AfarAug 10, 2026
Pack the Car—California’s Pacific Coast Is Calling
From redwood-lined cliffs in Mendocino to yacht charters in Newport Beach, California’s 820-mile coastline is a road trip unlike any other. Along the California’s coastline, infinite adventures await.
21 things in this story
- 17-Mile DriveTrailPicturesque drive on the Monterey Peninsula.
- Elsewhere
- Post Ranch InnHotelBig Sur, United StatesRomantic retreat overlooking the Pacific in Big Sur.
- Alila Ventana Big SurHotelBig Sur, United StatesRetreat among the redwoods in Big Sur.
- Ferry BuildingFerry terminalSan Francisco, United StatesMarketplace featuring the city's best local purveyors.
- The DutchieRestaurantMorro Bay, United StatesSeafood spot in Morro Bay.
- Golden Gate BridgeSightSan Francisco, United StatesOne of the Wonders of the Modern World.
- Timber Cove ResortHotelJenner, United StatesCozy lodge overlooking the Pacific with modern design.
- Carmel Beach HotelHotelCarmel-by-the-Sea, United StatesNewer sister property to L'Auberge Carmel.
- Oracle ParkSightSan Francisco, United StatesAttend a Giants game from March to September.
- WaterbarRestaurantSan Francisco, United StatesOffers Pacific oysters and a massive wine list.
- Cavallo PointHotelSausalito, United StatesHistoric lodge offering bay views.
- Nick's CoveHotelTomales Bay, United StatesCozy hotel with kayaks and a restaurant.
- Point Reyes National SeashoreNature reservePoint Reyes Station, United StatesOffers beachside hikes and seasonal whale watching.
- Nicholson HouseGuest houseMendocino, United StatesVictorian-era house serving local cuisine and microbrews.
- Harbor House InnHotelElk, United StatesInn attracting foodies with a celebrated restaurant.
- Sea Ranch LodgeHotelSea Ranch, United StatesEco-friendly buildings integrated into the coastline.
- Fort Ross State Historic ParkSightJenner, United StatesHistoric park near Timber Cove Resort.
- Casa PalmeroHotelPebble Beach, United StatesHistoric lodging on the Monterey Peninsula.
- L'Auberge CarmelHotelCarmel-by-the-Sea, United StatesFive-star hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
- Grassy Bar Oyster CompanyRestaurantMorro Bay, United StatesSeafood spot in Morro Bay serving oysters.
- ChamisalRestaurantSan Luis Obispo, United StatesLocated in a tranquil setting just 10 minutes from downtown San Luis Obispo in the beautiful Edna Valley.
