Vista Point
lat:36.41158
lng:-121.91432
Here's the view from this designated Vista Point.
La Purisima Mission State Historical Monument
2295 Purisima Road
Lompoc
, CA
93436
lat:34.67165411921567
lng:-120.42202866867063
An extensively restored California mission. Hiking trails to wander and livestock to see in period recreated working areas.
Bixby Creek Bridge in Big Sur
lat:36.0448389078147
lng:-121.58510557606695
"Bixby Creek Bridge is a reinforced concrete open-spandrel arch bridge. At its completion was the longest concrete arch span at 320 feet (98 m) on the California State Highway System." - Wikipedia
Pull over on the north side of the bride in the turnabout for a breathtaking view.
17-Mile Drive
Pebble Beach
, CA
93953
1-800-654-9300
lat:36.57482
lng:-121.91353
Why not spend a little money to enjoy the 17 mile drive through the Pebble Beach Golf Resort and take in the gorgeous scenic coastline?
See the actual Lone Cypress included in Pebble Beach's logo.
Golfers do not need to be sold on visiting the resort and clubhouse.
Entrance fee necessary for the drive approximately $10. Motorcycles prohibited.
Morro Bay State Park
Morro Bay
, CA
93442
1-805-772-2560
lat:35.37208123186045
lng:-120.86122698381422
Morro Rock is the centerpiece of the state park. Visitors are not allowed to climb on this rock.
See the birds, wildlife, and lagoon - or just get out for a nice walk on a perfect California day.
Monterey
lat:36.58193
lng:-121.93005
Starting point of the drive. Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row are well known destinations.
Visit the historic area of Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Pacific House Museum.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel
, CA
lat:36.555081619103625
lng:-121.9297064025688
This photo shows the ample white sandy beach and the perfectly manicured fairways of the Pebble Beach Resort next door.
What this photo does not show is the charming artist village once under the mayorship of Clint Eastwood.
Photo taken at the end of Ocean Ave.
Vista Point
lat:36.16948
lng:-121.68502
Here's the view from this designated Vista Point.
Vista Point
lat:35.89267
lng:-121.46108
Here's the view from this designated Vista Point. Willow Creek.
Pea Soup Andersen's
51 E. Highway 246
Buellton
, CA
93427
1-800-732-7687
lat:34.6129281
lng:-120.1919621
World famous split pea and ham soup since 1924.
Enjoy unlimited supplies of split pea soup, and pay a little extra for the accoutrements to enhance the flavors.
Nice bit of pastry, snack, and gift shopping on your way out.
Ripplewood Resort
47047 Highway 1
Big Sur
, CA
lat:36.2646685
lng:-121.8012294
Rustic cabins, food, and gas.
Piedras Blancas Light Station
15950 Cabrillo Highway
San Simeon
, CA
93452
1-805-927-7361
lat:35.670146067961674
lng:-121.27833429603578
Lighthouse and area just north of Hearst Castle is available for guided tours. This picture taken before restoration in 2012.
Vista Point
lat:35.663
lng:-121.25693
Here's the view from this designated Vista Point.
Vista Point
lat:36.0615
lng:-121.59155
Here's the view from this designated Vista Point.
Nitt Witt Ridge
881 Hillcrest Drive
Cambria
, CA
1-805-927-2690
lat:35.56777
lng:-121.0974
Nitt Witt Ridge, one of California's remarkable Twentieth Century folk art environments, is the creation of Arthur Harold Beal (Der Tinkerpaw or Capt. Nitt Witt), a Cambria Pines pioneer, who sculpted the land using hand tools and indigenous materials, remarkable inventiveness, and self-taught skills. A blend of native materials and contemporary elements, impressive in its sheer mass and meticulous placement, it is a revealing memorial to Art's unique cosmic humor and zest for life.
California Registered Historical Landmark No.939.
Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with Saving and Preserving Arts and Cultural Environments and the Art Beal Foundation, Non-profit and Educational Corporations, June 26, 1986.
San Simeon State Park
750 Hearst Castle Road
San Simeon
, CA
93452
1-800-444-4445
lat:35.6846293
lng:-121.1694145
The park is the dream home estate of William Randolph Hearst known as Hearst Castle.
The flowers around the Castle are in full bloom around May, specifically the Memorial Day weekend.
The online system works great to get tour reservations ahead of time - which are recommended. A shuttle transports you from the visitor's center to the home.
The Town of Harmony
lat:35.50858491988789
lng:-121.02285153463362
The Town of Harmony...
...grew up around a dairy, founded in 1869. Until 1907 the creamery changed hands several times. In these early days, rivalries and feuding among the dairy farmers caused chaos in the valley. After one shooting death, a truce was called. All agreed to live henceforth in harmony, and from this the name of the towne was derived.
In 1907 M.G. Salmina established the Harmony Valley Cooperative Dairy. The town of Harmony prospered with this business. In its heyday, the village boasted a large residence for management, bunkhouses for employees, a general store, a livery and stable, blacksmith, feed store, post office, and a school house.
The Harmony Dairy produced besides milk and cream, some of the finest butter and cheese in the state. In those days, Highway 1 ran right through the town and motorists were treated to ladles of buttermilk from the dairy.
William Randolf Hearst was a familiar face as he stomped off for fresh dairy products on his way to his ranch Rudolf Valentino and Pola Negri stopped in Harmony on their way to visit Hearst.
Eventually, the dairy business shifted to San Luis Obispo, and in the late 1950s Harmony Dairy was closed. For many years the town was abandoned with the exception of the post office which remained open.
Restoration began in 1972, with loving care, to bring back the beauty and vitality of the Harmony of years ago.
Solvang
Solvang
, CA
93463
lat:34.5958201
lng:-120.1376481
Danish town (not Dutch - because Americans seem to confuse the two) known as the Danish Capital of America.
Center point for Danish food, culture, and festivals. Easy access to the wine making region of the Santa Ynez Valley.
The Hitching Post II
406 East Highway 246
Buellton
, CA
93427
1-805-688-0676
lat:34.6090343
lng:-120.1819193
Famous for restaurant wines, french fries, and being in the movie "Sideways" starring Paul Giamatti, Thomas Haden Church, Virginia Madsen, and Sandra Oh.
Vista Point
lat:35.62878
lng:-121.1602
Here's the view from this designated Vista Point.
The Madonna Inn
100 Madonna Road
San Luis Obispo
, CA
93405
1-805-543-3000
lat:35.272243
lng:-120.682
Famous motel with each room uniquely designed and themed.
La Super Rica Taqueria
622 North Milpas St
Santa Barbara
, CA
93103
1-805-963-4940
lat:34.428039
lng:-119.687136
Famous for being a favorite of the late chef Julia Child. You may want to find a time to visit when the line does not wrap around the building.
Vista Point
lat:34.4739
lng:-120.13653
Not much to see at this Vista Point off of the California 1.
Vista Point
lat:35.62282
lng:-121.15543
Here's the view from this designated Vista Point.
Vista Point
lat:35.65285
lng:-121.24183