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15 Best Stops on Big Sur Road Trip

Kay S — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 16:29:25 +0000

If you’re looking for an incredible road trip to take in California, look no further than Big Sur.

This stunning stretch of coastline is home to rocky cliffs, jaw-dropping views, and plenty of winding roads that will have your heart racing.

While you could technically drive the entire length of Big Sur in a day, we recommend spreading out your trip over a few days to really take in all that this area has to offer.

To help you plan your perfect Big Sur road trip, we’ve put together a list of the 15 best stops along the way as well as recommendations to begin your road trip.

Also Read: 15 Best Lighthouses on the West Coast

Best Cities to begin Big Sur Road Trip

Several cities in California make for a great starting point for your Big Sur road trip.

San Francisco, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo are all located within a few hours’ drive of Big Sur and offer plenty to see and do before hitting the road.

San Francisco

If you’re starting your road trip from San Francisco, we recommend taking the California Highway 1 South towards Big Sur.

This drive will take you about 4 hours if you make no stops, but we highly recommend making a few stops along the way.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles in Southern California is another great starting point for visiting Big Sur.

The drive from LA to Big Sur will take you about 5 hours, but you’ll have the opportunity to see some of California’s most iconic scenery.

Monterey

If you’re starting in Monterey, we recommend driving south on Highway 1 to visit Big Sur.

This route is a little shorter than taking the route from San Francisco, but it offers plenty to see and do along the way.

Similarly, Carmel-by-the-Sea also makes a great starting point for this road trip.

Pebble Beach

Pebble Beach is a world-famous golf course located north of Big Sur.

This course is known for its stunning ocean views and challenging holes.

If you’re a golf fan, be sure to add Pebble Beach to your Big Sur road trip itinerary!

San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo is a great option if you’re looking for a slightly relaxed starting point for your road trip.

The drive from San Luis Obispo to Big Sur will take you about 3 hours, but you’ll have the chance to explore the city before hitting the road.

Once you’ve picked your perfect starting point, it’s time to hit the road and explore all that Big Sur has to offer.

Best Stops on Big Sur Road Trip

The best stops on a road trip down California’s Big Sur coastline are definitely worth your time.

From the dramatic scenery and wildlife to the tasty food and interesting history, these destinations along the California Coast will make your trip unforgettable.

There’s plenty to explore along this 173-mile route, so we’ve put together our top picks for the best stops on your journey.

Buckle up and get ready for some unforgettable memories!

Also Read: Best Things to do in Big Sur, California

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming little town that’s worth a stop on your road trip.

This picturesque town is known for its white-sand beaches, Spanish architecture, and art galleries.

There are also plenty of great restaurants and shops to check out, so make sure to spend some time exploring this lovely town.

Carmel Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

This beach is known for its white sand and stunning ocean views.

If you’re looking to relax and soak up some California sun, Carmel Beach is the perfect spot.

Bixby Bridge

Bixby Creek Bridge is one of the most iconic bridges in California and a must-see on your road trip.

This beautiful bridge spans over 750 feet and provides stunning views of the coastline below.

There are pullouts along the side of the road to stop and take photos, so make sure to take your time enjoying this beautiful bridge.

Los Padres National Forest

Los Padres National Forest is a gorgeous national park that’s worth a visit on your road trip.

This park is home to rugged mountains, oak and pine forests, and winding rivers.

There are plenty of great hiking trails to explore, so make sure to spend a few hours enjoying the natural beauty of this park.

McWay Falls

McWay Falls is a beautiful waterfall that’s located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

This 80-foot waterfall tumbles over a cliff and into the Pacific Ocean below, providing stunning views.

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Apart from McWay Falls, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is also home to redwood forests, meadows, and plenty of hiking trails.

Some of our favorite things to do here include hiking to the Ewoldsen Trail, watching the sunset from the Cove Overlook, and enjoying a picnic lunch with a view.

Pfeiffer Beach

Pfeiffer Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Big Sur and worth a stop.

This beach is known for its dramatic cliffs, purple sands, and clear waters.

Pfeiffer Beach is known for its bright purple sand, which is caused by the high levels of manganese in the area.

Make sure to stop and take a few photos of the Keyhole Rock formation while you’re visiting this stunning purple sand beach.

The beach has a small parking lot with only a few spots and gets pretty full on weekends – arrive early to make the most of your time!

Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle is a must-see on your road trip down the California coast.

This castle was built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst and is now open to the public.

There are tours of the castle, gardens, and pools available, so make sure to spend a few hours exploring this stunning estate.

Partington Cove

Partington Cove is a beautiful stop on your road trip.

This cove is accessible by a short hike and features a stunning beach with dramatic cliffs.

There’s also a tunnel that was carved into the rocks in the 1800s that you can explore.

Make sure to bring your camera to capture the incredible views from this hidden gem.

Nepenthe

Nepenthe is a restaurant that’s located in Big Sur and a great place to stop for lunch.

This restaurant has stunning views of the coastline and serves delicious American cuisine.

Make sure to try their famous Ambrosia Burger, which is topped with avocado, bacon, and cheese.

They also have a great wine selection, so it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing meal.

Garrapata State Park

Garrapata State Park is a beautiful park that’s home to the rocky coastline, Redwoods, and rolling hills.

A highlight is Garrapata State Beach, a beautiful beach that’s located within Garrapata State Park.

This beach is known for its dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, and stunning views.

Make sure to stop here during your road trip to enjoy the incredible views and for some peaceful hiking in nature.

Andrew Molera State Park

Andrew Molera State Park is one of the most underrated state parks to visit during your Big Sur road trip.

This park is home to miles of hiking trails, a beautiful beach, and the historic Cooper Cabin.

Make sure to spend a few hours hiking through this stunning park and enjoying the incredible views along California’s Central Coast.

Big Sur Village

Big Sur Village is a small town located in the heart of Big Sur.

This town is home to cute shops, restaurants, and art galleries.

Make sure to stop by here for some shopping and lunch during your epic road trip down the coast.

Some of our favorite stops here include Big Sur Bakery to try delicious pastries and the Big Sur River Inn for a meal with a view!

Limekiln State Park

Limekiln State Park is one of the most popular parks in Big Sur.

This park is home to beautiful hiking trails, a waterfall, and historic lime kilns.

Make sure to spend a few hours exploring this park and enjoying the incredible views of the California coast.

Sand Dollar Beach

Sand Dollar Beach is a beautiful beach that’s perfect for a relaxing stop.

This beach is known for its soft white sand and clear waters.

Make sure to stop by here and enjoy a swim, sunbathe, and relax on the beach.

Post Ranch Inn

Post Ranch Inn is a luxury hotel located in Big Sur.

This hotel is known for its incredible views, luxurious accommodations, and world-class service.

If you’re looking for a splurge during your road trip, we recommend booking a night or two at the Post Ranch Inn.

Ventana Redwoods Campground

If you’re looking for a camping option during your road trip, Ventana Redwoods Campground is a great choice.

This campground is located in the Ventana Wilderness and offers stunning views of the redwoods and the Pacific Ocean.

Make sure to bring your camping gear and spend a few nights under the stars in this beautiful part of California.

Point Lobos State Reserve

Point Lobos State Reserve is a beautiful nature reserve that’s worth a visit on your Big Sur itinerary.

This reserve is known for its rugged coastline, lush forests, and pristine beaches.

Point Lobos State Reserve is also one of the best places to see wildlife along the Big Sur coast.

This beautiful reserve is home to a variety of animals, including seals, sea lions, otters, and birds.

There are also plenty of hiking trails to explore, so be sure to bring your hiking shoes!

Elephant Seal Vista Point

Elephant Seal Vista Point is a great stop to see the elephant seals.

Located within the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery near San Simeon, this is one of the best places to see these magnificent creatures up close.

There is a viewing platform where you can watch the seals sunbathe, swim, and play in the water.

This is a great stop for animal lovers and anyone who wants to see some unique wildlife.

The rookery is located close to Piedras Blancas Lighthouse, which makes another great stop on this spectacular road trip.

Best Time to Visit Pacific Coast Highway

The best time to visit Big Sur and the Pacific Coast Highway is from April to October.

During these months, you’ll have the best chance of good weather and will be able to enjoy all of the attractions and activities that this area has to offer.

If you’re planning a road trip, we recommend starting your journey in early May or late September to avoid the busiest times and to get the most out of your trip.

This amazing road trip is also fabulous during the winter months – you can easily spot whales along the coast.

There you have it—our picks for the best stops on a Big Sur road trip.

Also Read: Best Places to Stop on Pacific Coast Highway

While this list is far from comprehensive, it should give you a good starting point for planning your own Big Sur road trip.

So what are you waiting for?

Start packing your bags and get ready to explore one of the most beautiful areas in California!

We hope you enjoy this beautiful area as much as we do!

The post 15 Best Stops on Big Sur Road Trip appeared first on PCH1 Road Trip.

Los Angeles to San Diego Drive

Kay S — Tue, 01 Dec 2020 21:47:27 +0000

Welcome to our Los Angeles to San Diego road trip planner!

Planning a road trip along the coast of southern California from Los Angeles to San Diego or in the opposite direction and looking for things to see between San Diego and Los Angeles on the Pacific Coast Highway?

This is one of our favorite short road trips in California and consists of many excellent pit stops such as beaches, state parks, famous eateries, theme parks, and more! There are so many places to visit between San Diego and Los Angeles that you are spoiled for choices.

How long does it take to drive from San Diego to Los Angeles?

San Diego and Los Angeles are just under 125 miles apart from each other and the road trip takes about two hours via I-5. That’s right, in this part of the state, the Pacific Coast Highway is actually the I-5 in some parts and it travels pretty close to the coast. You will also be driving along small coastal roads, wherever possible.

While you can actually take a plane, bus, and even a train – the Pacific Surfliner – between the two cities, taking a road trip in your own car allows you to fully enjoy the coastal attractions.

So, Is the drive from San Diego to Los Angeles scenic?

While the most scenic part of the Pacific Coast Highway is undoubtedly in Big Sur and then in Coastal Oregon, the road along the coast (Old Highway 101) from Oceanside or Laguna Beach is really pretty.

How many days should you keep aside for the drive from LA to San Diego?

You can easily complete this road trip in anywhere from a day to a long weekend since the drive time is just 2 hours. However, to fully enjoy each and every stop on the road and enjoy the relaxed vibe of southern California, we recommend keeping aside at least 3 days for the San Diego to Los Angeles drive.

Los Angeles to San Diego Road Trip: 24 Essential Stops

Wondering what to see between San Diego and Los Angeles? Or vice versa? There are plenty of charming small towns and scenic natural attractions on the road.

Most of these can be easily seen on a weekend road trip to Hollywood City, making this one of the most popular drives in California and the West Coast.

You will be driving through Orange County and see some of the famed Southern California beaches. You can relax by the Pacific Ocean, enjoy the legendary SoCal sunshine, and dine on seafood.

Here are our favorite stops on the LA to San Diego road trip.

Santa Monica

Venice Beach

Marina Del Ray

Los Angeles

Long Beach

Huntington Beach

Newport Beach

Laguna Beach

Table Rock Beach

Dana Point Harbor

Mission San Juan Capistrano

Los Rios District

San Clemente State Beach

Oceanside

Carlsbad

Solana Beach

Encinitas

Cardiff By The Sea

Torrey Pines

La Jolla Cove

Pacific Beach

Mission Bay

Coronado Island

San Diego

Best North California Road Trip Itinerary through the Redwoods

Kay S — Tue, 17 Nov 2020 21:31:56 +0000

Welcome to our Northern California road trip itinerary planner.

Planning a Pacific Highway Road Trip along the coast of Northern California? This is certainly one of the most underrated trips in California and a favorite of ours!

On this North California Coast road trip, you will find charming coastal cities, state parks, amazing natural attractions like the Avenue of the Giants, and miles and miles of hiking trails.

The North California Road Trip starts as a Highway 1 Road Trip from San Francisco before joining Highway 101 past Leggett and goes all the way north up to the Oregon border.

We recommend keeping aside anywhere from 5 days to a week to explore this part of the coast. Here are our favorite stops that you should add to the North California Road Trip Itinerary.

Ultimate North California Road Trip Itinerary: Essential Stops

Northern California is quite different than the California stereotype of warm sunny days and a laidback lifestyle. We find it more similar to Coastal Oregon: expect windy, foggy days year-round and a blistering chill in the winter.

However, that doesn’t make summer a good time to visit! The coast is actually its foggiest from June to August and we would instead recommend spring or fall as the best times to plan your trip up the coast.

San Francisco

San Francisco is the best city to fly into to start your Pacific Coast Highway road trip up the North Coast. You can also fly into Oakland or San Jose. Any of the Bay Area airports are convenient for a trip up north. After you arrive, rent a car from the airport and ether rest for your road trip or check the highlights of San Francisco.

If this is your first trip to the city, we definitely recommend doing the latter. San Francisco is a big and vibrant destination and should not be missed! Keep two to three days to exploring the city or see its highlights in a day if you are short on time.

The #1 attraction in the city is of course the iconic Golden Gate Bridge! It is considered to be an engineering marvel and is one of the best places to visit on the West Coast. Other attractions include the Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz Island, Twin Peaks, Lombard Street, and the Mission District. Don’t forget to ride the cable cars, sip on Ghirardelli Chocolate, and eat the dim sum in Chinatown!

Read our post on the Best Things to do in San Francisco to plan your trip to the city.

Point Reyes National Seashore

If you loved Big Sur and Point Lobos on the central coast, you will love Point Reyes National Seashore. It is foggy, magical, and enchanting. Point Reyes is also the windiest place on the continent, so be prepared for strong gusts and layer up!

The many miles of hiking trails in Point Reyes and amazing wildlife watching opportunities delight most outdoor lovers. The trail to the lighthouse and the Lighthouse Visitor Center, both, are also worth the visit. Don’t forget to check out the tunnel of cypress trees on your visit. You can also explore the waters around Point Reyes with a kayak.

Also, stop in the town of Point Reyes Station and take a stroll around its charming downtown. Located in Marin County along the Tomales Bay, the small town makes a perfect weekend destination in NorCal. Within the town, Highway 1 becomes Shoreline Highway along Main Street. Admire historic buildings built in the Italianate style of architecture. Check out the local boutiques and pick up souvenirs, apparel, and Northern California themed household goods and decor.

For food, try Nick’s Cove Restaurant for fresh seafood or at Saltwater Oyster Depot in Inverness for fresh shucked oysters. Visit the Cowgirl Creamery and buy cheese to munch on your road trip. It is really amazing to see this undeveloped town less than 30 miles away from San Francisco!

The road to Point Reyes passes by Muir Woods and Stinson Beach, but we do not recommend stopping here simply because you will get ample opportunities to see the redwood trees further up the coast.

After seeing Point Reyes, most people often head directly to Mendocino however there are many incredible destinations between these major attractions. If you have the time, you should definitely check out a few of these on your North California Coast Road Trip.

Tomales Bay

Tomales Bay is a narrow inlet of the Pacific that separates Point Reyes peninsula from the north California mainland. Stay on US 1 and you will soon find yourself driving past small coastal towns located on the eastern side of Tomales Bay.

