Highway 1
The drive down highway 1 along the coast of California is legendary for a reason! Winding high above the crashing surf where we spotted whales breaching, it crosses soaring bridges and skirts along waterfalls and winds through regal redwood groves. It was breathtaking. Often Tyler would shout “Whale!” and we’d pull over and watch mothers breach with their calfs. We picnicked at the ocean edge and watched the towering waves explode against the jagged rocks. We discovered waterfalls hiding in the foliage that grew thickly in the mist along the shoreline. Wildflowers grew everywhere, bursting pink out of succulents and poking tall and blue out of bushes. A memorable way to spend a day. 🌊
Tip: Campgrounds inside the state parks are $35 a night. Pricy, but campgrounds outside the parks are $60.
Visiting Big Sur with Kids
Tip: McWay falls is beautiful and super easy to get to. Just pull off the highway for a great view! At the time we went (March 2019), you couldn’t hike down to it as the whole area was closed from a recent fire.
Tip: In the spring, Salmon Creek falls was perhaps much more impressive than McWay falls. It’s a short quarter mile hike to get there and you don’t have to pay a day fee.
Tip: Much of Big Sur is a great big enjoyable drive. If kids get carsick, take frequent breaks on the windy road.
Walkabout 