Road Trip Travel Guide: Highway 101 / Highway 1
When it starts to get rainy and cold in Seattle (pretty much the day after Halloween) I’m planning my next escape to somewhere warm with loads of vitamin D. While COVID definitely threw a bit of a wrench into our travel plans this year, we have been taking advantage of road trips. Not only are they a safe option (when you abide by guidelines and do your part to socially distance and get tested), but you can see some pretty incredible areas within the country you normally wouldn’t see by plane.
We decided for the holidays and with the two of us working remotely for the unforeseeable future to spend the first half of winter in one of my favorite places in the whole world, the desert. Palm Springs to be exact. We do not feel comfortable flying any time soon, so we opted for a road trip. Tristan had never been to the desert before and I had never roamed past Cannon Beach on the 101 so we decided to plan a five day road trip that would start us out in Seattle and get us all the way down to our final destination of Palm Springs with some beautiful sights along the way. Not to mention, Tristan turned 30 in early November, so it gave us the perfect excuse to celebrate while on the road!
Before we left for our road trip, I decided to research the best (and safest) places for us to stay, food takeout options for meals and stop off spots. But prior to specific itinerary planning, I wanted to ensure we were doing our part while on the road to be safe and prioritize the safety of the family we’d be seeing in the desert.
Safety protocol we prioritized and recommend before hitting the road:
-Get tested before you go! | We made an appointment the week we were leaving (allowing a 72 hour buffer to get results) at a drive-up clinic to take COVID tests. We ended up getting our results back in 24 hours and felt way more comfortable to hit the road knowing we had negative test results. Although, it’s important to note, just because you get a negative test result does not put you in the clear or should encourage you to assume COVID is no longer a factor, because it most certainly is.
-Pack your own hand sanitizers and sanitation wipes! | I loaded up on hand sanitizer (personal size) and a large size for refills. Sanitation wipes to wipe down all hotel rooms we stayed in, menus we touched and any other surfaces that needed to be cleaned.
-Ensure you have a plan! | Before leaving, I researched COVID numbers in the areas we were staying and where COVID test sights were located in or close to each place we were staying in case something came up during our trip. I also researched nearby urgent cares in case we needed to visit. It’s also important to research each hotel’s safety guidelines thoroughly before booking. I also double, triple checked the week before we left to ensure they were still doing their part to prioritize guest safety and that of their staff. Also ensure that hotels have a flexible or at least a 24-hour cancellation policy - this will give you a safety net should you get sick on the road, should there be an outbreak or if the hotel has to close down due to government protocol.
**Pro-tip: I highly recommend double checking all of your reservations before you go, things are changing daily! In fact, our original San Francisco hotel we were supposed to stay in ended up closing down temporarily a week before our stay so I had to find a new place for us to stay nearby.
Our itinerary and things to consider…
-It takes time! On our road trip, we opted for the route that took us on the 101 and Highway 1 to soak up beautiful coastal views along the way. But be warned! This route is quite long, so plan accordingly and for hours spent in the car each day! AKA, bring snacks, have lots of water and a good playlist to jam to. You meander along a coastal highway that is a two lane road (most of the time) and depending on traffic, it can take quite a bit of time at some of the more scenic spots.
-Have a map or route planned in advance! The majority of the 101/1 coastal route you’ll find you do not have service. If you have designated stop offs or a route you want to follow, I’d advise having a physical map with you or having your route pre-programmed into your GPS.
-Consider how much daylight you have! Given the recent daylight savings time change, you have to account for the sun setting earlier and rising later. This could impact your route and when you wake up each day so you can soak up as much sights the sunlight allows.
Day 1 | Cannon Beach
We drove from Seattle to Cannon Beach, which took about 4 hours give or take traffic. We opted for the first day to be not as strenuous of a drive so we could get ramped up for the hours on the road to come. We drove to and through Astoria and down to Cannon Beach and the coastal sights along the way were beautiful. This is definitely one of my favorite (fairly) local getaways. We found it to be busy, but not as hustling and bustling as the summer months.
