When it’s pretty in San Francisco and you have nowhere to be, you make for the coast.
You drive down beyond Ocean Beach, past Pacifica and you keep on going.
You go through the tunnel at Devil’s Slide, which hadn’t even opened when we left in 2011, and you drive further south.
You stop to take pictures at every pull-out because you can (and maybe to grab a beer in Half Moon Bay).
And because the water is just so darn pretty.
If you find a deserted beach—and you will; there are many—you stop for more than just a photo.
You take your shoes off and dig your toes in the sand.
And marvel at the fact that California is a state of 37 million residents, and you can still find peace and quiet.
On this day, our slice of respite was Pescadero, a place I had stopped at many times over the years on drives down Highway 1.
One girl in particular was in heaven. (OK, two girls really.)
This dog sure likes to get her paws dirty when we let her.
We broke the rules and let her off leash. Don’t tell beach patrol.
She’s in her happy place when she’s allowed to run free.
I guess she gets that honestly.
You lured us right back in with your beauty, California. I promise it won’t be another two years before we return this time.
I love how happy Ella looks! She’s the cutest. I can hardly handle it.
Beautiful photos as always. I could use some of that California sunshine right about now!
The California has always seemed like such a magical place to me. I’ve only ever really seen it once, when I was in California last year, but I want to go and visit it more of it and just marvel at it. It’s so, so different from the coastline that I’m used to in Virginia and it’s so beautiful, in a different sort of way.
OMG. I love this place. California looks really amazing. 😀
aw looks like such a lovely trip!
There’s seriously nothing better than a doggie on a beach!
These are all very lovely photos. The place is really amazing.
Next time you do this drive, check out La Costa Nera or the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay for drinks and snacks with a gorgeous view. Both are particularly excellent for sunsets.
You know, I have written about La Costanera but never actually made it there (plight of the travel writer). Crazy, I know, but I usually only had a month to turn around each Frommer’s California guide so relied on a lot of phone interviews and other diners’ feedback! But I have stayed at the Ritz in HMB…love the s’mores bar 😉
How beautiful place this is ……I really love this. It is very nice to walk and play in this lovely beach with lover. Kristin, great photography and you once again posted very great Blog.