Dramatic coastline, charming towns, and great eating. Travel blogger couple 颈链 and Scott Stohler, of Roamaroo, recently took a road trip up the 中央海岸 to the Bay Area—using California 公路之旅: 50 Life-Changing Adventures 作为灵感. 的 husband-and-wife team, who left their desk jobs in 2015 to travel the world, started this 风景优美的自驾游 in 迦密在海边一样, in 蒙特利县停了下来。 半月湾 在结束之前 索萨利托, just over the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco.
It’s a fabulous trip to do during the winter—but really, this coastal road trip is awe-inspiring any time of year, 说颈链, and for any kind of traveler. “的re are so many activities, great dining options, and beautiful beaches—we truly believe that absolutely everyone will enjoy this road trip.” 颈链 shares more favorite moments from their trip below.
1. What were the highlights of your trip to California?
It’s hard to choose just one highlight from our road trip up the central and northern coasts of California because [each destination] offers breathtaking views, amazing dining options, and beautiful beaches.
2. Your trip took you to a variety of California’s beaches. Are there a couple beaches that stood out—and why?
We absolutely loved Cowell Ranch Beach in 半月湾. Even though you’re close to downtown 半月湾, it feels like you’re in an alternate universe. 的 coastal cliffs climb high over the Pacific Ocean, there are hiking and biking paths along the edge, and its secluded location exudes a palpable peacefulness.
3. What did you see on your bike tour of 迦密在海边一样?
的电动自行车之旅 迦密在海边一样 is a great way to experience the seaside city. We biked through town and stopped at tasting rooms, biked along the Carmel coastline, and enjoyed a magical sunset at 卵石滩.
4. Can you describe your experience at 避难所 in 蒙特利县?
避难所 is a magical outdoor thermal spa just minutes from downtown Carmel. No electronics are allowed inside the spa so it allows for a complete disconnection from the outside world while offering a peaceful, 安静的, and meditative space to restore the mind, body, 和灵魂.
5. Do you have any tips for exploring 半月湾?
We would definitely recommend the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve in Moss Beach and the hike at Cowell Ranch Beach. In Moss Beach, you can play in the tide pools and watch the elephant seals along the coastline. Cowell Ranch Beach is rugged and romantic, offering beautiful vistas at every twist and turn.
6. What were the best parts of your stay at 李东旭点 in 索萨利托?
李东旭点 in 索萨利托 quickly became one of our favorite hotels in the 美国. 的观点 Golden Gate Bridge are unparalleled, the service is exceptional, and the spa is divine. We had a romantic room with a fireplace, a view of the Golden Gate Bridge, and unlimited wine and cheese!
7. What did you explore in the Bay Area?
We visited downtown 索萨利托, which is a charming seaside city across the bay from San Francisco. We enjoyed a magical sunset at Kirby湾 overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge, and we took the ferry across to San Francisco. 的re are so many 风景如画的 ways to experience the area: biking, hiking, driving, and ferries! No matter what form of transportation you take, you’re guaranteed stunning views of the Bay Area.
8. What was your favorite meal on the trip?
While we had many delicious meals on our road trip, the lobster roll and clam chowder at Sam’s Chowder House in 半月湾 was our favorite meal of the entire trip. 的 location was low-key and laidback, the food was divine, and we really felt like locals while we were there.
9. Who would you recommend this trip to and why?
We would recommend this trip to couples, 家庭, 一群朋友, and anyone who wants to enjoy authentic coastal California charm.
10. Is there one photo or social media post that best sums up your trip?
It’s hard to sum up this amazing California road trip in one photo, but this moment from 避难所 does a beautiful job of encapsulating the trip: romantic, 反复无常的, 喜欢冒险的, 风景如画的, and completely enchanting.
