California coast road trip

8 places

Three days down Highway 1, from the Golden Gate to Hearst Castle.

• Golden Gate Bridge

  Start at the vista point on the north side before the fog rolls in.

• Half Moon Bay

  Coffee and a walk on the bluffs.

• Santa Cruz Wharf

  Sea lions under the pier and the boardwalk next door.

• Monterey Bay Aquarium

  Book ahead: the kelp forest feeding is at 11:30.

• Carmel-by-the-Sea

  The old mission, then dinner and a night in town.

• Bixby Creek Bridge

  Pull out on the north side for the classic view.

• McWay Falls

  A short walk to a waterfall that drops onto the beach.

• Hearst Castle

  End with the afternoon tour.