Pacific Highway One - Take It Easy

 

Our first right move was at the car-hire desk. We picked ourselves up a Dodge Caravan – one of the few cars that can comfortably carry a family of six plus luggage and a pram. Our second was spending the first evening around Hollywood Boulevard. It was a great way of kick-starting things. The next two days were spent, frankly, driving around taking in the scenes (a car is a must in this town) and shopping, in Beverly Hills, Venice Beach and Santa Monica Pier. There was also, of course, the obligatory drive around the Hills to see the huge, eye-popping houses. We also found time to trek up to Griffith Park before the masses arrived and take photos of the Hollywood sign – a hit – and the Griffith Park Observatory. 

 

Next was a five-day stay at the Hyatt Regency on Mission Bay, where the spacious Tower Wing rooms were perfect for our family. The kids spent most of their time playing in and around the pool. It had two water-slides, bar, table tennis, a fire pit for marshmallows… The hotel has a convenient water-taxi to Seaworld; and the San Diego Zoo and Aquaria are well worth a visit if you need more things to do. We dined at the characterful Loews Coronado Bay hotel, which requires a reservation. And a fat credit card. 

 

 

It had to be done. We pitched ourselves right in front of the Disney Gates. Staying close helped us spend more time on rides after the masses had left. My wife and youngest retired early whilst the rest of us stayed on and watched the spectacular fireworks, orchestrated to Disney themes. 

 

 

Time to burn some rubber. The drive I always dreamed of started with the most amazing lunch stop at Paradise Cove Malibu. This very laid-back restaurant on a beautiful stretch of beach serves generous portions of loveliness. We all messed around in the sea and then showered before heading north. 

 

 

It was with a heavy heart that we said goodbye to Santa Barbara. But more stunning views and colourful sunsets awaited us at Cambria. The room allocated at the Moonstone Landing Hotel had panoramic views of the Pacific; we had dinner at the Moonstone Beach Bar and Grill, a 15 minute pleasant walk away. Cambria is cute. But this was a road trip, and we needed to hit it. 

 

Part of the highway was still closed when we travelled due to landslides. But we wanted to miss as little as possible, so we drove right up to the ‘Road Closed’ sign, and were well rewarded with elephant seals and some of the best views of the trip. Lunch took place to the sound of live rock music at the Ragged Point Inn; we burned off the calories with a hike to the ocean. 

 

More of a city feel. Our base was the Portola Hotel, which conveniently was hosting the Sotheby’s Classic Car Auction. The world-class aquarium aside, there’s not a great deal to do in Monterey apart from shopping and of course visiting the Big Sur and snapping the iconic Rocky and Bixby Creek Bridges. Our lunch stop was the Rocky Point restaurant, with views of the bridges in the distance. 

 

The positive energy of San Francisco is phenomenal. There’s so much to do. Fisherman’s Wharf didn’t disappoint, nor did the unmissable restaurants like Alioto’s and the Hard Rock Café. Ensure you book your Alcatraz tickets months in advance if arriving during peak times. 

That was all, folks. Loved it, loved it, loved it, and will definitely be back soon for more. 

 

If this sounds like something you've been dreaming of doing, then give us a call on 01442617777 or email us on holidays@tailoredjourneys.co.uk and one of our experts will be in touch!