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CALIFORNIA

Coastal Tour

Monterey to Morro Bay

Explore the Scenic Beauty of California’s Central Coast

Begin or end your journey at the Anderson Inn of Morro Bay, the perfect base for an unforgettable coastal tour. This 123-mile drive along California’s iconic Highway 1 showcases the rugged beauty and rich history of the Central Coast. Whether you’re starting in Morro Bay and heading north or beginning in Monterey and winding your way south, each stop along the way offers a unique glimpse into the region’s natural splendor.

A vintage map showing Santa Cruz County, Monterey Bay, and adjacent areas. State highways, county highways, and county roads are marked with different lines. Two red stars denote Santa Cruz and Monterey. The Pacific Ocean is on the left side of the map.
A coastal path lined with tall, wind-swept trees. A few people, including children, walk along the paved trail bordered by greenery. In the background, the sky is overcast and a glimpse of the ocean is visible.

Start in Monterey

Begin your adventure in Monterey, a city steeped in history and culture. Once California’s capital under Spanish, Mexican, and American flags, Monterey is now known for its vibrant maritime heritage. Stroll along Fisherman’s Wharf, explore Cannery Row, and visit the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium. Don’t miss the chance to explore the city’s historic adobe buildings, such as the Royal Presidio Chapel and the Larkin House, which provide a glimpse into California’s rich past.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Just a short drive south on Highway 1, you’ll arrive in Carmel-by-the-Sea, a picturesque village known for its charming cottages, art galleries, and upscale boutiques. This artist’s haven is also home to Mission San Carlos Borroméo del Río Carmelo, founded by Padre Junípero Serra in 1770. After exploring the mission, take a leisurely walk along Carmel River State Beach, where you can enjoy the serene beauty of the coastline, fringed with Monterey pines.

A scenic beach landscape features rolling sand dunes covered in lush, green vegetation with tall trees in the foreground. In the distance, people enjoy the sandy shore, and hazy mountains rise against a clear sky.
A scenic coastline features a secluded, sandy cove with clear, turquoise water surrounded by rugged cliffs and green foliage. In the background, a forested hillside rises under a sky filled with fluffy white clouds.

Point Lobos State Reserve

Continue south to Point Lobos State Reserve, a natural paradise just a few miles from Carmel. This 550-acre park is renowned for its scenic trails, which wind through coves, headlands, and meadows. As you explore, you’ll encounter the rare Monterey cypress trees and might spot sea otters, sea lions, and migrating gray whales. The reserve also includes the nation’s first undersea ecological reserve, offering a fascinating glimpse into the marine life of the region.

Big Sur

As you leave Carmel Highlands behind, the landscape transforms into the rugged, untamed beauty of Big Sur. Stretching 90 miles along the coast, this iconic region is where the Santa Lucia Mountains meet the Pacific Ocean in a breathtaking display of natural grandeur. The road hugs the cliffs, offering unparalleled views of the ocean and the towering redwoods that define Big Sur’s landscape. This is a place where nature’s raw power and beauty are on full display.

A coastal scene with a rocky cliff extending into the ocean, topped with lush green trees and a small house. The calm water is surrounded by rugged coastline and more greenery in the foreground. The sky is overcast with a blend of clouds.
A narrow dirt path with a set of stone steps winds its way through a lush, green forest. Dense foliage surrounds the trail, with sunlight filtering through the overhead canopy of tall trees. The scene is serene and inviting for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Garrapata State Park

One of the first stops in Big Sur is Garrapata State Park, located just south of Carmel Highlands. This park features one of the few easily accessible beaches along the coast, where you can watch sea otters playing in the surf. The park’s trails offer stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding cliffs, making it a perfect spot for a hike or a peaceful moment by the sea.

Bixby Bridge

No journey along Highway 1 is complete without a stop at Bixby Bridge. This iconic single-span concrete arch bridge is one of the most photographed spots on the Central Coast. Take a moment to park at one of the turnouts and marvel at the views from this engineering marvel, which stands over 260 feet above the canyon floor. As you continue south, you’ll pass Hurricane Point, where the views are as wild as the winds that blow through this rugged landscape.

A scenic view of Bixby Creek Bridge along California's Big Sur coastline. The concrete arch bridge spans over rugged cliffs with lush hills in the background and waves crashing against the rocky shore below. The sky is clear with bright sunshine.
A serene forest scene featuring towering redwood trees with a raised wooden walkway. A person in an orange jacket stands on the path, gazing up at the trees. The area is lush with greenery and ferns, and sunlight filters through the dense canopy.

