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?
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.
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?
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.
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!
OMG the 4 of us HAVE to make this trip and rent some gorgeous red convertible haha! Oh the fun we could have…wineries…picnics…photography!
fantastic photos! I look forward to reading more from you. 🙂
Thank you!!! 🙂
I’ve always wanted to drive Highway 1 as well! Looks beautiful!
Oh you should, it’s majestic!
Oh I love road trips! Still really need to gain that experience on the West Coast, though 🙂 Beautiful pictures, Andi!
Thank you so much! I hope you do a road trip on Highway 1, it’s the best!!!
Looks like you had a great time! Your photos made me homesick for California!
Awesome time! Hope you can make it back home soon.
You are absolutely adorable, and all of your photos are always so great!
Awww thank you so much!!! XO
Stunning pics. I’ve driven a Prius before as well – they are fun although sometimes sneak up on people because they are so quiet!
Hahaha that is SO true!!!! Thank you!
I looooooove driving the Cali coast!! =)
Isn’t it just the best???
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 🙂
Thank you so much! I hope you can do it one day, I know you would love it!
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.
I’m on my 3rd and I can’t imagine ever cheating on the brand either haha! Let me know if you upgrade to a Prius. 🙂
You look ADORABLE in that photo with Kristi. And she’s adorable too! What a road trip!!! My stepdad drives a Prius and also loves it.
Awww thank you!!! She’s sooo cute, right? Cheers to photographers and Prii!
Okay Kyle, you are way too sweet for calling me adorable! lol Right back at you! 😉
Hahaha she’s just telling the truth! <3
P.S. Your photography is stunning!
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! XOXO
cool love driving in California
Isn’t it awesome?
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!
I agree 110%! I used to live in San Diego and made the drive to LA a lot to visit friends and the traffic caused me SO much stress!!! Awww thank you X a million!
aw that looks like such an incredibly fun road trip!
It was sooo much fun!!!
That surfing photo is so fantastic!! Did you use a telephoto lens for that?
I didn’t actually! Believe it or not I used a macro lens (that’s all I had on me at the time) and it still came out so clear. LOVE Canon!!!
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.
(Oops! Comment applies to Parts 1&2!) xx
Thank you so much for your touching comment!!! I’m glad you enjoyed my posts so much! XO
The CA coast is absolutely one of the best places for roadtrips, your post proves it!
Yay!!! 🙂
Looks like such a nice place to relax for the weekend. And that car is a pretty sweet ride! 😀
It was the perfect weekend trip, minus the glamping! I miss my Pumpkin!!!
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!
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!
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Hey Andi,
I enjoy reading your blogs and love your photographs. I wanted to share with you our recent road trip on PCH.
http://beaches-cities-wildlife.blogspot.com/2013/09/pch-road-trip.html
Regards,
Rekha
Awesome I will check it out now!
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