We’re nearing the end of our journey inching up the coast of California, town-by-town, beach-by-beach choosing roads that hug the Pacific Ocean whenever we can.
Looking for awesome vacations and potential second or first homes we’d love.
Highlights and Headlines: April 2018
Point Loma. 7 Things to Do, See, and Eat in Point Loma.
“You know that a peninsula is worthy of national monument status when even the “new” lighthouse has been safely guiding ships into port for over 125 years. The city’s history can be traced back to this very spot, and today the area is dotted with pristine marinas, dockside dining, and miles of walking and hiking paths that beckon locals and tourists alike who are looking for fun on the waterfront.” By: San Diego Magazine sandiego.org
Del Mar. Ultimate California beach house wants $18.75M.
“This beach house in Del Mar, in San Diego County, is the stuff of dreams—and magazines. Recently featured on the cover of Dream Homes magazine, the 1982 home was designed by architect Sim Bruce Richards, a Taliesin fellow, and the influences of Frank Lloyd Wright are clear.” By Lauren Ro Courtesy of Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty
Capistrano. More Sharks Offshore, But Don’t Panic.
“Experts Say We’re not on the Menu. Whale-watchers spot a young white shark off Capistrano Beach last May aboard Capt. Dave’s Dolphin Safari from Dana Point.” By Rita Robinson. lagunabeachindy.com Photo courtesy of Jason and Jenny Armstrong.
Laguna Beach. Art Ninjas Add Local Color by Stealth.
“Muralist Jeff Lavinsky during installation of “Main Beach Mandala, located south of Main Beach.” lagunabeachindy.com Photo courtesy of Jeff Lavinsky.
Newport Beach. Gray whale entangled off the Wedge in Newport Beach; rescue efforts halted for the day.
“Leslie Evarts saw the gray whale in the distance from her Laguna Beach home, grabbed her stand-up paddleboard and rushed out to the water, with hopes of seeing the 30-foot sea creature up close.” By LAYLAN CONNELLY Orange County Register Photo courtesy of Ryan Lawler, Newport Coastal Adventure
Surf City USA – Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach. FIVB Huntington Beach Open: Humana-Paredes, Pavan outlast April Ross, Alix Klineman.
“USA’s Alix Klineman, left, and partner April Ross get tangled up during their three-set loss to Canada’s Sarah Pavin and Melissa Humana-Paredes on Friday at the FIVB Huntington Beach Open.” BOB KEISSER | Press-Enterprise (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Naples to Palos Verdes Peninsula.
Long Beach. Tacos and Mexican food for Cinco de Mayo — the best in the Long Beach area.
“Tacos are popular in Southern California, whether they’re basic with ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes and cheese, or more elaborate creations, such as these Brisket tacos.” By MERRILL SHINDLER | MrEats@aol.com |presstelegram.com (File photo)
Malibu. Malibu Surfrider Beach.
“Malibu Lagoon is comprised of 22 acres of wetlands, gardens, and sandy beach, while Malibu “Surfrider” Beach has almost a mile of ocean frontage with 0.7 acres of property, and famous Malibu Pier is a great place for saltwater fishing.” beaches.lacounty.gov
Ventura. California’s Ventura County Coast: Surf, Style & Shakespeare.
“As I learned firsthand this summer, the entire Ventura County Coast, comprising the cities of Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo, and Hueneme, on the southern end of California’s central coast, offers many such glorious juxtapositions, embracing surfing, style, Shakespeare, and much more.” By Robert Firpo-Cappiello budgettravel.com Courtesy Ventura County Coast
Islands along the Pacific Coast
Catalina Island. Avalon Harbor Lights Tour.
“Experience the romance and mystery of Catalina by night on this narrated adventure into the hills above historic Avalon. Your open air biofuel Hummer will take you east along the waterfront past Lover’s Cove before heading up to Mt. Ada for spectacular views of the twinkling city and harbor lights below.” visitcatalinaisland.com
Montecito. Cheers to Montecito – Visit Santa Barbara.
“Along the coast of The American Riviera® lies the town of Montecito, a seaside haven that balances sweeping coastal views and a savory culinary scene. Treat yourself to an extended vacation full of indulgent restaurants, premium wines and coastal bliss.” santabarbaraca.com
Avila Beach Dining | California Highway One Coast Road Trip.
