Perhaps the best known stretch of highway in America — California’s Highway 1 between Los Angeles and San Francisco is 400 miles of coastal beauty that’s become our “favorite family roadtrip.”
What comes to mind when you think of California? Is it the cable cars climbing the hills of San Francisco, or is it the glamour of Hollywood and Los Angeles? While these cities are bursting with interesting places for families to explore, the 450 miles between them offer treasures of their own. Scenic Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, hugs the coastline from northern California to its southern border. It offers magnificent views of the ocean, and is the recommended route for this trip, with a few possible detours. Plan a variety of stops from the suggestions below and you can turn this ten-hour drive into a long weekend of family fun.
Our suggested 4-day PCH Itinerary
Day 1: San Francisco to Carmel
Day 2: Carmel to San Luis Obispo
Day 3: San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara
Day 4: Santa Barbara to Los Angeles
Safety Note: Dues to the road’s enormous popular, the Pacific Coast Highway Task Force has produced a Public Safety Announcement video, entitled, “Stay Safe on PCH.” Please watch this humorous take on the daily confrontations between motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians and you’ll probably drive a little more carefully!
Now, here’s our favorite route. Safe travels.
Day 1: San Francisco to Carmel – 100 Miles
Leaving the Bay Area and driving through Pacifica, you will pass near rocky Devil’s Slide and on through a lush farming region. Whale watching cruises are available from Half Moon Bay, and Pillar Point Harbor is a favorite place to watch surfers. The seaside towns of Santa Cruz and Capitola offer 26 miles of state beaches, perfect for swimming in the warm, gentle waters. Check out a unique California Historic Landmark — the Santa Cruz seaside amusement park where there are two historic roller coasters and lots of fun rides.
Further south, in the agricultural Watsonville area, you will pass fields of flowers, fruits and vegetables, followed by Castroville, “The Artichoke Capital of the World.” Continuing on Highway 1 about 25 miles, you will reach Monterey. Head to Fisherman’s Wharf where you will find the Museum of Monterey, and then visit Cannery Row, immortalized by John Steinbeck, now an array of shops and restaurants. The Wharf, which originally served as the pier where trading schooners from around Cape Horn unloaded their cargo, was also was a focal point of the whaling and sardine industries. You can come here to arrange sightseeing and whale watching excursions. The spectacular Monterey Bay Aquarium, at the west end of Cannery Row, makes it possible for visitors to view the intriguing undersea world of Monterey Bay, one of the richest marine environments in the world. One of the largest aquariums of its kind in the nation, it has more than 35,000 marine animals and plants. Families spend a week-long vacation in this town alone, so make a schedule before arrival.
A very scenic detour will take you to Pacific Grove, known as “Butterfly Town” because of its population of monarch butterflies, a favorite place to explore. As you drive beyond Lover’s Point, a bluff overlooking the crashing waves, visit the Point Pinos Lighthouse, the oldest continuously working lighthouse on the west coast and the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary. Consider taking the famous 17-Mile Drive to Carmel through incredible coastal scenery. It’s gorgeous, but slow and meandering, so your kids might get antsy or car sick. If you do choose it, you will drive on into the Del Monte Forest to the golfers’ Nirvana at Pebble Beach. Points of interest along this route include Cypress Point, the Ghost Tree, the Lone Cypress and Seal or Bird Rock where you can see thousands of sea birds, seals and sea lions.
In the quaint but expensive village of Carmel you can stop at the many galleries, restaurants, boutiques, and specialty shops (including some great toy stores). The beach is gorgeous here, but too rough for swimming. Still, it’s fun to build sand castles and fly a kite at the shore. At the edge of Carmel is Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo, a restored piece of California’s Spanish history and the final resting place of its founder, Father Junipero Serra. A side trip takes you to the picturesque Carmel Valley, home to the 100-acre Saddle Mountain Recreation Park, where hiking trails abound and wine tastings also are available. Before sunset, continue driving south to Point Lobos State Reserve, a well-preserved, almost primeval area, which is reputed to be the setting for Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island.” Walk through the 1,325-acre reserve to see tall stands of cypress sheltering hidden coves. Docents conduct nature walks intermittently.
