DTM Media/Shutterstock
The state of California is massive. Unlike virtually every other state in the union, the geography here lends itself to tourists having unique locations to visit and enjoy. Theoretically, all on the same day, those traveling in California can see the snow/mountains, desert, and ocean all on the same day. To make it easier on you should you opt for a road trip up and down the coast, we’ll highlight some places to stop along the way.
San Diego
f11photo/istock
Billed as the city with the world’s perfect weather, San Diego is a nice way to break into your California experience. There’s plenty to do on the water, whether dating a boat cruise in the harbor or hanging out on the beach. Food-wise, San Diego boasts arguably the best Mexican food on the planet outside of Mexico. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a great place to spend time as a family. Seeing a Padres baseball game at Petco Park is wonderful, as is staking a stroll on the campus of UC San Diego. Additionally, Old Town San Diego is a great way to shop and learn about the city’s history.
Joshua Tree National Park
trymedia/istock
Northeast of San Diego resides Joshua Tree National Park. Desert enthusiasts will love this part of California. It’s tranquil and stunning in its own way. Upon entering the park, you can drive around and take in the beauty from your car. There are plenty of hiking trails to check out. The park also offers a plethora of picture opportunities. At night, the entire sky is lit up by a blanket of bright stars against the black sky. The town itself has some terrific mom-and-pop establishments — including brunch spots, coffee stores, and shops selling crystals. Doing a weekend trip here can go a long way toward recharging your batteries.
Los Angeles
Gerry Matthews/shutterstock
In-n-Out should be your first stop when getting into LA. Don’t let Whataburger or Shake Shack enthusiasts tell you otherwise…this is the best fast-food burger in the country (get the fries well done!). LA is understandably one of the country’s biggest cities. There’s no shortage of activities here. We suggest seeking out neighborhoods you’d like to visit. It’ll help to break up the gigantic nature of LA. This could include a stop at Olvera Street for some famed taquitos before bopping over to the Arts District for some street art, breweries, and Japanese food at nearby Little Tokyo. The west side gives you water options, and we’d recommend bypassing Venice and Santa Monica for the much prettier (and less crowded) Malibu. Of course, West Hollywood and Hollywood proper are loaded with fun bars and restaurants to enjoy.
Santa Barbara
Cristian Lourenço/istock
Bop up the coast for approximately two hours and you’ll see the idyllic beachside town of Santa Barabara. Between Santa Barbara and the nearby towns of Carpinteria and Goleta, you’ll be enjoying some of the most beautiful sights in the country. Santa Barbara has terrific seafood and a burgeoning brewery scene. There’s a downtown area where you can enjoy the famed State Street. Farther west is the pretty campus of UC Santa Barbara. Talking a walk on DP (Del Playa) will offer you wonderful views of the ocean.
Paso Robles
htnr/istock
North of Santa Barbara in central California is the larger city of Paso Robles. If you’ve not traveled through this part of the state, it’s more rural yet still stunningly beautiful with golden rolling hills, clusters of oak trees, and plenty of vineyards. The restaurant scene here is better than you’d think, and it’s a nice change of pace from life in a more urban environment. Along the way, you can visit the coastal city of Pismo Beach, the college town of San Luis Obispo, the chic city of Arroyo Grande, and one of the most unique hotels you will ever see in the Madonna Inn.
Solvang
istock
Essentially located in between Santa Barbara and Paso Robles is Solvang. This is one of the more touristy areas on this list. However, despite its commercialism, it’s worth checking out. The city is reframed as one in Denmark. The architecture is wholly Danish, as are the restaurants (where you’ll get some amazing Danish cookies and pancakes). In Solvang, you’ll also get the opportunity to do wine tastings and horseback riding. The Santa Ynez Valley in general is chock-full of wine spots (think the film Sideways).
San Francisco
Cristian Lourenço/istock
San Francisco is arguably the most European-like city on the West Coast and perhaps the entire country as a whole. The stunning views are apparent, and they can be enjoyed from the Wharf in addition to ferries floating throughout the Bay. San Francisco has several neighborhoods worth exploring. From the Haight to the Mission to North Beach and the Sunset, there’s something for everyone here. A somewhat understated gem to fully enjoy is Hayes Valley. You’re even close enough to take BART to nearby Berkeley for some more fun in that eclectic college town.
Sonoma County
Kenishirotie/istock
Sonoma County is a nice alternative to Napa. From the perspective of this writer, it’s even preferred. Sonoma County is loaded with cities to check out. We’re talking about the likes of Windsor, Sebastopol, Petaluma, Forestville, Bodega Bay, Guerneville, and Santa Rosa (among others). Each spot has its unique quirks and specialties. All the while, they’re all tremendously beautiful. You can get lost for hours on back roads through sprawling estates alongside the Russian River. Taking the route to the coastal city of Jenner, you can also experience forests featuring 100-foot Redwoods as far as the eye can see.
Disneyland
Richard Harbaugh/Disneyland Resort via Getty Images
Save up for this one, because Disneyland (and neighboring park California Adventure) are not cheap. For those who don’t live in the area, and even for those who do, taking a trip here could be a once-in-a-lifetime activity. It’s the flagship Disney park on the West Coast, and one dripping in history and lore. We don’t have to go too deep into why Disneyland would be a fun location to see. During Christmas and Halloween, the park is particularly festive.
Healdsburg
b33photography/istock
This little gem sits in the northern part of Sonoma County. It’s considered among the best bed and breakfast destinations in the entire country. Downtown Healdsburg is a very charming place. Cobblestone streets are lined with small, local businesses. Some of the food offerings here are tremendous, led by Bravas Bar de Tapas — a delicious restaurant known for tremendous small pates rooted in Mediterranean cooking. John & Zeke’s Bar is also a fun understated place to grab a drink and mingle with the natives.
