The west coast may be the best coast
After a long and exciting day, I sat in the car in awe of California’s beauty. I had almost made it to my final destination — Berkeley, CA.
Driving up the twisting, cliff-hugging PCH with my hand sticking out of the window, I could feel the warm air sing, “Welcome to California!” We watched the sunset over the breathtaking shoreline, and I felt a flutter of relief and comfort. The sky was painted in hues of orange and pink as we made our way past the rocky cliffs and into the winding road. While I had been to California many times before, I had never seen its full rugged and natural seaside beauty.
Driving from SoCal to NorCal, we observed the coastal towns transforming from bustling, glitz, and glam to mellow and quirky towns. Spanning 656 miles, PCH held endless opportunities, moments, and memories. For once, there was no deadline, nor expectation, just the open road.
Beginning in the majestic, foggy Rancho Palos Verdes, I relished the crisp air and warm, beating sun. Atop the bluffs, we looked down at the tide pools and admired nature’s charm. Winding through the hills, I gripped the side of my seat. The road hid swerves and dives around each bend. In the picturesque and relaxed Redondo Beach, I gaped at the dolphins swimming through the calm pacific ocean waters. Leaving the little red car behind, we walked toward the white sand and paused to let bikers and joggers by. The sun shone brightly, warming the sand by our feet. Naively walking toward the dolphin fins, my ankles felt the shock of the cold water.
Peering up from the brisk pacific waters, my eye traced along the coast to Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Dockweiler Beach, Marina Del Rey, Venice Beach, and Santa Monica Pier. I couldn’t help but be mesmerized by the vast ocean stretching before me. The water was a deep blue, and the waves crashed against the short with a soothing rhythm. The salty sea air filled my lungs, and I felt at home. PCH had so many wonders to behold.
Journeying through Malibu, we spotted surfers paddling furiously for the next big wave. We admired the bustling beach town in Ventura and the iconic palm trees waving through the air. Craving a sweet treat, we parked the car at one of my favorites — Santa Barbara. With its Mediterranean and Spanish-revival architecture, I felt a waft of romance. The red-tile clay tones contrasted the stark white walls throughout the historic city. Santa Barbara was the perfect place to stretch our legs and stroll down the street.
Peering out at the shoreline, we marveled at the ancient volcanic mound in Morro Bay. The State Park hid beautiful lagoons and trails nearby.
Cambia, a small seaside village teeming with sea life, and Big Sur, the mountainside blanketed with redwood trees, held the most breathtaking views. We felt like we were in another place apart from the classic concept of California.
Monterey and Santa Cruz were the last two stops on the long, freeing journey. Monterey’s waters were perfect for a romantic kayaking trip. Monterey was filled with the cutest sea otters and smelliest sea lions and held a special place in my heart. With its bustling beachside town, the classic Santa Cruz skateboard shirt I had seen around the coast fit right in.
After a long and exciting day, I sat in the car in awe of California’s beauty. I had almost made it to my final destination — Berkeley, CA.
And for a moment, while looking out the window at the beaming red Golden Gate Bridge suspended over Carl, the fog, I thought, “the west coast could be the best coast.”
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Read more of ascend | a college reflection! ascend is a personal college reflection magazine with short essays, funny stories, life thoughts, important questions, media I love, and more! ascend | a college reflection came out on May 12, 2023, to celebrate graduation and kickstart gap year 3.0.
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