California’s Highway 1 is fully open again—this is the perfect time to make the trip.

Most trips have many motivations, but mostly two stand out: finding the familiar in a new place, and the desire to experience something completely foreign. Our California trip was motivated by the recent reopening of the iconic Highway 1. The “Dream Drive” runs along California’s Pacific Coast, connecting the diverse and lively cities of San Francisco, Monterey, Big Sur, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles. It’s the perfect representation of what California has to offer. In the Dream Drive convoy, my car was a 1960 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible. The Monterey Peninsula, surrounded by water on three sides, is home to serene beaches, relaxing coves, and some elegant resorts. Our first destination in Monterey County was the world-renowned Cannery Row, once the center of a booming sardine canning industry and a major shipping port, and the setting of the Pulitzer Prize-winning author John Steinbeck’s books. Due to overfishing after World War 2, the area became economically depressed, but is now a National Marine Sanctuary. The Cannery Row area has taken on a new purpose, with its former canneries converted into restaurants, galleries, and shops. Some of the more popular dining places are A Taste of Monterey, Lalla Oceanside Grill, Fish Hopper, The C Restaurant at InterContinental The Clement Monterey, and Sardine Factory. From Cannery Row, it’s simple to reach Monterey Bay’s pristinely clear waters, where you can kayak among sea otters and other wildlife at close range.

Post Ranch Inn’s Sierra Mar has received acclaim time and time again.

After leaving Cannery Row, you drive to Bixby Bridge, one of the most recognizable landmarks on Highway 1. The coast of Big Sur has a magnetism that draws your eyes away from the lens and toward the horizon where the ocean meets the sky. Beyond the forested Monterey pines is Sierra Mar at the Post Ranch Inn , one of the best placed restaurants for views that make you feel as if you've reached the end of the continent. It's modern architecture is perched right on the edge of the Big Sur coast and the west facing dining room seems to hang out over the Pacific Ocean. The food is just as remarkable, with a chef from the area creating dishes with unique local Big Sur ingredients.

If you do not want to spend 2.5 hours of your day just driving, you can stop at Hearst Ranch located in San Simeon. It’s 335 square kilometers of land that raises 100% grass fed, hormone and antibiotic free cattle. They also have vineyards that produce Malbec, Petite Sirah, and Cabernet Sauvignon at the Hearst Ranch Winery. As always, do not drink and drive. Appreciate your travel partner's interest in the sublime California wines. San Luis Obispo | High Energy, Many Dimensions. A visit to Hearst Castle is a must on the Highway 1 road trip. After an overnight break at Inn at the Pier near Pismo Beach, it is further rewarding to explore San Luis Obispo County. It has unique wineries like Sextant and Stolo, farm-to-table places, and olive oil specialist The Groves on 41 in Paso Robles (the scenery and the olive oil are worth driving slower). Wildlife here is sized from small delicate creatures like monarch butterflies to giant elephant seals over 5000 pounds. At Piedras Blancas, north of San Simeon, there are viewing areas above the beach to watch minibuses sized bull elephant seals fight for territory. Hearst Castle is only about 10 minute drive from here. Grand Estates are common for film stars and tech moguls in California, and their homes are built with extra wings, pools and yoga studios, and then some. But none can compete with the wonder of Hearst Castle. Built by Julia Morgan, the first woman licensed as an architect in California, it was the home of Publishing Mogul William Randolph Hearst and was completed in 1947. The castle has 165 rooms and 127 acres of terraced gardens. In the social hall, guests of film stars gathered for cocktails and visitors are welcome to stand beneath the walnut paneling and 16th-century tapestries. The castle has two pools, the outdoor Neptune Pool and the indoor Roman Pool, and both are as lavish as the rest of the residence. Part of the design of the Roman Pool is inspired by Venice, Italy. Roman Pool, in particular, is covered in cobalt-blue and gold tiles. Look up and see the intricate mosaics of a starry night across the ceiling and dome.

Stolo Vineyards is believed to be the only family-run winery in Cambria, a region of strong artistic and cultural character. Located in the Central Coast's cool climate, Stolo makes small-scale local wines with real finesse. Since 2004, their young team has crafted distinctive Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah with a deep respect for the land. At dinner, Stolo and Moonstone Bar&Grill created an unforgettable food-and-wine pairing.

Madonna Inn is an unmistakable local landmark. This hotel has been a San Luis Obispo legend since 1958, drawing Central Coast visitors with 110 rooms, each styled differently. Those attracted to femininely decorated rooms can pick "American Beauty" or the "Rose Room." Madonna, the owner, was famously a fan of the color pink.

Santa Barbara | Where Sea Meets Sky, Quietly Luxurious

There is a striking artistic feel in Santa Barbara's Funk Zone. Bougainvillea spills over red-tile roofs, and the ocean breeze mingles with the song of the birds. The Channel Islands and breaching whales set the horizon. Santa Barbara has a quiet, luxurious pull. Stars of film have long agreed to this assessment. Some have chosen to make the city their home.

The Eat This, Shoot That!

food-and-photography tour was our first experience in Santa Barbara. Toma, located in Santa Barbara, is one of the most popular waterfront restaurants. The menu is based on the Italian and Mediterranean cuisines while using fresh local seafood as well as seasonal veggies and high-quality ingredients. The wine list is organized in a way that California wines are located on one side and Italian wines are on the other side, allowing for multiple pairing opportunities. Nat Ely, the executive chef, is known for having run the kitchen at Los Olivos Café, which gained popularity from being featured in the film Sideways, drawing attention from both movie and wine enthusiasts.

While driving from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles, it is worth stopping at the Camarillo Outlets located conveniently beside Highway 101. The location boasts over 160 stores, including popular brands such as kate spade new york, Michael Kors, Vince, and lululemon, multiple dining options, and even the Edwards Camarillo Palace Stadium IMAX theater. This makes it easy to enjoy an afternoon of shopping without much hassle.

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

Monterey’s Cannery Row is home to the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa. The hotel offers beautifully decorated spacious rooms that come with astonishing views of Monterey Bay. This hotel is located right in the middle of Cannery Row in Monterey.

Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar has a focus on fresh, high-quality, and sustainably sourced ingredients to create American cuisine. Vista Blue Spa is located on the top floor and is listed as one of the top 25 spas by Travel + Leisure. You can book a treatment, and you should check out the outdoor terrace after your treatment for its 360-degree views of the ocean. Carmel Valley Ranch This 500-acre resort is located in the Santa Lucia Mountains close to the charming coastal village of Carmel. The vast property has an 18-hole golf course and offers a range of activities including specially designed themed hikes, organic farming, visits to the bee yard, and yoga classes on the hills. The 181 guest rooms are spread out over three different natural regions: forest valley, sunset ridge, and peaceful meadow. Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort It is only natural to have a beachfront resort in a quiet coastal community like Santa Barbara, and the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort is located within 24 acres of land and has 338 rooms and 22 suites that are all organized around an outdoor swimming pool and expansive landscaped gardens. With three dining options, outdoor tennis courts, and large meeting and event spaces, it is a popular choice among guests and for local weddings.