California’s coastline may be best known for its southern California beaches, and dramatic Pacific Coast Highway: but there is beauty, interesting activities and excitement every mile of the way from San Diego to the Oregon border.
Misconception #1 “Southern California is gorgeous, and San Francisco’s a great city, but I’ve driven that route so many times: what can I experience further north?”
Don’t stop at San Francisco, when California has so many more coastal miles to explore!
From Petaluma, head to Point Reyes National Seashore and stop at the Marin French Cheese Company, the oldest cheese maker in the US. Continue to Point Reyes, home to seabirds, seals, sea lions, elk and gray whales. Walk the Earthquake Trail along the San Andreas Fault, visit the replica Miwok Indian village, then enjoy freshly shucked oysters at Drakes Bay Oyster Farm, Tomales Bay Oyster Co. or Hog Island Oyster Co. Visit (
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One of the most scenic trains in North America, the Skunk Train meanders along the coastal Redwood Route north of Mendocino. During the summer months, a barbecue dinner is served. Trips depart from Fort Bragg and Willits. Call 800-866-1690, or visit (
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Take a break from the road, and go fishing! The Gualala in northern Sonoma County is a “
catch-and-release” River and is famous for its wild steelhead. You can also fish off the pier in Point Arena with no license.
Misconception #2: “The California coast is one of the most beautiful areas of the world – but SO expensive!”
Travelzoo experts beg to differ: they’ve designated California’s Central Coast one of the five best travel values for 2011, winning accolades for its accessibility (LAX, Long Beach and SFO) and great deals. Wine enthusiasts will enjoy the affordable and delectable wines of the Paso Robles area, with more than 180 wineries, mostly family-run. For Central Coast deals, visit (
link). For more road trip ideas, deals, and more visit (
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For a real bargain further north, visit Van Damme State Park, a lovely venue for enjoying the Mendocino coastline. Across the highway, Van Damme features a fascinating “pygmy forest” of miniature conifers cypress and pine trees, and a fern-covered ravine accessed by a nature trail. Save your parking pass: on the same day, it is valid at other state parks that do not charge higher fees. Mendocino Headlands State Park and Russian Gulch State Park are good choices nearby. For more information on Van Damme State Park, visit (
link). For more information on
Mendocino Headlands State Park; For more information on Russian Gluch State Park, visit (
link).
The historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a classic seaside amusement park located on beautiful Monterey Bay. There’s no admission fee: stroll the scenic oceanfront or purchase individual ride tickets or all-day ride passes to enjoy 35 rides and attractions, which include two National Historic Landmarks, the 1924 Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster and the Looff Carousel which turns 100 in 2011. In summer the park has
Free Friday Night concerts on the Bandstand.
Misconception #3: “How can you even see the coast when you’re always behind the wheel of a car?”
Though the legendary Highway 1 or Pacific Coast Highway – PCH to locals – is world-renowned, it is nice to view this spectacular area from a different perspective. Whether you prefer to be on – or under – the water, pedaling a bike, or letting your two feet do the traveling, there are an array of options all along the coast:
For the ultimate challenge along the Central Coast, take to the waves in a kayak. Learn the art of carving, roll techniques and how to get in and out of the wave in a safe, serene environment. How about hitting the waves with classes in S.U.P. – or stand-up paddling: surfing with canoe-style paddling in a stand up position, exercising the core and sense of balance. (
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Avid SCUBA divers can track the bizarre giant squid with three hearts, blue blood and enormous brains spotted in the depths of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Instructors at the Sanctuary (with an underwater canyon twice as deep as the Grand Canyon),
Point Lobos State Nature Preserve or San Carlos Beach offer insight into the region’s rich diversity of sea life. Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Underwater Explorers program treats kids 8 - 13 years to an aquatic adventure with a surface SCUBA dive in the Great Tide Pool on Monterey Bay. Contact Mika Yoshida,
myoshida@mbayag.org.
Enjoy the scenery on horseback at the picturesque Sonoma Coast Villa, then opt for a relaxing spa treatment, at
Sonoma Coast Villa & Spa in Bodega.
reservations@scvilla.com,.
Climb to the top of
Point Arena Lighthouse, for unparalleled views of the coast.Located in the Fog Signal Building, the Museum displays Coast Guard and shipwreck artifacts, maps and examples of local plants, birds, and whales.
The San Francisco Bay Trail offers one of the world's most scenic bicycle rides, including crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, and on to the scenic town of Sausalito. Hourly ferries pass by Alcatraz Island on the return trip. Bike rentals vary per day; 3-5 hours self-guided tour. One-way ferry is $6.75-$10. Bike and Roll, San Francisco,
info@bicyclerental.com; (415) 229-2000.
Airship Ventures, which operates the world's largest passenger airship and the only Zeppelin airship in North America , offers Long Beach, San Diego and San Francisco area cruises ranging from 45 minutes to 2 hours for $275-$950/person, plus tax. The ultimate is an 8-hour repositioning cruise along the Pacific Coast between San Francisco and Los Angeles at $1500/person. All cruises showcase California's coastline and offer a rare, unforgettable experience.
