When traveling the California coastal areas, many people will follow the shoreline north up the central coast via the Pacific Coast Highway (or PCH) HWY1. This is a gorgeous run that takes in lively small towns like Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz . Almost all of the towns grew up around Spanish missions, each a long day's walk from the next, and once enclosed within thick walls to prevent Native American attack. Monterey, a hundred miles south of San Francisco, was California's capital under Spain and Mexico, and still has attractive early-nineteenth-century architecture.

Southern California provides the soft sandy beaches and hot weather that is typically associated with our fair state. The central coastline becomes more mountainous and provides beautiful views. The northern coast offers a dramatic backdrop with its craggy coastline and interesting rock formations.

For a Romantic California Beaches and Hotel Getaways:
Avalon - Catalina Island, Big Sur, Carmel, Laguna, Monterey, Morro Bay, Pebble Beach, San Luis Obispo, Santa Monica

Beaches For People Watching, Having Fun and Hanging Out:
Huntington, Long Beach, Malibu, Newport, Oceanside, Pismo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Venice