HWY 1
Santa Monica - Del Mar
Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Crystal Cove State Park, Laguna Beach, Santa Catalina Island, beach towns
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Duration 3-10 hours Without a stop: 2-3 hrs Huntington Beach: + 1 hr Newport Beach: + min. 2 hrs Laguna Beach: + 1 hrs Santa Catalina Island: + 6 hrs/ 1 day (overnight stay) Del Mar: + 1 hrs Distance Santa Monica – Del Mar: 117 miles/ 188km Santa Monica – La Jolla (San Diego): 128 miles/ 206km SM – Huntington Beach: 46 miles/ 74km SM – Newport Beach: 52 miles/ 84km Newport Beach – Dana Point: 18.5 miles/ 30km Dana Point – Del Mar: 47 miles/ 76km |
Route south from Santa Monica: Leaving Santa Monica the best but also worst way getting you down south is the highway. Best because you don’t have to drive through insecure L.A. neighborhoods, worst because the traffic is a mess. If possible avoid rush hours, otherwise you easily can add up to 1-2 hours to your driving time. Furthermore, make sure you are using the car pool lane on the HWY. These lanes are reserved for cars with 2 or more passengers only and chances are high that you don’t get stuck in traffic. From Santa Monica take HWY 10 towards L.A. and exit later onto HWY 405 towards Long Beach/South. Take exit 16 to Huntington Beach that brings you over Center Ave to Route 39 (also called Beach Bvld.). From there turn right onto Main Street and follow the street until its end to enter the PCH/HWY 1 again. From here continue your drive along the coastline. Route south from Venice/Marina del Rey: Take Route 90 (Marina Expressway) towards HWY 405 and continue south towards Long Beach. Take exit 16 to Huntington Beach that brings you over Center Ave to Route 39 (also called Beach Bvld.). From there turn right onto Main Street and follow the street until its end to enter the PCH/HWY 1 again. From here continue your drive along the coastline. |
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1st stop: Huntington Beach - http://www.surfcityusa.com/
Huntington Beach is also called Surf City and one of the most famous beach and surf towns in California. In former times Huntington Beach underwent several renamings before the railroad magnat Huntington gave the city its final name. He was given plenty of influence in the beginning of the 20th century since he built a coastal resort at Shell Beach (one of the former city names) and attracted visitors to the city. This succeeds in 1904 when his company expanded their railroad track to the city, by then named Pacific City. Along with the tourists, the number of residents increased since they tried to make a living from tourism. When the residents looked for a way to express their gratitude to Huntington they decided to rename the city into Huntington Beach. |
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In the 1920’s oil was discovered on several properties in Huntington Beach and the city’s size developed rapidly since everyone wanted to have his/her piece of the cake. 90 wells were installed in the city.
Their remains are nowadays covered by plants or were removed. When the search for oil was extended offshore in the 1930’s the industry was transferred to the ocean, which is still the case today. Standing at the waterfront you can see the many offshore platforms.
At the same time surfing became popular in Huntington Beach but it wasn’t prevailed as a major trend sport before the 1950’s. In 1955 the first surf shop opened its doors and since then surf shops, like the Quicksilver flagship store are dominating the town center along Main Street. Next to boards and wetsuits they also carry casual surfer fashion.
Driving down Beach Blvd, a former cattle road, to Main Street you end up at the city’s downtown district. On Tuesdays Main Street is closed for traffic and turns into a huge market place where restaurants sample their food to pedestrians, farmers sell their produce while street performers are entertaining visitors.
On the opposite you can see the Huntington Beach Pier. It was originally built in 1904 while the street was framed with trees making the area more attractive to vacationers.
Over the years the pier consistently was damaged by storms and had to be rebuild several times. The tower on the pier is the home of the lifeguards.
At the pier’s end is Ruby’s, a typical retro American diner chain that offers burgers and other all American favorites. This place is usually packed with tourists.
If you are hungry try Duke’s Barefoot Bar located at the pier’s entrance. Duke’s is serving American and Hawaiian specialities.
Standing at the beach you have a total of 8.5 miles (almost 14km) to the left and right that is framed by an endless promenade. If you are interested in learning surfing this area is also recommended for beginners. The beaches offer several easy and more advanced surf spots. Boards are rented at the local stores along Main Street or you book a surflesson.
