Driving from LA to Sea Ranch on PCH with my husband for our anniversary- does anyone have any magical stops or things to do on the way up?

Question

Meara Daly · Answer

Berkeley Bowl: We always stop at Berkeley Bowl (west) on our way up to pick up supplies when staying in sea ranch. The produce cannot be beat!

Meara Daly · Answer

Priedite bbq: Depending on your day of travel highly recommend stopping for Priedite bbq in Los Alamos. It’s the best bbq we have had in CA & their tortillas are outrageous!

LVDMWB · Answer

pinnacles

LVDMWB · Answer

swanton strawberry fields

Meredith · Answer

Nepenthe Restaurant: Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous views and yummy food right off PCH in Big Sur

Molly · Answer

Orr Hot Springs: Magical hot springs & cabins nestled in the mountains in Mendocino.

Rachel Hellesto · Answer

Swanton Berry Farm: Beautiful farm, union labor, and delicious things!!! Must visit, just north of Santa Cruz.

Ashley · Answer

henry miller library: One of my favorite places in Big Sur. Bonus if your trip lines up with a show or event but magical just for a pitstop and book shop

Samantha Klein · Answer

west marin culture shop: Cute little shop of fermented goods, grocery items, wine, meats, cheese and in house made menu too. Oh and in- house soda floats with soft serve. Heavenly! My brother runs the shop so I’m biased but it’s the perfect stop for lunch or the fixings for an ideal charcuterie plate.

Lil rose · Answer

cafe aquatica and goat rock beach

Carolyn Mason · Answer

On The Alley - Fish & chips at Santa Barbara harbor: Skip Brophy Bros and grab fish & chips, chowder, etc here (they’re owned by the same people). If you've got kids, it’s fun to watch the fisherman come in with their haul. Perfect for a simple stop on the way up the coast. They don’t offer beer or wine, and it’s only communal outdoor/first-come seating, so it’s best for lunch.

Carolyn Mason · Answer

Oat Bakery - Santa Barbara, Montecito: I crave this bread, and try to plan any trips up the coast to include a quick stop, including their just-sweet-enough pastries. Great gluten free bread too. Montecito location right off PCH, great for a quick pitstop, while the Santa Barbara has a fuller menu.

Carolyn Mason · Answer

High Street Deli - either SLO or Baywood: SLO location makes perfect deli sandwiches, with craft beer in the fridge. Been going here for years in any trip up the coast. BUT the Baywood location!! It has a bigger menu (hot sandwiches, soft serve, beer/wine in draft) and the BEST burgers. It’s across the street from the ocean, choose this location if you’ve got some time to chill. Cute wine and gifts shop too.

Samantha Culp · Answer

East Beach Tacos AND Batting Cages - Santa Barbara: Get tasty tacos at East Beach Tacos and hit a few balls at the batting cages next door! I am terrible at any sport but it was still fun. A Santa Barbara friend clued me into this and it's a very refreshing break in the middle of a long coastal California drive.

Hilliary Bianca Salamanca · Answer

Bell's Restaurant: While not right on PCH, this spot is worth the 30 min detour to Los Alamos for the night, it's One of those type of meals you continue to think about years later. The wine pairings + a fresh uni are both a must!

Sophie · Answer

Brydge Restaurant : Women-owned/cheffed gem in a little house off the tourist path.

Sophie · Answer

California Sauna Club at Morro Bay: Barrel sauna and cold plunge into Morro Bay. Go for oysters at Grassy Bar Oyster after.

neko · Answer

dad's luncheonette: worth the detour to the pch, in half moon bay, and surrounded by coastal glory

Spines, Flicks, and Wax · Answer

Duarte's Tavern in Pescadero, CA: Off of Highway 1 in Pescadero (about 45 minutes to an hour south of Half Moon Bay), Duarte's Tavern (since 1894) serves up a delicious Cream of Artichoke soup and homemade pies for dessert.

Pescadero is a fun little town with a main drag to walk around (there's a cute antique shop and Norm's Market for fresh breads) but there's also plenty of beaches along the highway to enjoy :)

Laura · Answer

Breakfast and Cliffs at Timber Cove: Had my wedding here— food and views are impeccable. Walk down to the edge of the cliffs!

Harrison · Answer

The River Electric · 16101 Neeley Rd, Guerneville, CA 95446: Very lucky to have this spot in the greater backyard. Worth the trip up from the bay. Great vibes, food, and family friendly. It’s also great if you don’t have gremlins. The ideal balance.

elijah woods · Answer

bringing the man: bring a pal with u

Anisha · Answer

Hike the Tomales Point Trail: Gorgeous hike! The whole hike is definitely worth it but it’s easy to pick up and do a short walk as a pit stop, incredible views & potential elk sightings.

Anisha · Answer

Pacifica Taco Bell: What if we ate crunchwraps on the beach???? Truly the most magical location. Sip on a Baja blast and watch surfers (surfing dogs on occasion)!

Camille Muson · Answer

Morro Bay Shell Shop: https://www.morrobayshellshop.com/

Anna Griffin · Answer

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: One of my favorite hikes off the PCH. It’s popular for a reason so I’d rec going early and stopping at Stationaery in Carmel-by-the-sea for lunch afterward.

Anna Griffin · Answer

The Marshall Store: Tomales Bay for BBQ oysters! On Hwy 1, arrive before noon to beat the crowds and get your choice of a seat overlooking the bay.

Jessica · Answer

Cafe Aquatica: Cafe Aquatica is worth a stop for a peaceful coffee and lox bagel or toast before reaching Sea Ranch. You can casually bird watch right on the delta, where the Russian River meets the ocean. It’s very peaceful and the cafe also carries local wines, cheese and other little gourmet snacks.

Caitrin Chappelle · Answer

Brown Butter Cookie Company: Perfect cookies in the perfect CA beach town of Cayucos!

Jessica · Answer

fishetarian: A delicious variety of fresh raw and fried seafood, yummy dipping sauces, poke salads, great beverage selection and plenty of outdoor seating! There’s a gorgeous coastal hike in Bodega Bay as well for a pre or post meal walk and view.

rory · Answer

the refuge carmel: heaven on earth, the best sauna / ice bath set up I’ve ever seen

long live Carmel by the Sea

Willy Huber · Answer

Coyote Grill - Laguna Beach, CA: Fantastic food and a great place for lunch or dinner. I used to walk from my old house to this place all the time!

LuDuJour · Answer

cooks beach in gualala and sea ranch lodge at sunset for dinner/drinks

flat · Answer

shadowbrook: okay one more

shadowbrook is a sneakily awesome restaurant in capitola, tucked into the trees and nasturtiums, and you can take a small trolley car down to the restaurant

flat · Answer

marianne’s ice cream, santa cruz, ca: delightful and delicious ice cream spot in Santa Cruz

okay I’ll stop now because I love the central coast and I could go on and on

flat · Answer

oracle park: the most magical ball park in all the land

photo by me :)