Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park - Big Sur, CA
In the Spring of 2018 we decided to drive from where I was living at the time (in the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles), along Highway 1 and the 101 to Monterey/Big Sur area and eventually Santa Cruz, and the Greater Bay Area.
This roadtrip is like a rite of passage for anyone who begins living a new life in the State of California.
But prior to living in California, I didn't know much about the State's natural attractions apart from hearing how "beautiful" Big Sur and the Pacific Coast Highway are.
Bixby Canyon Bridge at Big Sur
The only preparation I had made for this long weekend road trip was a guide book (Backroads California), and the suggestions of our AirBnB hosts. Our first destination was Carmel Valley.
During the Spring of 2018, much of Highway 1 was closed off due to mudslides, so we drove along the 101 until reaching Carmel.
Driving up the coast on the 101adds a few more hours to the trip, rather than simply taking the 5, it's also much more scenic.
Along that course, there is also the option to stop at Hearst Castle. Which we did, but regrettably didn't snap any photos on my camera.
Big Sur
We stayed the night in a very cute AirBnB guest house with hosts originally from Switzerland (who also collected and repaired antique clocks).
The following day we explored Carmel-By-The-Sea and Big Sur. Big Sur and this portion of the PCH, is really all that it's made out to be.
This is (so far) the most beautiful area I've ever been to in California - it really does live up to its reputation.
After spending an entire day exploring Big Sur, we drove to our next destination to stay in Los Gatos, an area outside of Santa Cruz.
For this trip, I had only brought one roll of film (Kodak Ultramax 400, I think?) and my toy camera with me.
I didn't take nearly enough photos on my camera, but the ones I did take at Big Sur I'm quite pleased with.
We spent a few nights at the AirBnB in Los Gatos and had a chance to explore groves of Redwoods in the area along with visiting Santa Cruz and San Jose.
This was one of the most successful and fun trips I think I've ever done while living in the West Coast.
Taking advantage of the big open road and beauty of the ocean is one of the best things about living in California.