If you are in a rush just drive down the shoreline and enjoy the view.
Their remains are nowadays covered by plants or were removed. When the search for oil was extended offshore in the 1930’s the industry was transferred to the ocean, which is still the case today. Standing at the waterfront you can see the many offshore platforms.
At the same time surfing became popular in Huntington Beach but it wasn’t prevailed as a major trend sport before the 1950’s. In 1955 the first surf shop opened its doors and since then surf shops, like the Quicksilver flagship store are dominating the town center along Main Street. Next to boards and wetsuits they also carry casual surfer fashion.
Driving down Beach Blvd, a former cattle road, to Main Street you end up at the city’s downtown district. On Tuesdays Main Street is closed for traffic and turns into a huge market place where restaurants sample their food to pedestrians, farmers sell their produce while street performers are entertaining visitors.
On the opposite you can see the Huntington Beach Pier. It was originally built in 1904 while the street was framed with trees making the area more attractive to vacationers.
Over the years the pier consistently was damaged by storms and had to be rebuild several times. The tower on the pier is the home of the lifeguards.
At the pier’s end is Ruby’s, a typical retro American diner chain that offers burgers and other all American favorites. This place is usually packed with tourists.
If you are hungry try Duke’s Barefoot Bar located at the pier’s entrance. Duke’s is serving American and Hawaiian specialities.
Standing at the beach you have a total of 8.5 miles (almost 14km) to the left and right that is framed by an endless promenade. If you are interested in learning surfing this area is also recommended for beginners. The beaches offer several easy and more advanced surf spots. Boards are rented at the local stores along Main Street or you book a surflesson.
If you are in a rush just drive down the shoreline and enjoy the view.
2nd stop: Newport Beach - http://www.visitnewportbeach.com/
After leaving the city limits of Huntington Beach and passing a canal you enter Newport Beach. The city was founded in 1906 and belongs to the wealthiest communities in the U.S. It is divided into the Upper Bay carved out by the Santa Ana River and Lower Bay, which contains 7 islands/peninsulas.
The lower bay is also the area I recommend for a visit since it’s the perfect scenery for a nice walk along the ocean.
Drive down to Balboa Peninsula by turning right from HWY 1 into Newport Bvld. Further south along the Boulevard and after 23rd Street you should start looking for parking to visit Newport Pier and the boardwalk. Usually the parking area at the pier is packed but around the Crab Cooker (to your left), a traditional fish restaurant, you should find a spot. Next to its restaurant the Crab Cooker has a fish market where you can buy fresh fish for a BBQ.
To stretch your legs, walk or bike the promenade starting at the pier. From there walk south to Balboa Fun Zone and take the ferry to Balboa Island before you return. Although it is a quite long distance of 5 miles/ 8km it is a great way to spend the day at the beach and waterfront. Bike rentals are located at Newport Boulevard.
On your way your are passing nice beach homes, a historic amusement park, you are doing a ferry ride and come along a nice neighborhood located on an island. Long story short: take 3 hours of your time and enjoy the scenery!
Newport Pier is the starting point of the walk/ride. It was originally built from 1888 - 1889 as a wharf and shipping pier for a lumber shipping business called McFadden. The business was moved from the inland to the former swamp and overflow land. With the move the company became the largest business in Orange County.
Today the pier is popular with hobby fishers. So be careful that you are not ending up in one’s gaff. Usually the waves are breaking very strongly close to the pier so keep watching for boogie boarders and shortboard surfers.
After leaving the pier turn right (east) behind the public restrooms to enter the ocean promenade or beach.
Most of the beach houses along the promenade are vacation rentals. In case you are interested renting a home during your trip or in future you will find the inserts at common pages like vrbo.com, homeaway.com or under:
http://www.vamoose.com/search?region=5&vID=239&query=Balboa+Peninsula
In additon the owners put up signs with phone numbers in the front yard or windows.
On your way you are coming along a school with sports amenities right next to the beach. In my opinion a great way to spend classes.
After crossing Palm Street and Washington Street, turn left into Main Street and walk down to its end. Now you are approaching Balboa Pavilion the only Californian landmark in Newport Beach.
