101 tours

Are you ready for a Road Trip? Explore these eleven incredible cross-country road trip routes across the U.S.!

Pacific Coast

Border to Border

The Road to Nowhere

The Great River Road

Appalachian Trail

Atlantic Coast

The Great Northern

The Oregon Trail

The Loneliest Road

Southern Pacific

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The Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

For some reason, when people elsewhere in the country refer to the Pacific Coast, particularly California, it’s apparent that they think it’s a land of kooks, an overbuilt suburban desert supporting only shopping malls, freeways, and body-obsessed airheads. All this may be true in small pockets, but the amazing thing about the Pacific Coast—from the dense green forests of western Washington to the gorgeous beaches of Southern California—is that it is still mostly wild, open, and astoundingly beautiful country, where you can drive for miles and miles and have the scenery all to yourself.

Planning a West Coast Road Trip

Road Trip USA’s Pacific Coast route begins at the northwest tip of the United States at Port Townsend near Olympic National Park, and remains within sight of the ocean almost all the way south to the Mexican border. This 1,650-mile (2,655 km), mostly two-lane route takes in everything from temperate rainforest to near-desert. Most of the Pacific Coast is in the public domain, accessible, and protected from development within national, state, and local parks, which provide habitat for such rare creatures as mountain lions, condors, and gray whales.

Heading south, after the rough-and-tumble logging and fishing communities of Washington State, you cross the mouth of the Columbia River and follow the comparatively peaceful and quiet Oregon coastline, where recreation has by and large replaced industry, and where dozens of quaint and not-so-quaint communities line the ever-changing shoreline. At the midway point, you pass through the great redwood forests of Northern California, where the tallest and most majestic living things on earth line the Avenue of the Giants, home also to some of the best (meaning gloriously kitsch) remnants of the golden age of car-borne tourism: drive-through trees, drive-on trees, houses carved out of trees, and much more. The phenomenally beautiful coast-line of Northern California is rivaled only by the incredible coast of Big Sur farther south, beyond which stretches the beachfronts of Southern California. The land of palm trees, beach boys, and surfer girls of popular lore really does exist, though only in the southernmost quarter of the state.

Along with the overwhelming scale of its natural beauty, the West Coast is remarkable for the abundance of well-preserved historic sites—most of which haven’t been torn down, built on, or even built around—that stand as vivid evocations of life on what was once the most distant frontier of a new nation. While rarely as old as places on the East Coast, or as impressive as those in Europe, these diverse sites include the Spanish colonial missions of California, Russian and English fur-trading outposts, and the place where Lewis and Clark first sighted the Pacific after their long slog across the continent.

Last but certainly not least are the energizing cities— Seattle and Portland in the north, San Francisco in the middle, and Los Angeles and San Diego to the south—that serve as gateways to (or civilized respites from) the landscapes between them. Add to these the dozens of small and not-so-small towns along the coast, with alternating blue-collar ports and up-scale vacation retreats, and you have a great range of food, drink, and accommodations options. Local cafés, seafood grills, and bijou restaurants abound, as do places to stay—from youth hostels in old lighthouses to roadside motels (including the world’s first, which still stands in lovely San Luis Obispo, California) to homespun B&Bs in old farmhouses.

10 Best Pacific Coast Highway Stops

For more insight into each stop along a West Coast road trip, our content is arranged by state, with California’s coastline broken into its northern, central, and southern sections. Here are ten major sights along the Pacific Coast Highway where travelers aiming to follow only a section of the full cross-country route may wish to use to plan their drive:

• Olympic National Park, Washington – Combines the features of Maine’s rocky coast, the snowy peaks of the Rocky Mountains, and the unique rainforests of the Pacific Northwest
• Astoria & Fort Clatsop, Oregon – Part of the extensive Lewis and Clark National Historic Park, Fort Clatsop is just outside the oldest American city west of the Rockies
• “Dune Country,” Oregon – Hop out of the car and into a dune buggy to travel through some of the tallest sand dunes in the world
• Redwood National Park, California – Stretch your legs with a walk through Lady Bird Johnson Grove
• Mendocino, California – One of the prettiest towns on the California coast, and extra fun for fans of the TV show Murder, She Wrote
• San Francisco, California – Easily one of the most enjoyable cities in the US and a great place to start, end, or spend a weekend along the Pacific Coast Highway
• Monterey, California – Home to the excellent Monterey Bay Aquarium and the internationally famous Monterey Jazz Festival
• San Simeon, California (Hearst Castle) – One of the truly unique attractions to see on a classic Highway 1 road trip
• San Luis Obispo, California – A lively college town with a beautiful 18th-century Spanish mission to tour, and the Madonna Inn, one of the quirkiest places to spend a night
• Los Angeles, California – Hollywood, Sunset Boulevard, and an intersection with another storied road trip: Route 66
• San Diego, California – Beautiful beaches, grand buildings, and home to the San Diego Zoo, one of the largest and most popular zoos in the world

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Pacific Coast Highway & Highway 101 Road Trip Guide

The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most iconic drives in the United States. California Highway 1 (the PCH) runs 655.8 miles from its southern terminus at Dana Point, CA to its northern terminus at Leggett, CA. Some of the most breath-taking scenery is found along the way, including the oceanside mountains of Big Sur, the redwood groves of Mendocino County, and two major American metropolises.

You could easily spend months exploring just the Pacific Coast Highway, but it is just a portion of the USA’s pacific coast. Highway 101 takes an inland route through most of California, but heads out to take the PCH’s place after Leggett. 101 is a natural extension and continues on for an additional 777 stunning miles to Port Angeles, Washington. Needless to say, there is a LOT of beautiful country to explore, and that’s even before mentioning the 70 mile southern extension to San Diego.

The Pacific Coast Highway and Highway 101 Road Trip Guide highlights many of the best eateries, sights, stops, hikes, and places to stay along the entirety of the United State’s pacific coast, from San Diego to Port Angeles. The guide is broken down into five sections:

Port Angeles is situated at the northern end of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. Highway 101 actually does a full loop around Olympic National Park, but since this is a coastal road trip guide, we are focusing on the western portion. From Port Angeles there are many opportunities to explore the national park including an alpine drive, hot springs, and rainforest hikes. You’ll go through the town of Forks, an old logging town more recently made famous by the Twilight series. The route then briefly ducks out to the coast before heading inland to cover some of the most remote regions. Two of the biggest estuaries on the USA’s pacific coast, Grays Harbor and Willapa Bay, wrap up the Washington section with unique flavors. Literally, the oysters and seafood here is AMAZING.

Total driving distance = 237 miles with optional additions

Astoria, and the massive Columbia River, mark the northern terminus of the Oregon section of Highway 101. The following 347 miles to the southern border are arguably the best of this entire guide. Most of the route is situated right next to the ocean. Oregon is a hard state to drive through, because there are cute oceanside towns even few miles that dare you not to stop. Wide sandy beaches, quirky oceanside attractions, and amazing seafood is the name of the game. Further south is the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, home to 500 foot tall oceanside dunes.

Total driving distance = 347 miles with optional additions

North California

You are now in Redwood’s territory. Highway 101 heads through Crescent City before passing straight through Redwoods National Park. These huge tree keep popping up along the entirety of this section. Eureka is the last large town before the route dips inland to get around the Lost Coast. From there, you’ll jump onto the Pacific Coast Highway for the first time where it’s windy coastal roads and secluded beaches for miles. Point Reyes National Seashore provides one last stop to enjoy nature before you approach San Fransisco, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge to enter the city.

Total driving distance = 408 miles

California's Central Coast

You could live in San Francisco and still miss out on the highlights, but the Pacific Coast Highway south from here includes the best of the best. You’ll follow the water south to Santa Cruz, a small city with youthful flair. Monterey is just on the other side of the bay, home to the famous aquarium and Cannery Row. Once you pass Monterey, it’s all about the Big Sur coastline. This is the most dramatic section of road as it winds above huge cliffs and thick forests. The elevation eases up and a stop at the Elephant Seal Rookery at San Simeon should not be missed. Continue on to the San Luis Obispo area for wines, seafood, and tons of natural diversity. The Pacific Coast Highway then takes a strange backroads path to the south facing the Santa Barbara coastline.

