Whenever I sit down to count my blessings (and I’ve done this more actively since graduating from college), I remind myself that one of the things I’m most grateful for is living less than half an hour from the coast. I love both, but sometimes I think the Northern California coast doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers called it “the edge of the world and all of western civilization.” Around the world, it’s known as Highway One. In Southern California, it’s the Pacific Coast Highway, or PCH. In the parts where I live, you’ll see signs referring to it as the Cabrillo Highway.
That said, the California Coast is a true wonder. I wish, in a perfect world, that everyone could have the chance to experience its glory in a rented convertible with the top rolled down and some good Beach Boys tunes blaring at a decadently obnoxious volume.
For now, I’ll say I hope you get the chance, and here are some pointers on what to see on the Northern California coast.
1. Ocean Beach
The first rule of Ocean Beach is that you’ll regret it if you forget to bring a hoodie. Seriously, this place is chilly!
Stop off at the Cliff House to stay cozy and have a drink while you watch the sunset and maybe even spot a dolphin or two.
If you’re fortunate enough to be in town on a Saturday, the $65 splurge for the champagne buffet hits the spot. As long as you have a good designated driver onhand, because they’re not kidding about the unlimited champagne. The waiters are pretty on top of the refill situation until you tell them you can’t sit straight anymore.
Here are some additional ideas for where to eat and wander around near Ocean Beach from Refinery29.
2. Half Moon Bay
My most commonly frequented spot, mostly due to geography. I love stand up paddle boarding in the harbor, sitting by fire pits at the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company, soaking in the views at the Ritz Carlton and occasionally stopping in for a look out the window at Sam’s Chowder House. Half Moon Bay Kayak Company at Pillar Point Harbor is fantastic if you want to spend an hour paddleboarding or kayaking. There’s no better deal for a local – if you buy their timecard, rentals are only $10/hour. They’re also dog-friendly and will even lend your furry friend a life vest.
If I had to recommend just one place for a stop, though, it would be the Ritz. It’s basically a castle nestled between a golf course and the Pacific Ocean. C’est horrible, non? If you’re lucky, you’ll snag a spot at one of the enormous fire pits. If you’re really lucky, you’ll spot one of the hotel’s bagpipers.
It’s beautiful and it’s free to roam, so don’t miss out!
3. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
If you grew up in the Bay Area, chances are the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk may have once seemed like the stuff dreams were made of. My dad used to take me and my sister here for the free summer concerts they offer. Of course, my favorite thing to do here is to attend the movie on the beach screenings in the summertime. They play classics like The Goonies, Grease, and of course the ultimate Santa Cruz flick, The Lost Boys.
Tourists and locals mix here in the bright mosaic of boardwalk activity, and the beach itself is actually great fun. It’s like a year-round county fair by the ocean.
4. Downtown Monterey
Two words: Cannery Row. A good ole touristy time. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is spectacular and conveniently located (in my opinion) next to Forrest Gump’s.
It’s the perfect afternoon stop off if you have a few hours to spend but need to be on your way.
5. Big Sur
Big Sur is an essential ingredient to the California dream. It’s where the water is a pure turquoise, unsoiled by sunscreen and cigarette butts and humans. In Big Sur, the rocks jut out of the water and there’s no cell phone reception. It’s a beautiful thing.
Photo by Joseph Yates via Unsplash.
Big Sur is an oceanside drive, but on the land side of Highway One there’s plenty of camping to be found as well. If you’re ritzy, its two most expensive resorts, the Post Ranch Inn and the Ventana Inn will gladly give you the royal treatment in the form of $300 spa treatments. The average cost of a one-night stay at the Post Ranch is $1200, so know that this is more than just glamping. The place has two infinity pools.
That said, if glamping is your thing, or if you’re up for a night in a human nest (not even kidding), Treebones Resort could be for you. I recently stayed there in a yurt and it was really, really nice.
If you’re staying in Big Sur, as opposed to just passing through, popular daytime activities are hiking, kayaking, and posing for selfies by the Bixby Bridge. Fashion blogger Julia Engel of Gal Meets Glam has a pretty solid guide to Big Sur photo locations.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park (seen above) is an absolute must. It’s all the beauty of Big Sur but with waterfalls. You can either park on the roadside and trek down into the park or pay $10 to use the lot.
Another cool thing to do is the hot springs at the Esalen Institute. The Esalen Institute was famously featured in the final episode of Mad Men. Make sure you book in advance! The hot springs are open from 1-3 AM.
Someday maybe I’ll have the expertise to write a post for the Southern part of the PCH drive, but for now I definitely recommend San Luis Obispo (hello, Hearst Castle!) and Santa Barbara.
Echo says
I have driven the PCH is southern California and now, I know I need to do northern California as well!
Tess says
Lovely places. I wish i colud make a trip to US again with the family
eirini says
so beautiful places
Kaitlynn says
Ah, I have always wanted to visit California. I hope to get there sometime soon. This list is great !! I’d love to do this as a road trip 🙂
Michelle says
California is wonderful as a road trip! I hope you make it out here, you’ll fall in love Kaitlynn!
Nina says
Wow, those are some stunning pictures! I have friends in California that I think I should visit. 😉
Michelle says
Totally agree, Nina! I’ve lived in California my entire life and never get sick of it. That coastline is worth the trip!
Victoria Pease says
Oh all the wanderlust! Big Sur is on my list, it’s just so beautiful!
http://victoriaspongepeasepudding.com
Michelle says
Thanks Victoria! Big Sur is fabulous – the most beautiful water on the coast thanks to the fact that we humans don’t have access to it! We just get to admire it from the cliffs, ha.
Bruce Schinkel says
Loved this quick tour! I’ve done southern California, but haven’t yet ventured to the north. This really makes me want to get there asap!
Michelle says
Southern California is great, too! I haven’t headed South past Orange County, but would like to get to San Diego eventually – via the coastal route, of course!
Delphine says
Nice photos, Northern California is on my bucket list!
Michelle says
Merci beaucoup Delphine! It’s a great place to visit at least once in your life.
silvia says
Ooh, they all look awesome, but Big Sur- out of this world!
Michelle says
Big Sur is amazing! Thanks for reading, Silvia!