Northern California Road Trip Tips

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Photo courtesy of Ramada Pacific Hotels

Disconnect!

Turn off your blackberries, remove the iPod headphones from your ears, and you’re ready to enjoy the eye-popping views on the open road along legendary Route 1 and scenic Northern California.

N.California is much more than Wine Country…

There’s no better road to travel on that offers more to see than a ride up Route 1 along the California coast. Southern California might be the home of Hollywood, the Lakers and smog, but Northern California has Silicon Valley, wine country and the fog rolling across the Golden Gate. A trip to wine country is always a fun trip for wine aficionados, but there is more to Northern California than just beautiful wineries.

Choose your Road Trip Partners Carefully!

The most important thing to remember in any road trip besides choosing music that you and your fellow travelers can agree upon is to travel with someone who you know you can stand being alone with for hours at a time.

Looking for a Romantic Getaway? Don’t Miss Carmel by the Sea!

Road trips are a great way to create memories in any relationship, but not an ideal choice for a third date. If you are looking for a romantic getaway, a nice choice is the postcard worthy, picturesque California town of Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Clint Eastwood was once its mayor but it has a very quaint charm and does not reflect his rugged image. It’s just three miles south on Highway 1 from Monterey and is an upscale village of cottages, inns, shops and art galleries. Carmel has become a popular wedding destination and the Bernardus Lodge is considered a perfect destination for a romantic interlude. Many hotels in the area offer holiday specials and deals that include activities like golf, wine tasting and spa packages. Be sure to take a walk on Carmel Beach at sunset and romance will surely be in the air.

Make a Pit Stop in Santa Cruz

If you’re bringing the kids, a fun place to go on your drive through the Northern California coast is the boardwalk in Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz Boardwalk was built in 1907 and it is the oldest beachfront amusement park on the west coast. Your kids will definitely get a big kick out of the half-mile long Giant Dipper, a vintage wooden roller coaster. You can even relax on the beach, while your kids ride the Cave Train and get a glimpse into the caveman’s past.

Don’t miss the Majestic Redwoods!

On your journey along scenic Route 1, before spending time in the city of San Francisco, be sure to take a mini road-trip and take a day to check out the majestic power of the great Redwoods in the Muir Woods. You’ll never feel so good while feeling so small while you gaze at the power and beauty of the tremendous trees.

The Main Trail Loop is a mile long and leads past thousand-year-old redwoods at Cathedral Grove and returns via Bohemian Grove. Try and come during the week to avoid large crowds. You can’t camp at Muir Woods, but to be amongst the Redwoods even for an hour or two is a feeling you won’t soon forget.

The Seaside town of Sausalito

After your visit to Muir Woods you might want to check out the lovely seaside town of Sausalito, which has become a haven for tourists due to its spectacular views of San Francisco and its numerous kitschy souvenir shops and upscale boutiques. It’s a perfect little town to take a stroll in as you pass the eye-catching houses that adorn the hillside and make you feel like you’re in a movie. You can take a ferry there from San Francisco if you decide to visit San Francisco first or you can make it your last cute stop along your tour of northern California and Rt.1 before taking the drive over the Golden Gate and experiencing all that San Francisco has to offer.

So, if you’re planning a roadtrip and are in need of a rental car in San Francisco, or Santa Cruz check Rentacarnow.com.