Total driving distance = 368 miles with optional additions

Southern California

Santa Barbara marks the beginning of the urban stretches of the Pacific Coast Highway. You’ll continue south on Highway 101 to Ventura before ducking off onto Highway 1 again past Malibu. Then, all of the sudden, you’re smack dab in the middle of Los Angeles. There is plenty to see and do in LA, and the PCH will guide you to some of the best spots. The Santa Monica pier and 3rd street Promenade, Venice Beach, an optional drive around the Palos Verdes Peninsula, and Long Beach are just a few of the MANY stops you could make while in LA. The Pacific Coast Highway continues for a few more miles, passing through Newport Beach, before joining up with Interstate 5 at Dana Point. While this is technically the end of the Pacific Coast Highway, I’d encourage you to drive the short addition to San Diego, which makes a much better southern terminus.

Total driving distance = 229 miles

North to south or south to north.

It doesn’t really matter which direction you drive. My personal preference is from north to south because then the water is on my right and there is easier access to many oceanside stops. That being said, do whatever works best logistically.

How Long do I Need?

This should be a causal road trip. If you want to cover distance fast, then the better option is to enjoy only segments of the PCH and dip out to Interstate 5 when you want to move quickly. If you were to drive the entire length this guide details, you’ll be spending over 35 hours just driving. I would recommend giving yourself 3 days as a minimum for each section, or 15 days total for the entire route. Could you do it more quickly? Sure, but the trade-off is more time in the car and less time seeing the sights.

Where should I Stay?

Check each section for recommendations on the best lodging and camping options available for every area.

Where do I get a Car?

If you are planning on driving the entire length, you’ll either need to rent a car or complete the loop back (a trip in itself). Even if you are just doing a section, the choice need to be made whether to rent or loop. Luckily, there are multiple places with large airports and rental car fleets. Good beginning/ending spots include: Seattle, Washington; Portland, Oregon; San Francisco, California; Los Angeles, California; and San Diego, California.

When is the Best Time to Go?

It depends on which section you are visiting. Oregon and Washington are prime from July through mid-September. California is best from mid-September to late October, with less crowds and still great weather. You can go anytime, though!

Packing List Some things to consider bringing

• Reliable Vehicle
• State Road Maps (Washington, Oregon, California)
• Water Bottles
• Food / Road Snacks
• Rain Jacket
• Warm Clothing
• Hiking Shoes
• Reservation Confirmations
• Sleeping Bag
• Sleeping Pad
• Personal Utinsels

Highway 101 Road Trip Stops 2024

We didn’t realise we were driving the epic Pacific Coast Highway 101 road trip, from Seattle to Los Angeles. After a while of being on the trip, we realised we were going to be driving Highway 101 the entire way.

We’d originally planned to take a trip along the entire West Coast of America, not realising until we saw the same sign every day – Highway 101 Southbound!

Pacific Highway 101 winds around incredible national parks, through giant redwoods , next to scenic coastline, past towns and villages, not to mention across three states on the West coast of America.

It was definitely the ultimate USA Road trip with kids . We did it over a period of nearly a month in an SUV from Rental Cars  and switched to a camper van half way through.

We picked up a car from Seattle and dropped it off in San Francisco before doing the last leg in a camper.

It cost us around 45 USD to fill the tank and it generally lasted around three days.

We could pay tolls ourselves online or we got billed at the end by the rental company.

I personally didn’t want to drive, I am not as confident as my husband with driving on the other side of the road.

However, hubby took to it like a duck to water. He has been driving a lot longer than me! Here is our summary of what we got up to on the ultimate Pacific Coast Highway 101 road trip itinerary.

Looking for more road trip inspiration? Check out  Our Favorite Road Trips Around the World!

101 Highway Road Trip

As you will see in later sections of the post, the things to check out vary by state.

From coast to coast, this post highlights the must-see attractions, landmarks, and experiences in each state.

The drive along Highway 101 is an adventure in and of itself, so here are a few top things to do and must-sees along the route that will make the trip of a lifetime even more memorable.

Table Of Contents

Table of Contents

Highway 101 Washington to California

We arrived in Seattle on the Amtrak train from Canada and collected our car straight away and began to look at the Highway 101 Washington map. Our end goal was LA, however many people continue from LA to Las Vegas .

It was a little bit of a mission on the train with all of our stuff so we were happy to be loading up into a boot again.

Whilst on Highway 101 North, in Seattle, we stayed on the outskirts of the city and visited some cool places such as the Museum of Flight and an awesome view point of the Seattle skyline from the western shore.

We also visited downtown, Pike Market and the waterfront, both are ‘must see’ places in Seattle. We didn’t have time, but there are also some great day trips from Seattle. Read a more in depth guide to the best things to do in Seattle with kids here.

Union & Olympic National Park

Next stop on our trip and our first proper encounter with Highway 101 was on route to Union. A beautiful little town based on the banks of a fjord just twenty minutes from Olympic National Park .

We visited the area predominantly to see the park and hike some trails but we ended up loving Union so much that it was hard to leave.

The fjord was full of life and had some incredible sunsets. We stayed at the cutest little cottage that had a private pontoon on the water.

The drive to Olympic National Park from Union is breathtaking and I would say don’t leave it off your Highway 101 road trip planner.

A beautiful lake with soaring pine trees and rolling mountains made for some great shots.

We loved the staircase hiking trail on our Olympic National Park itinerary . . It was nice and easy with the kids and featured a suspension bridge and the perfect river to swim in. We also saw lots of fresh bear poop, although we didn’t see one. There are so many things to see on a Highway 101 Road trip.

There are plenty of towns on the west coast . After our short time on Highway 101 Washington State, our first stop in Oregon was Portland . This cool city with eco vibes, lots of parklands and many cycling routes took us by surprise. It houses, hands down, the best museum we have ever been to with little ones.

Our daughter loved Portland’s Children’s Museum, it’s definitely worth a visit. It teaches kids about every day roles in society in such a clever and playful way. Other highlights include renting a Surrey to ride around the waterfront, taking an aerial tram and visiting nearby waterfalls.

You can find amazing places to stay in Portland , or read more about all the great things to do with kids in Portland here.

Lincoln Bay

Lincoln Bay was our second stop on the incredible Oregon coast US Highway 101. This was one of my favourite parts of West Coast Highway 101 because the road runs so close to the ocean.

The Oregon Coast is perfect for photography as the drive is so scenic along the way. We stayed in a really reasonable beachfront room . It was basic but so worth it for the views.

Just a little further along the coast is Depoe Bay. It’s famous for a pod of grey whales that have made the area their home. It was so awesome to have the chance to see them.

The whale watching centre has binoculars or it’s a good place to take a boat tour.

On our way to Bandon, we also stopped off in Florence to see the Sea Lion Caves. Although we didn’t get an up close look at the sea lions, the cave was quite impressive. It’s the largest sea cave in the world and there is an elevator that takes tourists into it.

The next stop on the Oregon coast was the beautiful Bandon, most certainly the Highway 101 scenic drive. It is named after a coastal town in the south of Ireland .

Being Irish, I could see the resemblance between the two! Bandon Town was also very cute with a number of restaurants, cafes and bars. It had an Irish feel to it, it really felt like home, which was nice.

The coast has dramatic rock formations just off the beach. It made the horizon unique from other scenic views along Highway 101. We had a walk along the beach at sunset, it was incredible.

Halfway through the California portion of the road trip, we switched to a Jucy Camper van rental. California can be an expensive destination and renting a camper van in California provided us a lot of freedom and helped us keep to our budget.

Redwood National Park

It wasn’t long before we got to experience the highway 101 attractions, California State where we spent most of our time. Our first stop was in the Redwoods National Park . It’s one of the best places to visit along the Highway 101 road trip.

We were booked to stay in Elk Meadow Cabins, Redwoods State. I hadn’t thought much of the name until we turned up to find dozens of elks hanging around our cabin.

It was so special and meant we spent the day admiring them rather than getting out and exploring. There really is so much to do off Highway 101 Northern California!

We had the cutest little two bedroom cabin, fully equipped with a kitchen and two bathrooms. We also had a patio with a BBQ where we made dinner whilst watching the herd.

It was a great location to see the Redwood National Park and there are plenty of easy trails nearby for families.

I was blown away by the redwoods. We felt dwarfed as we drove past and it was another spectacular scenic drive on the Highway 101 road trip! There are some short detours off the highway that really get amongst the forest, it’s totally worth it if the kids can hack the windy road.

