Los Angeles – the land of Hollywood, Disneyland and Universal Studios, where life is as carefree as can be. With its ever-shining sun, palms in the breeze, movie stars with their fancy houses in Beverly Hills, wonderful museums, futuristic buildings, and surfing spots, Los Angeles truly makes for an unforgettable destination.
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Day 3 — Los Angeles → San Diego
The Orange Coast stretches from Los Angeles to San Diego: 70 km-long, it boasts several beaches, natural reserves, coves and marinas. Thanks to its legendary waves, it became known as America's surfer paradise. San Diego has the spirit of a city en plein air. Overlooking a stunning bay, it boasts one of the largest natural harbours in the world, a thriving restaurant and nightlife scene in its historic centre, SeaWorld - the largest marine park in the world - , the world famous San Diego zoo; Seaport Village; the legendary beaches of Mission Bay and Coronado; Balboa Park.
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Day 5 — San Diego → Joshua Tree National Park
The area of the park with the Joshua Trees is located at an ecological crossroads, at the meeting point between the Mojave Desert and the lower Colorado Desert. The result is a surprising flora, which includes the tree from which the park takes its name (a variety of yucca).
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Day 6 — Joshua Tree National Park → Palm Springs
Palm Spring is known as an elegant vacation resort for wealthy retirees, Hollywood intellectuals, and Baby Boomers pining for the ’50s and ’60s – the bygone days when celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Kirk Douglas, and even Presidents like Truman, Eisenhower and Kennedy, came to Palm Springs on their holidays. Futuristic constructions like the Tramway Gas Station and the Coachella Savings and Loans building date back to the same period. The idyllic atmosphere of Palm Springs evokes the peacefulness of a Greek island.
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Day 7 — Palm Springs → Ventura
From the charming town of Ventura, between Santa Barbara and Malibu, you can take day trips to Channel Islands National Park. In the winter months, from December to April, it is possible to spot gray whales, while in the summer you can see humpback whales and blue whales. It is also possible to camp overnight on the islands.
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Day 8 — Ventura → Paso Robles
In a quaint land of vineyards, amidst barns and horse farms, Paso Robles produces quite a remarkable Zinfandel. Downtown Paso Robles brims with wine shops and boutiques.
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Day 9 — Paso Robles → Pismo Beach
South of San Luis Obispo, Hwy-1 and US-101 run along the ocean, passing through Pismo Beach, a seaside town popular among families and retirees.
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Day 10 — Pismo Beach → Santa Monica
Santa Monica overlooks the ocean, on top of a sheer cliff rimmed with palms. From here, several paths lead down to a vast beach – the kingdom of surfers, joggers, skaters, bikers, yoga lovers, and mere sunbathers. The pedestrian area of Third Street Promenade brims with shops, restaurants and bars. This is also were the legendary Route 66 ends.
