🇺🇸 California Highway 1: Monterey → San Luis Obispo

1️⃣ Monterey → Carmel 🐟 Monterey Bay Aquarium: Been wanting to visit after seeing it on Bilibili! The Kelp Forest right at the entrance is breathtaking 🌿🌊, and the Open Sea exhibit with swirling sardine schools is iconic. The sea otter exhibit was also super popular — four lively little cuties! 🦦 The aquarium connects to an outdoor ocean-view deck with telescopes for spotting wild otters and seals. Turns out, Monterey’s otters hang out here! While the $60 ticket felt a bit pricey, I could easily spend a whole day here! 📍 17-Mile Drive: The weather was cloudy ☁️, so the views weren’t as stunning as on sunny days. We entered from the Pacific Grove Gate ($12 per car, includes map 🗺️) and drove from stop 3 to 15 (out of 17), exiting through the Carmel Gate. The most famous spot is Stop 12 — the Lone Cypress 🌲 (though it’s propped up with steel beams, giving major “Huangshan greeting pine” vibes). 📍 Carmel-by-the-Sea: Just a short drive from 17-Mile Drive. The town is small — you can walk the main street in about 10 minutes. We didn’t stay long due to the weather, but I spotted a gorgeous flower-covered hotel — would be lovely to stay here someday! 💐 ❤️ Back in Monterey, we lucked out — a Tuesday market was set up right outside our hotel! Fun snacks and vibes 🎪🍡. Also highly recommend Coast Guard Pier for close-up views of sea lions 🦭, and if you look closely, you might spot otters in the kelp! 🏨 Portola Hotel & Spa: $25/day parking 🅿️. Great location near Fisherman’s Wharf with lots of dining options. Note: If you have mobility issues, request a room close to the elevator — some are reaaally far! 2️⃣ Monterey → San Luis Obispo 📍 Soberanes Point: Even under cloudy skies, it was beautiful 🌊⛰️ — ocean on one side, mountains on the other. Trails on both sides of the road; Whale Peak Trail offers a nice short climb with great views. 📍 Bixby Bridge: A famous photo spot! The deep cliffs are impressive up close 😍. Unfortunately, it was crowded with large families — had to wait awhile for a clear shot. 📍 Elephant Seal Vista Point: Since part of Highway 1 was closed, we detoured back to Monterey and took Highway 101 here. You’ll know you’re close once you smell them 😅… The beach was covered in elephant seals! It was molting season, so most were fast asleep 💤. 📍 San Luis Obispo: A peaceful mountain-backed town — the fog rolling in made it feel extra serene ☁️🍃. Probably lots of good hiking trails around here. 🏨 Apple Farm Inn: Highly recommend! Lovely vintage decor 🍎🏡 (skip if rustic isn’t your style). The lobby offers tea, coffee, and timed cider tastings ☕🍎. We booked a Deluxe King Room with pool access — so relaxing! #USTravel #California #Highway1 #RoadTrip #TravelGuide