The pavilion was the last terminal stop in the southern district for the Pacific Electric Railway (L.A. – Newport Beach). The building is one of the last waterfront recreational pavilions in California and nowadays home for shops and restaurants. To the left of the pavilion starts the Balboa Fun Zone one of the oldest coastal amusement parks in California. From here you have a nice view towards Balboa Island and over the bay.
Although you can access Balboa Island over a bridge from HWY 1 I recommend the quaint ferry instead. The one-way fare is around $1 or $2 dollars per person and you are getting a scenic view over the bay and towards the pavilion. The service is operating since 1919 and as you can see it’s popular with pedestrians, bicyclists and even car drivers.
Balboa Island is a residential area but worth a stroll along the Bay Front. Most houses have their own small boat-landing at the bay and the view is scenic. I recommend starting your walk or bike tour to the left. Follow Bay Front until you cross Marine Avenue to your right.
Marine Avenue is the island’s main artery and most of the shops, restaurants and galleries are located here. There is also a tiny supermarket with delicatessen and a Mexican bistro, worth a stop if you are hungry or need refreshments. If you follow the avenue to its end you return to the southern end of Bay Front. To the right you return to the ferry terminal.
Back on Balboa Peninsula try to stay as long as possible at the bay promenade with its many boats and landings. That means you have to weave yourself around the tiny outer alleys and inner streets since there are many dead ends around. At 15th Street continue along Balboa Bvld or you cross the Bvld and head back to the ocean promenade to finally return to the pier.
If you became hungry the Bluewater Grill at Lido Park Drive or the Crab Cooker at Balboa Bvld are nice locations for a rest.
3rd stop: Crystal Cove Park – http://www.crystalcovestatepark.com
On your way further south and before Laguna Beach you are passing Crystal Cove State Park.
Below the park cliffs you have a white sandy beach and on the cliffs runs a nice trail overlooking the shore. Moreover the park is known for historic beach cottages that are restored by the management and available as vacation rentals.
The beach is perfect to swim, surf, and scuba dive.
Above the cottages on the other side of HWY 1 start several hiking trails, including the most scenic hikes in Orange County. It is called El Moro Canyon Trail and leads you along the backcountry offering marvelous views over the mountains and the Pacific:
http://www.crystalcovestatepark.com/Images/2003redmap.gif
If you are looking for further info about the retro vacation rentals go to the Crystal Cove Alliance webpage:
http://www.crystalcovebeachcottages.com/html/index.php
Next to the cottages at the far south of the beach you also have the Beachcomber Café with its retro beach bar. The restaurants patio and bar are great places to enjoy drinks, dinner or just snacks. http://www.thebeachcombercafe.com/_crystalcove/index.aspx
4th stop: Laguna Beach - http://www.lagunabeachinfo.com/
Laguna Beach, for the Spanish also known as La Canada de las Lagunas (the canyon of the small lakes) is - don’t be surprised - another seaside resort. It is also well known for its artist community that established in 1920.
The quaint city is over 8.5 miles long and starts south of Crystal Cove. It impresses visitors with a consistently changing coastline. Next to coastal mountains that are falling steep into the water it has over 30 coves and long sandy beaches.
In the 1880’s first hotels were opened in Laguna Beach branding the city as tourist town ever since.
If you are driving down the Pacific Coast Highway/ HWY 1 you are passing many of the still existing old buildings (I wouldn’t say historic since they were built at the beginning of the 20th century). For example the Craftsman Buildings (1912 and 1917) between Jasmine and Aster Street or the Spanish Med (1927) and Provincal Revival (1931) on Forest Avennue.
All in all is Laguna Beach a beautiful and lush coastal town where you should make a stop to walk along scenic Heisler Park and to explore the tiny shops in the downtown district. If you are looking for a place to stay on your way to San Diego, I highly can recommend Laguna Beach.
Laguna Beach, for the Spanish also known as La Canada de las Lagunas (the canyon of the small lakes) is - don’t be surprised - another seaside resort. It is also well known for its artist community that established in 1920.
The quaint city is over 8.5 miles long and starts south of Crystal Cove. It impresses visitors with a consistently changing coastline. Next to coastal mountains that are falling steep into the water it has over 30 coves and long sandy beaches.
