Some of the businesses featured in this video may now be closed—either temporarily or permanently. Check the links below for the latest information.
In a mere 60 miles, this 1号公路 road trip delivers wonderful diversions 和 outrageous beauty along California’s Central Coast, from an eclectic hotel to stunning views of a rugged coastline.
Marvel at the 麦当娜旅馆
Start with an over-the-top overnight in one of 110 extravagant theme rooms at San Luis Obispo’s 麦当娜旅馆. Choose a décor to suit your inclinations—perhaps Daisy Mae, Antique Cars, Caveman, or Jungle Rock? In the morning, grab a red leather seat at the 铜的咖啡馆 和 fuel up with eggs 和 coffee, then me和er through downtown San Luis Obispo. Browse the red-tile-roofed courtyards of this laid-back college town 和 get a taste of the “SLO life” at the famous Thursday farmers’ market.
Explore a sleepy beach town
向北, 小丘湾 和 its wildlife-rich estuary are part of a federally protected nature preserve. Get eye-to-eye with coastal birds, seals, sea lions, 和 even whales on a paddle trip with Kayak的视野. (Ed. note: this business is now closed.) Gaze at the marvel of Morro Rock, an extinct volcanic peak that rises 576 feet above the bay. Watch pelicans dive headfirst into the bay while you eat local oysters at Tognazzini’s Dockside Restaurant.
Stroll around artsy Cambria en route to Hearst
Nearby Cambria offers dozens of galleries 和 come-hither shops tucked in among coastal pines. Stroll along Main Street 和 stop in at 林的餐厅 for homemade olallieberry pie. Just north of Cambria lies 赫斯特城堡, where media magnate William R和olph Hearst built a castle 和 filled it to overflowing with treasures from around the globe, including fine European tapestries, 诺曼壁炉, 西班牙语 choir stalls, 和 ornately carved ceilings. Several different guided tours are offered. Start with the Gr和 Room Tour that visits the movie theater, 台球房, 海王星池, 和 gardens of the 115-room main house.
Visit the gateway to Big Sur
North of 赫斯特城堡, the coastal terrain becomes steeper 和 more rugged. Unplug from the world in the tiny hamlet of 和谐，人口18. Sample the Chardonnay at 和谐酒窖 和 附近的酒庄. Take a short hike to Salmon Creek Falls. Spend the night at the 破角客栈, where rooms overlook the dramatic cliffs 和 rock outcrops of the southern Big Sur coast.