When is the last time you just got in your car and went on a drive? Not to anywhere, not for anything, just a drive. Motorcyclists do it all the time. I love it—just me alone in my little metal shell. Time to think, time to work stuff out. — Jeremy Clarkson
Why?
I’ve always been a gearhead. That feeling of being in control of your vehicle with the open road ahead of you is sacred to me. Growing up in India, I had the privilege of driving my father’s cars and riding his motorcycle during college, learning from the very beginning my love for vehicles and how they enable me to explore. However, it wasn't until recently that I had the opportunity to truly experience the vast, open road.
Bogged down by pandemic lockdowns in 2021 I finally traded in my first car, a pre-owned 2012 Honda Civic I bought for my first job, after seven years of ownership. I traded it for a brand new Subaru WRX. At the time, I didn't even know what the name was an acronym for, but a little over a year later, I set off on a cross-country adventure. When I relocated from Washington D.C. to Seattle in 2023, there was no question about how I would get my car there: it would get me across the country.
I still consider the five days I spent driving cross-country the best five days of my life. I wanted to relive that feeling without uprooting my life again. So, the plan was set: down the Pacific Coast and back. Now, I have a new "best of life" experience and a cemented belief that driving brings me pure joy.
The Trip
Total route at a glance: 2,500 miles in 5 days with plenty of smaller detours.
Trip Summary
| Day | Route | Distance | Duration | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seattle, WA to Dublin, CA | 800 miles | < 12 hours | Siskiyou Pass, I-5 corridor |
| 2 | Dublin, CA to Santa Barbara, CA | 350 miles | ~6 hours | Highway 1, Hearst Castle |
| 3 | Santa Barbara, CA to Long Beach, CA | < 200 miles | Full Day | PCH, Point Dume, Malibu, Hollywood Boulevard |
| 4 | Long Beach, CA to Redding, CA | ~600 miles | ~10 hours | Central Valley, Lake Corcoran history |
| 5 | Redding, CA to Seattle, WA | ~600 miles | ~10 hours | Mount Shasta, home stretch |
Day 1: Seattle, WA to Dublin, CA
I started with my longest single-day distance. I chose the "Plan B" route, I-5. While my first preference was the scenic Highway 101, rain and clouds made the extra day of driving and added risk unappealing. It rained the entire time, so I was glad to be on the interstate.
The only questionable part of this route was crossing Siskiyou Pass, where elevation and precipitation can easily turn into ice. I was lucky it didn't. I reached Dublin in under 12 hours and spent Christmas week there with friends and family, including a visit to San Francisco.
Hiked up a hill around Dublin to capture this view; Northern California is much greener during the winter.
Day 2: Dublin, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
A clear, sunny day prompted me to head straight for the Pacific Coast Highway.
Somewhere between Highway 101 and Highway 1 (CA State Route 46) — the ocean suddenly hits you in the distance after winding through hilly roads.
Hearst Castle
Along the way, I visited Hearst Castle. It was a destination I had looked forward to for a long time. It was absolutely breathtaking — a glimpse into the life of a billionaire over a century ago. There were no TVs or screens, yet it was equipped to entertain the elite like they had never seen before.
Hearst Castle (Public image).
After the tour, I made my way to Santa Barbara and spent my first night at a hostel. You have to be vigilant with safety, but it's a great way to find company in a new place.
Day 3: Santa Barbara, CA to Long Beach, CA
Another beautiful, clear day — I could not ask for more. After a long morning walk at the beach and pier, I got back on the road.
Santa Barbara Pier—looking toward the city and the road ahead.
This part of the PCH through Ventura and Malibu is like a dream. Being under an hour from a sprawling metro, it feels like you are living on the edge of the world, yet civilization is right there.
I stopped at Point Dume, and was surprised to learn it was named by George Vancouver, the explorer who first mapped the area in 1792 and the namesake for Vancouver, BC.
Entering LA is overwhelming — the traffic, the rush. I wanted to stop by Griffith Park to see the city from above, but it would have set me back several hours. Instead, I hung around Hollywood Boulevard, met an old colleague, and headed to my alma mater college town: Long Beach.
I spent the next two days in Long Beach reliving my college days and meeting old friends. I hadn't been back for over 12 years; as familiar as it felt, the changes were palpable.
Belmont Pier, Long Beach — the first beach I ever visited when I moved to the US 14 years ago.
Day 4 & 5: Long Beach, CA to Seattle, WA
Finally, it was time to head home. Splitting the return trip across two days with a stop in Redding, CA made the leg feasible. Day 4 featured long, straight roads through the Central California Valley.
I realized an interesting geographical fact: the valley used to be a vast lake. Close to 700,000 years ago, it was much larger, covering almost the entire valley, and was called Lake Corcoran. A geological event caused it to drain through the San Francisco Bay. Even as recently as 1850, a smaller body called Tulare Lake existed, and the area remains flood-prone today.
This history explains why the valley is primed for farming. I passed endless farms, cattle ranches, and straight roads on flat land before stopping in Redding for the night. On the final day, I started early and enjoyed clear views of the mountains—a stark contrast to the low visibility I experienced heading south. I got to see Mount Shasta, Mount Hood, but Mount Rainier was unfortunately shrouded in fog.
Mount Shasta in the morning light
Mental Health
More important than the "why" is how this trip affected me. Beyond my love for driving and the outdoors, spending five days in solitude, away from my laptop and the endless "doom scrolling", it was a true retreat.
Driving requires focus, but only just enough to allow the mind to ponder and reflect. It is a meditative experience, much like a walk where the motion keeps you alert and present while allowing for deep reflection. Doing this for over five days was the perfect way to recharge.
Arriving back in a characteristically cloudy and rainy Seattle, I didn't feel brought down by the weather. I felt refreshed and ready to face the year ahead. I’m grateful for the opportunity and look forward to more journeys like this in the future.
