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- Some More Unique Stops Along PCH In Los Angeles And San Diego, California
Summary
- Experience the unique beauty and wildlife of Santa Catalina Island on a road trip from LA to San Diego. Take a ferry to the island and explore Two Harbors and Avalon, complete with palm trees, cabanas, and art deco Catalina Casino.
- Enjoy the surf and vibrant beach town vibes at Huntington Beach, also known as "Surf City." Take a surf lesson or explore lively Main Street with its bars, breweries, shops, and cafes.
- Explore the scenic beaches and artistic charm of Laguna Beach. From tide pools at Main Beach to hiking trails in the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, this stop offers breathtaking coastal vistas and a chance to see a natural lake.
Driving the California coast is a quintessential American road trip and is something that everyone should experience at some point in their lifetime! Whether driving the whole coastline or just a section, there are so many beautiful places to stop along the way. California has great scenic road trip options with fantastic stops along the way, and the drive from LA to San Diego is no less.
The drive on a road trip from LA to San Diego is only about 120 miles (roughly 2 hours of driving point to point without traffic). But the best parts of any road trip are the stops along the way, and with multiple beaches and dozens of things to do between LA and San Diego, the California coast will not disappoint.
Although the quickest way between these two cities is to take the I-5, the most scenic option is to take the Pacific Coast Highway or Highway 1. This drive is one of the most beautiful in the US, and it becomes even more so if you genuinely know where to stop between San Diego and Los Angeles to enjoy this route.
UPDATE: 2023/11/13 16:42 EST BY SUNIL PURUSHE
Some More Unique Stops Along PCH In Los Angeles And San Diego, California
The route between LA and San Diego and the legendary Pacific Coast Highway has unlimited destinations and attractions that demand attention. There's only one Golden State for a reason, regardless of the time of year. Have fun!
14 Escape To Santa Catalina Island
Two Harbors and the city of Avalon, with Casinos, hiking trails, and wildlife.
For those with plenty of time to enjoy the California coastline, leaving the car behind in Long Beach and catching a ferry over to Santa Catalina Island is an excellent place to start. Among the many things to do between San Diego and Los Angeles, visiting the Santa Catalina Islands is a unique but very fulfilling choice. Just one hour away via high-speed ferry, Santa Catalina is one of California's Channel Islands and lies southwest of LA. The resort town of Two Harbors is on the north of the island, and the city of Avalon is in the south, complete with palm trees, cabanas, and art deco Catalina Casino. There are hiking trails across the island, and it's known for its wildlife and amazing diving opportunities, making it the perfect first stop on any LA to San Diego road trip.
- Location: Santa Catalina Islands, California 90704
- Major Attractions: Catalina Island Casino, Two Harbors
13 Enjoy The Longest Pier At Huntington Beach
The best place to learn surfing!
On a drive from LA to San Diego, just 20 minutes further down the coast from Long Beach and about as far north as you can get in Orange Country, is beautiful Huntington Beach. With one of the longest piers on the California Coast, it is the perfect place to catch a West Coast sunset. Known locally as "Surf City," the beach is a perfect place to take a surf lesson, or lively Main Street has many bars, breweries, shops, and cafes to enjoy.
- Location: Huntington Beach, California
- Major Attractions: Huntington Beach Pier, Old World Village
12 The World Famous And Stunning Laguna Beach
Over 40 miles of trails, spectacular coastal vistas, canyons, and Lake Barbara.
LAGUNA BEACH MAIN BEACH
With some of the most stunning beaches and coastlines along this coastline, Laguna Beach is a must-see beach on any San Diego to LA road trip or the opposite direction along the California Coast. Another significant aspect of Laguna Beach is that it falls in the middle of a route perfect for any California road trip. The town is an eclectic mix of a hippie beach town, boutique shopping, and art galleries. Main Beach has tide pools to explore and a beautiful boardwalk leading to the paths and gardens of nearby Heisler Park. The Laguna Coast Wilderness Park has over 40 miles of trails leading to rocky bluffs, coastal vistas, and canyons. Hiking to Barbara's Lake is a unique opportunity to see a natural lake along this coastal drive.
- Location: Laguna Beach, California
- Major Attractions: Heisler Park, Pacific Marine Mammal Center
11 Looking Out For Whales At Dana Point
A beautiful harbor and tours to watch the biggest mammal family on earth.
Dana Point is known as the "Whale Capital of the West," so watch for these majestic animals, whether watching from the harbor or heading further out to sea on a whale-watching tour. The 0.2-mile Bluff Top hiking trail gives visitors a breathtaking panoramic view of the harbor, and the harbor itself has many boutique stores, restaurants, and cafés to enjoy a rest after whale-spotting!
- Location: Dana Point, California
- Major Attractions: Dana Point Harbor, Salt Creek Beach
10 Learning Some History In San Juan Capistrano
Spanish-style architecture and antique stores, along with seeing the oldest buildings in the state.
A visit to San Juan Capistrano involves a little inland detour, but it is one of the most historic destinations in the region, and it's a nice way to break up the beach stops along this coastal drive. Downtown is filled with Spanish-style architecture and antique stores, and one of the highlights is seeing the San Juan Capistrano Mission, one of the oldest buildings in the state. For those staying overnight here, there are plenty of taquerias and old-timey Western bars to enjoy.
- Location: San Juan Capistrano, California
- Major Attractions: Mission San Juan Capistrano, Zoomars at River Street Ranch
9 Visiting The Wine Country In Temecula
See beautiful hillside golf courses and vineyards.
Further inland still is the Southern California city of Temecula. It's famous for the nearby Temecula Valley Wine Country, with stunning hillside vineyards and abundant golf courses. Another beautiful historic town, Temecula, is filled with 1800s buildings and antique stores, making it a unique stop along the way between LA and San Diego.