The bay is most well-known for its oysters. The bay is quite narrow and the water is just a little over 10 feet deep in many places – ideal conditions for oyster farming. Some of the best locations to eat oysters in Tomales Bay include Hog Island Oyster Company and the Tomales Bay Oyster Company. There is nothing comparable to the joy of eating fresh oysters right by the beach! Tomales Bakery is also a great place to stop for some decadent baked goods.

Other popular activities in Tomales Bay include hiking along the coast, swimming, relaxing on the beach, and watersports. You can rent fishing charters, kayaks, stand up paddle boards, or boats in the towns along the bay. At night, you can watch bioluminescence along the bay in the summer.

Bodega Bay

Located in Sonoma County, Bodega Bay is one of the most underrated destinations on a Pacific Coast Highway road trip through northern California. Here you will find hiking and biking trails, outdoor excursions, beautiful coastline, and off course because we are in Sonoma County, wineries!

Visit the Sonoma Coast Vineyards for wine tasting. Then take a whale watching excursion around Bodega Head Peninsula or go fly a kite! The winds here are just perfect for kite flying. You can also rent bikes and cycle the county. Bodega Bay is an amazing relaxing place and it is really easy to lose yourself here.

A hidden attraction is the nearby town of Bodega. Take a detour from US Route 1 to reach the town and you will be surprised to find yourself in an Alfred Hitchcock movie. Bodega was used as a filming locale for the movie, ‘The Birds’ and you can visit many sites in the town including the famous schoolhouse and the Church.

Jenner

Jenner is a charming coastal town located at the mouth of the Russian River. This small town has a population of just over 130 and is a paradise for outdoor activities of every sort! Hike on the coastal bluffs, kayak the Russian River or go sea kayaking, watch the barking sea lions, lounge on the secluded beach, or go horseback riding. The sunsets are particularly spectacular at the Sonoma Coast State Park.

Guerneville

Take a detour from Highway 1 to drive inland towards Guerneville if you have the time. Here you will find a charming community, rustic buildings, redwood groves, wineries, tasting rooms, and the placid Russian River. Guerneville became popular during the flower-power era and since then, is a favorite vacation destination for San Franciscans. The main reason we recommend coming here is to sample wineries and float on the river. That’s right, you can rent tubes in the town and spend a lazy day on the water.

Timber Cove

Timber Cove is a particularly remote stretch of Highway 1. Very few other tourists make the trip this far north of San Francisco and even fewer stop in Timber Cove. It is located about 15 miles up the coast from Jenner and is perfect for slow travelers. The coast is quite rugged here: you will find craggy rocks, secluded beaches, tidepools, lonely trees, and turquoise water.

The Timber Cove Resort is the most romantic place to stay on the West Coast. Its rooms are as beautiful as the grounds and this is a perfect place for honeymoons and anniversaries. The nearby Salt Point State Park has hiking trails and scenic views.

Mendocino

All right, now that we have discussed all the hidden, underrated attractions between Point Reyes and Mendocino it is time to talk about this beautiful city itself. It is famous for its fascinating location along the coast, cliff side hiking trails, and charming New England style architecture.

Take a stroll through the charming downtown, admire the art galleries, stay in a romantic bed and breakfast, explore the eateries in town, and shop for eclectic goods. Then take the time to explore the 3 amazing state parks near Mendocino. See the beautiful beach at Mendocino Headlands State Park, admire the bridge at Russian Gulch State Park, or hike the Pygmy forest in Van Damme State Park.

Read our post on the Best Things to do in Mendocino to plan your stay in the town.

Fort Bragg

The next stop while on the way north along the Pacific Coast is Fort Bragg. While the city has many attractions including museums, historic buildings, a lighthouse, the Skunk Train, Jug Handle State Natural Reserve, and wildlife, the main attraction of Fort Bragg is the famous Glass Beach.

This one of its kind beach is formed by trash dumped in the ocean! The glass and rubble were rounded by the sea waves over several years to form sea glass. The beach looks absolutely beautiful to look at and is a highlight of the Pacific Coast Highway road trip. To visit the beach, drive to the southern end of the Mackerricher State Park. Or visit the Sea Glass Museum in the city to see rare and different types of sea glass pebbles.

Leggett

After Fort Bragg, Highway 1 follows the Pacific Coast as far as Rockport then turns inward towards Leggett. Rockport had its origins as a timber town and today, there isn’t much to do in this community. Follow the road up to Leggett.

Leggett is most famous for its many large and tall redwood groves. Here you will find some of the largest trees in the world. The main attraction of Leggett is the Chandelier Drive-Through Tree. This 276-foot tall redwood is 16 feet wide and has a tunnel large enough for cars to pass! It is fascinating to drive through the base of the tree and see the tree standing in spite of the dug-out tunnel.

Leggett is the northern end of California Highway 1. However, your trip does not end here. Take the Pacific Coast Highway 101 in Leggett and follow it north all the way to the Oregon border.

Avenue of the Giants

Avenue of the Giants is a scenic highway that runs parallel to Highway 101 north of Leggett. Located in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, this scenic road is located amidst incredibly tall redwood trees. The byway is 31 miles long and has many pit stops for hiking trails, redwood groves, picnic areas, and swimming locations along the Eel River.

On the Avenue of the Giants, you can admire many notable redwoods including the Immortal Tree, the Shrine Drive Through Tree, Founder’s Grove, Chandler Grove, and the Tree House. The views along the road are stunning: the tall trees line up on both sides of the road and cast dark shadows. Sunlight barely filters in here and fog is quite normal, providing an enchanting experience.

The Lost Coast

As we mentioned above, Rockport is the last coastal community connected by Highway 1. Then farther up in northern California, Highway 101 again travels close to the coast near Shelter Cove.

This part of the California coast between Rockport and Shelter Cove is known as the Lost Coast. It is so-called because the construction of roads near this part of the coast was estimated to be difficult and expensive, and hence the idea was abandoned. As a result, this is the most remote part of California and scattered communities throughout the Lost Coast are mostly cut-off from the state.

The only way to access this part of the coast is via the Lost Coast Trail. The route is 25 miles but needs at least 3 to 4 days since many parts of the trail are underwater at high tide. This trail is a real hidden gem and passes through King Range National Conservation Area. Along the trail, you will find a remote coastline and a moderately challenging backpacking experience.

Loleta

Loleta is one of our recommended stops on a North California road trip for 2 reasons: dramatic coastal scenery and the Loleta Cheese Factory! Loleta is situated smack dab in the middle of beautiful state parks and reserves and makes an ideal destination for exploring them. While in Loleta, you can go hiking and beachcombing in Eel River Wildlife Area, Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Mike Thompson Wildlife Area, or Table Bluff County Park. The Cheese Factory is now, however, closed and can’t be visited.

Eureka

Eureka, a port city in Northern California, is known for its historic charm. Eureka provides a refreshing alternative after spending time in the small coastal towns and villages. In the Old Town area, you can see Victorian mansions. If you have kids, visit the Sequoia Park Zoo and the adjoining Sequoia Park to see the massive redwoods right in the town. Take a cruise aboard the Madaket Ferry to see the wildlife of the Humboldt Bay. Eureka is a great place to stop for the night on your California road trip.

Trinidad

Trinidad is a nice little coastal fishing town in North California. It is located on Trinidad Bay and surrounded by redwood trees. One of the popular attractions is the Trinidad Memorial Lighthouse. You can also check out the museum or walk on the Pier. It is an excellent place for birding. Here you will find one of the largest seabirds nesting colonies. The colonies are based around Green Rock and Flatiron Rock and home to a variety of seabirds.

Patricks Point State Park

Patricks Point State Park is a great place to stop and explore on a Northern California road trip. You can beach comb for agates at Agate Beach and driftwood, spot tidepool creatures including sea stars and urchins at Palmer’s Point, hike to Wedding Rock, and spot migrating whales. At the visitor center, you can understand more about the Native people that lived in the area and their traditions.

Redwood Highway

Pacific Coast Highway 101 in this part of California is known as the Redwood Highway. The trees along the highway grow to over 300 feet long and over 15 feet wide. The scenic byway goes through old-growth forests and is just magical. You will find dramatic scenery on both sides of the road. This is definitely the most scenic drive in Northern California and worth taking the time to explore the stops.

Redwood National and State Parks

The Redwoods National and State Parks is a collection of parks that preserve the old-growth redwood forests. We have already mentioned some of them in this itinerary including the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Other parks include Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, and Redwood National Park.

Each of these parks has many large groves of redwood trees, some of them the oldest in the world. The parks are frequently covered in fog and absolutely beautiful. They are also home to abundant wildlife and have many hiking trails. We recommend stopping in these parks if you have the time to marvel at their majestic beauty.

Fern Canyon

Located in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Fern Canyon is one of the best places to visit in California. This green shady canyon was made popular by the movie, The Lost World: Jurassic Park. That’s right, a part of the movie was filmed here and since then fans have made the hike deep into the canyon as a rite of passage!

The 30-foot tall canyon walls are completely covered in large leafy ferns which gives the prehistoric feel. The creek runs through the canyon floor adding to the adrenaline rush. You will find several different varieties of ferns here. Hiking through the canyon is an incredible experience. The trail is a mile long and quite family-friendly. We recommend waterproof shoes as your feet will get wet in the creek. The trail can be closed in winter, so check before you go.

Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park

Crescent City

Crescent City is so named because of its crescent-shaped stretch of sandy beach. This is the northernmost city in California and a great place to end your Pacific Coast Highway road trip. Located in Del Norte County, Crescent City packs outdoor attractions with a great city vibe.

History lovers should visit the End of Trail Museum and Del Norte County Historical Society Main Museum. Here you will see a large collection of Native American artifacts and historical exhibits. Also, you will find two gorgeous lighthouses at Crescent City: Battery Point Lighthouse and St. George Reef. If you have kids, visit the Ocean World Aquarium. The beach here is also very pretty.

For outdoor lovers, Crescent City is the perfect gateway to explore the majestic redwood forests. Or you can go hiking at Tolowa Dunes State Park. You can also rent kayaks, boats, or SUPs to explore the marine environment. There are also many hiking and biking trails in the area.

After exploring Crescent City, you can either fly back to your destination or take the 101 straight to San Francisco. The trip back takes about 7 hours without stopping. Or you can even explore the Oregon Coast up north by driving the Pacific Coast Highway 101 in Oregon.

McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Big Sur

Kay S — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 22:27:09 +0000

The iconic McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in Big Sur is one of the most photographed attractions along the Pacific Coast Highway 1 in California.

This 80-foot tall waterfall flows year-round. When the tide is high, the falls plunge directly into the Pacific Ocean. Hence they are a type of coastal waterfall or tidefall. The waterfall is extremely beautiful and has inspired artists, poets, and writers for generations.

McWay Creek begins in the Santa Lucia mountains of Big Sur and tumbles down the hills to form McWay Falls as it cascades down to the Pacific Coast. At the base of the falls is a small sandy cove known as McWay Cove which can completely disappear at high tide.

The waterfall has existed for over 100 years when the pioneer families of McWays, Pfeiffer, and Partington first settled the area. Initially, the waterfall fell directly into the ocean. However, after years of erosion and debris from the construction of Pacific Coast Highway 1, a sandy beach formed beneath the falls.

Though the beach at the base of the falls looks like the perfect place to lounge by the water, it is extremely dangerous and inaccessible to visitors. The only way to see McWay Falls is from the Waterfall Observation Overlook inside the park.

The lack of people in the cove actually works in the falls favor, creating a perfect canvas for landscape photography. The falls have an untouched, mystical quality and it is easy to see why there are one of the Best things to do in Big Sur.

The McWay Falls Trail and Overlook get quite crowded and is regularly filled with photographers from the moment the park opens to closing time. Despite the crowds, the falls make for a spectacular view and are an essential stop on a Pacific Coast Highway Road trip.

Where are the McWay Falls located?

McWay Falls is located in the Julia Pfieffer Burns State Park along Highway 1. The park is just about an hour south of Monterey and 12 miles south of Big Sur Ranger Station. The park is located at Mile Marker 35.8 on California Highway 1.

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is one of the most visited state parks in Big Sur. It is named after Julia Pfeiffer Burns, an early pioneer woman that played an instrumental role in Big Sur region.

The park is relatively small compared to the large area of Big Sur but has many popular attractions. It only offers a handful of trails yet is one of the most well-recognized parks in the area, thanks largely to the McWay Falls.

Other attractions include historical structures belonging to the McWay and Pfieffer Burns families, 300-foot tall redwood forests, and the Partington Cove. You can also spot excellent wildlife in the park including sea otters, California condors, bald eagles, and a blue butterfly colony. The park has a couple of campsites, however, they fill up very soon.

Divers tend to favor this park because of its notoriously challenging waters. The tides can change quickly and powerfully making it difficult to manage for newer divers, but those who make it to the bottom are rewarded with multi-story tall kelp forests and an underwater cave. Permits can be obtained at Big Sur Ranger Station.

Best time to visit McWay Falls

The park and the waterfall are beautiful year-round, though the crowds tend to be thinner in the winter – though they are not gone by any means. Picking the right time of the day to come has more to do with how you want to see the falls.

The mornings offer a foggy, ethereal picture whereas sunsets can be vibrant and full of golden light. The fog look beautiful even at noon when the sun shines high, though the trail can get crowded at this time.

It is also important to take into account the tides. Low tide means that the falls are landing on the sand where higher tides can create the effect of a tidal fall.

How to Visit McWay Falls

Timing & Fees

The day-use fee for Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is only $10 per car. While it is possible to spend an entire day in the park and a few campsites are available, we recommend a short PCH pitstop just to see McWay Falls.

Plan for the hike to and from the Waterfall Observation Overlook to take about an hour. That should give the average hiker about 20 minutes to look at the falls and to explore the foundations of the old cottage that sat on the cliffside.

Current status of the falls

The falls and the park are currently closed to visitors due to the wildfires.

Apart from the fires, the falls might be closed at any time of the year due to erosion. The swiftly moving water has caused soil erosion at the top of the falls, making the ground unstable and very dangerous. The erosion is actually part of what created the sandy beach below the falls. When the McWays first settled in the area, the falls plunged directly into the ocean.

The second reason the falls trail is often closed has to do with mudslides. Heavy rains cause mudslides in Big Sur and can completely destroy trails and cliffs.

Weather

Big Sur is known for its Mediterranean climate, which means there isn’t much difference between winter and summer. The temperature difference is only about 10-15 degrees with summers ranging from 60 to 85 degrees and winters coming in between 45 and 70.

While the seasons don’t offer much variability, the day temperatures vary quite a bit. Mornings can be very chilly and are often thick with fog. Once the sun gets high, the day can get quite hot and only moderately humid before cooling back off again and getting breezy in the evenings.

When traveling in this area either to Big Sur or to McWay Falls, layers are the best bet.

Where to park

There are multiple parking options within the park and along Highway 1, though the easiest to find is on the east side of the highway. This is the main parking area and where most of the trails begin.

