Looking to get away with the family and leaving the home life behind for a bit? Try taking a road trip along California’s Pacific Coast Highway. Whether you live along the coast or not, starting in San Francisco and working your way down the California-1 highway will help you escape the crazy traffic of busier interstates and it will provide scenic views of the California coast.

San Francisco

Start your coastal get-away in the fantastic city of San Francisco. Grab some fresh seafood for lunch at fisherman’s wharf, see the famous sea lions sunning themselves on the docks and then hit the road. Drive across the golden gate bridge, and do some hiking in the golden gate park before setting off on your adventure.

Monterey

Four hours south of San Francisco on the California-1, you will arrive at your first stop; Monterey, California. Here you can take a break from driving and engage in some fun water activities. Monterey’s coastal location makes it perfect for scuba diving, whale watching, kayaking, surfing, and many other fun water activities. If you prefer to stay off the water but want to learn about the local marine life check out the Monterey Bay Aquarium or the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. If history is your thing, Monterey has you covered. As one of the oldest cities in California, you can check out the first theater in California or the site where the California constitution was written.

Santa Barbara

After spending the night, continue south on the California – 1 for 5 more hours and you will arrive in Santa Barbara. With great dining and wine drinking on quiet streets, Santa Barbara is a great place to escape from the hustle and bustle of bigger cities. Its location is picturesque as it’s surrounded by mountains and beach. You can stroll on the beach or take a horseback ride along the sandy beaches. Explore art galleries or eat fresh food prepared with local ingredients from the area’s farmers. Looking for new wines to drink? Take a tour at a local winery or time your road trip with a wine festival and let your taste buds do the exploring.

Whether you live in California or not, taking a scenic trip on the California-1 offers adventure or rest and relaxation. Taking your new car on a scenic drive can be the perfect way to discover the California coast and a few of the wonderful places it has to offer. You and your family may even discover a new version of yourselves on this trip!