The coastal drive between Los Angeles and San Francisco is one of the most thrilling in the US. The 485-mile Pacific Coast Highway is full of contrasts, with frenetic cities and sleepy villages, long stretches of open road and twisting turns, and rugged cliffs and white sandy beaches.
And while the words ‘green’ and ‘road trip’ don’t usually go together, in California, where green consciousness takes centre stage, it is possible to blend the two, from travelling in a hybrid car to staying in the wide range of eco-friendly hotels on offer.
Days 1-3: Santa Monica, Los Angeles
Why? Just five miles from downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica feels like a world away from the smog-filled air and frenzied traffic in the city.
Where to stay: The Hotel Shangri-la Santa Monica, right opposite the beach and a two-minute walk from the lively Third Street Promenade, has just reopened after a $30 million refurbishment. This striking art deco property has a South Beach-style party vibe, and its monochrome cabanas are drawing in all kinds of LA luvvies.
Another feature of the hotel’s new look is a raft of green practices. For example, the hotel only uses organic cleaning products, and toiletries come in recycled packaging.
What to do: Spend a day shopping on the pedestrianised Third Street Promenade, and stroll among well-heeled Angelenos up Montana Avenue, or hit the beach.
Days 3-5: Santa Barbara
Why? An easy 90-minute drive from Los Angeles, this chilled-out beach town is a great spot to wind down from the big city. With perpetually blue skies, days are well spent relaxing on the beach or exploring the trendy boutiques on State Street. For something more upscale, admire the seven-figure mansions at nearby Montecito, home to Oprah Winfrey.
Where to stay: The Four Seasons Resort, the Biltmore, offers elegant luxury with a conscience. Behind the Biltmore’s perfectly manicured grounds and Spanish-style cottages are a host of stringent green policies enforced by a dedicated ‘green team’ of staff.
Everything from glass to paper is recycled, old towels and sheets are donated to a homeless shelter, and the resort tracks its energy usage each week. Guests also use the Coral Casino Club, a 1930s-style beach club where it is easy to imagine golden-age Hollywood starlets sipping cocktails.
What to do: Leave the car behind and embark on the Red Tile walking tour, which takes in the County Courthouse, Stearns Wharf and the Santa Barbara Historical Museum. Or hop on the open-air electric shuttle on State Street for just 25¢. santabarbaracarfree.org
Days 6-7: The 17-mile drive from Carmel to Monterey
Why? The famous 17-mile drive from the coastal village of Carmel to Monterey offers breathtaking ocean views and passes through exclusive neighbourhoods, sea lion viewing spots and golf courses.
Where to stay: The nautical-themed Captain’s Inn is a friendly bed and breakfast near Monterey with a strong green ethos. As well as all the basics, the hotel staff have been helping to clean up a two-mile stretch of highway. captainsinn.com/green.html
What to do: Take some time to wander aimlessly around Carmel’s impossibly cute shops to see if you can catch sight of Clint Eastwood, who was mayor here from 1986-88.
Days 7-8: Big Sur
Why? Located 1,200 feet above the Pacific Ocean, Big Sur is well worth the hair-raising drive around narrow bends and steep cliffs. Without any village centre, Big Sur consists of luxury hotels, art galleries and restaurants dotted among the trees, just off the road.
Where to stay? The exclusive Post Ranch Inn offers guests the chance to feel close to nature without leaving luxury behind. The Inn, which produces its own pollution-free electricity thanks to recently installed solar panels, consists of a string of wood-and-glass lodges built into the cliffside with spectacular views. Our room, Peak House, had its own spa tub and was completely private, giving us the feeling that we were in an isolated lodge all by ourselves.
What to do: Our first port of call was the Big Sur Bakery, an informal alternative to the Post Ranch Inn’s Sierra Mar. The place is known for its woodfired pizza, but make sure you save room for its gooey chocolate chip cookies. For great views with your food, check out the Nepenthe restaurant.
Days 8-10: San Francisco
Why? With its wonderful mishmash of cultures, San Francisco has a distinctive character and charm that makes it an exhilarating final stop on a US road trip.
Where to stay: The iconic Fairmont San Francisco is located on the top of Nob Hill, the highest peak in the city. Dating back to 1906, the hotel is steeped in history, and photographs of celebrity and royal guests line the walls.
The hotel is embracing eco-conscious travellers by offering an ‘eco-chic’ suite. Designed by eco-designer Kelly LaPlante, the Lexus Hybrid Living Suite has been created with organic and recyclable materials, and guests are offered a green specialist tour guide and complimentary use of a hybrid Lexus car.
What to do: A visit to San Francisco isn’t complete without a boat trip to the imposing Alcatraz prison. For an overview of the city, try Mr Toad’s Tours in eco-friendly propane- powered 1930s cars.
