Editor's note: As of July 2023, portions of this drive are closed due to damage on the road. Visit the Big Sur Chamber of Commerce website for the most current information.
Much has been written about the Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 1. Extending some 650 miles, it is simply marvelous and reveals so many wonderful aspects of The Golden State. For this scenic road trip, we’ll explore just a portion of this magnificent scenic highway from Morro Bay to Carmel-By-The-Sea, leaving you with another taste of what the California lifestyle has to offer.
The drive time from Morro Bay to Carmel-by-the-Sea is just under three hours long if you drive straight through.
Starting at the southern end of this road trip is beautiful Morro Bay. The Morro Rock is the most recognizable feature of this quaint coastal town. In truth, this boulder rising approximately 576 feet above the surface of the water is really what is known as a volcanic plug.
There are so many wonderful things to do here that it’s hard to choose what to do first.
About 30 minutes up the highway you’ll come to the stunning town of Cambria. The area is known as the home of Hearst Castle, but there is much more to it than that.
Cambria is a gastronomic haven and foodies come from all over the state for the most amazing knife-and-fork adventures.
With good eats like those served up at the Black Cat Bistro, it’s no wonder that Cambria was named as one of the best small towns in Northern California.
Everyone knows about Big Sur but not many are aware of a little spot called Nepenthe. Just an hour and 40 minutes north of Cambria, Nepenthe offers spectacular views of the California coastline.
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Although there is really not much to do here besides grabbing a bite to eat, you might consider staying a night or weekend “next door” in Big Sur.
Continuing on another 44 minutes or so and you will arrive in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Officially incorporated in 1916, Carmel-by-the-Sea is often regarded as the artistic capital of this area of the state.
Over 100 art galleries are dotted all over Carmel-by-the-Sea, each one offering a unique flavor and flair of the area and artisans who live and work here.
It’s no wonder that this beautiful seaside village draws so many art aficionados from all over the world to buy unique pieces for their homes and businesses.
Have you driven along the Pacific Coast Highway between these towns? If so, what did you enjoy the most? We’d love to see your photos and hear about your experiences.
Santa Barbara has several distinct and visit-worthy neighborhoods. I never tire of the city’s beautiful architecture, shopping and dining options, and gorgeous waterfront. The vibrant neighborhood known as the Funk Zone in Santa Barbara began as a hub for artists and manufacturers and is now a walkable area full of galleries, restaurants, wineries and breweries, boutique shops, and public art.
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The funk zone is a 13-block section of the city near the train station, between the ocean and downtown Santa Barbara boasting lots of character and a mix of architecture, including businesses occupying converted warehouses, historic marine buildings, etc.
Throughout the Funk Zone, you’ll discover a ton of murals and public art pieces that distinguish this neighborhood from the other parts of Santa Barbara, and they make for interesting photo ops.
At its heart, the Funk Zone is rooted in art and culture, and you could easily spend days visiting the art galleries, studios, and museums. For one, MOXI (The Wolf Museum of Exploration and Innovation) is a highly interactive space that’s fun and educational for everyone, from individuals to families.
You’ll find an eclectic range of boutique shops and businesses scattered through the neighborhood, from antiques to home goods to textiles, and more. Make sure to stop into The Blue Door (you’ll know it when you see it) to discover a constantly evolving selection of vintage treasures and one-of-a-kind finds.
At least 10 wineries on Santa Barbara’s Urban Wine Trail are located here in the Funk Zone. Enjoy wine tasting in an elegant tasting room at Margerum and Barden Wines, an oceanfront tasting deck at Deep Sea Tasting Room, in front of a hand-drawn chalk map of Santa Barbara County at The Valley Project, or any of several other unique spaces.
Wine is not the only beverage to enjoy here. Visit a brewery like Validation Ale or sample spirits at Cutler’s Artisan Spirits.
There are plenty of restaurants around for a delicious lunch or dinner, too, whether you’re in the mood for pizza, Spanish tapas, Middle Eastern cuisine, an old-fashioned steakhouse, or nearly anything else.
