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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 pictures 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, possibly 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, fairly an ‘unincorporated group’.
This blip on the map has slowly been gaining consideration for the reason that mid-90’s, however lately attracted mainstream eyes via the likes of Michelin Information and Journey + 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.
Massive 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 Massive Sur as a must-stop or base camp.
Nestled between the scenic Santa Lucia Mountains and staggering cliff sides, the winding roads via Massive Sur are a typical stopping level to take images on the very least.
Much more widespread amongst surfers and campers, Massive Sur was as soon as the California coast’s small-town darling as an virtually 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 gives 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 house to lounge round?
Elk’s seashores provide the exact opposite expertise, which is why Elk’s locals most likely hate me for penning 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 could be a bit nippier than Socal, the stainless surroundings and blissful environment cannot be topped.
Greenwood State Seaside, 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 could possibly be!
For now, beachgoers can park off the PCH throughout from the rightfully named Elk Retailer. The lot is headed by a path and truly gives one of many prettiest views of the area.
And simply off track from the seaside lies Gunderson Rock, a well-liked spot for kayakers to absorb the ever-present off-shore rock formations.
Any approach you slice it, it is a far cry from conventional California seashores, the place rest is final on the record.
California Appeal And Divine Eats
Often, the South will get all of the credit score for down-home attraction 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 attraction in California in case you go searching 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 are 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 today.
That is okay, although. Simply extra excuses to discover close by wineries, corresponding to Drew and Wentworth.
Higher but, autumn is arguably the very best time to go to, given the area’s grape harvest situations and splendid climate.
After all, you may 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 in your keep right here, however the recollections will final a lifetime.
Tip: Keep at Harbor House Inn to knock out an important keep and Michelin-starred delicacies multi function spot!
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Opinions expressed listed below are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accredited or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the put up.