Californian Adventure
San Francisco Our journey began in San Francisco. A little cooler than expected, but we wasted no time in hopping on a cable car to Fisherman’s Wharf for dinner. This lively waterfront area is packed with bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops, ideal for soaking up the city’s energy. The next morning, we set off with a two-day hop-on, hop-off bus ticket, which is a brilliant way to get around any city. First stop: the Golden Gate Bridge. San Francisco’s famous fog made the views a little tricky at first, but once we crossed into Sausalito the skies cleared. This charming little town is well worth a few hours to browse boutiques, art galleries, and cosy cafés. On our return, the fog had lifted and we enjoyed the Golden Gate Bridge in all its glory. Other highlights included the tranquil Japanese Tea Gardens and the iconic Lombard Street. Word of advice: the walk up is steep with over 250 steps, so I’d recommend taking the Powell & Hyde cable car and hopping off at the top instead!
Yosemite National Park Next, we drove four hours inland to Yosemite. We based ourselves in a lodge at El Portal, just minutes from the park entrance. Over two days, we explored the park’s vast beauty, from Mariposa Grove in the south to Hetch Hetchy in the north, and even ventured out to Mono Lake in the east. The scenery here is simply awe-inspiring, towering cliffs, giant sequoias, and endless vistas. My top tip: stock up on supplies before entering the park, as food and drink stops are few and far between.
Monterey & The Coast For the final leg of our Californian adventure, we headed to Monterey. The highlight was undoubtedly a whale-watching trip from Moss Landing. We set out at 9am in thick fog but were rewarded with an incredible spectacle: over 20 humpback whales in just three hours! From a mother and calf to a thrilling five-whale feeding frenzy, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The grand finale? A playful whale surfacing right beside our boat with a splash! Nearby Carmel is another must-see, with its picturesque charm, and of course, golfing fans will not want to miss Pebble Beach.
Final Thoughts California’s West Coast truly offers something for everyone, whether it’s vibrant cities, awe-inspiring nature, or unforgettable wildlife encounters. Celebrating Megan’s 21st here made it all the more special, and it’s a trip we’ll never forget.