The other parking options are close to the campsite to the south and at a wide pull off to the north which connects to the Partington Cove Trail and doesn’t require the $10 day-use fee.

Camping & Lodging

There is a campsite within the Julia Pfeiffer Burns Park. The site is on the south side of the park and is almost always at capacity. To assure a spot, make a reservation at least six to eight months in advance, even during the offseason.

The $30 fee covers the camping site – which can only have four people – and two parking spots as well as the use of the park during the duration of the stay. There are campgrounds available to the north and south of the park along Highway 1.

There are almost 15 hotels within a 20-mile radius. The closest is the Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn, just five miles down the road which offers rustic-style rooms and a restaurant within a wisteria-draped historic farmhouse.

Nearby amenities

There are no facilities available on the hike to and from the McWay Falls overlook, but bathrooms are available at the parking lot and at the campsites. Each of the campsites comes with a fire pit, picnic table, and running water.

McWay Falls Hike

The hike to the overlook is an easy, leisurely stroll through nature. It is good for all skill levels and popular with families.

The path is about a half-mile long and only gains 500 feet of elevation, though that’s all the height that is needed to get a birds-eye view of the falls.

The path begins at the parking area on the west side of Highway 1 before taking visitors through a short tunnel to the main park area.

This is where the path splinters off into different directions so be sure to look for the sign pointing to the overlook.

Continuing on the path, visitors travel beneath 300-foot redwoods before making it to a series of vantage points leading up to the main viewing area.

All of these vantage points usually have a photographer or two trying to get the perfect shot so we recommend waiting for your turn at the observation platform.

Remember, no one is allowed near the top of the falls or on the sandy beach below and any rule breaks are subject to arrest.

10 Days California Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Kay S — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 21:03:21 +0000

Welcome to our California Coast Road Trip Planner! You will find this itinerary useful if you are planning 10 Days in California road trip.

Planning a road trip along the Pacific Coast of California from Los Angeles to the redwoods in Northern California? This Highway 1 road trip planner will guide you in planning a spectacular road trip through the coastal attractions.

California Coast Road Trip along Highway 1 or the Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most thrilling, memorable, and beautiful road trips in the world.

The road trip has panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the rocky cliffs of the central coast. Route 1 passes through some of the most gorgeous natural areas including Big Sur, Point Reyes, foggy redwood state and national parks, and charming laid-back towns.

For the most part of the trip, you have the mountains on one side and the sparkling blue water of the Pacific Ocean on the other side. And if you are lucky to drive during the off-season, you will have the road all to yourself!

The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the reasons California is a top bucket list destination the world over. And there is no better way to experience the coast than on a road trip along the most scenic part of the coast.

Highway 1 takes many forms in coastal California: near Malibu, you have sandy beaches and luxurious villas, in Big Sur, you have the rocky coastal cliffs and tidepools, in Monterey, you have multi-colored canning factories and sea lions, in San Francisco, you will find yourself driving amid skyscrapers! At the northern end, you will find the coastal redwoods – among the oldest trees in the world, these trees have been around since the times of the dinosaurs.

A road trip along the California Coast is made for falling in love. With each other, with the road, with the journey, with the destination, with nature, with driving, and with life itself! This is truly the best road trip that California and the West Coast have to offer and it’s up for grabs for anyone who has a car!

This California coast road trip itinerary will take you up the coast, exploring hidden gems and underrated attractions along the way. It will show you historic lighthouses and tell you bits of forgotten history such as Henry Miller’s eternal connection with Big Sur!

While the itinerary follows the California Coast from south to the north, you can also use it to drive north to south. Here is a sample itinerary for a 10 Day California Coast drive.

Day 1 – Los Angeles

Welcome to Los Angeles, one of our favorite cities to start a Pacific Coast Highway road trip. The city is everything you have heard of and much more! Here’s where Hollywood dreams come true. The city is truly the melting pot of the West and is the ultimate land of opportunity on the Pacific Coast. The city has many incredible attractions for everyone.

The city makes the best of the famous SoCal sunshine by hosting a variety of outdoor events and celebrations. From sports and famous teams (Lakers, Angels, Trojans) to celebs walking down the road, you will have dozens of unique experiences in Los Angeles. Add in the beaches, boardwalks, and piers, and you are bound to have a mighty good time. LA’s beach lifestyle is certainly to be envied!

Head to Downtown LA and Hollywood Blvd to enjoy the city’s most famous attractions including the Walk of Fame, Chinese Theater, movie studios, the Museum Row on Miracle Mile, and the Griffith Observatory. Read our post on the Best Things to do in Los Angeles to plan your day in the city.

From finger-licking good Mexican food to a thriving nightlife scene, the list of attractions in Los Angeles never seems to end! Enjoy a California style burrito that reflects the city’s blended Hispanic heritage. Try vegan foods, fresh farm to table cuisines, and a bevy of health-conscious options. Sip on smoothies and cocktails. End the night at a dive bar or enjoy a world-class cultural event at the city’s famous venues on your California Coast Trip.

Day 2 – Santa Barbara and Ventura

After having fun exploring Los Angeles, head up the coast to charming Ventura and sunny Santa Barbara. On the way north, you will pass through Malibu and Santa Monica. This is where Highway 1 starts getting really pretty.

California Route 1 attractions in Santa Monica include the Pier. While you are here, see the canals of Venice. Then make your way past the celebrity beach homes in Malibu and maybe, make a surfing pit stop at Zuma Beach! Even if you don’t want to get into the water, you can just observe the surfers taking advantage of the excellent wave action. Drive past Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area and Oxnard to reach Ventura.

Ventura, California is a charming beach town that is both arty and expensive to live in! Most of the city attractions are centered around the Ventura Pier. From here you can take cruises to the Channel Islands National Park or just walk along the wooden pier to see more of the city. Visit Surfer’s Point to see surfers riding the waves. Visit the beaches or the Mission in downtown Ventura.

After exploring the streets of Ventura, continue to Santa Barbara on your California road trip itinerary of 10 days. This city is popularly called the American Riviera and has a very relaxed vibe.

Santa Barbara is a quintessentially Southern California city. Here you will find a gentle ocean breeze, pretty beaches, white Spanish colonial architecture, and lots of water activities. There are a lot of things to do in Santa Barbara. Take a beachside stroll on the famous East Beach. This lovely beach has fewer crowds and great views of the Pacific. It is also very clean and a favorite with families.

Adjacent to East Beach, you will find Stearns Wharf. This is the best place in the city to enjoy the coastal atmosphere of the city. Here you will find an impossibly long boardwalk that extends deep into the Pacific Ocean. Along the wharf, there are several excellent seafood restaurants, ice cream shops, and souvenir stores. This is also the place to take boat rides around the harbor, go whale watching, or fishing.

You must also visit the Historic downtown. The Old Mission Santa Barbara is located here. The historic buildings around the mission are built in a similar style of architecture and look very pretty. Another must-visit attraction is the courthouse and clock tower. The view from the top of the tower is just stunning.

Spend the night in Santa Barbara and enjoy the charms of the Pacific Ocean by the night on your California Coast Road Trip Itinerary.

Day 3 – Solvang and San Luis Obispo

Early the next morning, take the PCH north up to the exit for Solvang. This pretty Danish town is not on the Pacific Coast Highway but it is absolutely worth the detour. Solvang was founded in the late 19th century by Danish people who moved to California. They built in the traditional style of architecture and even raised monuments iconic to Denmark including windmills, chalet-style buildings, etc. Here, you will find lots of eclectic shopping and Danish restaurants.

You can either spend the whole day in Solvang or take the time to explore the pretty coastal cities of Pismo Beach and Morro Bay.

Pismo Beach is a great place to stop for an hour or so on California Coastal Road Trip. You can take a romantic stroll through the quaint downtown or go ATV riding on the Oceano Dunes. Munch on fish and chips by the beach or go surfboarding if the weather is good.

Morro Bay might seem familiar to some of you! Its name was featured in the movie Finding Dory. This cute PCH pitstop is most famous for the volcanic Morro Rock that juts out from the ocean. The rock and surrounding coastal wilderness are part of the Morro Bay State Park. Here you will find hiking trails, a museum, tide pools, and excellent birding.

Follow California Pacific Coast Highway 1 further inland and end your day in San Luis Obispo. This college town is trendy and has great nightlife. The city also has cultural attractions, you can read about them in our post Things to do in San Luis Obispo.

Day 4 & 5 – Big Sur

The next day, head up to Big Sur from San Luis Obispo. This is where the road opens up to most iconic sights and attractions along the West Coast. The nature in Big Sur is unspoiled, dramatic, and spectacular. In fact, it is really amazing that this 90 mile stretch of the coast was saved from development and left undisturbed to be the paradise that it is.

Big Sur is the best pit stop on a Pacific Coast Highway road trip. It is home to many natural attractions, hiking trails, wildlife encounters, campgrounds, state parks and federal lands, incredible photo ops, and amazing adventures. Trust us, the two days spent in Big Sur are going to be a pretty memorable part of your Coastal California road trip.

Some of the essential stops in Big Sur include the San Simeon Elephant Seal Rookery, the McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Point Sur Lighthouse, Point Lobos, and Bixby Creek Bridge. To plan your time in Big Sur and decide where to stay, read our post on Best Things to do in Big Sur.

While you can certainly spend both days exploring Big Sur, here are some options if you want to see other parts of the coast. Wine lovers can go wine tasting and tour the wineries in Paso Robles. Couples can spend a quiet evening enjoying the sunset in Cayucos. See the mission and bears statue in Los Osos. Visit Hearst Castle in San Simeon. Explore the fog-covered town of Cambria and hike among the coastal pines.

Day 6 – Monterey and Half Moon Bay

After you say goodbye to Big Sur and promise to come again soon – no, really, because no one can visit Big Sur just once – drive along the Pacific Coast Highway to Monterey, Santa Cruz, and Half Moon Bay. That’s right, you are slowly inching closer to our favorite California city of San Francisco but you won’t arrive yet another day!

Your first stop after Big Sur will be charming Carmel-by-the-Sea. It has beginnings as an art community and has a hipster vibe, but don’t be fooled!

The fairytale-like cottages and wide open pristine coast may seem alluring, but Carmel is one of the most expensive places to live in California. Houses here average around 1.5 to 2 million and facilities like the world-famous Pebble Beach Golf Course can run you into thousands!

But Carmel is absolutely beautiful to explore. Wander into the art galleries, dine in the cafes, visit Carmel Beach, and go birding along the Carmel River. It is fun to spend an hour or two in the town.

Next, pull yourself away from the ridiculously beautiful and charming coastal town and drive north on Route 1 towards Monterey. The city is most popular for the Monterey Aquarium located on Cannery Row. This is quite popular with the kids and a great place to see West Coast marine life at close quarters. Monterey also has great restaurants, museums, and is great to stop by for lunch. You can also visit the nearby city of Pacific Grove or take the highly scenic 17 Mile Drive. Read our post on Things to do in Monterey to plan your trip.

Next, follow Highway 1 north. You can either continue all the way to Monterey and make a short pit stop in Santa Cruz. Take a stroll along the wharf, explore the eateries and shops, and ride the vintage carousel and coaster at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

Then it’s time to visit Half Moon Bay. Here also you will find a historic downtown that is perfect for antiquing. If you have the time, explore the tide pools at Scott Fitzgerald Marine Reserve and see the sunset by Pigeon Point Lighthouse in Pescadero. Visit Half Moon Bay State Beach and admire the Pacific Ocean. Read our post on Things to do in Half Moon Bay for more information.

Day 7 – San Francisco

And finally, it’s time to explore this big and beautiful city of San Francisco. The city has felt like home since I lived in the Bay area a couple of years ago.

The most iconic attraction of San Francisco is of course the Golden Gate Bridge. You would be surprised to know that the bridge is right on Highway 1! Walk, bike, or drive the bridge and admire the view of San Francisco from the Marin Headlands. See the city’s other popular attractions including the Palace of Fine Arts, Chinatown, Lombard Street, and Fisherman’s Wharf. There are so many amazing things to do in San Francisco, that spending just one day here is not enough!

If you have the time, we suggest keeping a couple of days to explore San Francisco after you end your California Coast Drive along the Pacific Coast Highway.

Day 8 – Point Reyes

Follow the Pacific Coast Highway over the Golden Gate Bridge and across the Golden Gate Strait to the Marin Headlands. On the way, you can stop at Muir Woods, the largest coastal redwood forest near San Francisco.

Then head north towards Point Reyes National Seashore. This is the windiest place on the continent! Hike to the beach or the lighthouse, go through the Cypress tunnel and admire the wildlife at Point Reyes. You might spot migrating whales, sea otters, seals, nesting seabirds, land birds, and more in Point Reyes.

For seafood lovers, your next perfect PCH pitstop is Tomales Bay. This area is known for its oyster farms and oyster companies. Here you can eat freshly shucked oysters to your heart’s content. Spend the night in the vicinity of Point Reyes or reach Mendocino and call it a day.

Day 9 – Mendocino and Fort Bragg

While southern California is sunny and warm, Central California is beautiful and charming. But none of them can quite compare to the fog covered mystery and allure of northern California. Here you will find beautiful coastal cities like Mendocino and Fort Bragg.

Mendocino is one of the best places to stop on a Pacific Coast Highway road trip. The pretty whitewashed architecture reminds visitors more of New England than California! It is really pretty to take a stroll but Mendocino’s main attractions are all found outside the city limits. Here you will find three state parks with miles and miles of hiking trails. Read our post on the Best Things to do in Mendocino to plan your trip here.

After seeing Mendocino, visit Fort Bragg. The main attraction of Fort Bragg is its world-famous Glass Beach. The sea glass here is really pretty and makes the beaches one of the unique attractions in California. Visit Mackerricher State Park to see Glass Beach.

Day 10 – Avenue of the Giants

From Fort Bragg, make your way north up to the northern end of California’s Pacific Coast Highway 1 in Leggett. Here you will find the Chandelier Drive-Through Tree, an iconic PCH attraction.

While Highway 1 ends here, the Pacific Coast Highway doesn’t! It simply becomes Highway 101 and meanders all the way north up to Seattle along the Pacific Coast. But don’t worry, you will be following it only as far as the Avenue of the Giants.

Avenue of the Giants is this gorgeous, dark, dreamy, foggy scenic drive through some of the tallest coastal redwoods on the West Coast. The trees here are quite tall and craning your neck that far up is tricky! The road parallels Highway 101 and is worth the exciting trip.

The Avenue of the Giants is 31 miles long but takes about two to three hours to drive because of scenic spots and hiking trails. You can park and walk to see the redwood groves up close. We recommend keeping your camera ready as there are incredible views at every turn of the road.

That’s it! You have completed an amazing California Coast Road Trip all the way from Los Angeles to the north of Mendocino.

Things to do in Los Angeles, California

Kay S — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 15:32:22 +0000

Los Angeles is the second-largest city in the country and one of the most visited cities in California. It is simply sprawling in size and has plenty of attractions.

