One of California's most spectacular drives, Highway 1 snakes up the coast north of San Simeon. Numerous pullouts along the way offer tremendous views and photo ops. On some of the beaches, huge elephant seals lounge nonchalantly, seemingly oblivious to the attention of rubberneckers -- but keep your distance. In rainy seasons, the southern Big Sur portion of Highway 1 is regularly shut down by mud slides. Contact CalTrans (800/427-7623. www.dot.ca.gov) for road conditions.
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