We stayed at Redwoods River Resort. They are rustic cabins with log burners. Each is themed differently. We stayed in ‘Wolf’. Just about everything had a wolf on it from the wallpaper to the coffee cups.

The little cabins had a BBQ and an outdoor kitchen in this stunning state park location.

It’s the best place to stay for nature lovers. We roasted marshmallows in the evening after our hikes in the local area and our little one played in the massive onsite playground.

There was a big swimming pool too. We arrived mid-week but I can imagine it’s a popular place on the weekend with families.

There are some funny things to do nearby, like the drive-thru tree and confusion hill.

Skunk Train At Fort Bragg

Fort Bragg sits approximately ten miles (16 kilometers) north of charming downtown Mendocino. Some may find it a bit grittier than its neighbor to the south, but it’s an excellent detour and offers a lot of family-friendly things to do when catching a break during your Highway 101 road trip.

From beach walks to hiking trails , Fort Bragg offers a wide variety of activities for tourists and locals alike, making it a great spot for families looking for a lively, entertaining, and enjoyable time out with the children.

The Skunk Train at Fort Bragg is a historic railway that has been in operation since 1885. It runs along the scenic Mendocino Coast and offers a variety of activities, from train rides to hikes and camping .

Now, the Skunk Train Depot offers rail bike rides as well. Riders can enjoy a picnic or take a walk in the woods at Glen Blair Junction during the ride.

Kids from ages three and up can ride the bike; however, they need to sit either in the car seat or wear a harness that comes with the ride.

These rides provide a unique and fun way to take in the beauty and serenity of the redwood groves while biking along the historic railway, and sure an interesting way to learn about the history of the area and the unique wildlife that calls it home.

For more information on The Skunk Train .

Location : 100 W Laurel St, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, United States

Mendocino was so different from Leggett and Redwoods. Based on the Californian coast, this very charming, pretty little town was quaint and one of the stunning highway 101 road trip attractions.

There were lots of cafes, restaurants and boutique shops. The wooden fronts of all the buildings were painted in pastille colours with a backdrop of aqua blue coastline.

There are some beautiful trails around the Mendocino cliffs and a nice beach near the town that is ideal for kids. We stayed at Little River Inn just ten minutes outside the town.

It had a classic Victorian feel to it and had stunning views from most of the rooms. We had a big deck where we spent our evening sipping on local Californian red wine when the kids were tucked into bed.

Hands-On Exhibition At Bay Area Discovery Museum

Apart from the Golden Gate Bridge views, the Bay Area Discovery Museum also offers a variety of activities for children of all ages, including art and science workshops, hands-on exhibits, and interactive play spaces.

The museum also has a café and a store, making it an ideal place for the whole family to take a break and relax.

Among the top activities for kids are Stick-lets, Imagination Playground, Hopscotch Reimagined, Instrument Walk, BADM Beach, and many seasonal activities like camping and “iceless” skating.

Check out Bay Area Discovery Museum’s website for more details and tickets ..

Timings: 10 AM to 4 PM (Wednesday to Sunday)

Location : Sausalito-Lateral, Sausalito, CA 94965, USA

San Francisco

San Francisco blew my mind, most people say it’s the best place to stay along the Highway 101 road trip!  I’ve only been to two or three places (out of 88 countries) where I left thinking that I could live there.

It was a pretty impressive entry to the city crossing the Golden Gate Bridge early morning. The cloud was low and we could only see some of the bridge but it made it quite picturesque.

There is plenty to do in San Francisco from the beaches to the waterfront and parks, it’s quite an outdoorsy city. If you are spending some time exploring it might be worth investing in a city pass. They include hop on hop off tours, bike tours and bike rentals and entry to most of the sites. You can check out prices here .

We spent some time on Pier 39 looking at the hundreds of sea lions. Man, they stink! We also had a look around some of the boutique stores in the area. There are also many unique restaurants in San Fransico too.

We had a photo shoot on Crissy Beach which is an awesome spot to get a good view of Golden Gate. It was only a few minutes drive from Hotel Zephyr where we were staying.

It’s a funky building predominantly made out of recycled materials. Featuring a van cafe, giant ‘connect four’ and a fire pit in the garden, it’s the best chill out spot after a busy day of site seeing. You can check rates and availability here .

We had been staying in self-catering places up until San Francisco, so we really missed having a kitchen.  The best thing for a young family on a  road trip in California is vacation rentals .

It makes life so much easier with the kids. Not to mention having our respective rooms so we don’t have lights out at 7 PM for everyone.

If you are doing it in an RV, check out the Santa Cruz area! We wanted to visit Burns State Park but the road was shut at the time due to a landslide on the west coast road.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is not typically one of the places to visit on a highway 101 road trip, it’s a bit of a drive inland, but worth it if you have the time. It has been high up on my travel agenda for some time.

Whether you drive through for a day or stay in a campground to fit in a Yosemite two day Itinerary – the Yosemite Glacier Point is most impressive.

I also loved the Yosemite Falls but its very busy over the weekend and best visited early morning during the week. The sheer rock face of Half Dome is jaw-dropping.

It’s such a pretty drive but also long and needs to be planned well . Especially as the weather can change easily in the park. April in Yosemite is the perfect time to see the waterfalls that the park is famous for.

We stayed at a campground inside which helped us to see lots more and keep drive times down for the kids.

For a more complete guide check out things to do in Yosemite with kids .

Visit The Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park

Pigeon Point Light Station is a lighthouse located on the coast of northern California near Pescadero.

In terms of height, it is one of the tallest lighthouses in the United States and stands at 115 feet. The lighthouse has been in operation since 1871 and is still in use today.

Its light comprises an array of Fresnel lenses that guide ships safely through treacherous coastal waters. The lighthouse is also a popular spot for whale watching and has become a California Historical Landmark.

Their former Light Station buildings are now unique hostels run by Hostelling International for guests who wish to stay the night.

Visitors can experience an unbeatable lodging experience while they explore the stunning ocean views, tidepools, and beach – all within steps of the Light Station buildings.

For more information on Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park .

Location : Pigeon Point Rd, Pescadero, CA 94060, USA

Explore Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park With Kids

A classic seaside amusement park, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk dates back to 1907 and is one of California’s oldest surviving amusement parks.

It is home to numerous rides, games, and attractions, including the famous 1924 Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster and the carousel installed in 1911.

With all the beaches and rides, it’s easy to spend an entire day enjoying the activities that this beach boardwalk has to offer.

Remember to take a moment to appreciate the historic beauty of the Amusement Park that is responsible for fun and memories for generations.

For more information and tickets .

Location : 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States

After an amazing few days inland at Yosemite , we were ready to head back to the Californian coast and get back on our Highway 101 road trip. We left on a whim not really sure where we were heading.

So many of our followers suggested Monterey as another one of the Highway 101 road trip sights so we decided to go. If you are an ocean lover the beaches are some of the best places to stop on Highway 101. There are also amazing whale watching opportunities in Monterey .

The Aquarium seemed to be a big hit with most so we brought the kids. They loved it! Even the 4 month old was stimulated by the surroundings. They have an ingenuous kids’ area, tidal pools and some incredible species. It was expensive but totally worth it.

Monarch Butterfly Grove At Pismo Beach

A slight detour off Highway 101 is the most amazing place to stop on the Central Coast, The Monarch Butterfly Grove .

As one of the best and the most enchanting places to visit for free during a Highway 101 road trip, it allows visitors to observe these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.

Imagine hundreds or thousands of orange and black-striped butterflies fluttering in a series of waves encircling eucalyptus trees.

Among the five butterfly groves in every state of California, the Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove is the only one with an annual count of more than 10,000 butterflies.

It is a destination essential to Monarch Butterflies’ successful migration, sheltering them from the freezing northern winters (October to February).

The staff at the zoo are friendly and knowledgeable and are ready to assist visitors from all over the world with tours and talks on a daily basis.

Location : 400 S Dolliver St, Pismo Beach, CA 93449, United States

Carpinteria

Just after Santa Barbara, Carpinteria is another cute coastal Californian town, a little similar to Mendocino. They had a farmers’ market going on, lots of independent shops and a camp site with beachfront views.

There were hundreds of dolphins in the water swimming past where we had parked up on the state beach campsite. We just spent one night, but it was really relaxing place to respite from traveling Highway 101.

If you are looking for one more town that comes recommended in California,  San Luis Obispo is a place many suggested just off the highway road.

