Starting Point: San Francisco (Car Rental Point)
Highway 1 self-driving usually starts from San Francisco, with must-visit attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf. After landing and collecting your luggage, you will see signs for various car rental companies as you exit the terminal. We recommend Yesaway Car Rental, which offers 24-hour Chinese service. Book your car in advance from home and pick it up on-site without waiting in line.
Stanford University was established in 1891. There are 20 Nobel Prize winners teaching at the university. It has 7 schools, over 15,000 students, and close ties with Silicon Valley. It consistently ranks in the top 10 of comprehensive university rankings in the United States and is one of the pilgrimage sites for IT professionals. In recent years, it has also become a must-visit tourist destination. Must-see attractions at Stanford include Hoover Tower, Main Quad and Memorial Church, Rodin Sculpture Garden and Art Museum, and Stanford Bookstore.
Google's headquarters is still some distance from Steve Jobs' house, specifically near Mountain View. Like a university, it has no walls, and you may find yourself within Google's premises without realizing it. The campus is large, but there are many places worth visiting, so it is recommended to park your car in the parking lot and ride Google's unique bicycles around the campus.
Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay boasts dozens of beautiful beaches, an English-style harbor, historic streets, fresh and delicious seafood, and interesting marine life reserves. Additionally, it is most famous for its annual Pumpkin Festival in the fall. Every October before Halloween, various farms around Half Moon Bay display a variety of golden pumpkins and offer activities such as corn mazes and petting zoos, making it a perfect destination for the whole family.
Pigeon Point Lighthouse stands 115 feet tall and has a history of over 130 years. It is one of the tallest lighthouses in the United States. Every November, many photographers visit to capture a photo of the lighthouse illuminated by the Fresnel lens, which can reach a brightness of 500,000 candelas. This opportunity only comes once a year, so don't forget to press the shutter when you drive by.
Carmel Town Seaside Parking Lot
The 17-Mile Drive connects Monterey and Carmel. Once you exit the scenic area, you arrive at Carmel Town. This is the town that is said to 'change your outlook on life.' Many people come and never want to leave, only regretting that they can't stay a few more days.
Pfeiffer Beach
Pfeiffer Beach is the only purple beach in the world. The entrance fee is $5 per car. The beach is originally made of purple minerals, which are broken down into sand by the waves. As you walk deeper along the beach, the purple color becomes more pronounced, and at the end of the beach, there is a large area of truly purple sand, which is breathtaking. The best time to visit is around sunset.
Hearst Castle
Hearst Castle is located on the hilltop along the coastline of Highway 1 in San Simeon. It was designed by California's first female architect, Julia Morgan, and was once the private residence of publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst. The construction of this architectural complex began in 1919 and was completed in 1947, showcasing extreme luxury and extravagance. The architectural style within the castle is well worth a visit.
Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica Beach is the terminus of Route 66, the lifeline of the westward expansion, and also the finish line of Forrest Gump's run in the movie 'Forrest Gump'. It is known for its clear blue skies and white sandy beaches, dotted with palm trees. In the distance, there is an amusement park with a roller coaster and a Ferris wheel, and a long wooden pier extending into the Pacific Ocean. It is said that Arnold Schwarzenegger once worked here. Enjoying the sunset at Santa Monica Beach is also a highlight, marking the end of the journey on Route 66 in North America.
Solvang Danish Fairytale Kingdom
Denmark, Holland, and Scandinavia are its keywords. Everywhere on the main street, Mission Drive, is a scene. Bright colors, cheerful little flags, small flower scenes, and fairytale-like buildings make the whole town like a beautiful girl humming a cheerful tune, whose every move can make your heart flutter.
Destination: Los Angeles (Return Point)
Local restaurants close relatively early, and along the way, you'll mostly find burgers and fries. It's recommended to bring your own Chinese meals. Returning to the Yesaway rental and return point in Los Angeles marks the end of this West Coast road trip. Warm tip: This section of the road has many slopes, so an SUV is the most suitable choice.
