Best California Towns Along the Pacific Coast Highway

PRACTICAL WANDERLUST

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Ah, the Pacific Coast Highway - one of California's most scenic routes, from San Diego up to near Oregon. When you plan your travels along this iconic highway, it can be hard to pick just one spot as there are countless options for beautiful towns and beach cities waiting to show off their sunshine-filled scenes.

1. HALF MOON BAY

Half Moon Bay has gorgeous beaches, annual pumpkin patches, a quaint little downtown, and some of the best surfing on the West Coast.

2. Stinson Beach

Everything in the town of Stinson has a nostalgic surf-town vibe, and most of the tiny town is walkable – perfect for a day at the beach!

3. Morro Bay

Morro Bay can be easily identified by its two landmarks: an old power plant whose large smokestacks can be seen from anywhere in town, and Morro Rock, a giant volcanic behemoth located directly on the beach.

4. HALF MOON BAY

There’s more to Half Moon Bay than awful bird movies: there are also gorgeous beaches, annual pumpkin patches, a quaint little downtown, and some of the best surfing on the West Coast.

5. SANTA CRUZ

Just south of the Bay Area, Santa Cruz is a laid back, quirky hippie town. From the beach boardwalk to the lush redwoods, Santa Cruz is one fun place to visit!

6. MONTEREY

Best known for its incredible aquarium and John Steinbeck’s novel Cannery Row, Monterey is all about celebrating sea life and the beautiful California coast.

7. PACIFICA

Pacifica is also famous for its excellent surfing at Linda Mar Beach – although before hopping in the water, you’ll want to check that it’s not Great White Shark migration season.

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