Driving down the 101

Apart from route 66 this is arguably America’s most famous and iconic road trip. The road trip usually begins in a city roughly 7 by 7 miles which is where the NFL team the 49ers get their name, San Francisco. A beautiful city, which has gone through some change since covid but is still a must visit. There is so much to see and do in the city and its surroundings, the Bay area, as the locals refer to it. In the city there is the famous Lombard street, a steep, winding road with 8 hairpin bends, probably best to walk down this one. Union square offers great shopping, I like the rooftop restaurant at the Cheesecake Factory. The iconic cable carts help transport you through the very hilly city. My wife always takes us to the Ghirardelli chocolate experience but I’m more of a Dairy Milk fan myself. Fisherman’s Wharf is a touristy spot with thousands of resident sea lions people watching on Pier 39, it’s from this area you can get to Alcatraz island. Union or Chestnut street is superb for trendy bars and restaurants. Or you could try a dish from each specialist suburb, Chinatown, Little Saigon, Russian Hill. The most memorable, North beach, the Italian district, get a slice to go from Tony’s Pizza on Stockton and relax at the Washington Square Park. I’d recommend getting a bus tour over the famous Golden Gate bridge to Sausalito known for its luxe accommodations, acclaimed chefs at farm-to-table restaurants, and art galleries. Cycle back and relax on the presidio taking in your surroundings like you’re on a Hollywood set. Around the city you have the Muir Wood national park, the tallest trees in the world and Napa Valley and Sonoma for wine lovers. If you’re not planning to go to Yosemite or Vegas, Lake Tahoe offers surreal beauty and is on the state border of Nevada, casinos are a plenty.

From the city Yosemite is 3 hours inland, it has to be on your radar. Luxury cabins, camping, boutique hotels, whatever your preference it’s a must. I have sent clients to AutoCamp, luxury airstream trailers beneath the stars, its special. Under Canvas is also a notable chain of luxury glamping you can hang your hat on. Climb El Capitan so you can get the view of Half Dome. If you do want to climb Half Dome, book your permit in advance, we made the mistake of getting 85% of the way up to find stewards blocking the way, unfortunately our Lancashire charm didn’t help us ascend any further. Cheats way - Drive up to Glacier Point to witness the Apple Screensaver in all its glory. As you drive back to the coast the next stop must be Carmel-by the sea, about as European as it gets in the USA, a beautiful village with hidden nooks and crannies. Local delicacies from all over the world, my pick the Jeju Kitchen, if you love Korean food like me. Even if you’re not a golfer a trip to Pebble Beach is recommended for the history, coastal views and incredible food. Right next door is Monterey, which is a great place to discover the other highway to what you’ll be driving on, the whale highway. From April to December the Pacific coastline becomes a migration motorway for blue and humpback whales, a must do for any nature lovers.

As you venture further south if you have the time, a few nights camping in the Big Sur is well worth a stop. Firepits, sequoias, s’mores, it doesn’t offer the same character building as British Camping in the cold and wet. As you drop down to Southern California, take in the plentiful pampas grass and coastal views, and like a scene out of Top Gear blast that Green Day song on repeat. This will be your longest stint, but there’re plenty of stunning beaches if you need to stretch your legs. A night or two in the up-and-coming Santa Barbara is always time well spent. Exactly how you imagine, palm trees, downtown beaches and Spanish architecture. Finally, you’ll reach the city of Angels in all its glory. Unlike San Francisco, its vast, a good base is always Venice Beach, trendy and touristy, beachfront and close to my favourite street in LA, Abbot Kinney Boulevard. Check out the skaters and muscle beach whilst absorbing the vibrant energy of local buskers and street art. Trendy West Hollywood is also worth a mention to stay. Visit the walk of fame on Hollywood Boulevard, shop like Julia Roberts on Rodeo Drive. Take a trip above sea level to the Griffith observatory or Hollywood sign. On your return take a detour around Beverley hills for some house envy and celeb spotting. Our stay here was topped off by seeing Elton John at the Dodgers Stadium, what a venue, if there’s anybody noteworthy performing try and get a ticket. Word of warning, I’m a confident driver but this city is crazy, get taxis when possible, to take that stress away. South of the city is Disneyland California, Anaheim, if you’re with the family, or if you’re just a big Disney fan like myself. The beaches south, Huntington and Newport both offer relaxing escapes from the city. From here you can either head to straight to Vegas or if you have time San Diego is well worth a visit. Stay in La Jolla, another gem with Spanish Influence just north of the city. Imagine the scene from The Hangover, driving into the abyss, past the Mojave Desert and to the bright lights of Sin City, Las Vegas. It doesn’t need much description. Just do your thing, gamble, drink, sightsee, dine at world class restaurants, see the shows, this city is like no other. Stay at the Bellagio for luxury and 24/7 fountain views. Freemont St offers alternative nightlife and a chance to mix with the locals. Mijo in Durango Hotel is a hidden gem, probably the best Mexican food we’ve ever had. If you’ve got one final drive left in you, please make the journey to the Grand Canyon. Trust me, its worth it. Virgin Atlantic now offers seasonal direct flights from Vegas to Manchester, so a good ending point, hopefully with some winnings in your pocket. My final tip, although I was annoyed when our economy vehicle wasn’t available at the car rental desk it didn’t last too long, as they mentioned I can upgrade to a Dodge Challenger for a small fee, pure American Muscle and power. Wherever you plan to visit, drive in style, go for something American and classic it’ll make the trip like it did for me