This route with it's hairpin turns, cliffs, and rugged coastline is a challenging drive and if you are afraid of heights it is suggested you drive from south to north on the inside lane, beginning in San Luis Obispo.
April is the best time to make this trip with mild temperatures, flowers, and foliage beginning to bloom, and of course --less traffic.
The route covers the grasslands, oak woodlands, dramatic steep cliffs dropping into the Pacific Ocean, redwood forested canyons, vistas of ocean waves breaking on the rocky shores and otters and sea lions basking in the sun.
Begin your journey in San Luis Obispo and head to Morro Bay, identified by Morro Rock, a volcanic cone rock jutting 536 feet above the bay.
Next, stop at Hearst Castle home of publishing giant William Randolph Hearst, and tour the beautiful and impressive 127 acre estate and 115 room mansion tucked into the Santa Lucia mountain range.
Continue on and take a break at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Walk the trail to 100 foot high McWay Falls overlooking a picturesque cove.
Head north again taking a break at Big Sur and stop to take a walk along the picturesque beach and cliffs and rock studded shore line.
Continue past the much photographed Bixby Creek Bridge, an engineering masterpiece that spans a huge gorge with a single concrete arch.
Continue your journey north to Point Lobos State Reserve watch for gray whales migrating past (December through April).
Complete your journey in Monterey, the capital of Alta California under Spanish and Mexican rule and the home of some of the oldest buildings in the state.
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