Road Trip: California Coast
I recently took a road trip across the California coast with my mom. It was a precious picture: a five-day long mother-daughter vacation where we became one with nature (and my car).
If you’re a Californian and you haven’t yet trekked either up or down Highway 1 (aka the Pacific Coast Highway, aka PCH, aka all roads lead to Malibu), then for Barbara Millicent Robert’s sake, what are you waiting for?! The coastline is stunning, with red succulents blanketing the steep cliffs that lead down to slowly crashing waves. And ita��s even prettier when we have more rainfall than we did this year (sigh).
The trip is a rite of passage for all West Coasters. This time around, my mom and I left LA and headed straight to Walnut Creek to see family. Then we took our sweet time coming back home by way of Tiburon, Santa Cruz, Monterey, Carmel, Pebble Beach, Big Sur, San Simeon, and Morro Bay.
Charming handicrafts in Carmel, photographed while window-shopping. Had the store been open, I’d have been tempted to get that Berkeley pillow!
Peering through the glass of a candy store. So quaint, it hurts!
Say hi to mom! This is the view looking back into town from Lovers’ Point in Monterey.
These adorable otter art installations can be found all over Santa Cruz.
Famous California oranges growing at Hearst Castle in San Simeon. But don’t touch a�� these snacks are reserved for the squirrels.
Ita��s impressive how much wildlife you come across during the trek. We were approached by remarkably fearless squirrels on more than one occasion, and went out of our way to mingle with cows and sea lions.
Relentless rodents interrupting our snack time in Big Sur.
Happy cows come from California <3
The elephant seals in San Simeon are a must-visit. It’s hilarious how noisy (and stinky) they are, with their snorts and belches!
We saw a ton of sea lions swimming around and lounging by the pier in Santa Cruz, but this tired guy takes the cake. I know how you feel, buddy.
Along the way, we ate. Oh, how we ate. Fresh-caught fish, fresh-baked pizza, and fresh-made trunk sandwiches. My favorite things about California road trips: 1) The cooler of snacks (and fixina��s for the aforementioned sandwiches) you pack for the road, and 2) the In Na�� Out pit stop when youa��re tired of your cooler treats.
Obligatory, mandatory, satisfactory.
A hatchback is the very best road trip accessory.
Mom-made sandwich break next to the Tiburon docks.
Gianni’s pizza in Monterey is on my list of best pizzas I’ve EVER had. The entire neighborhood gets filled with the unbelievable scent of their pizza! Skip the chains on Cannery Row and definitely get your munch on here instead. Personally, I recommend fewer toppings than we ordered this time. Just stick to your two faves (pep & onion, natch).
Kale & quinoa salad in Big Sur from the trunk of my car. This was a quick stop at Garrapata State Park just south of Carmel. Because sometimes you need a break from pizza.
Our final stop was at Hearst Castle, which is the bizarre hilltop wonderland of 20th century media mogul and manchild, William Randolph Hearst. As much as I know that ita��s a gratuitous, self-righteous monument of a real-life Jay Gatsy, I still have to admit ita��s pretty awe-inspiring!
Gas up the car, guys. Touring the nooks na�� crannies of California is so worth an extra long weekend! Hit me up if you ever want help with an itinerary (and maybe leave a seat open for me?!).
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