Travel Bug: Central coast, Channel Islands make for fun road trip

Scratch your travel itch by exploring California. What could be easier than hopping into your car for a road trip south along Highway 1?

A 100-mile stretch of the most iconic roadway in California, known as the Highway 1 Discovery Route, weaves through San Luis Obispo County along the uncrowded white sand beaches and connects artist communities and award-wining wineries. It also includes Hearst Castle, 13 state parks and an elephant seal rookery. The portion of Highway 1 that travels through Big Sur reopened in late April after being closed for repairs, and the small coastal towns are open for business.

Recently, my husband, Gary, and I loaded the car, left the dog with great neighbors and headed south. From spotting elephant seals covering the beach to dolphins, whales and rare foxes to eating fresh seafood to kayaking and biking to visiting mineral hot springs, small coastal villages and the Channel Islands National Park, we discovered a trip that’s great for couples, families, solo travelers and anyone looking to combine great food with California adventure.

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