HIGHWAY 1 BIRTHDAY ROAD TRIP

There aren't too many American mansions worthy of being called "castles," but San Simeon is home to one of them. Hearst Castle is just off Highway 1, and it's jaw-droppingly opulent. Completed in 1919, it took over 28 years to complete; with over 170 rooms, it's easy to see why. Plus, the ornate and detailed Renaissance- and Medieval-inspired architecture is unlike anything you've ever seen. And the surrounding area is landscaped to perfection.

The castle has definitely cemented its place in history. The house (and the life of its owner, newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst) was the inspiration for the classic film "Citizen Cane," and it’s Xanadu mansion. There are various kinds of tours offered, and the guides are both friendly and knowledgeable. The Grand Rooms Tour is the best option for first-timers; you can learn about the history, art, and architecture, and you'll get to see the out-of-this-world Roman Pool. Book tickets in advance!

Dedicated to educating visitors about marine wildlife, the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery is a stop everyone will love. Right off the highway, the rookery consists of a boardwalk and other viewing areas, putting you less than 100 feet from one of the most beautiful sea creatures around -- the elephant seal. A non-profit organization run by volunteers, this free attraction is one of the few places in the world where you can safely observe hundreds of elephant seals in their natural habitat. Watch the seals play, splash, and communicate in their distinct style. You'll be entertained by these creatures and their distinctive personalities for hours. When visiting, be sure to go to the elephant seal viewing platform, and also talk with one of the seal "friends" to learn more about these majestic animals.

In contrast to the great luxury of Hearst Castle, the nearby Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery is home to hundreds of newly shored up seals, adorably resting together. After a long journey of hunting for food in the ocean, elephant seals come to shore to sleep and feed their new-borns. We watched them twist and turn in their sleep all day! Some seals were focused on their sweet slumber while others were intent on fighting each other for the rights of the territory. Their mannerisms and facial expressions were in some ways so similar to humans. You could tell when they were annoyed from being awakened or when they were getting comfy in the warm sand.

The sublime ocean views paired with the adorable seals made this one of my favorite stops on Highway 1. The beach had plenty of parking as well as informative information spread throughout the shore fence. Would highly recommend spending at least half an hour here, just to watch the seals and feel the warm sun set.

ou can’t go wrong with a clear ocean view and that was exactly the highlight of our stop here. The breeze was swift, cooling us down on a surprisingly warm winters day. This was a relatively mini stop, but it’s the quality of the time and location that makes a place unique, not always quantity. Picnic tables were scattered throughout the cliff and it was sweet to see families and friends sharing food together by the water, a picturesque moment.

We climbed over some rocks to get to a spot right above the water. My sister and I snagged some pictures of each other but we were mostly enjoying the sweet ocean view. Although the weekend was coming to an end and we were sad to be leaving the SLO area, we were gracious to be able to explore more of our home state of California and all it as to offer, so easily accessible by simply passing through Highway 1. As you can tell, this stop was a reflective one, and although just a memory now, we are excited to be able to share these experiences with you!

Driving up to our hotel, Blue Dolphin Inn, the first thing we noticed was how close we were to the beach. The waves sounded sweet and the air was fresh. When we entered, we were greeted by friendly staff that personally took us into the room to explain to us how to use all the appliances and amenities. Our room was equipped with a flat screen TV, spacious bathroom, robes and complimentary take-home slippers, a large comfy bed, coffee and tea, 1 cozy fireplace, and 2 complimentary mint-chocolate chip cookies. For this hotel, it was the little things that made the space so cozy and welcoming. There was even a notebook in our room filled with journal entries from previous guests describing their pleasurable experience.

One of the most interesting houses you'll ever see, Nitt Witt Ridge is a hand-built "castle on a hill" created by garbageman Arthur Harold Beal, otherwise known as Captain Nitt Witt. Starting in 1928, Arthur spent the next 50 years handcrafting the building from beer cans, sea shells, and other found objects. Some parts of the home are allegedly made from stuff from Hearst Castle. With unique architecture that reflects Art's larger-than-life personality, the house is also filled with an incredible collection of knick knacks he collected over the years. It's a folk art icon, a testament to what a dedicated, self-taught, visionary person can make with seemingly nothing. Current owners Micheal and Stacey O'Malley offer guided tours and ask for a 10 dollar donation.

The Cookie Crock is a tiny little market in Cambria. Actually, I think this the only market in Cambria. We stopped at this market for some necessities for our room during our stay and to pack a picnic lunch for the beach. The produce selection was plentiful and fresh. We picked up some avocados, cheese, bread and fruits to enjoy by the beach.

Quaint restaurant in Cambria with excellent service and food. It was a warm sunny day so we sat in their spacious green garden. As I walked through the restaurant I thought it would make a great place to host a party. There’s live music on Sunday evenings and although we could not make it, we imagine the atmosphere would have been cozy. We had the seasonal salad with persimmons and salmon paired with a local wine. The food was outstanding. Combining that with the whimsical décor and lush garden, this place is a hit all around.

While making our way down the Highway 1, we stopped at Elfin Forest a state park with dessert vibes and wooden plank trails. We enjoyed this stop for the fact that they made the trail accessible for those on wheelchairs, something that would not be possible or done as easily if left only as sand. The location reminded us of Mexico, with lot of succulents flourishing at the starting point and dessert bushes or plants sprouting alongside our walking route. Some plants were labeled, so we were able to distinguish one from another. The view of the dock was also a plus, accompanied by large mountains on the opposite side. We walked through the trail with ease and comfort. This stop transported us. We felt like it was summer all over again and it was a cute little park that contributed to the melting away of stress that comes along with the hustle and bustle of our typical city life.

Located in the heart of Edna Valley, Old Edna Townsite is a 1800s town that was bought, restored, and turned into a charming little destination with dining, shopping, and accommodations. Spoil yourself by renting one of two vacation rentals on site or staying at the B&B, or just stop by to sample the wares at Edna Hall's Sextant Wine Tasting Room and the delicious Gourmet Deli. Best yet, there are over 25 award-winning wineries throughout Edna Valley to complete your wine tasting trip. The whole place has been lovingly preserved, and has a quirky, 1800s charm that's absolutely intoxicating. Whether you stay here and use Old Edna as a home base for exploring Big Sur and its nearby wineries and towns, or just stop by, it's a cute little gem.

Hanging in bunches from tall, leafy trees are some of the most graceful and stunning creatures of the bug world: the Monarch Butterfly. This stop is most definitely one you won’t want to miss. In their great migration towards warmth, eventually reaching Mexico, herds of monarch butterflies stop at the Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove to rest. You can literally watch the butterflies huddle together on branches through the park provided telescopes. The quality is sharp and the monarch’s unique bright orange color shines. The park rangers are helpful and informative, sharing all kinds of Monarch facts and adjusting the telescopes so you can get the sharpest view. The park also has a cute gift shop where you are able to purchase monarch butterfly apparel, as well as educational materials and art activities for children. This spot is perfect for those fascinated by the beauty of nature. Bring a good camera with a good zoom if you have one, you will want to capture their bright orange colors!