Cruise California's Coast On This Iconic Road Trip Itinerary
By Kristin Conard
VACATIONS
Dana Point
Heading north out of Dana Point along Highway 1, you don't have to go far to find some of the best beaches in Southern California, like the 1000 Steps Beach.
Huntington Beach is "Surf City USA," and you can watch surfers from the pier. Continue north to Venice Beach Boardwalk to see street performers, bodybuilders, and free spirits.
Santa Monica
Next comes Santa Monica Beach and its famous Santa Monica Pier, where you can play carnival games and ride rides, including its much-photographed Ferris wheel.
Stop by Los Angeles or continue along the coast towards Malibu and Point Mugu State Park. From there, head to Santa Barbara and its amazing beaches and Spanish missions.
San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo is a laidback college town with a legendary year-round farmers market. The next city on the route is Morro Bay, home of the 576-foot Morro Rock.
North of San Simeon is Big Sur, arguably the most legendary section of Highway 1. The highway winds through redwood forests and towering bluffs as the waves crash below.