10 Best Coastal Drives in California
Experience the Best of California’s Coast on the Open Road
The best coastal drives in California feature spectacular scenery, including sweeping ocean vistas, iconic lighthouses and craggy mountains. Travel short routes through vibrant beach towns or head out on an epic road trip that takes you down the entire coast. Choose narrow, winding roads high above the ocean or long, straight highways which give panoramic views for miles around.
California is known for its magnificent beaches. You can explore vast expanses of golden sand filled with locals enjoying the friendly banter of beach volleyball, as well as secluded stretches of unique, black sand surrounded by wilderness. This, plus yacht-filled harbours, luxury wineries, waterfront restaurants, and so much more, you’ll never be bored on a coastal drive in California.
1. Pacific Coast Highway
A wonderful mix of small towns and large cities
Categorías: Aventuras, Fotos
The Pacific Coast Highway, or Highway 1, is probably the most famous road trip in California. Start at Capistrano Beach, near Dana Point and drive over 950 km of highway that showcases this region’s extraordinary coastline. It’s best to take your time and spend a couple of weeks making the leisurely trip up to the northern tip of the highway in Leggett, Mendocino County.
Stop off along the way and experience incredible views along the coast in popular towns, such as Newport Beach, where you’ll see hundreds of yachts set against an ocean backdrop. Then, experience the bustle of city life as you move north through Los Angeles and San Francisco, crossing the spectacular Golden Gate Bridge.
Pacific Coast Highway
2. From Del Monte Forest to Santa Monica
Quaint towns and fantastic restaurants
Categorías: Fotos, Comida
The road trip from Del Monte Forest to Santa Monica will delight you with its astounding ocean views. This 400-km route will take you through quaint valleys and charming, small towns with pristine beaches. Stop off at Morro Bay for Instagrammable photos of Morro Rock. This ancient volcanic mound sits right at the end of the beach and it’s an astonishing sight.
Continue further south on Highway 101 and you’ll reach Pismo Beach. It’s known for its amazing ocean views, hiking trails and top-notch waterfront restaurants, and it’s a great place to stop for a break. Stretch your legs with a walk by the water and breathe in the briny ocean air before indulging in delicious seafood with breathtaking views.
From Del Monte Forest to Santa Monica
3. From Jenner to Santa Cruz
A twisting route with unique scenery
Categorías: Fotos, Poco común
Expect iconic views on the drive from Jenner to Santa Cruz. Wind your window down and inhale the ocean air as you twist and turn down the Shoreline Highway. You’ll get some stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the coast along this beautiful road.
Stop at Point Reyes National Seashore for breathtaking scenery. Stroll under the Cypress Tree Tunnel and gaze in awe at the unique shapes of these majestic trees. You’ll also see Point Reyes Lighthouse perched on the edge of a cliff with waves crashing against the rocks below. Continue south to cross the Golden Gate Bridge taking in sweeping ocean views and a glimpse of Alcatraz to send shivers down your spine.
From Jenner to Santa Cruz
4. From Malibu to Lompoc
For beach and wine lovers
Categorías: Parejas, Fotos, Lujo
Head north from Malibu to Lompoc and you’ll be rewarded with some of California’s finest beaches and wineries. Wave goodbye to iconic Malibu with its spectacular ocean vistas and head along the Pacific Coast Highway. Gaze at the vast expanses of golden sands as you approach Oxnard. Then, look out over the water for an impressive view of Channel Islands National Park.
Santa Barbara, often referred to as ”The American Riviera,” is a lovely spot for dipping your toes in the water on Leadbetter Beach or the more intimate Butterfly Beach. Then, end your trip with a wine-tasting session in Lompoc. It’s a beautiful town famous for its delicious Pinot Noir and flower fields straight from a Monet painting.
From Malibu to Lompoc
5. Big Sur Coast
A world-famous road
Categorías: Fotos, Asequible, Aventuras
The Big Sur coast is one of the most breathtaking drives in California and it’s even better on a motorbike. Stretching over 100 km, from Carmel down to San Simeon, it runs alongside the ocean on one side with forests and rugged mountains on the other. You’ll get the best of both worlds as you take in panoramic coastal views and rows of towering redwoods.
