The Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Campbell, CA to Pleasanton, CA
The Bay Area in California is riddled with hundreds of road trip routes, but there is one that stands out as a must-see. This route takes you from the South Bay, through the East Bay, and ends up in the Tri-Valley region. Along the way, there are plenty of amazing sights to see, stunning scenic drives, and unique local experiences. The halfway point of this trip is Fremont, CA, where you can take a break and recharge.
1. Visit the Artichoke Capital of the World in Castroville, CA.
Castroville, CA, is located in the heart of the Central Coast and is known for being the Artichoke Capital of the World. The town is home to the annual Artichoke Festival, where visitors can enjoy deep-fried artichokes, artichoke soups, and even artichoke ice cream. Aside from the festival, the town has plenty of fun experiences to offer. You can visit the historic downtown area and enjoy some great food, including the famous Dooley's World Famous BBQ Steakhouse.
Interesting fact: Castroville is also home to the largest artichoke statue in the world.
2. Take a stroll through the Historic District of Monterey, CA.
If you're interested in California's rich history, then Monterey, CA, is a must-see destination. The town is home to countless historic landmarks, including the iconic Cannery Row and Monterey Bay Aquarium. A stroll through the historic downtown area takes you back in time to when Monterey was a bustling fishing town and the capital of Spanish and Mexican California. The town also offers plenty of outdoor activities, such as kayaking and whale watching.
Interesting fact: John Steinbeck's famous novel, "Cannery Row," was set in Monterey, and the author himself lived in the town for many years.
3. Drive along the Scenic 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach, CA.
No road trip through the Bay Area is complete without a drive along the iconic 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach, CA. The route takes you through stunning coastal scenery and past some of the most exclusive golf courses in the world. Along the way, you can stop at sites such as the iconic Lone Cypress and the Del Monte Forest. Be sure to keep an eye out for sea lions, seals, and whales along the way.
Interesting fact: The 17-Mile Drive was originally created by the Pacific Improvement Company to lure visitors to Monterey.
4. Explore the Oakland Zoo in Oakland, CA.
The Oakland Zoo in Oakland, CA, is a great family-friendly destination for any road trip. The zoo is home to over 660 native and exotic animals, including giraffes, lions, and elephants. The zoo is divided into several different areas, including the Rainforest Adventure, African Savanna, and California Trail. Be sure to take the gondola up to the hilltop for stunning views of the Bay Area.
Interesting fact: The Oakland Zoo was the first zoo in the world to successfully breed the world's largest porcupine species, the African crested porcupine.
5. Have a paddle at Lake Del Valle in Livermore, CA.
Livermore, CA, is located in the Tri-Valley region of the Bay Area and is known for its wineries and outdoor recreation. Lake Del Valle is a great place to enjoy some paddle sports, such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or canoeing. The lake is also home to many different species of fish, making it a great spot for fishing enthusiasts. Aside from the lake, visitors can explore several hiking trails and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Interesting fact: Lake Del Valle is the largest lake in the East Bay Regional Park District.
In conclusion, the route from Campbell, CA, to Pleasanton, CA, is a great road trip adventure that offers plenty of unique experiences and stunning scenery. With stops at Castroville, Monterey, Pebble Beach, Oakland, and Livermore, visitors can enjoy a variety of historic landmarks, outdoor activities, and one-of-a-kind local offerings. The total time it takes to complete this route is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, making it a perfect day trip or weekend getaway.