Reasons Why You Should Visit California

Reasons Why You Should Visit California

It's the state that's on everyone's bucket list. California's Pacific Coast Highway stretches from San Francisco in Northern California down to San Diego in the south. It's 500 miles in total, and includes the jaw-dropping landscape of Big Sur. Here’s why you should visit California.

San Francisco

First catch a flight into San Francisco. Explore this vibrant city with its crazily steep streets for a few days before starting your epic road trip from the best starting gate in the world. Start early and grab some photos at Mason Street or on the beach next to it. That way you'll get panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and you'll avoid the crowds at the visitor points.

It's time to jump into your car, get the roof down, and drive to the start line. Turn around into the Vista Car Park and pay for your bridge toll online. You can't pay by cash as you go through anymore. Do it now or your trip could get a whole lot more expensive. When you get off the bridge, take Lincoln Boulevard to get to the coast as quickly as you can.

Highway 1

Highway One begins on some very normal roads. So by heading west, you'll soon be next to the ocean and enjoying the views you've been looking at online for the past two months. Now's a great time to look out for the El Camino Real Bells. They line the routes down to San Diego and mark the trail that the early settlers used to reach all of California's Missions over the past century. More than half of the bells were stolen, but lots have recently been restored and replaced.

Santa Cruz

After two and a half hours on the road, your first stop will be Santa Cruz. It's the birthplace of surfing in The USA. Three Hawaiian students shocked locals when they rode the waves on planks of wood here back in 1885. It's also famous for its Boardwalk, which you might recognize from the Lost Boys Movie. It's 19 year old big Dipper is still holding its own against the modern rides. It's a perfect place to stop for some lunch and get ready for a busy afternoon.

Monterrey

It's a quaint place full of seafood restaurants, some of which use Fresno Solar. It's also home to the famous Aquarium. You can stop here for food Instead of Santa Cruz.

Big Sur

An hour on the road and you'll quickly realize that the shops and houses have disappeared and it's just you, the ocean, and the road. There's no Las Vegas style sign which tells you when you're in Big Sur. The rugged coastline and lashing waves make a much more impressive impact than any neon sign could make.

As you begin to climb into the hills, the temperature drops. What will surprise you even more is the coastal fog, even during the hot Californian summer. There are lots of places to pull over and admire the view.

Bixby Bridge

The foot structure is a sight to behold, especially as it's in the middle of nowhere. Super cool selfies are a must. Once you cross the bridge, it's time to wind your way further south.

Pfeiffer Beach

Pfeiffer Beach is definitely worth stopping for if you can find. Its Keyhole arch and Purple sound are a sight to behold for all ages. It's well worth the $10 parking fee. Enjoy a meal with a view at Nepenthe before another magical stop at McWay Falls.

Head straight to San Simeon or Cambria where you'll stay overnight. Make sure you've booked in advance or you might be sleeping in your car.

Just a few minutes away from San Simeon is Piedras Blancas, where you'll get to meet California's Elephant seals up close. These seals formed a colony here in and they've never left! San Simeon is also the former home of media mogul William Randolph. Hearst Castle welcomed the rich and famous during its heyday.