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San Francisco, United States
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Santa Cruz, United States of America
Drive approx 1 hr 30 min
Smoothie
a surf town. The sport was originally introduced to California here, and surfers know Steamer Lane is the place to be. Around town, one can still feel the influence of late resident Jack O’Neill, the legendary surfer and wetsuit pioneer. Shop at any of the three O’Neill Surf Shops in the area—one is just steps from Cowell Beach.
At the colorful Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, located beachside, rides, games, and music delight visitors. This popular destination is a summertime ritual for countless families, a wonderful way to relax and play just like the smiling locals. While there are many attractions at the boardwalk, the Giant Dipper stands out. The wooden coaster opened in 1924 and has been generating screams and squeals for decades. The boardwalk also features the 125-foot-high Double Shot tower for adrenaline lovers, and little ones will love the painstakingly restored 1911 Looff carousel.
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Big Sur, United States of America
Drive approx 45 min
Ed. note: A section of Highway 1 is closed in Monterey County south of Big Sur, due to a landslide. Big Sur is not accessible from the south. For the latest on road closures and possible detours, check the CalTrans Quick Map.
Welcome to Big Sur, one of the world’s most unforgettable stretches of coastline.
This roughly 90-mile-long expanse of redwood- and fog-trimmed waterfront between Carmel-by-the-Sea and Hearst Castle draws you in with a magic allure. This is, quite simply, a place you want to be.
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Carmel-by-the-Sea, United States of America
Drive approx 1 hr
The petite Monterey County city of Carmel-by-the-Sea is home to an ensemble cast of charms, making it an enchanting destination. Officially incorporated in 1916, Carmel has long exerted a magnetic pull on artists and authors. Today Carmel Village, filled with garden cottages, Mediterranean estates, and modern ranches, is home to nearly 100 art galleries. Builder Hugh Comstock created the fairy tale aesthetic in the 1920s and 21 of his originals remain, including the Tuck Box, a quaint café specializing in afternoon tea. For those in search of heartier fare, there’s Cultura Comida y Bebida, where Oaxacan dishes like smoked pork mole and chapulines (toasted grasshoppers seasoned with lime and salt) are best paired with one of 39 mezcals. At La Bicyclette the vibe is pure French bistro while special occasions warrant a stop at Aubergine, a tasting-menu splurge inside L’Auberge Carmel resort. Along with restaurants, Carmel Village is stocked with wine-tasting rooms and boutiques. Sip a Pinot Noir from Central Coast Wine Country or browse fancy pens at The Pleasure of Writing, a shop dedicated to the art of writing.
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Monterey, United States of America
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Salinas, United States of America
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Cambria, United States of America
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Hearst Castle, United States of America
Drive approx 3 hrs (road may be open again)
Designed by legendary architect Julia Morgan, Hearst Castle is positively enthralling: a collection of priceless art and antiques from all over the world, exquisitely assembled in a mountaintop Mediterranean estate that Hearst dubbed "La Cuesta Encantada" (The Enchanted Hill).
The castle out-Hollywoods Hollywood and is as grand as the finest palaces of Europe. And the story of its visionary owner, William Randolph Hearst, is a made-in-America fable that proves that fact is truly stranger than fiction.
Considering that the castle rambles over roughly 80,000 square feet, 165 rooms, and 123 acres of gardens and pools, no single tour can fully capture its splendor. In fact, take your pick of nine different ways to explore the castle, including seasonal evening and holiday tours. Or splurge on your very own four-hour private tour for up to six people.
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Santa Barbara, United States of America
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Malibu, United States of America
approx 3 hr 30 min
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Santa Monica, United States of America
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Laguna Beach, United States of America
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San Diego, United States