A Coastal Road Trip: Why Northern California Should be on Your Travel Bucket List

Warm breezes, cool waters and incomparable sightseeing makes this west coast treasure the perfect destination for indulging in the best the summer has to offer. 

Many people hear California and immediately imagine Los Angeles. As a California girl I can attest that most people assume that I hail from the city of Angels but while LA is synonymous with beaches, babes, boobs (both in the literal and figurative sense) and Kardashians, Northern California offers a more well rounded experience of all the beautiful state has to offer. The distinction is intentional and once you have experienced California for yourself the distinction becomes clear. 

While states like New York consistently try to convince you to love it through their tourism campaigns, California simply invites you to visit and see for yourself. Those who have understand its laid back vibes and delicious food are just the tip of what makes the Golden state the exception in the US rather than the rule. Sandy beaches, snowy mountains, lush forests and arid deserts offer varied landscapes to explore, as well as, high quality food to enjoy. 

If you want to experience a true California in all its (however clichéd) wonder, renting a convertible and driving the coastline is the way to go. The Pacific Coast Highway runs the length of the state along the coast and offers a panoramic view of beautiful cliffs, crashing waves and multi million dollar mansions. Thus, hopping in your Barbie dream car and cruising feels like the perfect pastime to experience California in all its splendor. 

Monterey: Where Pacific Majesty and California History Collide

The original capital of California, Monterey was once a vibrant town and the sole port of entry for taxable goods creating a prosperous and booming economy as well as, an epicenter for liberal thinking. Today that prosperity and liberal mindset is deeply rooted in its foundation guiding the city into the present. With its core values in mind Monterey is home to a vibrant art scene, the world famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, too many amazing dining options to try in a single trip and the famed 17 mile drive. 

The Monterey Bay Aquarium: Intentional By Design

The story behind the Aquarium is one that fits Monterey’s wealthy history. David Packard, yes of Hewlett Packard, and his wife Lucie funded the aquarium with their daughters’ love of marine biology and the ocean’s wonders serving as inspiration. Being built directly into the bay offers visitors a front row seat to the sea life of the Pacific. Transformed from an old sardine cannery into the third largest in the world, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is home to over 35,000 sea creatures spanning 600 species and was the first in the world to successfully grow California Giant Kelp. The aquarium is home to many rare species you can’t find anywhere else such as, the blue and yellowfin tuna, ocean sunfish, hammerhead sharks, mahi mahi, green sea turtles and the purple striped jellyfish. In addition to its rare creatures, it has a variety of touch pools where you can hold starfish and pet bat rays and has a massive impact on ocean and sea otter conservation through their research and dedicated programs. It is a true ode to the California mindset, enjoy this beautiful land but respect and protect it. 

Located at the top of Cannery Row, Monterey Bay Aquarium is the perfect starting point for your day or the perfect after lunch destination. Whether you are visiting in the morning or after lunch a quick trip to the shops and restaurants in Cannery Row will satisfy your hunger for true California cuisine. From high end dining to chain restaurants, whatever your pleasure you can find it here. The Chart House is an institution and holds special meaning in my family, the crab cakes, lobster bisque and clam chowder are some dishes not to be missed. A great option for fresh sustainable seafood is The C that features hits like the Chilean sea bass and the perfect wedge salad. 

17 Mile Drive: The Best of Northern California

Once you are full on flavor and mystifying sea life, take a ride down the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) to the Pacific Grove Gate entrance to the 17 Mile Drive. Nestled in Pebble Beach between Monterey and Carmel by the Sea, the 17 Mile Drive is regarded as one of the most scenic drives in the world. Open from sunrise to sunset this private coastline drive boasts a $12.50 entrance fee to access its magnificent vistas and it is well worth it. With scenes off of a postcard, along this stretch of roadway you can find all manners of wildlife including otters, sealions, seals and (sometimes) whales, along with waves crashing against rugged rocky cliffs and Monterey Cyprus trees. 

