With so many hurdles to air travel right now – between thousands of flight cancellations and the continued unpredictability of Covid-19 restrictions – increasingly more travelers are skipping the stress of airports and planning road trips. But that doesn't mean forfeiting the amenities that elevate a vacation.
It’s time to redefine a road trip. Here’s a luxury road trip along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway from north to south, featuring the coast's top views, service, food, wine and spas.
Before you Go
The first consideration before you depart is your vehicle. Swap out a crammed rental car for a spacious hotel on wheels. Rent the RV of your dreams or a Land Rover with a pop-up camper on top – so you can stop and rest whenever you want, or have your own covered hideout when you park at the beach.
One option: Outdoorsy.com is called the “Airbnb of RVs” and can also hook you up with just about every road trip add-on you can dream up, from a Gskyer Telescope to drones to an outdoor shower to rinse the sand off your feet.
Stop 1: Napa Valley
Start your trip big in wine country – aboard the relaxing, elegant, historic Napa Valley Wine Train. Stretch back in a restored Pullman rail car and indulge in a gourmet meal with wine (of course). Make sure you book a table in the glass-topped Vista Dome observation car so you can get the best views of Napa’s many vineyards as you drive past. It’s the best tour of town.
Stay at the River Terrace Inn, conveniently located across from the train depot. This hotel is built right on the Napa River and nature preserve. And it’s a short walk to downtown Napa, where you can browse high-end shops and even more wineries.
After working up an appetite, get more than your fill at the hip restaurant, AVOW, one of the rare places you can dine on a rooftop in downtown. This restaurant is run by a fifth-generation Napa winemaker, and the innovative menu is like nowhere else in this region. Try the roasted bone marrow perfectly prepared or pan-seared wild king salmon.
Stop 2: San Francisco
It’s entertaining to stroll along the piers looking for your favorite seafood restaurant, or you can book a table at the Blue Mermaid Restaurant and spend the night by a toasty fire pit.
Stop 3: Sausalito
Choose between historic rooms (formerly Fort Baker of the U.S. Army) or contemporary rooms (spacious with sweeping Golden Gate views). Cavallo Point has everything: wine upon check-in, complimentary yoga and hikes, a spa, cooking classes and turn-down service with chocolate.
Take a complimentary Lexus or shuttle to downtown Sausalito for shopping, and when you’re done, refuel at Murray Circle, which offers top-notch service and locally inspired fare. Ask for a table by the fireplace.
Stop 4: SloCal
While in the spa mood, don’t miss a treatment at the luxurious Hotel Cerro Spa in downtown Slo Cal. Start with a steam bath, then head to the relaxation room that’s lined with hypnotic water features. Then head to the rooftop pool, where you can enjoy views of Slo Cal’s mountains while swimming.
Stay at the contemporary, boutique Hotel Cerro, with amenities like an edible garden (pick fruit and veggies right off the vine).
The biggest highlight of Slo Cal is Daou Vineyards. This family-run winery is perched atop Daou Mountain with panoramic views for days. Enjoy a wine tasting with a food pairing inside a private cabana.
Stop 5: Santa Barbara
Borrow a cruiser to visit the Presidio Neighborhood, before settling down for a memorable dinner at Loquita. This Spanish-inspired restaurant offers tasty tapas, paella and wood-fired seafood – paired with Spanish wines, sangria or a special gin-and-tonic menu.
Stop 6: Del Mar
The best place to stay in the Del Mar area is hands down the luxurious L’Auberge Del Mar hotel. You’ll be welcomed with a glass of wine or champagne and then escorted to your stylish, bright room. Request a courtyard room, with views from above of the pool and hot tub, as well as the ocean. L’Auberge Del Mar is a short walk through a private pathway to Del Mar Beach.
Award-winning L’Auberge offers guests a full-service spa, tennis courts and excellent brunch on-site. You won’t want to leave the property, but it’s worth it to walk through the adorable nearby shops. For dinner, pop over to the Monarch restaurant. While the menu is California casual, what makes this a local fave is the wall of windows that open to the open. If you’re lucky, at sunset, the restaurant will all join together for a toast as the sun dips below the water, coloring the sky with bright reds and oranges.
A toast to the setting sun over the Pacific Ocean is the perfect way to wrap up your luxurious road trip along the California coast.
Article by Aimee Heckel
