 | The iconic California coast was made for road trips | | | | | I had the opportunity, a few years ago, to ride an electric bike down Highway 1 through Big Sur. This wild, incredible section of the California coast was made impassable at the time by mudslides, so the only way to access Big Sur was by hiking in. Which I did. Two miles along a simple path, following a woman with a backpack full of groceries. It felt like flying. Like joining the sea birds swooping over the crushing Pacific, and while I watched the whales spout in the distance, all I could think about was what a gift this moment of freedom was. California offers so many moments of freedom. Freedom of thought, of creativity, of space. But with that freedom has come hardship as well. There is a challenge to figuring out how to appropriately constrain the chaos of endless possibilities. This contradiction is challenging but beautiful. I think we all feel this in our lives, how to be purely ourselves, to shine like the California sun but also to maintain our lives in a structured way. For more insight on California's possibilities and challenges, I recently caught up with writer Jenn Chan. She's a traveler, an LA influencer and style expert and her insights and advice for rocking a trip follow below. Chan's ability to maintain structure while living her best life is truly admirable and dare I say, so Californian. | | | | | Visit all of California's national parks in one epic road trip | | | | LA is famous for its epic sunsets | | | | | | | Start in San Francisco. Hike at Land's End, stroll through Golden Gate Park, have dim sum in Chinatown. | | | | | Kayak in Monterey Bay. Head to the aquarium, and then get out on the water to see all the animals that find sanctuary here. | | | | | Explore San Luis Obispo. This county has lovely beach towns, a wine region and a laid-back vibe that is unquestionably California. | | | | | Taste wine around Santa Barbara. Stay in the city, see the missions and go wine tasting in Los Olivos. | | | Take in the beauty of the California coast | | | Visit anytime year-round to enjoy California beaches, endless summer style. | | Fly into a coastal gateway like LAX, SFO, SAN, SBA and rent a car for the week. | | Glamp along the coast, choose a kitschy motel or a luxury property right on the water. | | Visit Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary near Carmel or Hearst Castle in San Simeon. | | | Just in time for your trip-planning pleasure, our upcoming book (pre-order below) is an inspiring guide filled with local tips and fresh perspectives, focusing on California's best experiences to help you design an unforgettable trip. | | | Get to know LA-based writer and frequent traveler Jenn Chan and find out why she always wants to come home. | | | | Explore sea caves at El Matador State Beach in Malibu | | | | | What's your favorite part of being a Californian? | I think we have bragging rights about the weather. I can go to the beach in October. But also we prioritize self-care here. I can go to a sound bath and get a mocktail. When I leave that bubble of the wellness culture, I realize that it's really not the norm. | | | Tell me about living in Los Angeles. What's it like? | It's my happy place. Whenever I come back from my travels, I realize what an incredible destination it is. I feel a sense of peace and happiness every time I come home. There are amazing things here, the creativity of the people is amazing. You'll never be bored in LA. | | | | | "Los Angeles is a city of dreamers. Everyone is here to make their dreams happen and that energy and creativity is just magical." | | | What's your favorite weekend getaway in California? | | | Either San Diego or Santa Barbara. I like to stay on the coast, and both these cities are about two hours from Los Angeles. I'm a city girl but sometimes I need to get out, and it's so great to know I can get someplace with a totally different vibe so easily. You can go to a cabin in the mountains or a cottage by the beach. There is just so much that California offers. | What's an unmissable California destination? | Malibu is my personal magic spot. It's just this little pocket that you can drive up the coast from LA, and it feels like a totally different world. Like a small town with beautiful scenery. There is great food and so many little hidden gems and quiet beaches. It's a great place to get away and really feel the Southern California lifestyle. | | | | | Traffic is king in LA. Choose an area of town you want to explore for the day and stick to it. | | | How should people prepare for a trip to California? | Well, we've mastered the art of looking like we're not trying too hard in our wardrobe, but it's actually really hard. Laid-back denim works year round, and you don't need anything besides a cardigan or biker jacket in the evening. You can't go wrong with anything laid back and minimalistic right now. I hate to say it, but we'll always know when you're not from here. | | | This email was sent to you by: | Lonely Planet Publications Ltd. | 1101 Red Ventures Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29707 | | | |
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