Grabbing a map at the entrance is crucial to getting the full effect of these 22.7 kilometers. Other pro tips, make frequent stops, this is truly about the journey not the destination, have a snack or picnic at Spanish Bay Beach, remember this is a private community with multi-million dollar homes (yes, there is a theme), so stay on the paved roads and remember that there is only one public restroom available along your journey and sit back and get the most out of this beautiful road trip. 

Carmel by The Sea: A Bohemian Paradise 

Known for its whimsical architecture and founded in the early 1900’s as a bohemian art colony, Carmel by the Sea is also home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the US. To say it is picturesque is an understatement and by its own description it is “a village in a forest overlooking a white sand beach” and that statement couldn’t be more apropos. The city with a population of a little over 3,700 people is home to over 100 art galleries and boasts over 40 hidden courtyards thanks to it’s unique architectural style. 

Carmel by the Sea is also home to Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Río Carmelo. Throughout California from San Diego to Sonoma, you will find missions, 21 in total as a marker of history and the spread of Spanish colonialism through the west coast. The Spanish influence cost over 150,000 indigenous lives and other immeasurable losses to indigenous culture. Later on the Mexican government secularized missions and abolished the system completely in 1834. The missions now serve as a reminder of the past for better or worse and Mission San Carlos in particular is the burial ground of Father Junípero Serra and an active Basilica in the city. Many people continue to make a pilgrimage to each of the 21 sites but the true impact of their mission is more and more widely understood.

Santa Cruz: Under the Boardwalk

Most people who know a bit about California know of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Quintessentially Americana, the boardwalk boasts carts filled with funnel cakes, corn dogs and deep friend twinkies, in addition to being home to the Giant Dipper, at 102 years old it is the world’s oldest wooden roller coaster still in operation. The boardwalk is all about indulging your inner little kid and letting it all loose. 

When deciding to wander further into town you will be equally delighted by what you find, Abbot Square. The square is a hybrid art, music and market space where you can try delicious bites from around the world while you peruse through local artists’ canvases and dance to a local band’s tunes. It’s where the art of food, community and gathering mix to create magic. For dessert however you must venture a littel bit further into town to Marianne’s Ice Cream because Marianne’s is serving up some of the best flavors in town. While you can of course find your traditionalist flavors like vanilla and chocolate, your taste buds will thank you when you instead decide to introduce them to cardamom pistachio, Burgundy cherry and lavender. 

Yosemite: American Most Spectacular Destination 

Yosemite is a tribute to the tranquility of the High Sierra Mountains. Known for its incredible valleys, unmatched rock formations, abundant meadows and impressive waterfalls, Yosemite could be a trip in and of itself. Accessible by car all year round some iconic landmarks include, Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, Yosemite Falls, and El Capitaine. Whether hiking, camping or (my preferred mode) glamping in the park you are sure to experience magic around every turn. 

Lake Tahoe: Not Just the Latest Apple Update

Nestled into the Sierra Nevada mountain range Lake Tahoe is as beautiful as the screensaver on the latest Apple iOS would suggest. While we are discussing summer getaways it is worth noting that Lake Tahoe is great regardless of the season. Winter activities include skiing ( home to one of the US Olympic training grounds), snowboarding, snow mobiling, hiking, fine dining and spas. Summer activities are similar but include swimming (if you dare in the melted snow), paddleboarding, boating, fishing and water skiing. However, like most of the beautiful scenery you find around California, it is deeply ingrained in our ethos to protect the sites that we love so much and often times there will be a limit to the number of watercrafts that can be on the lake, which is something to keep in mind as you plan your trip. The water in Lake Tahoe feels healing which is probably a result of its 99.994% pure water that gives it its crystal blue awestriking color and allows you to see 75 feet deep. It is one of the cleanest lakes in the entire world, the largest alpine lake in North America and at over 2 million years old it is also one of the oldest.

Whether you are looking for a relaxing spa vacation in wine country, a city escape to San Francisco, a seaside exploration or a nature adventure into the High Sierras, Northern California has everything you could ever want and more. Am I biased? I sure am but for good reason. The California, I know, love and am incredibly proud of is one of many flavors, faces and landscapes. It welcomes people from all over the world with open arms and a kind smile making it a bucket list destination for a true traveler.