Our California Coast Roadtrip + Travel Tips!

If we’re acquainted in Instaland, you’re probably already aware that Ken and I road tripped down the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to Big Sur for a little summer getaway last week.  The plan was to get lost amongst the redwoods, eat our weight in avocados (anyone know where Jason Mraz’s farm is exactly? I couldn’t find it.) and, oh yeah, turn 30!!!

Straight off the jetway in San Francisco, we picked up our rental car, a convertible to be exact, slapped on our sunnies, and hopped on Highway 1 southbound. There was no set schedule; we just needed to make it to Big Sur by sundown, so anywhere that beckoned, we pulled over to check it out.

In addition to stopping off a ridiculous amount of times just to take in the views, we also hopped out at Half Moon Bay, Pigeon Point Lighthouse, and Santa Cruz to explore. Santa Cruz boardwalk was a totally different vibe than the rest of the coast, I felt. The boardwalk basically consists of a big sandy beach and an amusement park. Let me tell you this place is happening and dare I say, a little too happening? a.k.a. crowded. Nonetheless, it was fun to check out. We grabbed ourselves chocolate dipped cones and rode the sky glider up and down the beach, people watching and ocean watching.

Later in the afternoon, we parked it for gourmet pizzas at La Bicyclette, a little French place in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Carmel was maybe my favorite town along the drive. It’s a charming, upscale, but surprisingly casual European-style village with tons of galleries and shops that make for excellent window shopping. And it’s just a short walk to the sandy coast. I hope we can get back there again someday!

Our last stop before arriving in Big Sur, was the 1930’s engineering feat: Bixby’s Bridge. Ken found out he passed his professional engineering exam (yahoo! / pheww…) two weeks before this trip, so it was definitely on our checklist to see. The entire coastline is magic, but in my opinion the life changing cliff sightlines really begin around Bixby’s Bridge and stretch southward.

As the sun began to set, we pulled into a charming rustic inn called Deetjen’s and settled in for the night, exhausted from a day of exploring.

More on Deetjen’s and Big Sur later this week, but for now check out our PCH roadtrip tips below!

Tips for a Great Cali Coast Roadtrip!

• Don’t forget a killer playlist or good old-fashioned cd mix. The radio reception is patchy at best along much of the remote stretches. Silence is only golden for so long.
• Don’t let the cool breeze fool you–bring sunscreen and reapply often. I pride myself in having one of those complexions that rarely burns, and well, my forehead freaking fried! I blame the highly reflective ocean.
• Do rent a convertible. Us practical Midwesterners were on the fence at first, but convertibles are everywhere out there, and they’re a great way to take in the full experience. They’re not over the top or ostentatious, they’re just right.
• There is no cell service in Big Sur and surrounding coastline. Seriously. Do your research and reservations ahead of time.
• Driving from A to B takes twice (sometimes three times) as long because of the winding coastal highway (and in the summer, construction closures).
• Dress in layers. The coast is cool and breezy, but it gets quite warm when you get away from the water. Then in the thick of the woods it’s chilly again. Layer up so you’re comfortable no matter where you are!

Have you driven the coast and have any tips to add? Hope it’s a great week for you!