Spring Break is here and it feels like it's time to shake loose our winter bindings and get out on the road with friends and family. Our blog has meandered up and down the Golden State, and if you still haven't driven the Pacific Coast Highway (or Highway 1), now's as good as time as any to go Central Coasting. With the Pacific Ocean on one side and flowers blooming over rushing hills on the other, what are we waiting for?
There are many places to land, and it's always hard to agree on the ultimate destination. San Francisco, arguably one of the most famous cities in the world, certainly gives rise to many thoughts and feelings. From the global impact of the Silicon Valley to the fears of local crime blasted on the news, this city is truly diverse. We've heard that the city is not very kid-friendly, but we have since learned that the Bay Area has cultivated many family-friendly communities. Whether you want to get out with your college buddies or intentionally kindle curiosity and perspective in your children, we will drop a few thoughts to get you on the road.
The Golden Gate Bridge. Whether far away or close up, you need to see this incredible feat of ingenuity at some point. If you've got tons of energy, look up how to bike across the bridge to Sausalito. If you're traveling with littles, surprise them with a visit to the Bay Area Discovery Museum, where they'll play and explore with the Golden Gate in the background. When you need something to satisfy the entire crew, try the Presidio Tunnel Tops, which is part of the Presidio, a National Historic Landmark with picnic areas, trails, multiple child-friendly play areas, beach access, all with gorgeous views of the iconic bridge. Such are snapshots that last a lifetime.
Fisherman's Wharf. You haven't been to San Francisco until you've seen the sea lions and topped off on some sourdough bread bowls. After that, indulge your sweet tooth at Ghiradelli Square or hop on a cable car to get a deeper feel for the city. Those with children will want to stop by the Exploratorium, where the family will be engaged with exhibits and hands-on activities merging science, technology, and the arts. Where else will you be able to observe live termites going to town on a piece of wood or be mesmerized (and grossed out) as a staff member performs a cow eye dissection to demonstrate how the eye functions?!
We're a bit partial, but we always feel that Anaheim is a great place to start or end the adventure. From the Alamo Inn and Suites, you can get up to San Francisco in 6-8 hours if you take the Interstate 5. If you have some flexibility in your schedule and budget, we always recommend driving at least segments of Highway 101 or the Pacific Coast Highway – although either drive will take quite a bit longer than taking the 5 freeway, both alternatives will be much more scenic and bring you closer to the coastline. In case you've got all the time in the world, it looks like the section of the PCH near Big Sur has recently reopened for travel for the first time in nearly 3 years. This is one of those scenarios where the journey is as fantastic as the final stop, but don't say we didn't warn you: with all the sights and sounds that draw you in along the way, you might need to save San Francisco for next Spring Break.