The Experience
Waves, Wine and Two Wheels Along California’s Pacific Coast It’s the dream road. Suspended above the Pacific. Hugging the edge of the continent. It winds down the California coast, flirting with majestic redwoods, rugged cliffs and crashing waves. Yes, those ocean vistas are incredible. But did you imagine anything else? Like sea lions, lighthouses, historic missions and charming Carmel-by-the-Sea? Luxurious inns and sun-kissed Santa Ynez Valley vineyards? More than coastal scenery will take your breath away on this trip. Bike along iconic Highway 1 on California’s central coast Rugged cliffs plunging into the deep blue Pacific – talk about stunning scenery! Experience the epic beauty of land and sea at Point Lobos Taste award-winning wines in the picturesque Santa Ynez Valley California cuisine at its best – as varied and exceptional as the rides themselves
DAY 1 Bike famous 17 Mile Drive to enchanting Carmel-by-the-Sea Browse boutiques, art galleries, cafés and visit an 18th-century Spanish Colonial mission in this seaside haven. DAY 2 Point Lobos, “the greatest meeting of land and water in the world,” according to landscape artist Francis McComas The call of playful sea lions invite you to take a break and explore the tide pools and bluffs Test your legs on the rolling ascents of the cliff-clinging Cabrillo Highway past wind-torn cypresses. DAY 3 The rugged Big Sur coast, known for redwoods and staggering views The Twin Sisters, two substantial back-to-back ascents, are on the horizon so be sure to fuel up during lunch at Sand Dollar Beach Pedal by Piedras Blancas Lighthouse, whose cove is a hangout for elephant seals Plans to remodel? Find inspiration at Hearst Castle, where optional tours reveal an astounding 58 bedrooms, 60 bathrooms, 18 sitting rooms and sublime grounds featuring formal gardens. DAYS 4-6 Discover the vineyard-laden Santa Ynez Valley A pastoral inland route leads to Los Olivos, with Victorian buildings, eclectic artwork and alluring tasting rooms Get to know Solvang, a delightful dash of Denmark in California The afternoon is yours to taste wines or olive oils, visit a lavender farm or pamper yourself at a spa Ride through weather-worn mountains – with a steep climb and technical descent for the brave
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The Route