Lodging: Surfsand Resort. I’d highly recommend this resort and stay here again! Right off the beach, our suite had a beautiful view of Haystack Rock. I had mentioned it was Tristan’s birthday and they treated us to a room upgrade, a balloon and saltwater taffy. We felt really safe in our suite (but still did our own sanitation wipe down). They also provide guests with a fun perk of private, beachside bonfires (that they’ll setup for you) for an additional charge as well as s’mores. We ended our first night with a beach bonfire and it was truly magical to stargaze and have a fire just the two of us on the beach.
Food:
-Pelican Brewing: we ordered takeout from the restaurant and it was just what we needed after a road trip day and to watch Biden’s acceptance speech! I opted for the Dungeness crab mac and cheese that did not disappoint and Tristan got the burger.
-Sleepy Monk Coffee: right across from our hotel. We didn’t stop this trip, but it was a local favorite.
-Cannon Beach Bakery: we grabbed donuts from here the morning we left and they were delish!
-Crepe Neptune: we didn’t get it this trip, but it’s on my itinerary for the text time we’re in Cannon Beach!
-Sea Level Bakery + Coffee: I grabbed a latte from here on the way out of town the next morning and it was delicious!
Highlights:
-Wander the beach to soak up sights of Haystack Rock
-Ecola State Park
-Meander through downtown (when it’s not COVID). So many cute shops and small businesses to visit in this cute coastal town! If it wasn’t COVID, I would have loved to explore more.
Day 2 | Camping in the Redwoods
We woke up and checked out early the following morning because our drive to the redwoods in northern California required around 9 hours of driving.
Lodging: we decided to camp one night in the Redwoods at the Prairie Creek Redwoods Campground. We secured a one night stay in the campground months in advance to ensure we got a campsite right on the creek. The campsite itself was beautiful and nestled in the redwood forest. However be warned! It was FREEZING in November. We lucked out with no rain but we still needed to plan for clothing layers and layers inside the tent. I’d advise doing your research with weather before you go and planning accordingly with what you pack supplies.
*Also! Be sure to bring in your own firewood. We picked some up at the market in Cannon before we arrived because I read that the park ranger stops selling wood at 7pm sharp — so if you get in late, you could be out of luck.
Highlights:
-Hug Point
-Neahkahnie Viewpoint
-Blue Heron Deli in Tillamook: we stopped here to grab sandwiches for lunch and it was the cutest detour! A cute farm filled with farm animals (and the cutest pig!), a well curated shop and fresh food options.
-Cape Kiwanda
-Newport
Food: We ended up bringing our camping supplies (tent, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, etc.) and picked up easy food for camping (hot dogs, s’mores) to eat when we got into the camp site.
Day 3 | Mill Valley
We woke up from camping the next morning and packed up to start our 8.5 hour journey to the Bay Area. We got to soak up some beautiful coastal views, farmland and other scenic sights along the 101.
Highlights:
-Drive Thru Tree Park (in Leggett, CA). It’s such a fun stop-off! You pay a small fee to drive yourself through a carved out redwood tree.
-Mendocino
-Bodega Bay
-Point Reyes
-Stinson Beach
-Mount Tamalpais
Lodging:
We ended up staying at the Acqua Hotel in Mill Valley after our San Francisco hotel fell through. The hotel itself was okay — a bit older and in need of a face lift. But, they were abiding by strict protocol and had limited guests staying on a weekday, so we felt safe. We got upgraded to a larger suite and they gifted us a bottle of wine upon arrival. The parking was free, which was a plus in the Bay area.
Food:
We got into Mill Valley later in the evening so the safe bet for food was In-N-Out minutes down the road from the hotel. You can never go wrong!
Day 4 | San Luis Obispo
The next morning we didn’t have as long of a drive (6 hours total), but we still wanted to wake up early to ensure we saw the majority of the sights in the daylight. This route was STUNNING! We totally lucked out with weather on Highway 1. Typically, this portion of the drive can be super foggy or drizzly due to the marine layer and we lucked out with nothing but blue skies and sunshine! Truly a portion of the trip we’ll never forget.
Highlights:
-Half Moon Bay
-Bixby Creek Bridge
-Monterey (we grabbed street tacos at Wedo’s and highly recommend!)