Narrow, winding roads are bordered with incredible scenery, and in some places jagged cliffs facing the vast ocean. Be sure to take it steady, particularly on foggy days as there are some sharp bends and turns.
Big Sur Coast
6. From Dana Point to Huntington Beach
Sunset in Orange County
Categorías: Fotos, Ambiente nocturno
The coastal drive from Dana Point to Huntington Beach is simply stunning. At 45 km in length, you can take your time to stop and enjoy the magnificent views. Before setting out, linger a moment by the ocean in Dana Point and try to spot whales. Then, head along this section of Highway 1 to Laguna Beach with its elegant art galleries.
You’ll reach Crystal Cove State Park, which is well worth a visit if you love outstanding natural beauty and tranquil beaches that extend for miles. Then, arrive in Huntington Beach just in time for the sunset surf. Dubbed ”Surf City USA,” this bustling town has a magnificent pier, so you can watch surfers or catch a wave yourself.
From Dana Point to Huntington Beach
7. From Santa Monica to Malibu’s Zuma Beach
Amazing beaches and houses
Categorías: Ambiente nocturno, Fotos, Lujo
The road from Santa Monica to Malibu’s Zuma Beach is one of the most luxurious drives in California. Set off from sunny Santa Monica, cruising past its iconic pier and Ferris wheel and take Highway 1 towards Malibu. You’ll pass through upscale neighbourhoods, such as Pacific Palisades, with their immaculate houses and gardens.
This 30-km drive will give you stunning vistas of the huge beaches to one side, where you’ll see surfers, sunbathers and volleyball games. Look to the other side and you’ll see incredible, multi-million-dollar homes from the pages of a glossy magazine set high on rugged mountains. Be sure to catch a sunset at Zuma Beach. The orange-red hue over the ocean is mesmerizing.
From Santa Monica to Malibu's Zuma Beach
8. From Palos Verdes Estates to San Pedro
Varying landscapes and beautiful nature
Categorías: Fotos, Asequible
Head south from Palos Verdes Estates to San Pedro and you’ll be awestruck at the scenery. This southern coastline of Los Angeles is home to exciting, winding roads and craggy, towering cliffs which overlook the deep blue ocean below. As you drop onto Palos Verdes Drive South, the landscape along the coastal road changes and you’ll be treated to miles of sandy beaches, hidden coves and sweeping vistas at every turn.
You’ll love this pretty drive of just over 20 km and it’s popular with nature lovers seeking incredible scenery close to several nature reserves. Keep your eyes peeled for the rare and captivating Palos Verdes Blue butterfly, which is unique to this area.
From Palos Verdes Estates to San Pedro
9. From Cape Mendocino Lighthouse to Petrolia
The Lost Coast Scenic Drive
Categorías: Poco común, Fotos, Aventuras
Enjoy a short coastal drive from Cape Mendocino Lighthouse to Petrolia and discover around 20 km of rugged wilderness. This isolated part of California is home to immense forests and tiny, rural towns, so you can expect to see very little traffic on the road. If you’re looking for secluded spots and serenity, this is a wonderful choice as you can go miles without even seeing a house.
Stop off at the Point of Cows viewpoint for Instagram-worthy photos of ocean vistas and sweeping grasslands. Then, drop down to Black Sand Beach, aptly named for its sparkling, jet-coloured sand. Ensure you take this road slowly as you’ll come across lots of potholes and bumpy patches along the way.
From Cape Mendocino Lighthouse to Petrolia
10. From Redondo Beach to Manhattan Beach
Iconic beaches
Categorías: Ambiente nocturno, Fotos, Comida
The 7-km drive from Redondo Beach to Manhattan Beach will delight those looking for sun, sea and sand. This route includes 3 of California’s best beach destinations. Set off along North Sepulveda Boulevard and immerse yourself in a bustling neighbourhood full of bars, shops and eateries before cruising to Ardmore Avenue.
Explore the smaller side streets that will lead you down to golden sands. Check out the games of beach volleyball and surfing at Redondo Beach. Then, stroll along the magnificent pier at Hermosa Beach watching the anglers try their luck. End your coastal drive at Manhattan Beach where you can sip cocktails in a bar or dine al fresco overlooking the sparkling ocean as the sun goes down.
From Redondo Beach to Manhattan Beach
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