Take a Memorable Road Trip Along the California Coast
A California coast road trip isn’t complete without driving the Pacific Coast Highway. Highway 1 runs along most of the state’s coastline, extending into Oregon and Washington. This famous route fits any schedule. Specifically plan a quick day trip or stretch it out over two weeks.
Road trips offer a great way to see new places. Southern California, particularly, captures many hearts. Therefore, a coastal drive becomes the perfect adventure. The journey mixes open road excitement with beautiful ocean views.
For those interested in exploring beyond the coast, there are many other fascinating places to visit in California, from national parks to inland cities.
Here Is Our Ultimate Road Trip Guide to the California Coast
1. Solvang
Solvang, settled by Danish farmers, offers a charming faux-Danish down town. Cute bakeries and gift shops abound. Mortensen’s Danish Bakery serves the freshest pastries and cookies around.
The Old Danish Fudge Kitchen tempts visitors with various treats. Caramels, caramel apples, and home-made- pretzels fill the shelves. Additionally, fudge flavours include Oreo, chocolate-pecan, and rocky-road.
Solvang boasts several fine wineries. The popular Sevtap Winery Tasting Room attracts locals and tourists alike. Sample merlot, chardonnay, or petit verdot. Otherwise, take home a few bottles as gifts.
“Sort This Out” winery stands out with its vintage, pin-up theme. The friendly winemakers welcome chats with visitors. This unique tasting room deserves a spot on your itinerary.
While Solvang offers a taste of Denmark in California, there are many more things to do in southern California that showcase the region’s diverse attractions.
2. Los Angeles
Consider timing your drive through Los Angeles to avoid rush hour traffic. However, Santa Monica and Venice Beach offer worthwhile stops. For a more comprehensive exploration of the city, consider following a Los Angeles 4 day itinerary to make the most of your visit.
Venice Beach boasts man-made canals with imported Italian gondolas. This area blends class with a relaxed atmosphere. Similarly, Venice attracts the trendy crowd for various activities. Sunbathing, shopping, and sightseeing top the list of popular pastimes. Additionally, visitors find an amusement pier, miniature steam railroad, boutiques, and art galleries.
Malibu, likewise, deserves a visit for coastal enthusiasts. The Malibu Five beach front rental provides a luxurious waterfront stay. This accommodation offers a taste of celebrity lifestyle right by the ocean.
3. Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara mirrors the Riviera with its style. Stylish Spanish buildings and upscale shops sit against the Santa Ynez Mountains backdrop. Seven Bar & Kitchen offers tasty roadside fare. Early dishes include buttermilk fried chicken, house waffles, and sausage gravy biscuits.
See also: Guide to Mendocino California
The town invites bicycle exploration with its level roads and coastal breezes. Rent a bike on the beach front and pedal down the Cabrillo Bike Path. This route leads to historic State Street, Santa Barbara’s charming core. Eclectic adobes and red-tiled roofs line this walkway. Furthermore, unique boutiques, cafes, and restaurants make it ideal for strolling or window-shopping.
Nearby Montecito houses the Rosewood Miramar Beach. This hotel offers an incredible coastal getaway experience. Consider booking a stay for a truly memorable trip.
4. Pismo Beach
Drive to Pismo Beach, the self-proclaimed “Clam Capital of the World”. This title stems from the once-abundant Pismo clams. The town’s clamming heritage remains strong today. An annual Clam Festival celebrates this tradition. Additionally, a giant concrete clam statue stands at the end of Price Street.
See also: Places to visit in California
Visit the local landmark Splash Café Pismo Beach. Their award-winning clam-chowder always draws a crowd. Remarkably, the café serves over 30,000 gallons of this delicious soup each year.
5. San Luis Obispo
Next, visit San Luis Obispo, known as SLO. This dreamy, eclectic town offers a trendy atmosphere. Stay at Madonna Inn, a whimsical resort with a fairy-tale exterior. Modern amenities include a hilltop terrace, heated infinity pool, and 45-foot waterfall.
Down town SLO attracts shoppers with artisan creations and speciality wines. Every Thursday, Higuera Street hosts the West Coast’s second-largest farmers’ market. Six blocks close for this event. Additionally, numerous tasting rooms reflect the county’s abundant vineyards and wineries.
6. Morro Bay
Morro Bay stands out as an amazing natural spot. This small beach town offers fun all year. People love to boat, kayak, and surf here. The area is also great for golf, hiking, and biking.
The town has some very cute shops and also some yummy food destinations. Visitors can find many types of places to stay. While in town, try the saltwater taffy. This sweet treat is a local favourite, undoubtedly worth tasting.
California Coast Road Trip Top Tip:
Remember to fill your gas tank in Morro Bay. This smart move prevents worry about running out of fuel later. The next part of the drive may have fewer gas stations.
7. Carmel
Carmel welcomes artists and beach lovers alike. This town has a unique character. For instance, a local law requires permits for wearing high heels.
Next, take the 17-Mile Drive. This scenic route passes golf courses, mansions, and cypress trees. Interesting rock formations dot the landscape. Moreover, landmarks along the way have whimsical names. Lone Cypress, China Rock, and Huckleberry Hill are just a few examples.
The ocean views here are stunning. Afternoon drives offer the clearest horizons. Therefore, bring your camera to capture these memorable sights. The scenic beauty makes this stretch unforgettable, undoubtedly worth the trip.
8. Big Sur
Big Sur stretches roughly 85 miles along the coast. This drive offers stunning Pacific Ocean views. Plan a full day for this part of your trip. You’ll want to stop often for photos.
Book lovers should visit the Henry Miller Memorial Library. This spot honours the literary legend with books, art, and events. The drive also passes iconic landmarks like Bixby Bridge.
Stop at Big Sur Bakery for a tasty break. This rustic restaurant serves beef brisket and wood-fired pizza. Their banana bread is also a hit. The diverse menu offers something for everyone, undoubtedly satisfying various tastes.
9. Monterey
Near Carmel, you’ll find Cannery Row in Monterey. This street by the water is known for shops and food. Steinbeck wrote about it in his book. Specifically, he said it was like “a poem, a stink, a noise, a light, a tone, a habit, a dream.”
Long ago, this road had fish-canning factories. However, it’s now full of fun spots for visitors. You can see movies, play pool, or hear live music here. Additionally, the great Monterey Bay Aquarium is also on this street.
10. Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk offers fun along Monterey Bay. Visitors can play arcade games, mini-golf, or laser tag. The Casino Fun Center also provides betting options.
This spot has a rich history. The Giant Dipper roller coaster and Looff Carousel are official landmarks. Both are worth a ride. Additionally, the Coconut Grove venue hosted famous shows and appeared in movies.
For tasty food, try Kelly’s French Bakery. Their cinnamon morning buns are popular. Otherwise, visit Surfrider Cafe for a quinoa burger with sweet potato tots.
11. San Francisco
San Francisco is the last stop. Check out Fisherman’s Wharf by the water. You’ll find fun places like Ghirardelli Square and Ripley’s museum. Eat at Forbes Island restaurant or try Bubba Gump Shrimp.
Near the Wharf is Golden Gate Park. Visit the Conservatory of Flowers there. It’s an old greenhouse with lots of plants.
Ride a street car to Mission District. This area has cool art and good food. You’ll see long murals on the walls.
For a break from the city, go to Marin Headlands. It is also possible to view the Golden-Gate Bridge from here. Also, visit Point Bonita Lighthouse for a quiet time.
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