The Best Roadtrip From Los Angeles To Big Sur
Are you planning a road trip from Los Angeles to Big Sur and aren’t sure where to stop? Let us help you! We have some of the best stops you should make as you travel 436 miles from Los Angeles to Big Sur. The road trip can take around dive days as you make six stops on your way to Big Sur.
Stop 1 - Los Angeles To Bubble-gum Alley
Start your journey by heading to bubble-gum alley, where you can see the infamous alley off Higuera Street in San Luis Obispo. The alley is lined with millions of pieces of chewed gum that have been added to the walls since the 1970s. We know it doesn’t sound the most appealing, but it's like walking through art and history all at once; what more could you want? Make sure you have your phone ready to snap some pictures of all the bright colours and unique pieces of gum.
Stop 2 - Bubble-gum Alley To Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery
Your next stop takes you to see the Elephant seals with their unique snouts. They can be loud and might seem ugly, but once you see them up close, you will find them adorable. The seals move from the rookery to hang out, breed, and birth, allowing you to sneak a glance at them. The best time to see the seals is between October and March, so if your trip lands on these dates, it's definitely a stop to make.
Even if you aren’t visiting when the seals are out, it's worth a stop to walk along the boardwalk. The six-mile stretch allows you to soak up all of the scenery and enjoy all there is to offer.
Stop 3 - Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery To Hearst Castle
Hearst Castle is a beautiful stop to make if you love architecture. It is the spot of a stunning mansion built in the 1940s. Its history is very well preserved, and sits on 127 acres of land. The mansion has 165 rooms that you can look in and enjoy. The highlight of Hearst Castle is its Neptune pool, holding 345,000 gallons of water. Make sure you take some pictures while you are here!
Stop 4 - Hearst Castle To McWay Falls
McWay Falls is a wonderful place to stop, where you can enjoy a stunning waterfall. The waterfall flows 80 feet and empties into the ocean, making it one of the most beautiful views on the coast. You can’t get to the beach as the cliffs are too dangerous to climb down, but the view from above is just as beautiful.
Stop 5 - McWay To Nepenthe
As the end of your road trip approaches, stop at Nepenthe, the perfect space for a meal. Nepenthe is high in the Santa Lucia Mountains, offering lovely views of the surroundings. You can enjoy American cuisine and a wide range of wines that allow you to unwind before your trip ends. It's a wonderful place to visit and one you will return to.
Stop 6 - Nepenthe To Big Sur
It's only a twenty-mile drive to Big Sur, where you will see the coastline transform into a rugged stretch. Big Sur is known for its dramatic views and swell, making it a fantastic view for surfers. You can enjoy hitting the waves and taking in the beautiful views as you do. While you are here, you will find stunning pearls hidden in the coastline that are waiting to be explored.
The water can be dangerous here, so be sure to pay attention to any warnings and stay alert while you are surfing.
Start Planning Your Campervan Roadtrip Today
Now that you know where to stop, it's time to plan your road trip. We recommend hiring a campervan to make the most out of your trip. A campervan will provide you with plenty of comfort for your trip and ppreventthe need for paying for hotels. We recommend doing your research to find cheaper places to hire your campervan, with the best rates on campervan rental in LA here.