We first visited Los Angeles on our honeymoon over a decade ago and since then I have a love-hate relationship with the city. I love skyscrapers and vertical downtowns like San Francisco – but LA is more spread out and has fewer tall buildings due to earthquake-resistant structures – plus, I hate the city’s traffic. But at the same time, I love Los Angeles museums, cultural scenes, world-class restaurants, and shopping opportunities.

Los Angeles is home to Hollywood and is called the ‘Entertainment Capital of the World’. If you are a movie buff then you should definitely put Los Angeles on your West Coast bucket list. You can visit studios, dine where the stars dine and even see their homes!

Best Things to do in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is home to a variety of attractions. Whether you are looking for the Hollywood glitz and glamour or unique architecture or stunning white sand beaches or Michelin starred restaurants, Los Angeles has it all.

Here are our tips for a great trip to LA: Visiting all the tourist attractions in the city in a single visit can be an overwhelming experience.

That’s why we recommend selecting a few attractions and exploring them in depth during your first visit. You can always return a second time!

Families usually love theme parks while movie lovers can’t stay away from Hollywood Boulevard. Theme parks and studio tours can quickly get expensive, so add some of the free things to do in the city to keep within your budget.

Hollywood Walk of Fame

Love Hollywood? Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame! The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a free attraction and while quite touristy, is definitely worth the visit.

Here you will find over 2500 stars embedded in the sidewalk. The stars bear names of famous actors, musicians, directors, and more legends from the film industry. You can walk over 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard while searching for the stars of your favorite icon.

At the west end of the Walk of Fame, you will find the Four Ladies of Hollywood sculpture. The public artwork is said to honor the women of color in Hollywood.

You will need at least 2 hours to walk the entire area but most of the popular stars are located in and around TCL Chinese Theater and Dolby Theater, making it easy to see in a short time.

Universal Studios Hollywood

One of California’s premier theme parks, Universal Studios Hollywood is all about the movies brought back to life. It is among the most reputed and oldest Hollywood Studios.

At Universal, you can see movie sets, take thrilling rides based on movies, plus learn about movie history. There are simulated attractions and roller coasters based on Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, The Simpsons, and Transformers.

Our favorite part of visiting Universal is the tram tour which takes visitors through several movie sets including those of Shutter Island, Jurassic Park, Jaws, and more. For additional cost, you can also get a VIP tour of the movie sets and studios.

Spending a day at Universal Studios Hollywood is, undoubtedly, one of the best things to do in Los Angeles.

Griffith Park

Another of our favorite things to do in Los Angeles! Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in the country and is simply huge. The park is located on the slopes of the Santa Monica Mountains and was inhabited by Native Americans in the past.

The park is home to a number of attractions including the Los Angeles Zoo, the Autry Museum of American West, and the Griffith Observatory. Besides these, Griffith Park also has many free attractions like hiking trails, birding, horseback riding, and more.

One of the unique attractions in the park is the antique carousel. This is said to have inspired Walt Disney to dream and create the beloved theme parks.

You can also camp in the park or rent bikes or have a picnic. The park has children’s play areas, a golf course, and even a Greek amphitheatre. If you are looking to spend a day away from the chaotic city life of Los Angeles, then Griffith Park is your best bet.

Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory, located in Griffith Park, deserves a special mention. Named after a Welsh industrialist and philanthropist, Griffith J. Griffith, Griffith Observatory is a popular tourist attraction in Los Angeles.

The Observatory is free to visit and we recommend it as a must for everyone. The Observatory offers a highly educational experience and kids of all ages love looking at the telescopes and science and space exhibits.

Of special interest is the Foucault Pendulum, which illustrates the rotation of the earth, and the Zeiss refracting telescope.

The observatory itself is a beautiful building in the Greek Revival style of architecture and is perched high above the city. Its grounds offer excellent views of the city, of the Hollywood Sign, and even the Pacific Ocean. The view is pretty amazing at sunset.

The Observatory is also a must visit for movie buffs. It is a popular filming locale in Los Angeles and several movies from La La Land to Back to the Future have been filmed here.

Disney Theme Parks

You really cannot visit Los Angeles or for that matter, California, without visiting Disney.

Known as the happiest place on Earth, the Disney theme parks in Anaheim delight and entertain children and adults alike. Disneyland is the perfect place to meet Mickey and friends plus other storybook characters while Disney California Adventure is more movie-based and has thrilling rides.

Apart from the rides, kids can meet their favorite movie characters, dress up like the princesses, eat a variety of Mickey shaped treats, and see parades and fireworks. Disney definitely lives up to its hype of a dream destination.

We recommend buying multi-day park tickets as they are worth the cost since the Disney theme parks offer a variety of excellent rides, attractions, shows, and events. Time spent at Disney with your family and loved ones is magical and a great way to create memories while visiting Los Angeles.

Hollywood sign

The Hollywood Sign is a famous American cultural icon situated on Mount Lee in Hollywood Hills. It is one of the most Instagram famous spots in Los Angeles.

This iconic sign has an interesting history: the 45-foot tall letters were put up in 1923 to advertise the residential real estate project named Hollywoodland. Since then the sign was changed to Hollywood and is now a permanent feature of the city.

To see the sign up close, you can hike the Brush Canyon Trail in Griffith Park. This 6.4 miles hike takes you directly behind the giant letters. Alternatively, you can also spot the sign from several vantage points in the city.

TCL Chinese Theatre

Previously known as Grauman’s Chinese Theater, this iconic building is one of Hollywood’s most memorable sites. Since it’s opening in 1927, it has represented the Golden Age of Hollywood.

The theater is a sought after venue for movie premieres. Securing a ticket to one of these is expensive and difficult but worth it – you can see celebrities walk the red carpet to the premiere.

We love visiting the theater to admire it’s architecture. The building has been declared a historic-cultural landmark in Los Angeles. The forecourt marked by the iconic red towers and the traditional turreted roof is a work of art. Several of the embellishments including the dragon, heaven dogs, and pagoda were imported directly from China.

You will also find handprints, signatures, and hand-written messages of several movie stars along the sidewalks in front of TCL Chinese Theatre.

The theatre also offers a VIP 30 min guided walking tours of the theater. On the tour you not only get to see the exhibits but can also see exhibits, hear stories about Tinseltown’s history, and get to be a part of the theater’s glamorous life.

Getty Museums

There are several places for art lovers in Los Angeles but few can compete with the trio of Getty Museums, the Broad, and the LACMA.

The Getty Museums are especially known for their extensive collection and beautiful architecture. Both the locations house the private collection of oil tycoon J. Paul Getty.

The Getty Center is located in the Santa Monica mountains and has a collection that is spread over 9 buildings. The building as well as the grounds are breathtaking. Inside the galleries, you will find works by Rembrandt and Van Gogh.

The Getty Villa is the Roman style villa in Malibu. It houses a variety of ancient Grecian and Roamn antiquities. The villa itself is magnificent and transports you straight back to first-century Rome. Admission to the Getty Villa is free, hence we recommend adding it to your Los Angeles bucket list.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

As the largest art museum in the western USA, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, also known as LACMA, is worthy of a visit. It comprises 7 large buildings and is stunning to visit. LACMA is located on Miracle Mile next to many other museums.

Its collections are simply vast and span from ancient antiquities to postmodern art. You will find galleries dedicated to Asian Art, Islamic Art, and Latin American Art. You will also see a variety of sculptures and mixed media artwork throughout the museum.

Of special interest is the Urban Lights installation. Created by artist Chris Burden, this sculpture is iconic of LACMA. This is also one of the most popular photo ops in Los Angeles, the vintage lamp posts provide a very fascinating background.

The museum is also home to the longest stretch of the original Berlin Wall outside of Germany. You can see them on Wilshire Blvd.

The Broad

Since its opening in the fall of 2015, the Broad has become the talk of the town. The art museum focuses on modern, contemporary, and post-war art and is a delight to visit. Entry to the Broad is free.

The museum building itself is beautiful with its honeycomb-like exterior facade that envelops the inner galleries. The design is based on veil and vault style. The architecture was purposely chosen to be in contrast to Frank Gehry’s Walt Disney Concert Hall, which is located adjacent to the museum.

The Broad houses over two thousand pieces of contemporary art by more than 200 artists. Visitors can enjoy beautiful artwork by prominent artists like Jean Michel Basquiat, Jeff Koons, and Kara Walker.

One of the striking features of the Broad is its emphasis on dramatic, larger than life art installations. These have made the Broad one of the trendiest places to visit in Los Angeles in recent times.

Walt Disney Concert Hall

While you are visiting the Broad, don’t forget to see the nearby Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Designed by Frank Gehry, the Walt Disney Concert Hall is the most iconic building in Downtown Los Angeles. Visitors love admiring and photographing the unique structure built in a deconstructivist style of architecture.

The striking curved stainless-steel shell looks even more beautiful at night. While attending a concert and enjoying the acoustics is one of the best ways to enjoy the Walt Disney Concert Hall, visitors can also take a free hour-long guided audio tour of the interior and exterior of the hall to enjoy this venue.

Miracle Mile Museums

Los Angeles is one of the best destinations in the country for cultural travelers. The city has plenty of museums from arts to history to cars and many of them are conveniently located close together on the Miracle Mile.

The stretch of Wilshire Boulevard between Western and Fairfax is known as the Museum Row because it is home to some of the city’s best museums. Here you will find LACMA, La Brea Tar Pits, Page Museum, Petersen Automotive Museum, and Craft Contemporary (formerly the Craft and Folk Art Museum).

We recommend walking on Miracle Mile and Museum Row even if you are not interested in entering the museums. Many of the museums have fantastic architecture and the area around Museum Square is excellent for people watching, dining, and checking out food trucks.

Petersen Automotive Museum

For those who love cars, a visit to the Petersen Automotive Museum is a must. The exterior of the museum was recently renovated and is appealing as its interior.

The museum collection spans from antique and vintage cars to futuristic vehicles. The museum narrates the history of the automobile industry through exhibits and galleries. You will also find cars that were featured in movies including the cars from Back to the Future.

Along with vintage cars, you can also see motorbikes and racing cars in the museum. The museum also has a special area for kids where they can learn how cars work and race with toy cars.

La Brea Tar Pits

Another kid-friendly attraction on the Museum Row is the La Brea Tar Pits. Located in Hancock Park, these are one of the most famous tar pits in the world.

Many of the Ice Age mammals got trapped in the tar, eventually died, and were excellently preserved in the form of fossils and skeletons. Research at the La Brea Tar Pits continues even today. Visitors can see Pit 91 up close while visiting the attraction.

The Page Museum located adjacent to the La Brea Tar Pits displays finds from the excavations. Amongst the collections, you can see fossils and skeletons of Columbian mammoths, ground sloth, bison, ancient horses, and other extinct animals.

The museum is also home to a fossil lab. Kids can observe the archeologists at work and learn more about the pits as well as the process of excavating bones and fossils.

Craft Contemporary

Craft Contemporary is one of the most underrated museums on Museum Row of the Miracle Mile. The museum focuses exclusively on crafts and is a great place to visit for craft enthusiasts.

This small museum does not have permanent collections but has many rotating exhibitions that focus on different crafts. The exhibits are beautiful, thought provoking, and innovative. The museum can be easily seen in under an hour.

The museum also offers several programs and classes for interested visitors.

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles county is the largest natural history museum on the West Coast. It is comparable to the American Museum of Natural History in New York or the Field Museum in Chicago.

The museum is located in the popular Exposition Park. The museum collection is housed in a beautiful Neoclassical style building that is also popular for its architecture. The building rotunda is especially beautiful.

The museum is especially popular with kids who love dinosaurs. The Dinosaur Hall is vast and contains skeletons of Triceratops Tyrannosaurus Rex, and other popular dinosaurs. Other collections include mammals, birds, gems and minerals.

The museum also includes the Butterfly Pavilion and nature garden. This is a beautiful outdoor space where you can watch colorful butterflies fly all around you.

California Science Center

Also located in Exposition Park, the California Science Center is a must visit for those who like hands-on STEM exhibits. Visiting the California Science Center is one of the best things to do in Los Angeles with kids of all ages.

The center has a variety of permanent exhibits displaying a diverse range of ecosystems including the desert, polar regions, and rainforests and is a great place to learn about the flora and fauna in each ecosystem.

You will find galleries dedicated to the human body systems and other biological processes like hatching of eggs, DNA, and more. Visitors can tour the Space Shuttle Endeavor in the aerospace gallery.

This is a great place to spend a few hours indoors with the kids while learning at the same time.

Travel Town Rails

If you are a train enthusiast, you would be surprised to know that Griffith Park has not just one but two awesome train museums. Travel Town is the more popular one while adjacent Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum is a hidden gem.

At Travel Town, you can see many vintage trains as well as railroad memorabilia. You can see rolling stock that once belonged to Santa Fe Railroad, Southern Pacific, etc. Many of these railroad lines contributed to the development of southern California. Entry to the museum is free making this a popular stop if you want to see LA on a budget.

Los Angeles Live Steamers is a miniature railroad museum. All models are working models and you can closely observe the mechanisms of steam engines, diesel locomotives, electric trains, track switches, signals, and scaled buildings. You can take a ride on a miniature model train around the park.

Autry Museum

Dedicated to the history of the American West, the Autry Museum is a fascinating place. The museum has two sites: one is located in Griffith Park while the other is in the historic Mount Washington neighborhood on Museum Drive.

The museum has many exhibits and galleries dedicated to the events, stories, and cultures of the American West. Themes include Art of the West, stories from the frontier, famous wars and battles, collections of guns and other weaponry, and the cowboy lifestyle.

In the art section you can see paintings of landscapes and people, textiles, sculptures, pottery, and more items that narrate the story of the American West.

This unique museum is a great place to visit for history buffs while in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Zoo

The Los Angeles Zoo, located in Griffith Park, is one of the popular zoos in the country and is an instant hit with the kids. You can easily spend two to three hours here and we recommend doing it together with other Griffith Park attractions.

The zoo has many animal exhibits and areas. Kids can see many animals including giraffes, elephants, tigers, gorillas, zebras, and lions. The zoo also has many birds as well as other amenities including cafes, souvenir stands etc.

The zoo is big and seeing all the animals involves a lot of walking however there are hop on hop off trams which you can use to get around the zoo. We highly recommend this if you have younger kids.

Rodeo Drive

Rodeo Drive of Beverly Hills is California’s most famous shopping district. Its name is synonymous with exclusivity and luxury.

This two-mile long street is lined with high-end and designer brands. Here you will find the likes of Gucci, Prada, Versace, Armani, and other reputed fashion houses.

Rodeo Drive is a shopper’s paradise but you need not have deep pockets to enjoy the area. Window-shopping is a fun way to explore this famous street. The area is also great for people watching, spotting stunning cars, and just having a fun day.

If you are lucky, you might even spot celebrities or models out shopping. Also on Rodeo Drive is the famous Beverly Hills sign – a must photo op while in Los Angeles.

Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Los Angeles and has the most gorgeous homes. Here you will find the villas and mansions of countless movie stars and TV personalities; some more iconic than the others.

