A food and drink expert charts the perfect course from San Francisco to Los Angeles.
Alexander Spatari/Getty Images
Los Angeles and San Francisco are two of the most celebrated cities on the planet.
Dont make the same mistake.
Credit:Alexander Spatari/Getty Images
Thecentral coast of Californiais a dynamic slice of culture, wildlife, and topographic wonder.
It is best enjoyed slowly and surely on a week-long road trip between its world-famous bookends.
Its time for the deep cuts.
Alexander Spatari/Getty Images
Below youll find the ultimate guide to coastal California.
The only thing thats missing is a full tank of gas.
This one starts in LA and heads northbound toward the Bay Area.
S. Greg Panosian /Getty Images
Santa Barbara
Sandwiched between sea and theSanta Ynez peaks, Santa Barbara is a sight to behold.
The abundance of luxury hotels certainly helps.
When you arrive there, Santa Barbaras signature Spanish revival architecture will be on full display.
Barry Winiker/Getty Images
The former industrial area on the opposite side of the highway now features a cluster of innovative wine shops.
When its time to dine, your options will be robust.
Vegetarians wont want to miss the natural winebacked offerings atSatellite.
chinaface/Getty Images
The hot spot is a quaint bottle shop and bar, which doubles as a restaurant.
you could also rent some kayaks or stand-up paddleboards from theSB Sailing Centerwithin the harbor.
Spacious rooms with balconies start at just $169 per night.
And yes, therewillbe wine.
In fact, theres a whole dedicatedwine trolleyto take you around the local producers of the AVA.
Hallmark varieties in this part of the world include chardonnay, pinot noir, and syrah.
For a markedly more rugged way to explore the vines, saddle up toPresqu’ile Winerys estate tour by horseback.
At sunset, make your way to the Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve.
When its dinner time, youll find a bevy of options to suit any culinary desire.
TheHitching Postin Casmalia is as classic a California barbecue experience as youll find anywhere.
We have hiking trails, beaches, water sports, fishing, and great food and drink.
Visit the winery and enjoy the bubbles and the ocean view.
Pull off Highway 1 intoCambria an idyllic village of less than 6,000 residents.
The downtown strip is speckled with cute gift shops and cozy eateries.Linns Restaurantis a popular place to start.
Part souvenir store and part country cafe, it’s possible for you to load up on postcardsandolallieberry pie.
Do dinner atRobins: a down-home kitchen lifting inspiration from every corner of the globe.
Overnight at the beachfront cabins ofOceanpoint Ranch.
Smores for the on-site fire pit arent included in the price but are easily worth the up-charge.
Next up is the world-famousHearst Castle, just 6.5 miles north on Highway 1.
Continue five more miles north after lunch and pull over atPiedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery.
Now its time to kick things into the scenic stratosphere.
Youre about to climb up into Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
This is the California coast of postcard fame, where arched bridges traverse corrugated river valleys.
Endless ocean aligns along the left side of the vehicle, mountains soar skyward on the right.
Finally, the execution of the food and beverage atSierra Marisnearlyas awe-inspiring as the scenery.
When youre ready for adventure, Big Sur boasts enough hiking trails to keep you occupied for years.
The easy-to-use equipment is available for $75 per day.
Thankfully, you are ending on a serious high note.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the Golden States most charming, pedestrian-friendly villages.
So secure your overnight at theVagabonds House Innand ditch your car in their complimentary parking lot.
King rooms start at $324 per night.
You dont have to have any specific destination in mind.
Then, make your way toCarmel Bakeryfor dessert.
The legendary confectioner has been serving up snacks here since 1899.
For $150, youll receive a two-hour-long lesson from a seasoned pro.
Itll provide all the basics you better learn how to sail on your own.
And, of course, youll get to take in the maritime wonder of Monterey Bay along the way.
When youre back on dry land, book dinner atCella.
For dessert, mosey your way a few blocks down toThe Whisky Club.
As its name suggests, this inviting parlor specializes in aged brown spirit.
Grab a bottle and pour yourself something special to savor when your trip winds to an end.