In the 1880’s first hotels were opened in Laguna Beach branding the city as tourist town ever since.
If you are driving down the Pacific Coast Highway/ HWY 1 you are passing many of the still existing old buildings (I wouldn’t say historic since they were built at the beginning of the 20th century). For example the Craftsman Buildings (1912 and 1917) between Jasmine and Aster Street or the Spanish Med (1927) and Provincal Revival (1931) on Forest Avennue.
All in all is Laguna Beach a beautiful and lush coastal town where you should make a stop to walk along scenic Heisler Park and to explore the tiny shops in the downtown district. If you are looking for a place to stay on your way to San Diego, I highly can recommend Laguna Beach.
5th stop: Dana Point and Santa Catalina Island –
http://www.danapoint.org/index.aspx?page=6 and http://www.catalina.com/
Dana Point is one of the few harbor towns in Southern California that offers a daily ferry connection to Santa Catalina Island.
Before the harbor was built in 1966 the town was famous for a legendary surf break called Killer Dana. Between the 1930’s and 1960’s this rough break attracted surfers since this spot had one of the largest waves known for that time. Nowadays only a surf shop called the Killer Dana reminds insiders of the former spot.
While walking or driving through Dana Point you might realize that the streets are named after different colored laterns, such as the Street of the Blue and Green Latern. The names developed from a former tradition where ships that were approaching Dana Point used different colored laterns to advertise their fares.
The town received its name from the author Richard Henry Dana Jr. who wrote the novel “Two years before the mast”. In his book he describes Stilwater Bay (today’s Capistrano Beach) as the most romantic spot on the coast.
See it for yourself since the beach starts to the eastern side of the harbor. Combine your beach visit with a walk along the harbor promenade that features nice shops and restaurants where you can have a break.
If you are staying at Dana Point over night you will hear horns blowing that are warning sailors about the sharp reefs that are running along the shore. This sound is characteristic for the town and can rob your sleep.
Most people are coming to Dana Point to take the 30-minute ferry to Santa Catalina Island, 22 miles southwest of L.A. Several Native American tribes were living there before the Portuguese discovered the island in 1542.
Over the centuries the island was the base for otter hunters, smugglers and fishermen before in the 1830’s the island was totally abandoned from any population despite a few cattle herders and gold diggers.
By the end of the 19th century the city of Los Angeles started to re-develop the island as a vacation destination and chose Avalon as main resort community.
They started looking for prospective owners who were interested in starting hotels or camps around Avalon. With the paving of several dirt roads beaches like Lovers Cove, Sugarloaf Point and Descanso Beach became accessible for visitors. In addition the second, but much smaller community on the island Two Harbors started to grow.
When in the 1920’s the chewing gum magnate Wrigley joined the island investors he finally turned Avalon into a popular vacation resort. Under his ownership an Art-Deco dance pavilion and casino was built before the island was closed during World War II for tourism. The casino became a Catalina icon and the island’s focal point.
After the war the island was re-opened for tourists and became a famous vacation spot. Nowadays you either can access the island by ferries from ports in L.A., Newport Beach and Dana Point or by planes and helicopters.
Next to common beach activities, such as snorkeling, diving, swimming etc. the island offers hiking and biking trails everybody can use after purchasing a 2-day or annual permit. There are also guided hiking and boat tours you can book in advance at the Santa Catalina Island Company: http://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/avalon/Tours.php
Although there are some cars on the island, bringing your car is forbidden. You have to leave it on the mainland. Instead you can rent a bike or golf cart or use the island bus to explore the surroundings. Due to its small size you easily can explore Santa Catalina in one day. I recommend staying either overnight or taking the ferry back to Dana Point in the late afternoon at the same day.
6th stop: San Clemente - http://www.sanclemente.com/
The farthest you can drive along PCH/HWY 1 in this area of Orange County is San Clemente/San Onofre State Beach. From there you have to merge onto Interstate 5 for about 20 miles since the following area belongs to a Marine Corp Base and is blocked for public traffic.
San Clemente has another nice wooden promenade you can stroll along. The 5.5 miles (8,9 km) roundtrip starts at San Clemente’s Metro Station, passes the pier and ends further down at Calafia State Beach. This hike is easy and you can shorten it anytime. It is leading you along the waterfront and its high palm trees.