The best way to see the celebrity homes is via a guided tour. That way you don’t have to worry about finding the homes and driving on your own. In addition to showing the homes, the tour guides also narrate anecdotes about famous celebrities in Hollywood and make the tour interesting in several ways.

A variety of Beverly Hills celebrity home tours exist. You can either opt for 2 hours long guided bus tours or a self guided bike tour of the area. The most popular homes on everybody’s list include those of Madonna, Frank Sinatra, Mia Farrow, Elvis, Micheal Jackson, and Walt Disney.

VIP tour of movie studios

For a splurge worthy Hollywood experience, consider a VIP tour of some of the most popular movie studios in the world. Los Angeles is home to several famous Hollywood studios including Paramount Pictures Studio, Sony, and Warner Bros. Studios.

Most of these studios are open to the public for VIP guided tours. The tours allow visitors to view famous movie sets, TV series sets, and sound stages. The VIP Tours while expensive give visitors an opportunity to get up close with their favorite movie sets and props.

Here’s a little information on how to choose a tour: At Warner Brothers, you can ride Harry Potter’s Broomstick and take a picture on the Friends set while at Sony you can know more about film history and see Spiderman set. At Paramount, you can see famous personalities in the backlot and see sound stages for famous films.

Madame Tussauds

If you love Hollywood and want to take a picture with a celebrity but do not want to splurge on VIP tour tickets, then the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in Hollywood is your best bet!

Located on Hollywood Boulevard, this three-story museum hosts around 125 wax figures of celebrities. Some of its featured celebs include Marilyn Monroe, Johnny Depp, Jim Carrey, Clint Eastwood, E.T., Spiderman, and King Kong.

Not only can you see the famous celebs in wax but also pose with them using props. The museum also has several interesting exhibits on how the figures are created including the special processes for creating eyes and hair.

Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica is one of the best places to visit while in Los Angeles. There are many things to do in this vibrant neighborhood but the main attractions are the beach and the pier.

Santa Monica Beach is one of the best beaches near Los Angeles. It is known for its beautiful, panoramic views. The sunsets here are especially gorgeous. The beach is pretty long, almost 3.5 miles, has soft sand and is great to take a romantic walk.

The Santa Monica Pier is home to the Pacific Park amusement park. It has over a dozen thrilling rides. The most famous is the solar powered Ferris wheel from where you get stunning views of the coastline.

The pier is also home to the West Coaster roller coaster, a carousel, aquarium, live street performances, and is great fun for the families. Besides these, Santa Monica also has an abundance of fine-dining restaurants and excellent night life.

Original Farmers Market

The Los Angeles Farmers Market is considered one of the best in the country. This historic market was started in 1934, during the Great Depression. Today, it has grown into a vast and sprawling market that accommodates a variety of sellers.

The Original Farmers Market is a great spot to look at and buy fresh produce. It also has a variety of specialty shops and eateries and is a great place to dine. You will also find baked goods and hot meals including seafood.

The market is also great to buy souvenirs, hand-made gifts, household items, toys, and jewelry. If you visit in the evenings, you can often find music, concerts, and other free entertainment.

The Grove

Adjacent to the Original Farmers Market, you will find one of Los Angeles’ best shopping destinations, the Grove. This shopping mecca is both stylish and impressive and always filled with people.

There are so many things to do at the Grove. Here you will find many famous brands, a variety of dining venues, movie theatre, and public areas. The Grove is also a perfect place to spot celebrities in Los Angeles.

Venice Beach

Venice Beach located near Santa Monica is one of LA’s most eclectic neighborhoods. It is bohemian, vibrant, and colorful. The vibe of Venice Beach is not for everyone however we definitely recommend visiting here to discover whether you love it.

The main attractions are the Venice Boardwalk, Muscle Beach, and the skatepark. Other things to do include boutique shopping, seeing the murals, trying out trendy coffee bars, and some of LA’s top food spots. You will find street performers, musicians, and artists throughout the neighborhood.

If the funky style of Venice does not interest you, then try exploring the often overlooked Venice canals. This area is calm and beautiful: here you will find the canals similar to those in Italy, arched bridges, and locals out for a stroll.

Battleship Iowa Museum

Battleship USS Iowa Museum in Los Angeles is a must visit for maritime and navy enthusiasts. Located near the waterfront at Long Beach, this is one of the most popular museums in the city.

USS Iowa is popularly called the ‘Battleship of the Presidents’ and has carried several US Presidents across the Atlantic during wartimes. Visitors can tour the large battleship and marvel at its giant guns, President Roosevelt’s cabin, missile decks, and other areas.

The tour takes about an hour or two and is very informative and interesting. Older kids, especially preteens and teenagers, love visiting this museum and seeing the historic battleship.

Runyon Canyon Park

Located in the eastern Santa Monica Mountains, Runyon Canyon Park is a great place to visit for those who love being outdoors. The park has many hiking trails and is a great place to have a relaxing picnic.

In spite of being located just a few blocks away from the bustling Hollywood Boulevard, Runyon Canyon Park is quiet and calming. It offers beautiful views of San Fernando Valley, Pacific Ocean, the Hollywood Sign, and Griffith Observatory.

This urban park is easily accessible from the city and with its many amenities and play areas is an excellent spot for families. Old mansions and estates that are scattered throughout the park provide an old Hollywood charm to the park.

Zuma beach and Malibu

If you have a little extra time in Los Angeles, then consider a day trip along the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu. This charming city is known for its picturesque coastline, grand mansions, and the world-class surfing.

Zuma beach in Malibu is one of the largest and most popular beaches in Los Angeles. The beach is popular for its big breaks and is a popular surfing spot. You can either watch the surfers in action or try your luck by bringing along a surfboard. You can also take a surfing lesson in Malibu.

Malibu is also an excellent spot near Los Angeles to watch out for marine life. You can see dolphins, whales, and sea lions on an excursion into the ocean.

Six Flags

If you haven’t had your fill of amusement parks and want to sit on one more roller coaster and scream one more time, then consider spending a day at Six Flags Magic Mountain Theme Park. The amusement park is located in Santa Clarita, north of Los Angeles.

The park has over 19 thrilling roller coasters and is a must for those who love the adrenaline rush. We definitely recommend Six Flags over Disney parks for teenagers and older kids.

Besides the attractions we listed above, there are many other things to do in Los Angeles. With its bevy of beautiful beaches, mountain ranges, a wide range of museums, outdoor spaces, and other tourist attractions, Los Angeles is definitely one of the best cities to visit on the West Coast.

Things to do in San Diego, California

Kay S — Tue, 10 Nov 2020 15:42:56 +0000

San Diego is the eighth-largest city in the United States and boasts of a population of 1.3 million. The city area consists of many charming neighborhoods and communities including La Jolla, Little Italy, Gaslamp Quarter, La Mesa to name a few. San Diego is famous for its year-round mild climate, untouched pristine beaches, and a host of family attractions that attract visitors of all ages. Tourists to San Diego are spoiled for choice as the city promises a memorable vacation experience for everyone.

Best Things to do in San Diego

San Diego was historically a part of the Spanish possessions. It is greatly influenced by Mexico which is reflective in its cuisine, way of living, museums, and monuments. The city has many breathtaking architectural marvels. Visitors can smell the lilies and lotuses in the Botanical house in Balboa Park or go searching for seals and sea lions at the La Jolla Shores. You can indulge in the comfort of a California Burrito followed by a stroll in the quaint neighborhood of Little Italy. San Diego has something to offer for everyone.

Balboa Park

This 1,200-acre urban park is the epicenter of San Diego’s tourist attractions. There is a distinct charm to it. Balboa Park has a world-class zoo, beautifully landscaped areas for family picnics and people watching, and historic museums designed in the Spanish Revival style of architecture. Kids especially love visiting the San Diego Zoo. They can see rare and endangered species of animals in their naturalized enclosures including giant pandas, leopards, zebras, arctic fox, mole rats, and even polar bears. Kids also enjoy hopping onto the three minute Balboa park miniature Railroad for a fun trip across the park. There are many museums for cultural tourists in the park including the Natural history museum, San Diego Air & Space Museum, Art Institute, etc. Visitors can also take a stroll in the Spanish village art center located near the zoo. The Botanical Building and Lily Pond is a must for garden lovers. Balboa Park has multiple gardens and contains over 2,100 individual plants. It looks beautiful in spring and is one of the best places to see spring blossoms in southern California.

Gaslamp Quarter

San Diego’s Historic Gaslamp Quarter houses 94 historic buildings in a 16 block area. The best way to explore the Gaslamp Quarter is on foot. You can see heritage buildings in Victorian architecture and museums that narrate the area’s history. One of the popular photo ops is the Gaslamp Quarter Arched Sign located on Fifth Avenue. Installed in 1990, this sign has become an icon of the area. The quarter is a great place for foodies and those in search of nightlife. Inside the quarter, you will find an array of over 100 sidewalk restaurants, craft breweries, cocktail bars, dive bars, and rooftop lounges. to let you meld in the charm of San Diego nightlife. Many events are held at the Gaslamp Quarter year round including the Comic-con which is held in July, the Mardi Gras parade on Fat Tuesday, and St Patrick’s day festivities in March.

The Embarcadero

San Diego’s walkable waterfront harbor is dotted with boutique stores, souvenir shops, and eateries. The Embarcadero overlooks Coronado Island and the San Diego bay. This is a great place for people watching or for whale watching in the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can rent boats or go on whale-watching cruises across the harbor. Kids of all ages love the Embarcadero. They can have a fun time splashing in the interactive fountains at the Waterpark or play at one of the play areas. The Embarcadero is home to the San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival while the San Diego orchestra often plays concerts here from late June to the beginning of September.

USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum

San Diego’s Embarcadero is home to the longest-serving aircraft carrier in the world, the USS Midway. The aircraft carrier has been permanently moored here since 2004 and is open to visitors. The USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum is the largest museum of its kind in the country. It is dedicated to aircraft carriers and the naval aviation history of the US. Visitors can opt for a self-guided audio tour of this gigantic vessel. During the visit, they can see over 30 restored aircraft including 8 propeller planes, 8 helicopters, and 14 jet planes. Visitors can also have many hands-on experiences at the museum including testing the stimulators, climbing into the cockpit, and watching videos about the aircraft carriers’ history.

San Diego Zoo

Located in the famous Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo is a must-visit if you are visiting the West Coast with kids. This is a world-famous zoo and has served as teh model for modern zoos the world over. In its innovative natural habitats, you can see a variety of animals and birds including giant pandas, elephants, tigers, polar bears, and California condors. There are many other things to do in San Diego Zoo apart from seeing the animals. Families can ride the aerial tram to see the zoo from above or visit the Children’s Zoo to pet animals. You ideally need half a day to see the zoo completely.

San Diego Harbor & Whale Watching Cruises

All along the Pacific Coast Highway road trip, you can have beautiful and memorable animal encounters. One of the best places to go for a whale-watching cruise along the West Coast is the San Diego harbor. Along with whales, you can spot pelicans, herons, as well as sea lions. Visitors can also go on a 1-hour cruise around the San Diego bay. On the cruise, you can see over 50 local landmarks – including the San Diego Coronado bridge – and some of the ships themselves are those popularized by movies and pop culture. The experienced cruise guides entertain and educate visitors about San Diego’s history and narrate anecdotes about the navy. The cruise along the deep blue water of the Pacific Ocean is a great refreshing and relaxing experience for all visitors.

Seaport Village

The waterfront mall of Seaport Village is an actual little village! It is full of restaurants like Pier Cafe and Edgewater Grill where you can taste fresh seafood and delectable regional cuisine. The Seaport Village is located very close to Downtown – just a little south of the Embarcadero. As a result, you can easily see the Downtown, Embarcadero, and the Seaport Village in a single day. Visitors can explore the narrow lanes and alleys to see historic buildings in a variety of architectural styles from the Spanish Adobe style to Victorian architecture. Seaport Village is especially vibrant on the weekends. Stores and markets are open everywhere and tourists can pick up unique souvenirs like hand-painted tiles, San Diego mugs, or even listen to live music and bands on summer weekends. Seaport Village is also home to a historic carousel, located just off the parking lot off Pacific Coast Highway. Kids of all ages can ride on the beautiful carousel which was hand-carved in 1895.

Mission Beach

Visitors to San Diego love the famous 2-mile long resort community of Mission Beach. This beachfront neighborhood town is a peninsula with the Mission Bay on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other side. It has a long boardwalk which is perfect for a stroll. Mission Beach has many rental shops where you can get kayaks, paddleboards, jet skis, and bike rentals. Belmont Park is a classic boardwalk amusement park with exciting rides such as the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, bumper cars, arcade games, rock climbing, miniature golf, and the Beach House Grill – a great restaurant. Visitors can indulge in a host of activities like biking, beach volleyball, surfing, whale watching, sport fishing, and scuba diving. Mission Beach also has surfing lessons for people of all ages.

Belmont Park

As mentioned before, Belmont Park in Mission Beach is a great place to take the kids while in San Diego. This beachfront amusement park has twelve rides, three oceanfront eateries, a mini-golf course, and smaller attractions like arcade games that will keep the kids busy for an entire day. One of the highlights of Belmont Park is the wooden roller coaster, the Giant Dipper. Other thrilling rides such as Control Freak, Beach Blaster, and bumper cars are a hit with preteens and teens. The best part is that Belmont Park has free parking and admission; you just pay for the rides you sit on.

Old Town State Historic Park

The Old Town State Historic Park in San Diego has many carefully preserved structures and historic buildings dating from the 19th century. The park commemorates the early days of San Diego and its Mexican heritage. Located in the Old Town neighborhood, you can see adobe structures, colonial buildings, and schoolhouses at the park. Along with buildings, this historic district is home to authentic handicrafts and delicious Mexican cuisine. Visitors can listen to Mariachi bands, attend street performances, and participate in cultural festivals like Cinco De Mayo, Dia de Los Muertos. December is a great time to visit Old Town, you can see holiday lights as well as parades. Other attractions include the Visitor Center in Robinson-Rose house, the Seeley Stable and Livery which has horse-drawn carriages, wagons, and liveries, and the Colorado House which houses the Wells Fargo museum. The museum is open from 10 am to 4 pm from Monday to Friday. Free street parking is available near Old Town.

Cabrillo National Monument

Located at the southern tip of the Point Loma peninsula, the Cabrillo National Monument is a must-visit attraction while in San Diego. It was here that Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s expedition landed in the San Diego Bay on 28th September 1542. This was the first European expedition to reach the West Coast of the country. Cabrillo named the bay San Miguel which was later renamed to San Diego. At the monument, visitors can see a replica of the original statue of Cabrillo donated by the Portuguese government. The Visitor Center has movie shows and exhibits relating to Cabrillo’s voyage across the Pacific Ocean to the coast of California. Other things to see include the old coastal batteries and Old Point Loma lighthouse which has been converted into a museum. From the park, you can see exceptional views of the San Diego skyline, the bay, Coronado Islands, and even Tijuana in Mexico.

