The California coast has something for everyone, from surfing the waves in Santa Cruz, playing a round of golf, and just soaking up the sun on the beautiful beaches to strolling the boardwalks, enjoying a jazz festival, and visiting art galleries. There is so much to see and do along the coast that you will be spoiled for choice.
Santa Cruz is one of the surfing capitals of the United States with a large sandy beach on the Pacific Ocean. The resort even has its own Surfers Museum located in a small lighthouse overlooking the sea. On the boardwalk is an amazing amusement park with a wooden roller coaster dating back to 1924. When you need a break from the surf, you can enjoy the walking and biking trails that weave through the hills and along the shoreline at Wilder Ranch State Park. .
Built in a Mediterranean style, Santa Barbara is a relaxing place where you can wander aimlessly through the palm-lined streets. Step back in time with a visit to the old Santa Barbara Mission and Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park.
The beautiful white sands of Santa Monica were made famous by the television show Baywatch in the 1980s and 1990s. Known for its trendy shops, boutiques, restaurants, and bars, Santa Monica offers excellent dining options, especially on and around Venice Beach. dock. The pier was built in 1908 and is the oldest pleasure pier on the West Coast. You can skate, walk or bike along the coastal path that connects Santa Monica and Marina del Rey.
Monterey is famous for hosting a three-day summer jazz festival every September, featuring hundreds of different musical performances. Music is not your cup of tea, then marvel at the incredible marine life at the Monterey Aquarium or enjoy a round of golf at the legendary Pebble Beach golf course right on the Pacific coast.
The bohemian town of Carmel was ruled by actor Clint Eastwood in the 1980s. Ocean Drive leads from the city to the waterfront and is lined with galleries where art lovers can admire the fine collections.
Long Beach has a long stretch of white sand beach that is perfect for families. When you need a break from the beach there is the amazing Aquarium of the Pacific where you can see sharks and you can also take a tour of the Queen Mary which is permanently docked here. Explore beautiful, unspoiled Catalina Island on one of the boat trips from Long Beach.
Newport Beach stretches for more than 3 miles and is home to some of the most expensive and exclusive homes in California. Popular with surfers, Newport Beach also offers seal-watching at Seals Rock and glass-bottom boat rides at Lovers Cove Marine Reserve. For shopaholics there is a Spanish-style open-air mall.
Laguna Beach stretches for 7 miles with 30 different beaches and secluded little coves. The surrounding hillsides are covered with eucalyptus trees and attract artists whose works are displayed in local art galleries. Laguna has much to offer, including great surfing conditions, hikes in the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, scuba diving in the northern region, whale and dolphin watching, and golf courses. Visit the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, where rescued marine animals are taken for rehabilitation.
Huntington Beach is one of the best surf spots in Orange County, with many surf schools available for lessons during your direct vacation. The 8-mile-long boardwalk is great for running, rollerblading, or biking. Surf shops and the Huntington Beach International Surf Museum can be found in town.
Tide pools, beach coves and quiet coves are part of Pismo Beach. Enjoy a horseback ride along the beach or relax fishing off the pier, followed by clam chowder at one of the many restaurants or a bottle or two of wine at one of the local wineries. Take advantage of the many great deals to America that are always available online and enjoy all that the California coast has to offer.