It could take weeks to really discover and enjoy everything this eclectic artsy neighborhood has to offer. Have you explored the Funk Zone in Santa Barbara? Share your favorite spots with us in the comments. Visit the Funk Zone website for a map, upcoming events, and more. If you're not sure where to start or want to quickly discover the highlights, check out this small group Funk Zone walking tour! Need more inspiration? Check out our entire collection of fun and unique things to see and do in Southern California.
Summer in Northern California is a magical time, with its diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and endless opportunities for adventure. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a foodie, or someone who loves to explore hidden gems, there's something for everyone. We included some of our favorite things to do on this list, as well as NorCal must-do activities. Here are 11 must-do experiences to add to your Northern California summer bucket list.
Nothing compares to the awe-inspiring sight of towering redwoods. Take a scenic drive along the Avenue of the Giants, hike through ancient forests, or find a peaceful spot to picnic among the giants. The cool shade of these ancient trees offers a perfect escape from the summer heat.
Trust us on this, even if you’re not outdoorsy, you’ll be in awe of this fairytale forest.
There are also plenty of fun things to do nearby. Visit Trees of Mystery and Confusion Hill — quintessential NorCal redwood destinations. And don’t pass up the opportunity to explore the inside of a hollowed-out giant redwood.
This massive area consists of one national park and three state parks, ranging from the coast to the mountains. Another plus if you visit the redwoods in the summer? It’s often slightly cooler in this part of the state compared to the East Bay and Central Valley.
Combine two of the most NorCal activities into one trip– floating a river and wine tasting. Float the 2-mile stretch of the Russian River and then enjoy all the surrounding wineries, restaurants, and charming boutique hotels– even an Airstream campground!
Discover small vintners in this area who make delicious wines, and have some beautiful properties. We love wine tasting in this area since the scenery is a bit more chill and laid-back compared to Napa.
Lake Tahoe's crystal-clear waters are perfect for summer kayaking. Paddle along the stunning shoreline, explore hidden coves, and take in the breathtaking mountain views. For a unique experience, try a sunset paddle and watch the sky light up in hues of orange and pink.
If kayaking and SUP don’t interest you, you can also enjoy the great Tahoe beaches.
Yosemite National Park is a hiker's paradise. From the iconic Half Dome to the serene Tuolumne Meadows, there's a trail for every level of adventurer. Don't miss the chance to see Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America, in full flow during the summer months.
Santa Cruz offers classic California beach vibes with its iconic boardwalk, sandy beaches, and surf culture. Spend the day lounging on the sand, riding the historic Giant Dipper roller coaster, or exploring the wharf. This charming oceanfront attraction makes for the quintessential NorCal day trip.
Summer is a great time to explore San Francisco! You can easily spend a weekend exploring the city. The weather in San Francisco is pleasant year-round with the rare heatwave, making it a great escape from hot areas of the rest of the state.
The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is like nowhere else you’ve ever visited. Anyone outside of California would be surprised that this massive freshwater marsh is part of our state’s beautiful and diverse landscape.
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We recommend renting a boat– it’s actually quite reasonable if you get a group together.
There are numerous sloughs and waterways to explore. You can fish right off the boat, bird watch, swim, and dock at the many waterfront restaurants and towns along the Delta.
Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, offers some of the most breathtaking coastal views in the world. You might recognize this view of the famous Bixby Creek Bridge just north of Big Sur. Drive along the rugged cliffs, stop at scenic overlooks, and explore beautiful oceanfront towns like Mendocino, San Gregorio, Big Sur, and more. The journey is as spectacular as the destinations!
You can start way north in Orland and venture all the way to Fresno (which is where we draw the line from NorCal to SoCal). We prefer the sunny and beautiful areas between Stockton and Turlock where you can find a ton of farmstands and breweries. Bring a cooler with ice so you don't have to hurry home with your fresh food! Our suggested itinerary is this: The Fruit Bowl produce market in Stockton, lunch at the famous Angelina's Spaghetti House, a visit to Stuyt Dairy Farmstead Cheese in Escalon, Ramos Country Corner market in Manteca followed by The Fruit Yard in Modesto, and finally brews at Dust Bowl Brewing Company in Turlock.
We hope we’ve provided enough ideas for your Northern California summer bucket list! Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a taste of the local culture, these activities are sure to make your summer unforgettable. So plan your trip, pack your bags, and get ready for an incredible Northern California summer!
