California calling: the ultimate roadtrip

It’s all about the car. Steph’s road trip may have been a romantic getaway, but if there’s one thing she’s longing to do it’s to do it again, kids in tow. So whilst Thelma & Louise’s Thunderbird may be iconic, it may not be the most comfortable companion for the approximately 500 miles between San Francisco and San Diego, especially with the family. If it’s a lover’s retreat, however, she’s all about that convertible. As you pass the dramatic cliffs and clear turquoise waters, stop by cultural and historic sites and pull up at some of the chicest restaurants and bars; there truly is something for everyone. As Steph says, "You can never get lost; every place is thriving with its own identity." What is more, you don’t always have to splurge to do it well. It's time to hit the road: here is Steph’s take on the ultimate journey along the California coastline. 

Whilst planning in advance is needed for lots of restaurants and galleries, a little spontaneity goes a long way. Starting in San Francisco not only makes more sense logically, but it’s also the perfect spot to settle into a routine. A foodie heaven, there’s everything from the drive-in gas station, aka Al’s Big Burger, to the three-star phenomenon that is Atelier Crenn. For the next two weeks, you’ll be dining in style, so why not start off strong? Spend a day or two wandering the streets, getting your bearings and acclimatising to the laid-back approach of the Californian lifestyle. Then pop into Equator Coffee for what will become a ritualistic Habibi latte and grab a bagel from Hella Bagels. Stuffed with all that salmon-caper-pickled-onion-jazz and topped with a perfectly generous heaping of scallion schmear, what could be better?

The beauty of a road trip is being able to adjust to the days and nights, to see what you’re feeling and how you’re feeling. Rent a bike and cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge or turn on the tunes and drive across to Sausalito. Children or no children, head to Joinery, a beer hall-cum-rotisserie adjacent to the waterfront. If there’s one thing Sausalito is renowned for it's its easy breezy vibe. And its panoramic vistas. Though, with so much more to explore, once you’ve taken that last sip of the ice cold, light & crisp Fort Point Beer, it's time to head to Mill Valley. Just a meagre six miles away, The Pelican Inn at Muir Beach is the perfect place to stay a night or two, even if it is just to watch the sunset on Mount Tam in Marin Country. However, we’ve got to say, the food scene in Mill Valley is nothing short of excellent. Have dinner at Hook Fish Co., drive to Point Reyes for a pastry or two at Bovine Bakery and then leave the car behind for a hike on the beach. 

A road trip inherently means a lot of time is spent in the car, so whilst it's dreamy to be cruising down the highway, spend the days exploring by foot or, in true Dutchie fashion, hire a bike. Head down to Sundown Cinema where a free movie is projected onto the vast outdoor screens in one of San Francisco’s luscious parks. When dinner calls, take it from Steph: DAYTRIP is a must. Fermentation-driven, this bottleshop and sharing-plate kitchen has an electric ambience. The music doesn’t stop, the wine keeps flowing and the famed celery salad or parsnip sweet rice gnocchi is rustled up to your table. What a way to end your whistle-stop tour of the City by the Bay.

Next stop: Napa and Sonoma. Steph doesn’t hesitate. Yes, we know. It’s not a coastal paradise, but it has to be a stop on the tour. An oasis for wine lovers, Napa Valley is the place to sip on stellar wines overlooking the vines and hop on a wine train. Whilst the classic gem is The French Laundry—with three Michelin stars under its belt, it's fair to say they have finessed the art of fine dining menu—you also don’t need to break the bank. Stop at Model Bakery and pick up a loaf for a roadside picnic and make sure to wander through the local farmer’s markets and flea markets in the small towns you pass along the road from San Francisco. With no time constraints, flights or schedule to adhere to, Steph’s tip to “make sure to look around and stop: whenever and wherever” is key. If you are, however, on that romantic, one-chance getaway and fancy indulging, then a night at the Meadowood Napa Valley or Auberge du Soleil (though it’s adult-only) should be in the cards. 

Further inland, nestled amongst pines, is Lake Tahoe. Indisputably, its crystal clear water is all too tempting, but since it spans more than 22 miles, it’s also the prime spot for an amble or two. Pack plenty of water and provisions, get your hiking boots at the ready and head for a hike along the Rubicon Trail or to Emerald Bay. If you’re less of the spontaneous type and have indeed taken heed of our advice and planned, pick up your provisions at the Strawberry General Store. Scooping up some fudge for the drive is a no-brainer. Stay a night and have an early morning swim at Chimney Beach. The early bird catches the worm, or in this case nabs a parking spot! Swim complete, head into Tahoe City for a quick lunch at West Shore Market, hailed as the best neighbourhood grocery store and gourmet deli. Just under 125 miles away is Yosemite National Park. For the sake of this journey and the many more miles yet to cover, Yosemite is an essential stopover (even if just for a day) and one you can explore with the help of our Bespoke Travel Team or, soon, with our amazing gloobles itineraries (coming soon!).

