As you plan and research your trip along Highway 1, I wanted to toss in a few of my favorite places, for you to consider. Some of these are spots are seasonal and some are just good for a quick stop. My goal is to share a few places that aren’t already on your list! I must say, this is not a comprehensive list and is focused on the Big Sur to San Francisco section of Highway 1. Be on the lookout for ideas that are more south and north in the future! Here are my four suggestions:
The green hills fall into the pacific ocean along the rugged Big Sur coastline in California. Photo by Dalton Johnson
1) Big Sur
Okay, okay, I know, Big Sur is a huge place on everyone’s list, but there are nooks and crannies all over the place. So, what is the best stop to stop? Quite honestly, there are endless places that you can stop and explore. There are places to park your car on a pullout to sleep with an ocean view and be serenade to your dreamland by the crashing waves. For myself, my favorite places to explore are those where I can get down to the ocean, like Partington cove.
Directions to Big Sur
A surfer riding a 30 foot wave at Mavericks Beach at sunset in California. Photo by Dalton Johnson
2) Maverick’s Beach
A legendary surf break, first surfed by Jeff Clark, who now resides in Half Moon Bay and runs a shaping bay and surf shop in the Harbor. This wave, for myself the wave of waves, is the pinnacle of surfing in the United States. Yes, there are bigger waves. Yes, there are heavier waves. Yes, there are better barrels. Yes, there are prettier waves. But, the story of discovery, of Jeff Clark paddling out alone for years and the danger of rocks on the inside, makes this wave the pinnacle for me. If you are planning your road trip between December - January, make sure to check the swell, there is a chance it might be breaking!
Directions Maverick’s Beach
The pigeon point lighthouse flashes in the dark along California's PCH at sunset. Photo by Dalton Johnson
3) Pigeon Point Lighthouse
When you are thinking about cute places to stay along the beach, there is a hostel at this lighthouse. Honestly, I have always thought this would be a stellar spot to propose to somebody or go on a sunset picnic date (maybe one day). If you are a surfer who likes to explore, there is a surf spot around here. I’ve only surfed with another person here once, but you’ll have to find it! Outside of surfing, Pigeon Point Lighthouse is a great spot to hike the coast and see wildlife!
Directions to Pigeon Point Lighthouse
A surfer dropping into a double overhead wave at Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz, CA. Photo by Dalton Johnson
4) Steamer Lane
The most classic and well-known wave in Santa Cruz. This spot used to be a stop on the WSL and was one of the first places surfed by the Hawaiian Princes who brought surfing to the mainland. At the Lane, you will find a surfing museum that shares the story of surfing heritage. Even if you are not a surfer, make the stop here, grab some coffee, and a burrito in Santa Cruz, CA.
Directions to Steamer Lane
To Conclude
These are just four stops along the coast that I am fond of exploring. Take these recommendations with a grain of salt, or take them as gospel, that is your choice! Regardless, if you are taking a road trip along highway one, don’t miss out/skip the Big Sur to San Francisco section. My personal opinion is that this is the prettiest section of the California Coast.
