Let the Top Down
September 3, 2024
Pacific Coast Highway, CA
Morning
This day was also a "BUCKET LIST check-off" type of day as we would be driving the Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1) from San Francisco down to Carmel, CA in a convertible. We woke up bright and early to make our way to the San Francisco airport to pick up our rental car for the day. TIP- The San Francisco airport is about 15 miles south of the downtown and tourist area. You can take the BART to the SFO airport and it does not cost very much.
Once we arrived at the SFO airport, we made our way to the Rental Car plaza just outside the terminals. After a few misdirections, we finally arrived at the SIXT counter and began the process. TIP- This would be the first time I had used SIXT Rentals and they are known for the nicer and higher level of car rentals. I would agree with this as our Ford Mustang was superb. They are a little higher in price compared to companies like Avis or Budget but the service and car was top notch. We had to add Allie as a driver but even with that paperwork, we were in and out of the airport within 30 minutes.
We have the keys and we are ready to go!
We opted to try and get out of the San Francisco metro area and on the PCH just as soon as we could since it was 8AM and still rush hour traffic. We took the closest road to the west and within 20 minutes we were on the Pacific Coast Highway.
The drive to Half Moon Bay was through some pretty curvy mountain roads and that is where I realized, I am just not cut out for that type of mountain driving. I was praying the whole time. I told Allison she would need to drive those mountain roads.... My blood pressure was just too high!
Windy mountain roads are just not for me...Once in Half Moon Bay, we stopped at a local Coffee Truck to get us a HOT coffee, it was only 57* and breezy, as we started our journey south. Even with the colder temperatures, we opted to let the top down and it was GLORIOUS; albeit COLD!
This was REALLY good coffee at a random gas station in Half Moon Bay!
Time to let the top down! We got our first view of the Pacific Ocean within about 7-10 miles and it was absolutely GORGEOUS! Allison was driving this stretch and the sites were stunning and nothing short of amazing!
Hello Pacific Ocean... You are GORGEOUS!
I seriously LOVE the Pacific!
This is just as I imagined and I felt like I was in a movie!
These waves and little inlets were just glorious!
This drive was SO PEACEFUL!
Our last approach to Santa Cruz!
This was the coolest thing we did the whole trip!
Now to drive the WHOLE HIGHWAY- #Goals!
The northern tip of Santa Cruz from PCH! 
Hello Santa Cruz!
We wanted to get a lighter breakfast and found this donut shop!
These donuts were MASSIVE... Like seriously huge!
The donut holes were the size of a regular donut in Texas! Once we left Santa Cruz the drive became even more beautiful as the ocean waves were just crashing on the beach. There was not a lot of traffic and we really enjoyed this portion. I was able to drive us all the way to Ocean Beach just north of Monterrey. We opted to get out at several locations and just take it all in. The weather was near perfect and the conditions were exquisite.
Some of the beach area between Santa Cruz and Monterrey!Afternoon
Once we left the many beaches of this area, we made it around the bend to Monterrey and made several pit stops here. Then we decided to go to Pebble Beach and experience the 17 mile drive. This cost $20 but it was worth EVERY PENNY! We were able to see cypress trees and gorgeous views of the Pacific and despite the fog, we were also able to see the Lone Cypress Tree near Pebble Beach. Once at Pebble Beach we were able to get out and experience all that the golf club house had to offer.
This area reminded me so much of La Jolla in San Diego!
The waters were just gorgeous and the sun was shining bright!
Another view of the northern part of Monterrey.
I could have stayed here and watched these waves ALL DAY!
I LOVED THIS AREA probably the most of our entire drive!
As we begin to stay here longer, the fog started to roll in!
A view just outside Pebble Beach south of Monterrey! My dad has always been a HUGE golf fan and both my sister, Allison, and myself played golf in high school so this experience was so cool for us. We were even able to walk all the way out to the 18th green and see people completing a round of golf. I really would like to take my dad back here once he is retired as the whole experience was just incredible. I hate that the late afternoon fog rolled in and we could not see more of the actual golf course but I loved getting to walk out to the green.
The drive through Pebble Beach was phenomenal!
The "Lone Cypress" at Pebble Beach!
The fog was HEAVY and it was windy but it was SO PRETTY!
Another gorgeous picture of the Lone Cypress!
Pebble Beach Golf Course and Lodging!
Pebble Beach 18th Green
It is hard to see but the ocean is right behind!This was literally a DREAM!
Pebble Beach Golf Course shop area! We then drove another 15 miles or so to Carmel by the Sea. This cute little village type town offered all kinds of shops and stores with a quaint old school feel. We did lots of shopping in the local stores before deciding to eat a late lunch at A.W. Shucks Oyster Bar. This was perfect for the lighter fare we needed.
This tomato soup was so rich! 
And this Fish and Chips plate was some of the best I have ever had- outside of LONDON!
We fell in love with Carmel by the Sea.
I'd love to go back and stay for a few days! After lunch we did a bit more shopping before deciding to get on the road back to San Francisco as we didn't want to have to drive too much in the dark. I did a bit of the driving back north but Allison took over as the sun began to set and the trees started messing with my eyes and head (thank you Allison). The views on this stretch were just PERFECT as the ocean and sun rays made gorgeous blues and purples on the scenery.
This drive back to the north was just incredible as the fog had lifted and the sun was setting on the mountains! 
I am grateful that Allison drove this stretch as the sun shining through the trees was too much for me but I am also grateful we could BOTH experience scenes like this! 
Another view as we continued north to Pacifica! Evening
We wanted to drive all the way to Pacifica on the PCH as Allison learned that the most picturesque Taco Bell ever is right on the beach in Pacifica. We drove over lots of mountains and even in a very long tunnel, which Allison did not like, but we made it to this Taco Bell right as the sunset. I thought the whole thing was a little crazy at first but it turned out to be so cool and I am so glad we hurried to get here before the sunset. How often can you eat a Doritos Loco Taco RIGHT on the beach? Thank you Allie for this suggestion!
We made it before the sun set... MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
A view from the seating outside the Taco Bell!
I thought this was kinda crazy but it turned out SO COOL! I am so glad Allie suggested this and we were able to see the sun set. This Taco Bell was GORGEOUS (and the cheapest meal of the trip)! #Memories!
And while we were driving all over CA, my little guy had his very first Junior High Football game... EVER! I'm so grateful my parents were there to see it all in my absence!
I LOVE YOU #LuketheDukeThen we made our way back to San Francisco and to the SFO airport to turn in our convertible before the 10PM return time. I was very sad to see the Mustang go... It was AWESOME to drive a convertible. Once we returned the car, we got on the BART back to Powell Street Station (it was crazy, once again!) and then back to Bob's Donuts for one last sweet treat before our flight home the next day!
I am SO GLAD Allison and I decided to make this trip on the Pacific Coast Highway. The sights and scenes were nothing short of incredible and now I have a new BUCKET LIST ITEM- Drive the Pacific Coast Highway from Washington to San Diego!
UP NEXT... Our last morning in San Francisco and our return to God's Country!
God is Good... ALL THE TIME!
Check out ALL of our LAND travels:
