California Highway One, AKA the Pacific Coast Highway, is one of the most scenic roads that you will find anywhere which makes it perfect for a road trip. Highway One is a 600 mile long road that runs along the California coast. I got to explore a small portion of it on a recent trip to Monterey Bay.
As much as I like driving on scenic roads it is sometimes nice to be a passenger and enjoy the ride. I boarded a van with fifteen of my newest blogger friends for a drive down the coast.
POINT LOBOS
Our first stop was at the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Point Lobos is an impressive park with a lot to see and do. We spent a couple of hours hiking around looking at the scenery and wildlife. We saw a lot of newborn baby seals with their mothers. The hiking trails are mostly flat with a few easy to walk up hills.
Hiking Trail at Point Lobos
Baby Seal and Mother
Point Lobos
BIXBY BRIDGE
When one of the other bloggers asked if we were going to be stopping at “The Bridge” I immediately knew which bridge she was talking about. I did not know the name of this famous bridge but I have seen it hundreds of times in photos. The Bixby Bridge opened in 1932 and is one of the tallest single-span concrete bridges in the world. The bridge deserves the attention it gets not only because of it impressive architecture but also for the beautiful scenery that surrounds it.
Bixby Bridge in Big Sur California
BIG SUR
The redwood forests of Big Sur was our final stop before we turned around and headed back to Monterey. Of course you can’t have a road trip without food so we had lunch at the Big Sur Roadhouse. The Big Sur Roadhouse opened in 2013 and serves Cajun-California food. I like Cajun food so this was a nice surprise.
The bar area of the Big Sur Roadhouse
Patio seating at the Big Sur Roadhouse
We sampled a number of items off the menu and I liked almost everything I tried. Two of my favorites were the Kale Caesar Salad and the Red Beans and Rice. I could have eaten the whole bowl of rice and beans myself if I did not have to share them with everyone else. The prices were reasonable and most of the items on the lunch menu were under $10. If the weather is nice I recommend sitting outside under the trees.
Kale Caesar Salad
After lunch we went for a tour of the rooms at the Glen Oaks Adobe Motor Lodge which is located across the street from the roadhouse. The Motor Lodge has newly renovated rooms in 1950’s style buildings. The rooms are modern and comfortable. Unfortunately we did not get to stay here but I would like to return in the future for a few relaxing day.
Glen Oaks Adobe Motor Lodge King Bed Room
King Size Bed Room at the Motor Lodge
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- Entrance to Point Lobos State Reserve is $10 per vehicle. There is also some free parking along the road and you can walk into the park.
- Allow at least 4-5 hours for this itinerary.
- Room rates at the Motor Lodge start at $225 for a queen bed room.
DISCLAIMER: My visit was part of a trip sponsored by the Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau. All opinions are my own. My opinion is that I really liked the area and will be returning in the future to explore more.
Jenna says
April 22, 2014 at 6:12 PMVery nice photos! This is such a beautiful drive. Definitely worth a day.
Jenna recently posted..A Weekend in Monterey
Jeff says
April 22, 2014 at 6:27 PMI want to go back. It was not enough time.
noel says
April 22, 2014 at 6:24 PMNice trip, would love to do something just like this Jeff 🙂
Jeff says
April 22, 2014 at 6:27 PMYou should definitely do it next time you are in the area.
Charles McCool says
April 23, 2014 at 10:34 AMI lived in Monterey for a couple of years and made it a point to drive Big Sur whenever possible. I even was able to fly up and down the coast. Beautiful, beautiful spot! One time traffic was stopped at “The Bridge” for the filming of a movie (or car ad).
Charles McCool recently posted..Washington, D.C. Cherry Blossoms and Tidal Basin
Jeff says
April 24, 2014 at 6:49 PMI was really impressed by the area. Flying over it would be a great experience.
Justine says
April 28, 2014 at 5:54 PMThe drive from Monterey to Big Sur is so gorgeous. I was actually in Big Sur a couple weeks ago. If I could do it again I would have someone else drive. The scenery was so stunning it was tough to keep my eyes on the road!
Jeff says
April 28, 2014 at 8:33 PMYou must have been there the same time I was. It really was an amazing drive. I want to return soon.
Connie Seattle Mom Blogger says
May 2, 2014 at 3:48 PMYour pics are AMAZING! I don’t remember your camera – what were you carrying? Stunning!
Jeff says
May 2, 2014 at 3:56 PMSony Point & Shoot and iPhone with some help from Lightroom.
Connie Seattle Mom Blogger says
May 2, 2014 at 5:46 PMWhat model Sony? Your photos are better than some of the people carrying around professional gear. I’m really impressed!
Jeff says
May 2, 2014 at 8:10 PMThanks. It is a couple of years old. It is an HX series. The current equivalent would be an HX50.
Escape Hunter says
June 10, 2014 at 5:11 AMThat viaduct looks so beautiful with the mountains and all.
And the seals… they make me laugh: just like lazy dogs staying in the Sun!
Jeff says
June 12, 2014 at 5:42 PMThe seals were actually pretty active. The mother was busy chasing the baby around.
Marble Mountain Ranch says
November 18, 2015 at 4:45 PMThe place is beautiful. The road to Big Sur is splendid and you could say that it was so cool traveling from Monterey to here The photos taken on the area is so breathtaking. The cuisine is authentic and the place where you can stay is beautiful as well as the place where you can take beautiful photos.