Day 2: Carmel to San Luis Obispo – 150 Miles
Continue on Hwy. 1 about 25 miles to Big Sur, one of America’s most beautiful spots. Drive slowly and carefully here as the road twists and turns, offering spectacular sights of the sea and the cliffs. Don’t even consider swimming, as the currents here are treacherous. Local artisans and authors sell their works in village shops in Big Sur Village south of Andrew Molera State Park where you can hike or go horseback riding. At Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park you can hike and picnic amid the southernmost region of the famed coastal redwoods. The 1006-acre park includes campsites and trailer facilities as well as swimming, fishing, and hiking areas.
Around this point, the Highway 1 Discovery Route in San Luis Obispo County begins, with its own helpful CA Route 1 planning website for family travelers. This road’s historic highlight just 64 miles south is in San Simeon. Hearst Castle, William Randolph Hearst’s 165-room estate, is filled with art treasures from Spain, Italy, France, Greece, England, and Egypt. Newspaper magnate Hearst spent millions erecting the fantastic structure, 5.5 miles up the hill from Hwy. 1. His family presented this medieval-like Shangri-la and its unbelievable riches to the state in 1958 for public exhibition. Fun, gossipy tours of the castle and grounds, where Mr. Hearst entertained movie stars and business tycoons, are ranger-led and enjoyable for school-age kids and older; reservations are strongly recommended as this is one of the most popular tourist destinations in California. For a rare and special treat, Hearst Castle is doing a semi-private, two-hour tour (from Sept. 17-Oct. 31, 2016 and May 1-June 30, 2017; $100 by reservation only) for art lovers called the “Art of San Simeon.” Learn how and where Hearst acquired his beautiful collection of paintings, tapestries, sculptures, antiquities, and furniture and visit never before open parts of the home.
Slightly further south is Cambria, another artists’ colony, nestled in a pine tree-lined valley, filled with quaint inns, restaurants, art galleries and shops, including some that kids will want to explore. Beachcombers can find semiprecious jade and jasper, agates and moonstones, shells, and petrified wood at Moonstore Beach and Shamel Park. The area is popular with surf-anglers and board-surfers; inexpensive motels line the route. A 30-mile side trip from Cambria on Santa Rosa Creek Scenic Drive will take you to Paso Robles and the Central Coast wine country. Or you can return to Hwy. 1, past tiny Harmony and travel south to Cayucos-by-the-Sea, a Swiss dairy and Portuguese fishing community, noted for its long fishing wharf and the gentle waters of Estero Bay.
From there it is only six or so miles to Morro Bay, called the “Gibraltar of the Pacific” because of the 576-foot-high volcanic peak looming over town and bay, the westernmost of nine extinct volcanoes named “the sisters.” Morro Bay and its colorful Embarcadero features dining, shops, fish markets, and The Morro Bay Aquarium with more than 250 marine specimens from local waters. Morro Bay State Park has an 18-hole golf course, great hiking, and camping facilities. The Museum of Natural History features numerous displays on wildlife, tides, and other phenomena of the sea. Nearby is the Morro Bay Estuary, the nation’s third-largest bird sanctuary. Continue through Los Osos where the serene “Valley of the Bears” is the entrance to the 8,400-acre Montana de Oro State Park, the heart of this sanctuary. Stop for tea and a look, or spend the night at the famous Madonna Inn, a landmark hotel with 109 uniquely themed rooms.