Take A Break And Beachcomb Arroyo Burro Beach

Arroyo Burro Beach also known as “Hendry’s Beach” by the locals is a pristine stretch of coastline in Santa Barbara, California.

It is a popular destination for swimming, surfing, fishing, whale watching, and picnics. Plus, it is also a great spot for families, as it is dog-friendly and offers beachfront restaurants and stunning views of the ocean.

The city maintains the beach well and offers a variety of amenities for visitors. Multiple access points for the beach make it easy for everyone to access the area.

Additionally, the beach is surrounded by picturesque cliffs and lush vegetation, making it a stunning and tranquil spot for visitors to enjoy all year round.

Location : 2981 Cliff Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93109, United States

Los Angeles

Our last and final stop was in LA . There are loads of things to do so be sure to check out this list of some of the best family days out in Los Angeles . We stayed in downtown Hollywood at the Hilton Gardens Inn . We were predominantly relaxing after a busy few weeks of driving but we did manage to see Hollywood Boulevard and the views of the city from the heights.

I found it quite full on after being out in the wilderness for a while. It’s quite a crazy place in a good kind of way. If you plan on spending time in LA seeing the sites, it can be expensive so we highly recommend investing in a city pass – you can check out what the city pass includes he r e . You can also pick up theme park tickets here .

Some people continue onto San Diego to complete the Highway 101 road trip in its entirety. We ran out of time before needing to move on to our next destination! However next time we will be sure to check out some of the best beaches in San Diego .

Santa Monica Pier

Highway 101’s iconic Santa Monica Pier remains a road trip necessity, offering an abundance of restaurants and seaside views.

By detouring a little from Highway 101, travelers can find this charming pier just a short distance from Ocean Avenue.

In the early days of the West Coast, the Santa Monica Pier was a pioneering structure on the West Coast, built in 1909.

The pier began attracting people because it offered the unique experience of being able to sail and fish so close to the shore.

It also provided a great view of the ocean, unlike anything they had seen before.

As word spread, more and more people started to visit the pier, and it quickly became a popular attraction.

Today, from carnival rides and street vendors to the iconic carousel, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The pier also hosts special events such as fireworks, classic car shows , and concerts, making it a perfect destination for family fun.

Amid waves crashing on the shore, the South Bay and Malibu receive a luminous glow by evening.

Santa Monica Pier is the perfect place for fun in the sun. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful day at the beach or a bustling day of amusement rides and carnival games, the pier has something for everyone.

Location : 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States

Underwater Exploration At The Aquarium Of The Pacific

Are you looking to add excitement to your already fantastic Highway 101 road trip?

Experience the Pacific Ocean in its natural habitat at Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific .

Children will have the opportunity to interact closely with a variety of sea creatures. From sharks in a kid friendly touch tank to listening to the eerie melodies of an underwater whale song, the experience is sure to be out of this world.

Families can also take advantage of the warm Californian weather by exploring the outdoor Harbor Terrace overlooking the Shoreline Village, which has two popular exhibits: the Moon Jelly Touch Lab and an exhibit featuring two species of amphibious mudskippers.

Other exhibits include coral reefs, Sea Otter habitat, Lorikeet forests, June Keyes Penguin habitat, the Tropical Pacific gallery, and much more.

For bookings at the Aquarium Of The Pacific .

Location : 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802, United States

Highway 101 Road Trip Stops – Map

Highway 101 Self-Driving Audio Tour (Pacific Coast Highway)

Highway 101 self driving audio tour is a convenient and affordable way to explore the stunning California coastline.

Families can drive their car or RV at their own pace unfolding the beauty and history of Highway 101 without the need for a guide.

The app guides your entourage from San Francisco to Los Angeles by featuring an audio narration. It shares facts and stories about the cities and landmarks you visit along the way.

And the best bit is that the GPS functionality of the app is also available offline.

Undoubtedly, this is an excellent way to discover one of the spectacular driving routes in the United States.

Secure your Highway 101 self driving audio tour here .

Highway 101 Road Trip – Mode Of Travel

We used a few different options on our Highway 101 Road Trip! For the most part, we used a rental car and we also used a mini campervan .

No matter where you start your journey along Highway 101, you are bound to find rental cars along the way. We have always used “Kayak”, a travel search engine when travelling and always find them an incredibly reliable mode of transport.

They are a broker which is great for finding the best deals. Of course, you will have the added cost of accommodation or camping so it’s worth figuring out the costs all things considered. Click here to see a range of rentals!

Rent A Mini Camper

We also rented one of the bright green and purple Jucy Camper vans that are a popular and cost effective choice for people travelling along Highway 101. There are different options depending on your requirements.

These camper vans manage to fit all of the essentials for a fun filled trip including a kitchen, beds, table and fridge. It can be quite cramped depending on how much luggage you bring with you and is more suited to the adventurous traveller at heart. Check out our review of the Jucy Camper Van rental here!

An RV would be our most favourite way to travel on a Highway 101 Road Trip. It’s so nice to have the space and all you need in one space. in my opinion, it is a luxurious way to travel whilst soaking up what nature offers!

For renting an RV I recommend checking out “Outdoorsy”. It is a great place to search for an RV!

Highway 101 Road Trip Essentials

I am a big fan of bringing my sat nav as it saves the battery on my phone. Most car and RV rental companies charge top money for one so it’s definitely better to bring your own. I highly recommend the Garmin Sat Nav.

Click here to check out the prices of this Garmin Sat Nav!

• Bright, high-resolution 5” glass capacitive touchscreen display lets you easily view your route
• Get more situational awareness with alerts for school zones, speed changes, sharp curves and more
• View food, fuel and rest areas along your active route, and see upcoming cities and milestones

Another awesome top tip is to bring mobile WIFI console. I have the NETGEAR one and we take it everywhere! We don’t even have the internet at home because it’s that good! All you need is a SIM card with internet minutes.

Click here to check out this awesome NETGEAR mobile router.

• Share WiFi internet access with up to 20 devices
• Connect to your existing home router using the Gigabit Ethernet port for fast, reliable primary or backup…
• Avoid the risks of public WiFi and travel with your own portable, secure Wireless Network anywhere

On a long road trip without constant access to plug items into main power, these Solar Powered Battery banks come in super handy for recharging phones, cameras etc.

The battery bank can be recharged using the built in solar panel meaning you can be travelling off the grid for that much longer.

Click here to check out these portable Solar Powered battery banks.

Frequently Asked Questions Highway 101 Road Trip

What is the length of highway 101.

The length of Highway 101 differs depending on the route you plan to take and your destination.

This 1,540 mile (2,478 kilometers) route passes through the states of Washington , Oregon and California , providing travelers with breathtaking views of rugged coastline, pristine beaches, and towering redwoods .

Along the way, travelers can explore a variety of attractions, including the Columbia River Gorge, the San Juan Islands, the Lost Coast, and the world famous Big Sur.

What are the other names of Highway 101 in the United States?

US Highway 101 is also known as the Oregon Coast Highway in Oregon and as the Pacific Coast Highway in parts of California. 

Most people in Southern California refer to this road as “The 101”, whereas people in Northern California, Oregon, and Washington know it as “101”.

How long does it take to traverse the entire Highway 101?

As there are so many exciting things to see and do along Highway 101, we suggest you set aside at least five days for the experience. Taking a road trip like this is one you should put on your bucket list.

If you were to drive Highway 101 non-stop, it would take 30 hours to go the total distance of almost 1,540 miles (2,478 kilometers).

To Sum Up Highway 101 Road Trip

Are you hoping to drive the length of Highway 101? Be sure to Pin this article for later!

I love to hear your thoughts, leave a comment and I will get back to you.

Ready to book? Find great deals on flights , travel insurance , hotels , reliable internet , and rental cars !

Disclaimer: We worked in partnership with a number of clients throughout this trip. In particular, Visit California and RentalCars.com. As always all views expressed are entirely our own and have not been influenced in any way. 

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Last update on 2024-04-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Freddie McCown

Saturday 26th of October 2019

I am confused by this trip. When I travelled US HWY 101 I started on the southside of Olympia, Washington. I never went to Seattle or Portland on US 101. Also where is Lincoln Bay? Is it in Oregon, Washington, or California? I do know of Lincoln City and Depot Bay which are both in Oregon.