“Our Central Coast beach-side location holds beautiful views with a casual atmosphere. An excellent dining experience is our top priority. Our menu has something for everyone…fresh fish, hand cut steaks, refreshing salads and our specialty appetizers. We offer breakfast, lunch and dinner. Come and have a drink at our cocktail bar, or dine on our outdoor patio while gazing out across the beautiful San Luis Bay.” http://highway1discoveryroute.com
Big Sur. 3 Days in Monterey and Big Sur.
“En route, you’ll pitstop on the Monterey Peninsula before snaking along through the wilderness of Big Sur. It needs our tourism more than ever, after suffering near economic catastrophe when it was cut off from the outside world during the winter storm season 2017; bridges were destroyed and roads blocked at both its northern and southern reaches. Thankfully, for locals and visitors alike, the northern section has already reopened, across Pfeiffer Canyon, but the southern connection, at Ragged Point, is still under construction (scheduled to open late 2018 but check with CalTrans for fresh updates). “ Crystal Le blog.thedyrt.com Getty Images
Santa Cruz: 5 places to catch a good wave.
“Steamer Lane is one of the best surfing breaks on the West Coast.” ELLIOTT ALMOND (Shmuel Thaler – Santa Cruz Sentinel)
Half Moon Bay. 12 Reasons to Love The Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay.
“The Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay was the perfect place for our staycation. We were not only able to catch up after my week in New York City, but escape the everyday of our area. We were able to relax without the pressure of needing to do anything and everything (in true Jess- fashion), but could focus our energy on ourselves. There’s no such thing as the go-go-go attitude at the Ritz, and just being there instantly puts you into a calm and relaxed state.” JESSICA apassionandapassport.com
San Francisco. New Hotel in a Former Military Barracks Has a Breathtaking View of the Golden Gate Bridge.
“Come June 27, Lodge at the Presidio will open as San Francisco’s closest hotel to the Golden Gate Bridge. The three-story building was constructed between 1895 and 1897 as military barracks on Infantry Row for the U.S. Army. The exterior has been entirely preserved, and the renovated interior will have historical elements and spectacular views of the bridge, Alcatraz, and the city skyline.” Miranda Smith afar.com Courtesy of the Presidio Trust
Marin County. 15 Of The Best Beaches In California To Visit.
“Stinson Beach is a mere 20 miles north of the city of San Francisco and two and a half miles from the secluded (and totally lovely) Bolinas Bay. Once here, make sure you take a dip in the ocean as it’s highly rated as one of the best beaches in California for swimming. If you’re more of a rambler, then take the California hiking trails from the beach lead you to Mount Tamalpais State Park.” handluggageonly.co.uk/
Bodega Bay. Escape Reality With a Weekend on the Sonoma Coast.
“It can be hard to wrap your mind around Sonoma County, an area that starts 45 miles north of San Francisco. It’s nearly the size of Delaware and encompasses rolling vineyards, dense redwood forests and, perhaps most surprisingly, a wild and foggy stretch of coast. Many tourists know that this shoreline includes the fishing village of Bodega Bay, where Hitchcock filmed “The Birds,” but the Sonoma Coast has many other draws for travelers.” Rachel Ward wheretraveler.com/ The coastline along Highway 1. (Courtesy Timber Cove Resort)
Gualala. Gualala Country Inn.
“Hike the trails of the pristine ocean beaches, explore the Redwood forests, or kayak the Gualala River. Dive for the abalone or golf the local Scottish links-style PGA quality golf course.” gualalacountryinn.com/
Orick. Beaches in Orick, CA.
“Surrounded by parks and a natural setting, the small town of Orick offers plenty of outdoor recreation. Humboldt Lagoons State Park offers a marshland habitat of native birds, animals and plants. It is also a prime location for fishing, boating and hiking. Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, meanwhile, is most famous as the filming site of the movie Jurassic Park II. In reality, though, this natural area is a haven for preservation of native redwood forest.” californiabeaches.com
Klamath. Historic Requa Inn, Klamath, CA.
“With more than a century of history, the Historic Requa Inn offers a quaint bed and breakfast in remote Klamath. Uniquely tucked away within a World Heritage Site, towering redwoods surround the inn, with various state parks, recreation areas and the coast all within a 40-minute drive.” californiabeaches.com
