Those of us who grew up in California may be so accustomed to driving up and down the Coast that we can easily tune out its beauty. But if we were to be caught in a vehicle, humming along either the 101 freeway or the Pacific Coast Highway during Springtime – verdant feathery hills on one side, shimmering turquoise surf on the other – we are all instantly impacted by this astounding West Coast.
The stops from SoCal to NorCal range from historic to majestic – Santa Barbara, Morro Bay, Big Sur, Monterey, Santa Cruz – and the only limitation to the journey is time and money (and maybe weather). If you are starting off from the Alamo Inn and Suites in Anaheim, the city of Solvang would be a 3-to-4-hour drive depending on traffic, an easy rest stop at the beginning of an epic road trip. While catching a breather at Solvang – the Danish Capital of America – you might take a moment to peruse the wineries, bakeries, or boutiques. Paula's Pancake House is always a delight if you have time for Danish pancakes and breakfast sausages. Just don't linger too long, as there is plenty of road ahead.