Sunday 27th of October 2019

Seattle and Portland are small detours from the highway that many people stop at along the way. It is in Oregon.

Tuesday 6th of March 2018

I really enjoyed reading about your exploits. My wife and I live in Las Vegas, and are ourselves planning a road trip. Our intentions are to drive north to Lake Tahoe, sightsee around that area, then head up to Reno. We are then heading up and over to Portland, spend two nights, and then up to Seattle, spending two nights there. My wife is excited about visiting Pikes market. We are then planning to head home from Seattle via the 101, which is why your blog caught my attention. May I ask a question? What is a reasonable driving distance on the 101? That is probably a subjective question, sorry. You didn’t mention how long this journey of yours took. We don’t have an “extended” time frame, but we’re thinking two days of travel on the 101. How far might that get us? Any “insight” would be very much appreciated!

Tuesday 14th of November 2017

We did this drive from Seattle down to Ventura just north of LA (yes dibbed inland to Yosemite and back out to Monterey as well) before heading inland to Vegas and skirting back inside Arizona before back to fly home from San Diego. OK so I confess I was mid 50's and just hubby and me so no kids but it was just as magical. Thanks so much for sharing your adventures, may there be many more!

theadventuresof2oddsocks

Saturday 14th of October 2017

Just driven the 101 myself. It's amazing! Left Yosemite last week to head to Bishop. Agree with all but you missed a treat when you went inland to Portland --- Tillamook Ice Cream on the North 101 in Oregan is incredible with portion sizes as big as your head and the flavour range is INSANE!!!! If you ever head back, don't miss it again ;) Enjoy the next leg your adventures x

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• Things To Do

101 Wine Tours

At 101 Wine Tours, we pride ourselves on creating custom experiences that are tailored to the needs and preferences of our clients. Whether you know what you want to see and who you want to visit or you are going with our recommendations, we go the extra mile to make sure your time with us is comfortable, memorable, and fun! From our preferences questionnaire that you complete prior to your tour to our knowledgeable guides and comfortable vans, your experience with 101 Wine Tours is one that you’ll not soon forget!

Transportation, and event planning from 2-14 people our vehicles are always clean and sanitized for your comfort. Fully licensed and insured vehicles, our commercial drivers are professional, knowledgeable, and fun. We love catering to our local neighbors and will pick you up from your home, office, hotel, or BnB.  Leave the planning & driving to us!

2020 Trip Advisor Travelers Choice Awards, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016 Trip Advisor Certificates of Excellence, 5 Stars on Yelp, we are very grateful to our clients.  Let us organize your next outing, either locally in SLO Coast Wine Country, Paso Robles, or Santa Maria Valley.

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BOOK A TOUR    805.874.CORK (2675)

BOOK A TOUR

At 101 Wine Tours, we pride ourselves on creating custom experiences that are tailored to the needs and preferences of our clients. Whether you know what you want to see and who you want to visit or you are going with our recommendations, we go the extra mile to make sure your time with us is comfortable, memorable, and fun! From our preferences questionnaire that you complete prior to your tour to our knowledgeable guides and comfortable vans, your experience with 101 Wine Tours is one that you’ll not soon forget!

Wine Tasting Tours

Our tours are to wineries in either the Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo/Edna Valley, or San Ynez/Santa Maria Valley wine regions. I will arrange a very personal tour, tailored to the group’s preference of wine styles and wineries (e.g. boutique or large estates). I also am happy to do a combination wine/beer tour if your group would prefer. Appeal to your inner winemaker and ask me about special Behind-the-Scenes Tours, available seasonally.

Wine Tasting Tours include visiting three to four stops, pick-up and drop-off from your location, and personal service all along the way. I would love to assist you in booking a wonderful day!

Potential add-ons if interested:

Beer Tasting

Cider Tasting

Olive Oil Tasting

Spirit Tasting

101 Wine Tours can provide bottled water and snacks.

For dining, guests can also consider:

Packing a picnic; we can provide a cooler, blue ice, and a tablecloth,

Lunch at a winery that has either grill or deli: ask me for suggestions!

NO Shared Tours, private groups only please.

Winemaker Dinners and Special Events

Call 101 Wine Tours to help you with your winemaker dinner and special events travel arrangements. Travel in style, comfort, and safety.

Charter & Shuttle Service Available

4 hour minimum on weekdays-SLO Coast only

5 hour minimum for weekends and festivals

100-mile radius, unless prior arrangements made

Call or email for rates

TERMS & CANCELLATION POLICY

101 Wine Tours requires a 21 day cancellation notice on all groups. Cancellations are subject to be charged full price if cancelled within 21 days of scheduled tour.

All cancellations are subject to an administrative fee of $150.

Credit Card charges for the tour will be charged when booked for total amount including 20% gratuity, unless other arrangements are made.

We absolutely loved 101 wine tours!

Laura was great in getting it set up. She even recognized one of our girls in our group worked for a winery and applied all these discounts for us at the wineries. So many tastings were either waived or discounted!

But the best part hands down was our driver. Her name was Stacey but we called her mom the whole time because she took such good care of us, made sure we drank water and took such great photos! If you see this - we love you, mom!

via Tripadvisor

Seattle Free Walking Tours

Review Highlights

“ Jake was incredibly knowledgeable about fun things to do and (importantly) good places to eat in the city. ” in 181 reviews

“ My wife did the Pikes place tour last year and as she really enjoyed it we booked the Seattle 101 tour together. ” in 69 reviews

“ Market 101 is an Awesome tour, Joe our guide was very knowledgeable and made the tour fun and interesting. ” in 54 reviews

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Location & Hours

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Western Ave

Seattle, WA 98101

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Business Owner

Seattle's only "Pay what YOU Feel" tours! Join us for one or all of our distinct tours. It's the best way to see Seattle! An entertaining guide leads guests on a whirlwind adventure of quintessential Seattle! Visitors sample their way through the city, learn its history, and meet directly with lively locals. Join us today! *Tours do not operate in dangerous or severe weather. Tours may also be canceled in rare emergency situations. Check the tour calendar for updated information. …

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Where is the best place to park?

That's a loaded question. It really depends on how far you want to walk. The average cost at most of the lots runs $4.00 per hour, but there are early bird daily rates, where you'd pay $15 per day, one of those is just a short walk away from the… more

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356 reviews

My daughter and I had a great time on both tours!! So fun and informative. Joe was fantastic and engaging. Emmet was super nice. Met some wonderful people too. Highly recommend!!

I always enjoy taking walking tours. We took The Market Experience (9:30 AM to 10:30 AM PST) and the Seattle 101 (11:00 AM to 1:00 PM PST ) tour with Amalia on the same day. Since the totem poles section of Pike Place was closed, we met her beneath the Mighty Oak on Western Ave & Virginia St. Both tours were really informational and Amalia has a great sense of humor and is very knowledgeable. For the Market Experience tour, we walked around Pike Place and she talked about the oldest Starbucks, Rachel the Pig, saw the famous fish throwers, the Gum Wall. For the Seattle 101, she talked about the Great Fire Seattle, walked to Pioneer Square and learned about totem poles, and the waterfront. She also stopped for photo opportunities. In addition, she gave great recommendations for food and night activities. These tours are pay what you like walking tours. It was a great opportunity to learn about Pike Place and the history of Seattle from a true Seattlelite.

Our group had a blast with our tour guide, Amalia (hopefully spelled her name right!) with the Seattle 101 tour. She was so so knowledgeable about the city and the history, and also very enthusiastic which helped us stay engaged. The stories told were a mix of interesting facts, history, art, and funny stories! She also tied in the stories with the city around us, and not just specific historic landmarks. We learned so much about Seattle, and I hope to see these types of tours more around the US! Highly recommend checking out these tours to get a layout of Seattle

This review are for 2 separate Seattle Free Walking Tours, The Market Experience AND Seattle 101. I thought that I would be able to post 2 separate reviews for each tour, but unfortunately Yelp did not allow it. Both tours are free and the "payment" are the tips to the guide. No tip is required so if you truly did not enjoy the experience, you don't have to pay anything. Some free tour guides may suggest a specific dollar amount but in my experience, most do not. I appreciated that our tour guide did not specify an amount but I will say that in most cases, people tip $15-20 per person on average. The Market Experience focused on Seattle's world famous Pike Place. It is a great introductory tour as it not only provides history but also gives you a general sense of the area should you want to return and explore on your own. The guide on both tours was Amalia and she was great. She was friendly, enthusiastic, provided great info, and was open to any and all questions. Pike Place is huge and the tour is only 1 hour long so there is only so much that Amalia can show you but she does take you to the more famous places in the marketplace. Onto the Seattle 101 tour. This tour was 2 hours long also led by Amalia and once again, it's a great introductory tour of Seattle. You stay in the Downtown area and Pike Place so you don't wander too far, but there are a couple of parts that are uphill so it can be a little straining. This tour covers some more famous places but it is a nice way to see some of Seattle via this walking tour. I don't normally sign up for 2 walking tours back to back but both places started at the same place and the tour was only 30 min. apart so why not. It allowed for me to end the Market Experience tour with some info on places to eat, so I enjoyed some snacks while waiting for Seattle 101 to start. Both great tours to get acclimated to Seattle.

