California Coast Road Trip Itineraries: Map, Routes and Ideas

California has one of the most spectacular coastlines in the country. It is the perfect place for an unforgettable road trip. Along the coast, there are beautiful cities, such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, and stunning landscapes like those of Big Sur, and fascinating historic settlements. Here are some itineraries and ideas that will make your California coast road trip truly unforgettable.

Destinations all Along the California Coast

Pacific Coast Highway: The Road of the American Dream

Also known as Route 1 or Highway 1, the Pacific Coast Highway is the road of the American Dream, a U.S. route that offers beautiful views of the coast along …

Visit the Most Beautiful Beaches in California

California’s beaches are renowned, yet those who visit the coast of the Golden State in search of beaches like in the Caribbean are often disappointed when they arrive at the …

El Camino Real – Itinerary of the Spanish Missions in California

Besides being a beautiful place with wonderful views, the California coast also treasures a rich history. Specifically, we are referring to the Franciscan missions that have developed along the entire …

Whale Watching in California: Tours and Best Spots along the Coast

If you’re planning a road trip to California, you’ll be faced with countless possibilities. It’s not every day you get to meet whales up close, so you may want to …

Best California Lighthouses to Visit from San Diego to Crescent City

When you think of lighthouses, most likely, the first place that comes to mind is the beautiful coast of New England. The lighthouses on the West Coast may not be …

Central California Coast Road Trip Itineraries

The Best things to do in Santa Barbara: top 10 attractions and places to visit

Santa Barbara is one of the most interesting destinations to visit on the California coast. It is a typical seaside resort with beautiful beaches, palm trees, and its characteristic marina, …

Big Sur Road Trip: A Thousand Wonders on California’s Central Coast

One of the most beautiful scenic roads of the United States, and also one of the most famous in the world, runs along the central coast of California, close to …

Hearst Castle: The Castle on the Enchanted Coast of California

Extravagance, eccentricity, unbridled luxury, a desire to amaze, and a hint of madness. These are the ingredients that, starting in 1919, gave origin to Hearst Castle, one of the most …

A Guide to Monterey and the Monterey Peninsula

Monterey, as a consequence of its fortunate location, is one of the most popular destinations on any trip to California. Whether you’re driving along the coast on the magnificent Highway …

Los Angeles to San Francisco Drive: All Possible Road Trip Routes

You are driving from Los Angeles to San Francisco (or vice versa!) and you don’t know how much time you’ll have to spend on the road? Are you intimidated by …

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: A Natural Wonder on the California Coast

The two most popular attractions of this small natural reserve – very close to two famous tourist destinations such as Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey – are the sea lions and the …

Visit Solvang, a Slice of Denmark in California

If you find yourself in Santa Barbara County during your California road trip and decide to take a detour inland, perhaps because you may be curious to drive part of the …

Morro Bay: The Californian City in the Shadow of Morro Rock

Morro Bay is defined by many as the coastal city with the most distinctive view in San Luis Obispo County. The iconic Morro Rock towering over the small human-scale city, …

Visit San Luis Obispo, A Pleasant City on the Pacific Coast Highway

San Luis Obispo, SLO for short, is a pleasant city in California that makes its incredible location along the main tourist routes its centerpiece. If you find yourself staying overnight …

Where to Stay between Los Angeles and San Francisco: Best Stops along Highway 1

One of the most common California road trips is undoubtedly the route from Los Angeles to San Francisco, cities that, along with Las Vegas, are usually the point of arrival …

Santa Cruz: Beaches and Picturesque Views along the California Coast

We are exploring Santa Cruz, located in North Central California. This city may not be a popular destination for international tourism, but it is no less interesting. Along the spectacular …

Pfeiffer Beach: Enchanting Sunsets in the Heart of Big Sur

The beaches on the Pacific Ocean coast are not known as being places to go swimming. With the exception of the San Diego area and some specific areas of the …

Best Things to Do in Pacific Grove, the “Butterfly Town” in California

Pacific Grove is a charming town located on the California coast, just a short drive from Monterey. It is especially known for its picturesque coastline, where you can enjoy some …

17-Mile Drive: Pebble Beach’s scenic road in California

The 17-Mile Drive is a paid scenic American road that will allow you to discover, among other things, some of California’s most beloved beaches. As you drive along it, you’ll …

Southern California Coast Road Trip Itineraries

Laguna Beach: Visit the Most Beautiful Beaches in California

Once again we’re in sunny California! This time, we’re driving from L.A. to San Diego and we have finally arrived in the Orange County, more precisely, in Laguna Beach, a …

Best 9 Things to Do in Orange County for a Day Trip

Located between Los Angeles and San Diego and bordered by the Santa Ana Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Orange County, the smallest county in California, has no real defined center; …

From Los Angeles to San Diego: Drive Time, Best Route and Stops

The route between Los Angeles and San Diego is not as popular as the classic long road trip between Los Angeles and San Francisco on Highway 1. San Francisco is one …

Discover the Main Filming Locations of Top Gun and Maverick!

Today we are going to explore the locations of one of Hollywood’s most popular movies. We are talking about Top Gun and its sequel Maverick. Find out how to plan …

Northern California Coast Road Trip Itineraries

Star Wars in California: Visit the Locations where the Star Wars Saga Was Filmed

If you’re planning a travel to California, and you also happen to be a Star Wars fan, you’re very lucky because you’re in the right state to visit some of …

Visit Mendocino: Jessica Fletcher’s Cabot Cove in… California!

Mendocino is a slice of New England in California. Its cliffs overlooking the sea, its family-sized cottages and the quiet breathtaking atmosphere has become more and more popular among tourists, …

Point Reyes National Seashore and Lighthouse: Breathtaking Views on the California Coast

The Point Reyes National Seashore is one of the largest and most important coastal parks in California. Here you can find mile-long beaches, one of the most scenic lighthouses on …

Bowling Ball Beach: Discover the Beach in California Covered with “Bowling Balls”

Around the world, there are many bizarre rocks, which may have strange shapes, be in unthinkable positions, or are balanced in a way that defies gravity and nature. In America, …

How to Plan a Visit to the Historic Point Arena Lighthouse in Mendocino, California

On the stunning northern coast of California stands majestically the Point Arena Lighthouse, a historic beacon that once guided sailors and now captivates the imagination of visitors from around the …

Pigeon Point Light Station State Park, a fascinating lighthouse on the California Coast

Located along the northern California coast, Pigeon Point is a hidden gem that captivates its visitors with its iconic lighthouse perched on the cliffs overlooking the ocean. So, let’s explore …

Surroundings of San Francisco

Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley Wineries: Best Places to Visit on a Wine Tour

Some of you may be wondering what possibly could be left to do in San Francisco when you have to figure out what to do when a day is freed …

Silicon Valley in California: Tour of the Headquarters of Major High-Tech Companies

Silicon Valley is a place we have all heard about before and now plays a central role in the collective imagination when it comes to computers and technology in general. …

Best Things to do in Oakland and How to Get to San Francisco

Northeast of San Francisco, beyond the Bay Bridge, lies Oakland, a city that, with its 400,000 inhabitants, is among the largest and most important cities in the bay. Thanks to …

Best Places to Visit in San Jose, the Gateway to Silicon Valley

Just over an hour from San Francisco, San José is the third largest city in California and the tenth largest in the United States. It is located in the Santa …

Major California Coast Cities

Our guides to the most important cities on the California coast:

San Francisco Travel Guide: Tips for Planning a Vacation

Los Angeles Travel Guide: Tips for Planning a Vacation

San Diego Travel Guide

California Coast Road Trip Map