The last vacation we went on abroad was to California. 2024 has just been one of those years where we had to set our lofty travel aspirations aside but managed to squeeze in a few shorter trips. When one does not have weeks to be abroad, wants to be somewhere developed yet with stunning natural beauty there is no better choice than CalifonIA. The drive reminded me of Crusin USA, because it is one of the most iconic drives in the USA. Highway 1.
This is just south of San Francisco along the coast, Pescadaro is the name. There was a free spot to pull over on the side of the road where one could take photos. Maybe it wasn't free, but the ocean was right there and we were more keen on getting to our hotel then to hike as it was our first day. The drive is filled with incredible sites and hundreds of stops from SFO to Monterey and we just felt like stopping here because it was too pretty to just keep passing by.
When in California and they ask if you want to upgrade to a better car, you say hell yeah. The other option was a KIA Soul, who in their right mind would want to save $10 per day and get caught driving a hideously ugly, underpowered, imported thing when they can cruise the coast in a classic mustang. The pick up sure was sweet and it just feels cooler being at the beach in a muscle car than something a defeated suburbanite would drive (no offense :D)
Our first major stop was Santa Cruz, while in May it was not quite the season for the beach we still wanted to check it out. The gardens were in full bloom and walking along the seaside was a treat. We were not interested in going in the water and I do not think the sea is ever really warm in Northern California.
Here is the famous Santa Cruz Wharf with the amusement park in the background. We parked a little ways away from it because I don't like paying for parking and we love walking. It is never too hot by the ocean anyways and the walk to the tourist area was just as enjoyable as the crowds.
We walked along the wharf where there are some seafood restaurants to see what it was all about. This was an awkward time between lunch and dinner so we just looked. Really I wanted to see some sea lions and seals. It was our first time here and I understand they hang out at piers.
Such a classic view, the beach, the wharf and the amusement park. Santa Cruz is cooler than any city one would find in Canada and it is not even the best city in California.
Here are some sea lions and seals, I can hear them barking as I type this. They sort of honk and are quite loud. The sea lions are bigger than the seals and they are orangish. less than a few hours in California and we already saw the Californian Sea Lion, they are giants in the seal family. Interesting enough, this part of the wharf recently collapsed in a storm and some chumps who were standing on the wharf during the storm fell into the water.
Sailing is popular off the coast of California. Windsurfing, surfing and watersports in general. People were already in their wetsuits enjoying the waves. The trees are very interesting in this Mediterranean type climate. One often finds mansions and golf courses lining the coast too. We drove some famous 17 mile drive near Pebble Beach, yes the golf course anyone who knows a thing about golf is on the California coast and managed to get all the way down to Garrapata State Park. The highway was closed just south of that due to erosion.
If you are ever in California, go in the Spring. We saw baby seals, sea lions, miles of flowers, the weather was perfect and it was not yet too busy. Make sure to drive down to the Big Sur if you are in the SFO area and have lunch in Carmel. It's an unbelievable experience. Oh and take the car upgrade, it's California!
Thanks for reading.
All photos taken on an s22 or iPhone 13pro and are unfiltered.
