The California Coast

Big Sur, California

Exploring Carmel, San Simeon, and Paso Robles

Travelers’ Map is loading…
If you see this after your page is loaded completely, leafletJS files are missing.

Our trip to Big Sur was an unforgettable adventure, blending natural beauty with intriguing historical sites. We began our journey in the charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, a quaint and upscale enclave known for its artistic flair and picturesque cottages. Here, we indulged in some artisan chocolates and stocked up on essentials, preparing for our scenic drive down the coast.

The drive along the Pacific Coast Highway through Big Sur was nothing short of breathtaking. With the rugged cliffs to one side and the expansive Pacific Ocean to the other, the highway ribboned its way through some of the most dramatic coastal landscapes in North America. This stretch is renowned for its lack of development; no gas stations, no billboards, just unspoiled natural beauty as far as the eye can see. It’s a stark reminder of California’s wild beauty, where the views are vast and the human footprint is minimal.

One of our key stops was San Simeon, home to the famous Hearst Castle. This grand estate was built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, beginning in 1919 and continuing until 1947. Designed by architect Julia Morgan, Hearst Castle is a stunning monument to opulence and luxury, featuring a blend of architectural styles and an impressive collection of art and antiques. Hearst’s vision was to build a “palace in the hills,” and he certainly succeeded, creating a sprawling complex of mansions, gardens, and pools atop a hill with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the Pacific coastline.

After exploring the grandeur of Hearst Castle, we ventured over the mountains to Paso Robles, a renowned wine region known for its diverse and high-quality wines. Here, we hoped to enjoy a relaxing evening sampling some of the best vintages the area had to offer. Unfortunately, the winery we visited had already sold out of their premium wines for the season, and the remaining options available for tasting did not meet our expectations. Despite this slight disappointment, the drive through the region was delightful, and the views remained as stunning and picturesque as ever.

We ended our day in Paso Robles, where we stayed overnight, reflecting on the rich tapestry of experiences the day had offered. From the artisanal charm of Carmel-by-the-Sea to the untouched wilderness of Big Sur and the historic splendor of Hearst Castle, our journey was a vivid reminder of the diverse attractions that California’s central coast has to offer. Despite the wine hiccup, the trip was a beautiful blend of nature, history, and culture.