Southern California Coast: Day 2 (Part 1)

November 22, 2012

I awoke with the same excitement that a child exudes on Christmas Day, as I was going to have the the pleasure of driving a 2012 Toyota Prius 4 up Highway 1 — a stretch of land so beautiful that it has been the muse of many artists.  However, I am not sure which I was more excited about the car or the scenery?

I have been a vocal supporter of hybrid technology since its very invention.  It infuriates me that there has not been a government mandate that all future cars are hybrids.  I started driving a Prius the year after it debuted and it has changed my life.  Since then I have convinced several people to buy their own Prius as well and they are incredibly grateful that I was able to convert them.

Highway 1 is truly one of the best things that the United States of America has to offer the world.  A favorite travel memory of mine was driving from San Diego, California up to the Oregon border and back down to Ensenada, Mexico.  This time my road trip would only take me about 15 miles north of Santa Barbara, but it was a long enough drive to experience some of the route’s natural glory.

Southern California
Southern California

A road trip like this deserves a special companion and I was fortunate enough to have Kristi of Live and Love Out Loud as my co-pilot.  If you have never checked out her blog, do yourself a favor and head over there now, she is an insanely talented photographer and a source of inspiration for me.

We refueled for lunch at The Harbor Restaurant, which is located on the Santa Barbara Pier.  Does it get any better than fresh lobster served with a side of corn, a baked potato, and a spectacular view?

Southern California

Back in the Prius, we set off to a local Target where we bought 634 pounds of food and an assortment of daily essentials (the money was both donated by Toyota and Target) and then dropped them off at the Santa Barbara Food Bank.  Toyota is a brand that deeply believes in giving back to its community in any possible way that they can.

Our final stop of the day was where we would be staying for the next couple of days and would also be a first-time experience for me.

Disclosure: I was selected for participation in the TWIN community through a program with Clever Girls Collective. I did not receive any compensation for writing this post, or payment in exchange for participating. The opinions expressed herein are mine, and do not reflect the views of Toyota.

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Andi Perullo de Ledesma

I am Andi Perullo de Ledesma, a Chinese Medicine Doctor and Travel Photojournalist in Charlotte, NC. I am also wife to Lucas and mother to Joaquín. Follow us as we explore life and the world one beautiful adventure at a time.

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47 thoughts on “Southern California Coast: Day 2 (Part 1)

  1. Emily in Chile

    You are too cute in that picture! Highway 1 is gorgeous, but I’m embarrassed to admit I never made the full drive between LA and my house. I was always in a hurry to get to or from school and would take the boring 5 instead. Someday I’ll have to do a real Highway 1 roadtrip!

    Reply
  2. Abi

    You are completely living out my dream of driving up the Cali coast — it’s definitely near the top of my bucket list! Excellent photos, as always 🙂

    Reply
  3. The Guy

    I’m on my second Toyota car in a row and just love them. They’ve had a lot of negative press in recent years with all their recalls. Yet I still think they are more reliable than a GM or Ford.

    I have a Celica at the moment but am considering a Prius (or Honda/Nissan equivalent) next to save on fuel costs.

    Reply
  4. CeCe

    I did this on my own from San Francisco down to San Diego. I started losing patience once I hit Malibu and hit LA traffic. That stretch between Monterrey to San Simeon is my favorite.

    FYI, I love your blog, and your photography is so beautiful!

    Reply
  5. Bethany ~ twoOregonians

    Andi, these are beautiful! I love the sunlight, and the grasses blowing in the wind…and reading about Hwy 1… Thanks for the beautiful (digital!) visit to home. I’m looking forward to being back in the states and spending time on the beautiful West Coast in 2013.

    Reply
  6. Kristi {at} Live and Love Out Loud

    You know, I’ve read this post 3 times. Yes, 3 times. It seems every time I sat down to read it, one of my kids needed me and I couldn’t comment. lol Looking at these photos and reading your words again brings the biggest smile to my face. Driving along the coast with you was so much fun! Even if you are a crazy driver. 😛 Just kidding!

    Reply
    1. Andi Perullo Post author

      Awww no worries my love, I know how freaking busy you are! I’m honored that you even read this to begin with!!! I’m glad that I can put a big smile on your beautiful face. Lots of love! PS And yes I’m totally a craaaaaazy driver!

      Reply
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