This Stretch of California’s Freeway 1 Turns a Scenic Drive Into the Highway Journey of a Lifetime–and No, It is Not Huge Sur

Huge Sur would possibly get all the eye, however maintain driving south and also you’ll hit Freeway 1’s best-kept secret, San Luis Obispo County.

Right here, road-trippers can trip Clydesdales by way of rolling hills, tour wine nation in a classic motorbike sidecar, watch elephant seals spar throughout mating season, see humpback whales leap from the water, and finish the day soaking in mineral springs beneath the celebrities.

There’s a motive it’s known as “SLO CAL.” This stretch of California’s Freeway 1 street journey provides an opportunity to decelerate and benefit from the experiences alongside the best way.

Cease in Ragged Level for Cliffside Sundown Views and a Mouthwatering Meal After a Day on the Highway

Dinner at Ragged Level Restaurant is the proper technique to finish a day of road-tripping alongside Freeway 1. The restaurant provides loads of seating, together with a patio the place visitors can get pleasure from dwell music within the evenings. Contemporary oysters, a superbly medium-rare ribeye, and a glass of native wine are a beautiful meal, paired with an after-dinner cliffside sundown simply steps away.

Plus, should you’re too drained to hit the street once more, Ragged Level Inn is conveniently positioned subsequent door, the place you may relaxation earlier than persevering with your journey.

In San Simeon, You’ll Discover Oceanfront Stays, Clifftop Castles, and Sparring Elephant Seals

Cavalier Oceanfront Resort in San Simeon makes an in a single day cease on Freeway 1 really feel particular. The property sits proper on the water, making it simple to step exterior to catch a California sundown or heat up by the oceanfront fireplace pits whereas enjoying a recreation of big chess and listening to waves crash towards the shore.

Rooms are cozy, many with fireplaces and balconies overlooking the Pacific. Heated swimming pools and scorching tubs make it simple to unwind after a day of exploring, and the on-site restaurant, Cavalier Coastal Kitchen, serves a satisfying breakfast earlier than hitting the street.

A go to to Hearst Fortress, a nationwide historic landmark, is a 1,600-foot journey above sea degree to the attractive property of William Randolph Hearst. Right here you’ll discover art-filled rooms, Mediterranean and Spanish Revival structure, spectacular Roman-inspired swimming pools, and lavish gardens that provide a glimpse into his European-inspired retreat, which famously hosted Hollywood stars and different outstanding visitors all through the Twenties and Nineteen Thirties.

The Elephant Seal Vista Level, also called the Piedras Blancas Rookery, is a free expertise to not be skipped. From December to March, you may witness northern Elephant Seals sparring for territory and giving beginning on the seashore.

Sebastian’s Common Retailer is a historic cease serving scrumptious deli sandwiches and contemporary salads, making it the proper spot for lunch and a spot to search out regionally made souvenirs. Simply throughout the street, Hearst Ranch Vineyard provides tastings of estate-grown wines, with a big patio overlooking the ocean for an incredible noon break alongside Freeway 1.

Take Clydesdales on a Path Experience, Take pleasure in Boardwalk Seashore Strolls, and Discover an Eclectic Downtown in Cambria

At Covell’s Ranch in Cambria, you may take guided horseback rides on big Clydesdale horses by way of acres of rolling hills, no using expertise required. It’s one of many solely locations in the US you may take these light Scottish giants on a path trip.

Moonstone Seashore Boardwalk is a mile-long wood path that runs alongside the rugged shoreline, excellent for a stroll with ocean views, tidepools, and an opportunity to identify sea otters or dolphins. The seashore is understood for its easy, colourful stones known as “moonstones,” nevertheless it’s greatest to go away them in place to assist protect the seashore’s pure magnificence.

After your stroll, head to Moonstone Seashore Bar and Grill, an off-the-cuff oceanfront restaurant simply throughout the street. Eating on the patio with the sound of the waves close by, we loved completely seared scallops, contemporary fish tacos, and a scrumptious salmon entrée.

Downtown Cambria has boutique retailers, artwork galleries, vintage shops, and eating places, making it an incredible place to wander and discover distinctive souvenirs. After looking its charming native choices, cease for lunch at Brydge, a comfy restaurant identified for its contemporary, seasonal California delicacies. Take pleasure in dishes like regionally sourced roasted mushrooms dressed with Parmesan, truffle oil, and breadcrumbs, or pork meatballs in a wealthy tomato-piquillo sauce.

Avila Seashore Has Hillside Mineral Spring Scorching Tubs, Humpbacks Whales, and Beachfront Leisure

A keep at Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa is a calming and opulent escape into the wooded hills of Avila Seashore. Every visitor room and suite features a balcony or patio with a non-public mineral-spring scorching tub. You may as well e book a non-public hillside mineral scorching tub for a one-of-a-kind expertise beneath the sycamore bushes, or get pleasure from yoga lessons and spa therapies.

The on-site restaurant, Gardens of Avila, provides contemporary herbs and greens from the chef’s backyard, the place you may get pleasure from contemporary farm-to-table delicacies. The Secret Backyard is a secluded, tree-shaded area with wood-fired pizzas, dwell music, and video games.

Avila Seashore Whale Watching with Captain Mark is an thrilling expertise out on the San Luis Obispo Bay. Wildlife right here could be very lively, with sea lions, sea otters, and big humpback whales. Throughout summer time and fall, humpbacks collect within the waters off Avila Seashore to feed on anchovies, typically placing on a present with dramatic breaching, tail-slapping, and different feeding behaviors.

Avila Seashore’s full of life downtown is lined with colourful retailers, informal eating places going through the ocean, and locations to seize ice cream, espresso, or a glass of native wine. Eating places like Mersea’s Seafood Restaurant at Port San Luis serve fresh-caught seafood with unimaginable harbor views, whereas native favorites like Fats Cats Café provide hearty breakfasts and basic consolation meals.

Avila Seashore is the proper place to spend a day listening to dwell music and attending occasions alongside the promenade.

Cruise in a Classic Bike Sidecar By means of Edna Valley’s Vineyards and Sip Native Wine in San Luis Obispo 

A motorbike sidecar tour by way of San Luis Obispo wine nation is a one-of-a-kind technique to discover the vineyards and scenic backroads of Edna Valley.

The trip provides open-air views and a way of journey, with stops like Baileyana Vineyard, housed contained in the historic 1909 Independence Schoolhouse, which pours a wide array of wines from grapes grown of their property vineyards. One other cease is Claiborne & Churchill Vineyard, identified for its crisp, Alsatian-style wines, similar to Dry Riesling and Dry Gewürztraminer, that are loved in a relaxed backyard setting.

Edna Valley is understood for its distinctive coastal microclimates, the place cool ocean breezes and morning fog create excellent circumstances for rising Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and different cool-climate varietals.

A Bucket Listing Highway Journey By means of San Luis Obispo County

A Freeway 1 street journey by way of San Luis Obispo County turns an iconic drive right into a bucket-list journey, crammed with small cities and unimaginable experiences. The very best a part of the journey isn’t only one vacation spot, however the experiences and reminiscences you’ll gather alongside the best way.