Drive along California's Highway 1 and you feel as if you have been transported to another country. The vastness, the cliffs, the sea, the flora and fauna create a topography that is unlike any other part of the United States.
A flight into the San Francisco airport lands you near these storybook coastlines. Choose your rental car or TURO and head towards the sea. Sit back and enjoy the drive because this bucket list adventure is one of the greatest road trips in the world. We're cruising to Big Sur then retracing the coastline back north through Carmel and Pebble Beach to Seal Cove. This puts your last destination less than 30 minutes to SFO.
BIG SUR
Originally called El Sur Grande, meaning The Big South, the name Big Sur was derived from the unexplored and unmapped wilderness area which lies along the coast south of Monterey. As you curve along the Pacific Coast Highway, you will marvel not only at the surrounding landscape, but you will also marvel at the human ingenuity hugging the coastline and towering above the sea.
Majestic views encompass as you wind your way along the California coast. From waves crashing against the cliffs below to towering redwoods and cypress, make sure to stop and take photos. It can be very foggy on certain days, so remember the drive out could be very different than the drive in.
Our destination is the Post Ranch Inn. Undoubtedly considered by many to be one of the best hotels in the world.
Post Ranch Inn
This Big Sur award-winning property sustainably sits perched in the clouds above the Pacific Ocean. Rooms are nestled into the California coastline featuring locally-inspired decor without televisions or alarm clocks to distract. Your accommodations range from Ocean Suites with breathtaking views of the Pacific to Peak Houses with majestic mountain views suspended over the top of the ridge. The crisp Big Sur evenings offer the chance to relax in private outdoor stainless steel soaking tubs.
You will see treehouse-like structures towering along with the terrain of evergreens as well as living roofs covered with grass and wildflowers. But the best part is the privacy. Only at dinner will you feel like anyone else is around. Even walking around the property offers much seclusion. Enjoy heated infinity spa pools overlooking the ocean. Immerse yourself in nature and listen to the birds all around you. You may even spot a California quail and the amount of hummingbirds will delight.
The Post Ranch Inn Spa awaits for the ultimate relaxation. Feel anew with soothing body treatments, meditation sessions, invigorating private-guided hikes and energizing yoga classes.
Enjoy Sierra Mar, the on-property restaurant, where guests are treated to a farm-driven dining experience complemented by exceptional architecture and unparalleled views.
It will be hard to leave. Postranchinn.com
CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
Make your way back north towards Pebble Beach. The next stop is the storybook village Carmel-By-The-Sea which puts you in perfect proximity to enjoy every golfer's bucket list destination, Pebble Beach.
The Pacific Improvement Company opened the iconic 17-Mile Drive along the coast from Spanish Bay to Carmel in June 1881. Pebble Beach, the famous public course, opened on February 22, 1919, and along with tennis, polo, and horse racing, has helped the region flourish as a resort.
La Playa Carmel
An artist's retreat nestled in the heart of the village, this 75-room historic hotel is located just steps from the sands of Carmel Beach and the renowned shops, galleries and restaurants of charming Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Once a luxurious mansion built in 1905 by an artist as a gift to his wife, a member of the Ghirardelli family, the home had stunning views of Carmel Bay and Pebble Beach and boasted the area's first swimming pool. For over 100 years, La Playa Carmel is known as the “Grande Dame of Carmel.” Each room reflects a unique beach cottage style. Laplayahotel.com
SEAL COVE
Some might prefer to fly indirectly into Monterey, but flying from Huntsville to San Francisco is an easier journey. Plus it puts Seal Cove, also known as Moss Beach, as a point of interest. This sleepy little area near Half Moon Bay off the Cabrillo Highway is a secluded and quiet way to end your California road trip. Seal Cove is within Fitzgerald Marine Reserve and offers a variety of nature experiences including seals.
World class golf courses can be be found nearby, and the charming town of Half Moon Bay is a must-visit with local cafes and restaurants and many unique shops selling California-made products.
Miles of beach stretch along the shore, though most are not recommended for swimming. Half Moon Bay State Beach kisses the Pacific at the western end of Kelly Street. Enjoy the smooth sands for a morning jog or evening stroll. Surfer's Beach is a favorite for the surfer-savvy. Parking is a lot like true love, move fast and don’t let go! Bring a picnic and watch the surfers, skim boarders, and paddle boarders at play. Gray Whale Cove State Beach is named for the gray whales that have been known to make an appearance here. Beach access is via a trail leading from the parking lot. Wild blue Douglas iris, golden-yellow buttercups, and bright pink hollyhocks are all abundant in the spring.
Seal Cove Inn
The stunning, estate-like Seal Cove Inn is a ten minute walk to the beach to see seals at play. Between June and March, seal pups can be seen frolicking on the shore from a respectful 300 feet. There are several scenic hiking trails nearby like Devil's Slide and San Pedro Valley. Cycling is also a fantastic way to tour the area.
Each guest room includes a fireplace and a terrace or balcony. Wake up early and enjoy coffee in the garden before heading out for a stroll among the cypress or a day of exploring. Sealcoveinn.com
Relax knowing that you have just experienced one of America's greatest journeys.