There is nothing like the prospect of a road trip in the spring. It is a time of rebirth, and everywhere you look, there are buds on the branches and plants emerging from the ground. Northern California is filled with such beauty and wild adventures everywhere you turn. Imagine climbing in a convertible and heading down the windswept coastline where California meets the vast Pacific ocean.
All along northern California, you will find a variety of landscapes, from beaches to mountains and redwood forests; you will discover off-beat and historical landmarks to keep you coming back for more. If you are looking for some juicy history, you may want to head in-land and learn about the gold rush of 1849. Another highway filled with history is Highway 49. Did you know that the football team was named after this California highway winding its way through the Sierra Nevada's. This is the heart of the wild west as we think of it today. Be sure to explore the Marshall Gold Discovery Historic State Park. This is where gold was first discovered in the area. There are camps such as Angels camp that you can stroll down along their boardwalks and imagine what it was like to live in a mining camp.
Highway 1 running along the Pacific Coast is a road trip for the record books. Winding through the city of San Francisco, you will enjoy a two-lane highway that takes you through Half Moon Bay and into Santa Cruz. Be sure to take the time to walk along the boardwalk and check out the amusement rides while you are there. If you have a chance to cruise in a convertible that way, take it! It will be a memory you won't soon forget with those gorgeous winding roads along the cliffside.
As you continue your journey south, be sure to stop at the fruit stands along the way to pick up fresh berries or avocados to snack on. When you arrive in Monterey, you can easily spend most of a day visiting their famous aquarium. The neighboring city, Carmel-By-The-Sea, has incredible art galleries to stroll through if you have the time. Another destination is Bixby Canyon Bridge taking you to Big Sur. You can power down this trip in just a few hours, or slowly meander along and make a couple of days of it. Plan to stay in Santa Cruz if you have the time to break up the adventure. Mendocino is a fantastic place to stay and has a famous glass beach.
If you are looking for a shorter trip, take a drive through the Avenue of the Giants, this can take a full day as you meander along the two-lane highway. It is awesome to see some of the world's tallest trees. There are many places to pull off, such as Humboldt-Redwoods State Park. You might find yourself wanting to continue the adventure south into the Redwoods National Park. We recommend it!
If you would like to bring your car in for a spring check-up before heading out on a road trip, we at Foreign Autohaus are happy to help! Schedule an appointment or give us a call if you have any questions about your tires or if you are in need of service. Foreign Autohaus is conveniently located at 301 Blue Ravine Rd., Folsom, CA 95630.
We look forward to serving you and your vehicle soon.