The perfect Highway 1 road trip itinerary includes black sand beaches, rowdy elephant seals, and a delicious slice of pie.
It ’s always a in force meter for a coast - hugging road trip onCalifornia ’s Highway 1 . This 656 - mile marvel overwhelms the senses with jaw - dropping views around every crook . Arguably the most famed stretch wind betweenMontereyandSanta Barbara , with the crown jewel being the 85 - mileBig Surstretch from Carmel toSan Simeon .
regrettably , natural disasters have forced closure of several section in the Big Sur sphere , including a 14 - mile stretch in Monterey County that ’s off - limits until further bill . While this may be station some folks on detours , with no way to move around the full length ofHighway 1 , this is great news for you because there ’s a killer elongate just to the south of Big Sur on California ’s Central Coast that ’s wildly desirable of your attention .
We ’re talking head - blowingcoastalviews and a chance tosoak up the beautywithout all the interference and the crowds . So , start in Santa Barbara , buckle up , and let the epic adventure Menachem Begin .
Photo courtesy of Highway 1 Road Trip
Distance:
330 miles round - stumble
Day One
Set your alarm . You ’ll want to kick off this epic coastal route trip betimes to accommodate a detour toSolvang . This endearing Danish - themed town , an easy 40 minutes northerly of Santa Barbara , might seem like a holidaymaker trap with its wind generator , thatched roof , and Danish iris fluttering in the breeze . But trust us , the actual gemstone is Paula ’s Pancake House , which opens at 7 am .
Soak in the small townspeople vibes from the outside terrace as you nosh on Paula ’s Special . As in , world - famous Danish pancakes . These delicate , crape - like flapjack come topped with bracing yield and whipped cream . One TripAdvisor reviewer actually wrote that this is “ the best pancake you will feel in your life . ” So yeah , you definitely desire to make this pitfall block .
Continue on U.S. Route 101 and State Route 1 toLuffa Farmin Nipomo . Now , before you ask , yes , luffas ( or loofahs ) are those spongy things you use to call off your peel in the shower bath . Yep , they produce on vines , and once they mature and dry out out , their sinewy insides become the innate exfoliators we have sex and love .
Ride a dune buggy at Oceano Dunes.|Photo courtesy of Highway 1 Road Trip
Luffa Farm is one of the last luffa farms in the United States , so it ’s a must to stop in to snag your own natural luffas . They also sell soaps , bath SALT , and foot soaks for all yourself - forethought indigence . Free tours gear up off Wednesday through Saturday , so you may geek out over plant - based sponges and stock up on all the loufah sponge goodness you never knew you needed .
Once you ’ve given in to sweet exfoliation , get dirty at Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area ( aka Oceano Dunes ) . It ’s the situation to conquer rolling gumption sand dune like an off - route legend . Hit upSun Buggy Fun Rentalsin Oceano to take out an ATV , UTV , or dune buggy for a drive sure to tickle both rookies and dune junkie . Buckle up , friends .
When it ’s time to tuck in for the night , you could go in one of two directions . Go full - on kitsch with theMadonna Inn , a raging pinkish dream in San Luis Obispo . earnestly , they ’ve get all the pink . We ’re talking pinkish Champagne-Ardenne patty , a flowering pink tree diagram in the midriff of a steak firm , and fluffy pink robes . If you want more dot than zing , chill out atBaywood Inn , a laid - back waterfront B&B in Los Osos . Soak in the tranquilMorro Bayviews and let the calming vibes lap over you .
Go for a trail ride at Covell Ranch.|Photo courtesy of Highway 1 Road Trip
Day Two
wake up in Los Osos ? Swing byNautical Beanfor a caffe latte and breakfast sandwich to kick start out your daytime . They serve breakfast all day too , so no matter what clip you roll out of seam , you ’re covered . Once you ’re fuel , it ’s an easy 15 - minute movement to Montaña de Oro State Park . Hit up the Bluff Trail for ahikethat ’s as easily as it is epic , with ocean waves crash against the four flush in a striking presentation .
For more nature , point over to Morro Bay State Park , where the star of the show is the colossal 581 - metrical unit - tall Morro Rock . Yet , it ’s not just a John Rock . It ’s in reality one of the Nine Sisters , a gang of nine volcanic peaks in San Luis Obispo County . Rent akayakfrom theKayak Shackin Morro Bay for a restful paddle and up - near views of Morro Rock .
Get back on Highway 1 to motor 30 minutes north toLinn ’s Restauranton Main Street in Cambria . Linn ’s is have sex for olallieberries , a toothsome mashup of blackberry and raspberries . Their menu is also stacked with scrumptious comfort food . Their house - made soups and chicken pot pie are the hooey of legends , but not more fabled than the olallieberry pie that ’s dessert heaven with a scoop of vanilla extract methamphetamine cream .
Gawk at the Roman Pool in Hearst Castle.|Photo by Erin Gifford for Thrillist
MakeCovell Ranchin Cambria your last stop of the day . This sprawl 2,000 - Accho ranch is home to one of the largest free - roaming herd of Clydesdales ( yes , the Budweiser horses ! ) . Book a 3 pm trail ride and hold out your right Budweiser commercial fantasy as you clip through pine forests and assailable pastures . Retire toWhite Water , a fashionable stay across the street from Moonstone Beach . The Moonstone Beach Trail is perfect for a post - dinner stroll , wowing with all the coastal good luck charm .
Day Three
awake to a picnic basket brim with fresh - brew java and breakfast simoleons outside your doorway . It ’s like the breakfast fairy made a wizard delivery overnight . After breakfast , it ’s a quick 10 - minute drive toHearst Castle , a one - time estate of newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst .
This San Simeon precious stone is renowned for opulent architecture , manicured garden , and a jaw - droppingart collection . And have ’s not forget the pool . The Roman Pool and Neptune Pool are so over - the - top they ’re beyond gm - worthy . maneuver turn are the only way to get at bottom , but commit us , they ’re deserving every nickel .
Once back in the auto , question N 10 min toElephant Seal Vista Point . It ’s the go - to fleck when you want to ogle these squat beach bums . You ’ll be recognise by a sprawl sea of elephant seal mess about , playing , and barking on the beach .
Continue on toRagged Point Innto hike down to a mystic black sand beach . Pro lead : save this for a clear day since fog can seriously dampen the aspect and the vibration . After a day of adventure , crash at Ragged Point Inn , or crest off your misstep in the afternoon with the three - hour movement back to Santa Barbara , reliving the memories with every mile .
