Road Trip on US1 Pacific Coast

Question

I am planning a trip to California in July for 2 weeks. I plan to drive the US1. We will start from SFO. I have a 14 yr old who uses a wheelchair. I was looking for ideas on which will be good places to cover. I was thinking of SFO , Monterey, Carmel , Big Sur, Santa Barbabra, Malibu, LA. What other places can be added?

++trip length of a week to 2 weeks

++ nature i.e. some pleasant scenery is nice but no interest in hiking, kayaking, etc

++ historical and cultural sights and museums in small doses

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Answer

It sounds like you’re planning an incredible road trip along the stunning Pacific Coast Highway! US1 offers a breathtaking journey with a combination of coastal beauty, cultural spots, and accessible attractions. Since you're traveling with a 14-year-old who uses a wheelchair, I'll suggest places that are accessible, scenic, and enjoyable for everyone, with some interesting stops along the way.

Here's a suggested itinerary for your road trip, along with some additional recommendations and considerations for accessibility:

San Francisco (SFO) – Start in San Francisco, a city known for its iconic landmarks, great food, and cultural history. Some wheelchair-accessible attractions include:

Golden Gate Bridge – Accessible viewpoints with wide walkways. You can visit the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center for a fantastic view and some history.
Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39 – This popular tourist spot has accessible walkways, shopping, and entertainment. You can also visit the sea lions near the pier.
California Academy of Sciences – A great place to explore natural history, aquariums, and more. The museum is fully accessible, with elevators and ramps.

Monterey – About a 2-hour drive down the coast from San Francisco. Visit:

Monterey Bay Aquarium – One of the top aquariums in the country, and fully accessible for wheelchairs. There are fantastic marine exhibits and touch pools.
Monterey Historic District – Explore some of the local history and charming streets, many of which are wheelchair accessible.

Carmel-by-the-Sea – A small, picturesque town that’s a short drive from Monterey. Check out:

Carmel Beach – While the beach itself may be challenging, the area around it has accessible pathways and stunning views.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve – Known for its scenic beauty, there are some accessible viewpoints along the coast.

Big Sur – The iconic Big Sur coast has many accessible viewpoints along US1. While some areas may have rugged terrain, many scenic spots, including McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, offer accessible views of the ocean. Bixby Creek Bridge is also a must-see landmark, and there’s a nice parking area for visitors to stop and take photos.
San Simeon & Hearst Castle – Head south for the famous Hearst Castle, where there are some accessible tours available. The site has a shuttle service that accommodates wheelchairs, though be sure to check ahead for specific tour availability.
Santa Barbara – A beautiful coastal town with plenty of accessible options for sightseeing. Some recommendations include:

Stearns Wharf – A wheelchair-accessible pier with restaurants, shops, and great ocean views.
Santa Barbara County Courthouse – A beautiful historic building with an accessible courtyard and a wheelchair-accessible elevator to the rooftop for panoramic views of the city.

Malibu – A scenic stop to enjoy the California coast. Recommended stops include:

Malibu Pier – Offers an accessible path with great ocean views and some fun dining options nearby.
Point Dume State Beach – Known for its stunning views, the accessible areas here are great for a relaxing stop and a bit of fresh air.

Los Angeles (LA) – End your trip in LA. There are several must-see places with accessible options:

The Getty Center – This world-class museum is fully accessible, with ramps, elevators, and accessible parking.
Santa Monica Pier – A famous landmark, with accessible paths and fun attractions.
Griffith Observatory – While the trails might be challenging, the main observatory area is accessible, offering stunning views of the city and the Hollywood sign.

Other places to consider adding to your route:

Santa Cruz – A fun beach town with a famous boardwalk. Some parts of the boardwalk are wheelchair accessible, and it’s a fun spot to stop for the day.
Hearst Castle – As mentioned earlier, this historic estate is a great place to stop, with an accessible tour option.
Ojai – A lovely town with art galleries, great restaurants, and accessible outdoor areas.

General Tips for a Road Trip with Wheelchair Accessibility:

Check ahead for accessibility options at each stop. While most public places along the coast are accessible, some historic sites or natural areas might have limited access.
Consider calling ahead to make sure the attractions you’re interested in have the necessary facilities and accommodations for your family’s needs.
Plan your stops so you’re not driving for too long between accessible locations, as some areas along the coast can have limited wheelchair-friendly paths or facilities.

This route offers a great balance of scenic beauty, culture, and history. Enjoy your California road trip and the breathtaking views of the Pacific Coast!

Road Trip on US1 Pacific Coast

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