For the past several years I’ve always traveled overseas for my summer vacations. But last year I bought a new Mazda MX-5 Miata, and ever since I got it I’ve dreamed of driving it down Highway 1 with the top down. So I think for my vacation this year I will change things up and stay in California and do just that. I’d do it at a leisurely pace, driving just a few hours per day, stopping to see sights along the way, go on hikes, enjoy the beach, or whatever, then stop somewhere for the night. I’ll be starting in the Sacramento area and probably ending in Santa Barbara. I’d want the trip to last at least a week, but I’m sure I’ll have enough vacation days to stretch it to a slightly longer trip if I want.
So, I’m looking for advice on some good things to see along the way, where to stop each night, and where’s the best place to start Hwy 1. My first instinct was to just start in San Francisco, but in Beckdawrek’s “traveling west” thread last week Senegoid suggested going south from the Russian River.
So I’m thinking maybe something like this:
Day 1: I-80 west to CA-12. Take 12 through wine country up to Santa Rosa, then CA-116 over the mountains to CA-1. I see Sonoma Coast State Park is right there at the mouth of the Russian River. Is that worth a stop? Perhaps I’ll stop there for a hike, or maybe head south and go hiking at Point Reyes and then maybe visit the Muir Woods. Although the Muir Woods is usually crowded and there are other places to see redwoods along my route. That’s probably enough for one day, allowing time for hiking and whatnot. I’ll probably get a hotel or AirBnb in the Sausalito area. Or do you think that’s even too much for one day? Maybe spend the first day just enjoying wine country and spend the night in Santa Rosa, then head to the coast on day 2?
Day 2 (or 3 if I split Day 1 into two days): Cross the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco. Should I follow the signed CA-1 route through SF, which I know is pretty much just urban streets, or head west on Geary Blvd. and take Great Hwy. and Skyline Blvd. until they intersect 1 south of the city? I’m not sure if there’s any place I’m interested in stopping at in San Francisco; I’ve been there plenty of times. Well, maybe the California Academy of Sciences or the Botanical Garden. Then drive south to Santa Cruz. Where are some good places to stop along that route? Is Mori Point worth a stop? Maybe a detour over to one of the many state parks in the mountains. Maybe Big Basin Redwoods? Or stick to the coast and stop at Año Nuevo State Park. Do I have time for both? I’m debating whether to spend the night in Santa Cruz or head on to Monterey. I’m leaning towards Santa Cruz because then I can spend the evening enjoying the Boardwalk.
Day 3 (or 4): Drive to Monterey if I chose to stay in Santa Cruz the previous night. Visit the aquarium and maybe some other sights in town, then Point Lobos. Then drive down to Big Sur, where I’m guess I should probably spend the night because there doesn’t seem to be much in the way of lodging between there and Cambria. Or just stay in Monterey.
Day 4 (or 5): Do some hiking in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Then drive south, maybe tour Hearst Castle, stop in Morro Bay or San Luis Obispo, go enjoy the beach.
Day 5 (or 6): Drive to Santa Barbara. Do touristy stuff in Santa Barbara.
Day 6 (or 7): Drive home via the fastest route.
How does that sound? Am I trying to pack too much into each day? Like I said, I can stretch this out over more days if I need to. Any major sight worth seeing that I missed?