Old Point Loma Lighthouse

Located inside Cabrillo National Monument, the Old Point Loma Lighthouse is a historically significant building and deserves a special mention. The lighthouse is one of San Diego’s oldest monuments. It was built in 1855. It served as a beacon for ships navigating the waters of San Diego Bay. The lighthouse was in commission for a short period after which it was deactivated when the new lighthouse was built closer to the shore. The lighthouse complex was converted into a tourist attraction and opened to the public in the 1930s. It is now a prominent landmark in the city. On a tour of the lighthouse, you can see the keeper’s living quarters, logbooks, service equipment, turning mechanism, and the original Fresnel lens.

Sunset Cliffs National Park

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is a 68-acre park along the Pacific Ocean in San Diego. The park has expansive ocean views, coastal cliff formations, sea caves and arches, and coastal sage habitat. The extensive and rugged coastline is popular with surfers and beachcombers. The park is one of the most popular places in San Diego to enjoy breathtaking sunset views along the Pacific. Visitors can also see gray whale migrations along the coast. The park also has many hiking trails and connects with Point Loma Ecological Reserve.

Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala

This historic church was the first Franciscan Mission in the Spanish territories. It was founded in 1769 and is a national historic landmark. The current mission church was restored in 1931 and largely stands as a revamped model of the old structure. On a visit to the mission, visitors can see the bell tower with 5 bells, a baptistery arch, original sidewalks, and wooden lintels above the doorways. One of the mission bells has been preserved in its original condition and dates back to 1802. A small onsite museum displays artifacts and information from colonial times. The mission garden is home to California’s first European cemetery and has hibiscus, succulents, olives, and avocado trees.

San Diego Museum of Art

At the San Diego Museum of Art, visitors can see beautiful artwork from Spanish and Italian Old Masters, South Asian paintings, and American paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum collection is nationally renowned and the museum receives hundreds of visitors every day. The museum also hosts many cultural and educational programs for children and adults including Culture and Cocktails, Film in the Garden, and Art After Hours. The museum is a must-visit for art patrons.

Little Italy

Little Italy is one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in San Diego. It is very walkable and has many attractions including a thriving food scene. Visitors can try unique dishes such as stuffed artichokes, fava bean spread, and fish tacos in Little Italy. This part of downtown San Diego has a rich history. It was settled by Italian and Portuguese immigrants and has roots in the tuna fishing industry that once flourished here. The neighborhood has art galleries, furniture, and design stores, restaurants, breweries, wineries, and cafes. The small, beautiful Amici Park is a great place to go for a stroll while in Little Italy.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a coastal state park located in La Jolla. The park consists of over 2,000 acres of the Pacific coastline north of La Jolla, The reserve is located on a plateau and has several high cliffs and coastal bluffs. From the park, visitors are treated to stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. This park is home to the rare and endangered Torrey Pine trees which are found only in certain parts of the California coastline. The park also has a lot of wildlife including bobcats, foxes, rabbits, and more. You can also spot grey and blue whales during the migration season. Must visit attractions at the park include the Pueblo-style Visitor Centre and the beach hiking trails.

La Jolla Cove

La Jolla Cove perhaps has the best beach in San Diego. This beautiful attraction has seaside coves, sunning sea lions, gorgeous sunset views, and soft pale sand. The beach is lined by palm trees and the clear water is a beautiful turquoise. The low surf and shallow gradient make this beach especially popular among families. There are plenty of adventure and ocean activities at La Jolla Cove. Visitors can go sea kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving. At night, La Jolla is alive with beach bonfires and parties. There are also several restaurants along the La Jolla shores. Other activities include going on a coastal walk, exploring the tide pools, checking out the murals, and touring the historic district.

Coronado Island

Coronado Island is located in the San Diego Bay a ferry ride away from downtown San Diego. This resort city is a popular city escape for visitors to San Diego. The historic Hotel del Coronado has beautiful wooden Victorian architecture and is worth a look. You can take a stroll on the Old Ferry landing and people watch. You can also relax by the waterfront or build a sandcastle at the beach with the kids. You can eat fresh seafood and authentic California cuisine on the island. Coronado Island also has many specialty shops, art galleries, a Farmer’s Market, and the popular Coronado Museum of History and Art. The island is a perfect day trip from downtown San Diego.

Legoland California

Legoland California theme park located in nearby Carlsbad is a must-visit when in San Diego with kids. The theme park has over 60 rides and attractions that keep children of all ages happy and engaged. The theme park also has a water park for hot and sunny days. The theme park is a perfect place for Lego fans. Kids can see everything shaped and built like Lego bricks. Kids can drive actual lego cars and play in Lego play areas. Plan an entire day for the theme park as there are lots of things to do and the expensive entry ticket deserves a full day’s worth of time.

SeaWorld San Diego

SeaWorld San Diego is a must-visit amusement park for those who love wildlife and marine life. Kids and adults alike will be mesmerized by seeing the many animals in their natural habitats. The theme park has many learning opportunities. Kids can know more about the different animal habitats, dietary requirements of animals, scientific classification, and more. Visitors can spot sharks, stingrays, penguins, dolphins, and otters in the oceanarium and marine mammal park. The theme park has many shows including Orca encounters and sea lion shows. SeaWorld San Diego also houses rescued animals and provides them with a safe place to stay. Along with animal exhibits and interactions, SeaWorld also has thrilling rides and roller coasters for kids.

San Diego Air & Space Museum

Balboa Park has many museums but the San Diego Air & Space Museum is particularly interesting to many visitors. The museum outlines the evolution of human flight and displays many rare artifacts and models. Visitors can see reproductions of the Wright Brothers gliders, North American rocket planes, rocket engines, flight simulators, and Boeing satellites. The museum has a dedicated play area for kids and a 3D/4D movie theatre where visitors can watch shows like the Legend of Apollo. The museum is a must-visit for aviation and space enthusiasts.

Things to do in San Francisco, California

Kay S — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 23:03:41 +0000

The city of San Francisco on the West Coast is one of the most densely populated cities in the United States of America. Located in Northern California, San Francisco is one of the best destinations to visit on a Pacific Coast Highway road trip. It lies at the edge of the San Francisco Bay Area Peninsula and has the Pacific Ocean to its west and the San Francisco Bay to its East. What that means is that there are plenty of beaches, marine life, cruises, and water sports around the city.

The city is considered to be a popular destination for tourists. It has many attractive landmarks and fun things to do including the world famous Golden Gate Bridge. Other popular tourist attractions in San Francisco are Alcatraz Island, Golden Gate Park, Union Square, PIER 39, Chinatown, Lombard Street, and Muir Woods National Monument. San Francisco has a mild climate year around which makes it a great winter destination for northerners. The city is often enveloped by a dense fog in summer creating beautiful photo opportunities.

Best Things to do in San Francisco

San Francisco is a fun and vibrant city. It has great cultural diversity and is the financial hub of the region. The city is the thirteenth most populated city in the United States. It is famous for its cuisine including gourmet restaurants run by some of the finest chefs in the world. There are a lot of places to visit in San Francisco and many activities to do for travelers of all ages and interests. Let us take a look at the best things to do in the city.

Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is a modern architectural wonder that was opened to traffic in 1937. For many years since its completion, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. The bridge is made up of steel and is 1.7 miles long. It has six lanes for traffic as well as dedicated pedestrian and bike lanes. The bridge spans over the San Francisco Bay and connects the San Francisco City with Marin County. This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. The Pacific Coast Highway or Route 1 passes over the bridge, making it one of the best places to stop on a Pacific Coast Highway road trip. There are many places from where you can see amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge and photograph the icon. If you want to take a memorable panoramic shot, the Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point is the best place to do it. The Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point is situated on a high hill near the south end of the bridge. From here, you can also see the entire city of San Francisco in the background.

Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island is a rocky land that lies in the middle of San Francisco Bay. It is located about 1.5 miles away from the shore of the city. The island has an interesting history – back in time between 1933 and 1963 it served as a military and federal prison. The prison housed many famous inmates including Al Capone. The prison was however closed due to high operational expenses and was handed over to National Park Services in 1972. Since then the Alcatraz Island has become a popular tourist attraction in the city. On a cruise to Alcatraz Island, visitors can enjoy an audio tour of the island’s history. They can visit the prison cells and listen to information narrated by correctional officers. The trip to the island is quite informative and an interesting part of San Francisco’s history. Moreover, the views of San Francisco bay from the island and during the cruise are breathtaking.

Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is the city’s must-see tourist attraction. Located near the waterfront, this area is crowded most times of the day. At the Fisherman’s Wharf, you will find some of the most famous restaurants in the city. They offer a variety of fine dining experiences where tourists can satisfy their taste buds. There are outdoor stalls that sell fresh crabs and plenty of restaurants that offer fresh seafood including catch of the day. In addition to the restaurants, the Fisherman’s Wharf has many fun things to do for kids as well as families including the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, San Francisco Dungeon – which offers a thrilling adventure into the city’s past, and the San Francisco Aquarium of the Bay. History and military enthusiasts can visit the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park and Maritime Museum. The Fisherman’s Wharf is also great for people watching and spending time along the waterfront.

San Francisco Cable Cars

San Francisco has the last manually operated cable car system in the world presently. Back in its golden days, the city’s cable car system had twenty-three cable car lines that went up and down the city’s steep hills but now only three routes are left. To witness the real San Francisco city charm, you must hop on its popular cable cars. Tourists mostly occupy travel along the Powell Hyde cable car line which stops along many popular attractions such as the Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghirardelli Square, Lombard Street, Chinatown, etc. As the cable car goes down Russian Hill, you get beautiful views of the San Francisco bay and Alcatraz Island. More than 9 million people ride the city’s cable cars every year. The cable cars run across the streets of San Francisco, exposing the city’s vibrant street culture to tourists.

Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park is one of the main tourist attractions in the city. This urban park is one of the largest in the country and offers a variety of experiences for tourists. The park has trails, picnic areas, sports areas, playgrounds for kids, gardens, museums, and many more attractions. Visitors can easily take an entire day just to explore the entire park. That’s why, you should decide which attractions you want to visit first. It is convenient to plan an entire day in the park neighborhood to optimize your time. One of the highlights of the Golden Gate Park is the beautiful Japanese Tea Garden that is spread out over five acres. The garden has cherry trees, bamboo-lined pathways, a tea house, and many other features of Japanese gardens. Other attractions include the San Francisco Botanical Garden, Rose Garden, de Young Museum, and the California Academy of Sciences.

Chinatown

San Francisco’s Chinatown is the largest in the country. San Francisco Chinatown is a star tourist attraction in its own right. It is home to one of the largest Asian communities outside of Asia. This neighborhood is one of the oldest in North America and was established when Chinese immigrants moved to the USA and settled in San Francisco to try their fortune. The Chinatown was destroyed in the fire that spread over the entire city and was rebuilt in the Oriental style of architecture to create a lasting tourist attraction. The best way to explore this part of the city is by just strolling through the streets, experiencing the culture, shopping in traditional produce markets and souvenir shops, seeing the historic buildings, spotting murals, and eating dim sums as well as other traditional Chinese cuisine,

California Palace of the Legion of Honor

The California Palace of Legion of Honor is located at 34th Avenue in Lincoln Park. It was built in the memory of Californian Soldiers who died in World War I. The building is a replica of the Palace of the Legion of Honor in Paris, France. The beautiful building is located on a hilltop overlooking the San Francisco Bay and has great views of the Golden Gate Bridge. The museum collection has exhibits spanning over 400 decades of ancient European paintings, European decorative arts and sculptures, calligraphy, photography, and ancient arts from the Mediterranean region. Since its opening, the museum draws over thousands of visitors to see its permanent collection and special exhibitions.

Palace of Fine Arts

The Palace of Fine Arts is one of the most beautiful buildings in San Francisco. This historic building in San Francisco is on the United States National Register of Historic Places. It is a landmark of the city and a major tourist attraction. The building was first created for the Panama-Pacific exposition and then permanently rebuilt in 1974. It has a Grecian style of architecture with tall columns and a central rotunda. The building hosts exhibitions and concerts. The building is one of the most popular photo spots in San Francisco. The shallow lagoon surrounding the palace provides habitat to many birds like ducks, swan, and geese.

California Academy of Sciences

California Academy of Sciences, located in Golden Gate Park, is one of the premier science museums in the country. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city and is a perfect place to bring the children while on a Pacific Coast Highway road trip. The museum has many galleries, exhibits, and fun activities such as a planetarium, an aquarium, a rainforest exhibit, and a natural history museum. The aquarium is home to around forty thousand marine animals including penguin habitat, albino alligators living in a swamp, and a shark lagoon.

The rainforest exhibit is home to over thousands of tropical animals, reptiles, and amphibians. The Planetarium has many interesting exhibits and a seventy-five feet screen where you can see daily shows.

Presidio of San Francisco

Another landmark attraction of the city is the Presidio of San Francisco. It previously served as a military base but is now a park. It lies at the northern edge of the San Francisco Peninsula and under the Golden Gate Bridge. During colonial times, the Spanish and the Mexicans owned the area before the ownership was handed over to the United States of America in 1948. Fort Point, Crissy Fields, Walt Disney Family Museum, Golden Gate Welcome Center are some of the highlights of the Presidio. The area has many viewpoints over the Golden Gate Bridge and the city skyline. The park is a recognized California Historical Landmark and has many visitors.

De Young Fine Arts Museum

De Young Fine Arts Museum is located in the Golden Gate Park, and it is the United States’ fifth most visited art museum. The museum consists of art collections from the seventeenth century to the present date. It is home to one of the most extensive collections of American decorative arts, African artworks, over thirteen thousand fabrics and costumes of the Americas and Oceania, as well as a unique collection of nineteenth and twentieth-century photography. De Young Fine Arts Museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, tours, special events, and learning programs for children.

Twin Peaks

For a stunning view of San Francisco, visit the Twin Peaks. Twin Peaks Natural Recreation Area is one of the most visited attractions in San Francisco. The peaks rise to a height of nine hundred and twenty-two feet above the ground, making it the second-highest point in the city. The area is especially popular with outdoor enthusiasts as it has hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities. From the Christmas Tree viewpoint, visitors can have breathtaking views of the city skyline, the Golden Gate bridge, and the Bay area bridge. The view from the Twin Peaks at night is also stunning.

Asian Arts Museum

The Asian Arts Museum in San Francisco has a vast collection of ancient artwork from all over the continent. The collection spans artifacts from ancient cultures in India, Japan, Thailand, Pakistan, China, Philippines, and the Middle East. Items date back as far as the past 60 centuries. Many temporary exhibitions are also held by the museum. In addition to preserving the Asian history, the museum also conducts educational programs for visitors of all ages including performances, storytelling, activities for kids, and artistic demonstrations. Cafe Asia located inside the museum is a good place to grab lunch.

Union Square

Union Square is a must-visit attraction in the heart of San Francisco. In Union Square, visitors will find a bevy of high-end brands outlets, gourmet restaurants, luxury boutique hotels, cafes, art galleries, and boutique stores. Union Square also has great nightlife, summer concerts, and many other events. During the holiday season, Union Square is home to San Francisco’s ice rink. The Union Square is also a great place to stay near the most happening attractions in San Francisco.

