~~a long and winding road~~

There are tons of places that pop into mind when someone thinks about California tourism.... route 1  may not be at the top of your list, but it is a must when wanting to have the chance of becoming one with God's creation. This long and winding road runs the coastline where the Pacific kisses the golden coast.

 

When researching which part of the route I would need to cover to catch many of the historic sites, I found that Santa Cruz to Morro Bay would be a great day's drive with plenty of time to stop and take pictures, eat, walk the beach and have an overnight stay in San Luis Obispo at the iconic Madonna Inn. From much reading and questioning of California natives, driving south on route 1 is the best way to SEE the water and be able to easily pull over  into "look out" spots-which aren't always marked. Starting at Santa Cruz  I headed around Monterey Bay and took the 17 mile drive as covered in a previous posting...windows down, radio up and very thankful for a CLEAR day (sometimes the marine cover is so thick you won't see the car in front of you causing a wasted trip!) I set out due south....

 

This coastal treasure takes you by many light houses, waterfalls, state parks, coastal communities, farms, missions, bridges and shops. The important thing to remember when you start your journey--take your time, don't be in a hurry...lots to see and you won't want to miss anything so start early in the morning. Second, have a full tank of gas-not many options to fill up. Between Monterey and Morro Bay there are only two options to use to turn off of rt 1 and these aren't very populated so plan and book a hotel because you may also lose cell service! Big Sur does have a lodge but stays b00ked and can get expensive but I am sure would be worth spending one night there.

 

 

Bixby Bridge was once the longest concrete arch span bridge that connects Monterey to Big Sur. It was finished in 1932 and continues to be the world's tallest and one of the most photographed Pacific coast concrete bridges. There is a pull off on the north side of the bridge where you can walk along the cliff and get some great pictures!

 

McWay Falls is another frequent photographed California waterfall. It's located in the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park where you can take a trail walk to a lower lookout than the pull out area on the road. Unfortunately, due to landslides and crumbling cliffs I was saddened that I couldn't go down and dance under that waterfall! It definitely looks like the most peaceful place on earth!


Hearst Castle is another big place to visit on this journey but I didn't get to stop because I took to long day dreaming at every stop! By the time I started the decent into the Morro Bay area I was very thankful for a less curvy road and some civilization and a place to rest! There is a small beach to pull over and watch tons and tons of sea otters sunning and grunt and play.  Some coastal towns you can blink and miss as you drive on through.

Morro Bay is not one of those places.....because it has one HUGE rock! There are many little shops along the water along with some great seafood! If you have the chance to be there on a warm day you can hang out in the sand or rent a kayak and go check out the rock and sea life.

 

 

 



San Luis Obispo

Heading inland from Morro Bay you will land in the small town of San Luis Obispo. The Madonna Inn is a highly encouraged place to stay! All the rooms are different themes and they don't go with just a colored bed sheet and lamp....I stayed in the Daisy room....as you can see it was bright and pink and full of daisies! I will admit it had the best toilet (heated seat with a built in bidet!) , shower and plush linens. They also feature a huge heated pool (open late night), multiple hot tubs, bar and massage/spa area. After a day's drive down route 1 you definitely are ready to eat! The Madonna Inn features a high rated steak restaurant that serves up some AMAZING food. The décor is about as outrageous as the rooms of the Inn!
www.madonnainn.com