Twenty miles north of the Mexico-America border, is America's Finest City, San Diego. Being from San Diego, I may be a little biased when I say that San Diego takes the crown for the best city in California. I am confident that I am not alone when saying this, as San Diego is often known as America's Finest City. Unlike other California cities, San Diego is notorious for being 70 and sunny year around, providing perfect weather for beach-goers and outdoor junkies alike. With endless entertainment, America's Finest City really lives up to it's name. Whether you are five or fifty-five, there is something to do for the whole family.
Let's begin with my personal favorite: San Diego's beaches.
During my twenty-two years in California I have visited numerous beaches and can confidently say that Windansea Beach is the local favorite. With it's beautiful cliffs and unique rock formations, the narrow stretch of coastline has become famous for its beauty and it's surf breaks, creating the quintessential Southern California experience. While at Windansea, do not feel peer pressured (Babin, 2016, pg. 159) into surfing, as these surfers make it seem much easier than it is. Watching from the shore can provide just as much fulfillment as riding the waves.
After spending a perfect day surfing at Windansea Beach, you're sure to be exhausted and starving. Head up the 101 a few miles to Del Mar, "Where the Surf Meets the Turf", the next beach town up the coast famous for the Del Mar Race Track. Once entering Del Mar you will see a restaurant with a line out the door. You guessed it, that's where I'm sending you on your California road-trip! Board and Brew, a San Diego classic, is a must. With the close proximity to the beach, there is nothing better than grabbing a Chicken Club with two secret sauces and heading down to the beach to enjoy your grub and the million dollar view.
116 miles up the coast will put you in Santa Monica, California, a city west of downtown Los Angeles. Famous for the Santa Monica Pier which has been featured in countless movies, television shows, and advertisements, Santa Monica is a slightly more touristy version of San Diego. With excellent food, yoga, and beaches, boredom is not an option.
For the art connoisseurs, the Getty is a Los Angeles must see. Settled atop a hill, the Getty provides one of the best views of Los Angeles. Not to mention, entrance to the famous museum is free and has hours of entertainment and beauty in one place. From the artwork to the gardens, it is easy to lose track of time at this breathtaking museum.
Speeding up the notorious Pacific Coast Highway, Route 101, will be an experience itself. Driving through Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and reaching Big Sur will be a once in a lifetime experience. Through the windy, cliff side roads of Big Sur, be sure to stop and camp for a night. With views as beautiful as below, it would be a shame to not take it all in.
After a wonderful camping trip in Big Sur, it is time to make your way to the hilly city of San Francisco. Known for it's year around fog, colorful Victorian houses as seen in Full House, and the Golden Gate Bridge, the photo-ops are endless. Hop on a cable car towards the famous Lombard Street or pick up a few bikes in Fisherman's Wharf and ride across the Golden Gate Bridge, my personal favorite. Whatever you decide to do in San Francisco will be something you never forget, as it is a one of a kind city.
For historic junkies like myself, a trip to Alcatraz is an experience one will never forget. During your trip to Alcatraz, you will see how conformity and authority (Babin, 2016, pg. 159) played a role in the inmates and guards lives. These topics have been key aspects of Alcatraz studies, as the location of the prison was extremely unique, creating an extreme feeling of isolation.
I hope you enjoyed your Tour de California and I expect to see you driving up the 101 soon!
References/Value Added
Babin, B., & Harris, E. (2016). In CB 7 (7th ed., pp 159). Boston, MA: Cengage Leaning.
Windansea Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaas9R_fd4g
Getty Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oo8AV6_GvH8
Big Sur: https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/0d/7c/ee/53/big-sur.jpg