The city itself is known for its Spanish-style architecture and being the home of several surf magazines and shapers. And since the swell and break is also pretty good, the area is popular with surfers. In particular the San Onofre State Beach is a great spot for beginners. Advanced surfers have their fun at State Park, Riviera, Lost Winds, T-Street, The Pier, Linda Lane, 204, North Beach, and
Poche Beach.
7th stop: Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Cardiff-by-the-sea, and Solana Beach
Oceanside, http://www.oceansidechamber.com/visitor/index.asp
Immediately after the Marine base you are able to return onto PCH/HWY 1. The easiest way is to leave the Interstate at Mission Ave in Oceanside and to follow the road down to the ocean. When you are at the corner of the South Coast HWY make a left and you are back on track along the coastal HWY 1.
Oceanside itself doesn’t offer a lot of attractions. Similar to the other following cities it is a vacation town with a 6-miles of beaches. I would cruise through the city and postpone a stop to Carlsbad, Cardiff-by-the-sea or Del Mar.
http://www.oceansidechamber.com/visitor/index.asp
As said the following towns are more or less the same and I usually only enjoy the scenic drive down to Del Mar instead of stopping here. Nevertheless, there are some real nice beaches coming up which are worth a stop and even an over night stay if you are looking for a typical Californian beach vacation.
Carlsbad, http://visitcarlsbad.com/
Behind the Buena Vista Lagoon Oceanside merges into Carlsbad.
Carlsbad is the home of Legoland (in case you are traveling with kids), some golf courses, another outlet mall and miles of white sandy beaches. The good thing about the beaches is that they are almost empty, which gives you enough space to spread out, surf, swim etc. Most accommodations are located at the waterfront or on the other side of HWY 1 offering ocean views for reasonable rates. The coastal resort city is also one of the highest income places in the US, which might be related to the golf industry headquartered here. Next to Callaway, Tailormade is based in the Carlsbad.
Carlsbad was named after the Czech spa when settlers found Mineral Springs with the same water quality on their properties in 1886. Before 1914 the city had a low population and was known for fruit and flower planting. This changed when the railroad was extended to the south and tourists discovered the city’s potential as a beach resort. Since 1952 the city is facing a real resident boom and extended the city limits over three times compared to its original size.
The former center, today’s historic district Magee Park is open to public and features an old fashion garden with typical flowers and plants from the past. If you are interested in more information go to the webpage of the Carlsbad Historical Society: http://www.carlsbadhistoricalsociety.com/
Encinitas, http://www.ci.encinitas.ca.us/Visitor/
Cardiff-by-the-sea, http://www.cardiffbythesea.org/come_visit/visit_cardiff.htm
Behind Carlsbad follows Encinitas and later Cardiff-by-the-sea. Both towns are offering – why should it be different from the others – miles of beaches. But getting to the beaches is a bit complicated since they are located below the steep cliffs. Most accesses are located in residential areas and you have to decend steep cliffs if you don’t want to end up at the common packed beach sections.
Solana Beach, http://www.ci.solana-beach.ca.us/csite/cms/home.htm
The next coastal town you are approaching is Solana Beach. It is more a residential area than a vacation destination since there are only three small strips of beaches with rough surf. The downtown area offers a lot of shopping possibilities, including galleries, surf shops and boutiques. If you want to take a closer look drive down Cedros Avenue: http://www.cedrosdesigndistrict.net/
From HWY 1 make a left into Lomas Santa Fe Drive. Most shops and restaurants are located around the corner of Santa Fe Drive and Cedros Ave.
Oceanside, http://www.oceansidechamber.com/visitor/index.asp
Immediately after the Marine base you are able to return onto PCH/HWY 1. The easiest way is to leave the Interstate at Mission Ave in Oceanside and to follow the road down to the ocean. When you are at the corner of the South Coast HWY make a left and you are back on track along the coastal HWY 1.
