Family trip along the Pacific Coast - redwoods, wine country, gardens, lighthouses, beautiful beaches, yummy eats, a visit with Aunt Loretta & finishing off with pandas!
1185 Admiral Callaghan Ln, Vallejo, CA, US
Yountville, California, United States
Cruise through Humboldt Redwoods State Park's famed forests on the picture-perfect Avenue of the Giants. It's the largest collection of tall redwood trees in California (although none can top Redwood National Park's Hyperion Tree). Stop by the Immortal Tree, which has survived saws and lightning strikes, to see just how tough these trees can be!
There are a few drive-through trees in this part of the country (those huge redwoods lend themselves to being turned into tunnels pretty nicely) and so even though it might set you back a few bucks and take a bit of waiting in line, it's one of those must-do, old-school roadside attractions that's worth doing just to say you did it. It doesn't get any more classic Route 1 than the Drive-Thru Tree Park in Leggett!
And all of that healthy and delicious grub will soak up the wine from Pacific Star Winery quite nicely. The ocean views, cheap tasting fees, and wide variety of vinos make this a great late-afternoon stop. Their white wines are definitely stellar!
From the cliff house to the ocean views to the sculptures that almost blend seamlessly into the surroundings, you won't find a more beautiful natural setting than the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. Oh, and I can't forget to mention the flowers themselves! The dahlias and roses are especially impressive.
The Point Arena Lighthouse has a fascinating history. Originally built in 1870, it was damaged in a 1906 earthquake, and had to be razed and rebuilt entirely in 1908, helping to pioneer methods to build more earthquake-proofed lighthouses. Oh, and if it looks kind of familiar, don't be surprised: it's the finishing point for the race in the 2014 movie "Need for Speed".
via Highway 1 & Shoreline Hwy
via Cabrillo Hwy S
If you're getting hungry, head to the Santa Cruz Diner. Any place that serves meatloaf, lasagna, and pho all at once definitely has my attention, plus, it was mentioned on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, so it's got the Guy Fieri seal of approval. It also has a great diner-y, beachy atmosphere which makes eating here even more fun!
Named after the John Steinbeck novel (also called "Cannery Row") which took place in Monterey, the real-life Cannery Row is a waterfront street that was once home to numerous sardine canneries. In what might be one of the most enchanting opening sentences of any book ever, Steinbeck described it by saying, “Cannery Row in Monterey in California is a poem, a stink, a grating noise, a quality of light, a tone, a habit, a nostalgia, a dream." Today, it's more of a tourist attraction, but there are tons of shops for browsing, restaurants and bars, and things to see and do.
It'll cost you about $10 to take the majestic 17 Mile Drive, but it's worth it-- and it's a lot cheaper than playing a round on what is commonly accepted as one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world: Pebble Beach. Keep a lookout for otters, golfers, the gorgeous mansions, and, of course, the famed Lone Cypress tree, which is begging for a photo op.
The best time to travel the Pacific Coast Highway: It should be noted that June, July and August are particularly foggy months. If you're looking for a time of year with the clearest views and best weather, October is generally the best time to road trip down the PCH. Also, the summer months can get very crowded at many of the attractions along the route, plus since it's high tourist season you'll experience higher rates at hotels and longer waits at restaurants (many of which are also seasonal and closed in winter).
Banner Photo Credit: Shutterstock