Big Sur on the south end
Starting Point - Laguna Beach, California
This destination is one of the best examples of the quote "Life is a journey, not a destination".
The drive up the California coast makes the adventure to Big Sur well worth it. Coming from Laguna Beach, we took the 405 until we hit Malibu and decided that is where our coastal drive will begin. Looking for surf along the way and stopping where we felt right. After a few hours of driving we hit the Santa Barbara coastline, where we took a break for the night.
CLIFFHOUSE INN, SANTA BARBARA
Stop 1 - Santa Barbara, California
-Stay at the Cliffhouse Inn ( about 20 min outside of downtown Santa Barbara )
-Eat at Brophy Bros, Grab Coffee at Handlebar Coffee Roasters, and indulge in McConnells Ice Cream
After a great day spent in the city of Santa Barbara we continued up north and decided to stop in the small danish town of Solvang, which is another experience on its own.
OSTRICHLAND USA, SOLVANG
Stop 2 - Solvang, California
-Eat Breakfast at The Belgian Cafe ( Best Waffle you will ever eat )
-Take a walk and enjoy the culture while grabbing pastries to go at any of the many pastry shops along the street
-On your way out pull over into Ostrichland USA to feed some of the wildest birds (It only takes about 15 minutes and only costs about $5)
Then up and onward passing Hearst Castle, the elephant seal viewing point and finally reaching the southern end of Big Sur.
ELEPHANT SEAL VISTA, SAN SIMEON
Stop 3 - San Simeon, California
-Opt to eat at Sebastians located across from Hearst Castle off PCH for the best burgers ( Warning, they are delicious and massive. Maybe choose to share )
-Continue to drive until you see, or hear, the elephant seal viewing parking lot. Park your car and take some time to just admire these very large animals basking on the beach.
Once you reach the southern end of Big Sur you wonder where you are. With so much silence and beauty in one place it is shocking. We checked into our yurt at Treebones Resort and then spent the next few days adventuring.
Destination - Big Sur, California
-Stay at Treebones Resort and enjoy quiet ocean views. Treebones offers a beautiful stay (which is well worth the price) to glamp in one of their few yurt experiences.
-Eat their own farm grown breakfast every morning, included with your stay.
-Make reservations for their omakase sushi experience. ( Delicious fresh sushi and so much fun )
-Wander around the beaches of the more secluded coastline of the southern end of Big Sur.
-Drive about an hour north to the city of Big Sur where you will find the most popular destinations. Find a beach or enjoy a hike. There are many options to choose from.