Pacific Coast Highway: oceans, mountains, and beaches, oh my!

As one of the top beach towns along the Pacific Coast, Santa Monica is the first stop on this road trip. This sunny spot is Los Angeles’ neighbor and is every beach lovers’ ideal destination, thanks to its miles-long sun-bleached sand and welcoming waters. Malibu and Venice Beach are among the most iconic beaches of the area. If soaking up the sun on white sand isn’t your cup of tea, you can enjoy the beautiful ocean views from one of the many hikes in the Santa Monica mountains, such as the Sandstone Peak Trail.

Rural California is yet to win the fight for the spotlight against the widely sought-for California beaches and piers. But Santa Ynez Valley is the perfect example of the beautiful secrets that the countryside hides.

Located near the mountains, Santa Ynez Valley is a wine country, best known for its Pinot Noir, Cabernet, and Merlot.

The several communities of the Valley show a unique character while offering rustic hospitality. While every single one of these communities has something to offer, you’ll have the most distinct experience in Solvang, the Danish Capital of the United States. Solvang thrives as a little Denmark and is a genuine outpost of Danish culture, traditions, architecture, and cuisine.

Hearst Castle, best known as La Cuesta Encantada, is a unique, stunning palatial estate in San Simeon. It is the house of one of the world’s most famous pools for its architectural beauty.

This piece of Mediterranean Revival architecture features walls adorned with velvet fabric and a marble balcony. In addition, Hearst’s extensive collection of antiques and artworks is displayed throughout the mansion. Hearst Castle is nestled high above the San Simeon, so guests get sublime ocean views.

On your way to the castle, make a quick stop at Morro Bay, Pacific Gibraltar, and enjoy the fresh air, as well as the idyllic views and the Morro Rock, an extinct volcanic rock.

The region of Big Sur is rich in state parks, from the well-known Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, surrounded by steep Santa Lucia Mountains, to the Garrapata State Park to the Limekiln State Park. Each park is packed with hiking trails that lead to natural wonders: redwood groves, waterfalls, and breathtaking coastal views. This makes the region the perfect stop for campers who love to take in the beauty of nature.

While going through this mountainous section of California’s Central Coast, expect to be swept off your by a number of unique natural attractions, such as the Keyhole Arch Pfeiffer Beach, which is essentially a rock formation in the shore that forms an arch. These rocks can give you a splendid view of the sunset a few weeks each winter, when the sun lines up perfectly with the arch and you get to see a setting sun beaming through the arch.

Monterey is a picturesque California region, widely known as the residence of the author John Steinbeck, as well as the backdrop of his book “Cannery Row”. It’s a natural paradise, packed with coastal cliffs and unspoiled beaches.

Enjoy the path of the Salinas Valley and Carmel Valley on the River Road and Carmel Valley wine trails. Enjoy the serene beach town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, where art galleries, restaurants, and hundreds of cultural offerings are on the menu. 

Don’t forget to visit Monterey Bay, where you can enjoy uncrowded beaches, delicious dishes with fresh local seafood, and stunning views.

San Francisco brings a few images to mind; the steep hills, the global center for high technology, and the Golden Gate Bridge to name just a few. 

But there’s much more to this California staple. From Segway tours in the vast Golden Gate Park to a visit to the rich California Academy of Science to drinks in the iconic San Francisco Bay Area, the eclectic San Francisco deserves its status as the Pacific Coast Highway road trip grand finale.