-Carmel by the Sea
-Carmel highlands
-Big Sur
-San Luis Obispo
Lodging:
We stayed at Hotel SLO in San Luis Obispo and wowza, this hotel will not disappoint! I’d highly recommend this hotel to anyone and stay here again. Nestled in the heart of downtown SLO, walkable to favorite restaurants, shops and more! We felt so safe in this hotel and the room was impeccably clean. They knew it was Tristan’s birthday the following day and gifted us a bottle of wine to celebrate, which was a special touch.
Food:
Woodstock’s Pizza: We ate here the night we got in and dined on their spacious, outdoor patio. We filled up on tots and pizza which was just what we needed after a long day on the road!
Mcconnell’s Ice Cream: After dinner we grabbed a couple of scoops at this Santa Barbara based ice cream shop and it did not disappoint.
Scout coffee: Stylish coffee shop that pulls out all the stops! Beautiful decor and killer beverages. A local favorite and well worth the visit.
Big Sky Cafe: I stopped here the morning of Tristan’s birthday before we checked out of the hotel. Delicious diner food and speedy for curbside pickup. I dined on the full stack pancakes with bananas and pecans and Tristan got the breakfast burrito.
Madonna Inn: We didn’t stop off here, but it’s on my list for next time. This hotel is a burst of color and quirk and is a great Instagrammable stop off.
Day 5 | Santa Barbara
Before our final leg to the desert, we made the two hour trek to Santa Barbara to celebrate Tristan’s 30th birthday. Santa Barbara is heaven on earth. The weather was perfect the day we went— blue skies and sunshine with a coastal breeze.
Lodging:
We stayed at the Kimpton Goodland in Goleta, near downtown (about 10 minutes). We stayed at this hotel a couple years ago for our friends’ wedding and enjoyed our stay and so we decided to return for our final night. We were greeted with a bottle of prosecco for Tristan’s birthday and we were able to do an hour early check-in to drop off our items before my birthday surprise for Tristan.
Highlights:
-Backyard Bistros: For Tristan’s birthday, I wanted to find something to do in Santa Barbara that was special but unique and safe given COVID. It makes for the perfect celebration or date night surprise. I discovered Slate Catering’s backyard bistro on Instagram as a way to pivot during COVID. I decided this would be the perfect surprise for his birthday all while soaking up a sunset view up on Cliff Drive in Hope Ranch. The backyard bistro included a private, decked out Mercedes Sprinter van for two hours parked on Cliff Drive with unobstructed views of the ocean. I secured the 4pm-6pm time slot so we could be there at sunset, and I’m so glad we were! The Backyard Bistro team not only safely greets you upon arrival but also decorates the van and provides you with food/beverage options. We got a charcuterie plate, two cocktails and a chocolate cake (because, it’s not a birthday without dessert!) It was a fun way to kick off the evening birthday festivities in a socially-distanced and unique way!
-Fisherman’s wharf
-The Funk Zone: We wandered through the funk zone which normally would be a fun stop off spot for wineries and breweries (but you know, COVID). They have quite a few galleries and shops open that we meandered around.
Food:
-Santo Mezcal: We met up with a couple of our friends at this delicious Mexican restaurant and the food was delicious and the staff was beyond accommodating. Margs I give an A+
-Lito’s: We grabbed quite possibly the best breakfast burritos (as featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives) from this hole in the wall spot. Huge in size and delicious in taste! We got these to-go and brought them near the beach to eat.
-Caje: We grabbed coffee from here the next morning and it hit the spot. Also, the coffee shop aesthetic is on point!
While this route can most definitely be altered based on what you hope to see, do and where you stay along the way, we felt as though our five-day trip was totally doable and didn’t feel too strenuous! Not to mention, each stop off point felt very safe in the wake of COVID with safe lodging and food options while road tripping.
This road trip was definitely one for the books! I honestly can’t even count how many times I stopped and told Tristan, “wow, this is so beautiful” or “wow, I’m so thankful we live on the west coast!” I look forward to sharing my extensive Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, Palm Desert, Yucca Valley and Pioneertown travel guides soon!
Stay safe, stay healthy and try to make the most out of this wild time!