Here’s everything to see, eat, and do along the way.
“While youre in San Francisco, I highly recommend crossing the bridge to Marin and Sausalito.
“Santa Cruz is worth stopping through for a good, long afternoon.
You’re not even leaving the state — but you’ll feel like you’re hopping between countries…
“In Solvang, be prepared to eat like a hobbit the entire time you are there.
It was absolutely amazing, so good that I stopped by again on my way back.
Its pedestrian-friendly, has beautiful architecture, and has great bars and restaurants galore.”
The PCH often has closures for landslides.
US Highway 101 is the workaround.”
“If you plan on visiting Big Sur, spend most of your time in the north end.
There’s way more to see and do here.
Visit Monterey and Carmel and then head south to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Andrew Molera State Park.
These spots will give you a perfect feel for the area with their redwoods and beaches.
The drive there is absolutely spectacular.
The south end of Big Sur is kind of a mess with closures.”
“Consider visiting Pinnacles, a lesser-known National Park roughly 100 miles south of San Francisco.
It’s home to tons of very cool geological formations.”
“Eat some street tacos!
“Half Moon Bay is criminally underrated.
The entire drive along the Pacific area is absolutely stunning, especially if you take the Skyline route.
The woods, the fresh air, and the whole vibe are all incredible.
A pit stop at Alice’s Restaurant is a must.”
Its a beautiful desert drive, and there’s almost never any traffic.
June Lake is a lovely small town just off this route with a great brewery.
And Mammoth Lakes is also a popular stop.
“Muir Woods is across the Golden Gate Bridge, and it’s amazing.
It’s a must-see if you’re anywhere near San Fransico.
It feels totally alien, and there are not many forests like it on Earth.
I can’t recommend going there enough.”
“Visit anywhere in Humboldt County for its gorgeous rugged coastline and amazing forests.
The landscape is truly awe-inspiring.
I went to college there and then stayed for a while.
It’s a breathtakingly beautiful place.”
That way, you won’t spend half of that day driving in traffic.
Look for other stuff to eat, do, and see near your ‘must-see’ attraction.”
“If you find yourself with extra time, I highly suggest going to San Diego.
In my opinion, this city is much better than Los Angeles.
The city has excellent breweries and great Mexican food.”
“If it’s possible for you to get into Nepenthe in Big Sur, it’s a must.
But even if you might’t get a table, grab a coffee and see the view.”
“Visit Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks instead of Yosemite.
These parks are less crowded and just as spectacular.”
“Death Valley is so surreal and beautiful in its own way.
There’s Badwater Basin, Artists Palette, sand dunes, and super clear skies for stargazing.
It really feels like you’re on a different planet.
“Pismo and Paso Robles are well worth a trip.
If you stick to Yosemite Valley, you will experience it with crowds.”
