California’s Highway 1 scenic roads have reopened — with craveable food from Carmel to Cambria
After three years of reconstruction, it's time for a sunsoaked cruise along the Central Coast.
Its winding roads have always been a place to slow down, breathe, and be present to enjoy one of the crown features of the state. In addition to Highway 1's scenic views of the Pacific Ocean, little towns between Cambria and Carmel-by-the-Sea, like San Simeon and Ragged Point just a turn off the road, show a special peek into the understated cool of California’s Central Coast. As many opportunities as there are to coo at elephant seals and marvel at the sculptural rock formations, there are just as many memorable meals to seek out along the way. Here are standout places to stop along the reopened 90-mile segment of the Pacific Coast Highway.
Earthbound Farm Stand
Just a few miles southeast of Carmel, right off Highway 1, Earthbound Farms brings the joy of an amusement park to an otherwise unsuspecting road. The produce giant hosts interactive seasonal activities for the whole family. Once you’ve finished frollicking among the tulips in the spring, picking a bundle of lavender in the summer, or making a wreath in the winter, stop by the farmstand, cafe, and market. I recommend the grilled chicken sandwich on a pillowy housemade brioche with a side salad topped with irresistible sweet golden balsamic vinaigrette.
Carmel Highlands General Store
To re-up on gas, snacks, and postcards, visit the Carmel Highlands General Store. The gas station built-in has a little section in the back that showcases a curated selection of local cheeses, honey, and wines from the region, making this a great stop for any last-minute gifts or souvenirs.
Cafe Kevah
Cafe Kevah is Nepenthe’s casual counterpart located on the wide patio beneath the restaurant and gift shop. Here, you can grab a breakfast burrito, peanut butter and jelly sandwich, or a fresh, flaky sticky bun, and enjoy the Nepenthe’s signature vistas from 800 feet above sea level without the hefty price tag.
Deetjen’s Restaurant
If you missed your chance to stay at Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn, the typically booked out escape for Big Sur glampers, you can still get the woodsy cabin feel at Deetjen’s Restaurant. Tucked beneath the sprawling trees, the cove has plenty of eccentric decor to marvel at. With hutches full of china plates and a ceiling adorned with tulle and fairy lights, dining there feels like at any point, someone’s going to hobble over to tell you some folklore about the Dark Watchers of California. Stop here for a quick brunch before visiting the Henry Miller Memorial Library or wind down with a cozy, candlelit dinner.
The Restaurant at Ragged Point
The Ragged Point Inn is the nexus of the town called the “Gateway to Big Sur.” Stretch your legs at this rest stop to take a walk on the property with a gorgeous view of the native flora of Young Creek Beach Cove. The cafe features coffee brewed with locally roasted Joebella beans and any syrup mix-in you could possibly think up. If you’re staying for dinner, the restaurant serves up seafood-forward entrees like halibut and chips, branzino dressed in a bright coconut sauce, and poached sea bass. Pro tip: A summer visit will grant you some smoky smorgasburg of barbecue chicken sandwiches, tri-tips, and pork ribs.
Linn’s of Cambria
Cambria is a quirked up beach town known for the liveliness of its artist community. On Main Street, amid a calm strip of stores, grocers, and restaurants, the Linn family oeuvre and coastal community culture meld into one another at Linn’s of Cambria. Decorated with vintage bikes at every turn, the diner has become an almost museum-like destination for cycling enthusiasts. Don’t miss the Dungeness crab grilled cheese: Each bite is stuffed with gruyere, avocado, and sundried tomato pesto. Ollalieberries are the menu’s centerpiece ingredient. A Pacific Northwest-created hybrid and the most abundant berry grown by the family, it can be found in pies, jams, syrups, and a lemonade.
Fernandez Produce
Much of the produce found at farmers markets along the coast comes from the hard working farmers in the Central Valley. Towns like Atascadero, Santa Maria, and San Luis Obispo are known for their wide variety of fruits and nuts. Fernandez Produce brings the valley to the coast by posting up with locally sourced strawberries, lemons, and oranges along with other topical fruit, tamarind, dried prawns, and pre-packaged mole paste. You can find the pop-up stand along the southbound side of the freeway just south of Cambria daily from 11 a.m. to sunset.
