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As two of California’s most iconic cities discover themselves in a self-induced twin of “which city is worse?”, one unheard-of itsy bitsy city has primarily been topped the Golden State’s new tourism hotspot in a single day.
We’ve additionally seen pictures of the well-known Golden Gate Bridge and Hollywood signal, however these days, all information shops 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 “Year of the Small Town” for California getaways.
One such city is so small actually, it actually is not a city in any respect, moderately an ‘unincorporated group’.
This blip on the map has slowly been gaining consideration because the mid-90’s, however not too long ago attracted mainstream eyes by way of the likes of Michelin Guide and Travel + 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.
Big Sur 2.0 Or An Authentic Coastal Retreat?
Those of us who’ve dreamt of road-tripping the favored Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) have certainly circled Big Sur as a must-stop or base camp.
Nestled between the scenic Santa Lucia Mountains and staggering cliff sides, the winding roads by way of Big Sur are a standard stopping level to take photographs on the very least.
Even extra common amongst surfers and campers, Big Sur was as soon as the California coast’s small-town darling as an virtually secret-level hideaway that turned trendier and trendier over time.
Now, Elk, of all locations, is stealing the highlight away.
Set alongside the NorCal’s scenic shoreline in a virtually missable if-you-blink-you-miss-it city, the few sights Elk provides are top-notch.
But, 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 studies that ‘time forgot’.
You May Never Visit Santa Monica Again
As a multi-time customer to Santa Monica, what’s the enchantment 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 scripting this.
Although, including a Tesla charging station to your city is not precisely screaming, “Keep it movin’! Ignore this place!”.
While the seashores of NorCal could be a bit nippier than Socal, the stainless surroundings and blissful ambiance cannot be topped.
Greenwood State Beach, sourced by the ever-flowing Greenwood River, is Elk’s coastal declare to fame.
Not that parking is an issue in the intervening time, as Elk turns into extra distinguished on vacationers’ radars, it may very well be!
For now, beachgoers can park off the PCH throughout from the rightfully named Elk Store. The lot is headed by a path and truly provides one of many prettiest views of the area.
And simply off beam from the seashore lies Gunderson Rock, a preferred spot for kayakers to soak up 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 listing.
California Charm And Divine Eats
Usually, 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 type a correct sentence.
There’s actual allure in California when you go in search of it, and sure, largely 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 Guide awarded Harbor House with 2 Michelin Stars, making this ‘hyper-locally’ sourced restaurant one of many toughest reservations to attain lately.
That’s okay, although. Just extra excuses to discover close by wineries, corresponding to Drew and Wentworth.
Better but, autumn is arguably one of the best time to go to, given the area’s grape harvest situations and splendid climate.
Of course, you may want a spot to remain and Elk’s a number of surprisingly luxe inns have you ever lined.
Don’t anticipate to earn any factors to your keep right here, however the reminiscences will final a lifetime.
Tip: Stay at Harbor House Inn to knock out an important keep and Michelin-starred delicacies multi functional spot!
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed below are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accepted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the submit.