See all photos from Ji S. for Seattle Free Walking Tours

Amalia was awesome! We went on the Seattle 101 tour as a family and had a great time walking through downtown Seattle and learning the history of it all. Amalia was informative as well as informed, making sure to speak about the native people and culture in a respectful way. The tour was about 2 hours long but we were so entertained that it didn't feel that way. Other than one steep hill, the walk was very casual and doable.

See all photos from Judy R. for Seattle Free Walking Tours

We enjoyed our walking tour with Joe immensely. He was hilarious and knowledgeable. He had a group of about 40 from all over the world and made everyone feel welcome and special. Fantastic stories about all things Seattle.

Had an excellent time and tour. Sean was an outstanding guide full of good local info and tips. Highly recommend these tours. Enjoy.

Did the Seattle 101 Tour with Amalia and she was outstanding. Geniunely interested in making everyone more enlightened about her home town. Full of energy for two straight hours, which is really hard to do! Great mix of stories and funny anecdotes and I feel like I got to know the city. Would definitely recommend.

We had an AMAZING time on the Seattle 101 tour with Joe! He was a fantastic guide, perfectly balancing humor with history, and keeping the group interested. It was truly impressive as the group was a mix of European and American tourists, but he kept all of us highly entertained and engaged. This is a MUST if you want to see Seattle through fresh eyes, or for the first time. The tour is free, but you can tell the guide put a lot of time and effort into creating a great tour so TIP ACCORDINGLY!!!

First of all, this walking tour is free! Of course, they encourage tips but it is very well deserved! Joe was our tour guide and he was AWESOME! He made the tour so fun and was very knowledgeable! Plus, you can book both the Market and the Seattle 101 Tour on the same day. I feel like we learned so much from the tour and it was so worth it instead of walking around aimlessly. Tours always make a trip better because now I have a better appreciation and understanding of the history. Thanks, Joe, for the wonderful tour!

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• California Welcome Center Gilroy

Gilroy is part of the historic Santa Clara Valley, one of California’s oldest wine growing regions and home to more than 30 family-owned wineries and tasting rooms. Even though some of Gilroy’s wineries have been around since the turn of the century, we are still one of California’s best-kept secrets when it comes to wine tasting!

Just follow the wayfinding signs along the Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail to discover award-winning wines, stunning vineyard views, and a casual, relaxed atmosphere that makes wine tasting fun—not intimidating. Feel free to ask questions, as the person pouring your wine may very well be the vintner himself (or herself)!

For the very best value, purchase a Wine Trail Pass and enjoy wine tasting all year long at participating tasting rooms. It’s the easiest and most cost-effective way to taste your way along the Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail.

Start planning your own tasting tour today!

Alamitos Vineyards

23505 Alamitos Rd. San Jose, CA 95120

Alamitos Vineyards, San Jose's only Vineyard Winery, is located above the Almaden Reservoir in the historic New Almaden Quicksilver Park in the Almaden Valley of San Jose. This outdoor-only venue has picturesque views of hillsides and lake. Specializing in old world style, small-batch wine making, Alamitos Vineyards has estate grown and produced varietals of Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah and the Portuguese grape Touriga Nacional—which is made into a port, dry rose, and a red wine. They also have Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Malbec, and Merlot, which are estate-made wines from grapes sourced from small vineyards in Napa, Sonoma County and Monterey County.

Bella Montagna

3786 Quimby Rd

San Jose, CA 95148

Located in Santa Clara County, Bella Montagna Vineyard is dedicated to reviving the area's storied winemaking heritage.

Please make reservations before visiting.

[email protected]

Besson Family Vineyards

Calerrain Wines

10220 Jean Ellen Court Gilroy, CA 95020

Calerrain Wines was inspired by our love of exploring California wine country. Our   goal is simple:  to explore California's Coastal vineyards and discover how the vast and varying terrain can influence wine.   We look forward to sharing great wines with you! Cheers!

Casa de Fruta

10021 Pacheco Pass Highway Hollister, CA 95023

Casa de Fruta – A unique wine tasting destination located in the beautiful Santa Clara Valley right off of Pacheco Pass Highway. Come enjoy exceptional wine, delicious food and gorgeous scenery.

• Family friendly venue
• Open for complimentary tastings daily
• Gourmet Fruit & Varietal wines
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Cinnabar Vineyards & Winery Gilroy Tasting Room

3200 Dryden Avenue Gilroy, CA 95020

Cinnabar is a family-owned winery that reveres winemaking as a form of modern-day alchemy—the blending of science with a touch of nature's magic.

Cinnabar Vineyards & Winery Saratoga Tasting Room

14612 Big Basin Way Saratoga, CA 95070

Clos LaChance Winery

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Clos LaChance is a family-owned and operated winery in the Northern Central Coast region of California. Tucked into the beautiful Hayes Valley, Clos LaChance is a true wine country experience located only 30 minutes from the Silicon Valley. Clos LaChance is a unique site, elegant yet quietly informal—the perfect place for a memorable event.

Cooper Garrod Estate Vineyards

22645 Garrod Road Saratoga, CA 95070

Garrod Farms is a family-owned and operated estate winery and stables. We offer wine tasting, horseback riding, and horse boarding in the Saratoga foothills, just minutes from Silicon Valley. The Garrod family began its involvement with California agriculture and open space in 1893, purchasing 66 acres from the Mount Eden Orchard and Vineyard Company. Garrod Farms, whose first vineyards were planted in 1972, continues to be a family agriculture operation today, 129+ years and five generations later. There are 28 acres of vineyards on the property. The vineyards are certified organic, and the vineyards and winery are also certified sustainable.

Cottage Creek Vineyard

12537 Watsonville Rd Morgan Hill, CA 95037

As lifelong residents of this community and as wine lovers, we feel blessed to be able to share our dream with other wine aficionados. You can find us nestled in the west side of the valley along the Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail. From our spacious outdoor venue to our wide assortment of fine wines, Cottage Creek Vineyards is now a destination for those who truly enjoy the wine experience. Visit their website or download their app, "Cottage Creek Winery" for more information.

Make reservations on their website or via their app.

DeRose Wine

255 Fitzgerald Avenue

San Martin, CA

DeRose Vineyards was founded on land rich in winemaking history in the Cienega Valley. In 2022, they opened a second tasting room in San Martin.

Dorcich Family Vineyards

11775 Watsonville Road Gilroy, CA 95020

Located in the beautiful Uvas Valley, Dorcich Family Vineyards is family owned, grown, and operated. We are just a short drive from the heart of the Silicon Valley at the southern end of Santa Clara County. Our location offers the ultimate day trip for just about anyone in the San Francisco Bay Area, whether you are up the Peninsula or vacationing in Carmel. Come check us out!

Fernwood Cellars

7137 Redwood Retreat Rd. Gilroy, CA 95020

• Tasting at Fernwood Cellars’ “Creekside Grove”: Picnic & Sip in the redwoods and enjoy our one-of-a-kind spectacular creekside location at historic Redwood Retreat.
• Estate Suite available for possible overnight accommodation.

Fortino Winery

4525 Hecker Pass Highway Gilroy, CA 95020

Fortino Winery is a family-owned and operated winery that has been in business for over 50 years, and we pride ourselves on treating all guests (including children and pets) as extensions of our family. Our owner and winemaker Gino Fortino truly prides himself on creating amazing wines the way that his family has been doing it for over 100 years. At Fortino Winery, all guests are sure to find a drink that will suit their palette! We're offering not only wine tasting but local beers & ciders, wine slushies, specialty wine cocktails, and even a mimosa flight! We can't wait to host you at the winery and show you the Fortino family way to taste wine. Cheers!

