8 International Trips From California That Don’t Require Flying
8 International Trips From California That Don't Require Flying - Road Tripping the Pacific Coast Highway
Embarking on a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway in California offers an unforgettable journey through stunning coastal landscapes.
The Pacific Coast Highway (also known as California State Route 1) is officially designated as an "American Scenic Byway" by the US Department of Transportation, recognizing its outstanding scenic, natural, and cultural qualities.
Geologists estimate that the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge, located along the Highway 1 route in Big Sur, was constructed in 1932 using over 700 tons of reinforced concrete, a remarkable feat of engineering for the time.
The average elevation of Highway 1 is just 12 feet above sea level, allowing drivers to experience the stunning juxtaposition of the rugged coastal cliffs meeting the azure Pacific Ocean throughout the journey.
Despite its winding nature, engineers designed Highway 1 with a maximum incline grade of just 7%, making it accessible to a wide range of vehicles, from compact sedans to recreational vehicles.
Interestingly, the Pacific Coast Highway was not officially designated as California State Route 1 until 1937, prior to which it was known by various local monikers, such as the "Coastal Highway" and the "Roosevelt Highway."
What else is in this post?
- 8 International Trips From California That Don't Require Flying - Road Tripping the Pacific Coast Highway
- 8 International Trips From California That Don't Require Flying - Exploring the Tropical Paradise of Puerto Rico
- 8 International Trips From California That Don't Require Flying - Sailing to Santa Catalina Island's Seaside Charm
- 8 International Trips From California That Don't Require Flying - Discovering Nature's Wonders in the US Virgin Islands
- 8 International Trips From California That Don't Require Flying - Cruising down Historic Route 66 to Chicago
- 8 International Trips From California That Don't Require Flying - Island Hopping Adventure in American Samoa
8 International Trips From California That Don't Require Flying - Exploring the Tropical Paradise of Puerto Rico
From the vibrant streets of Old San Juan to the lush El Yunque Rainforest, the island captivates visitors with its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty.
With a variety of itinerary options and easy accessibility for American travelers, this tropical paradise is an ideal destination for those looking to escape to a slice of Caribbean bliss.
The city of San Juan, Puerto Rico's capital, is home to one of the oldest fortifications in the Americas - the 16th-century fortress of El Morro, which stands guard over the city's harbor.
Vieques, a small island off the coast of Puerto Rico, is known for its bioluminescent bay, where microscopic plankton in the water create a dazzling, glowing display when disturbed.
The Puerto Rican parrot, one of the world's most endangered parrots, was once on the brink of extinction but has been the focus of a successful conservation program, with the population now numbering over 500 birds.
The Arecibo Observatory, located in Puerto Rico, was the world's largest single-dish radio telescope until its collapse in 2020, and it played a crucial role in various scientific discoveries, including the first detection of a binary pulsar.
Puerto Rico is home to the El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the United States National Forest System, boasting over 240 tree species and a diverse array of flora and fauna.
The island's cuisine is a unique blend of Spanish, African, and indigenous Taíno influences, with signature dishes such as mofongo, a savory plantain-based dish, and arroz con gandules, a rice and pigeon pea dish.
Puerto Rico is a major hub for the production of rum, with brands like Bacardí, Don Q, and Serralles producing high-quality rums that are exported globally.
8 International Trips From California That Don't Require Flying - Sailing to Santa Catalina Island's Seaside Charm
Several companies offer sailing trips to Santa Catalina Island from California, allowing travelers to experience the island's coastal beauty without the need for air travel.
These excursions depart from various ports and offer both private and group tours, typically ranging from 2-3 days in duration.
Prices vary depending on the itinerary, amenities, and activities included, with options ranging from basic sailing experiences to luxury liner voyages.
The serene coastal scenery and abundant marine life are highlights of these sailing adventures to the island.
The sailing journey from the California mainland to Santa Catalina Island typically takes 8-13 hours, depending on the chosen route and itinerary.
Catalina Adventure Sailing in Avalon Harbor is the only sailing charter company operating on the island, providing both scenic tours and private charters to cater to various traveler preferences.
While regular ferry services are available from multiple mainland cities, including San Pedro, Long Beach, Dana Point, and Newport Beach, the sailing excursions offer a more intimate and adventurous way to reach the island.
Private sailing charters to Catalina Island can be booked from ports in San Diego, with the option to split the journey by including an overnight stay in either Oceanside or Dana Point.
The sailing excursions to Catalina Island often include stops at the island's two main areas, Avalon and Two Harbors, allowing visitors to explore the diverse attractions and activities on offer.
Prices for the sailing trips to Catalina Island vary depending on the itinerary, duration, and amenities provided by the charter companies, catering to a range of budgets and traveler preferences.
Before embarking on the sailing trip, charter companies typically provide essential information and guidelines to travelers, covering necessary items, weather conditions, and safety precautions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.
8 International Trips From California That Don't Require Flying - Discovering Nature's Wonders in the US Virgin Islands
The US Virgin Islands, a US territory, offer a wealth of natural attractions for travelers, from lush mountains and tropical forests to stunning beaches and clear waters.
