California road trip 가봐야 할 곳들

 

Los Angeles: Authentic roots

Souvenir stands give it a strictly-for-tourists rep, but Olvera Street anchors El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, where L.A. truly started. There’s good Angeleno history at Avila Adobe; even better margaritas and Mexican food at La Golondrina ($$; 213/628-4349). elpueblo.lacity.org

Los Angeles: Art stop

Miracle Mile’s the classic nickname for the mid-Wilshire stretch of Wilshire Boulevard. These days it should be called Masterpiece Way—two major expansions in three years have pushed the L.A. County Museum of Art (pictured) to the top of culture lovers’ must-see lists. $15; lacma.org

Carpinteria: Call it Carp

That’s the locals’ moniker for one of California’s prettiest little beach towns. Stroll down Linden Avenue for surf shops and a great steak joint (the Palms, $$; 805/684-3811), then wade at Carpinteria State Beach. carpinteriachamber.org

Avila Beach: Coast newbie

Meet the beach town you haven’t heard of—Avila Beach, tucked along San Luis Obispo Bay. What’s here? A cool old pier (avilabeachpier.com) with two good restaurants: Pete’s Pierside Cafe ($) and Olde Port Inn ($$$). And hot tubs at nearby Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort (from $13/hour; sycamoresprings.com)

San Luis Obispo: Smile

A recent book named this university town one of the happiest places on Earth. One source of local joy is SLO’s Thursday Night Downtown Farmers’ Market, maybe the best in the nation. downtownslo.com

Soledad: Hidden gem

Just off 101, Mission Nuestra Señora de la Soledad (831/678-2586) is simple and sweet, with a pretty grove of Mission olives. 

Santa Clara: Seoul patrol

One of the nation’s biggest Korean communities congregates here in Silicon Valley: Center of food and shopping action is El Camino Real between Lawrence and San Tomas Expressways. Good bets include the charming Chasaengwon Tea House (pictured; 408/246-0700).

Palo Alto: Smartville

You don’t have to bleed Cardinal red to enjoy Stanford University: Rodin-watch at Cantor Arts Center (museum.stanford.edu), then nab a sandwich or a salad at adjacent Cool Café ($$; 650/725-4758).

Sausalito: More than skin deep

Pretty but familiar can be the dig against the village on San Francisco Bay. But the hotel and spa at Cavallo Point Lodge (from $360; cavallopoint.com) are knockouts, and you’ll find intriguing shopping around Caledonia Street.  

Ukiah: Sparkling waters

Jack London loved Vichy Mineral Springs Resort (pictured; $30/2 hours; vichysprings.com); you will too. Soak in the carbonated 90° mineral baths or a 104° pool. Then stare up at coast redwoods at Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve (707/937-5804).

(Source: sunset)