Summary of My Solo Road Trip Along California’s Highway 1
1. Arrival in San Francisco
I had long dreamed of driving California’s Highway 1 alone. This iconic coastal road, stretching 665 miles from Mendocino to San Diego, promised epic seaside views and time for quiet contemplation. Starting in San Francisco and ending in Los Angeles, I planned for nine days, six hotels, and one suitcase. The idea was to feel small, meet fellow travelers, eat plenty of local grub, and get immersed in the shifting north-to-south landscape.
On the first flight out of New York — aboard a squeaky clean JetBlue Mint seat — I glanced at my itinerary: a mix of my own research and tips from local friends. I had also carved out time to explore the road’s diversions — hippie cafes, surf breaks, and poetic lookout points. After all, part of going on a road trip was being open to where I would wind up.
2. Exploring Half Moon Bay
Up early, I departed for Half Moon Bay, trading the low-flung cityscape for a sleepy beach atmosphere. My first stop was Devil’s Slide Trail, a dramatic slice of rocky waters dotted with harbor seals and bottlenose dolphins. A few miles south, I watched the Surfers Beach crowd paddle out, which derailed my lunch plans at Duarte’s Tavern. Instead, I bought a heaping $5 bag of cherries from a roadside farmer.
3. Santa Cruz Adventures
Winding backroads — and my GPS — led me to some very big trees. If you want to feel small, stand among the giants at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Within this 40-acre grove, I marveled under the vast ancient canopy, discovering trees that have miraculously withstood fires for centuries.
Along Santa Cruz’s nostalgia-laced main stretch, I sampled a sandwich at The Picnic Basket and then skipped over to the boardwalk amusement park, where they filmed the campy 1980s flick “The Lost Boys.” Like a kid, I screamed on the wooden Giant Dipper roller coaster and savored organic scoops from The Penny Ice Creamery while watching more surfers at Pleasure Point.
4. Charming Carmel-by-the-Sea
Dotted with posh shops and cottages, Carmel-by-the-Sea provided a lovely respite. Down an alleyway, I found Stationaery, a minimalist, locally loved eatery where I fueled up on deliciously simple rock cod with brown rice, lemongrass and ogo seaweed, followed by a spread of local cheeses. Afterward, I checked into the 20-room L’Auberge Carmel, a charming Relais & Chateaux property offering a leafy courtyard and chocolate chip cookies at turndown.
5. Wandering Big Sur
Finally, Big Sur — a seductive territory conjuring magic and mystery. From its literary roots (Henry Miller, Jack Kerouac) to its New Age retreats like Esalen Institute, along with mystical redwoods and rugged cliffs, I felt intoxicated by the beauty of this region.
The towering Bixby Bridge, though enveloped in fog, led me to the timber-clad 1930s inn, Deetjen’s, where I enjoyed a delightful breakfast. Unmarked roads took me to the purple-sand-patched Pfeiffer Beach, and I later looped around the newly reopened Pfeiffer Falls Trail.
6. Discovering Cambria
Cambria, a tranquil Central Coast town, reminded me of a faded 1970s postcard. After checking in at the chic, 25-room White Water hotel, I made my way to the Sea Chest Oyster Bar, famed for its butter-and-garlic-doused seafood. I enjoyed the sun setting over Moonstone Beach with a glass of Ultraviolet bubbles.
7. Final Stop: Los Angeles
Last stop: Los Angeles. Perched on the Sunset Strip, I checked into the legendary Sunset Tower Hotel, known for its Art Deco facade and star-studded lore. It was hard to peel away from my room with sweet views, where I indulged in french fries and tequila at the walnut-paneled Tower Bar.
As my trip came to an end, I felt invigorated by the conversations with strangers, the beauty I encountered, and the fleeting moments that filled my days. Consequently, while many have their own road stories to tell, mine reminded me of the joys of solitude interwoven with connection. In the end, I never felt alone on this adventure.
