Our last road trip special started out in Huntington Beach and made its way all the way down to San Diego, enjoying all the great scenery and fun activities along the way. But we certainly can’t neglect the north, which has just as much (or more) to offer avid road-trippers. So, pack up the Honda Accord and get out of Los Angeles for the day, the weekend, or maybe even a whole week.
MalibuThis is a great starting point, chock-full of beautiful mansions, picturesque canyons, and incredible ocean scenery. Who knows, you might just pass a celebrity or two out for their daily beach walk.
Santa BarbaraKnown for its amazing stuccoed white buildings with their red roofs, Santa Barbara has occasionally been referred to as “The American Riviera”. High-end dining, luxury hotels, and elegant dining options are available on seemingly every corner.
Pismo BeachA surfer’s delight, Pismo Beach has the obligatory great waves and incredible scenery common to any perfect beach town. No one-trick pony, however, it also features Dinosaur Caves Park and Monarch Butterfly Grove.
San Luis ObispoAffectionately known as “SLO”, this is one of the oldest cities in California and is wonderfully located right in the middle of wine country.
Hearst Castle
This beautiful retreat built in the early 20th century was originally referred to as the “Enchanted Hill”. Originally the home of Senator George Hearst, it now boasts an excellent art museum, fine dining, and informative tours.
Big SurThis rough and gorgeous section of coastline lies sandwiched between the roaring Pacific to the west and the Santa Lucia mountains to the east. The roads are winding, the views are stupendous, and there are plenty of available hiking trails.
Carmel-by-the-SeaLike a slice of Europe dropped onto the rugged California coast, visitors find themselves enthralled with the moss-covered cottages and their cobblestone courtyards. Check out the 17-mile drive past famous Pebble Beach golf course.
Santa Cruz
This cool town is full of vintage shops, skateboarders, modern restaurants, and graffiti. Santa Cruz is also hugely popular with beach volleyball players.
San Francisco
The Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, the Mission District, touristy Fisherman’s Wharf, and a ride on a vintage cable car – just the starting points for a great San Francisco weekend.
While the debate rages on – north or south? – those who take the time to get out of Los Angeles on a Pacific Coast road trip really can’t go wrong either way. Whether you’ve got the surfboards packed on top of your vintage VW van or are just going for a comfortable cruise in your Honda Accord, there is more than enough to keep you occupied on one of the world’s great drives.
