I’m a huge fan of road trips. There is nothing better than packing a bag, hitting the road and exploring new places. So when I got the opportunity to go on a Californian road trip with my family – I jumped at the chance to spend quality time with not only my grandparents, parents and twin sister but to also create some lifelong memories at the same time.

Day 1 – Cambria

Cambria is a very quaint seaside village on the San Luis Obsipo County coastline. Situated near this quiet little town is the very iconic Hearst Castle, an impressive estate with an equally impressive history.

Hearst Castle belonged to the media mogul William Randolph Hearst, who at the time of his death was worth an estimated $30 billion dollars. He definitely didn’t spare any expense when creating his dream home with 2 pools, a wine cellar, an outdoor Zoo, a personal airstrip, and 3 guest houses with a total of 46 rooms. Exploring this estate I felt like I had stepped back in time, at the outdoor pool I felt like I had entered Ancient Greece, inside the main house it was as if I were stepping into the private lives of royalty in Europe.

Be sure to also head down to the beach to see wild seals!

Driving time to Cambria from San Diego: about 5hrs 30mins.

Day 2 -Monterey

After winding down the Big Sur, you need to stop in at Monterey.

We arrived in the afternoon and decided to head to Old Fisherman’s Wharf to find a bite to eat. My favourite movie is Forrest Gump, so imagine my excitement when the family rolled up at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company (for those who haven’t seen the movie, do yourself a favour and watch it!).

When you’re here you should definitely check out Old Fisherman’s Wharf, the Aquarium and Santa Cruz Boardwalk after dark!

Driving time to Monterey from Cambria: about 2hrs 45mins.

Day 3 – San Francisco

“If you’re going to San Francisco; you’re going to meet some gentle people there”. Scott McKenzie couldn’t have been more accurate when he wrote this song.

We arrived at San Francisco in the late afternoon and after finding our accommodation and unpacking, my twin sister Bec and I decided to find a bar and get acquainted with a city we had seen countless times on our favourite TV shows growing up (Charmed and Full House anyone?!).

So don’t ask me where we went drinking, but let’s just say we met some awesome locals – one being a tattoo artist and we almost got ourselves a drunk tattoo!

Driving time to San Francisco from Monterey: about 2 hours.

Day 4 – 5 Explore San Francisco

Braving our hangovers, my sister and I went our separate ways to do some exploring. I went with my dad, Phil, to Alcatraz! Word of advice, be sure to get to the dock early to get your tickets as tickets sell fast (and people line up in the hope to get them!). From it’s early years a military prison, wild escape stories to infamous inmates (Al Capone spent 4.5 years here in the 1930’s), Alcatraz is a must-see for anyone visiting San Francisco.

If you’re more fascinated with the flower-child and summer of love movement in the 1960’s, Haight-Ashbury is where you want to head. This colourful neighbourhood has an even more colourful history! Citizen revolutionaries took part in what would later be called the Freeway Revolt to protest the construction of a freeway. In the 1950’s the bohemian sub-culture took hold of the neighbourhood and remains there still to this day. Most famously though, is the 1960’s Summer of love or hippy movement that had Haight-Ashbury as it’s epicentre.

Another must-do is to board a red, open-roof double-decker bus and drive across the Golden Gate Bridge. Word of warning though, if you are going to the open roof top, like we do, make sure you’re wearing a beaning and warm clothing! It is c-o-l-d up there!

There’s so much to do in San Francisco you definitely need a few days to see it all (or as much as you want!). You can head to The Mission to get another historical and art-culture fix (The Mission was founded in the 1770’s), get your wildlife fix and head to San Francisco Zoo & Gardens and the Aquarium, head to the Railway Museum and learn about the first streetcars in San Fran.

You’ll also need to check out local wineries and breweries, as you’ll work up a thirst and appetite with all your exploring. And if you’re an Aussie like me, you will be pleasantly surprised that you will find Melbourne-level coffee here!

Day 6 – Bakersfield

Ah, the Country Music Capital of the West Coast of America – Bakersfield is definitely a vibe. It has one of the highest crime rates in America, and apparently a persons chances of becoming a victim of crime here is 1 in 21 (which is pretty high if you ask me!). We stayed at the Holiday Inn and the door even warned us to stay safe- “Don’t open this door for anyone”.

We braved the Bakersfield wilderness for a night out at a country music restaurant/bar Buck Owens Crystal Palace – and boy was it one of the BEST nights we had out (well, aside from almost getting a drunk tattoo!). Put your dancing boots on because you will be line dancing the night away with some very friendly Bakersfield locals. Now, I haven’t done line dancing since I was in primary school (yes, I grew up in country NSW and yes, line dancing was actually something we learned at school), but everyone out on the dancefloor were so incredibly lovely and gave me quick dancing lessons on the go! I even had someone compliment me on how quickly I learned the moves (once a line dancer, always a line dancer).

Driving time to Bakersfield from San Francisco: about 4hrs 30mins.

Day 7 – “Home Time” to San Diego

And we’re home (or at least temporary travellers home). It’ll take roughly 4 hours to get back to San Diego from Bakersfield – well, depending on the traffic!

If you have any must-do American road trips, let me know in the comments below! Although we can’t travel now (Covid and all) my husband and I are working on expanding our road trip bucket list and we would love any suggestions!

Until next time friends, stay safe.
Lara
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