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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nFrom San Francisco, cut across the verdant Santa Cruz Mountains and make your way to Route 1. Your first glimpse of the Pacific will take your breath away. Continue south on the two-lane highway, passing through San Gregorio and windswept Pescadero State Beach. Pescadero makes a great first stop to stretch your legs. There\u2019s a short walk to an overlook on a cliff, plus easy access to the fine-sand beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From there, follow the highway for six more miles to Pigeon Point. You\u2019ll want to hop off the road here for a quick photo-opp by the lighthouse, which stands on its own at the edge of the point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep on heading south, with the Pacific on the passenger side, as you curve eastward and venture around the huge Monterey Bay. One of the world\u2019s most wildlife-rich biomes, Monterey Bay is a bucket list destination for nature lovers. About three quarters of the way down the bay\u2019s shoreline, and roughly three hours into the journey, Monterey makes for an excellent first stopover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exploring Monterey<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n With Sanctuary Beach Resort as your home base, all of Monterey is at your fingertips. From epic whale watches<\/a> and birding opportunities<\/a> to stellar hikes<\/a> and oceanfront running routes<\/a>, it is an action-packed getaway. Stop by one of Monterey\u2019s best coffee shops<\/a> to get energized before venturing out for your Monterey adventures. Prefer to take things easy? Bring the family to the Monterey Bay Aquarium<\/a>, one of the most respected marine research centers in the world\u2014and the setting for Finding Dory. Filled with amazing sea-life, and interesting facts, it\u2019s an ideal place to take go when you\u2019re on a family vacation in Monterey<\/a>. Another local spot: Fisherman\u2019s Wharf, a historic pier with restaurants, bars and souvenir shops<\/a>\u2014where else in the country can you buy a postcard while watching sea lions frolic in the water? And if you think it looks familiar, you\u2019re right. HBO megahit Big Little Lies<\/em> is set in Monterey, and Celeste and Madeline\u2019s favorite caf\u00e9 is set right here on the wharf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, if you want to take things even easier, there are myriad ways to unwind right at Sanctuary Beach Resort. Overlooking both the Bay and protected sand dunes, the car-free resort lets guests disconnect. Read a book on the beach or in your own cottage, enjoy an indulgent spa treatment, and watch the sun set over the ocean\u2014glass of wine in hand. For dinner, Salt Wood<\/a> is a destination in its own right, and one of the best seafood restaurants in Monterey<\/a>. Chef David Baron\u2019s seasonal New American cuisine draws diners from across the region, with an oyster bar, live-fire open kitchen and ocean views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once night falls, listen to the sound of the waves crashing and the crackle of beachfront bonfires\u2014a favorite nighttime tradition at Sanctuary Beach Resort\u2014before retreating to a residential-style cottage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Monterey to Santa Barbara<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The next morning, wake up early and continue on Highway One for what will be one of the most scenic drives ever. Today\u2019s journey takes you along the route\u2019s signature attraction: Big Sur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To get there, you\u2019ll want to drive along the waterfront following the famed 17-Mile Drive. The coastal route is a slight detour, but entirely worth it for the dramatic turns and sweeping Pacific views. The Drive ends in Carmel-by-the-Sea, an adorably quaint arts colony. Take a few minutes to explore the charming downtown, which fronts a sandy beach, before continuing on the drive. The highway follows the coastline and begins to climb higher. Often, you\u2019ll see whales spouting offshore as your car rises ever higher on the coastal highways. You\u2019ve reached Big Sur, the largest stretch of undeveloped waterfront in the Contiguous 48. Nature lovers will have plenty to keep themselves busy here, including multiple fabulous hikes\u2014some along the water, others into the rugged interior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Continuing south, the mountains veer inland as you get towards San Simeon, home to the iconic Hearst Castle. Just before town, there\u2019s a beach overlook that almost always has cars parked. What\u2019s the attraction? An elephant seal colony. The massive, bizarre mammals camp out on the sands below in droves. Architecture fans will want to take the detour for a visit to the over-the-top Hearst Castle, built by media mogul William Randolph Hearst.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From San Simeon, continue along Route 1 along the coast, past sandy beaches and mountains dotted with sagebrush. After several hours you\u2019ll reach the American Riviera<\/a>, a scenic stretch of coastline centering along Santa Barbara.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Exploring Santa Barbara<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Check into Hotel Milo, a beachfront hotel in the Spanish Revival style that\u2019s quintessential to Santa Barbara. If you\u2019re there in time for dinner, you\u2019ll want to explore the crop of new restaurants in Santa Barbara that are helping the university town land on the foodie\u2019s map. Have the kids in tow? We\u2019ve got lots of family-friendly recommendations as well, from casual pizza spots to beachfront cafes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The next day, take some time to explore the town itself. We love the Funk Zone<\/a>, an arts district that\u2019s become one of California\u2019s leading cultural hubs. You can also see the historic Santa Barbara Mission<\/a>, founded in 1786. For more adventure, spend the morning in one of the many nearby hot springs<\/a>, or on one of myriad scenic hikes<\/a>. Or, take to the sea, and get a look at Santa Barbara from the water, by sailing, paddle boarding, or even venturing to undeveloped islands. Back in town, the beach<\/a> is a favorite spot to hang out, toss a frisbee, or simply read a book. And oenophiles will love the Urban Wine Trail<\/a>, a series of wineries and tasting rooms in town that showcase the award-winning vineyards of Santa Barbara Wine Country<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Santa Barbara to Santa Monica<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Exploring Santa Monica and Los Angeles<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Santa Monica is LA\u2019s breezy beach resort town, a city that take California Chill to new levels. At The Ambrose, a boutique property in a leafy residential neighborhood just minutes from the sands. Drop off your bags\u2014and car keys\u2014 and set off to discover this charming Southern California town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of Santa Monica\u2019s most famous attractions is the iconic Santa Monica Pier<\/a>, home to a historic rollercoaster and epic views up and down the coastline. It and the adjacent beach make up one of the best places in Santa Monica to bring the kids. Stay near the beach for lunch at our favorite waterfront restaurants, from rustic grills to upscale seafood restaurants. For shopping, you\u2019ll want to check out two main drags: Main Street<\/a>, along with the Third Street Promenade<\/a>. Both are home to independent brands and major international names, making for an eclectic mix of shopping options. These are also two streets where you\u2019re likely to spot celebrities in Santa Monica<\/a>, either in one of the outdoor cafes or strolling amongst stalls at the farmers market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, after a few days driving, you\u2019ll definitely want to take time to totally indulge. Southern Californians are pros at relaxation, and Santa Monica has several excellent day spas offering restorative treatments. You deserve it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Feeling inspired? Check out some other hotels we recommend booking on your California road trip!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Monterey Bay<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.ambrosehotel.dev.nextguest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Monterey-Fishermans-Wharf.jpg\")
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSANCTUARY BEACH RESORT<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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