Day 3: San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara – 100 Miles
Halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo is the site of Father Junipero Serra’s fifth mission, Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa founded in 1772. Historical walking tours offer visitors a chance to stretch their legs, and hiking in the surrounding mountains provides panoramic views of the area. San Luis Obispo is an attractive town with Victorian homes and the site of California Polytechnic State University. The nearby wine country and dramatic coastline add to the area’s attractions. Enjoy a refreshing walk along the pier in Avila Beach or visit the Sycamore Mineral Springs nestled in the wooded hillside, where families are welcome to soak in hot tubs and use the heated swimming pool. To find out more, read our article about San Luis Obispo.
Travel on to Shell Beach and Pismo Beach, known as the “Clam Capital of the World.” This surfing Mecca is also noted for its oceanside restaurants and a mild climate year-round.
Consider a slight detour to charming Solvang, largely populated by people of Danish descent. The town’s windmills and bindingsvaerk walls, typical of Danish hamlets during the Middle Ages, are testimony to this heritage. Shops sell imported Danish porcelain and brassware, and cafes offer tasty Danish pastries and other Scandinavian specialties. Visit Mission Santa Ines, founded in 1804 and the Elverhoy Danish Heritage and Fine Arts Museum. There are also family B&Bs and numerous gift and antique shops. Surrounding Solvang are many of the valley’s 23 premium wineries and vineyards. Read more about Solvang here.
100 miles from San Luis Obispo you will reach Santa Barbara, where families from LA go to vacation. The “Red Tile Walking Tour” leads past the stately Spanish-Moorish style courthouse and several old adobes in a 12-block radius. Be sure to visit Mission Santa Barbara, known as the “Queen” of the 21 California missions. The Padre’s quarters and the chapel are reconstructions on their original foundations. The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden contains 65 acres of native trees, flowers, shrubs, and cacti. Other notable stops include the Santa Barbara Zoo, the Andree Clark Bird Refuge and the Santa Barbara County Courthouse with its 85-foot clocktower observation deck. Outdoor activities include enjoying the superb beaches, bicycling (lots of places to rent), fishing, cruising, and seasonal whale watching. Click here for more about Santa Barbara.
Day 4: Santa Barbara to Los Angeles – 100 Miles
From Santa Barbara, it will take about 1½ hours to reach Malibu, home to the rich and famous, which stretches for 27 miles along the coast. Tucked on the gentle slopes of the Santa Monica Mountains, the dramatic environs are matched only by the innovative architecture. Don’t miss Surfriders or Zuma Beaches, favorite surf hangouts, as well as Leo Carillo State Beach or Nicolas Canyon County Beach for splashing in the waves.
In less than 10 miles you will reach Santa Monica, a vibrant, oceanfront community which adds a sophisticated twist to the casual beach lifestyle. Third Street Promenade is a favorite hangout, offering a mix of stylish dining and shopping opportunities as well as a healthy dose of street performances. The Santa Monica Pier, dating from 1908, is an old-fashioned amusement park with midway rides and a hand-painted carousel. There are many concessionaires renting bicycles and rollerblades to use on the concrete beachfront promenade.
Nearby Venice Beach is widely known for its ’round-the-clock carnival of street vendors, off-the-wall performers and sidewalk artists. Explore eclectic boutiques and cafés along Abbot Kinney Boulevard and rent a bike or stroll along the peaceful, cottage-lined canal section before driving to Marina Del Rey. Graceful sailboats and yachts ply the gentle waters of one of the world’s largest manmade marinas, where you can rent small sailboats by the hour. Dine or shop in Fisherman’s Village, a charming seaside retreat with waterfront views, at a price. Ask a local for their current favorite eatery.
You are now on the outskirts of the heart of Los Angeles, and about two hours north of San Diego, where you will find beaches, zoos and attractions galore. Search Family Travel Forum for many stories about these cities, as well as San Francisco.
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People who choose to book trips for summer or further out should do so with caution; the coronavirus pandemic is unpredictable. And many reservations may claim flexibility. Amid so much unknown, there will be one certainty: the headaches of rescheduling and canceling.
