There’s not a stretch of road in America as iconic or soul-stirring as Highway 1 along California’s mythic Big Sur coast. Here, where the Pacific crashes into limestone coves and ancient redwoods soar through the mists, it’s less a drive than a communion with nature, beauty, and wonder itself.

Upon beginning your road trip, the first thing that will surprise you is the height of the cliffs. Yes, you are driving along a highway that hugs sheer drop-offs on rocky cliff edges. The views are so incredible that words cannot truly describe the magic you will be treated with, as you (carefully) navigate this exquisite terrain.

Big Sur is as much about the drive as the arrival. It’s a winding 150 miles from San Francisco and 350m from Los Angeles on a two-lane strip that opened in 1937 after 18 years of construction.

If you are doing the complete 150 miles in one day, I just have one recommendation for you…leave early (obvious right?). Well be prepared because each stop you take, even if its only for 15 minutes, adds up. Almost all Vista Points are worth climbing out of your car to look at, and if you want to check out some of the recommended stops during day light, it can certainty become a challenge when managing time. Also… not to mention you don’t want to get stuck on the highway at night.

Our journey took us through some incredible sights which I wanted to share with you guys.

For a food stop, I’d recommend grabbing some fresh Seafood at the House of Juju in Morro Bay. A hidden gem on highway 1, Morro Bay is the perfect place to spend the afternoon. The Morro Rock is the first thing you see, a massive rock made from an extinct volcano.