VIBE

Scenic coastal highway that crosses through a string of posh beachside towns like Laguna Beach, Santa Monica, and Venice as it runs from Dana Point in Orange County northwards up the California coast. Dramatic cliff-side curves, picturesque coastal villages, and breathtaking views of the Pacific make for a memorable ride, especially at sunset. If once-in-a-lifetime-vistas aren’t enough for you, further roadside attractions range from hokey tourist traps and surf shacks to the Getty Villa and ultra-posh ocean-side eateries.

GO HERE WITH

A date – for a romantic sunset drive

WHY WE LIKE IT

Those stunning views–perfect route for sunset cruising. We once took a road trip all the way from San Francisco down to San Diego, which was absolutely breathtaking, but you can get some sense of the vistas if you stick close by LA, too.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Gas prices are often steeper along this stretch of road than in other parts of the greater LA area. Traffic at rush hour can be a bear–we chose to head south from LA around 4:00pm on a Friday, and while the sunset was beautiful, it took hours to get down only as far as Laguna.

GOOD TO KNOW

A trip down this highway can be a vacation in itself. Much to see and do if you expand your scope beyond the LA area: as you head north, you can tour Hearst Castle, golf in Pebble Beach, and end up in San Fran for sightseeing and shopping galore.

CLOSEST COMPS

Mulholland Drive (Los Angeles)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to Los Angeles