With a rugged interior featuring 286 peaks topping 3,000 meters Taiwan’s railway system is shoehorned onto the coastal margins where most of Taiwan’s cultural life is concentrated. Whether you ride the high-speed service from Taipei City to the second city of Kaohsiung or spend a week slowly circumnavigating the island by local train, all journeys are within eyeshot of either the cobalt-blue Pacific Ocean, flatlands of verdant rice-paddies, or towering mountainsides
When I originally commented I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on every time a comment is added I receive 4 emails with the same comment. Perhaps there is an easy method you are able to remove me from that service? Thanks a lot!
Amazing Post! about Amsterdam
There’s one street in Baltimore that’s more festive than the rest. Every holiday season, the neighborhood of Maryland’s miracle on h Street is decked out in Christmas lights and festive displays. From a tree made of hubcaps to classic candy cane fixtures, each house is uniquely decorated.
Considering Northeast Ohio has plenty of breweries, as well, Thomann was asked if it’s more likely we’ll find the members of Dorfrocker touring different venues tasting beers or visiting the Rock Roll Hall of Fame?
Covid-19 certainly affects travels plan…Not long ago my friends were among passengers of the British cruise ship Braemar. And how could the US refuse to help the ship and close the borders?? Unlike the US, Cuba showed its humanity and friendship! Thank you Cuba
Would you like to stay in the gorgeous area around Keukenhof? You can! We have a broad range of great hotels and bed and breakfasts for you. Accommodations in Haarlem, Leiden or Amsterdam are also good options.
I will reach Amsterdam only on 19 May morning, the last day of the flower exhibit. Is it still worthwhile to go Keukenhof Gardens? Will there still be many flowers to be seen?
Tulips and other flowers mainly bloom during spring. March through May is therefore the best time to visit the Netherlands if you want to watch them in bloom. The world’s most beautiful spring park, the Keukenhof, is open during this time.
If a court order states that one parent can travel abroad with the child without the consent of the other parent, what documentation is required? We recommend carrying a copy of the court order stating that the other parent’s consent is not needed to travel abroad with the child. Any questions about the wording of the court order should be directed to a family lawyer.
If transporting your pet by air is the only option, find out whether they can travel in the cabin with you. Most airlines will allow you to take a cat or small dog in the cabin for an additional fee. But you must call the airline well in advance; there are limits to the number of animals allowed in the cabin. If you are transporting your dog, make sure they meet the size requirements. If you get overwhelmed by all the regulations, there are companies that can help you navigate through the process of flying with a pet.
Is a consent letter mandatory? There is no Canadian legal requirement for children to carry a consent letter. However, a consent letter may be requested by immigration authorities when entering or leaving a foreign country, airline agents or Canadian officials when re-entering Canada. Failure to produce a letter upon request may result in delays or refusal to enter or exit a country.
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2 adults available to drive your car from New Orleans to north suburb of Chicago mid October. Need 3 or four nights. Split the gas,
Dogs and cats should always be kept safely inside the car. Pets who are allowed to stick their heads out the window can be injured by particles of debris or made sick by having cold air forced into their lungs. Never transport a pet in the back of an open pickup truck.
Ever dreamed of driving along the cliffs that overlook the Pacific with the windows down? Or wanted to travel the historic Oregon Trail in a car instead of on a computer? Explore these eleven incredible cross-country road trip routes across the U.S.
Rhonda, from a railman who started his train travel when he was 16, I would strongly suggest a Canadian Train Ride! Via Rail Canada offers four significant rides through wilderness and coastal areas with deluxe, overnight trains from Toronto to Vancouver ( 4 nights), and Montreal to Halifax, Nova Scotia (one night). Both offer a chance to have decent meals enroute, and sleeping car accommodations. Train crews tend to be a bit friendlier than south of the border, Canada, largely uninhabited, offers many scenic vistas with little hamlets few and far between, certainly a wonderful way for both of you to enjoy these new experiences.
Via Rail Canada also offers Railpasses, which enable you to travel on other routes as well for a bit of a price reduction. It’s all up to you!
