California Road Trip: San Francisco to Monterey

Last summer I was scrolling through The Flight Deal (by the way, if you're not following them, you should. They list the best and latest fare deals to and from the US - check them out here) when I noticed a fare from Charleston, SC to San Francisco for $280. Charleston isn't the airport we fly out of normally but it is definitely within driving distance. And when I checked fares for the airport we normally fly out of, Charlotte, it was listed for about $480. When I mentioned it to Mr. UR in passing, he said "Let's do it! Book it!" So I did. And just like that we were headed to California for the first time in over 15 years. (The last time we were there our youngest was 6 and she is now 22)



Our flight into San Francisco landed mid-morning and though I had hoped to eat at the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company on the water, we were both on East Coast time and starving. So we grabbed some fast food and started our drive down Highway 1. This was the first time for both of us to drive Highway 1 on the San Fran to Monterey portion. The fog was thick per usual in the city and the northern part of the drive. We did make it to Half Moon Bay and the brewing company for an afternoon drink - the weather was fantastic and the view was great. It's in a perfect spot with outdoor tables and seats to enjoy that view - and I think Mr. UR got an amber ale and I got a seasonal, pumpkin something-or-other. I was a happy girl.






After a leisurely break we were off and driving again. We stopped a few times to take in the views which were fantastic. The California coast sure does deliver!







We stopped in the quintessential surf town of Santa Cruz. It was my first time visiting here and even though we didn't take a walk on the boardwalk, I think I got a feel for it. We did stop at Natural Bridges State Beach and check out the surfers. It was extremely windy so I think that made for some great surfing!



















We passed a few agricultural areas and the Sand City dunes which looked very interesting. But we were ready to get to our destination after a day of flying and driving that started way too early. Next stop: Monterey!


This post is part of a link-up with: Travel Photo Thursday at Budget Travelers Sandbox, Weekend Travel Inspiration at Albom Adventures,  The Weekly Postcard at Travel Notes and Beyond and The Weekend Wanderlust Travel Blog Party!





Comments

  1. That drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles is one of the world's best road trip routes. Great pictures so far!

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    1. Thanks so much - I've only done it twice but it certainly doesn't disappoint!

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  2. Thanks for linking up this year. I loved seeing your photos of this road trip. I've not done it but have thought about it a lot. Bring on Monterey!

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    1. Thanks Jan!It was a good road trip - and California has such an abundance of beauty that it's hard to see it all. Thanks for visiting!

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  3. Isn't it great when you find flight deals? Right now, I am contemplating one and am about to book a great trip. So exciting you got to come back to our Californian shores. I still have to do the drive from Santa Cruz to San Francisco thru the coast. That is the only portion I have not explored (from the border with Mexico to San Francisco). #TPThursday

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    1. Good Luck on your great deal! I really didn't think I'd be getting back to California as the fights were always so expensive but I'm so happy that we were able to do this. Such beauty! Thanks for stopping by The Unpaved Road, Ruth!

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  4. Ah you've just taken me down memory lane and made me miss home! #WeekendWanderlust (www.caliglobetrotter.wordpress.com)

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    1. It would be easy to be homesick for California! Thanks for visiting The Unpaved Road!

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  5. Great area. Santa Cruz is nice. Looking forward to reading about Monterrey. When I went I did whale-watching and just loved it. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard

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  6. Your photos are gorgeous. This is a trip I would love to do. There is nothing better than a rugged coastline! Thanks for linking up this week. #TPThursday

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    1. Thanks Nancie! And I, too, love a rugged coastline - you're right, there's nothing better! Thanks for stopping by!

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  7. When I was a teen, my parents took the family on a drive from Santa Barbara, through San Francisco, then all the way up to Portland. That bit around Monterrey towards San Francisco was the most scenic part. I'd love to do it again, and your photos are reminding me of how gorgeous it is.

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    1. What a cool road trip! I made the Santa Barbara to Monterey section quite a few years back so I was thrilled to be able to do it again. It lived up to my memories!

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  8. I absolutely love driving the California coast. Your beautiful photographs bring back so many memories. Thanks for linking up with #wkendtravelinspiration!

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    1. Thanks Jim! I love the California coast also! And thanks for visiting The Unpaved Road!

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  9. This is one of CAlifornia's best drives! We love going on Highway 1. Glad that you got this opportunity to visit CA again. I am addicted to Flight Deal but so hard to take advantage most of them due to our non-flexible schedule. Can't wait to follow along to one of my fave towns of Monterey.

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  10. This is a road trip I wanna do! #wkendtravelinspiration

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