California’s Coastal Charm

Take a winding road trip among rocky shorelines, pristine landscapes, and experience many attractions along this portion of State Route 1.

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Words by Rick Stedman

California’s State Route (SR) 1 is nearly 1,062 km (660 mi) and is the longest highway in the Golden State. But just south of San Francisco, the 160 km (100 mi) stretch between Monterey and Morro bays is perhaps the most spectacular area of the entire route. 

One of the highlights is the popular 17 Mile Drive through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove on the Monterey Peninsula, which consists of spectacular golf courses, a variety of mansions, and the solitary Lone Cypress. Whether you’re a golfer or not, this is a picturesque drive with plenty to appreciate. Admission for the toll road is $10.75 (USD) per vehicle and it’s worth every cent. 

The 17 Mile Drive is where you can stroll the boardwalk above the beach overlooking Spanish Bay as well as visit the famous Pebble Beach Golf Links. This stunning track is open to anyone who wants to depart with $575 (USD) to play 18 holes. Nevertheless, it is a magnificent course and is scheduled to host the 2023 Women’s U.S. Open and the 2027 Men’s U.S. Open.

Nearby 17 Mile Drive is the picturesque town of Pacific Grove, which has a population of roughly 15,000. It’s located on the tip of the scenic Monterey Peninsula and features a rocky coastline with plenty of charm. Pacific Grove gained worldwide fame in October 1997 when singer John Denver’s experimental plane careened out of control and crashed into the Pacific Ocean, killing the 53-year-old singer instantly. A small tribute sits on the shore near the site of the crash.

Since California is home to nearly half of all the wineries in the United States - more than 4,700 as of 2020 - it’s not difficult to find a winery along SR 1. Just south of Monterey in Carmel-by-the-Sea are more than 15 wine tours. A free mobile app is available to guide you along the route. 

Things to do, places to stay

In Monterey, boondocking is available at Veteran’s Memorial Park, which is about .6 km (1 mi) from its downtown district. Its convenient proximity to town and peaceful setting makes it appealing for a night or two. Another option is Carmel By The River RV Park that’s 13 km (8 mi) from the ocean and is truly a nice park with a variety of amenities. It’s also close to many attractions. Be sure to stroll along Carmel’s Ocean Avenue and browse the many shops and boutiques. Historical Carmel Mission is also a must for history buffs.

Another popular attraction in the area is Cannery Row, made famous by John Steinbeck who wrote his bestselling novel of the same name in the mid-1940s. There’s plenty of history about the author here (as well as at the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas just 20 miles (32 Km) northeast of Monterey) and many historic remnants of Cannery Row worth exploring. 

Approximately 48 km (30 mi) south of Monterey in scenic Big Sur are a few RV parks including Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Fernwood Resort & Campgrounds. Big Sur is known for its rugged coastline and breathtaking views, so you’ll want to take your time as you drive through this stretch of SR 1. 

Though Big Sur is not a town, per se, it offers some of the most spectacular coastal views in the country. Photo ops are available about every 10 m (30 ft) and one of the best views is from Nepenthe restaurant. Featuring breathtaking scenery, this iconic restaurant serves its famous $20 Ambrosia Burger with a million-dollar view of the Pacific Ocean.

One of the true iconic structures you’ll see in the Big Sur area is Bixby Canyon Bridge. It was built in 1932 and soars 79 m (260 ft) above Bixby Creek. It’s no surprise that it has been photographed by visitors around the world. 

State Parks 

In addition to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, several other Big Sur area state parks include Point Lobos State Natural Preserve, Garrapata State Park, Andrew Molera State Park (at the time of publication its campground was closed due to prior flood damage so be sure to check for updates), Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and Limekiln State Park. With the exception of Point Lobos State Natural Preserve and Garrapata State Park, all offer camping and reservations are recommended (www.reservecalifornia.com).

Driving south from Big Sur you’ll eventually see signs for Hearst Castle. Located a few kilometres north of Cambria, Hearst Castle features over-the-top opulence. Though it is a huge draw and attracts more than 850,000 visitors annually, it’s temporarily closed due to severe road damage. Be sure to visit www.hearstcastle.org for updates.

Near and overlooking San Simeon Cove is the picturesque Hearst Ranch Winery. In addition to sampling a variety of wines, you can enjoy a day at the beach, a walk through the historic village of San Simeon, or take in the beauty of the sparkling turquoise waters in the cove.

Just 3 km (2 mi) north of Cambria, you will discover Hearst San Simeon State Park. The San Simeon Creek Campground offers 115 campsites for RV and tent camping. The maximum length is 10.5 m (35 ft)  and each site offers a fire ring and picnic table. There are also flush toilets, shower facilities, a dump station and firewood is for sale from the campground host. 

A unique opportunity to view northern elephant seals is available at the Elephant Seal Boardwalk in the park. This vantage point provides an ideal location to view these marine mammals from a safe distance. During certain times of the year, up to 17,000 seals can be found on this stretch of beach.

While you’re here, you’ll want to visit Cambria and stroll along Moonstone Beach. About 21 minutes from Cambria is Cayucos where you can take a leisurely walk on the pier or beach, and try the local famous Brown Butter Cookies.

The spectacular views continue in Morro Bay along with several nice RV parks including Morro Dunes RV Park and Morro Bay State Park. This area is known for its terrific golf and wineries. Scattered throughout the Morro Bay area are nine golf courses and the Central Coast Golf Trail includes a variety of tracks including Morro Bay Golf Course, Avila Beach Golf Resort, Cypress Ridge Golf Course, and several more.

Morro Bay and the surrounding area are not the end of the scenic natural beauty along the California Coast. This is just a sampling of what’s available to enjoy and this section of the SR 1 will certainly whet your appetite to discover even more in the Golden State. www.visitcalifornia.com