– Doug McConnell

I’m often asked what my favorite short road trip is in the West, and I can never really answer because I have too many favorites.  From the Black Hills to Hawaii and Alaska to Mexico the beauty and true nature of the West can be found on countless great drives along the ocean’s edge, over steep mountain passes, through ever-changing desert landscapes and into the hearts of big cities and small towns in every state and province.   But OK, here’s one drive I especially love, and it’s only 90 miles long.

It’s no secret that the Big Sur coast of California is about as drop-dead gorgeous as a union of land and sea can get.  From north to south, you enter the Big Sur the moment you leave lovely Carmel and follow State Highway 1 towards Hearst Castle.   Mountains erupt from the sea and the highway clings to cliffs and bluffs as it threads its way gingerly southward.  Every bend in the road reveals another stunning vista.  You’ve got to drive carefully and stop often or you’ll do the journey an injustice.   The trip can take a few hours or a few weeks.   I prefer the latter.

Along the way, you should visit Pt. Lobos State Reserve, the Pt. Sur Lighthouse, and Andrew Molera and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Parks.  You should pull over to admire the Bixby Bridge, the Big Sur River, the Henry Miller Library, the elephant seals in winter at Piedras Blanca and, of course, Hearst Castle itself. Then, go back in every season because the climatic conditions are always shifting.  Oh, and by the way, keep your eyes peeled for sea otters and huge, endangered California Condors gliding along steep ridge lines or perched on rocks and abandoned structures near the road.

You can camp or stay in expensive world-class inns or get something in between. And did I mention that it’s all very romantic?

Well, that’s my Big Sur starter kit.  Take your time and you’ll easily discover much more.   Let us know what you find.

CHECK OUT THE MAP OF ALL OUR CALIFORNIA CENTRAL COAST VIDEOS AND STORIES.

– Carl Bidleman

Our good friend and teriffic photographer, Brian Cardello, sent along a tip about a Road Trip exhibit running at the San Jose Museum of Art until January 25, 2009.  He said Charlie McCollom’s article in the San Jose Mercury News made him think of us.  The exhibit looks plenty interesting, especially for those who love the open road.  Check out the photo below.  Don’t you wonder what the hell that girl is thinking?  My sister used to put her arms inside her shirt like that.  The museum website has videos about the art and artists.  Anyone out there seen the exhibit yet?  Tell us what you think.  Guess there’s a road trip to San Jose in my immediate future.  Thanks, Brian and Charlie.

Photo from the Stranded series by Amy Stein