See This, Skip That: California Road Trip

Take beautiful drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco along Highway 101.

ByABC News
June 27, 2015, 12:15 AM
An undated photo shows the coastline along Malibu, the Pacific Palisades, and Santa Monica Bay in California.
An undated photo shows the coastline along Malibu, the Pacific Palisades, and Santa Monica Bay in California.
Getty Images

— -- I just got back from another fantastic road trip up the coast of the Golden State. This beautiful drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco along historic Highway 101 -- a drive marked by sweeping views of ocean, mountains and fertile fields -- is a glimpse at quintessential California. And although you could make the 400-mile drive in one fell swoop (in about six hours, if you’re lucky enough to avoid peak traffic periods through spots like West L.A., Ventura County and South San Francisco), making a few stops along the way will enhance this road trek in a big way.

There is no wrong off-ramp along what some of us call “The 101.” When I use the word “skip” in my suggestions below, it’s merely meant to offer alternatives to more recognizable pit stops. Reversing the towns in each entry will make for just as perfect a trip; consider this for your drive back!

Do the road trip basics: check tire pressure, fluid levels, windshield wipers, headlights, etc. And pack essentials: our latest trip included our two boys, ages nine and seven, and our 2-month old daughter, so snacks, games and charged iPads were our friends. Our traveling crew also made those planned exits every two hours or so perfect opportunities to stretch our legs, to visit a restroom and to meet some of our fellow road trippers face to face.

Skip San Francisco Parking, Get a RentalBefore you hit the road, keep in mind that San Francisco’s hotels, though among some of the best in the country, carry some of the highest overnight parking rates. On our latest trip, I was beholden to taking our own car (it had taken me hours to get that infant car seat in there correctly!); but our hotel’s oversize charge fee for our SUV, plus taxes, meant we paid close to $80 a night to park our car. Ouch. In the past, I’ve done two one-way car rentals, which has worked out really well. San Francisco, after all, is super easy to navigate on foot, bike (Kimpton hotels, based in San Francisco, loan them to guests for free) and cable car.

Skip Malibu, Stop in Pacific PalisadesAs you start your trip north along Pacific Coast Highway (it’ll dump you onto Highway 101 in about 45 minutes), you’ll want to load up on drinks and snacks for the road. Driving through Malibu will offer some of the most breathtaking views of the day. But a quick stop in the neighboring town of Pacific Palisades (full disclosure: I was raised here) will offer access to several coffee shops and well-stocked stores, as well as a glimpse at beautiful homes. If you’re traveling on a Sunday, loading up at the farmers’ market here could also mean spotting some of the many celebs who call the Palisades home.

Skip Ventura, Stop in CarpinteriaBoth of these are classic California beach towns. But Carp (as those of us who live here call it) is especially quaint and laid-back, and the expansive beach that fronts it (once home to the state’s Chumash Indians) is perfect for a stroll, a quick dip or a game of Frisbee; one section of Carpinteria State Beach is also dog-friendly. And if your traveling companions are thirsty, there are a handful of breweries here; Island Brewing offers a view of the ocean and the Amtrak trains that roll through regularly.

Skip Santa Barbara, Stop in SolvangThe only reason to skip Santa Barbara is that there’s so much awesome stuff going on here, it’ll tempt you to spend the rest of your day here. But you’ve got San Francisco to get to! Drive another 45 minutes north to Solvang, the town founded by Danes more than a hundred years ago and that remains a snapshot of Scandinavia. Yes, Solvang has long had a reputation for being too kitschy. But a recent influx of culinarians (driven in large part by the success of the movie Sideways, much of which is set here) has totally revamped it, without sacrificing its charm. Cecco, Succulent Café, Solvang Bakery and Root 246 are great lunch spots; or order to go, and munch at the pretty park in the heart of town. And if your passengers are still thirsty, Lucas & Lewellen and Lucky Dogg offer fine wines for the tasting.

Skip San Luis Obispo, Stop in Arroyo GrandeI love downtown San Luis Obispo’s – or SLO’s – charm. But my friend Chris Burrous, a popular TV anchor in L.A. who makes this drive often, has been telling me about Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream Lab for years. “The kids are going to love it!” So we stopped in the nearby town of Arroyo Grande for a few scoops and we were not disappointed; the “Motor Oil,” a dark chocolate-Kahlua swirl concoction, is delectable, and watching ice cream being made in the lab in the back was a treat. We meandered down the old-fashioned streets and peeked into several colorful antique shops before getting back on The 101.

At this point, depending on your timing, consider a quick stop in Avila Beach; the shoreline here is gorgeous and a stop by the Avila Valley Barn, just off the highway, will give you a chance to feed the farm animals, take a hay ride and pick up a homemade cobbler for the road. With a bit more time, veer west onto Highway 1 and check out bustling Morro Bay; take a marina-side stroll and enjoy great local oysters. Head north and take the bucolic drive east on Highway 46 to get back on northbound Highway 101.

Now, take in the scenery for all its splendor. As you drive past miles and miles of vineyards and fields of berries and greens, you’ll be reminded of how California’s perfect climate, soil and topography make this an agricultural paradise. Need to gas up, or more snacks? Pull off in King City or Soledad.

Skip Santa Cruz, Stop in MontereyWith its beachy attitude and natural splendor, a stop in Santa Cruz (about 45 minutes west of Highway 101) is always tempting. But I also love the spectacular seaside setting of Monterey (about 25 minutes west of Salinas on State Route 68). Walk down historic Cannery Row to experience the waterfront made famous by John Steinbeck. Aside from spectacular ocean views (and the not-so-rare whale sighting), you’ll find boutiques, galleries and gourmet food shops here, many of them family-owned. Don’t be surprised if the kids beg for a visit to the popular Monterey Bay Aquarium. Pacific Grove, near Monterey, is the start of the world-famous 17-Mile Drive down to Pebble Beach, one of the most scenic in the world; maybe you do this on your road trip back south?

Skip San Jose, Stop in Palo AltoThere are some great historical stops in San Jose. But Palo Alto, home to Stanford and the threshold to the Silicon Valley (Travelzoo was founded in nearby Mountain View in 1998), is an easy stop off The 101. You’ll find a very pretty downtown core here, with great eateries and plenty of shops along University Avenue. The university campus, itself, offers some neat attractions, like the Rodin Sculpture Garden and the Hoover Tower, with great views. And the kids will like the Museum of American Heritage, with hands-on workshops, and the Junior Museum and Zoo.

Next stop, the City by the Bay!

Gabe Saglie is Senior Editor for Travelzoo, which features exclusive deals up and down California at www.travelzoo.com.