This past Saturday, I set off on a road trip that started in the early hours of the morning—3:00 AM to be exact. After grabbing a quick bite to eat in my hotel room, I packed nearly everything I had with me: my tent, sleeping bag, and whatever else I thought might come in handy since I wasn’t entirely sure I’d make it back the same night. The goal was ambitious: drive from Valencia, near Los Angeles, all the way up to Big Sur. My colleagues had recommended this route, and with the forecast predicting perfect weather—clear skies instead of the usual coastal fog—I figured it was the perfect time to go.
While planning my route, I noticed that the path deviated from the coast around the Vandenberg area, and my curiosity got the best of me. A quick search revealed that this was because of the Vandenberg Space Force Base—a SpaceX launch site. To my amazement, I learned that a Falcon 9 rocket launch was scheduled for that very evening. It felt like pure luck; I was about to have an even more memorable experience than I had initially planned.
By the time I reached Santa Barbara, the sky had brightened—it was around 7:00 AM. I continued north, and around 9:00 AM, I decided to make a brief stop at the Vandenberg Space Force Base to scope it out. I had a quick chat with the security guards at the entrance. Unfortunately, I wasn’t allowed any further, as it is a military area, and they made it very clear I shouldn’t linger. Nevertheless, it was exciting to be near a place where incredible engineering feats happen.
Continuing my journey, I took my time heading up the coast, stopping at a few beaches along the way for short walks. The ocean was beautifully calm that day, and the sun stayed with me, providing perfect conditions for my drive.
Eventually, I reached Big Sur. Due to a recent landslide, only the southern part of the park was accessible, so I didn’t get to explore the northern section, which is often said to be the more scenic part. However, the southern part was still absolutely stunning. I found myself alone for most of my time there—something that really surprised me. It felt like I had the entire landscape to myself. Perhaps many people had other plans, or maybe a football game seemed more appealing than a four-hour drive to explore nature. But I didn’t mind—having Big Sur all to myself was something truly special.
I spent about eight hours in the park, taking countless photos and doing short hikes. I stayed mainly along the coastline, soaking in the raw beauty of the cliffs and the waves crashing below. During sunset, I made a stop at a viewpoint where I could see sea elephants lounging on the shore. It was an unforgettable sight.
By early evening, I began my journey south again, making a quick dinner stop at In-N-Out. I’d heard so much about this iconic fast-food chain, but, to be honest, it was a bit underwhelming. The burger and fries were probably the worst I’ve had—I really don’t understand the hype. But hey, everyone has different tastes, and it seems to work for many here in the U.S.
At around 10:00 PM, I made it back to the Vandenberg Space Force Base area, and it was already bustling with people who had gathered for the Falcon 9 launch. I managed to park next to an enthusiastic amateur photographer who had a huge camera setup. He was kind enough to explain the launch sequence to me, which made the experience even more fascinating. At precisely 10:15 PM, the rocket ignited and launched into the night sky. It was an incredible sight—the entire area lit up as the rocket climbed higher and higher. Unfortunately, my phone’s camera couldn’t do it justice, but that’s just a testament to how bright and impressive the launch was.
A few minutes later, I witnessed something equally impressive: the booster returning to its landing site. To watch it detach and make its controlled descent back was simply mind-blowing. A sonic boom echoed through the area as it approached—a reminder of the sheer speed and force involved. It was truly something that will stay with me for a long time.
Afterward, I started my drive back to the hotel, feeling both tired and exhilarated. In total, I drove about 1000 km and returned to the hotel at around 2:00 AM, meaning I had spent 23 hours in the car. It had been a day full of surprises, perfect weather, and unforgettable moments—from the empty coastal landscapes of Big Sur to the awe-inspiring sight of a rocket launch. It made me realize just how much there is to explore when you’re willing to take the road less traveled.
