Ultimate bucketlist: 5 reasons to drive highway 1 through Big Sur

It's hard to pick any one favourite view, experience or spot from our California roadtrip. One thing I'm sure of though is that a Highway 1 drive through Big Sur should be on anyone's travel bucketlist. During our day driving from Pismo to Seaside I couldn't put my camera down for two seconds because there was such endless beauty to be documented. The colours were vivid, the views were spectacular and we never felt like our experience was lessened by having to share it with a bunch of other tourists: exactly what we want out of a vacation.

Reasons to make your way to highway 1 at least once in your life? Let me tell you about five of 'em.

1. The coastline

Driving through Big Sur makes you feel like the world is right there for you to discover, inviting you to forget your worries and just chase the horizon. Something about seeing the skies disappear into the ocean (or vice versa) brings peace to my hyperactive mind. As if the world is telling you that in the end everything will run its course and we're just part of a bigger story that envelops us all. Puts all of those work related worries in perspective, no?

2. Everywhere is a good place to take a break

Be sure to free up plentttty of time for your drive through the Big Sur region, because you will frequently want to pull over your car to stretch your legs, take in the sea breeze, explore the coastline and spot elephant seals and other wildlife. Schedule twice as much time as you think you'll need and give yourself the opportunity to take it all in at your own pace.

3. Whale watching. Nuff said.

I didn't spot any whales during our drive, but you can actually view these magnificent creatures regularly during the summer and fall season. And if the Highway 1 drive is bucket list material, seeing whales in the wild is, like, BEYOND. When we return, I am definitely booking a whale watching tour. Monterey has a lot of options apparently. Or you can test your luck at Whale Watcher's Café in Gorda if you don't want to get on a boat. We had a lovely pit stop here: a quaint little place seemingly at the end of the civilized world.

4. Bixby Creek Bridge

This gorgeous landmark is one of those things that make you marvel at what mankind has accomplished, and yet the way it is overshadowed (or should I say complemented?) by the natural beauty around it just underlines the magic of the region. We made it to a turnout with a view on the bridge just in time to take some quick pics before sunset, but I'd recommend stopping closer by to get a better look. We didn't want to risk it and we were right: when we neared the bridge, it was dark outside.

5. The Spectacular Sunsets

I can't put into words what these water colour views do to you as the day slows down and the moon rises. It's the kind of view that conjures up songs in your mind, that make you want to embrace your loved one and sigh deeply and feel gratitude to simply be right here, right now. Mindfulness in shades of lilac and gold.