The coast of California has many small towns that are gems of the state.
With everything going on in the world today, a road trip may be just what’s needed after the hotel restrictions have been lifted. Not only will we as Californians be able to support some of our state’s hotel owners by booking a much needed stay in their respective towns, but we will be able to take in and re-visit some of the gems that we as residents, take for granted up and down our coast.
If you have ever driven up and down the coast of our great state, you have no doubt generated some fantastic memories and new favorite spots along the way. If you’d like a fun book with destinations by the letter, see The ABCs of California by Gary Michael James. The size of California alone gives us some varying geographic and temperature differences even along the coast, and this is quite evident when you first enter the state from the southern Oregon border. The northern coast of California has some of the most scenic and unblemished areas in the entire world. Residents jokingly consider themselves to be “behind the redwood curtain”, referencing the giant old growth redwood trees and forest guarding this region.
The Redwood Forest in Northern California has trees that are hundreds of years old.
The City of Eureka — skirted by the towns of Crescent City, Trinidad, Fortuna, Arcata and many others nearby are a great destination year round, but particularly in the summer when the weather is optimal and the sunsets are breathtaking. Eureka was at the center of the Gold Rush in the mid-nineteenth century and to this day remains an integral cog in the forestry industry.
Traveling south along Highway 101, the road works its way into the interior before jutting outward again to San Francisco. Although the city of San Francisco has many attractions, continue traversing along the Pacific Coast Highway until you arrive at Half Moon Bay. If you happen to be in this beautiful little town on a Sunday, be sure to have brunch at the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay. This fortress-like hotel has been featured in several commercials and movies and is the town’s leader for employment.
Continuing south along the Pacific Coast Highway, you arrive at Santa Cruz — a popular beach town known for surfing, liberal viewpoints and a popular university destination. The town is located at the very northernmost tip of Monterey Bay and unfortunately, continues to lose several feet of coastline each year due to the coastal “slide” of land into the Pacific Ocean. Santa Cruz is home to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk — similar to that of the Santa Monica pier — and was in fact the model for that iconic destination. Tourists flock to this, the oldest amusement in California, as it extends along the coast of Monterey Bay, from just east of the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf to the mouth of the San Lorenzo River.
As you work your way southward and into Monterey, you realize that this area, in general, is very special. The first capital of the state, this tourist destination is known for its abundance of many things from languages, restaurants, hotels and its world famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. Monterey is well known for the abundance and diversity of its marine life, which includes sea lions, sea otters, harbor seals, bat rays, kelp forests, pelicans, dolphins and several species of whales. Only a few miles offshore is the Monterey Canyon, the largest and deepest underwater canyon off the Pacific coast of North America, which grants scientists access to the deep sea within hours. This fact alone, is the main reason why the aquarium has become the pre-eminent global leader in marine life research. Many other attractions are in the area, including if you are a golfer, Pebble Beach Golf Links. The Professional Golfers Association or the PGA Tour makes its annual stop here in the beginning of February, and the AT&T Pro-Am is the final tournament played on its “West Coast Swing” before heading to Florida.
Many other small towns ensconce this area like Pacific Grove, Seaside, Marina and Carmel-By-The-Sea. Carmel has a fantastic white sand beach at the base of its main street, and at night, houses some of the quietest and darkest streets in America, as the sidewalks are known to roll-up well before 9pm in some areas. Carmel is also the town which had Clint Eastwood as its mayor, in the late 1980s, and sometimes, if he’s in town, you can even catch a glimpse of him at his Mission Inn Hotel playing the piano.
The Bixby Bridge is located on the Pacific Coast Highway between Monterey and Big Sur.
Once you’ve had your fill of Monterey, which can take a while, head south until you arrive in Big Sur. This popular destination is great for camping, hiking, surfing or just relaxing on the beach. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is very scenic and unique, and is definitely a place to stop for an afternoon picnic or overnight stay. McWay Cove and McWay Falls are a beautiful attraction and is a must see. The park is home to several campgrounds and small hotels and can be difficult to stay at without reservations ahead of time — so make yours before you travel.
McWay Cove and McWay Falls are located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in Big Sur.
