The Ultimate Californian Road Trip: Highway One Adventure ✨🌎
Travel is a concept imbued with boundless ambition. With so many places and experiences available on our amazing planet, creating a bucket list becomes an essential exercise in capturing the most remarkable moments life has to offer. One such experience is driving Highway One along the Pacific Coast from Los Angeles to San Francisco—a journey I had wanted to enjoy since reading Steinbeck's Cannery Row as a young boy. Now that I have completed this iconic route, I can say it deserves a prominent place on anyone's travel list.
Big Sur and Highway 1
Big Sur: Nature at Its Most Pristine 🏔️
The highlight of Highway One is undoubtedly Big Sur, a stunning 90-mile stretch of unspoiled natural beauty. With minimal development—almost no towns or villages—this segment of the drive offers the purest combination of ocean and mountain scenery, creating an immersive experience that captures the heart with every twist and turn.
Not many stopping places along Big Sur
The name "Big Sur" derives from the Spanish "el sur grande", which translates to "the big south." The vastness of Big Sur is beyond what many can imagine, certainly more expansive than anything comparable in the Westcountry. The closest analogy might be the Exmoor coast, though it pales in comparison after spending an entire day traversing from San Luis Obispo to the coastal resort town of Carmel. During the drive, you will witness rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and a variety of wildlife, from sea otters floating among the kelp forests to California condors soaring above the craggy peaks.
Start of the Journey: Leaving Los Angeles Behind 🚘🌅
Our adventure began in the bustling metropolis of Los Angeles, with its infamous traffic jams and frenetic pace. However, the journey transformed once we left Santa Monica behind, and Highway One began to reveal the breathtaking coastal beauty that lay ahead. The iconic palm trees swayed in the wind as we cruised along, while the scent of saltwater hinted at the adventure awaiting us.
Malibu and Ventura were our first noteworthy stops. In Malibu, we passed the exclusive beach homes of Hollywood stars, their luxurious mansions evoking the glamour synonymous with the region. Ventura, in contrast, was a poignant reminder of California's diverse socioeconomic landscape. Here, teams of immigrants from Mexico and South America laboured in the strawberry fields, their hard work and resilience contrasting sharply with the opulence we had just left behind.
Santa Barbara: The Perfect Lunch Stop 🍷🌿
Santa Barbara, one of the most beautiful and refined communities along Highway One, served as the perfect place for a midday break. Its scenic surroundings, Spanish-style architecture, and relaxed atmosphere provided an ideal respite before continuing northward. Palm-lined streets and the charming Stearns Wharf offered stunning views of the ocean and the distant Channel Islands. We settled at a local bistro for lunch, where we savored the farm-to-table cuisine that showcases the vibrant, fresh flavors of California.
After lunch, we continued our journey, spending two nights in Pizmo Beach to explore the area's diverse offerings. Pizmo Beach has three distinct facets: the expansive golden beach with excellent surf, the kitschy tourist area filled with fast-food joints and bars, and the upscale section with hotels offering breathtaking ocean views. We opted for a stay at the Sea Crest Resort, where we could whale-watch from our comfortable suite perched above the ocean. The sunsets here were spectacular, painting the sky in vivid hues of orange and pink as the waves crashed onto the shore below.
Sycamore Mineral Springs: Hot-Tub Heaven 🏝️✨
To escape the busier parts of Pizmo Beach, we drove to Sycamore Mineral Springs near Avila Beach for an unforgettable evening. We enjoyed dinner in modern Californian style, followed by several moonlit hours soaking in a private hot tub on the mountainside. The hot tubs at Sycamore Mineral Springs have a fascinating history, dating back to 1886, when prospectors seeking "liquid gold" discovered instead the naturally occurring hot sulphur mineral water. The water's supposed healing properties made it a popular destination, and as we soaked in the steaming water surrounded by nature, it was easy to understand why. The serene ambiance under a blanket of stars made it an evening to remember.
Exploring Morro Bay: Champagne Breakfast Cruise 🍷⛵
Sunday morning brought us to Morro Bay, a picturesque natural harbor with a laid-back charm. We boarded The Chablis, a 50-foot riverboat, for a leisurely champagne breakfast cruise. The views of Morro Rock, an imposing 500-foot volcanic plug, dominated the harbour entrance and added a dramatic touch to the landscape. As we drifted along the calm waters, we spotted sea lions lounging on the docks, pelicans diving into the bay for fish, and playful sea otters floating on their backs. Morro Bay's unassuming atmosphere and natural beauty made it a perfect place to pause and enjoy the simple pleasures of the California coast.
