Highway 1
Heading North On The PCH
Here are my suggestions for a trip up the California coast.
Elephant Seals in Cambria:
Cambria is beautiful (home of Hearst Castle) and from March to September you can see the Elephant Seals on the beach. It’s truly remarkable, entertaining and fascinating to watch these creatures!
Ragged Point (south of Big Sur):
This is a great spot to stop for a coffee or snack and you can walk down a short path to a breathtaking view of the mountainous coast line against the Pacific Ocean.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is a state park in California, 12 miles south of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park on California's Pacific coast. A main feature of the park is McWay Falls, which drops over a cliff of 80 feet into the Pacific Ocean www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=578
Purple Sand Beach, Pfeiffer Beach is hard to find but worthwhile. Read through this for directions
A few stops for a drink or a bite to eat:
Post Ranch Inn for lunch (Expensive but incredible, make reservations). Incredible views, all glass walls overlooking the ocean and cliffs. www.postranchinn.com
Or
Nepenthe (More casual and rustic, outside patio over the cliffs www.nepenthebigsur.com
Or
Big Sur River Inn - restaurant and hotel on the river, you can sit or stand in the slowly moving river. http://www.bigsurriverinn.com/
Esalen
Esalen is a beautiful wellness getaway spot over the cliffs of Big Sur. They offer a large variety of work shops on subjects from writing to self-development. They grow their own produce, and have freshly baked bread included with all their meals. The hot tubs on the cliffs, and the Esalen Massage are among many highlights. Its an incredible way to spend a few days away from the usual craziness of life. There is only WIFI in the main lodge and it’s nice to get a break from constant communication and news. Its a beautiful spot to unwind and get to know yourself better.
Carmel
The beach at the end of the Main Street in Carmel is beautiful anytime of day but I recommend going at sunset and bringing a blanket and some wine and snacks. There are sand dunes which are fun to walk on, and you not only have a beautiful view of the coast but you are next to Pebble Beach Golf Course.
Hogs Breath Inn - Great for Drinks and maybe dinner, at night outside with the small fireplaces. www.hogsbreathinn.net
Aw Shucks - Very nice Oyster and Cocktail Bar in the heart of nice walking area of Carmel www.awshuckscarmel.com
Em Le’s - Most unusual and delicious French Toast! www.emlescarmel.com
Beach at the bottom of Ocean Drive – Sand Dunes/Hills-Beautiful beach, great for a wine and chesse picnic at sunset, very romantic and view of the Pebble Beach Golf Course
17 Mile Drive from Carmel to Monterey - Many worthwhile stops for amazing views. Take your time!
Option to rent bikes in Monterey and Ride the 17 Mile Drive - Highly Recommended, not a difficult ride.
Pebble Beach Lodge - highly recommend stopping there on your drive or bike ride. Restaurant called The Bench, downstairs off the lobby, with amazing views of Pebble Beach Golf Course and the Ocean. If you can walk around there after some, I recommend it. Great food too!
www.pebblebeach.com/dining/the-lodge-at-pebble-beach/the-bench
Monterey
Monterey - Worth walking around the town, home to Cannery Row. It’s touristy but cute, including the colorful pier. The aquarium is famous and quite impressive, especially the giant shark tank.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is incredible and worth a stop: https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/