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Golden Gate National Recreation Area is spread over an area of 81,000 acres. With several miles of hiking and biking trails, it is a favorite with outdoor explorers. The most popular attractions within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area include Alcatraz Island, Muir Woods National Monument, Fort Point National Historic Site, the Presidio of San Francisco, and the Marin Headlands. The natural area has a history of use spanning over two centuries. It is associated with the Spanish empire, the Mexican Republic, and ultimately with the growth of the urban city of San Francisco. The area still contains 11 former Army posts of historic importance. Muir Woods is the closest place where visitors can see the famous California coastal redwood trees.

Ghirardelli Square

San Francisco’s Ghirardelli Square has tons of interesting history. It was where the Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory was originally established by Domenico Ghirardelli. The factory has long since moved to a new location but Ghirardelli Square continues to be associated with the epic chocolatier. In the square, visitors can buy Ghirardelli chocolates and eat Ghirardelli ice cream at the Original Ghirardelli Marketplace. In addition to the chocolate store, Ghirardelli Square now houses many brand stores, boutique shops, tasting rooms, hotels, and restaurants.

Lombard Street

Lombard Street has the reputation of being the most crooked street in the world. It has eight hairpin turns that are extremely fun to drive down on – they will remind you of a roller coaster ride! Taking a stroll along Lombard street is a delight. It is a beautiful and charming street with Victorian mansions present on its sides. The mansions are maintained very well with pretty, colorful flowers lining the window sills and pathways. The street is great to explore for tourists – it has plenty of opportunities for taking pictures. Lombard Street is mostly busy throughout the day, though you can probably see it without people early in the morning. The street is easily reachable by the Powell Hyde cable car line. The cable car stops at the top of the hill from where you can see the street from above.

Mission District

San Francisco’s Mission District is the best place to experience Latin American culture in the city. The Mission District has many claims to glory. This is the area where the famous Mission-style burrito was introduced to the world. Today, visitors frequent taquerias to try the large burrito. Mission District also has many pubs and cafes and is a great nightlife hotspot in the city. Other things to do in Mission District include the murals of Balmy Alley and the Mission Dolores which is the oldest building in San Francisco. The Mission District is a great alternative to the city’s busy tourist’s attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf.

Ferry Building Marketplace

Ferry Building Marketplace should be at the top of the bucket list for most visitors when visiting San Francisco. The building has many highlights: it was the arrival point for many visitors to the city in the 19th century. The building has excellent architecture and its clock tower is a famous landmark of the city. The building looks equally beautiful from the water. However, the Ferry Building Marketplace is also home to the city;s best food halls. It has a variety of food stalls, eateries, grocery stores, small restaurants, and cafes and is a must visit for foodies. At the Ferry Building Marketplace, you can find all types of foods and Bay area staples like seafood, fish and chips, freshly shucked oysters, gourmet coffee, Japanese food, artisan cheeses, dairy products, and spices as well as nuts. Tourists are attracted by the number of food stalls, food diversity and the quality of food at the marketplace. This is a great place to have lunch or dinner near the San Francisco Embarcadero.

Coit Tower

Coit Tower is located in Pioneer Park in the Telegraph Hill neighborhood. The tower is 210 foot tall and rises over the peak of Telegraph Hill. Coit Tower is an iconic landmark of San Francisco and is designated on the National Register of Historic Places. The Coit Tower is a significant landmark of the San Francisco skyline but remains a relatively hidden gem since very few tourists visit it. Coit Tower was completed in 1933. The shape of Coit Tower resembles a fire hose nozzle and it is dedicated to volunteer firefighters who died defending the city from major fires. The tower is built in Art Deco style of architecture and is beautiful inside out. Inside the tower, visitors can see murals in Social Realism style that were painted by 25 artists in 1934. The murals are beautiful and the tower is like a free art gallery. The top of the Coit Tower has 360 degree panoramic views of the city and visitors can see most major landmarks including Lombard Street, Ferry Building, etc from above.

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art was the first museum of its kind in San Francisco city. It was the first museum dedicated to the display and preservation of modern art on the entire West Coast. The museum was founded in 1935 and has been serving the community for more than eighty years. The museum was initially located at the War Memorial Veterans Building before moving to its current Downtown location. More than twenty-nine thousand pieces of works of art are displayed in the museum. The exhibits range from paintings and sculptures to photographs and modern architectural features. The museum’s rooftop garden has many stunning sculptures and a great view of the San Francisco skyline. The museum is a must visit for art enthusiasts.

Exploratorium

The Exploratorium is a museum of science, technology, and arts. It is located on the Embarcadero at Pier 15. Entering the Exploratorium enables us to participate in hands-on scientific experiments and discover many facets of life. It has many galleries based on human behavior, body systems, physics, etc. At the exploratorium, you can see unique exhibits such as what would the world be if it were colorless or allows us to play simulated games based on memory, perception, and emotions. It is one of the best places in San Francisco for kids of all ages. The six galleries offer a variety of interactive exhibits and you can easily spend half a day at the attraction. It is one of the best places to stop while on a Pacific Coast Highway road trip with kids.

Things to do in Half Moon Bay, California

Kay S — Mon, 26 Oct 2020 21:58:03 +0000

For the common surfer and beach goer, Half Moon Bay has all the flavors and excitement of a California beach town without the hectic nature of some of the state’s larger cities.

Come here to listen to the intense crash of the Maverick waves as you sip local wine and feel the Pacific winds dancing through strands in your hair. Unbeatable. Don’t forget to sample awesome seafood while you’re relaxing on the beaches.

Conveniently located just south of San Francisco on the central coast of California, the city of Half Moon Bay is easy to reach no matter where your journey begins. It is the ideal destination for anyone that wants to see a classic California beach town without too many crowds, expenses, or chaos.

Things to do in Half Moon Bay

Like any beach town, you can expect the sand and the surf to be the most popular attractions in Half Moon Bay. The city has lovely oceanfront views, more than five beaches, excellent restaurants for dining in and eating out, great hikes, and even some pretty galleries and historical landmarks.

For thrill-seekers, try your luck at surfing the Maverick waves. For the faint of heart, just take up a spot on the beach under a shady umbrella and enjoy the laid back vibe. Half Moon Bay has a variety of activities to offer people of all interests and walks of life. But, if you want a more detailed list of activities, take a look at our recommended activities below before you pack your bags.

Historic Main Street

Like a lot of small-town America, Half Moon Bay’s cultural heart can be found on its Historic Mainstreet. The street bisects almost the entire downtown area of the city and is famous for its boutiques, galleries, restaurants, antique stores, and book stores.

Take a stop at Cunha’s Country Store for all your grocery needs, and to buy a Half Moon sweater. Other great spots for souvenirs are Token’s (a local gift shop) and Cottage Industries (a handcrafted furniture store). For eating try Moonside Bakery & Cafe for some good American breakfast, or Sacrilege Brewery + Kitchen to sample a local microbrew along with a hearty California meal.

Finally, visit Coastside Land Trust to know the local coastal conservation efforts or Coastal Repertory Theatre to experience the local art and culture. Keep in mind these are just some of the things that Mainstreet has to offer. Half the fun is in exploring it yourself to learn about the various attractions and feel the local vibe.

Pillar Point Harbor

Just north of Half Moon Bay is a fantastic marina where you can see fishing boats and pleasure crafts go in and out of the Pacific. Pillar Point Harbor somehow always reminds us of coastal New England with its quaint boutiques, small shacks and eateries, and lots of boats.

At the Pillar Point Harbor, you can charter a boat and take a tour of the coast or just walk along the pier and take pictures at sunset. When you finish for the day make sure to try some of the great seafood options they have there including Princeton Seafood Co. and Barbara’s Fishtrap.

Half Moon Bay Coastside History Museum

In this fun little encapsulation of time, you can experience life on the old frontier. The half Moon Bay Coastside History Museum is divided into two sections: the old city jail and the Johnston Barn.

The Jail Museum is a very small building but holds a lot of historical exhibits and artifacts. The building was built in 1911 and has just a couple of small cells. It was mainly used to hold disruptive saloon patrons. You can visit the former cells and see the small museum.

The Johnston Farm is located right behind the Old Jail. This building is currently being converted into a larger museum. Inside, you will be able to take a look at more artifacts from that era. The museum is open only on the weekends from 10 am to 4 pm.

Sam’s Chowder House

Are you familiar with chowder? This chunky, creamy soup is famous in the United States for its hearty taste and delicious flavor. While chowder is primarily a New England specialty, teh Pacific Coast has mastered its own version of this coastal delicacy.

While in Half Moon Bay, take a trip over to Sam’s Chowder House to try some of the best chowder money can buy along the West Coast. Specializing in seafood, Sam’s has received multiple awards including “Best Seafood in the Bay Area,” “Top Three Outdoor Dining Spots in the Bay Area,” and “Best Sandwiches in America.”

Along with the chowder soup, this eatery is also popular for other seafood dishes. Their lobster rolls were even featured on an episode of NBC’s The Today Show. Couple that with a high rating on many food review sites and this is one of the most decorated restaurants in all of Half Moon Bay.

Bay Art Glass

Ever wonder how glassblowers get their art to take such intricate and beautiful shapes? Are you a fan of blown glass and want to see what California has to offer in this field? Well, Bay Art Glass is the perfect place for the connoisseur and the curious participant to enjoy this mesmerizing medium of art.

The Bay Art Class has both an art gallery and classes. So, if your trip is a little bit longer then feel free to sign up for a class and learn how to blow glass from experts. Or, take a look at the gallery and purchase an awesome souvenir from hand blown glass.

Half Moon Bay Distillery

Need a little liquor to lighten the mood? This awesome local distillery makes some of the finest vodka and gin that central California has to offer. With a location just a block away from the beach, the distillery makes a great place to stop by before or after dinner. The Distillery offers tastings as well as commercial sales, so you can sample anything you like before you decide to buy.

Half Moon Bay State Beach

This four miles of sandy beach encompasses the main coastal area in Half Moon Bay. The beaches, Francis, Venice, and Miramar all have the golden sand and cloud-swept skies affiliated with this region. However, the beaches also offer a number of activities including surfing, fishing, and sunbathing. There are multiple hiking trails that go through the park including the Coastside trail which straddles the eastern boundary of the beaches and extends for almost three miles. On Francis beach, you can find a campground with 52 original sites and Venice is where the toilets and showers are located. You can also visit Friendly Acres Ranch for a horseback ride along the sand.

Surfing at Mavericks Beach

Are you an experienced surfer looking for a challenge? Or maybe you’re just curious about the sport and want to see it done competitively? Well, just north of Half Moon Bay, Maverick’s Beach is one of the most exciting and popular surfing spots in California, where you can either surf or observe others.

The beach has unusual underwater rock formations which result in exceptionally large swells just off Pillar Point. After winter storms, the waves here average about 25 ft high and can reach as high as 60 feet. If you really want to see the giant waves, then you must visit in the wintertime.

The beach has an interesting story and is named after Maverick, a dog who loved the big waves – you can read the entire story here. A popular annual invitation-only big wave surfing competition called Mavericks used to be held here until it was canceled. But even today, you can visit the area to see surfers in action.

Half Moon Bay Golf Courses

At just 25 minutes from SFO airport, Half Moon Bay Golf Links is the perfect place to stop for a few strokes on your vacation. Swing your club, but don’t be too distracted by the scenery around you.

The ocean course – named for its proximity to the Pacific – has extravagant views of the coast and the blue water and four of the most scenic holes of any golf course in the world. Take a pit stop at the Ocean Grill between holes 9 and 10 for some refreshments during your game to keep you sharp.

The best views start on hole 16 where on one side you can see sprawling fields of local grasses and wildflowers and on the other, the endless Pacific Ocean.

Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park

What would a cozy coastal California town be without its own lighthouse? The Pigeon Point Lighthouse is 115 ft tall and has helped sailors navigate the point since the year 1871. It is the tallest lighthouse on the West Coast and one of the best places to visit near Half Moon Bay.

While the original Fresnel lens is no longer there, the current lens at the top of the light tower, weighing over 2000 pounds, is equally fascinating to see. The light is open almost every day from 8 a.m to sunset with the Park Store and visitor center operating from 10 a.m to 4 p.m Monday through Thursday.

Beyond the lighthouse, the park also has restrooms, picnic tables, a small public beach, and hiking trails. The ocean surrounding the park also has a lot of marine life. It serves as a home to both seals and whales. The lighthouse tower is great for whale watching during winter.

California Coastal Trail

This 1200 miles connection between public hiking trails stretches the entire length of the California coast. It has been in operation since the early 2000s and can take over a month to complete.

The section that runs through Half Moon Bay is about 4.7 miles long and spans from Miramar to Poplar beach. It runs parallel to what used to be the Ocean Shore Railroad. This part of the trail is known for its bird watching. You can see red-tailed hawks, blue herons, and red-winged blackbirds.

Gray Whale Cove Trail

Located near Half Moon Bay, the Gray Whale Cove Trail is a 2.2 miles hiking trail that is good for all skill levels. The trail is heavily trafficked and quite popular among visitors and locals alike. Make sure you arrive early for the hike as the parking lot has been known to fill before 9:30 a.m.

Originally Gray Whale Cove Trail was called “Half Moon Bay Colma Road,” and was designed for horse wagon and bicycle traffic. Now it is open to foot traffic only. The trail features lots of scenic views of the coastline and is filled with many different species of wildflowers in spring. The trail leads down to the beach known as Gray Whale Cove or Devil’s Slide.

Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve

Known for being a lot more lush and beautiful than the neighboring woods of Palo Alto and Woodside, Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve consists of bare coastal hills and red-wood filled valleys. These gargantuan trees are one of the main draws of Northern California but few visitors know that they can enjoy the trees locally near Half Moon Bay.

While the trees at Purisima Creeks might not be as old or as tall as those in the more famous locations of Sequoia National Park or Yosemite, visitors can still admire the immense height, earthy smell, and beautiful mahogany color of the redwoods at the preserve.

Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, Moss Beach

Have you ever heard of tide pooling? When the ocean levels are high the waves reach farther up the beach and leave behind tiny pools of water when the tide recedes. These pools are home to abundant sea life such as fingered limpet, barnacles, hermit crabs, and sea snails.

Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is where you can experience this fun-filled biological past time near Half Moon Bay. The reserve is located on Moss Beach about 12 minutes north of downtown. The facility offers tours, brochure guides to the pools, and even brief marine biology lessons for kids.

Ano Nuevo State Park

A little over thirty minutes from Half Moon Bay is a very unique state park. Ano Nuevo is home to the special local animals, the elephant seals. These are one of the biggest seals on earth and are so-called for their flaccid snout which protrudes over the mouth, similar to the trunk of an elephant.

The Ano Nuevo State Park is a native habitat for the elephant seals along California’s central coast. On a visit to the beach, you can see over 10,000 of these animals. The numbers are large, especially during their mating season. You can also spot baby calves splashing in the water.

Beyond the seals, the park also has a number of coastal trails and beach areas. Also, stop by the visitor center to get a map of the park and learn more about the fascinating creatures.

