Category Highway 1

Kirk Creek Campground

Kirk Creek is one of the most desirable campgrounds we have every visited. Amenities are limited: there are no hookups or running water and only pit toilets, a picnic table, and fire circle. Yet, the cliffside campsites with unobstructed ocean views mean that spots can book up six months in advance.

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Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground

Nestled among the Red Wood Trees and bordering the Big Sur River is the Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground. This highly desirable campground can book up six months in advance though flexible travelers looking for one night have reasonable odds of coming up lucky. Each campsite includes the standard fire ring and picnic table. Shared bathrooms include running water and showers. A mix of redwood and other trees provide visual privacy for each site.

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Monterey Bay Aquarium

Halls of sea otters, jellies, tropical fish, seahorses, octopus, and other aquatic wonders on display at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Monterey Bay Aquarium is a delight of frolicking sea otters, delicate jellies, colorful choral fish, and awkward coastal birds. The Aquarium first opened its doors to the public on October 20, 1984 in the former 1916 Hovden Cannery. It currently boasts 34 major galleries with close to 200 exhibits featuring 550 different species totaling 35,000 creatures in residence. It is a joy for all ages but the child in me was particularly a thrill.

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The Best Point Lobos Hike

See whales, sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals, pelicans, herons, egrets, and all Point Lobos State Natural Reserve offers in an ultimate 5-mile hike.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is one of the most remarkable natural destinations along the California shore line. It is host to one of only two naturally occurring stands of Monterey cypress trees. Sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, great blue herons, snowy egrets, pelicans, and other remarkable wildlife regularly visit the point. Best of all, almost every foot of the shoreline is covered in hiking trails.

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Nacimiento-Fergusson Road

So, we've been raving about Big Sur a bit. But here is the down side: rock slides. I'm sure you've heard plenty about them. The slide between Mud Creek and Salmon Creek Station is expected to close that portion of Highway 1 through 2018. That means no through-routes of Highway 1. For trailers and other large rigs, that means Highway 1 is an in-out trip starting in Northern California. But we have a truck camper and are taking the Nacimiento-Fergusson Road.⠀

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