TryGOLD- Free

CALIFORNIA DREAMING
Travel+Leisure India|December 2023
The state of California, in the United States, is best explored by road along the Pacific Coast Highway. On a summer holiday in the country, Pallavi Mehra discovers the state's surreal landscapes.
- Pallavi Mehra
CALIFORNIA DREAMING

California's natural scenery is undoubtedly breathtaking. The state, located on the west coast of the United States, is visited by people from all over the world for its awe-inspiring landscapes-think pristine beaches, majestic redwood forests, and a dreamy, misty coastline. One of the best ways to explore the picturesque state is to embark on a road trip from the Northern California city of San Francisco to Southern California's Los Angeles along Highway One, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway. Offering panoramic vistas of the state's arresting natural beauty, including the glistening Pacific Ocean, this is one of the most scenic drives in the world.

My adventure begins in San Francisco, with a stop in Monterey, a town in a rugged mountainous region of California's central coast, and Santa Barbara, which is also known as the American Riviera.

DAY 1: SAN FRANCISCO

The city of San Francisco is a melting pot of cultures, with people from all over the world calling it home. This diversity is reflected in the city's restaurants, museums, and cultural landmarks. The first order of business is to check into my hotel-The St. Regis San Francisco, a well-appointed property located in the heart of the city. After a hearty breakfast of eggs benedict and avocado toast, I drive north to Presidio (presidio.gov), San Francisco's newest national park with a stunning backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge. Spread over 1,500 acres, the Presidio is a former military base. After my tour of the Presidio, I am famished and make my way to the Michelin-starred restaurant Spruce in the charming neighbourhood of Presidio Heights. At Spruce, I devour a tasting menu of modern American dishes. My favourites are the baby kale Caesar salad, black burgundy truffle cappelletti, and the seared Hokkaido scallops.

This story is from the December 2023 edition of Travel+Leisure India.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the December 2023 edition of Travel+Leisure India.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM TRAVEL+LEISURE INDIAView All
SAILING the ENIGMATIC NILE
Travel+Leisure India

SAILING the ENIGMATIC NILE

Shikha Shah explores how slow cruising the world's longest river offers a unique opportunity to step into the shoes of the pharaohs and uncover the mysteries of Egypt

time-read
6 mins  |
February 2025
AJABGARH: RAJASTHAN'S SECRET GARDEN
Travel+Leisure India

AJABGARH: RAJASTHAN'S SECRET GARDEN

Ajabgarh unveils an oasis where ancient history meets modern indulgence, offering an unforgettable escape.

time-read
2 mins  |
February 2025
T+L CHAMPIONS
Travel+Leisure India

T+L CHAMPIONS

Presenting the movers and shakers who have not only won accolades for their contributions to their respective industries but have also set the bar for creativity high. From celebrating heritage cuisine and philanthropic contributions to making Indian couture go global and charting a new path of storytelling on social media, here are the T+L Champions of 2024 and their inspiring stories.

time-read
7 mins  |
February 2025
Sacred Peaks, Ancient Traditions
Travel+Leisure India

Sacred Peaks, Ancient Traditions

From mist-laden hills and riverside picnics to paddy fields and tranquil monasteries, Punita Malhotra discovers a place for hearts to connect and memories to bloom in Arunachal Pradesh

time-read
5 mins  |
February 2025
YOUR BEST SHOT
Travel+Leisure India

YOUR BEST SHOT

THE PHOTOGRAPH, TAKEN AT Urpad Beel in Goalpara, Assam, captures a tranquil scene at dawn, with mist lingering on the horizon.

time-read
1 min  |
February 2025
Handwoven With Love
Travel+Leisure India

Handwoven With Love

What makes Radhikaraje Gaekwad a queen? Spoiler alert: It's not just the title. SAMREEN TUNGEKAR spends a day at her palace, and discovers how the queen of Baroda's royal legacy is blending history, craft, and luxury travel with progressive values, modernism, and a celebration of the future

time-read
4 mins  |
February 2025
Soul to Seoul
Travel+Leisure India

Soul to Seoul

In the heart of Seoul's underground vinyl scene, Alex Outhwaite discovers more than just music with stories of passion, and memory

time-read
4 mins  |
February 2025
WANDER with PRIDE
Travel+Leisure India

WANDER with PRIDE

LGBTQ+ couples seek holiday spaces that walk the talk and offer inclusive environments, fostering a strong sense of community. Nayare Ali highlights the most popular travel trends for same-sex couples in 2025

time-read
5 mins  |
February 2025
A ROMANTIC ODYSSEY
Travel+Leisure India

A ROMANTIC ODYSSEY

From cherry blossoms to serene hot springs, from misty mountains to lush tea fields-Nantou County offers the perfect romantic getaway, discovers Ketki Gadre

time-read
4 mins  |
February 2025
LOCAL FLAVOUR
Travel+Leisure India

LOCAL FLAVOUR

Often thought of as vanilla, all-inclusive resorts are thinking up ways to get guests exploring.

time-read
2 mins  |
February 2025

We use cookies to provide and improve our services. By using our site, you consent to cookies. Learn more