Guglielmo Winery

1480 East Main Avenue Morgan Hill, CA 95037

Visiting Guglielmo Winery’s Tasting Room and Retail Gift Shop is like taking a step back into Old Italy. Large wooden beams, stone walls, and terracotta tile provide a relaxing backdrop to enjoy tastings of the Guglielmo family’s award-winning wines, which they have been producing in the Santa Clara Valley since 1925. Today, the winemaking and daily operations remain in the hands of the third and fourth generation family members! The winery’s mission is to produce wines of exceptional quality through superior facilities, provide memorable public and private events, and have a continuing involvement in the wine community whether it be local, regional or national.

Hecker Pass Winery

4605 Hecker Pass Hwy. Gilroy, CA 95020

Hecker Pass Winery has been family-owned and operated since 1972. Our vineyard is dry farmed and sustainably grown. We traditionally specialize in full-bodied, Italian-style red wines, but we also have a wide selection of wonderful medium-bodied reds, as well as sweet wines and dessert wines. We have recently released new vintages of our Carignane Ruby, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. Hecker Pass Winery offers 5 pours for $10 and changes their tasting selection weekly.

Horse Thief Vineyard

12575 Watsonville Road

Morgan Hill, 95037

After buying 5 acres of rich soil on Watsonville Rd Rich and Debbie planted their vines - the beginning of a new journey of wine making and wine tasting. They love being a family run business and even hope to get their grandkids involved someday.

J. Winston Winery

536 Live Oak Ave. Morgan Hill, CA 95037

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Kirigin Cellars

11550 Watsonville Road Gilroy, CA 95020

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L & M Vineyard

7602 Sunlit Oaks Ct. Gilroy, CA 95020

L & M Vineyard is a small, family-owned winery in southeast Gilroy. We produce small lot wines from our estate vineyard as well as from other vineyards in Santa Clara Valley. Enjoy spectacular views across the valley from our outdoor tasting patio. Open on the first and third weekends of the month from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

La Vie Dansante Wines

6500 Brem Lane Gilroy, CA 95020

La Vie Dansante Wines is a boutique winery crafting wines of elegance and finesse from locally-grown Rhone varietals. We’re unpretentious, fun, and strive to provide a setting where you can relax and unwind from the stress of today’s world. Enjoy one of three tasting areas: an air-conditioned indoor tasting room, a French-styled courtyard, and a tropical lanai for your tasting enjoyment.

Lightpost Winery

900 Lightpost Way Morgan Hill, CA 95037

Lightpost Winery has a tasting room conveniently located right off the Cochrane exit of U.S. Route 101. Their vineyards are located on the 56-acre Big Oak Ranch, perched on the east foothills of Morgan Hill.  This ancient landslide estate is perfect for both red and white varietals due to its microclimate, rich soil, and high elevation. It is a perfect and picturesque setting for high quality grapes within the Central Coast AVA near the Silicon Valley.  Lightpost Winery has produced a number of award-winning wines--come try them for yourself!

Lion Ranch Vineyards & Winery

645 W. San Martin Ave. San Martin, CA 95046

Lion Ranch Vineyards & Winery is a family owned and handcrafted. The wines of Lion Ranch are a modern expression with a nod to history. We specialize in Rhône- and Provence-style wines.

Little Uvas Vineyard

255 Fitzgerald Ave. San Martin, CA 95046

Outdoor tasting area with beautiful views. Closely supervised children at the table are allowed, leashed dogs allowed. You may bring snacks to drink with your wine. Reservations are recommended. For 6+ reservations are required. Wood-fired pizzas and charcuterie plates available or bring your own snacks.

Martin Ranch Winery

6675 Redwood Retreat Road Gilroy, CA 95020

We invite you to journey down Redwood Retreat Road and explore our secluded and spacious 17 acres at Martin Ranch Winery. Take in views of our estate vineyards, organic garden, pond, and member seating areas nestled in the Eastern foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. With over 15 varietals of red and white wines, there's something for everyone to sip, savor, and enjoy. Enjoy the Tradition, Passion and Excellence that Martin Ranch Winery was founded on.

Miramar Vineyards

12255 New Ave. San Martin, CA 95046

Our small, family-owned Miramar Vineyards and Winery are nestled on ten pastoral acres in the eastern foothills of San Martin, California, about 30 miles south of San Jose. We handcraft very limited bottlings of wine by sourcing grapes predominantly from our estate and the Santa Clara Valley appellation, using traditional, small-lot techniques. Balancing a fun, casual atmosphere with serious winemaking, Miramar Vineyards makes a delightful, weekend outing from Silicon Valley and the Bay Area. We welcome you for relaxed, delicious wine tastings.

MOHI Wines by Sycamore Creek Vineyards

12775 Uvas Road Morgan Hill, CA 95037

MOHI Wines is a boutique winery with hand-crafted wines. Perched on the banks of Uvas Creek at the southern edge of the Santa Cruz Mountains in Uvas Valley, MOHI Wines is tucked into a picturesque backdrop. You can’t help but feel a sense of escape and relaxation while enjoying some of the Central Coast's most coveted and award-winning wines.

Moose Mountain Vineyards

3210 Paseo Vista Ave. San Martin CA 95046

Moose Mountain Vineyards sits at 1000 feet of elevation and is a complete estate winery, with all the grapes grown on the property. Vines are grown with organic farming practices using no-till methods and soil regeneration. All wines are natural and made without additives. Moose Mountain Vineyards is a red wine winery specializing in Bordeaux blends and unique European varietals.

P & V Winery

10155 Dougherty Avenue Morgan Hill 95037

P & V  Winery is named after its founders Paul and Vicki. Our estate wine consists of Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon, but we obtain grapes from various regions to hand-craft an array of different varietals. We host music events and function as an event venue for weddings, parties, corporate events and celebrations of life.

Sarah's Vineyard

4005 Hecker Pass Highway Gilroy, CA 95020

The Sarah's Vineyard estate is a labor of love for proprietor/winegrower Tim Slater, with 24 acres under cultivation in the cool climate "Mt. Madonna " district of the southern Santa Cruz Mountains range. Here in historic Hecker Pass, chilling winds and fog off nearby Monterey Bay mitigate the sunny daytime temperatures and extend hang time. These create perfect conditions for growing world class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay plus the classic Rhone varietals.

Satori Cellers Winery

2100 Buena Vista Avenue Gilroy, CA 95020

Satori Cellars has an outdoor tasting cabana surrounded by 15 acres of happy, pampered Santa Clara Valley grapes. We feature award-winning, estate-grown reds: Merlot, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Petite Sirah. Come for the wine, but you’ll stay for the vibe. We’re dog friendly, kid friendly, family friendly, and group friendly. Bring a picnic, listen to music, watch the game, play bocce, relax and unwind. A Satori story is sure to unfold.

Solis Winery

3920 Hecker Pass Highway Gilroy, CA 95020

There is simply no better place to sit back and relax than at Solis Winery's beautiful outdoor seating area, sipping a glass of wine and enjoying the scenic views of vineyards nestled against the Gabilan Mountain range. Enjoy concerts throughout the warm weather season on their Vineyard Stage. Once you have had a taste, we know you’ll be back for more!

Stefania Winery

1800 Day Road Gilroy, CA 95020

We are a family-owned and run winery in the heart of the Santa Clara Valley. We produce small lots of exceptional wines from local vineyards in the Santa Clara Valley and Santa Cruz Mountains. Our wine is produced with care and quality to show the best that our local vineyards have to offer. We have gained a national following for our limited release, as well as a loyal group of friends and supporters locally in the South Valley. We like to get to know each of our visitors personally and pride ourselves on being friends and community members first. Come visit us!

Tank House Winery

12830 Harding Avenue San Martin, CA 95046

At Tank House Winery,  we both produce and bottle all of our wine. Tank House was founded on the standard of producing the absolute highest quality wine. We achieve this goal through our extreme attention to detail in the production process.  As a result, every one of our bottles is handled with care, and passed on to our customers at a very affordable price. The watchful hands in the vineyard, coupled with our expertise in the winery, produce the wonderful aromas and flavors that you will enjoy each time you open a bottle of Tank House wine.

