American Holidays 2023 North America Digital Brochure (ROI)

Central
California Coast
Highway One’s most scenic stops
California’s coast-hugging Highway 1 is what dream drives are made of. The iconic roadway
offering endless vistas overlooking the Pacific, with plenty of redwood trees and wildlife
sightings along the way. The most well-known stretch runs along California’s Central Coast
from Santa Barbara to Monterey, passing by the unspoiled coastline of Big Sur. Here are
some of Highway One’s most scenic stops along the Central California Coastline.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
The charms of Monterey County town are many: Carmel Beach is
only the beginning. Garden cottages here sit next to Mediterranean
estates and modern ranches. Exceptional dining, wine-tasting
rooms, boutiques, and art galleries line the town’s orderly grid of
streets, and a Spanish mission sits at the southern end of it all. But
it’s the greater environs that best represent this stretch of California,
and that means venturing out. Navigate 17-Mile Drive by car or bike,
play a round at Pebble Beach, book a surf lesson, or make for Point
Lobos State Reserve, where scuba divers and kayakers share the
water with harbor seals and sea otters.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park (Big Sur)
Want a short hike with a huge reward? The half-mile round-trip
Waterfall Overlook Trail at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park could be
the biggest-bang-for-not-much-work hike on the planet. The
almost-flat stroll ends at an oceanfront overlook with flawless views
of McWay Falls, a favorite spot of Big Sur pioneer woman Julia
Pfeiffer Burns, for whom the park is named.)
Bixby Bridge (Big Sur)
Big Sur’s version of the Golden Gate – a must-see road trip spot for
many and probably the most Instagrammed feature along the
Highway 1 coastline. And rightly so. Pull over at numerous turnouts
to get amazing views, particularly from the bridge’s south end at
sunset. Today the bridge is a favourite attraction for photographers,
from professionals to those in search of the ultimate depth-of-field
selfie.
Nepenthe (Big Sur)
With Big Sur views that can only be beaten if you’re a seagull, this
cliff-topping restaurant rightfully makes it onto everyone’s bucket
list. At Nepenthe, located on Highway 1 between Pfeiffer Canyon
Bridge and Castro Canyon, the views stretch down the coast and
the Santa Lucia Mountains plunge in fog-cloaked majesty to the
deep blue Pacific.
Limekiln State Park(Monterey County)
As the name suggests, Limekiln State Park was once the site of a
thriving limekiln operation, and short walks let you not only explore
the ruins of four towering limekilns but also visit the park’s adjoining
sandy beach. Fuelled by felled redwoods and an integral part of
cement production, the 19th-century kilns were eventually closed.
Slowly, the forest around them recovered, and the second-growth
redwood stands that thrive in this park today make for a pleasant
and shady escape. Enjoy a hike to Limekiln Falls, take the easy jaunt
to the park’s sandy beach, or pitch a tent in one of the 28
campsites—you can reserve a site up to six months in advance.
Cambria
Just 11 miles down the coast from Hearst Castle, charming
Cambria is an irresistible destination in its own right. The village’s
commercial area is divided into two distinct sections along Main
Street. With some buildings dating to the 19th century, Cambria’s
East Village is the oldest part of town; in both West and East
Villages you’ll find art galleries and eateries galore and served with
Central Californian wine. Across Highway 1, Moonstone Beach is
lined with hotels; walk across the road and you can stroll above the
surf on a bluff-top boardwalk.
Hearst Castle (San Simeon)
Mansions are a dime a dozen in California, but nothing comes close
to Hearst Castle. Completed in 1947, this extraordinary temple to
opulence served as the private residence of publishing magnate
William Randolph Hearst. Now one of California’s most visited state
historical monuments, the 165-room castle is an eye-popping
extravaganza with 127 acres of terraced gardens, sparkling
fountains, and wraparound views of the sunny Central Coast. Start
your visit with one of Hearst Castle’s daily tours of the main house,
or special tours of the cottages; come in November or December
to see the estate dressed up in its very-festive holiday decor. Every
tour provides visitors with an opportunity to
Wildlife Watching In San Luis Obispo County
From flittering monarch butterflies as light as a feather to elephant
seals that tip the scales at more than 5,000 pounds, San Luis
Obispo County has an incredible variety of wildlife – and ways to
see it. For starters, head to the rugged strip of coastline known
as Piedras Blancas, roughly seven miles north of San Simeon. From
observation areas above the sands, watch bellowing bull elephant
seals as large as minivans battle for territory. Knowledgeable
docents are usually on site.
From late October into February, monarch butterflies migrate to the
groves at Pismo State Beach; at Morro Bay, watch busy sea otters.
Also in Morro Bay, scan the skies and waters for herons and egrets
while also keeping one eye on the water for migrating blue, gray,
and humpback whales.
Pismo Beach
Whether you’re driving from the north or south on U.S. Highway 101,
there’s an unforgettable moment as you reach Pismo Beach. The
coastal hills open up to reveal shimmering turquoise waters and
long stretches of the San Luis Obispo County coastline, with
glimpses of this classic beach town hugging the shore. Work your
way toward the sands, through streets of beach cottages, surf
shops, and clam chowder joints. Once you get there, the historic
1,200-foot-long Pismo Beach Pier beckons; built in 1928, it serves as
a kind of town square for the community. Take a walk out over the
waves to watch the surfers, or maybe try your hand at fishing (no
license required) then stroll along the oceanfront boardwalk. Or just
make tracks in the sand along what is one of the most walkable
beaches in all of California
Santa Barbara Mission
Old Mission Santa Barbara, established in 1786 by Spanish
Franciscans and nicknamed “Queen of the Missions,” is a serene
retreat from downtown Santa Barbara. Take time to stroll through
the mission’s lovely gardens, including a collection of plants
important to native Chumash Indians, and visit the historic
cemetery. But do it quietly: this is still a practicing mission, with
Franciscan friars in residence.
88 | All prices are a guide. Prices can increase or decrease. Prices in £ Sterling / € Euro and are based onTo 2 adults/2 book children call sharing Dublin a room. Prices 01shown 673are3800 a starting price orand Belfast will vary according 028to 9051 departure1800
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