Browse the coastal towns of the West Coast (below) or view by geographical region.
A crab cocktail at Rocky Point Restaurant near Big Sur Big Sur, CA
Big Sur isn’t really a town per se. Rather, it is an area that surrounds and cradles California Highway 1 – the only road through the Big Sur Region – for a distance of about ninety miles, roughly from Carmel to San Simeon. Bounded on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the east by the western slopes of the Santa Lucia Mountains, the Big Sur Region is one of spectacular beauty and colorful history.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Names of artists and celebrities such as Ansel Adams, Jack Landon, Clint Eastwood, Doris Day, or John Madden are synonymous with Carmel.  But the charm of this exquisitely perfect coastal town goes far beyond the ability to recite the names of its famous -- although not-often-in-residence -- occupants...
Carmel Valley, CA
Every place we stopped, we noticed one very impressive aspect: the people were extremely friendly. If you like to try new places that are only slightly off the “beaten path,” make sure to take the short trip inland to Carmel Valley. You will find it well worth your time.
Half Moon Bay, CA
About a half an hour south of San Francisco -- or a half an hour west of Palo Alto -- lies a little jewel called Half Moon Bay.  It is nestled between the coastal range and the ocean and is literally awash in the sights, sounds and smells of the sea...
Jellyfish at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Monterey, CA
Miles of picturesque shoreline, the vibrant Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, 17 world-class golf courses, shopping, dining and a superlative assortment of parks and natural areas await your visit!
Oxnard
Agriculture has long been the major industry, but the establishment of military bases at Port Hueneme and Point Mugu during World War II, and the rise of electronic, aerospace, and other manufacturing industries have contributed to the growth of the city and surrounding areas.  More recently, tourism has been added to the list of industries, along with opportunities galore for sport fishing and boating.  Whatever the reason, Oxnard should be high on your list of places to visit, work or live!
San Francisco, CA
The Golden Gate Bridge, Trolley Cars, Sourdough Bread, Ghirardelli Chocolate and hills only a mountain goat could love -- these are but a few of the infinite number of things that define one of the greatest cities in the country...
View of the Pacific Ocean from Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort Santa Barbara
Located about 2 hours north of Los Angeles and snuggled comfortably between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the picturesque Pacific Ocean lies what some refer to as the American Rivera because of its Mediterranean climate.  It took me until I was 18 years old to get my first look at this incredible jewel of a city, basking in sunshine and abounding with natural resources, but I will never forget it - or its beauty.
Santa Monica, CA
At the westernmost edge of the Christopher Columbus Trans-Continental Highway is Santa Monica, California. Its location has allowed for a prominent place in a large number of TV shows, commercials and movies. The city may be best known for its huge pier, jutting several hundred yards out into the Pacific Ocean. 
Santa Rosa, CA
Just over an hour north of California’s Golden Gate Bridge lies Santa Rosa, county seat and the largest city in Sonoma County. Nestled in the center of famous Sonoma Wine Country, this friendly city -- an urban blend of art and culture, food, wine and recreation -- is alive with warm and accommodating people.
Sausalito, CA
What better place to enjoy than one of the best little seaside locations on the coast of California?  There are hotels in which to stay, plenty of dining and shopping venues for a wide variety of tastes and ample nightlife to enjoy.

 

 

 

Coastal Destinations Listing (North South)

California

Northern California

San Francisco
Santa Rosa
Sausalito

Central Coast

Half Moon Bay
Monterey
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel Valley
Santa Barbara
Oxnard

Southern California

Santa Monica

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Subscribe to the Pacific Tides newsletter and see where we've been!

Home California Excursions Shopping Advertise

OnthePacific.com is owned and maintained by Northern Sky Designs, LLC
Copyright © 2001-2008 All Rights Reserved  - Last Modified April 15, 2008

www.onthefox.com | www.onthelake.net | www.onthepacific.com | www.franklloydwrightsites.com