Planning a West coast road trip, from LA to Seattle. What are the stops I HAVE to make?

Question

erin hensley · Answer

world's most beautiful taco bell cantina (pacifica, ca): california is home to many superlatives and "world's most beautiful taco bell" is one of them. it sits on the sand of pacifica state beach, just south of san francisco. not only is the location gorg, but the building itself is unlike any taco bell you've ever seen. it's giving norcal wood-paneled oyster shack. there's a giant patio in the back for enjoying your crispy potato tacos while watching surfers. and... as if this paradise couldn't get any better, this is the kind of taco bell with a bar! any slushie drink or soda can have a shot or liquor added to it, or they have beer taps, including their own proprietary beer called "taco bell cantina ipa"

there's a huge parking lot, making this roadside fast food stop the goat!

Eric F · Answer

Blockbuster (Bend, Oregon) 📼: Travel back in time, browse the aisles, and grab some sweet merch.

Clara · Answer

Pinyon in Ojai, California: I just love this place. The pizza, the pastries, the people, the dedicated frog theme — it’s all great.

Clara · Answer

Hama Hama Oyster Co.: This place is delightful. Oysters are fresh out of the water, literally.

Tatum Denton · Answer

Wild Coast Omakase - Big Sur: It’s a $plurge, but it’s one of the top 3 most memorable dinners of my life! Better if you can stay in a yurt at Treebones overnight

Clara · Answer

Hipcamping in Bolinas: I love going to Bolinas! Stayed here once and the host and site are so lovely, but for a while it was a minimum-2-night-stay deal. Now it looks like it’s been opened to single-night stays, which is awesome. Really relaxing escape from the city/burbs.

Jamie · Answer

big sur sykes hot springs loop: the thing about the timber top campsite is it will ruin all other campsites for you AND there’s a hot spring to lounge in

Amy · Answer

The Marshall Store: The most delicious and fresh oysters, fish tacos, and also smoked meat right on Tomales Bay. Do not forget to order the garlic bread. 😋

t.A · Answer

Pie Ranch Farm Stand: This is the type of place that people think about when they fantasize about a stop along the Pacific Coast Highway. The farm itself is also worthy of its own rec (a non profit focusing on food education and regenerative agriculture). South of San Francisco, just outside of Santa Cruz, stop here for fresh produce, pickled foods, jams, jams, and more jams and of course- the pie. Oh the pie. They have a couple of benches to sit at outside to enjoy a slice with some coffee (last time I was there, the coffee is pre-made in an urn, don’t expect options or an espresso machine).

Sarah Cooney · Answer

Willits, Mendocino County: We’ve spent part of the last few summers visiting friends in Mendocino County and it has been truly the most magnificent experience—the landscape, the scents, the feel of the air and the look of the sky. The way the roads twist and turn over mountain passes. The vast expanse of space. Nothing on the east coast could ever prepare me for that.

Everyone talks about Mendocino but I rarely hear anyone speak about inland Mendocino County—and they are MISSING OUT. I’m working on my personal guide to the area but if you are heading that way, drop me a line and I’ll send you the very, very best place to stay.

Janet Wallace · Answer

Madonna Inn: Maximum pink!

Anisha · Answer

littorai: Can’t stop thinking about their wine & property - insane.

Anisha · Answer

ruth lewandowski: Ruth has no misses! Haven’t checked out the new tasting room yet but I guarantee it’s sick.

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.