Big Sur, California Pictures-Driving Hwy 1

We started our trip in San Jose and drove south on Hwy 1 along the Big Sur coast, ending at the Hearst Castle in San Simeon. Our road trip took us from congested freeway, to rural roads through farms, to the infamous highway that runs along the ocean. We stopped for breakfast in Monterey explored a little and then continued our drive south towards Big Sur.

Hwy 1 is well known scenic highway that runs along the California coast for good reason. It is an absolutely beautiful drive. The winding roads with sheer cliff drops and plenty of RV's and others taking a road trip make for a slow drive. This Hwy is all about the journey though. The views are what this trip is all about.

You will cross many historic bridges along the way like "Rocky Creek Bridge"

The real beauty of Hwy 1 started shortly after we passed Carmel. Our next stop was at Point Lobos Reserve to hike "The Sea Lions" trail.

If you enjoy golf you can take a scenic detour drive through Pebble Beach. This well known area is accessible by paying a fee at a guarded gate. For $10 you get a map and a pass to drive the famous 17 mile road that was once travelled by horse and buggy for hotel guests. The map is very detailed and easy to follow as you wind your way through the Del Monte forest and alongside the ocean. Even if you do not like golf, Pebble Beach offers some beautiful photography spots.

There are several parks to stop at such as Limekilin State Park, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.

McWay Falls is a short (aprox. 30 min) hike on a dirt path that will lead you to a view of the waterfall and 80 feet of the edge of the Pacific Ocean. We went on a cloudy day, so the views were not as good as some photos I've seen.

Continuing South we made it to San Simeon which was the "end of the trail" for our drive down scenic Hwy 1 from San Jose. San Simeon is very small town with a vast countryside and beautiful ocean views. The big attraction is The Hearst Castle.

The main entrance to the Hearst Castle is very ornate and very wide, so it was hard to take a full photo. The Experience tour is a good overall tour of the property. You will take a bus up the long winding road to the Hearst Castle, and view the gardens, the guesthouse ( which I personally liked more than the main house), the beautiful Neptune pool, the Castle and the indoor pool. The gardens are beautiful and the Neptune pool has a great view. House is kind of dark and eclectic

The Neptune pool area has the best views