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

As you approach the heart of Big Sur, you’ll find Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, a haven of towering redwoods, sycamores, and ferns. The Big Sur River runs through this 964-acre park, creating a lush, green sanctuary that’s perfect for hiking and exploring. Don’t miss the chance to visit Pfeiffer Beach, where the surf crashes through the famous arched rocks, creating a scene of raw, natural beauty.

Nepenthe Restaurant

For a dining experience like no other, stop at Nepenthe, an iconic restaurant perched 800 feet above the sea. Enjoy a meal on the terrace as you take in the sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. This legendary spot is known not just for its food, but for the sense of peace and inspiration it provides to all who visit.

A serene outdoor patio with a chessboard pattern on the floor, overlooking a picturesque landscape of mountains and the ocean at sunset. There are tables and chairs around the area with a cozy fire pit surrounded by trees.
A secluded beach with a small waterfall cascading down rocky cliffs into the sandy shore. The turquoise waves gently lap against the shore, and the surrounding rocks and cliffs add to the rugged, natural beauty of the scene.

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Just a few miles south of Nepenthe, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park offers another glimpse into Big Sur’s natural beauty. The park is home to McWay Falls, a spectacular 100-foot waterfall that cascades directly onto the beach below. A short trail along the seaside bluff offers stunning views of the falls and the surrounding coastline, making this a must-see stop on your journey.

Lucia, Plaskett, Gorda, and Ragged Point

As you continue south, the road becomes even more dramatic, clinging to the cliffs as it winds through the small settlements of Lucia, Plaskett, Gorda, and Ragged Point. These tiny communities offer a glimpse into the remote, rugged lifestyle of those who call Big Sur home. Take your time to explore this stretch of road, where every turn reveals a new, breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean.

A large circular wooden sculpture with a hollow center stands outdoors, framing a picturesque coastal scene. Through the sculpture's opening, rugged cliffs, a winding road, and the ocean are visible under a clear blue sky. Trees flank the sculpture.
A luxurious outdoor pool featuring ornate tilework and clear, turquoise water. Surrounding the pool are neoclassical structures with columns and statues, including a temple-like building. The background showcases a clear blue sky and distant trees.

San Simeon & Hearst Castle

After the wild beauty of Big Sur, the road leads you to San Simeon, home to the famous Hearst Castle. Built by media mogul William Randolph Hearst in the early 20th century, this opulent estate is a marvel of architecture and design. Take a guided tour to explore the 115-room main house, guesthouses, and extensive gardens, all filled with European antiques and art collected by Hearst. The views from the castle, perched high in the Santa Lucia Range, are as impressive as the estate itself.

Morro Bay

Your journey concludes in the charming coastal town of Morro Bay, where the iconic Morro Rock—a 576-foot volcanic plug—rises majestically from the bay. Relax at the Estero Inn, where you’ll enjoy serene views of the water and the comfort of our luxurious accommodations. Take a stroll along the waterfront, visit the Morro Bay State Park Museum of Natural History, or simply unwind as you watch the sun set over the Pacific. Morro Bay’s tranquil beauty provides the perfect ending to your scenic coastal tour.

Two people ride horses on a serene, foggy beach at sunset. A large rock formation is visible in the distance, and the sky is a soft gradient of pink and purple. The beach is mostly empty, with gentle waves lapping at the shore.

Experience Opulence at Anderson Inn

Aerial view of a waterfront area with a gray building housing "The Galley Seafood Grill & Bar" and "Anderson Inn". The building is situated near a calm body of water with boats docked and a large rock formation in the background under a clear blue sky.
A man looks through a coin-operated binocular viewer while a woman stands beside him looking into the distance. They are on a dock next to a blue-gray building labeled "The Galley Seafood Grill & Bar." The scene appears to be outdoors on a sunny day.
Modern bedroom with vaulted ceiling featuring a bed with white sheets and a wooden headboard. The room has wooden flooring, a blue area rug, and large windows with white curtains allowing ample natural light. Two bedside tables with lamps and two black chairs are placed near the window.

Your Oceanfront Haven Awaits.

Discover unparalleled luxury and charm at Anderson Inn, nestled right on the water in scenic Morro Bay.

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897 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, CA 93442

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Call us:
+1.805.772.3434
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Call us:
805.772.3434
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