I just returned from a Spring Break road trip from Seattle to Los Angeles, covering 5 cities and 2,500 miles in ten days with four of my closest friends. During this time, we traveled primarily on The Pacific Coast Highway, which not only created an opportunity for us to listen to California by Phantom Planet on repeat, but also allowed us to soak in each winding mile of epic, coastal scenery. Its iconic coastlines, State beaches, and look-out points left each of us in awe, as no other road exposes you to more Golden State glory.
The following itinerary led us to sea lion coves, rollercoasters, authentic Mexican food, and the world’s windiest road:
First stop: Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel, a city nestled in Monterey County, is known for its natural scenery and rich artistic history. Pick up a copy of Cannery Row by John Steinbeck to enrich and add cultural context to your journey through Monterey. Then hike through Point Lobos State Reserve and see the diversity of landscapes Northern California has to offer.
Second stop: Big Sur
As you cruise down the coastline of Big Sur, you will run into three must-see sites: Bixby Bridge, Napenthe, and Sand Dollar Beach. Turn on Bixby Canyon Bridge by Death Cab and cruise across the arched bridge that is sure to take your breath away. Once your camera has run out of film and you are ready for more, check out Napenthe, an indoor/outdoor restaurant perched 800 feet above sea level, and dine in style. To complete the day, find the hidden gem of South Big Sur and spend a relaxing afternoon at Sand Dollar Beach.
Third stop: San Luis Obispo
Slow down in SLO- grab a cup o’ joe at a local trendy cafe, Kreuzberg Coffee Company, walk the docks at Avila Beach, tucked along San Luis Obispo Bay in small beach community, and stroll the shopping outlets downtown. Once you are rejuvenated, travel back in time to the 1930’s and tour Hearst Castle, a present-day Great Gatsby mansion that sits atop a hill, practically above the clouds. If you want to get a sneak preview of this particular SLO gem, watch Lady Gaga’s latest music video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNu_-deVemE, which features it prominently.
Fourth stop: Los Angeles (Hollywood, Downtown, Santa Monica)
Downtown LA, Hollywood BLVD, and Santa Monica- the dream team. Do Downtown LA and Hollywood BLVD in one day, using the Metro to get around. Go to Amoebas Records, The Chinese Theater, Olvera Street, and The Last Bookstore. For an ultimate beach day, grab your volleyball and beach towel and head to Venice Beach. Bask in the sun, ride a roller coaster on the pier, and have a great lunch at Urth Cafe.
Fifth stop: San Francisco
Be warned, charming San Francisco will leave you wanting more! To experience the most of this dynamic, beautiful city, explore as much of it as you can during your stay. Grab authentic food in Chinatown, cool down with some gelato in Little Italy, and walk up Lombard Street, the world’s windiest road. Although two of the most common tourist attractions, Ghirardelli Square and Fisherman’s Warf, are well worth your time, and give you an excellent view of Alcatraz. Before leaving the city, don’t forget to put on comfortable shoes, and walk the 4,200 feet across the Golden Gate Bridge.
Reflecting on last week’s road trip, I felt everything was a dream. The combination of exploring new sights, meeting new people, and having miles of open road in front of you is exhilarating. But at the end of the day, it was not the sights that left me feeling connected and full of joy, rather it was the relationships I had built with my fellow travelers on the road. In a week our relationships transformed while belting out during a Beyonce music hour, working together to navigate around California’s crazy drivers, and trekking through a downpour in the Redwoods. We were inspired, challenged, and together, which led to a road trip full of memories.