Clinging on to the outside of a cable car, with the wind whipping our faces as we hurtled up and down San Francisco’s famously steep streets was quite the adrenaline rush.
Cresting a hill, we were met with fantastic views of its uniquely undulating cityscape with the glittering bay in the distance. It was a fun introduction to what was the first stop on our California road trip.
My husband Ian and I had decided to celebrate our silver wedding anniversary by retracing our honeymoon – with our kids in tow.
We would be covering more than 700 miles by road, stopping en route in Monterey before visiting Los Angeles and finally Las Vegas, taking in many sights along the way.
San Francisco is known for its relaxed vibe and this was reflected in the four-star Kimpton Alton boutique hotel, with a DJ spinning decks in the lobby as we arrived, setting the tone for a chilled-out stay.
Our room had large windows from which you could glimpse the city’s waterfront, a gorgeous bathroom and the most comfortable bed – just what you need after an 11-hour flight.
James, 18, and Nina, 16, loved their connecting room, giving them privacy to get their fix of phone time.
A nice touch was the record player with a selection of albums – not that we had much time for music.
Located in the Fisherman’s Wharf area, we were a stone’s throw from Pier 39 with its arcade of shops and eateries. Sadly, the famous sealions usually basking on pontoons near the shore were nowhere to be seen.
We boarded the ferry to Alcatraz, the prison where Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly did time. On sunny days you can enjoy great views of the bay on the short ride to the island.
Former inmates and guards talk you through what life was like in the penitentiary in a fascinating audio guide as you walk around the cells.
A hop on-hop off bus tour is a great way to tick off a few must-sees and sightseeing from the open-air top deck was a pleasant way to spend a morning.
The route includes zigzagging Lombard Street, the USA’s oldest Chinatown, and Union Square with stores like Macy’s.
However the best place to shop with teens is Haight-Ashbury, birthplace of the hippy movement and now home to vintage stores and quirky shops such as Piedmont Boutique.
We drove over the Golden Gate Bridge, but the best way to see this landmark is to cycle it.
After collecting bikes and helmets from Blazing Saddles rental company, we set off on the beginner-friendly route from Fisherman’s Wharf where you can cruise along the National Park bike path.
It is mostly flat, and has great vantage points for Insta-worthy shots.
It was blustery on the bridge itself but it made for an exhilarating ride and it was awe-inspiring to get up close and personal with this feat of engineering.
Mornings tend to be misty on this part of the coast, especially in summer, but it usually burns off by the afternoon to reveal bright blue skies.
This was the case as we set off on the two-hour journey to Monterey. On our honeymoon we had only made a pit stop here but had always wanted to go back.
Clouds made way for glorious sunshine as we arrived to explore its charming pier and Cannery Row’s souvenir shops, and enjoyed a delicious cioppino – tomato-based seafood stew – while savouring lovely ocean views as the sun set.
LA was next on our list, and to get there we travelled south along the famous Pacific Coast Highway. It’s worth negotiating the vertigo-inducing cliff roads for the breathtaking views: mile after mile of sapphire ocean, rugged cliffs and coves dotted with seals.
Allow extra time for the many vista stops.
Arriving in LA, we took a detour up to the Griffith Observatory which commands spectacular views of the City of Angels.
It’s also the place to take obligatory photos with the Hollywood sign in the distance, or you can take the two hours to hike to it – but look out for rattlesnakes.
A highlight of our stay was a celebrity homes tour on a minibus which took us up into the Hollywood hills.
You might only glimpse a hedge or driveway but it was still a thrill to drive by properties owned by stars such as Quentin Tarantino and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.
Our final destination was Las Vegas, just over the border in Nevada, which took about four hours. The drive may not be as picturesque as Highway 1 but its arid landscape has a beauty of its own.
Our ears popped as we reached 4,000ft at one point and our skin prickled with the heat when signs warned us to turn off the air con to prevent the car overheating.
Sin City was an assault on the senses. It was much more built up than we remembered with shops, restaurants and casinos jostling for attention with a replica Eiffel Tower, fountains and Venetian-style canals.
We were staying in Caesars Palace which really is fit for an emperor, with gold and marble decor, and Roman statues and pillars everywhere.
It is so huge you could find plenty to do without leaving the hotel. For high rollers there are shops such as Gucci, and restaurants from Nobu to Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen.
With temperatures reaching up to 40C you need to cool off and the Gardens of the Gods with its multiple pools, cabanas, palm trees and bars is the perfect place to do it in style.
If you need to reconnect with nature, Vegas is the ideal base from which to take a day trip to the Grand Canyon. And when I say nature, I mean nature at its most majestic.
It took just under three hours to reach the West Rim on our Gray Line bus tour and at Guano Point we were treated to nearly 360 degree panoramic views. It is so spectacular it looks unreal. Shades of pink and grey, the rocky wonder is so vast it makes you feel dizzy.
It was the perfect way to end a trip during which we had made some special memories with the teens while they were still happy to holiday with mum and dad.
Now, what shall we do for our ruby anniversary?
Book the holiday
Get there: Virgin Atlantic fares from Heathrow to San Francisco, returning from Las Vegas, start at £497. Find out more and book at virginatlantic.com.
Stay there: Rooms at the Kimpton Alton in San Francisco from around £233 a night.
- Rooms at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas start at around £83 a night
- Rooms at Colton Inn in Monterey start at around £99 a night.
- Rooms at Le Parc at Melrose in West Hollywood, LA, from around £255 a night.
Extras:
- Car hire with Hertz.
- San Francisco CityPASS saves 50% on four attractions, around £64.
- Alcatraz with 2 Day Hop-on Hop-Off Bus Tour ticket £123.
You can also get more information at sftravel.com, seemonterey.com, discoverlosangeles.com and visitlasvegas.com.
