Travel Tales from The Hub

Stormy Seas Along the Northern California Coast

More Photo Tips | Video Gallery | Photo Gallery | Enewsletter sign-up

By Ken Hubbard


Tamron SP 24-70mm Di VC USD G2: 24mm, 1/400th, f/13 @ ISO 100
Click image to view larger

Stretching along most of the California coastline, State Route 1 twists and turns its way for approximately 656 miles and is the longest state route in California. It goes by a few different names besides SR1m it is also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, Cabrillo Highway, Shoreline Highway or Coast highway. Construction of the highway started in the 1930’s in the Big Sur region and wasn’t completed and designated as SR 1 until 1964. Known as one of the All-American roads, SR 1 is known mostly for its amazing views along the rugged shoreline, twists and turns along the sheer cliffs as well as amazing cityscape views.


Tamron 70-210mm Di: 110mm, 1/500th, f/11 @ ISO 64
Click image to view larger

There are many beautiful spots along SR 1 in California but there is probably none more spectacular than the stretch of road that travels through the Big Sur region. Snaking its way for 71 miles from Malpaso Creek in the Carmel Highlands to San Carpoforo Creek near Sam Simeon, this route will leave you with a tight grip on the steering wheel and a mouth wide open from is beauty. When driving this section, give yourself plenty of time and stop at its many pull outs, they are all spectacular.


Tamron 70-210mm Di: 210mm, 1/640h, f/11 @ ISO 64
Click image to view larger

Some of the must see stops along the Big Sur section of the roadway are Garrapata State Park, Bixby Bridge, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and MacWay Beach in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. MacWay Beach may be one of the most stunning of locations, especially as the sun is setting. The place to be at this time of day is along the waterfall trail, which makes its way above the cove to overlook the 8o foot McWay Waterfall as it showers down from granite cliffs into the Pacific Ocean.


Tamron SP 24-70mm Di VC USD G2: 24mm, 1/200th, f/11 @ ISO 64
Click image to view larger

Just north of the Big Sur section of the highway and just before you get to the town of Carmel By Sea, you will find Point Lobos State National Reserve. Another great stop along this highway that either makes for a great start or finish to your road trip. The reserve opens at 8:00am and can get pretty crowded, so it is recommended to get there early and get in the line of cars that will line up before opening. Lined with hiking trails along the coastline, this reserve will allow you to get up close to the shoreline of waves crashing on giant rocks, small pebble beach’s inside small coves and look into the tidal pools for tiny sea life. One more recommendation before heading over to get in line would be to pick up a sandwich and chips for lunch from a local market and have a picnic on the rocks as the waves comes rolling in.

Lenses Used:
Tamron SP 24-70mm Di VC USD G2
Tamron 70-210mm Di VC USD



More Photo Tips | Watch Videos | Learn More About Tamron Lenses | Photo Gallery