After our cruise, we took time to explore the waterfront, visiting local shops and art galleries. We also explored Morro Bay State Park, which offered scenic hiking trails and a small natural history museum that provided insights into the region's unique ecosystem. The views of the bay from the park, framed by the mountains in the distance, were absolutely stunning.
SLO to Big Sur: A Journey Through History and Wilderness 🏠🗼
Before heading further north, we stopped for a walking tour of San Luis Obispo (SLOtown), a historic town founded in 1772. The town's Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, one of California's oldest missions, gave us a glimpse into the region's colonial history. The charming streets of SLO are lined with boutiques, cafes, and historic architecture, providing a glimpse of life in a quintessential small California town.
The drive through Big Sur is simply beyond words. Leaving San Simeon behind, the road winds through the rugged Santa Lucia Mountains, where the interplay between ocean and mountain creates an extraordinary landscape. The area's remoteness has inspired countless artists and writers, including Henry Miller and Jack Kerouac, and it is easy to see why. We stopped at Pfeiffer Beach, renowned for its purple sands and dramatic rock formations. Watching the waves crash through the natural archways in the rocks was mesmerising, .
We also explored Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, where an 80-foot waterfall cascades onto a secluded beach. The park's trails meandered through ancient redwood groves, providing breathtaking views of the coastline below. The sense of solitude and the untamed beauty of Big Sur offered a reminder of the majesty of the natural world.
Carmel & Monterey: California's Gems 💎
After Big Sur, we arrived at Carmel, a picturesque town that has long attracted artists, writers, and celebrities—including Clint Eastwood, who served as mayor. Carmel is known for its charming cottages, art galleries, and beautiful white-sand beach. We spent the afternoon wandering Carmel Village, enjoying the quaint architecture and stopping for coffee and pastries at a local bakery. The town's commitment to preserving its natural beauty is evident; there are no streetlights or neon signs, allowing the stars to shine brightly overhead at night.
Though we chose to skip Monterey on this trip, it is worth noting that Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium are must-visit spots for anyone exploring this area. The aquarium provides a fascinating glimpse into the diverse marine life of the Pacific, and Cannery Row's historic charm is captivating.
Santa Cruz: Surfing, Wine, and Relaxation 🍽🌊🍇
Santa Cruz is a place I could easily see myself living, were it not for my love of the English Westcountry. This town has it all: excellent surfing beaches, scenic hillsides, and outstanding local wines. We stayed at the Santa Cruz Dream Inn, a beautiful hotel overlooking the central beach—a haven for beginner surfers. I even took a surfing lesson from Ed Guzman of Club Ed. Ed's relaxed teaching style and encouragement made the experience enjoyable, even for a novice like me. Catching even a small wave was exhilarating, and it gave me a newfound appreciation for the sport.
Our visit also included a stay at Adobe on Green Street, a charming bed and breakfast that provided an affordable base for exploring the region. We joined a wine tour at Burrell School Winery, which offered tastings of some of the area's best vintages, and spent an afternoon kayaking in the wildlife-rich estuary at Moss Landing. Paddling through the calm waters, we were treated to sightings of playful otters, barking sea lions, and a variety of bird species, from elegant egrets to busy sandpipers. It was a peaceful and immersive way to connect with the natural beauty of the region.
We also explored Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, where towering redwoods create a tranquil, cathedral-like atmosphere. Walking among these giants was a humbling experience, and the peacefulness of the forest provided a perfect counterbalance to the thrill of surfing and kayaking. Santa Cruz has something for everyone—whether you seek adventure or simply a place to relax.
Wrapping Up: A Trip of a Lifetime 🌟
Our Californian road trip concluded with a decadent seafood meal at Phil's Fish Market, famous for serving some of the best seafood along the coast, before heading to San Francisco Airport. This two-week journey along Highway One was undoubtedly a "trip of a lifetime"—a perfect culmination of adventure, nature, culture, and relaxation. As we approached San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge came into view, a fitting end to an unforgettable journey. The memories of sweeping ocean vistas, towering cliffs, charming small towns, and warm Californian sunshine will remain etched in my mind, and I feel truly grateful for the experience.
Highway One is more than just a scenic drive; it is an odyssey through some of the world's most captivating and diverse landscapes. Whether you are a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or simply in search of a grand adventure, this road trip offers something special. The freedom of driving along an open road, with the Pacific Ocean on one side and rugged mountains on the other, is truly an unparalleled experience.
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Planning your next great adventure? 🗼 Don't forget to add the epic Highway One road trip to your bucket list! Share your thoughts or experiences below 👇.
