NORTH COAST
Stop in Leggett for an Outdoor Get-a-Way
Trade green pastures for a rugged coastline and redwoods as Route 128 turns into Highway 1. Leggett in Mendocino County is a redwood and outdoor lover’s dream, with its iconic Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree and surrounding picnic area canopied by giant trees. This coastal community is also home to the Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area which offers camping, picnicking and hiking through canyon bluffs and forests, as well as swimming in one of California’s natural gems, the Eel River.
SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA
Marvel at the Golden Gate Bridge
Located in San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge is both scenic and an engineering marvel. This beloved bridge is 1.7 miles long, perfect for a driving break if needed. Re-energize with a coffee and lunch at the Round House Cafe and then walk or rent out a bike to cross the bridge for a view of the Pacific Ocean, Alcatraz Island and the city’s skyline.
Relax at the Presidio Tunnel Tops
If you’re looking to admire the Golden Gate Bridge from afar and from a grassy, relaxing field, the Presidio Tunnel Tops is the place to do so. Take kids to the Outpost Playground, equip your senses for the outdoors at Field Station’s curiosity lab, enjoy Presidio Pop Up food or simply relax on their sunny picnic grounds or the soft sand at Crissy Field East Beach, only a 12 minute walk away.
CENTRAL COAST
Must-See Spots in Monterey County
The 17-mile drive along Highway 1 in Monterey County is a must for those looking to see the Pacific Ocean through the rugged cliffs and redwood groves of the Big Sur Coast. Visitors can stay at the Post Ranch Inn atop the high mountains of Big Sur with gorgeous ocean views and a spa, or they can stay at Alila Ventana Big Sur Resort for a luxurious stay beneath the redwoods. Plan the trip at the right time and see Monarch butterflies at the Monarch Grove Sanctuary (Oct. through Feb.).
San Luis Obispo County’s Roadtrip Gems
Highway 1 opens the door to an exploration of SLO CAL gems. Starting with the “Gateway to Big Sur,” Ragged Point, guests can stay at the Ragged Point Inn for sweeping views of the ocean and sheer cliffs right from the rooms. Then, San Simeon’s Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery has views of seals bathing in the sun, and Hearst Castle allows guests to tour 1900’s history, art and architecture. Finally, make a quick stop at Morro Bay for a look at the volcanic plug, Morro Rock, or at Pismo Beach to walk along the largest coastal dune ecosystem in the state, Oceano Dunes.
Get the Best of Both Worlds in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara has both history and beaches worth exploring. Called the “American Riviera,” the city is known for buildings and missions with Spanish architecture that visitors can tour. Travel back in time to 1786 with a visit to the Old Mission Santa Barbara, also known as the “Queen of the Missions,” where guests can learn new stories, peruse artifacts or visit their historic and serene mausoleum. Once the learning is all done, relax by the water with a scenic view of the sunset or swim in the ocean waves at Butterfly Beach.
Coastside To-Do’s in Ventura
Ventura combines scenic ocean views with fun activities to get the most out of your stop. Walk along the Ventura Pier for a look at the Channel Islands and Ventura County’s beautiful coastline — perfect for sunset strolls. Near the pier, grab a locally-made brew at MadeWest Brewing Co., enjoy fresh seafood at Eric Ericsson’s Fish Co. or Aloha Steakhouse, or enjoy a peaceful nature walk with colorful blooms at the Ventura Botanical Gardens.
Bask in California’s Cultures in Oxnard
It wouldn’t be a California trip without surfing, beach-side tacos and a look into the state’s rich history. With its historical surf, rock and skate culture, Silver Sand Beach is a great place to catch waves or to simply relax on the soft sand. Refuel with authentic tacos near the beach from Oxnard’s Taco Trail, including restaurants like Carnitas El Rey, El 30 Mariscos Mexican Seafood Restaurant and Tacos La Bonita. Lastly, make a visit to the Channel Islands Maritime Museum to discover maritime culture through one-of-a-kind art, exhibitions and experiences.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY
The Perfect Coastal Retreat in Malibu
Malibu in Los Angeles County is the Highway 1 hot spot for stunning ocean views and possible celebrity run-ins. Visit some of Southern California’s most famous beaches like Zuma Beach with close-by parking and an environment perfect for swimming, surfing, volleyball and fishing, or El Matador State Beach for a romantic ambience with rock formations and hidden coves perfect for frolicking in the sunset. Guests have the choices of The Surfrider Malibu, Hotel June or Malibu Beach Inn for chic, elevated stays near the beach.
Explore a Famous Roadtrip Destination
Along the Pacific Coast Highway and marking the end of Route 66, Santa Monica is a symbolic and fun point for road trips. Start by visiting the Santa Monica Pier for scenic pictures next to the Route 66 “End of Trail” sign or by viewing the sunset atop the pier’s Pacific Park ferris wheel. Then, make a stop at the iconic and film-famous Muscle Beach to train like a body builder using the vast network of outdoor workout equipment dating back to the 1950s.
ORANGE COUNTY
Surf’s Up at Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach is known for its consistent waves and laid-back beach lifestyle, coining it the name of Surf City USA. With waves great for surfing in all seasons, the city offers surf lessons, surf shops and an International Surfing Museum for a look into surf culture. Huntington Beach will even be hosting the US Open of Surfing in July and August 2026. For a closer look at the city’s coastline and blue waves, Huntington Beach Pier has scenic walking paths, shops and beachfront dining for those looking to relax instead of surfing.
Slow Down in Dana Point
Dana Point’s coastal charm is perfect for those looking to relax and slow down from a long road trip. Nicknamed “The Dolphin and Whale Capitol of the World,” the town offers visitors a chance to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat through scenic boat tours. If road trippers would like a calm beach day, Salt Creek Beach has idyllic sunsets; Baby Beach has calm waters and a gorgeous view of the harbor and Doheny State Beach has a five-acre lawn and various aquariums — all perfect for those looking to catch a break on the coast.