California’s PCH

We have been on many road trips across this great nation, and one of our favorites is Pacific Coast Highway. PCH takes us through vibrant cities and quaint coastal towns, along pristine beaches, meadows, mountains, and the awe-inspiring beauty of California’s Redwood Forest. It’s a journey that you can take in a day, but you will want to stay and enjoy for weeks. Our tagline is “Why settle for just a great destination, when you can have an Unforgettable Journey?” – and a trip along Pacific Coast Highway is definitely unforgettable.

Twelve Coastal Towns to Explore Along California’s Highway One

Stretching more than 650 miles, California Highway 1, also known as Pacific Coast Highway, or just PCH, has long been the best way to take in all the sights the California Coastline has to offer. When you think of the West Coast, you’re probably familiar with images of beach attire and surf culture. Cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco also likely come to mind. And while it’s perfectly acceptable to conjure these images of the coast, not everything about the California coast is big cities and bigger personalities.

The California coast offers visitors its own idea of rest and relaxation in a unique Californian style, with quaint towns and cities that are the perfect destination for a weekend getaway or extended vacation. These towns are only bettered by forests and towering mountains that provide the backdrop to the blue hues that make up the Pacific Ocean. The best part about these coastal towns is that they are all easily accessible from the PCH.

Here are twelve coastal towns to explore and spark adventure on a road trip along the California coast. For this trip, let’s begin in the City of Angels and work our way north on the PCH. We’ll save San Diego and southern Cali for another weekend getaway.

Los Angeles – If you want the authentic Southern California experience, then head for the beaches when you’re in Los Angeles. The beaches in LA offer the quintessential California coastal experience. Surfers, Hollywood celebrities, roller skaters, and fitness fanatics flock to the beaches to soak up the sun.

Santa Barbara – The California Coastline is filled with idyllic stretches of beaches, but none more iconic than Cabrillo Boulevard in Santa Barbara. California palm trees line the road giving you the ultimate southern California vibe. With miles of beautiful beaches, it can be hard to pick the right one. Arroyo Burro Dog Beach is excellent for bringing your pooch out for a beach day, while Leadbetter Beach has friendly waves for surfing and stand-up paddleboarding. Take a stroll along the Goleta Pier or head to a nearby restaurant for dinner with a view of the sunset.

Morro Bay – One of the few remaining fishing villages along the coast. You can take your time exploring the Embarcadero, the town’s major waterfront boardwalk, or take part in a harbor cruise that will allow you to catch a glimpse of sea creatures in their natural habitats.

Cambria – You can enjoy rugged coastal views from the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, or take a stroll down Moonstone Beach and explore the unique translucent stones that seemingly light up the shoreline. While you’re here, stop by the Stolo Vineyards and Winery. A family-owned vineyard that harkens back to a time before wineries became large commercial ventures. If you come in the morning, you can even join Rebecca for Pilates in the Meadow. Then stick around for a tour, lunch, and wine tasting, followed by Music in the Meadow in the evening. What a wonderful day.

San Simeon – Within this relatively small town, two major attractions are worth checking out. Hearst Castle allows you to explore the hilltop estate of media maven William Randolph Hearst. The other attraction is the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery, which sees numerous seals come atop the rocks to breed, molt, give birth, and get some much-needed R&R.

Big Sur – One of the most iconic stretch of beaches in the county. This bit of coastline is where sandy beaches meet dense forests with cliffs and waterfalls in between. Within the Big Sur area is Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, featuring California’s iconic redwoods, and is home to the hidden Pfeiffer Beach.

Carmel-by-the-Sea – With a village-like atmosphere, this coastal town is sure to sweep you off your feet. Not only are there luxury inns and hotels to help you get your pampering on, but there is also Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, which is a museum housing extensive knowledge of the mission, as well as a peaceful garden where you can get lost in your thoughts and meditate.

Monterey – Monterey might just be a destination you’ll want to discover in more than one day. The Monterey Peninsula is a rugged and gorgeous part of California’s central coastline. Steep bluffs give way to beautiful beaches and excellent hiking trails. Take a drive along Monterey’s famous 17-mile drive, and you will come across Aslimore State Beach. One of the most popular spots on the peninsula, this mile-long beach, sits perfectly between the Pacific Ocean and a flourishing natural area with plenty of trails for walking or hiking. After a day at the beach, drive into downtown Monterey for dinner with a view! And don’t forget to plan an afternoon at the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Moss Landing – With a population of around 200 people, Moss Landing is the quintessential quaint town. In addition to the arts, the city offers access to Slough Reserve, one of the largest wetlands in California. There you can look to the sky and spend hours bird spotting.

Capitola Village by the Sea – This hotspot is one of the oldest vacation retreats on the Pacific Coast. Equipped with a Mediterranean atmosphere; the downtown is built with colorful buildings, Victorian homes, and numerous boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops, and bars.

Mendocino Village – This hilly peninsula is surrounded by bluffs on three sides and is home to many Victorian-era houses. Within the village, you will find artists coming together as a community with galleries and various shops.

Fort Bragg – Unlike some of the other villages and towns on this list, Fort Bragg does not exude the same quaintness, but it is worth visiting. Here you can take in the coastal views while enjoying the variety of flowers and grasses at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, or hunt for a new favorite wine at the Pacific Star Winery.

Are you ready to book a trip to the West coast and plan a road trip that will allow you to take in each one of these impressive coastal towns, and so many more? If so, be sure to contact Unforgettable Journey today, and we can help make your seaside California dreams a reality.