The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most iconic roads in the US. Majestic waves are the backdrop for everything from small towns to big mountains. It’s a trip that truly takes you away in more ways than one.
First Stop: Long Beach, California
Long Beach is centrally located to Los Angeles and Orange County. It’s a great “walking city” on the water with everything from beaches and marinas to shopping and dining.
House of Hayden
Vibes of gothic Halloween with decor that’s up year-round. They offer affordable drinks, pool tables, and fellow bikers. Check their site for special events.
Twisted Road Tip: cash only
The Queen Mary
Take a tour through history aboard the Queen Mary. Permanently docked at the Long Beach Hotel, this landmark—once known as the world’s largest ship -- has dining, entertainment, special events and more.
El Dorado East Regional Park
Escape the urban scene with a four-mile bike and pedestrian path, two stocked fishing lakes and plenty of places to eat and play. You can even bring your four-legged friends to the El Dorado Dog Park.
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Second Stop: Ojai, California
Nestled in a valley in the Topatopa Mountains, the city has art galleries, wineries, endless trails, and unique eateries.
Bart’s Books
This bookstore has something for everyone under the sun. Literally! It is an outdoor bookstore with 130,000 used and new books.
Meditation Mount
This spiritual destination follows the sun, the moon, and the stars. Join one of the community-based groups or find a space all your own to reflect and get inspired.
Los Padres National Forest
Mountains, trees, beaches, wildlife, trails—it all can be found in this national forest. The second-largest national forest in California and one of the best ways to experience CA nature in all it’s glory.
Third Stop: Atascadero, California
Atascadero brims with hundreds of wineries, championship golf, and the Central Coast’s only accredited zoo.
Sylvester’s Burgers
With a creative, juicy array of burgers you might want to bring friends so you can try more than one. Or you can skip breakfast and prepare yourself for “The Big One”—a 5-pound, 30-minute burger challenge.
Charles Paddock Zoo
Dedicated to the conservation of local species, this zoo gives you the chance to learn about a see some of the rarest animals in the world.
Bella Luna Estate Winery
This family-owned winery focuses on unique, small-lot varieties of both red and white wine. They offer wine tastings, tours, and a Harvest lunch -- all paired with an education on the fine art of wine making.
Bruce Munro: Field of Light at Sensorio
This interactive light installation by Bruce Munro only runs through January 2021, so it's a must-see SOON. Art meets technology meets landscape to surprise and delight. Explore, meditate, take selfies, relax...this awe-inspriring, eye-popping art is a feast for the eyes.
Fourth Stop: San Francisco, California
San Francisco is home to a wide array of color, culture, and of course, sweeping views.
The Golden Gate Bridge
This iconic 746-foot orange bridge is a must-see (or, rather, must ride). Make sure to take a trip across so you can see the view from both sides of this historic landmark.
Alcatraz Island
This ominous fortress was home to some of the country’s most infamous convicts of the 20th century. Want to be really spooked? Try a night tour.
Zeitgeist
This is one of the few bars in San Francisco with outdoor seating. Don’t worry—their famous Bloody Marys and margaritas will warm you up. The food menu is quick and to the point while their beer menu will leave you wanting to come back for more.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Some of the freshest seafood around—this waterfront destination has all the sites, sounds, tastes, and smells that a crustation-loving person could ask for.
Fifth Stop: Santa Cruz, California
In Santa Cruz, you can walk on the beach, ride a vintage carousel, and dine in a quaint café. Then, soak up the sun or ride the waves in this funky town known as “surf city”.
Gayle’s Bakery & Rosticceria
Go for breakfast. Go for lunch. Go for dinner. Go for dessert. This place has everything from buttery croissants and deli sandwiches to blue plate special dinners.
Twisted Road Tip: Grab a loaf of fresh-baked, crusty bread to-go.
West Cliff Drive & the Surfing Museum
Six miles of scenery you can take in by foot or bike with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Here, the world’s first surfing museum houses photos, stories, and more, all with the backdrop of the crashing waves.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Grab a bite to eat while you stroll down the boardwalk for shopping, mini-golf, and people-watching. If you’re a lightweight, maybe go on The Giant Dipper rollercoaster before you down a corn dog and turkey leg.
Laguna Seca
On the way from Santa Cruz to Big Sur, stop by this track for some real hair-raising twisties. Its eleven turns are highlighted by the circuit’s signature turn: the downhill-plunging “corkscrew”. It makes for one of the most thrilling experiences on two wheels.
Sixth Stop: Big Sur, California
The rugged coastline of Big Sur is a popular destination off of the scenic Highway One.
Bixby Bridge
One of the most photographed and iconic bridges in California, this bridge’s architecture stands strong in a breathtaking natural setting along the coast. It’s the perfect place to take photos and make your Instagram followers envious.
Old Coast Road
If you’re on an adventure bike, or something that is dirt capable, this is the place to go—and ride. The ride is fun and moderately challenging with incredible scenery at every turn.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
This beautiful park is a favorite for both locals and tourists. There are seven marked trails that will take you to paradise with waterfalls, redwoods, hidden coves, and more. It is also one of the few areas in Big Sur to scuba dive so pack your flippers in your saddle bags before you go.
Nepenthe
Sit on the terrace and hear stories of vagabonds, hippies, poets, and artists. This is a place where stories are encouraged, shared over a glass of wine and a juicy burger.
Last Stop: Santa Barbara, California
This city’s Spanish colonial heritage can be seen in its beautiful architecture. High-end boutiques, local cuisine, beautiful beaches, and mountains—Santa Barbara has it all. Plus, star-gazing (of the celestial and celebrity kind) is an added bonus.
Whale Watching Tours
Witnessing a creature bigger than a school bus breach from the ocean is a site to behold. If you’re lucky, you can catch a glimpse while sitting on the beach, but going out into the open waters can give you a better sense of these magical creatures.
MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation
This science and technology museum gives visitors the chance for some hands-on experiences, both indoors and out. You can build a racecar, play sound effects, and create art.
Rockfire Grill
Less than 15 minutes from Santa Barbara, this place is loaded with loaded dishes. Flatbread burgers, flatbread pizzas, wings, salads, and more!
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