Once you’ve managed the heavy morning after of indulging in California wine and campfire smoke, make the ninety minute drive south to San Simeon — home of the Hearst Castle state monument. This iconic attraction was once the main residence of the newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst, and is such a unique experience, that it can’t be missed. However, ensure that you set aside a few hours for the tour, as the Castle is located inland a bit from the coast and requires a shuttle trip to get there. Hearst Castle is at the top of mesa like mountain overlooking the Pacific and it once was the destination for the rich and famous. Mr. Hearst was well known for his audacity and gaudiness, but every weekend there would be a new high profile guest staying at his castle, and enduring the Hearst hospitality.
Once you’ve had your taste of the Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, continue south until you arrive at the quaint little town of Cambria. There are many bed and breakfast inns and hotels, especially along Moonstone Beach Drive. The beach is home to seals, sea otters and tidal pools filled with sea anemones, sea urchins, star fish, crabs, snails, and more. Moonstone Beach Boardwalk is a short walk with several beach access points and benches to allow for sea life observation, beach combing and is a great destination for children.
Morro Bay is the next stop as it is the final small town before the road turns inward. Take a picture with Morro Rock in the background — if you’re not sure you have it in the picture, you’re at the wrong place! It’s the huge boulder in the bay. Drive inward, and the highway takes you through some great Central Coast wine country areas. Stop if you like Pinot Noir!
However upon the return to the coast, you end up at Pismo Beach — yet another small but aesthetically pleasing town. Pismo Beach is primarily a residential hub for those looking to live in a quaint, beautiful California town.
With many more towns between Pismo Beach and Los Angeles, there are too many that can be classified as “must see”. However, once south of L.A., and into Orange County, you come across the popular city of Laguna Beach. Laguna has been featured in many TV shows and movies and it’s not hard to see why. The white sand beaches and warm temperatures, are a popular destination for many — which is probably why so many hotels and resorts have been constructed in the area. Even though there are many resorts, make those reservations or you’ll be forced to be day-trippers only. Laguna is also home to many attractions such as the Pageant of the Masters, award winning Chef owned restaurants, art galleries and tourist shops galore.
Escape with whatever money you have left, and head south again on PCH until you get to Dana Point. A keen destination for many, if you happen to be there for the month of December, be sure to settle in at the main Harbor to watch the Dana Point Lighted Boat Parade as you won’t find a better one anywhere. Oh, but bring chairs because trying to find a bench or picnic table is impossible during this event!
The next day, once the Eggnog has worn off, head back on to PCH and drive through the Camp Pendleton Marine Corps base — don’t worry, you won’t get stopped or need to pay a fee — as the highway is constructed through the military property and acts as the main artery between Orange and San Diego Counties. Once in San Diego County, if you are a surfer, stop in Carlsbad to see some “tasty waves” at the South Carlsbad State Beach. The beach is a great place for sunbathing, surfing, picnicking or just reading a book — just get there early or good luck finding a parking spot.
Our final California Coastal Gem is actually located on a peninsula. Over the iconic blue bridge in San Diego’s Harbor is Coronado Island — the name itself is a bit deceiving because, as mentioned, it is actually on a peninsula not an island. Nevertheless, Coronado is home to some of the most breathtaking views in the world. From looking at the City of San Diego from its eastern shore, to enjoying the sunset from the Hotel del Coronado on its west side, Coronado is definitely one of a kind. This affluent town has a beachy yet down to earth feeling and walking around the shops gives you a welcoming sense of belonging. Again, if you happen to be in Coronado during the holiday season, take in the tree lighting ceremony — with hot chocolate in-hand. If you are there in summer, however, enjoy the white sands of the continually top ranked beach in North America at Coronado Beach just outside the Hotel del Coronado. It’s big, beautiful and has a genuine California feel!
The essence of California is sand, sun and surf. Up and down the coast, we may have differences in geography, climate and even demographics. The towns highlighted today are definitely California gems so get out there and enjoy the spoils we have in our backyard. But don’t forget what truly makes California — the people — not just the towns. Generations have remained here for not only its beauty, but because of its way of life.
Yes, California is a state, but it is also a state of mind.