl filled with clam chowder, and wind your way down Lombard Street, which bills itself as the most crooked street in the world. Drive (or walk) over the Golden Gate Bridge, and be sure to park it at the Palace of Fine Arts for an afternoon stroll. At sunset, board a nighttime ferry for breathtaking views of the bay--ones you won't soon forget on your plane ride back home.•