Their website is http://www.viarail.ca for further information.
My son is a rail fan and we have traveled only in the US but I would love to surprise him with an excursion where he could talk to the train staff and railroad personnel. I would also like to include beautiful scenery as well for Both of us. My son is 16 and I am 59. We love to explore and don’t mind walking and roughing it!! any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Get your pet geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car. And please be sure to always secure the crate so it won??™t slide or shift in the event of a quick stop.
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This driving route of the Appalachian Trail parallels the epic hike. From the top of New England to the heart of Dixie, it takes you through continuous natural beauty—without the sweat, bugs, or blisters.
7 memorable Tips for Traveling to Mexico
Don stress if you don Mexico is agreeable to English speaking travelers, And there a ton of tips to get to know the country landscapes, terms, And younger culture.
yet still, If you new to traveling or have never been out of the us, A trip to Mexico may be somewhat frightening.
If you interested in learning some tips for traveling to Mexico, Take a look at our 7 easy to remember tips for your journey. We outlined some of the basics that you’d like to learn for your own aventura!
1. Choose the Right Transportation If you traveling to Mexico, You need to decide you might arrive by car, aeroplane, Or liner. It important to know how you want to arrive because it will searching,an extravagance,good to have city you arrive in, How much luggage you results, and so forth.
an individual can find international flights if you prefer to travel by air. instead, There are plenty of cruises to Mexico that you can enjoy if you like the amenities and beautiful views that are included in ship travel!
If you live nearby the border, Or just need to take a bit of a road trip, going down the road by car is always an option as well.
2. Use Pesos When You Can It best if you use the local currency pesos when you can. while touristy areas accept USD, They choose the rate at that they accept it, So it is possible to get a better deal if you just use pesos.
Consider exchanging USD for pesos somewhere in the usa before your trip and dividing up your cash between USD and pesos during your trip.
3. Know bathing room Etiquette In Mexico, The sewage pipes just aren built to handle a lot. this means that people rarely flush their toilet paper. rather than, There will often be a trash bin near the toilet for you to put your used toilet paper in.
further, Men may make of entering a bathroom labeled with an M, let’s assume that it stands for However, The M actually can stand for mujeres, Which is the word for in Spanish. Men needs to look for doors labeled H, Which stands for the Spanish word for men, Hombres.
4. Practice Some Spanish One of the most basic tips for traveling to Mexico is to learn a few Spanish phrases before your trip.
once you know basic things, Like how to ask where the bathroom is or how to order food, Will make your trip to Mexico a lot smoother. sometimes, The locals will appreciate the effort, Even if they undoubtedly speak English as well!
5. Adjust to the Time Whether you are changing time zones while having trip or staying in the same one, You find that Mexico runs on a lot more fluid schedule. Punctuality is less of a concern, So you take pleasure in it a lot more if you can relax and don push a strict schedule.
furthermore, Meals are spaced out a bit distinct in Mexico. You will usually have a large breakfast, associated with the main meal of the day between 2:00 together with 4:00 pm hours. then finally, You will enjoy a smaller meal at dusk.
6. Drink Bottled Water Bottled water can be found on just about any street corner for purchase. Why exactly do you wish to buy bottled water?
let me tell you, Most of Mexico plain faucet water is unpurified. Some hotels may have filtered water, But be sure to go shopping for a sign above your sinks before you test it out!
If you be residing in Mexico for a lengthier trip, Consider buying or bring a water filter with you to purify the tap water and avoid buying so much bottled water. You be decreasing costs and plastic consumption!
7. Stray off the Beaten Path While sightseeing attractions and famous beaches are always fun to see, Traveling to lesser known places will offer you a more authentic taste of Mexico.
of which this isn an excuse to be reckless or oblivious to your surroundings. Be mindful of the areas you visiting and research where you will make sure it a safe area.
Now You Armed with all very reputable Tips for Traveling to Mexico Mexico is a diverse country with so much to see and offer.
