CALIFORNIA

Ascend to Keys View, the only paved panoramic overlook in Joshua Tree National Park, and prepare for breathtaking vistas stretching across the vast Coachella Valley. On a clear day, you can witness the dramatic trace of the San Andreas Fault, the shimmering expanse of the Salton Sea, and the distant majestic peaks of the San Jacinto and San Bernardino Mountains. This easily accessible viewpoint is particularly spectacular during sunrise and sunset, when the desert light paints the landscape in vibrant hues. It’s the perfect spot for photography and simply soaking in the expansive beauty of Southern California.

Embark on a thrilling and slightly mysterious exploration of the Hall of Horrors! This intriguing area presents a natural labyrinth of towering rock fins and narrow corridors, inviting discovery around every bend. Navigate through shadowy passageways and squeeze between massive boulders, marveling at the unique formations. While not truly scary, it offers a fun and engaging rock scrambling experience and unforgettable photo opportunities amidst its dramatic geology.

Nepenthe is a clifftop restaurant with one of the best views on Highway 1. Stop here for a meal, a drink, or just a moment to relax. Writers, artists, and travelers have loved this spot for years, thanks to its dreamy views over the Big Sur coastline and laid-back vibe.

There are 32 bridges along the stretch of Highway 1 on the Big Sur, PCH Highway 1 Tour, but none are more recognizable or photographed than Bixby.

With a graceful white span backed by the rolling coastal mountains and fronted by sheer cliffs dropping into the sea, it’s one of the tallest single-span bridges in the world – rising to a height of 280 feet above the canyon floor. This concrete arch span bridge has been the star of many car commercials and movie driving scenes.

Yosemite Falls is one of the natural icons in the Yosemite National Park Tour, but it can be hard to photograph given how massive it is.

Take the paved hiking trail to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall. This short hike provides amazing views of both Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls. Best seen during spring and early summer, Yosemite Falls often slows to a small trickle by August.

El Capitan’s striking granite face dominates the west side of Yosemite Valley in the Yosemite National Park Tour, and continues to inspire rock climbers from around the world to summit its 3,000 feet granite walls.

It obviously commanded respect from Miwok people as they originally named it “The Chief”, which was loosely translated into El Capitan by the Spanish. Enjoy superb views from places like Tunnel View, El Capitan Meadow, or the bridge that crosses the Merced River, and bring your binoculars to spot rock climbers on the wall.

Giant Sequoias are the biggest trees in the world, combining tremendous height with enormously thick trunks. Within the Yosemite National Park Tour, there are three groves where you can walk among these giants and you’ll find the largest and best collection of sequoias at Mariposa Grove.

Several hiking trails wind through these massive, ancient trees including the iconic Grizzly Giant. It’s estimated to be over 2,700 years old, making it one of the largest and oldest trees in the world.

Glacier Point offers one of the best panoramic views across Yosemite Valley in the Yosemite National Park Tour.

Hence it’s also one of the busiest as professional photographers and general admirers try to recapture the scene, and it’s especially wondrous at sunrise or sunset. The view of Half Dome and the entire valley is stunning and it’s an easy short walk from the parking area to the main viewpoints.

Looking for a less crowded part of Yosemite to explore on the Yosemite National Park Tour?

Once known as Yosemite Valley’s gorgeous twin valley, Hetch Hetchy Valley was flooded in 1923 to provide drinking water to the San Francisco Bay Area, but this quiet corner of the park is still worth a visit. You can visit the dam and learn about the controversy that surrounds its construction, hike to several roaring spring waterfalls, and fish for trout in the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir.  

Who here loves artichokes?  Well I’ve got to say I don’t mind them, so long as they are prepared really well.

It’s a favorite in Mediterranean cuisine.  If you’ve never tried one, then it’s something you should have at least once, best served as an appetizer, maybe at a finer local restaurant.

California’s agricultural business is worth billions and some produce is specifically associated as being Californian, like pistachios and almonds, or even prunes and avocados – and just for fun, let’s throw zinfandel in there too.

Though not as wildly popular, California is considered a world center for artichokes too.

Why does this matter? Well the namesake of the State Park just ahead is considered the person who first brought artichokes to California. He was the grandson of an early settler to these parts, at a time when the Spanish and Mexicans controlled these lands.

If you’re thinking, should I really care about artichokes, well let me tell you someone who thought it was important enough – in 1948 Marilyn Monroe was bestowed the title of the first Artichoke Queen.

So, we are approaching the Andrew Molera State Park, nestled in a forested canyon. Although this park is not one of our top must-do destinations on our drive, there is still plenty here to keep us occupied if we are exploring deeply.

Over 20 miles of trails run along the bluffs, beaches, the Big Sur River and up into the hills, as well as to the 40 foot Highbridge Falls.

You can also find the oldest structure in Big Sur, the Cooper Cabin, and it’s accessible via a short trail.

It was built out of redwood around 1861. Another building worth investigating is the Ranch House Museum, which offers a glimpse into the lives of Big Sur pioneers. The museum is only open on weekends.

Those interested in the plight of the California condor should definitely check out the Big Sur Discovery Center, again weekends only and from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Here you can learn all about the endangered condor and the bald eagle and the efforts of the Ventana Wildlife Society to reintroduce both birds into their natural environment.

Parking for Andrew Molera State Park is up ahead.