Dinosaurs of Spanish Town

Right next to downtown Half Moon Bay on Highway 92, you will find a unique dinosaur attraction. The Dinosaurs of Spanish Town are a collection of giant metal orange-colored sculptures. There’s a Triceratops, a T-Rex, and even a wooly mammoth! The statues have amazing, intricate details and they photograph really well.

The rest of the area is as charming as this prehistoric sculptures. Spanish Town is an artist community and amazing to explore. It features an art gallery where you can buy handcrafted artwork, pottery, figurines, mixed media art, sculptures, and other unique items.

Pescadero Day Trip

Outside of Half Moon Bay is the lovely little agricultural community of Pescadero. On a trip, you can enjoy the scenic California countryside as your car climbs and descends rolling hills and farms laden with local produce. You can spot fresh artichokes, lettuce, green beans, and other produce growing all around you.

The Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve is also good to visit. This is a saltwater marsh and has many tide pools full of life. Pescadero also has a beach that is certain to be less crowded than the ones in Half Moon Bay and is said to be a “quiet beach with unspoiled natural scenery.”

Lemos Farms

Lemos Farms is a tiny amusement park located outside of Half Moon Bay. Since 1942, it has served fun and excitement to tourists and locals. The park is mostly for small children, but prices are very cheap and even adults enjoy a day spent here.

It has many farm-themed activities such as pony rides, train rides, and hayrides, a petting zoo, bouncing houses, and a fun activity called goat yoga – literally just yoga but with goats roaming around!

Harley Farms

Also in Pescadero is the Harley Farms Goat Dairy where you can go to pet goats and purchase some local feta. The cheese here is award-winning, but the shop also features artisanal packages, specialty foods, bath and body works, and even clothing.

This is a great place to come and sample some famous local California produce while also giving your kids something to do. So drop the kids at the petting zoo and go get you some goat dairy!

Things to do in San Luis Obispo, California

Kay S — Mon, 26 Oct 2020 21:53:18 +0000

In the very heart of California, San Luis Obispo – also called SLO CAL – is the perfect destination for anyone who wants to have a relaxing urban getaway still stay near the coast. San Luis Obispo’s central location makes it almost equidistant from the northern as well as the southern cities along the Pacific Coast Highway.

The city is located in close proximity to beaches, vineyards, and even a historic castle. The city center itself has splendid energy, lots of cultural attractions, and a mixture of small-town charm with a relaxing vibe. And yet, at its heart, SLO is a college town with abundant things to do for millennials and the young at heart.

Explore the colorful yellows and greens of the California countryside while you breathe in the fresh air, enjoy the spectacular weather, and make the most of your time in this wonderful place.

Things to do in San Luis Obispo

Whether you enjoy beach life, downtown centers, old buildings, Southern California cuisine, or drive-in theatres, this town has something for you to experience and never forget. While San Luis Obispo is one of the prettiest parts of California, it is relatively unknown among the travel community.

Finding information about what to do and where to go can be difficult. We put together the list below to make sure you get the best out of your vacation in this awesome town and county.

Historic Downtown

What would a small-town US travel destination be without a little history in its downtown? SLO is no different. The downtown here is a popular spot among locals and tourists to take a stroll, find events, shop in boutiques, visit local museums, and try out restaurants.

For more information about the history of the town try taking one of the guided tours they have available. Some of the popular attractions are the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, the Children’s Museum, the Thursday night Farmers Market, Giussepe’s Cucina Rustica, and Fremont Theatre.

Also, don’t forget Bubblegum Alley and Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, but we’ll talk more specifically about all these places later. While you’re here don’t miss the Old SLO Trolley; a budget public transport system that is perfect to explore the downtown.

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa is a Spanish frontier mission founded all the way back in 1772. It has been converted into a historic site and museum for the enjoyment of visitors and is a must-visit while in San Luis Obispo.

Located in the famous Mission Plaza – one of the most popular town squares in SLO – the mission has beautiful architecture. You can visit the old building to learn about its fascinating history and relevance to the town as well as admire the bell tower and grounds.

Tours here are free and take you around the building. Visitors can learn about old Spanish colonial civilization and the spread of Christianity in the Americas. Then you can head back to the Mission Plaza for some shopping or a bite to eat.

San Luis Obispo Coastside History Museum

Located in SLO’s famous Carnegie Library, this museum is the perfect place to go and learn about the history of the county. The museum has a bookstore, research room, and gallery which is home to multiple exhibits that change throughout the years.

The exhibits they are currently featuring include a historical overview of the Pecho Coast, an exhibit about classical schooling called “Chalk and Chores,” A history of street names, and a few other sections with their own intriguing subjects. The museum also has several events and workshops throughout the months so be sure to check their calendar to coincide with your vacation.

San Luis Obispo Museum of Art

San Luis Obispo Museum of Art is a funky and well-reviewed museum that is a must for art enthusiasts and connoisseurs. Along with preserving art collections, the museum has made it a priority to be the beacon for spreading art and creativity among the youths of the SLO community.

While a lot of the exhibits change frequently, the one permanent collection they have there pays homage to the Central California Coast and the art that emerged here. Complimentary tours of the museum are available for any age group, to book it you simply need to visit their website. The museum is also known for holding festivals and concerts so be sure to check their calendar as well.

San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum

Most urban museums can be boring for kids – the long, slow walks seeing historic art and exhibits can be overwhelming for their tiny attention spans. If only there was an SLO museum that was fun and interactive to keep them engaged… But there is!

The San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum is located close to downtown. It is a fun-packed place to bring the kids for some giggles and learning at the same time. The museum has three floors full of crafts workshops and exhibits like “Wildflower Super Blooms,” “Facts about Space,” and “Explore the Deep Sea.” Tickets are cheap at $8 for adults and children and it’s even possible to organize birthday parties here.

San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum

Did you know that the railroad is how many immigrants from the Eastern United States made it to the West Coast? Are you a fan of historic locomotives and model railroads? Then the San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum is the place for you!

They have displays, models, and artifacts showing a wide range of trains from places and companies like Santa Maria Valley, Southern Pacific, Amtrak, Port San Luis, the Pacific Coast Railway, Orchard Express, Union Pacific, and more. The museum is also working on a 1200 square foot model railroad that is supposed to set the scene where local railroads operated.

The Monday Club

The Monday Club of San Luis Obispo is a historical landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places. The building has beautiful Spanish Colonial architecture and arresting features including terra cotta roof and intricate ironwork details. The building was designed in the 1930s by Julia Morgan, who also designed the famous Hearst Castle.

The building was built to house a non-profit club that has been serving the SLO community since 1924. They raise funds and donations to support local women and children. Today, the clubhouse is mostly used for private events like weddings and graduations. It also hosts public events like yoga and book club meets. You can visit the building every Monday from 2 pm to 5 pm for a free tour.

Local Cuisine

Because of its reputation as a college town catering to the young population, SLO is full of delicious meals, satisfying cocktails, and tasty treats. The first place we want to recommend is Ember. This rustic-style pizza kitchen has really unique topping options like Kale and Sausage and menu items like the Ahi Tuna Crudo.

Another great place to visit is the Foremost Wine Co. The food there is great, but the wine list makes it a must-visit. If there is a particular type of California wine you’re curious about or enjoy the odds are they’ll have it. It’s also the best place to sample local wines.

Finally, if you’re looking for something sweet then stop by the SLO Donut Co. to get a delectable and soft pastry that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. The city also has many bars and pubs where you can listen to music and party with the locals.

Bishop Peak Trail

If you are an outdoor enthusiast and looking to get away from all the cultural attractions, then hike the fun and easy Bishop Peak Trail. The 3.4 miles round trip trail starts from Patricia Drive leads up to Bishop’s Peak, one of the most iconic mountains near SLO.

The trail gets its name from the triple peak at its top which looks a bit like a bishop’s miter. From the top, you will be able to look down into the SLO valley along with views of surrounding peaks and landscapes. The full hike is about 4.2 mi long and has an elevation change of 1,175 ft.

Felsman Loop Trail

If you’re looking for an easier hike with an equally pretty view of Bishop’s Peak, then try the Felsman Loop Trail. Located inside Bishop Peak Natural Reserve, this trail takes you up the mountains and along a ridge from where you have awesome views of the peak, surrounding valley, and other nearby mountains.

The trail is only 2.7 miles with an elevation change of 525 feet. One of the defining characteristics of this trail is the red-violet soil that borders the path as you walk. It is beautiful in spring when wildflowers bloom along the route.

Madonna Inn

Madonna Inn is located 5 minutes from downtown SLO. This pretty stone and wood motel is an icon of SLO. It will make you think you’re walking into a fairy tale with its pretty pink roses, murals, and a peaceful garden.

The property has a lot more to offer to guests than just a bed to sleep in. For eating you can get something casual in the Copper Cafe, or a succulent steak in Alex Madonna’s Gold Rush Steak House, or even a beverage at either Silver Bar Cocktail Lounge or the Pool Bar.

There is also a bakery with fresh baked cakes and pies. If you’re exhausted then take a trip to the Spa where you can be massaged with everything from bamboo to hot stones. Also, feel free to do some shopping in the boutique for some locally made clothes and accessories.

Bubblegum Alley

This unique tourist attraction is really something! Right next to downtown, there is an alley where thousands of tourists and locals have stuck their used chewing gum to the walls. The walls of the Alley have only been cleaned twice since the 1970s, so if you decide to stick your gum here you may be leaving a little piece of you in SLO forever.

Farmers Market

Southern California produce is some of the highest quality in the United States due to the ideal climate and the farmer’s effective techniques. If you want to sample some of this produce then the local Farmers Market, which takes place in SLO every Thursday night, is the perfect place to do it.

The organization works with local small-scale farmers to keep them in business and provide healthy alternatives for local residents. Choose from a wide range of vegetables and fruits like spinach, asparagus, carrots, strawberries, apricots, celery, and whatever else is in season. You can also buy some preservable products like some locally produced artisanal honey.

Avila Valley Barn

Want to see where all that Farmer’s Market produce comes from? Then hop in your car to Highway 101 and visit the real deal. Avila Valley Barn has several stands selling products grown right there on the property.

The farm is open to the public during business hours so you can check out the grounds and see where the food is grown. The barn also offers pony rides and hayrides for children. If you’re feeling famished at the end of your visit then grab a seat for some fresh California-style BBQ, served Friday – Monday from 9:00 am – 18:00 pm.

San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden

The SLO Botanical Garden is one of its kind in this part of California. The 150-acre garden has plants and ecosystems from the 5 Mediterranean climates around the world. You will find paved trails, demonstrations, a greenhouse, and nursery from where you can purchase plants.

They also have different event gardens as well including the 2-acre Preview Garden, Life Celebration Garden, and a Children’s Garden. Other highlights include opportunities to see the propagation of thousands of drought-tolerant plants and the largest Chilean wine palm grove outside of Chile.

Sunset Drive-in Theatre

Remember the drive-ins? During the golden age of cars in the US, these places were extremely popular because you could see a whole movie without ever leaving the driver’s seat. Nowadays, very few remain across the country and SLO’s Sunset Drive-in is one of these classic icons.

Seeing a movie here is quite fun. The massive screen makes it easy to see from any point in the lot and kids love it because they can stretch out with a blanket in a truck bed or on the hood of a car and watch the latest children’s movies from a perspective they’ve never seen before.

Lopez Lake

Water activities in the SLO area aren’t only based around the Pacific. This scenic reservoir just 25 minutes away from downtown is a great place to come for some outdoor water fun. The shoreline of the lake is over 22 miles long and in the summer the lake temperature climbs up to a cozy 70 degrees.

Once there, you can do some hiking, picnicking, horseback riding, fishing, swimming, mountain biking, and even ziplining. The wilderness around the park is abundant and home to over 175 species of flowering plants and more than 150 species of birds, making this an awesome location for any lover of the outdoors.

Day trip to Hearst Castle

While in the area, consider a trip to the magnificent Hearst Castle. This gigantic building is the former home of famous American Mogul William Randolf Hearst. Among other things, Hearst was famous for owning a monopoly on both newspaper companies and the lumber mills that supplied them with paper.

Today, his former residence stands as a museum and exemplary symbol of wealth and the American dream. The castle has hundreds of rooms, multiple swimming pools and is decorated with decadence so profound you’ll feel like royalty walking through its halls.

Currently, the property offers a few different types of tours where you can see the grand rooms, upstairs suites, cottages & kitchens, and a Julia Morgan tour about the architect who designed the mansion and estate.

Surf at Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach is one of the closest beaches to SLO, just 15 minutes away. This is a famous surfing spot because it has consistent large waves. Pismo Beach hosts many surfing contests and is a great place to learn the sport

The beach is about 1,250 ft long and has a massive pier which is lit at night. It makes nighttime surf sessions a possibility if the moon is right. If you’re looking to get away from tourists then head to the southern end of the beach where you can find some solidarity to work on your moves. But even apart from surfing, Pismo Beach has many attractions and is a delightful coastal town to spend a day or two.

Tour the wineries

The San Luis Obispo wine region is one of the popular ones along central California. You can visit either Edna Valley, Paso Robles, or the Arroyo Grande region and tour the wineries.

The Edna Valley AVA is just 10 minutes outside of SLO and a great place to sample premium Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. This valley has the longest growing time of anywhere in California and the wines benefit from those extra days on the vine by developing complex flavors.

Next up is the Paso Robles Valley which is more well-known and defined as one of the best in the region. There is also Arroyo Grande which has its own distinct flavors to offer.

For the best experience, we recommend visiting Edna Valley Vineyard or Chamisal Vineyards. Edna valley has been in business for over 30 years and is best known for its chardonnay. Chamisal has an excellent rosé on tap in Malene Wines right next to their tasting room.

California Archives - PCH1 Road Trip

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Best Cities to begin Big Sur Road Trip

San Francisco

Los Angeles

Monterey

Pebble Beach

San Luis Obispo

Best Stops on Big Sur Road Trip

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Bixby Bridge

Los Padres National Forest

McWay Falls

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Pfeiffer Beach

Hearst Castle

Partington Cove

Nepenthe

Garrapata State Park

Andrew Molera State Park

Big Sur Village

Limekiln State Park

Sand Dollar Beach

Post Ranch Inn

Ventana Redwoods Campground

Point Lobos State Reserve

Elephant Seal Vista Point

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Santa Monica

Venice Beach

Marina Del Ray

Los Angeles

Long Beach

Huntington Beach

Newport Beach

Laguna Beach

Table Rock Beach

Dana Point Harbor

Mission San Juan Capistrano

Los Rios District

San Clemente State Beach

Oceanside

Carlsbad

Solana Beach

Encinitas

Cardiff By The Sea

Torrey Pines

La Jolla Cove

Pacific Beach

Mission Bay

Coronado Island

San Diego

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San Francisco

Point Reyes National Seashore

Tomales Bay

Bodega Bay

Jenner

Guerneville

Timber Cove

Mendocino

Fort Bragg

Leggett

Avenue of the Giants

The Lost Coast

Loleta

Eureka

Trinidad

Patricks Point State Park

Redwood Highway

Redwood National and State Parks

Fern Canyon

Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park