Last Updated
As two of California’s most iconic cities discover themselves in a self-induced twin of “which city is worse?”, one unheard-of itsy bitsy city has basically been topped the Golden State’s new tourism hotspot in a single day.
We’ve additionally seen photographs of the well-known Golden Gate Bridge and Hollywood signal, however these days, all information retailers present are filthy streets and crime statistics for San Francisco and L.A.
And given quite a few San Diego beaches have typically been riddled with sewage spewage, possibly it is time to admit 2024 has been the “Year of the Small Town” for California getaways.
One such city is so small in truth, it actually is not a city in any respect, reasonably an ‘unincorporated neighborhood’.
This blip on the map has slowly been gaining consideration because the mid-90’s, however just lately attracted mainstream eyes via the likes of Michelin Guide and Travel + Leisure.
If Northern California is in your plans, skip the unpleasant chaos of ‘The Bay’ and go for peace and serenity in California’s trendiest coastal city, Elk.
Big Sur 2.0 Or An Authentic Coastal Retreat?
Those of us who’ve dreamt of road-tripping the favored Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) have absolutely circled Big Sur as a must-stop or base camp.
Nestled between the scenic Santa Lucia Mountains and staggering cliff sides, the winding roads via Big Sur are a typical stopping level to take images on the very least.
Even extra standard amongst surfers and campers, Big Sur was as soon as the California coast’s small-town darling as an nearly secret-level hideaway that grew to become trendier and trendier over time.
Now, Elk, of all locations, is stealing the highlight away.
Set alongside the NorCal’s scenic shoreline in a virtually missable if-you-blink-you-miss-it city, the few sights Elk gives are top-notch.
But, maybe better of all – no Starbucks eyesores or boujie resorts – simply untamed West Coast magnificence and pure serenity in a spot the place native publication SF Gate studies that ‘time forgot’.
You May Never Visit Santa Monica Again
As a multi-time customer to Santa Monica, what’s the enchantment of skateboards whizzing by, rows of homeless encampments, and actually no area to lounge round?
Elk’s seashores provide the exact opposite expertise, which is why Elk’s locals most likely hate me for scripting this.
Although, including a Tesla charging station to your city is not precisely screaming, “Keep it movin’! Ignore this place!”.
While the seashores of NorCal is usually a bit nippier than Socal, the stainless surroundings and blissful environment cannot be topped.
Greenwood State Beach, sourced by the ever-flowing Greenwood River, is Elk’s coastal declare to fame.
Not that parking is an issue in the mean time, as Elk turns into extra outstanding on vacationers’ radars, it may very well be!
For now, beachgoers can park off the PCH throughout from the rightfully named Elk Store. The lot is headed by a path and really gives one of many prettiest views of the area.
And simply off beam from the seashore lies Gunderson Rock, a preferred spot for kayakers to absorb the ever present off-shore rock formations.
Any manner you slice it, it is a far cry from conventional California seashores, the place rest is final on the checklist.
California Charm And Divine Eats
Usually, the South will get all of the credit score for down-home allure and pleasant locals, however hey, as a Californian myself, I can attest we’re not all high-falutin, botox-injecting Hollywood stereotypes, or quite the opposite, numbskulled surfer bros who cannot kind a correct sentence.
There’s actual allure in California in case you go on the lookout for it, and sure, largely in small unsuspecting cities off-the-beaten-path.
Elk matches the invoice, but it surely’s not solely pleasant locals which might be the draw; it is the choices of the city itself.
Michelin Guide awarded Harbor House with 2 Michelin Stars, making this ‘hyper-locally’ sourced restaurant one of many toughest reservations to attain today.
That’s okay, although. Just extra excuses to discover close by wineries, resembling Drew and Wentworth.
Better but, autumn is arguably the very best time to go to, given the area’s grape harvest circumstances and splendid climate.
Of course, you may want a spot to remain and Elk’s a number of surprisingly luxe inns have you ever lined.
Don’t count on to earn any factors in your keep right here, however the reminiscences will final a lifetime.
Tip: Stay at Harbor House Inn to knock out a fantastic keep and Michelin-starred delicacies multi function spot!
↓ Elevate Your Travel↓
Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No adverts, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!
✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where vacationers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even discover like-minded journey buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your electronic mail tackle to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s newest breaking journey information, straight to your inbox.
This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed here are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accredited or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the put up.
