CALIFORNIA DREAMING

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'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.