Highway 1 Road Trip Tips

Summer break is quickly approaching!! There are only two more weeks of papers and exams until our two month vacation.

Most of us dream of spending our summer traveling, but seldom do because of one thing, money. But, as the old saying goes if theres a will theres a way, and luckily we have found the alternative road trips!

 As there are many gorgeous places throughout California that are waiting to be explored such as, Yosemite, Sequoia, San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Joshua Tree. A trip up the coast, Highway 1, to Monterey and Big Sur area seems to be an underrated vacation. The drive from Vanguard to Monterey is beautiful and there are plenty of ways to do this trip on a budget. Below are some suggestions and places you do not want to miss on your trip up the coast.

Food:

Big Sur Bakery: The bakery is nestled in the middle of Big Sur surrounded by mountains. They serve delicious pastries, coffee, and have a sit down menu.

Nepenthe Restaurant: This place is located in Big Sur on a cliff right along the coast. It is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat while driving through Big Sur.

Big Sur Roadhouse: This eatery is new to Big Sur and has a modern touch. The prices are good and it is located on the grounds of Glen Oaks.

Fun Stops:

Pebble Beach: The 17-mile drive through Pebble Beach has breathtaking views at every turn. There is a $10 entry fee but it is definitely worth the money to see the ocean views. If you eat at one of the cafes through the 17-mile stretch you get your $10 back. Pebble Beach Lodge is a great place for lunch!

Bixby Bridge: Driving along the coast, you will want to stop every five minutes to take pictures because of how gorgeous it is. Bixby Bridge is a must see. The bridge lies 250 feet above the canyon, right next to the ocean.

Julia Pfieffer Burns State Park: This state park is known for its massive redwoods practically touching the ocean. There are different trails you can hike in the park with different levels of difficulty.

State Street: State Street in Santa Barbara is a fun stop if you have time. There is tons of great shopping and lots of places to eat. Palazzio on State Street is a good pick for lunch/dinner if you enjoy Italian food. It is a unique place that is definitely worth the stop.

Elephant Seal Beach: If you want to see elephant seals this is the place to stop! It is 14 miles away from Cambria and you will reach it before you hit Monterey. The seals are at the beach at different times throughout the year. It is a really fun quick stop!

Hearst Castle: This is a great place to visit if you have extra time. It will take a few hours out of your trip but it is definitely worth it! It is located in the hills of San Simeon.