I’d always wanted to drive up Highway 1. I did a ton of research before my husband and I drove from Santa Barbara to Monterey. I checked out some Instagram reels, Pinterest, and even used chat GPT. All the resources talked about the iconic spots like Bixby bridge and McWay falls. They recommended Hearst Castle and the seals at Morro Bay.
But very few focused on what we found to be our three absolute favorites!!!!
So I’m going to tell you! Also, one thing I found very interesting is I realize now that I was basically under the impression that once we left Morro Bay, we pretty much needed to get all the way to Carmel or Monterey in one day. I did not realize that there were a places to stay overnight along the way. I and while one day completely worked and we had an amazing time I actually wish we would have known because I would have loved to have broken it into two or even three days.
So let me tell you about our 3 favorite spots and where you can stay to more fully enjoy this amazing stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway!
First off, Harmony.
Not long after leaving Solvang and heading north we saw a sign that said visit Harmony – pottery, glass blowing, ice cream. We were just getting started on our journey. We’d never heard of it before and we drove by. I’m not kidding. But I love glass blowing and I love handmade pottery and so about a mile down the road I actually turned around and drove back and we were so glad we did.
This tiny (and I am not exaggerating on the word tiny) little spot used to be a thriving dairy community almost 100 years ago. Today, some of the remaining buildings including the original chapel have been bought by a couple who has renovated and rebuilt this cute spot.
We probably spent 30 to 45 minutes wandering through the pottery shop and the glass blowing shop. Had we had more time we could have actually taken a 1-hour class and blown some glass ourselves. It was such an enjoyable shop. There was a food truck that looked delicious and an ice cream truck. Being that the whole purpose of this drive up the coast was to meander and enjoy the sights, this stop was so fun. I highly recommend it.
Next up, Moonstone Beach.
Again, we almost missed it. No one had really mentioned it and we only pulled over because we saw a bunch of other people pulling off and we were curious what they were looking at.
It. Is. Stunning!!!!
So immediately when you turn off there’s a little parking spot. Go there first. That spot is up on the cliffs and the views are amazing. To the north are just unending, gorgeous views. When you look straight down off the cliffs, the rock formations with the waves crashing are incredible. Also, the succulents and vegetation literally are growing all the way down the cliffs. We wandered around that area and took pictures and then as we were driving away we noticed you could go further in to the right and I was curious. A couple hundred feet ahead on the left is a restaurant and just beyond is a cute little motel. Having done the whole trip I would have loved to have stayed there and enjoyed this area for the day and tried the fresh local beef at the restaurant.
As you keep driving, the road leads around to the right with another parking spot and stairs down to the beach and rocks. These rocks give it the name moonstone. You literally feel like you’re on the moon. Okay, the rock formations themselves are amazing and beautiful. The waves crashing against the rocks are so gorgeous and invigorating. And if you brave walking out onto the rocks, they are full of absolutely incredible tide pools. The tide pools are full of gorgeous sea life, anemones and little crabs. They are so fun. I could have sat and watched the tide pools forever. Plus I enjoy photography and I had an amazing time taking pictures trying to catch the exact right wave crashing against the rocks and reaching up into the sky.
This place was nothing short of magical. And we would have driven right by had there not been a few other cars stopped that made us curious. I really do think I’ll go back someday!
And finally, Ragged Point!
I had seen this iconic photo spot but did not know where it was taken. Again we happened upon this place. We were hungry and saw this cute little resort and stopped for lunch. And voila there was the photo op!
Again, I would love to have stayed here overnight! The vibe was everything! Laid back, fun, good food, several photo spots, a hike down to the ocean and Adirondack chairs to chill. Just writing about it makes me want to go back right now! This place was so fun and beautiful. So whether you are there for a short visit or stay a few days, you’ll be so glad you did.
The take away? Yes, the well known, iconic sights were amazing. But these hidden gems made the trip and are the things we still talk about. Plan your drive up the Central California Coast. You won’t regret it!
