I Just Got Back From the Ultimate Summer Road Trip in NorCal—Here's What I Packed, Where I Visited, and What I Drove
One thing about me is I don't need much (if any!) convincing to take a summer road trip—especially if it involves zipping down the legendary Highway 1 in Northern California. This is exactly where my latest adventure took me—a three-day mini road trip across Northern California’s most picturesque routes through Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Big Sur with car rental service Turo.
For those unfamiliar, Turo is an app-based car-sharing marketplace—often described as the "Airbnb of cars"—where individuals and private companies rent out their personal vehicles to others—perfect if you want to skip the headache-inducing long lines at regular car rental counters with limited selections. Instead, Turo gives you access to vehicles that fit the way you actually want to travel, whether that's something electric, luxurious, sporty, spacious, or simply fun to drive. All you do is search your destination pickup point on the app along with the type of car you want, and the options are endless.
What I Drove
I opted for a chic and luxurious Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class 2025 (because if I'm going to cruise down Highway 1, why not do it in utmost comfort and style?). The host sent me all the details in advance on the app, and it was a seamless pickup from San Francisco Airport and a smooth ride all the way to the gorgeous Bernardus Lodge & Spa, my resting place throughout the trip.
Where I Stayed
For three nights, I stayed at Bernardus Lodge & Spa, a luxury 28-acre wine-country retreat nestled in Carmel Valley. The hotel is elegant and incredibly relaxing, surrounded by lush lavender, sun-drenched grapevines and sublime mountain views. My room was incredibly comfortable featuring a two-person soaking tub, plush bathrobes, an inviting fireplace, and intimate dining space inside and outside. It was the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploration.
Where I Visited
For the next three days, I enjoyed coastal drives, ocean views, and great food and had the chance to try some of Turo's luxury exotic cars to really top off the road trip in style!
Day 1
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: For epic vistas and one of the richest marine habitats in California, our first stop was Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, often called "the crown jewel of the California State Park system." It's an outstanding spot for sightseeing, photography, picnics, and scuba diving, and home to sea lions, harbor seals, elephant seals, and sea otters as well as unique geological formations and rich flora and fauna. There are tons of amazing hikes you can do. Since we had a full day planned, we did a shorter trail called the Granite Point Trail and Moss Cove Trail, which offer panoramic views of the water and an amazing viewing area above the cove. This place gets busy pretty early, so expect to park on the street if the parking lot is full.
Garrapata State Park: Heading south on Route 1 toward Big Sur, we stopped at Garrapata State Park and walked the easy and atmospheric 0.7-mile Garrapata Buff Trail, which has beautiful, elevated views of the coastline and ocean. On our visit, it was moody, misty, and magical—with waves crashing over rocks and two miles of dramatic beach coastline, with plenty of sea lions, harbor seals, and sea otters in the coastal waters.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park: After passing the Bixby Creek Bridge, one of the most iconic landmark's along California's Big Sur coastline, we made a quick stop at the charming Big Sur River Inn General Store, where I picked up some cool souvenirs and delicious burritos before embarking on our final hike of the day at the epic Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. The park offers peaceful trails through towering coastal redwoods, river crossings, and shaded forest canyons in the heart of Big Sur. The trails range from easy, flat walks to more challenging climbs where you're rewarded with stunning canyon views. We did the moderate Pfeiffer Falls hike among the majestic redwoods to a waterfall. It was breathtaking. A must-visit!
Day 2
Monterey Bay Whale Watching: On the second day, we headed north on Route 1 toward Monterey for a two-hour boat trip from Moss Landing—one of the best whale-watching areas in California. It was an incredible experience, where we were lucky enough to see two humpback whales and four blue whales!
Cannery Row, Monterey: Heading back south, we stopped at Monterey's historic waterfront district, Cannery Row, known for its oceanfront views, shops, and restaurants. It's also located right next to the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. While it was quite touristy, I rather enjoyed the lively coastal atmosphere.
Carmel Beach: One of my favorite parts of the trip was relaxing at Carmel Beach and Carmel-by-the-Sea Village. The beach is known for its scenic stretch of soft white sand (and often referred to as Carmel White Sand Beach), rugged beauty, cypress trees, and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. It's stunning and just steps from the town's restaurants and bars.
Carmel-by-the-Sea Village: I fell in love with the small town of Carmel-by-the-Sea and its charming restaurants, quaint homes, and amazing stores. (Carmel Home Collection and Olivier Napa Valley were some of my favorite spots.) After a spot of shopping, we had an early dinner at the amazing European bistro La Bicyclette and ended with a sweet treat from one of California's oldest bakeries, Carmel Bakery.
What I Packed
For the short trip, I packed plenty of comfortable and casual clothing for long days driving and exploring. I made sure I brought plenty of practical hiking gear as well as versatile separates and warm layers, as it can get pretty cool in the mornings and evenings. I also packed some pieces that could easily translate from day to night for casual-chic dinners.
Hiking Clothes
Versatile Separates
Day-to-Night Pieces
