Hella Good

So I know the bay area isn't really known for their beaches. If you're looking to walk out 50 feet into sky blue water from the shore, you just can't get it here...To be frank, the bay waters look freaken scary to me!! And while there are many others out there who love it for what it is and challenge themselves to the mucky and freezing cold waters, there's me who can still admire the majestic coast through its scenic view on Highway 1... which is absolutely one of its kind. Actually, one of the reasons why I've stayed in California all my life is because we have the best of every world located just hours away... if not right within the bay area limits.

I've never taken the scenic route up and down the coast before, but my boss, who is a surfing enthusiast convinced that the coast was a phenom I would never forget and boy was he right. On January 1st, 2008, a friend and I headed South of the bay to Santa Cruz, found Highway 1 (although you can go as south as Carmel and beyond) and coasted on up. It's definitely another side of the bay that I failed to discover years ago. Although our coastal line doesn't have the tropical feeling of Hawaii, what we're definitely known for is the amazing cliff sides that stunningly line the water. There are more than a dozen separate beaches and surfing destinations on this route. One of which was this hidden beach located in the town of Davenport. There wasn't even any signs that lead here, you just kinda drive off the road at Davenport's first intersection and walk your way down towards the waters. We were really lucky that the weather was cooperative especially in the middle of Winter because the cliffs stood massive and strong this day. Other beaches that we passed by included: Pigeon Point Light Station, Montara State Beach and Pescadero State Beach...

If you haven't done so, do this coastal drive through this empowering course. It's about 2 hours all the way up without stopping, but you can make it an all day event....bring your camera, prepare a picnic and if you dare, take a freezing dip into the water.... it's definitely a worth while event that you will never forget...