1. Santa Barbara
Known as the American Riviera, this city has strong Spanish influences as is evident from the Mission Santa Barbara and the county’s courthouse.
2. Solvang
Located in Santa Ynez Valley, this quaint little town is the little Denmark in the US. It is home to a number of bakeries, restaurants, merchants, and architecture that offer a look and taste of Denmark in California.
3. Pismo Beach
This classic beach town is located on California’s famous central coast, halfway between LA and San Francisco.
4. San Luis Obispo
Known for the disgusting yet amusing tourist attraction – the Bubblegum Alley.
5. Morro Bay
A waterfront city in San Luis Obispo, this town’s most striking feature is the Morro Rock, which is a 576 foot high, volcanic plug.
6. San Simeon
Home to the iconic Hearst Castle and to thousands of elephant seals giving birth, molting, mating, and resting.
7. Big Sur
85 miles of stunning scenery!
8. Monterey
Attractions here include Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Cannery Row.
9. Santa Cruz
Home to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, an oceanfront amusement park operating since 1907!
10. San Francisco
We all know this one. Known for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, we ended our road trip here and flew to Phoenix for the second leg of our trip. More on that later!