Thrillist names “The Most Beautiful Places in California You Never Knew Existed”
From Daisy Barringer and Leila Najafi
Spring is around the corner and with COVID cases in California (finally) trending downward, now might be a good time to start planning a road trip to safely explore the beautiful outdoors. Your options are endless: you can bask in 68 degree sunshine where the flowers are in full bloom or you can choose between the desert, beach, or mountains. From Dana Point to Idyllwild to Big Sur, the Golden State is one massive outdoor playground with scenic views for days. Here’s our list of natural wonders that you should add to your California bucket list.
Bixby Bridge, Big Sur
It’s hard to talk about beautiful places in California without mentioning the iconic Bixby Bridge along the Highway One coastline. This stunning bridge that was built in 1932 leads into Carmel-by-the-Sea heading north and it is a popular attraction for roadtrippers and photographers. The optimal time for photos is at sunset when the lighting is ideal. On the north end of the bridge, there is a popular turnout area where you’ll likely find other visitors trying to capture their close-up shots as well.
San Simeon Cove, San Simeon
There are a lot of beautiful gems along Highway One and San Simeon Cove is one of them. It’s one of those viewpoints that most tourists don’t know about so you can enjoy stunning views without the busy crowds. Across from Hearst Castle you will find a parking lot adjacent to the beach and this is where you’ll want to start. When you get to the beach you’ll see an uphill hiking trail which you will follow along the bluff and continue on until you see spectacular views of the coastline. Enjoy the aromatic smells of eucalyptus and pines along the trail and make sure to pay attention for private property signs.
Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur
This stunning beach is a must-visit for anyone with an Instagram account for two reasons: purple sand and Keyhole Rock. Due to the erosion of the cliffs above the beach that contain Manganese garnet rocks, the sand is filled with a marbling of deep plum that has to be seen to be believed. And as if purple sand weren’t enough, Pfeiffer Beach also has a huge rock with a natural arch at the base. Get there before golden hour and position yourself in front of it to capture the last rays of sunlight as they disappear behind the horizon.
Morro Rock, Morro Bay
Standing at 576 feet tall, Morro Rock, also referred to as the “Gibraltar of the Pacific,” is the focal point of a small coastal town called Morro Bay. The rock which is now recognized as a California Historic Landmark is part of the Nine Sisters which are nine volcanic peaks that stretch from San Luis Obispo to Morro Bay. Throw back a few oysters (Morro Bay is famous for them) at one of their seafood markets on the embarcadero and enjoy views of the massive ancient formation while watching cute sea otters float in the water.Read the full article from Thrillist, including other top destinations, here.
