Being sheltered in place has become such a bore. No road trips. No weekend adventures. If you are anything like me, and are itching for an adventure in a new place, you too have been dreaming of different places to visit as soon as quarantine is over. Why not road trip in one of the most beautiful states in America? Road tripping is cost effective and you are bound to have many more exciting experiences than if you were to travel by plane. Whether you are a California native or not, pack up your car, grab your friends, and follow this guide to the most epic road trip ever.
San Francisco
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I may be somewhat partial, but San Francisco is unarguably one of the most gorgeous, scenic cities in America. Known for its diversity in not only scenery, but also culture, San Francisco has a little bit for everyone. Drive across the Golden Gate bridge and get the chance to look at the Bay and the ocean all at once! Take a hike through the Presidio. Taste mouth watering pizza and pasta in North beach. Or grab some tacos and a burrito at La Taqueria in the Mission. Take a boat ride out to Alcatraz for the day or explore the boutiques in The Marina. The number of activities in San Francisco are truley endless. Make sure to spend as much time as possible here to soak it all in!
Santa Cruz
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Just an hour drive south from San Francisco is Santa Cruz. Nestled on the coast, Santa Cruz is a small beach town known for its surfing and, of course, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. While the town may be small, it can be the perfect place for an action packed day. Start your morning off with a stroll along Pleasure Point Beach. In the afternoon, check out the boardwalk! Not only are there a ton of roller coaster rides, but the boardwalk sits on a beach as well. You can take a swim in the water for an afternoon cool off! In the evening, make your way to downtown Santa Cruz. Downtown Santa Cruz is filled with shops and restaurants. For dinner, try local favorites Betty's Eat In (known for their alcoholic milkshakes) or Cafe Gratitude (a vegan, healthier option).
On the Drive from San Francisco: Don't miss your chance to grab fresh strawberries, pies, and jams at Swanton Berry Farms in Davenport, CA! Stop here for some perfect road trip snacks!
Carmel-by-the-Sea
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The next stop on your trip is the small beach town, Carmel-by-the-Sea. The town certainly lives up to its nickname, "California's Fairy Tale Village", with charming village-style cottages and gardens. Fun fact: there are no mailboxes, addresses, or parking meters. Carmel truly is a unique place. The town is known not only for its famous beach, Carmel Beach, but also for its strong artistic influence. There are almost 100 art galleries in Carmel Village, housing the works of artists like Mary Austin and Sinclair Luis. If that weren't enough, Carmel wouldn't be complete without visiting the 17-Mile Drive. For only $10.50/vehicle, get the chance to experience this stretch of stunning coastal scenery, including Pebble Beach and its world class golf course. Definitely worth it!
Big Sur
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Unlike many other states, California is unique for its stunning coastline bordered by lush forest. Big Sur, your next stop on this road trip, is known for its natural beauty and rugged coastline. If at this point you have overdosed on ocean scenery (which I'm not sure is possible), explore the Santa Lucia mountains by hiking, camping, or visiting Pfeiffer Burns State Park! Be sure to take your time driving through Big Sur, there are plenty of places to stop and take gorgeous pictures!
Santa Barbara
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Just past San Louis Obispo and Pismo Beach is this one-of-a-kind town: Santa Barbara. Home to many stunning beaches, Santa Barbara is known as one of the top places to go on a beach vacation. However, Santa Barbara holds much more beyond its attractive exterior. The town has a deep Spanish colonial heritage as it was originally founded as one of California's many missions. Downtown Santa Barbara reflects this history through its Spanish style architecture with white stucco buildings and red roof tiling. For upscale restaurants and boutiques, visit State Street. To experience the rich Spanish culture this town has to offer, make sure to visit Loquita Santa Barbara for authentic Spanish tapas!
Los Angeles
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You have made it to Los Angeles: The City of Angeles. Where to start! From Universal Studios to Santa Monica pier, the Hollywood Sign and the Getty Center; it's almost impossible to spend only one day in Los Angeles. Stroll Abbot Kinney Boulevard and experience some the best local restaurants like Gjelina and The Butcher's Daughter. Spend an afternoon on Hollywood Boulevard and see the Hollywood stars. There are honestly too many activities to count in LA! Don't forget: Los Angeles is the center of the nation's film and television industry. Make sure to keep your eyes out for some stars strolling around!
On the Drive from Santa Barbara: Make sure to take the scenic route through Malibu, CA!
San Diego
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The last stop on your California road trip! San Diego is known for its perfect weather and beaches. Be prepared to drink a ton of smoothies and lounge on the warm sand. You've made it this far, you deserve it! Looking for a lively beach filled with people of all ages? Pacific Beach and Mission Beach are the two places you want to be! Known for having a young crowd, these beaches provide sun, surf, and endless people watching. For a more private, relaxing beach experience, visit Windansea Beach. Tucked away in a small beach neighborhood, Windansea is the best place for a quiet beach experience.
On the Drive from LA: Don't forget to stop at Huntington Beach and Laguna Beach for some of Southern California's most authentic beaches! From some epic Mexican food stop at The Taco Stand in La Jolla, CA.