Visitors can explore the scenic hiking trails and snorkeling sites within the Virgin Islands National Park, or enjoy activities like sailing, scuba diving, and visiting historic sites like the Mountain Top establishment.
Compared to flying, there are several international trip options from California that don't require air travel, making the US Virgin Islands an accessible and affordable destination for nature enthusiasts.
The US Virgin Islands are home to over 50 species of coral, making them a prime destination for scuba diving and snorkeling enthusiasts to explore the vibrant underwater ecosystems.
The Virgin Islands National Park on the island of St.
John is the only national park in the United States that is entirely underwater, encompassing over 7,000 acres of protected marine habitats.
Maho Bay on the island of St.
The US Virgin Islands are located directly in the path of the Atlantic hurricane belt, and as a result, have developed a unique flora and fauna that are adapted to withstand the powerful storms that frequently hit the region.
The islands are home to the world's rarest lizard species, the St.
Croix ground lizard, which was once thought to be extinct but has since been rediscovered in small populations on a few uninhabited offshore cays.
The island of St.
Thomas is home to the highest point in the US Virgin Islands, known as Crown Mountain, which reaches an elevation of 1,556 feet and offers panoramic views of the surrounding Caribbean landscape.
The islands are known for their unique geological formations, such as the dramatic cliffs and rock formations found at Coki Point on the island of St.
Thomas, which were formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago.
The US Virgin Islands are home to several species of endemic birds, including the Caribbean elaenia, the Puerto Rican tody, and the Antillean crested hummingbird, which can be spotted by birdwatchers exploring the islands' lush forests and coastal habitats.
The US Virgin Islands are a popular destination for researchers studying the effects of climate change on tropical ecosystems, as the islands' diverse habitats provide a natural laboratory for monitoring the impacts of rising temperatures and ocean acidification.
8 International Trips From California That Don't Require Flying - Cruising down Historic Route 66 to Chicago
Historic Route 66, spanning over 2,400 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, offers a classic American road trip experience.
The iconic Route 66, also known as the "Mother Road," originally spanned over 2,400 miles across 8 states, connecting Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California.
Despite its long history, Route 66 was officially established as a US Highway in 1926, making it one of the earliest transcontinental highway systems in the United States.
During its heyday in the mid-20th century, Route 66 played a crucial role in the migration of millions of Americans, as it provided a vital transportation link between the Midwest and the West Coast.
The fastest documented speed recorded on Route 66 was 186 mph, set by a professional race car driver in 1935, showcasing the road's potential for high-speed travel.
In the 1950s, the average cost of a gallon of gasoline along Route 66 was just 25 cents, making it an affordable option for road trippers of the era.
The Route 66 roadway was constructed using a variety of materials, including concrete, asphalt, and even crushed limestone, depending on the terrain and available resources in each state.
The iconic Route 66 neon signs, which were once a common sight along the highway, were designed to be visible from a distance, often using advanced lighting technologies for the time.
Many of the classic roadside attractions and diners that once dotted Route 66 have been preserved as historic landmarks, allowing modern-day travelers to experience a glimpse of the road's nostalgic past.
The total elevation change along the Route 66 corridor from Chicago to Los Angeles is over 7,000 feet, with the highest point being the Continental Divide in western New Mexico.
Despite its decommissioning as a US Highway in 1985, Route 66 remains a beloved and iconic road trip destination, attracting millions of visitors each year to explore its rich history and scenic landscapes.
8 International Trips From California That Don't Require Flying - Island Hopping Adventure in American Samoa
American Samoa offers visitors the opportunity to explore its islands through a variety of guided tours and excursions.
From half-day boat trips across the lagoon to multi-day island-hopping adventures, travelers can discover the natural wonders and cultural attractions of this Pacific territory.
American Samoa is the only US territory south of the equator, located approximately 2,300 miles southwest of California in the South Pacific Ocean.
The Manu'a Islands, a group of three volcanic islands in American Samoa, are home to the world's largest colony of Pisonia grandis trees, a species known for its unique buttressed root system.
Pago Pago Harbor, the main port of American Samoa, is considered one of the deepest natural harbors in the world, with a maximum depth of over 200 feet.
The National Park of American Samoa is the only US National Park located in the Southern Hemisphere, covering over 13,500 acres of tropical rainforests, coral reefs, and volcanic landscapes.
Contrary to popular belief, the traditional Samoan canoe, or va'a, is not outrigger-style, but rather a double-hulled vessel, a unique design that provides enhanced stability and maneuverability.
The Samoan flying fox, a large fruit bat species, is the national symbol of American Samoa and can have a wingspan of up to 5 feet.
The Samoan islands are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for its high seismic and volcanic activity, with several active volcanoes located within the territory.
American Samoa is home to the world's largest Polynesian population, with over 55,000 residents, many of whom maintain traditional Samoan cultural practices and language.
The Samoan archipelago, including American Samoa, is believed to be one of the earliest settled regions in Polynesia, with archaeological evidence suggesting human habitation as early as 3,000 years ago.
The Samoan taro, a staple crop in the region, is known for its ability to thrive in the tropical climate and is considered one of the most nutritious varieties of taro globally.
American Samoa is the only US territory where the metric system is the official unit of measurement, a legacy of its historical ties to New Zealand and other Pacific nations.