A typical visit to the Bay Area usually includes a trip across the Golden Gate Bridge, but if you would like to enjoy other unique attractions in the central California area without having to battle hoards of traffic opt to travel south from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport toward the beaches rather than north toward the city. Hop in your San Jose Airport car rental and venture south on Highway 1, where you’ll find countless breathtaking places to visit, and some excellent travel destinations along the way.
400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has been entertaining visitors since 1907 and is definitely the first stop you’ll want to make on your road trip south. Home to an indoor arcade and a boardwalk filled with shops, delicious food, and excellent rides, it’s easy to spend the whole day on this beachside boardwalk, basking in the sun and enjoying the rides.
Take a twirl on the Looff Carousel that’s been in operation since 1911, then hit the Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster that’s been thrilling riders since 1924. Grab some fresh-made salt water taffy, then play air hockey inside the arcade. This is an excellent spot for the young and old alike—you really can’t beat an amusement park right on the beach.
886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940
For over 30 years, the Monterey Bay Aquarium has been bringing visitors face-to-face with the undersea world. With close to 200 exhibits within the 322,000 square foot space, you’ll find it easy to spend the entire day wandering through the aquarium, getting acquainted with local sea life.
This aquarium offers something for everyone, whether you’re traveling alone, with kids, or with a significant other. Visit the touch pools, take a guided tour through the Open Sea wing, and catch a live show or feeding. The experiences you’ll have here are unmatched by any other aquarium in the world.
750 Hearst Castle Road, San Simeon, CA 93452
Home. Castle. Museum. Hearst Castle is all of these things and offers visitors a chance to take a step back in time and experience what this grand mansion must have been like during its heyday. Home to William Randolph Hearst, Hearst Castle offers a variety of tours, allowing you to see the castle in unique ways. The Grand Rooms Tour is a must for your first visit, and believe us when we say, you’ll want to come back for a second, third, even fourth visit.
When you choose to rent a car in San Jose with Avis, you have access to a variety of products and services to make your road trip a smooth experience. Consider opting for a fuel plan or even the e-toll option since you never know when you’ll find yourself on a toll road. Why worry about your rental car when all you should be thinking about is making sure you don’t miss any of the killer views along Highway 1?