Oceanside itself doesn’t offer a lot of attractions. Similar to the other following cities it is a vacation town with a 6-miles of beaches. I would cruise through the city and postpone a stop to Carlsbad, Cardiff-by-the-sea or Del Mar.
http://www.oceansidechamber.com/visitor/index.asp
As said the following towns are more or less the same and I usually only enjoy the scenic drive down to Del Mar instead of stopping here. Nevertheless, there are some real nice beaches coming up which are worth a stop and even an over night stay if you are looking for a typical Californian beach vacation.
Carlsbad, http://visitcarlsbad.com/
Behind the Buena Vista Lagoon Oceanside merges into Carlsbad.
Carlsbad is the home of Legoland (in case you are traveling with kids), some golf courses, another outlet mall and miles of white sandy beaches. The good thing about the beaches is that they are almost empty, which gives you enough space to spread out, surf, swim etc. Most accommodations are located at the waterfront or on the other side of HWY 1 offering ocean views for reasonable rates. The coastal resort city is also one of the highest income places in the US, which might be related to the golf industry headquartered here. Next to Callaway, Tailormade is based in the Carlsbad.
Carlsbad was named after the Czech spa when settlers found Mineral Springs with the same water quality on their properties in 1886. Before 1914 the city had a low population and was known for fruit and flower planting. This changed when the railroad was extended to the south and tourists discovered the city’s potential as a beach resort. Since 1952 the city is facing a real resident boom and extended the city limits over three times compared to its original size.
The former center, today’s historic district Magee Park is open to public and features an old fashion garden with typical flowers and plants from the past. If you are interested in more information go to the webpage of the Carlsbad Historical Society: http://www.carlsbadhistoricalsociety.com/
Encinitas, http://www.ci.encinitas.ca.us/Visitor/
Cardiff-by-the-sea, http://www.cardiffbythesea.org/come_visit/visit_cardiff.htm
Behind Carlsbad follows Encinitas and later Cardiff-by-the-sea. Both towns are offering – why should it be different from the others – miles of beaches. But getting to the beaches is a bit complicated since they are located below the steep cliffs. Most accesses are located in residential areas and you have to decend steep cliffs if you don’t want to end up at the common packed beach sections.
Solana Beach, http://www.ci.solana-beach.ca.us/csite/cms/home.htm
The next coastal town you are approaching is Solana Beach. It is more a residential area than a vacation destination since there are only three small strips of beaches with rough surf. The downtown area offers a lot of shopping possibilities, including galleries, surf shops and boutiques. If you want to take a closer look drive down Cedros Avenue: http://www.cedrosdesigndistrict.net/
From HWY 1 make a left into Lomas Santa Fe Drive. Most shops and restaurants are located around the corner of Santa Fe Drive and Cedros Ave.
8th stop: Del Mar - http://www.delmar.ca.us/visitors/Pages/BeachesParks.aspx
The last destination before you are entering the northern city limits of San Diego is Del Mar.
Del Mar is an upscale coastal vacation resort with Mission-style architecture and miles of beaches. The development as a sophisticated resort for the rich was already rooted in 1885, the year when the town was founded.
The former downtown area was located at today’s 10th Street with the luxurious Casa del Mar Hotel that burned down just 4 years later in 1889. Since the main attraction of the town was gone it fell into a sleeping beauty until the beginning of the 20th century when San Diego County was further developed.
In 1910 a new hotel was built attracting Hollywood stars and the rich again. Together with a pier, a saltwater bathhouse and golf course the town was pulling more and more vacationers. Finally in 1937 the Del Mar Race Track opened its doors starting a new tourism era for Del Mar. In 1959, the town became a city due to its growing population and closeness to UC San Diego.
Del Mar is definitely worth a stop to walk around Del Mar Plaza an upscale shopping center, to enjoy the beach around Jake’s restaurant and to relax at Torrey Pines State Beach or hike the state park. The latter is located at Del Mar’s city limits in the south.
The area around Del Mar is also the home for a rare pine called the Torrey Pine. This pine is only growing in San Diego County and on one Channel Island. The Torrey Pine is a local icon and also the eponym of Torrey Pines Golf Club that is located further south in La Jolla. You can recognize the trees due to their height of 8-15 meters (26-49 ft) and on their long needles that are usually in groups of 5. Moreover the pines carry heavy cones.
If you are looking for a tranquil stay during your San Diego visit, Del Mar might be the right choice. It is far away from the tourist trails but still close enough to all sights.