I just returned from the ultimate summer road trip in Northern California—here's what I brought, the places I visited, and what…

      One thing about me is that I don't require much (if any!) persuasion to embark on a summer road trip—especially if it involves cruising down the iconic Highway 1 in Northern California. This is precisely where my latest adventure took me—a three-day mini road trip along Northern California’s most scenic routes through Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Big Sur, facilitated by the car rental service Turo.

      For those who may not know, Turo is an app-based car-sharing platform—often referred to as the "Airbnb of cars"—where individuals and private companies rent out their personal vehicles to others. This option is ideal if you want to bypass the frustratingly long lines at traditional car rental agencies with their limited selections. Instead, Turo allows you to choose vehicles that suit your travel style, whether that's electric, luxurious, sporty, spacious, or simply enjoyable to drive. All you need to do is search your desired pickup location on the app along with the type of car you want, and you’ll find endless options.

      What I Drove

      I chose a classy and luxurious 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class (because if I'm going to cruise down Highway 1, I might as well do it in style and comfort). The host provided all the necessary details via the app, making pickup from San Francisco Airport hassle-free and ensuring a smooth journey to the beautiful Bernardus Lodge & Spa, where I stayed throughout the trip.

      Where I Stayed

      For three nights, I was at Bernardus Lodge & Spa, a luxurious 28-acre retreat nestled in Carmel Valley. The hotel is sophisticated and remarkably serene, surrounded by fragrant lavender, sun-kissed vineyards, and stunning mountain vistas. My room was exceptionally comfortable, featuring a two-person soaking tub, cozy bathrobes, a welcoming fireplace, and intimate dining areas both indoors and outdoors. It was the perfect place to relax after a day of exploration.

      Where I Visited

      For the following three days, I enjoyed scenic coastal drives, breathtaking ocean views, delectable dining, and had the opportunity to try some of Turo's luxury exotic cars to truly elevate the road trip experience!

      Day 1

      Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: Our first stop was Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, known as "the crown jewel of the California State Park system," which offers breathtaking vistas and one of California's richest marine habitats. It's an excellent spot for sightseeing, photography, picnicking, and scuba diving, and it’s home to an array of wildlife such as sea lions, harbor seals, elephant seals, and sea otters, along with unique geological features and diverse plant life. There are numerous stunning hiking trails available. We opted for the shorter Granite Point Trail and Moss Cove Trail, which provide panoramic views of the water and a fantastic lookout above the cove. This location tends to get busy early, so be prepared to park on the street if the lot is full.

      Garrapata State Park: Continuing south on Route 1 towards Big Sur, we stopped at Garrapata State Park and trekked the easy yet scenic 0.7-mile Garrapata Buff Trail, which showcases beautiful elevated views of the coastline and ocean. During our visit, the atmosphere was moody, misty, and enchanting—with waves crashing against the rocks and two miles of dramatic beach coastline, along with plenty of sea lions, harbor seals, and sea otters in the waters.

      Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park: After crossing the Bixby Creek Bridge, one of the most famous landmarks along California's Big Sur coastline, we made a brief stop at the charming Big Sur River Inn General Store, where I picked up some fun souvenirs and tasty burritos before heading out for our last hike of the day at the stunning Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. The park features peaceful trails winding through towering coastal redwoods, river crossings, and shaded forest canyons at the heart of Big Sur. The trails vary from easy, flat paths to more challenging climbs that reward you with breathtaking canyon views. We took the moderate Pfeiffer Falls hike among the majestic redwoods to a waterfall, which was simply stunning—a must-visit!

      Day 2

      Monterey Bay Whale Watching: On our second day, we traveled north on Route 1 towards Monterey for a two-hour boat trip from Moss Landing, one of the premier whale-watching spots in California. It was a fantastic experience, and we were fortunate enough to spot two humpback whales and four blue whales!

      Cannery Row, Monterey: Returning south, we made a stop at Cannery Row, Monterey's historic waterfront district known for its ocean views, shops, and restaurants. It's also located right next to the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. Although it was quite touristy, I really enjoyed the vibrant coastal atmosphere.

      Carmel Beach: One highlight of my trip was relaxing at Carmel Beach and the charming village of Carmel-by-the-Sea. The beach boasts a scenic stretch