Verde Vineyards

2143 Buena Vista Gilroy, CA 95020

George and Lynda Green both come from the medical field where they have a huge passion for their patients’ well-being. Now, they have taken that passion and focused it on making great wines that people enjoy. When they aren’t taking care of their patients, walking their 12 acres of vines with their two dogs, Sophie and Tess, or making their wonderful wines, they love to hang out with their 5 kids and 4 grandkids, entertain their friends in their backyard kitchen, and travel the world. George’s favorite winery activity is getting down and dirty on the crush pad during harvest and Lynda’s is welcoming guests to the tasting room and showing them through the current releases of wine.

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Pritchard scores 21, Celtics hold off late charge by Kings to hold on for 101-100 win

The Associated Press

April 5, 2024, 11:04 PM

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BOSTON (AP) — Payton Pritchard had 21 points, including five 3-pointers and the Boston Celtics held off a late charge to beat the Sacramento Kings 101-100 on Friday night.

Kristaps Porzingis added 20 points and 11 rebounds – his second straight double-double – to help the NBA’s top team claim its 12th consecutive win at home one game after clinching home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. They’ve won 13 of their last 15.

De’Aaron Fox had 40 points for the Kings and banked in a go-ahead 26-footer with 27 seconds to play. But after Celtics reserve Xavier Tillman put Boston back in front, Fox misfired on a jumper – one of three potential game-winning shots for the Kings in the final 7 seconds as the Celtics survived.

Boston coach Joe Mazzulla rested his starters throughout the fourth quarter and left his reserves on the floor late.

“It’s good for our team chemistry — those kinds of moments,” Porzingis said. “And seeing Joe all hyped up on the sidelines. It was pretty cool. A good win for us.”

Domantas Sabonis added 16 points and 16 rebounds for the Kings, who have lost four of their last six as they try to avoid a spot in the play-in tournament.

“Fox was phenomenal, especially down the stretch with him having 40. … He stepped up like he should have. Gave us a chance to win,” Kings coach Mike Brown said. “We did just didn’t shoot the ball well.”

For the game, Sacramento shot just 38% (38 for 99) and were 17 for 51 (33%) from the 3-point line.

Sabonis said they missed a great opportunity to move up in the tight Western Conference race.

“We let one slide,” Sabonis said. “We had a chance to come back and steal a game from them and we couldn’t. … We have five games left and Brooklyn’s next. We’ve got to take care of business.”

The Kings cut a 19-point fourth deficit to 99-97 on a driving layup by Fox.

Colby Jones blocked Pritchard’s jumper on Boston’s next possession, followed by Fox’s 3-pointer that gave Sacramento its first lead since the first quarter.

Sam Hauser had his short jumper blocked by Keegan Murray on the Celtics’ ensuing possession. But Tillman was able to corral it and score to put Boston back in front for good.

The Kings trimmed a 16-point first-half deficit to 54-50 by halftime, but the Celtics outscored them 30-22 in the third quarter to take a 12-point lead to the fourth.

Both teams struggled to score in the first five-plus minutes of the game. Boston started just 1 for 10 from the field and Sacramento opened 1 for 8.

The Celtics found their touch, ending the first quarter by connecting on 9 of their final 10 shots. The Kings finished 5 of 21.

Boston’s lead reached double-digits in the second quarter, but it needed every part of the basket at times to get it there. During one possession, Payton Pritchard fired up a deep 28-footer from beyond the top of the key. The ball bounced high off the back of the rim, clipped the front lip and then rolled off the glass before falling in.

Boston was without starters Jaylen Brown and Derrick White.

Brown sat with the sprained left hand that also kept him out of Monday’s win over Charlotte. Brown called it a ligament-related issue and acknowledged it was bothering him during Wednesday’s victory over Oklahoma City. Coach Joe Mazzulla said that Friday’s absence was about managing the issue and that he didn’t anticipate Brown being sidelined for the rest of the regular season.

White, who has started 70 of Boston’s 77 games this season, was out with a bruised lower back.

Kings: At Nets on Sunday.

Celtics: Host Trail Blazers on Sunday.

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

Copyright © 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.

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Masters 2024: How do you beat Augusta National? Dominate the par-5s

A view of the par-5 2nd hole at Augusta National Golf Club.

ANGC/Getty Images

A surefire way to take apart Augusta National is to demolish its quartet of par-5 holes — Nos. 2, 8, 13 and 15. When Dustin Johnson posted his tournament record 20-under-par score of 268 in 2020, he played them in 11 under par. In 1997, Tiger’s unforgettable takedown of AGNC included a 13-under rout of the par 5s alone.

Those guys were beasts off the tee, but short hitters have made hay too. In the past 30 years, nine Masters champs (in red, below) were ranked outside the top 50 in driving distance the year of their wins.

And these are the ones who beat up the par-5s the best:

PATRICK REED (2018) Winning score, to par: -15 Score on the par 5s: -13 Birdies: 9; eagles: 2

NICK FALDO (1996) Winning score, to par: -12 Score on the par 5s: -12 Birdies: 12; eagles: 0

JORDAN SPIETH (2015) Winning score, to par: -18 Score on the par 5s: -12 Birdies: 13; eagles: 0

ZACH JOHNSON (2007) Winning score, to par: +1 Score on the par 5s: -11 Birdies: 11; eagles: 0

HIDEKI MATSUYAMA (2021) Winning score, to par: -10 Score on the par 5s: -11 Birdies: 6; eagles: 3

MIKE WEIR (2003) Winning score, to par: -7 Score on the par 5s: -10 Birdies: 11; eagles: 0

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Chunk of California’s scenic Highway 1 falls off cliff, forcing evacuations

A 40-mile stretch of California’s Highway 1 remained closed Monday after a landslide during a major storm over the weekend caused chunks of the road to fall down a cliff, in an incident that stranded about 1,600 people until they could be evacuated.

The landslide occurred Saturday afternoon near Rocky Creek Bridge, one of several historic spans that line the scenic highway and a popular vantage point to admire the coastal views.

The slip-out caused parts of the highway’s southbound lane to break off and tumble down a cliff into the ocean, the Associated Press reported .

Engineers were still working Sunday to assess the damage, and the highway was closed early Monday in both directions at Palo Colorado, about 14 miles south of Monterey, and between Limekiln State Park and Lime Creek, according to the California Department of Transportation, or Caltrans.

Crews were working to stabilize the edge of the roadway, said Caltrans, which asked people to “avoid all unnecessary travel” in the area.

All Big Sur state parks within the affected area — including Point Sur, Andrew Molera, Pfeiffer Big Sur, Julia Pfeiffer Burns and Limekiln — were closed to daytime visitors and campers “until further notice,” Monterey County said .

“We want to emphasize that this is a state disaster,” Nicholas Pasculli, the head of communications for Monterey County, told SFGate on Sunday.

About 1,600 people — including tourists and locals visiting Big Sur for Easter weekend — were initially stranded, and local news outlets reported that some had to spend the night Saturday in hotels, temporary shelters or even their cars.

But on Sunday, emergency convoys escorted most people out, after state engineers determined it was safe to travel on the highway’s northbound lane.

The Monterey-area California Highway Patrol said overnight that it was not aware of anyone who wanted to leave remaining stranded. More convoys were tentatively scheduled for 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday to allow anyone who remained to get out safely, a spokesperson said.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) said on social media Sunday that his office was “coordinating closely” with agencies “to address a slip out on Highway 1 near Big Sur,” and he thanked the “crews working around the clock to repair the roadway and keep Californians safe.”

Saturday’s landslide could complicate efforts by state authorities to fully reopen Highway 1 by late spring, after sections around Big Sur were closed for repairs following large landslides in the first part of 2023. In December, Caltrans said “multiple months of work” were “still needed to complete repairs at the site.” The agency said it did not known how winter rains would “affect this timetable.” Since then, heavy rain has hampered repairs .

Highway 1, particularly the section along the Big Sur coast, is vulnerable to extreme weather events because of its topography and location. Storms and wildfires — made increasingly intense by climate change — are regular occurrences and can lead to erosion, landslides and mudslides that block, damage or even destroy parts of the road. Frequent travelers and those who live in the area are often aware of the risks .

As The Washington Post wrote in 2021 , “the engineering folly of a road built on sheer cliffs has meant that closures are annual events — the ‘whens,’ not ‘ifs’ — for the people and the economy it supports.”