The days of hitting the open road with nothing but a paper map to guide your way are long gone. Thanks to smart devices and the Internet, travelers now have access to countless apps and digital tools that can help with every step and detail of a road trip, from trip planners and online maps to travel-savvy social media accounts and blogs. Try out these five trip planners and travel tools as you prepare for your next trip to our Carmel inn.
Roadtrippers
When taking a road trip, it's true that the process of "getting there" can be just as fun as the trip's destination itself. Still, travelers often rush to the finish line and end up overlooking unique and exciting sight-seeing opportunities that come up on the road. Roadtrippers is one of the most popular travel apps for planning an itinerary that maps points of interest along the way. This helpful app gets you where you want to go while showing you the scenic drives, restaurants, small towns, and attractions you otherwise may have missed. By simply entering your start point, trip destination, and interests, you can use Roadtrippers to lay out your route and find cool things to do between points A and B.
Google Maps
Chances are you probably already use Google Maps on a regular basis, even if it's just to find ways to get around your local area. While Google's main navigating tool is very handy for day-to-day driving, it's especially useful to have on long road trips where you don't know exactly how to reach your destination. Whether you're traveling to the city suburbs of San Francisco or the coastline of the Pacific Ocean, Google Maps allows you to select an area and download its map, making it ready to use even when there is no cell service or Wi-Fi. This is especially helpful for day trips through long stretches of rural areas.
Google My Maps
A somewhat partner app to Google Maps, Google My Maps is a navigation tool specifically designed with travelers in mind. In addition to helping you find the best road trip route to your destination, Google My Maps allows you to create custom maps where you can plot all of your points of interest along the way. You can then group your different destinations into categories, such as restaurants, hiking trails, or great photo opportunities. When it comes time to start planning your itinerary, Google My Maps will even help you brainstorm and organize all of the details.
AllTrails
On the east coast, there's no shortage of both hallmark trails and off-the-beaten-path routes waiting for exploration. AllTrails, an app specifically designed for outdoor enthusiasts, is a GPS system and trail map database that locates nearby hikes for walking, climbing, and even mountain biking. In total, the app generates over 300,000 trails with hand-curated trail maps and allows users to create custom lists, as well as mark any favorite spots to revisit. Currently, there are more than 10 million members using AllTrails, making it one of the most used hiking apps in the world, according to Pilot.
In addition to being one of the Internet's most popular social media platforms, Pinterest is also an excellent tool for exploring the possibilities for your next road trip. Using Pinterest, you can search for terms such as "Carmel road trip" or "Point Lobos State Reserve hiking" and discover photos and links related to your desired destinations. Pinterest also allows you to save your findings, create idea boards for your travel itinerary, and browse other users' boards for inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I plan a road trip to Carmel?
Map your route along Highway for the most scenic drive. Plan stops at viewpoints, allow extra time for coastal fog, and book accommodations in advance during summer.
What apps help with California coast road trip planning?
Google Maps, Roadtrippers, and GasBuddy are essential. California State Parks apps help identify hiking stops along the way.
How long is the drive from San Francisco to Carmel?
The drive takes about hours via Highway , though the scenic route deserves more time to enjoy viewpoints and coastal towns along the way.
What should I pack for a Carmel road trip?
Layers for variable weather, a camera for stunning views, snacks and water, and a sense of adventure. The drive is as memorable as the destination.
Where should I stay when I reach Carmel?
The Carmel Green Lantern Inn offers the perfect road trip reward: peaceful garden cottages just steps from the beach and village.
Plan Your Stay at a Carmel Inn
The right travel tools can help you get the most out of your next road trip to Carmel Green Lantern Inn. Our peaceful and charming accommodations are located just minutes from downtown Carmel-By-The-Sea and many Monterey County beaches. Learn more about our rooms, featured specials and packages, and amenities when you book your stay today.
