California Coastline Spots
Last year I set out to do Solo Road Trip across California.
I had been on a few CA road trips before, and had seen several landmarks, but this one was different. I sought out to find hidden gems without an itinerary! So, I loaded my car, filled up the tank, grabbed my CD’s (YES!! CD’s! I am old school like that) and set out on my journey. And what a wonderful experience that was! I stopped and went, as often, and as long as I wanted! I booked unique Airbnb’s, stayed at a high-end hotel, and rented a room at a mining town cottage—they were all so lovely and fitting to my wishes.
I enjoy solitude, and I love trying new things, so heading out to explore was a must on my list!! I drove with the windows down and allowed the air to hit my face; while I sipped on iced coffee and belched from the top of lungs to all those long-forgotten jams that I used to love, love!! For hours at a time, I had no cell reception, and it so awesome!! I drove through so many historical communities, learned a few fun facts, and was invited to sit & join a family reunion of a late NAVY Veteran. We shared military stories and hugged at the end! What a lovely experience that was.
Capitola Beach
On my home, I decided to make a big loop and return by driving down Highway 1, which runs along the CA Coastline. My first stop was Capitola Beach, which is a little beachy town in Monterey Bay, full of boutique & retail stores, restaurants, cutesy coffee shops, museums, and beach rental gear stands. The path towards the beach is bustling with many cars, and many families out for walks, kids peddling on their tricycles, couples playing with their pets, and groups of Moms pushing their infants in their strollers. Once I arrived at the village ‘marina,’ I parked on the main boulevard and made my way into the commons area, and I recommend that you do the same. On the same strip, next to Zelda’s, you will see an alley entrance that will take you directly onto to the sandy beach, where you will emerge to an array of colorful condo-type homes, which are privately owned, so please be respectful! Some homes can be rented for long or short term, so do your research and book in advance, as I am sure they get reserved well-in advance. You can hang out on the beach, play some volleyball, rent a surfboard, or go for a swim. It is entirely up to you! Mornings can be chilly, so dress warm. Grab a slice of pizza at Pizza My Heart and enjoy a relaxing afternoon before heading off to your next day destination.
Carmel by the Sea
A road trip on Highway 1 is not complete if you do not stop at Carmel-by-the-Sea, another coastal village community known for fine boutiques, art galleries, gourmet shops, and upscale homes, but above all, Carmel is most notably known because it is home to its one term Mayor, Clint Eastwood, and because of their silly local ordinance restrictions, such as not being able to wear high heels that are more than 2”’ in height!! LOL
Naturally, you are not going to get cited or arrested, at least I would hope not, but as a precautionary measure, beware when walking on the haphazard sidewalks and stop by the City Hall and obtain your High-Heel permit!! LOL!! Seriously, this is not a joke! We were unaware of this laughable ordinance, so in essence, we “broke the law” on our first night! HAHA!
But wait, it get better: at one point, believe it or not, ice cream sales and consumption on city streets were prohibited!! LOL!! Huh?? WTH?? Why?? Everyone loves ice cream, right!?! Well, apparently, the concern was that the ice cream would fall off the cone and create a gooey mess on city streets haha! But no worries, the ordinance was appealed and overturned! So, you can enjoy your ice cream in public without fear of being arrested
Also, there are no street lights or parking meters; homes don’t have addresses, there’s no home mail delivery service, a 10pm curfew for minors is enforced, and don’t expect to see any chain restaurants! Some locals shared that it was a misdemeanor to injure, cut down or remove, trees or bushes in some areas!!
Given Carmel’s “absurd” restrictions, it may sounds as not being worth a visit, but I beg to differ!! Carmel is actually very nice! You can hit-up a golf course, stroll along the beach, visit a wine tasting room, or tour the Carmel Mission, which is open and offers Mass services. Carmel is an artsy district hub; it is full of creative painters, artists, and photographers whose pieces of art are displayed at one of the many galleries. So, if you’re an arts enthusiast, check out the art’s event calendar, and stop by one of the many exhibitions, and festivals.
Side note: Carmel pretty much goes dormant after 6pm! We only found one bar/restaurant that stayed open until 11pm!
Bixby Creek Bridge
We’ve all seen those commercials of luxury cars going at full speed, along curvy coastal beach roads!! Well, the Bixby creek canyon must be the place, for all those captivating recordings. This iconic coastal bridge facilitates travelers in the Big Sur region by allowing them to travel from one side of the canyon to the other, a commodity that was not possible decades ago. Since opening, it is said that hundreds upon hundreds of vehicles stop on the north end of the bridge, daily, to take the perfect shot of the arch! If you are driving through the area, hang out for a bit and enjoy the Pacific ocean’s panorama.
Do not attempt to walk on the bridge, as there are no walkways and many cars fly by, in both directions, and can result in serious injury or death. Instead, I recommend that you visit during sunrise or sunset hours, and preferably during the weekdays to avoid the mass crowds. The terrain is steep, rugged and can be dangerous, so please do not risk your life for that Instagram pic—it is definitely not worth it!! The beach down below is inaccessible since it sits on a cliff, so do NOT try to climb down. Just sit back, watch the skies, and take as many pictures as you want from the parking area.
Hearst Castle
Hearst Castle, built by the wealthy Hearst family, but now owned and operated by the California State Park system, is a historical landmark, that looks more like a mission or mansion than a “castle.” It was a visionary site designed by the first woman to receive her engineering degree from a California state university. At one point, it was a sanctuary for the elite, catered to Hollywood’s most famous actors, hosted world-wide politicians, and was the filming site to some the greatest movies of all time.
The estate, comprised of over 165 rooms and 100+ garden acres, boasts with extravagant architectural designs, ranging from its Neptune & Roman pools, terraces, colonnades, and corridors— everything created to specifications—is also home to a legendary art tapestry collection and a free-roaming zoo filed with exotic wildlife.
During your visit you can attend an exhibition, visit the IMAX theatre, or explore the gardens. You can also select the best tour that meets your needs, from evening, holiday, private, and fascinating artwork, just to name a few. The estate is available for private events, so contact them directly to inquire the details! In essence, this magical place offers everything and has it all!! So, please do not skip this magnificent historic house turned museum.
Hearst Castle has reopened to the public. It was one of the few famous sites that extended its closure, by heavily abiding with CDC’s recommendations, California’s COVID restrictions, and implementing strict Public Health guidelines. Even though facial coverings are now considered optional in most locations, Hearst Castle still enforces its use, so please review the website for the latest entry measures, as they are committed to safety and a healthy guest experience.