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The perfect Highway 1 road trip itinerary includes black sand beaches, rowdy elephant seals, and a delicious slice of pie.
By
Erin Gifford
It’s always a good time for a coast-hugging road trip on California’s Highway 1. This 656-mile marvel overwhelms the senses with jaw-dropping views around every turn. Arguably the most famous stretch winds between Monterey and Santa Barbara, with the crown jewel being the 85-mile Big Sur stretch from Carmel to San Simeon.
Unfortunately, natural disasters have forced closures of several sections in the Big Sur area, including a 14-mile stretch in Monterey County that’s off-limits until further notice. While this may be sending some folks on detours, with no way to travel the full length of Highway 1, this is great news for you because there’s a killer stretch just south of Big Sur on California’s Central Coast that’s wildly worthy of your attention.
We’re talking mind-blowing coastal views and a chance to soak up the beauty without all the noise and the crowds. So, start in Santa Barbara, buckle up, and let the epic adventure begin.
Distance:
330 miles round-trip
Day One
Set your alarm. You’ll want to kick off this epic coastal road trip early to accommodate a detour to Solvang. This adorable Danish-themed town, an easy 40 minutes north of Santa Barbara, might seem like a tourist trap with its windmills, thatched roofs, and Danish flags fluttering in the breeze. But trust us, the real gem is Paula’s Pancake House, which opens at 7 am.
Soak in the small town vibes from the outdoor patio as you nosh on Paula’s Special. As in, world-famous Danish pancakes. These delicate, crepe-like pancakes come topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream. One TripAdvisor reviewer actually wrote that this is “the best pancake you will find in your life.” So yeah, you definitely want to make this pit stop.
Continue on U.S. Route 101 and State Route 1 to Luffa Farm in Nipomo. Now, before you ask, yes, luffas (or loofahs) are those spongy things you use to scrub your skin in the shower. Yep, they grow on vines, and once they mature and dry out, their fibrous insides become the natural exfoliators we know and love.
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 salts, and foot soaks for all your self-care needs. Free tours set off Wednesday through Saturday, so you can geek out over plant-based sponges and stock up on all the luffa 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 place to conquer rolling sand dunes like an off-road legend. Hit up Sun Buggy Fun Rentals in Oceano to take out an ATV, UTV, or dune buggy for a ride sure to thrill both rookies and dune junkies. Buckle up, friends.
When it’s time to tuck in for the night, you can go in one of two directions. Go full-on kitsch with the Madonna Inn, a hot pink dream in San Luis Obispo. Seriously, they’ve got all the pink. We’re talking pink champagne cake, a flowering pink tree in the middle of a steak house, and fluffy pink robes. If you want more zen than zing, chill out at Baywood Inn, a laid-back waterfront B&B in Los Osos. Soak in the tranquil Morro Bay views and let the calming vibes wash over you.
Day Two
Woke up in Los Osos? Swing by Nautical Bean for a latte and breakfast sandwich to kick start your day. They serve breakfast all day too, so no matter what time you roll out of bed, you’re covered. Once you’re fueled, it’s an easy 15-minute drive to Montaña de Oro State Park. Hit up the Bluff Trail for a hike that’s as easy as it is epic, with ocean waves crashing against the bluffs in a dramatic display.
For more nature, head over to Morro Bay State Park, where the star of the show is the colossal 581-foot-tall Morro Rock. Yet, it’s not just a rock. It’s actually one of the Nine Sisters, a gang of nine volcanic peaks in San Luis Obispo County. Rent a kayak from the Kayak Shack in Morro Bay for a relaxing paddle and up-close views of Morro Rock.
Get back on Highway 1 to motor 30 minutes north to Linn’s Restaurant on Main Street in Cambria. Linn’s is known for olallieberries, a delicious mashup of blackberries and raspberries. Their menu is also stacked with scrumptious comfort foods. Their house-made soups and chicken pot pies are the stuff of legends, but not more legendary than the olallieberry pie that’s dessert heaven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Make Covell Ranch in Cambria your last stop of the day. This sprawling 2,000-acre ranch is home to one of the largest free-roaming herds of Clydesdales (yes, the Budweiser horses!). Book a 3 pm trail ride and live your best Budweiser commercial fantasy as you trot through pine forests and open pastures. Retire to White Water, a stylish stay across the street from Moonstone Beach. The Moonstone Beach Trail is perfect for a post-dinner stroll, wowing with all the coastal charm.
Day Three
Wake to a picnic basket brimming with fresh-brewed coffee and breakfast breads outside your door. It’s like the breakfast fairy made a magical delivery overnight. After breakfast, it’s a quick 10-minute drive to Hearst Castle, a one-time estate of newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst.
This San Simeon gem is renowned for opulent architecture, manicured gardens, and a jaw-dropping art collection. And let’s not forget the pools. The Roman Pool and Neptune Pool are so over-the-top they’re beyond gram-worthy. Guided tours are the only way to get inside, but trust us, they’re worth every nickel.
Once back in the car, head north 10 minutes to Elephant Seal Vista Point. It’s the go-to spot when you want to ogle these chunky beach bums. You’ll be greeted by a sprawling sea of elephant seals lounging, playing, and barking on the beach.
Continue on to Ragged Point Inn to hike down to a mystical black sand beach. Pro tip: save this for a clear day since fog can seriously dampen the view and the vibe. After a day of adventure, crash at Ragged Point Inn, or cap off your trip in the afternoon with the three-hour drive back to Santa Barbara, reliving the memories with every mile.
Erin Giffordis a contributor for Thrillist.