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As North America’s fastest multi-launch coaster, it’s expected to draw in adrenaline enthusiasts, including those from the group Busch Gardens Williamsburg Fans, which has been updating their Twitter and website with information on the ride.
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The blog shared is interesting to read. Got some useful information of Chicago which will be really helpful before planning a trip to this place. Thanks for sharing this!
Many parents of individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder dread traveling or often avoid it altogether. Most people with ASD do better with routine and structure and a break from that (vacation) can often lead to stress and even meltdowns. Additionally, traveling by air can include having to navigate a multitude of unpleasant experiences from airport security procedures, moving sidewalks, and boarding tunnels to cramped seats, unfamiliar noises, and lots of strangers. Experts indicate that preparation and practice is the key to a successful flight and travel. Before your trip, talk with your child about what to expect. Go over the details of the travel: how you’ll get to the airport, wait in line, go through security, find your departure gate, get on the plane, buckle seatbelts, and spend time onboard. Flying to See Janet: A Fun Guide to the Airport Experience is a book you can use to prepare children for the unfamiliar sights and sounds of the airport experience. You can also write your own social story.
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Emily, my coming of age years were the late 1970s, early 1980s at the YMCA. I agree with you about the open showers versus the individual shower stalls. From a guys perspective, I spent many nights and weekends swimming or playing basketball at my local YMCA. Showering with not only my friends, but over the years, dads, neighbors and guys from church. It really makes one comfortable, not in a sexual way, with one self and others. Never had the nude swimming, I think that ended in the 1960s as women/girls joined the YMCA, forcing may YWCAs to close their doors.
Amelie, here in the US a number of Korean Spas have opened. As with Japanese, Korean families bath together (grandmother, daughter, grand-daughter), (dad, son) separated by gender. They are starting to attract a diverse clientele (age, race, etc). So who knows, maybe the nude swimming will return to the Y someday.
The Ski and Snow Vacations for Families article is one of the best I have ever read!
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Note that Global Affairs Canada cannot provide you with advice about the Consent Letter for Children Travelling Abroad beyond what is offered on this website.
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Chicago is a famous place that has many impressive landscapes.
Most visitors like traveling there.
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helo, do you happent allow drive passengers to another state?
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I’m so happy that you enjoyed your experience at the Onsen!
I’ve never been to an Onsen, but I would love to get to visit one some day.
Back in the 1980s and 1990s my mom was the head supervisor at a YWCA in Ohio. I practically lived in the YWCA (not literally, of course) for the 19 years that my mom worked there. I had a part time job at the YWCA for a few years in the 1990s.
One of the great things about spending so much time at the YWCA was that I grew up using the locker room all of the way from a young child to a young woman and being 100% comfortable with both my own nudity and the nudity of all other females.
I feel that it was so much better back then when the Y had one big room full of shower heads on the walls than it is with stalls these days. The group shower setting was great from a bonding experience. I feel that it’s much healthier psychologically speaking that females are exposed to other women’s and girl’s bodies, as opposed to feeling that we need to hide from each other and change clothes in toilet stalls or under towels.
One of the benefits of having a mom who was a supervisor of the Y was that after hours my mom and my sisters and myself could just skinny dip in the pool, and my sisters and I were allowed to have our female friends with us for a skinny dipping session on Friday and Saturday nights.
Also, my aunt and a few of my female cousins would skinny dip with my mom, my sisters and I every once in a while.
My mom said that she had heard that the YWCA used to have one night a week that was for nude swimming back in the 1960s and most of the 1970s. Obviously it was a female only facility at the time.
Dubbed the Great Northern in memory of the pioneer railroad that parallels the western half of the route, US-2 is truly the most stunning and unforgettable, not to mention longest, of all the great transcontinental road trips.
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Oh man. I’m so sorry this happened to you. I certainly appreciate your take on this though, a little humor goes a long way. I’m headed to Barcelona in a few days, so I’ll be sure to keep my valuables close. Thanks for sharing.