Big Sur
Gazing upon California's rugged central coast from Highway 1 for the very first time this past week, my immediate thought was: I am a bad Californian.
How have I lived here so long without ever visiting?
In fairness, it's a big state, and Big Sur is often foggy and not particularly easy to get to. Still: bad Andy. Bad, bad, bad. If I were to make a list of places you really ought to see in person, this would have to be near the top.
The highway itself is a marvel of either audacity or bad judgement. Take your pick. Like the Angeles Crest Highway to the south, the Cabrillo Highway travels steep and precarious ground, and may well be similarly vulnerable. So don't wait too long to visit.
Note that the high point of the Santa Lucia Range, Junipero Serra Peak, rises nearly 6000 feet above the Pacific. Nearby 5155' Cone Peak is a mere three miles from the shoreline, making it easily California's highest "coast-adjacent" peak. Well worth some future exploration, I'd say.
— June 26, 2026
Andy Lewicky is the author and creator of SierraDescents
Dan Conger June 27, 2026 at 7:45 am
We took a family trip from Canoga Park to Santa Cruz on Highway 1 when I was young. Long drive ... but gorgeous.
Another piece of California coast line that is also incredibly beautiful and even harder to access is the Lost Coast of Mendocino and Humboldt Counties. Also a "must see" area of the state.