As two of California’s most iconic cities find themselves in a self-induced dual of “which city is worse?”, one unheard-of itsy bitsy town has essentially been crowned the Golden State’s new tourism hotspot overnight.
We’ve also seen images of the famous Golden Gate Bridge and Hollywood sign, but nowadays, all news outlets show are filthy streets and crime statistics for San Francisco and L.A.
And given numerous San Diego beaches have often been riddled with sewage spewage, maybe it’s time to admit 2024 has been the “Year of the Small Town” for California getaways.
One such town is so small in fact, it really isn’t a town at all, rather an ‘unincorporated community’.
This blip on the map has slowly been gaining attention since the mid-90’s, but recently attracted mainstream eyes through the likes of Michelin Guide and Travel + Leisure.
If Northern California is in your plans, skip the unsightly 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’ve dreamt of road-tripping the popular Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) have surely circled Big Sur as a must-stop or base camp.
Nestled between the scenic Santa Lucia Mountains and staggering cliff sides, the winding roads through Big Sur are a common stopping point to take photos at the very least.
Even more popular among surfers and campers, Big Sur was once the California coast’s small-town darling as an almost secret-level hideaway that became trendier and trendier over the years.
Now, Elk, of all places, is stealing the spotlight away.
Set along the NorCal’s scenic shoreline in a nearly missable if-you-blink-you-miss-it town, the few attractions Elk offers are top-notch.
But, perhaps best of all – no Starbucks eyesores or boujie resorts – just untamed West Coast beauty and pure serenity in a place where local publication SF Gate reports that ‘time forgot’.
You May Never Visit Santa Monica Again
As a multi-time visitor to Santa Monica, what is the appeal of skateboards whizzing by, rows of homeless encampments, and literally no space to lounge around?
Elk’s beaches offer the complete opposite experience, which is why Elk’s locals probably hate me for writing this.
Although, adding a Tesla charging station to your town isn’t exactly screaming, “Keep it movin’! Ignore this place!”.
While the beaches of NorCal can be a bit nippier than Socal, the immaculate scenery and blissful atmosphere can’t be topped.
Greenwood State Beach, sourced by the ever-flowing Greenwood River, is Elk’s coastal claim to fame.
Not that parking is a problem at the moment, as Elk becomes more prominent on travelers’ radars, it could be!
For now, beachgoers can park off the PCH across from the rightfully named Elk Store. The lot is headed by a trail and actually offers one of the prettiest views of the region.
And just off course from the beach lies Gunderson Rock, a popular spot for kayakers to take in the ubiquitous off-shore rock formations.
Any way you slice it, it’s a far cry from traditional California beaches, where relaxation is last on the list.
California Charm And Divine Eats
Usually, the South gets all the credit for down-home charm and friendly locals, but hey, as a Californian myself, I can attest we’re not all high-falutin, botox-injecting Hollywood stereotypes, or on the contrary, numbskulled surfer bros who can’t form a proper sentence.
There’s real charm in California if you go looking for it, and yes, mostly in small unsuspecting towns off-the-beaten-path.
Elk fits the bill, but it’s not only friendly locals that are the draw; it’s the offerings of the town itself.
Michelin Guide awarded Harbor House with 2 Michelin Stars, making this ‘hyper-locally’ sourced restaurant one of the toughest reservations to score these days.
That’s okay, though. Just more excuses to explore nearby wineries, such as Drew and Wentworth.
Better yet, autumn is arguably the best time to visit, given the region’s grape harvest conditions and splendid weather.
Of course, you’ll need a place to stay and Elk’s multiple surprisingly luxe inns have you covered.
Don’t expect to earn any points for your stay here, but the memories will last a lifetime.
Tip: Stay at Harbor House Inn to knock out a great stay and Michelin-starred cuisine all in one spot!
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