
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.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
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.
Already a subscriber? Sign In

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

AJABGARH: RAJASTHAN'S SECRET GARDEN
Ajabgarh unveils an oasis where ancient history meets modern indulgence, offering an unforgettable escape.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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