Highway 1: San Francisco to L.A.

After visiting family, my daughter and I decided to take the Old Highway 1 that runs along the coast from the Bay Area south to L.A.

It takes you along the edges of cliffs, twisting and turning, sometimes doubling back on itself – a bit of a drive, but the most amazing views you can imagine. It took us 13 hours (we stopped a lot and took our time), a lot longer than the same trip on the 5 freeway.

My daughter (the driver) said she is glad to have done it but will never drive it again. Besides the breathtaking views, we saw hundreds of elephant seals on the beach playing, fighting and frolicking during stops in Monterey and Morro Bay, among others.

I can’t explain the feelings of freedom and gratitude to live in such an amazing place. One stop was a little town I had last been to forty years ago, Solvang. It’s a Danish town near Santa Barbara. I was there for the pastries!

It was a great way to see our California coast and spend some quality time with my daughter. We both highly recommend it – the highlight of the summer!