Chasing Sunsets in California

7 Day Roadtrip from LA to SF

By Wander with Jill

March 2^nd, 2018

For the past 3 years Ive made it a point to go to California during the Winter and indulge in its nature and beauty by doing a road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco. I REALLY love to drive, so driving along the Pacific Coast Highway has been one of the most beautiful drives I have ever done and I never get tired of it. There are a number of places you can stop to see whether it be a beach or a viewpoint that boasts amazing views of the Pacific Ocean. These are some of the places I visited on my last trip there...

Venice Beach

Every time I travel into LA I tend to stay in Venice Beach. I just love being close to the ocean and being able to walk the boardwalk which always seems to be full of life. When sunset time comes around I usually tend to head a bit north either by walking or biking and head to the Santa Monica Pier which is perfect to catch the sunset. I highly suggest paying $10 bucks to get on the ferris wheel with friends or a partner so you can get an even better view of the Coastline.

Arroyo COndo Beach, Santa Barbara

After a chill weekend in Venice Beach it was time to head North towards Santa Barbara where I stayed at a friends home for the night. On the 2.5 hour drive there I decided to make a pit stop at Arroyo Condo beach to relax and catch another sunset. The Sunsets in California can be quite magical and ill be forever chasing the sun.

ROCKY CREEK BRIDGE, MOnTerey

The next morning I got back on the road and headed towards our hotel in Big Sur. While driving, I chose to stop at the Rocky Creek Bridge to check out another nice view of the Pacific Ocean. This reinforced concrete arch bridge was built in 1932. It is located in Monterey County a few miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea on the Pacific Coast Highway.

julia pfeiffer burns state park

Named after one of Big Sur's most beloved pioneers, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is a favorite of mine to visit. The park features a short trail that is less than a mile long, and takes you to one of the most popular attractions in Big Sur: McWay Falls.

Post Ranch Inn, Big SUR

I can be a bit "bougie" at times and am always hunt for luxurious hotels all over the world to check out. I had heard about Post Ranch Inn last year through an article I read on Forbes about Treehouse hotels all over the world. This hotel did not let me down one bit. Upon arrival we were offered glasses of Wine and quickly driven to our Lower Coast Suite which features stunning ocean views. I chose to explore the property by going on a short hiking trail on the property which was recommended to us when we checked in. This trail was short but nice; it was amazing to just take a walk surrounded by tall Redwood trees. The architecture at this resort is truly top notch and although I didn't stay in one of the treehouse suites I got to see them while wandering the property.

One of the resorts most beautiful and relaxing features is their Meditation infinity pool overlooking the Pacific ocean. I couldn't help but stare off into the beautiful blue skies...

BAKER BEACH

After enjoying my stay at Post Ranch Inn for the night, I continued my drive North and headed towards San Francisco. After about 3 hours of driving it was around 430pm, and I chose to make a stop before checking in to my hotel to catch another sunset. I searched for a beach near Golden Gate Bridge and found that Baker Beach was one of the most recommended. I got to relax for an hour and got to watch another beautiful sunset.

*Just a note which I found out first hand: Baker Beach is a popular nude beach. People who are nude tend to stay on the end of the beach closer to the bridge, but it's hard to visit without seeing a few naked bodies. If public nudity bothers you, this may not be the place for you.

Fishermans Wharf,San FRANCISCO

Every time I visit San Francisco I always make sure to take a cable car ride to Fishermans Wharf. The ride on the cable cars always makes me feel like I'm living in different time. Fishermans Wharf also known as Pier 39, is where you can find sea lions basking in the sun and a variety of tourist attractions, restaurants and shops. You can also see the Alcatraz in the distance.

California Dreamin

California remains one of my favorite places to visit and I could see myself moving there in the distant future. Cant wait to be back in April for Coachella!