This is a road trip I took from Austin to the West Coast and back. The first leg was from Austin to Los Angeles on the interstate, then from L.A. to San Francisco on the Pacific Coast Highway; and then back to Austin via Route 66. 2 weeks in total.
Once you get over the crazy city traffic, you'll admire the beauty of Los Angeles. Amazing scenic drives, excellent global cuisine options, coastal pit stops and of course, Hollywood studio tours that last all day.
What a gorgeous little town! The sun and colors and laid back spirit of Santa Barbara will want you to stay forever. Definitely stay for a nice brunch.
Interesting place to stop on your way. Morro Rock is a big hill sticking out in the middle of the water - plenty of birds on the docks too. But if you're short on time, skip.
Beautiful look out point especially at sunset. The inn is expensive and gas price is ridiculous. Make sure to fill up at the earliest available town before you head into this area. But otherwise, make a stop here for the great view.
An absolute must do in Big Sur.. or even if you're visiting the West Coast. The waterfall trail to see McWay falls is an easy short walk. Canton trail is beautiful too. Pay $10 to park inside. But there's absolutely no network connectivity in this area so make sure you plan and map everything out in advance.
It's a super short walk (not really a hike) to one of the most breathtaking views you'll see. Amazing colors on a clear sky day (or even a cloudy day I've heard).
This place is just so stunning! One of the most beautiful sights in the world. Take the dirt road , coast road just north of Bixby bridge for that perfect shot of the bridge.
The Pacific Coast Highway is just so magical! And the quaint little small town of Carmel by the bay will make you fall in love. Great cafes, beautiful cobbled paths - it's the whole package for a romantic evening by the bay.
Twin Peaks is San Francisco from up above. See the entire city from the top. The place is great for amazing views of SF at night and mornings. It does get super windy and cold here.
Sutro Baths is beautiful! The area offers gorgeous views and a small hike nearby. The ruins are that of an ancient bath but it's the ocean view that's best here.
Stop for some delicious fresh oysters. Buy a bag of fresh oysters ($25 a dozen), lemon,sauce and shucking knives; and BYOB for a great day outdoors. They also sell clams and mussels - everything is fresh and delicious. The picnic area is closed now but there are a few benches around and picnic areas nearby.
This place is breathtaking. So beautiful! Go here even if the lighthouse is closed. The view is stunning. It is also pretty windy and chilly here so dress warm.
Muir Beach Overlook, Muir Beach, California United States
So. Incredibly. Beautiful. You will find plenty of lookout points along highway 1, but this one shouldn't be missed. I particularly liked the WWII trivia here. It gets chilly and windy though.
Quintessentially San Francisco. Absolutely stunning. If you're in SF and haven't seen this, really what have you seen? Drive or walk across the bridge and get the best views from Hendrik Point.
Probably one of the best cities in USA! San Francisco has great weather all year round. Food from all over the world, and plenty of things to do around the city.
This cute store is a customary stop while on route 66. They have a lot of collectibles and souvenirs. Don't miss the old Greg hound bus stop signal.
Small detour from i40. But $18 can be too much for something that looks like a glorious pit. Nevertheless, you don't see meteor craters everyday!
This is one of those cross-off-your-checklist places. Read some interesting trivia about Winslow so decided to stop. The Eagles song will keep playing non stop from a shop nearby. Cute place for a small detour and a photo. Stop by Sipp Shoppe right across the street for a delicious chocolate malt.
The whole trip might take you around 2 weeks. But it'll be definitely one of the best trips of your life. Not to mention crossing the PCH and half of Route 66 off your bucket list!