Californians are spoilt when it comes to gorgeous coastlines. The famed Highway 1, with its winding roads and spectacular sights, is the best way to see those beautiful coastal views.
If you have an elderly guest and a senior pooch with limited mobility (as we have), and all you’ve got is one day, a drive along the picturesque coast, with its fresh air and the cool blue Pacific Ocean, is the way to go. And that’s what we did…a drive along the Big Sur coast from the Bay Area.
The sheer wildness of the rugged coastline hits you as the drive enters a scene that is absolutely captivating, with its steep cliffs dropping into the ocean, craggy rocks rising above the waters amid the shadows of the giant kelp weaving about partially hidden coves. It can be hard for drivers to keep their eyes focused on the winding road.
It is also good to keep in mind that, during the summer, the crowds can be overwhelming and there is also the risk of wildfires. During the rainy season, there is the very real threat of landslides which often shuts down the highway. It is best to look up the weather and traffic before starting on your journey.
The famous Bixby Bridge is one of the most photographed bridges and is a main draw for tourists, local and international. The best part is that a good photo of the bridge can be taken from the parking lot itself.
Parking lots, all along the Big Sur coast, can get filled up fast during weekends and holidays, so try to go very early or during the week.
While stretching your legs and admiring the dramatic, breathtaking views, don’t forget to also look up at the skies – Big Sur is also known for its condors whose numbers are slowly recovering thanks to the dedication of conservationists. Though this time we missed seeing them, hopefully we’ll be able to spot them the next time we’re here.
If you are not short on time, it is best to stay in places along the Big Sur coast so you can take advantage of the many hiking trails available, be able to explore, see waterfalls, wildlife, linger to admire the plants or just relax on the lovely beaches, watching the fog roll in, sea otters, seals chilling in the waters and, if lucky, whales off in the distance.
