March 23
After 15 hours and 45 minutes we arrive at San Francisco International Airport. Our flight from Basel via Paris cost €522 per person. After picking up our rental car — at considerable expense (we paid for extra insurance and upgraded to a larger car so all the luggage would fit) — we set off on Highway 1 heading toward Santa Cruz, our first stop. Unfortunately, shortly before our destination there is a serious accident. The friendly officer informs us — and the entire traffic jam — that it could take up to 3 hours before the highway is clear again. We decide to take the mountain route to Santa Cruz instead... which, as it soon turns out, adds about 2 hours to our journey. Several deer cross the road in front of us at dusk. Arriving tired and hungry, we take a quick stroll through town before collapsing into bed.
Downtown Santa Cruz Wharf
The next morning we head straight into the heart of Santa Cruz. Our first stop is the Santa Cruz Wharf. We linger here for quite a while, watching the sea lions — hundreds of them basking and playing around the pier.
Santa Cruz Boardwalk and West Cliff Drive
We continue along the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk with its amusement park. To wrap up our Santa Cruz tour, we drive along West Cliff Drive, lined with charming houses and a surfer museum, and finish with a rewarding detour to Natural Bridges State Beach.
Monterey
Our journey continues to our next destination: Monterey. We drive along Highway 1, the famous Cannery Row road. That same day we explore downtown Monterey — there is a recommended and well-signposted walking tour called the Path of History (2.5 miles). The starting point is at Custom House Plaza, where you will also find the Custom House itself, which served as a Spanish customs station as far back as 1827. The route passes all the major attractions and, above all, the most important historic buildings in the city, such as the Pacific House, which once served as a saloon.
The real highlight, however, is Cannery Row — a street with its own unique character and, for us, the main attraction. The old buildings from the sardine-fishing era still stand here. Bubba Gump is a great spot for a meal with a fantastic view. Before heading back to the hotel, we also visit Fisherman's Wharf, where you will find shops and restaurants — and, incidentally, plenty of whale watching tour operators (2.5–3 hrs, approx. $40–$50 per person).
If you are travelling with children, the Monterey Bay Aquarium on Cannery Row is well worth a visit.