- Location: Temecula, California
- Major Attractions: Old Town Temecula, Wilson Creek Winery
8 Surfing At San Clemente State Beach
Windy, wavy, and perfect for water sports.
San Clemente is a quirky surf town and is the southernmost town in Orange County. It is often windy and wavy, making it the perfect place to try out some water sports, and there are surfing spots here suitable for beginners right up to professionals, making it one of the best surf spots along the California coast. Another unique thing about San Clemente Beach is that visitors can camp right on the mile-long beach!
- Location: San Clemente, CA 92672
- Major Attractions: San Clemente Pier, San Clemente Coastal Trail
7 Stop By The Beach At Oceanside and Visit LEGOLAND In Carlsbad
Home to the longest wooden pier and a chance to be a child again.
Oceanside has over 6 miles of breathtaking beaches, making it one of the best beach-side destinations along this coastline. It is also home to the longest wooden pier on the California coast - roughly 1/3 mile long! The views along the Oceanside coast are truly spectacular, and it is worth taking some time here to soak them up!
A short drive from Oceanside is the small town of Carlsbad, which is often top of tourist's to-see lists because of its many big attractions, including the LEGOLAND California Resort and the impressive Sea Life Aquarium.
- Location: Oceanside, Carlsbad
- Drive: Oceanside to Carlsbad (3.3 miles - 8 minutes)
- Major Attractions: Oceanside Pier, Mission San Luis Rey, LEGOLAND California, Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum (MECM)
6 Take In The Quaint Seaside Charm Of Encinitas
Enjoy a unique botanical garden and the small-town vibe.
Another stop with unbeatable coastal views is the beautiful Encinitas. This small city is just a little south of Carlsbad, and the streets are packed with quirky stores and relaxed restaurants. It is also home to the San Diego Botanical Garden, filled with various plant species from around the world. For visitors looking for a mellow town with seaside charm, this is the perfect place to stop.
- Location: Encinitas, California
- Major Attractions: Moonlight State Beach, Self Realization Fellowship Hermitage & Meditation Gardens
5 The Calmness Of A Sanctuary At Torrey Pines State Natural Preserve
Witness the unique Torrey Pine and several migratory birds.
Although technically within San Diego city limits, the Torrey Pines State Natural Preserve is one of the wildest lands found along the Southern California coastline. Here, visitors will find the rare Torrey pine along with a beautiful lagoon, which is still used by several migrating bird species. With deep sandstone canyons and miles of pristine beaches, this is the perfect last stop before hitting San Diego!
- Location: 12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Major Attractions: Razor Point and Beach Trail Loop, La Jolla Cove
4 Summer Entertainment At Newport Beach
A beachside destination boasts entertainment, food, and history.
Newport Beach town will be reached on a road trip from LA to San Diego after driving along Highway 1 to the south from Huntington. This iconic town is known as an amazing summer destination and boasts various types of activities for everyone to enjoy. People visiting Newport Beach are recommended to see the Fun Zone and Balboa Pier, where they will witness an amazing seaside amusement park with arcade games, a small Ferris wheel, and traditional carnival food. Multi-million dollar homes and iconic boutiques can be spotted on Balboa Island. The latter can be reached from Balboa Pier in five minutes in a small car ferry.
- Location: Newport Beach, California
- Major Attractions: Balboa Island Ferry, Newport Beach
3 Finding Solitude At Table Rock Beach
Not the easiest to reach, but it's well worth the effort.
People who want to enjoy stunning seaside scenery with fewer tourist crowds will stop at Table Rock Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Orange County. This spot can be located in South Laguna just off of the Pacific Coast Highway, north of Mission Hospital. Although people will have to walk down several stairs to reach the beach, it's still worth witnessing this unique area. The wonderful surf, beautiful rock formations, and solitude Table Rock Beach offers are all worth heading to this difficult-to-reach stop along the road trip from LA to San Diego.
- Location: 31561 Table Rock Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
- Major Attractions: Table Rock Beach, Laguna Beach Open Ocean Kayaking Tour with Sea Lion Sightings (Nearby)
2 Party At The Pacific Beach
Beachfront entertainment and the beautiful Californian sunset.
The beachside neighborhood of Pacific Beach near San Diego is known as a party playground or P.B. (as the locals call it). P.B. comes alive at night with the glow of bonfires and the electricity of the region's many clubs. However, with endless stretches of coast, it's also the perfect downtime spot for families. P.B., or Pacific Beach, is also one of California's best beaches in and near San Diego. It has a 3.2-mile-long boardwalk lined with beachfront bars, restaurants, and shops, which is also a great vantage point to watch the beautiful Californian sunset every night. San Diego is known for its beaches and delicious cuisines, and it can all start here at Pacific Beach.
- Location: Pacific Beach, California
- Major Attractions: Mission Bay Park, San Diego Zoo
Lifeguard stands are staffed year-round from North Pacific Beach down to Mission Beach. The main lifeguard tower is located at the end of Grand Avenue.
1 Make A Stop At Santa Ana, The Face Of A New California.
Be surprised by the art, culture, and attractions found in historic Santa Ana.
The New York Times has characterized approximately four-fifths Latino, Santa Ana, as the "face of a new California, a state where Latinos have more influence in everyday life." Santa Ana is a cultural, entertainment, and culinary center of large and diverse Orange County, rich in authentic heritage and can't-miss gems. Art is everywhere in Santa Ana, from local galleries and studios to museums and alleyways. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the French Park neighborhood adjacent to downtown consists of 20 square blocks lined with stately homes from the 1880s.
- Location: Santa Ana, California
- Major Attractions: Lyon Air Museum, Blinking Owl Distillery