The fabulous Miss Emily at my work is about to embark on a US adventure and I promised her I would share our experience of our trip in 2008 travelling on the California State Route 1 from LA to San Francisco. It's a really super easy drive and I have to say we saw some of the most beautiful scenery in the world along this drive.
It depends how far south you want to start. We started as far as Newport Beach (where I surfed in freezing waters) and took our time driving up north staying over night only at Carmel. If I did it again I would stop and spend a lot more time along the way to enjoy it all. One stop is a must for all beach lovers - Malibu Beach has been part of so many movies and songs for the last 50 years. Even if you stop get your feet wet then continue the drive it's completely worth it...
Working in publishing I think the Hearst Castle is a must see on the adventure list. It was designed by architect Julia Morgan between 1919 and 1947 for newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, who died in 1951. In 1957, the Hearst Corporation donated the property to the state of California. Since that time it has been maintained as a state historic park where the estate, and its considerable collection of art and antiques, is open for public tours. Despite its location far from any urban center, the site attracts about one million visitors per year.
Ragged Point was one of the highlights of our trip, we knew nothing about it. We were hungry and in desperate need of a pit-stop and came across I think one of the prettiest ocean views I've ever seen.
Ragged Point Inn is a great place to stay overnight if you are visiting the Hearst Castle. The current chapter of Ragged Point history begins in the late 1950s. Wiley and Mildred Ramey, who were visiting the Central Coast from their home in California's San Joaquin Valley, meandered up a lonely Highway 1 from nearby Cambria. Everyone who knew the Rameys knew how they loved to take long drives, enjoying America's beautiful, isolated, and pastoral country roads. They also knew how Wiley Ramey, in particular, loved to invest in little pieces of land when they found places they loved--providing he could get a bargain. That special day, the Rameys spotted a small, curious outpost on the ocean side of Highway 1, north of San Simeon. Little did they know how this rustic outpost, once part of the huge Hearst Ranch, was to change their lives--and the lives of their children--forever.The settlement itself was nothing special: a snack shack sporting a neon "EAT" sign, a couple of rusted gas pumps, and a travel trailer or two. However, the Rameys were totally entranced by the natural beauty. Because of this enchantment, they spent most of the next two years persuading the landowner, carnival man, Monte Young, to part with the property. When they finally did, they disposed of the "EAT" sign and started building a two-room motel on this lonely stretch of highway. This was the birth of the Ragged Point Inn you see today. Wiley and Mildred Ramey had a vision. The small family shaped their little motel, gas station, and snack bar, often working it alone and skipping from business to business when their few customers would arrive. They welcomed each guest like they were family, even sharing their Thanksgiving turkey when visitors arrived hungry and the snack bar was closed for the holiday.As the years passed, first Wiley and Mildred, then Mildred and her children, slowly built the business, never forgetting the hospitality and reverence for the land that brought them there.Today, Highway 1 isn't nearly so lonely. The hotel has 39 rooms. The snack bar has been relocated and enlarged. And a gourmet restaurant, gift shop, artisan jewelry shop, coffee bar, and mini-market share the property. But the Rameys, now Wiley and Mildred's children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, work together to share their hospitality and complete the vision. For rates and information visit http://www.raggedpointinn.com/
The gorgeous Bixby Bridge in Big Sur (above) takes your breath away as you drive across it, wondering how on earth they built this. The trick is trying to find somewhere to stop and take a picture which is super challenging but if you are up for it - find a spot because this is a postcard moment. It was constructed in 1932 to connect Big Sur to the rest of California... and that it did. Take a moment to digest the picture above and pictures below.... you'll now see what I mean about the beautiful scenery of California.
The California Sea Otter Wildlife Refuge is another 'dont miss' opportunity. It's part of the Monterey Bay Marina Sanctuary along with Sea Lions and Fur Seals. This refuge extends in the north from the Carmel River to the Santa Rosa Creek in San Luis Obispo County in the south. The Sea Otter Education Center, located just east of Carmel, is a good stopping place for information on both sea otters and the refuge itself.
Visit http://montereybay.noaa.gov/visitor/access/otterRes.html for more information on visiting times and the marine sanctuary rules and regulations.
OK now we come to one of my favourite places in the whole world - Carmel by the sea. Any town where Clint Eastwood was the Mayor has to be pretty special right? This is the most quaint, gorgeous sea village I've ever seen. It has a real European old world charm about it mixed with the vibrancy of the US lifestyle.
You can wander around the streets for hours. The food is spectacular and people are so lovely and friendly.
The picture above is pretty standard image you get as you walk through the streets. Definately stay here at least 2 days. Visit http://www.carmelcalifornia.com/ to plan your trip / stay.
As you drive out of Carmel, there is a famous drive called 17 Mile Drive. This wraps around the world famous Pebble Beach Golf Course. The houses here are incredible with average price tag of $20m.
Last minute decision, we decided to stay overnight in Napa Valley on our way to San Francisco. This was a real treat. We stayed at this gorgeous old Victorian mansion and spent the day going to the various wineries. I was really impressed by the amount of organic wineries with sustainable guidelines. Plan your trip at http://napavalley.com/
If you venture into Napa, you need to stop at Taylor's diner. The burgers here are sensational and you can't go past the garlic cheesey fries..... one last heart attack before you end your trip.
Good luck on your adventure Em ;)
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