Leisure
THE TOP STOPS – SAN FRANCISCO
TO LOS ANGELES
The stretch of Pacific Coast Highway
between San Fran and L.A is one of
Americas most iconic road trips. If
you’re planning to take the trip, check
out our top stops from San Francisco to
Los Angeles.
San Francisco to Monterey
Before you start, soak up the San Fran
atmosphere. Stroll around Fisherman’s Wharf
and Alcatraz Island, or jump on the famous
San Francisco tram and tour around the city.
Make sure to take a ride across the Golden Gate
Bridge too. The first stop is just 40 minutes
out of San Francisco—stunning Half Moon
Bay. There aren’t any big attractions here, only
a charming coastal small town vibe and great
photo opportunities. Onward to San Jose. Part
of Silicon Valley, San Jose is home to Facebook
and Google. The famous Hewlett Packard
Garage resides here too. From here move on
to Santa Cruz where the 60s live on along the
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk with its old-school
Americana vibe. Monterey’s best known for its
cannery history, diverse marine wildlife, and
proximity to the golf courses of Pebble Beach.
Enjoy whale watching, check out the stunning
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, or take a
wildlife break at Moss Landing State Beach.
Morro Bay to Pismo Beach
Carmel to Cambria
Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for famous
residents like Clint Eastwood (who once played
mayor), artists, and great food. While here,
make sure to visit Mission San Carlos Boromeo
del Rio Carmelo, a Spanish mission established
in 1771. Before you depart Carmel, make sure
your petrol tank is full. Once you are south of
Rio Road, you’ll drive many kilometres before
you see your next petrol station. Big Sur is the
entire coastal area from Carmel to Cambria.
The area has some of the state’s best hikes,
waterfalls and hidden beaches. When you cross
Bixby Creek Bridge, you’ve entered the nature
enclave of Big Sur. There’s plenty to see and
do in Cambria, from beaches, to scenery, and
outdoor recreational activities. If you have time,
make sure to visit Hearst Castle in San Simeon.
San Simeon is also home to Piedras Blancas
Light Station, the Elephant Seal Rookery, and
Moonstone Beach.
Morro Bay is an enchanting seaside town and
host to the large iconic Morro Rock. Morro Rock
is a 481-foot volcanic plug and part of a chain of
nine plugs in the Los Osos Valley. Collectively
they’re known as the Nine Sisters, or the Morros.
Often overlooked, Los Osos is a great place for
bird watching, water adventures, and other nature
activities. You can also hike at Montaña de Oro
State Park, one of the most spectacular sea side
parks in California. San Luis Obispo is home to the
popular, Bubblegum Alley. A 15-foot high, 70-foot
long alley lined with bubble-gum from visitors. If
that’s not your thing, take a hike instead. Trek up
Black Hill, Islay Hill, Bishop Peak and round the
San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden. Pismo Beach is
good to visit if you’re looking for a classic California
beach town. Swimming, kayaking, surfing, kite
boarding, and other water-related activities are
common here. Sand dune riding is another popular
pastime in Pismo Beach.
Winter Edition
19