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As two of California’s most iconic cities discover themselves in a self-induced twin of “which metropolis is worse?”, one unheard-of itsy bitsy city has basically been topped the Golden State’s new tourism hotspot in a single day.
We have additionally seen photos 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 usually been riddled with sewage spewage, perhaps it is time to admit 2024 has been the “Yr of the Small City” for California getaways.
One such city is so small actually, it actually is not a city in any respect, somewhat an ‘unincorporated group’.
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 Information and Journey + Leisure.
If Northern California is in your plans, skip the ugly chaos of ‘The Bay’ and go for peace and serenity in California’s trendiest coastal city, Elk.
Large Sur 2.0 Or An Genuine Coastal Retreat?
These of us who’ve dreamt of road-tripping the favored Pacific Coast Freeway (PCH) have absolutely circled Large Sur as a must-stop or base camp.
Nestled between the scenic Santa Lucia Mountains and staggering cliff sides, the winding roads via Large Sur are a typical stopping level to take photographs on the very least.
Much more well-liked amongst surfers and campers, Large Sur was as soon as the California coast’s small-town darling as an nearly secret-level hideaway that turned trendier and trendier through the years.
Now, Elk, of all locations, is stealing the highlight away.
Set alongside the NorCal’s scenic shoreline in an almost missable if-you-blink-you-miss-it city, the few sights Elk provides are top-notch.
However, 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 stories that ‘time forgot’.
You Might By no means Go to Santa Monica Once more
As a multi-time customer to Santa Monica, what’s the attraction of skateboards whizzing by, rows of homeless encampments, and actually no area to lounge round?
Elk’s seashores supply the exact opposite expertise, which is why Elk’s locals in all probability hate me for scripting this.
Though, including a Tesla charging station to your city is not precisely screaming, “Preserve it movin’! Ignore this place!”.
Whereas the seashores of NorCal generally is a bit nippier than Socal, the stainless surroundings and blissful ambiance cannot be topped.
Greenwood State Seashore, sourced by the ever-flowing Greenwood River, is Elk’s coastal declare to fame.
Not that parking is an issue for the time being, 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 Retailer. The lot is headed by a path and really provides one of many prettiest views of the area.
And simply off target from the seashore lies Gunderson Rock, a well-liked spot for kayakers to absorb the ever present off-shore rock formations.
Any method you slice it, it is a far cry from conventional California seashores, the place leisure is final on the checklist.
California Appeal And Divine Eats
Often, 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 when you go in search of it, and sure, principally in small unsuspecting cities off-the-beaten-path.
Elk suits the invoice, nevertheless it’s not solely pleasant locals which can be the draw; it is the choices of the city itself.
Michelin Information awarded Harbor House with 2 Michelin Stars, making this ‘hyper-locally’ sourced restaurant one of many toughest reservations to attain lately.
That is okay, although. Simply extra excuses to discover close by wineries, equivalent to Drew and Wentworth.
Higher but, autumn is arguably the most effective time to go to, given the area’s grape harvest situations and splendid climate.
In fact, you will want a spot to remain and Elk’s a number of surprisingly luxe inns have you ever coated.
Do not anticipate to earn any factors on your keep right here, however the reminiscences will final a lifetime.
Tip: Keep at Harbor House Inn to knock out a fantastic keep and Michelin-starred delicacies multi function spot!
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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 submit.
