US (California)
At-A-Glance
Main Highlights
Yosemite National Park: Towering granite cliff walls and waterfalls – it almost feels like Grand Canyon with water, and in a different colour shade. We camped out here for a few days while taking out easy day hikes. We could re-visit it when the little Beans are older to take on the more adventurous paths!
Sequoia National Park: Famous for its giant trees, including the largest tree on Earth (the General Sherman!) One of the highlights is also the Tunnel Log (a fallen giant tree across the road, which had a hole cut through it so the road was made passable again) – we even drove by a family of bears casually strolling by the road
Pacific 101 Highway: Driving into the sunset as the highway winds along the coast, with the top off a convertible – is one of the defining “Californian” experiences. So many highlights along the way, including the Monterey, 17 mile along Carmel, Big Sur, Madonna Inn and even the elephant seals at Point Piedras Blancas!
San Francisco: This city needs no introduction – we explored this beautiful place on bicycles and it was an experience to lead a convoy of extended family through the Golden Gate Bridge (never knew it would be so windy!)
Disneyland Anaheim: A short drive south from Los Angeles, a visit to Disneyland breaks up our itinerary between the National Parks. Of course the little Beans loved it and they can’t wait to grow taller to take on more exciting rides. Time to feed them more vegetables, or so they think!