Tag along as I drive one of the most beautiful roads in America.
California has 840 mi (1,350 km) of Pacific coastline, full of beaches and rocky cliffs. I only explored a small portion of this amazing coastline, but what I saw was spectacular.
California’s Route 1, also called the Pacific Coast Highway, follows on the most beautiful sections of California’s coastline. I drove Route 1 from San Francisco to San Luis Obispo, about halfway to Los Angeles. I stopped so often I ran out of daylight. The views were just so wonderful. I just couldn’t help myself. See for yourself:
The first stop I made was to a very stormy, foggy beach. In reality, it turned out to be a sunny day and this was just fog. It later cleared up.
Even with the fog and the drizzle, I did see some lovely coastal views.
Along the way I found Pigeon Point Lighthouse, which now is a state site with a Hosteling International hostel on the grounds. If I had known that I so would have left San Francisco the day before and stayed here overnight, because that would have been awesome.
The fog finally lifted to this awesomeness.
And a surprise fog rainbow! I didn’t see that until after I parked for the last picture.
A little further down the road was this wonderful beach full of surfers and rising fog. I’m sorry, I just love fog.
A hidden cove found across some railroad tracks after parking in a horrible parking area. I was looking for a different cove, but I accidentally drove past it. This will do.
A different awesome cove. This was a lot easier to park at.
I drove past Monterey but stopped in the adorable town of Carmel-by-the-Sea (or simply Carmel) and stopped at the free beach there.
Monterey is on the peninsula to the right.
The beach had some awesome trees.
I also stopped by the Carmel Mission. Unfortunately, due to a wedding I couldn’t go inside. I’m still bummed about that.
Another awesome fog lifting picture. I know I am obsessed with fog.
Just simply gorgeous.
I love the different colors in this photo.
I stopped for a short while at Garrapata State Park. I didn’t have any time to hike any of the trails, but the beach views were wonderful.
Just lovely, especially with the plants in fall colors.
Another lovely cove I found on the side of the road.
The famous Bixby Bridge. I am not sure why this bridge is famous.
Fog again near Big Sur. I didn’t have time to explore Pfieffer Big Sur State Park, which looked amazing. Must make it back there.
The fog has cleared for this amazing view.
More amazing coastline.
I can’t get enough of this coastline.
Just so pretty.
Just so much pretty.
I will quit now with the coastline views and show you some elephant seals instead. Yes, that is beach full of elephant seals. The older males already left for the season, leaving only females and juveniles.
So adorable.
I now know why Route 1 is so popular. Lovely beaches and spectacular cliffs abound. If you plan to visit the California coast, plan some extra time. It is so easy to get distracted here.
Check out my next update where I explore the city of Los Angeles!
