We took off down the Pacific Coast Highway (aka The PCH, aka California 1) for the area of Big Sur. There are numerous turn outs which they call Vista Points along the route where you can stop to take in the impressive views….impressive isn’t even the right word. Quite frankly the adjectives to describe the beauty of the coastline don’t yet exist.
There is a Ritz Carlton on the southern edge of Half Moon Bay that offers public beach access. We pulled up to the gatehouse midway down the drive and told the guard why we were there. He directed us down to the entrance to the hotel where the valet pulled our car over to the side and gave us directions on how to get to the beach. The idea is not to spend the day there but you can stop long enough to get some great pictures and breathe in the sea air.
Driving at least a portion of the Pacific Coast Highway is something everyone should do at least once in their life. At the same time, this road is not for the faint of heart (though I suggest you find a way to get over it just for a little while). Some of the twists and turns can make your stomach flop, but as long as you take your time and use the vista points instead of trying to take it all in while behind the wheel you’ll be in good shape. If you find that a line of cars is developing behind you, have the courtesy to pull over in one of the turn outs to let them pass. Another thing to consider is that gas stations are extremely few and far between. Fill up right before you hit the PCH and make sure you have cash on hand just in case the fueling station doesn’t accept credit cards.
A few hours later we arrived at Fernwood Resort near the Andrew Molera State Park.