The South Line of California State Route 1 - Sunshine and Dreams Together ?

You are a responsible hiker, thank you. We also took this route in July. I really want to drive slowly along several of the most beautiful sections again.

Day 1 Los Angeles   The first time renting a car in the United States, the northern section of Highway 1 is rugged and narrow, while this section of driving is much easier. After passing Ragged Point, the road no longer winds along the cliffs halfway up the mountain, but descends to the beach and becomes straight and wide. You can listen to music while driving past picturesque bays and beautiful towns. Even without any special attractions, driving along the coastal highway is a delightful experience.Transportation: Car rental / Southern end of Highway 1, coordinates 35.663168 -121.257461Elephant Seal Viewing PointThis is the largest elephant seal habitat on the west coast of the United States, and the most convenient place to observe elephant seals. Many people can't tell the difference between sea lions and elephant seals. Adult elephant seals are sea lions with huge noses. Despite their lazy appearance, they are the mammals with the longest diving time. They were once on the brink of extinction, and it was the protection by the Mexican government in the 19th century that saved this species. Now they are protected animals in both the United States and Mexico. Elephant seals molt in the summer, during which they spend a long time on land. From April to May, there are mainly female and young elephant seals, and from June to August, there are male elephant seals. In the winter, elephant seals return here to mate, and from mid-December to the end of January, young elephant seals are born, making it a good time to observe elephant seals. There is also a Piedras Blancas lighthouse nearby.Transportation: Car rental / Highway 1 turns onto Hearst Castle RdHearst CastleHearst Castle was the private residence of William Randolph Hearst, a media tycoon in the early 20th century. It was once the most expensive mansion in the world, a gathering place for celebrities from all walks of life, and the world's largest private zoo. The movie Citizen Kane tells the story of this place. It was once named the most famous castle in the United States by Forbes magazine. Overlooking the sea from the hills near the seaside town of San Simeon, the houses are of various styles, mainly Mediterranean in style, and the architectural rooms are extremely luxurious, such as the entrance hall, banquet hall, Roman pool, Neptune pool, and countless treasures, artifacts, sculptures, and various precious collections. Many movies have been filmed here.Transportation: Car rental / South of Highway 41Whale Watching in Morro BayContinuing south from Hearst Castle, you will pass through Morro Bay, the first beautiful town with many restaurants and hotels, especially famous for its oysters. The landmark here is Morro Rock, which is actually a volcanic plug formed by an underwater volcano, creating a unique landform. You can drive around Morro Bay for sightseeing, or park and stroll around. In the spring, flowers bloom on the shore, and walking along the coast is refreshing. The coast here is a must-pass for whale migration, so you can watch whales all year round. There are many whale watching companies in the town, and they all have good reputations. There is a marsh in the bay that is a good place for bird watching.Transportation: Car rental / Exit Avila Beach Dr from Highway 1 and head west to the endAvila Beach and PierAvila Beach is hidden behind the mountains and cannot be seen from Highway 1, so usually only locals know about it. It is a very leisurely place with few tourists. The colorful town by the beach is very beautiful, and there are two piers where you can buy fresh seafood or enjoy a meal at the restaurants. There is a unique miracle here: a group of gray whales sometimes appear in the harbor area to feed and play, which is very close to the shore and visible. Each appearance causes a sensation, but it doesn't happen every year. In June 2015, a group of gray whales stayed in the harbor for nearly a month, very close to the people rowing, which was really exciting.Transportation: Car rental / Exit Pomeroy Ave from Highway 1 and head westPismo BeachHeading south from Avila Beach is Pismo Beach, which is always crowded and lively. The beautiful white sandy beach stretches for more than ten miles, and the pier area is bustling. There is a famous tri-tip steak burger here, and there are often long lines. Nearby Santa Maria has the best charcoal BBQ on the west coast and a BBQ style that is different from most American restaurants. It doesn't use a lot of sauce and focuses on the original flavor of the ingredients, which is more suitable for Chinese tastes and definitely worth a try. In the winter, you can see many monarch butterflies at the Monarch Butterfly Grove near the town. The Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area south of the city has huge sand dunes by the sea, which are very spectacular. Many off-road vehicles play here, or sail in the sea.Transportation: Car rental / Road tripSolvang Danish VillageSolvang Danish Village is a must-see on the southern route of Highway 1. It was built by Danish immigrants in the early 19th century, and the rich Danish style often amazes Nordic tourists. Although not by the sea, it is worth taking a detour to see. The houses here are naturally built in the Danish style with slanted wooden grids, and windmills can be seen everywhere. It is like a fairy tale with bright sunshine, green tree-lined streets, and even has a statue of Hans Christian Andersen and a Little Mermaid fountain. You can take a classic carriage ride or rent a bicycle to explore, have a cup of coffee by the roadside, and taste some Danish cookies for a wonderful afternoon.Transportation: Car rental / Pass through Santa Barbara on Highway 1Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara, the most famous city on Highway 1, is known as the American Riviera. It is definitely not a coincidence to have such a title. The coastline here is tranquil and beautiful, with lush flowers and white walls and red tiles. It is quiet and secluded yet convenient, and is a place where many wealthy celebrities like to live and vacation. It is also one of the most expensive areas in the United States for real estate. Santa Barbara was the first Spanish settlement in California, so it has a long history. The current Santa Barbara Church was rebuilt on the site of the old church in 1786. Stearns Wharf is the oldest pier in California and is still in use. The nearby area is a bustling place for shopping and dining, and the Paseo Nuevo shopping center is a shopper's paradise.Transportation: Boat / Take a boat from the ports of Ventura or OxnardChannel Islands National Park - Santa Cruz IslandThe Channel Islands National Park is made up of five small islands. Because the islands are isolated and uninhabited, they have preserved unique ecological landscapes and flora and fauna, and have been deliberately preserved as a national park. The sea arches, spring wildflowers, and unique island foxes are hard to find elsewhere. This is also an outdoor paradise for fishing, boating, camping, and whale watching. Snorkeling and diving are the best in Southern California. Because the Channel Islands are far from the mainland, visiting each island takes at least a day, so the Channel Islands National Park is a less-visited national park in the United States, but it is even more precious to be able to visit.Transportation: Car rental / West of Oxnard on Highway 1 belongs to MalibuMalibu Creek State ParkMalibu is the last stop on the southern route of Highway 1, with many beautiful beaches and the most popular surfing spots in Southern California. Many Hollywood and sports stars like to live on the coast of Malibu. Especially worth seeing is Point Dume State Beach, which has a feeling of the edge of the world, a unique desolate beauty. Many couples choose to have their weddings here, and it is extremely romantic at sunset. There is also Malibu Creek State Park, which was once the 20th Century Fox filming location and has been the setting for many famous movies. It is also a cool summer resort and a place for spring outings.