Back to the coast and with this comes Pebble Beach. Golf clubs at the ready, please! Whilst your little ones may want to boogie board and beach, it’s all about compromise. Whatever you do it'll be set against the slightly surreal, picturesque landscapes. No need to spend the night; drive just 45 minutes down the coastline to Big Sur. As spectacular as the narrow and winding roads of Highway 1 are, they are logistically rather daunting. The reception can’t always be guaranteed, so triple-check that the roads are clear. 

Big Sur is hailed as the spot for bohemian, artistic escapes: its 90-mile stretch is what dreams are made of. It’s also home to one of Steph’s favourite hotels. You may have guessed it? The fabled Post Ranch Inn. It’s a splurge, yes. But is it worth it? Totally. If not to stay the night, dine at its restaurant, Sierra Mar. Here the veg is harvested fresh from the kitchen garden, its meat and fish are locally sourced and the wine list is extensive. From its Monterey black cod with miso beurre blanc and baby turnips to beef tenderloin served with potato galette and chanterelles, it’s an explosion of flavour. The floor-to-ceiling windows allow for spectacular views, even on those not-so-sunny days. If you don’t stay the night, another of Steph's favourites is Treebones. Luxurious, though in a whole new capacity, it takes glamping to the next level. 

If glamping in yurts at Treebones stole your heart, then just wait until your next stop: El Capitan Canyon in Santa Barbara. Dubbed the American Riviera, seated at the foothill of Santa Ynez Mountains and meeting the lapping shores of the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara is as charming as it gets. While El Capitan is an adventurer's haven and well-suited for families, if you’re looking for something a tad more glamorous, then El Encanto or the Rosewood Miramar are your answer. Horseback riding, fishing, hiking and a drink and game of cards at roadside ranch, Cuyama Buckhorn, later, and it’s time to hit the road again. 

Relaxed and rejuvenated, are you ready for the LA bubble? Abuzz with energy, baring on the verge of crazy, it pulses and radiates warmth. And, boy there’s just so much to do. And eat! Without listing off all of the places for a tipple and a nibble (you’ll have to check our LA guide for that), Steph is eager to tick off a few. Park up at The Beverly Hills Hotel or, for something a touch more tucked away, the coral-pink Hotel Bel-Air. Four days will do the trick. 

It gives you ample time for a trip out to Manhattan Beach and Palm Springs, have a green juice or two at The Butcher’s Daughter, head for a few hikes along Runyon Canyon Park and, of course, visit The Getty Museum. It’s also plenty of time to eat your way through LA—or at least make a good go at it. Lunch can be found at our all-time favourite, Wax Paper Frogtown. It's not just any old sandwich, trust us! Book a dinner well in advance at Horses, where all the hip Angelenos can be found, treat yourself to a fine dining extravaganza at Funke or go for a hearty bowl of homemade pasta at Osteria Mozza. If you're in the mood to groove, hit the town and head to rooftop bar, E.P & L.P.. The four days are going to whiz by. 

LA ticked off, head to Malibu for beachside bliss and a surfer retreat. Though make sure to break away from basking in the sun for at least one afternoon and take a trip to The Getty Villa. It doesn’t cost a penny, and it houses more than 44,000 antiquities from J. Paul Getty’s collection. With time ticking by and a flight to catch, continue to Joshua Tree before the final stretch on the road headed to San Diego. Though it may not be the foodie haven that San Francisco is or the whirlwind of LA, San Diego offers its own dose of special. Its year-round sunshine radiates through; friendly and welcoming, there truly is no better place to end your road trip. Beaches and hikes await you! And so do countless spots to stay from oceanfront apartments, a city loft downtown or, naturally, the iconic Hotel del Coronado. 

All good things must come to an end and, in the case of Steph, this just means another road trip will be in order very soon. 

So, what are you waiting for? Get hunting for that Thunderbird, bring a journal and pen to note down tips and tricks you pick up en route, book a few prime dinner spots and relax at a high-end retreat here and there. But, for the most part, get adventurous! If there’s one place to do it, it’s the Cali coast.