California. The Golden State is not only the third largest and most populous state in the USA, but also one of the most beautiful and diverse. Whether metropolises, deserts, national parks or dream locations – California has them all. But what is worth seeing, and where do you absolutely have to go? These are the best tips for a Westcoast road trip:
From North to South
As mundane as it may sound, but approach the route from top to bottom. That is, from San Francisco to Los Angeles. The main reason for this is that you can drive on Route 1 on the side of the road facing the Pacific. The passenger will thank you for it. Although Highway 1 has numerous parking bays at points worth seeing, traffic can also be heavy and these can be well filled. So it’s much more convenient to just pull over and not have to cross the street first.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
The small town and former artists’ colony is located just under 190 kilometers south of San Francisco and only 5 kilometers from the much better-known Monterey. You should definitely plan a stop here and also an overnight stay or two. It doesn’t get much more picturesque than this. Whether it’s the expansive, beautiful beach lined with bays, or the cottages kept in the unmistakable style – you won’t be able to get enough of it. Fun Fact: Clint Eastwood was mayor here in the 1980s.
Hearst Castle
Pretty much halfway between LA and San Francisco lies the legendary Hearst dynasty estate. Built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst in the 1920s, it was once the site of glittering parties with world-famous guests such as Charlie Chaplin, Winston Churchill and Joan Crawford. Today it is a museum like no other. 150 magnificent rooms, vast gardens and a zoo, which is home to zebras, for example, await you. But remember to book one of 3 tours in advance and get there in time to avoid closed doors. Cost: $30.
Bixby Creek Bridge
An iconic masterpiece from the 1930s is the arch bridge in Big Sur. Perched 79 meters above a canyon, the Bixby Bridge is not only a spectacular vantage point, but also one of the highest bridges of its kind. The structure, built in the Art Deco style, is located just 20 kilometers south of Carmel and is an eye-catcher that you should literally take with you as you drive by.
Mc Way Falls
Like Bixby Bridge, Mc Way Falls is also located at Big Sur. This in turn is probably the most beautiful coastal strip of California, which you should have seen at least in sections. But back to the waterfall: From about 30 meters it plunges into the depths towards the ocean. A picturesque sight. The best way to reach it or to have a look at it is from the well-marked parking lot after a short walk. Unfortunately, it is no longer directly accessible, but even from a distance it is worth the stop.
Pismo Beach
The surfer’s paradise attracts with its beach and boardwalk. Not only surfers will feel at home here, a walk to the pier during the magnificent sunset every evening promises great feelings of happiness. In the usually well-filled bars and diners, good, classic cuisine is served, so you don’t have to worry about your physical well-being. We recommend a visit to the Cool Cat Cafe – treat yourself to one of their delicious burgers!
Whale Watching
Monterey Bay is the perfect place to see whales, dolphins and other marine life. Due to the enormous depth of the Monterey Bay Canyon, a multitude of organisms can be found here, almost all year round. On board of one of the whale watching ships you have a very good chance to observe whales at close range. We felt very comfortable on a trip with the Seagoddess Whale Watch. On the approx. 3.5 hour boat trip, we learned all kinds of interesting facts about the marine mammals, which then actually dove up and down around the boat. A truly majestic sight.
Parken in Venice/LA
The basic prerequisite for a road trip is the automobile. And since the United States has a penchant for exaggeration like no other country, it makes sense to borrow a large pickup truck. For the purpose of the overview it would be. However, we would like to point out that oversize parking in LA, specifically in Venice Beach, can be difficult and expensive. This is because many hotels do not have their own parking. The resourceful businessmen in the beach area then quickly charge $120 for overnight parking on a delineated piece of street. And successfully so.
Time
Die Grundvoraussetzung für einen Roadtrip ist das Auto. Und da die Vereinigten Staaten wie kein anderes Land einen Hang zur Übertreibung haben, macht es Sinn, sich einen großen Pickup-Truck auszuleihen. Für den Zweck der Übersicht wäre er das auch. Allerdings möchten wir darauf hinweisen, dass das Parken in Übergröße in LA, speziell in Venice Beach, schwierig und teuer sein kann. Das liegt daran, dass viele Hotels nicht über eigene Parkplätze verfügen. Die findigen Geschäftsleute in der Strandgegend verlangen dann schnell 120 Dollar für das Parken über Nacht auf einem abgegrenzten Stück Straße. Und das mit Erfolg.
Motels
Yes, we’re taking up the cudgels for the inexpensive relatives of the luxury hotels we otherwise hold in such high esteem. After all, the term motel is composed of the two words hotel and motor, so it’s made for the perfect road trip feeling. Without booking in advance, it is usually quite unbureaucratically possible to get a room even at short notice. If some psycho associations freely after Alfred Hitchcock penetrate your consciousness, you have done everything right and also brought a little suspense into the trip.
