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While two of California’s most iconic cities find themselves in a self-induced duality of “which city is worse?”, an unheard of little town has essentially been crowned the Golden State’s new tourist hotspot overnight.
We have also seen images of the famous Golden Gate Bridge and the Hollywood sign, but nowadays all the news media show dirty streets and crime statistics for San Francisco and LA
And since many San Diego beaches are often littered with sewage, maybe it’s time to admit that 2024 has been the “Year of the Small Town” for California getaways.
One such city is so small that it is not actually a city at all, but rather an “unincorporated community.”
This dot on the map has been slowly gaining attention since the mid-1990s, but has recently also attracted the attention of the mainstream, including through Michelin Guide and Travel + Leisure.
If Northern California is in your plans, skip the ugly chaos of ‘The Bay’ and opt for peace and serenity in California’s trendiest coastal town, Elk.
Big Sur 2.0 or an authentic coastal retreat?
Those of us who have dreamed of driving the popular Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) have certainly circled Big Sur as a must-stop or base camp.
Nestled between the scenic Santa Lucia Mountains and vertiginous cliffs, the winding roads through Big Sur are a common stop to take photos at the very least.
Even more popular among surfers and campers, Big Sur was once the darling of the small town on the California coast as a near-secret hideaway that became trendier and trendier over the years.
Now Elk, of all things, is stealing the spotlight.
Located along NorCal’s scenic coastline in a town you can almost miss if you blink, the few attractions Elk has to offer are top-notch.
But perhaps best of all – no eyesores of Starbucks or boujie resorts – just untamed beauty and pure West Coast tranquility in a place where local publication SF Gate reports that “time has forgotten.”
You may never visit Santa Monica again
As a multiple visitor to Santa Monica, what’s the appeal of skateboards whizzing by, rows of homeless encampments, and literally no room to lounge around?
Elk beaches offer the complete opposite experience, which is probably why Elk locals hate me for writing this.
Although adding a Tesla charging station to your city doesn’t exactly scream, “Keep it movin’!” Ignore this place!”.
While NorCal’s beaches may be a bit chillier than Socal’s, the pristine scenery and blissful atmosphere can’t be beat.
Greenwood State BeachHailing from the ever-flowing Greenwood River, Elk is famous on the coast.
Not that parking is an issue at the moment, as Elk is becoming more and more prominent on travellers’ radars, it could be!
For now, beachgoers can park at the PCH across from the appropriately named Elk Store. The plot is led by a path and actually offers one of the most beautiful views of the region.
And just off the beach is Gunderson Rock, a popular spot for kayakers to admire the ubiquitous rock formations off the coast.
Any way you look at it, it’s a far cry from traditional California beaches, where relaxation is last on the list.
California charm and divine food
Usually the South gets all the credit for the down-home charm and friendly locals, but hey, as a Californian I can testify that we’re not all haughty, Botox-injecting Hollywood stereotypes, or, on the contrary, a drugged-out surfer. Brothers who can’t form a good sentence.
There is real charm in California if you look for it, and yes, especially in small unsuspecting towns off the beaten path.
Moose fit the bill, but it’s not just the friendly locals who are the draw; they are the offers of the city itself.
Michelin Guide awarded Harbor House with 2 Michelin stars, making this ‘hyper-local’ restaurant one of the toughest reservations to score these days.
But that’s okay. Just more excuses to explore nearby wineries, like Drew And Wentworth.
Better yet, fall may be the best time to visit, given the region’s grape harvest conditions and beautiful weather.
Of course, you’ll need a place to stay, and Elk’s several surprisingly luxurious inns have you covered.
Don’t expect to earn points for your stay here, but the memories will last a lifetime.
Tip: Keep track Harbor House Inn to experience a great stay and Michelin star cuisine in one place!
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
