Explore 10 Charming Coastal Towns Along Highway One with DPP Travel

California’s Highway 1 stretches over 650 miles of breathtaking coastline, hidden coves, and charming seaside towns. From Victorian villages to wildlife encounters, let DPP Travel guide you to the best-kept secrets along this iconic route.

Discover ten enchanting coastal towns ready to spark your Californian adventure road trip.

1. Fort Bragg: Coastal Views & Botanical Beauty

Nestled along the Northern California coast, Fort Bragg is where rugged shoreline meets lush gardens.

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens – Wander through 47 acres of vibrant blooms, native plants, and oceanfront trails that blend color with coastal breeze.

Pacific Star Winery – Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific, this winery offers tastings with dramatic seascape backdrops—perfect for unwinding with a glass in hand.

Stay: Little River Inn – A historic, family-run inn with ocean views, fireplaces, and local charm that makes for a warm and elegant retreat.

2. Mendocino Village: Artistic Retreat & Victorian Charm

A coastal gem frozen in time, Mendocino blends bohemian creativity with New England-style architecture.

Victorian Architecture – Stroll through narrow streets lined with historic homes, now turned into galleries, boutiques, and cozy cafés.

Blufftop Hiking – Meander along windswept cliffs where Pacific waves crash below, offering inspiration to artists and nature lovers alike.

Stay: Mendocino Hotel & Garden Suites – Vintage charm meets comfort in this centrally located stay, with ocean views and tranquil garden settings.

3. Capitola Village: Mediterranean Vibes by the Sea

A colorful beach town with European flair, Capitola offers a mix of surf culture and boutique luxury.

Colorful Downtown – Pastel buildings house unique shops, vibrant murals, and cafés perfect for a seaside espresso.

Capitola Beach – Enjoy the sunshine with paddleboarding, beach lounging, or just soaking in the cheerful boardwalk energy.

Stay: Capitola Venetian Hotel – With its Old World exterior and beachfront access, this hotel brings a slice of the Mediterranean to California’s coast.

4. Moss Landing: Seaside Charm & Natural WondersA sleepy fishing village that doubles as a wildlife paradise, perfect for eco-adventures and seafood feasts.Elkhorn Slough Reserve – Paddle through this tidal estuary teeming with sea otters, harbor seals, and migratory birds—one of California’s best-kept nature secrets.Phil’s Fish Market – A local legend, this rustic eatery is famous for its hearty cioppino and waterfront dining.Stay: Cannery Row Inn – Located nearby in Monterey, this quiet inn offers easy access to both Moss Landing and other coastal highlights.

5. Monterey: Marine Marvels & Scenic Drives

This iconic coastal city is where marine life meets maritime history, and the views are unforgettable.

Monterey Bay Aquarium – Dive into the world of sea otters, jellyfish, and kelp forests in one of the world’s leading aquariums.

17-Mile Drive – A spectacular journey past Pebble Beach, oceanfront mansions, and the famous Lone Cypress.

Stay: Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa – Overlooking the bay, this upscale hotel delivers luxury, spa indulgence, and evening views of seals playing in the surf.

6. Carmel-by-the-Sea: Coastal Luxury & Historic Wonders

Charming, upscale, and effortlessly romantic, Carmel is a postcard-perfect village full of sophistication.

Mission San Carlos Borromeo – Explore this centuries-old Spanish mission, a peaceful site rich with history and architecture.

Carmel Beach – Powdery white sands, dramatic sunsets, and easy access to high-end art galleries define the Carmel experience.

Stay: Carmel Valley Ranch – A hillside retreat offering elegant suites, outdoor adventures, and farm-to-table cuisine in a serene setting.

7. San Simeon: Historic Estates & Wildlife Encounters

A small coastal stop with big character, where history and nature meet the sea.

Hearst Castle – Step into opulence at William Randolph Hearst’s hilltop estate, filled with art, grand halls, and sweeping ocean views.

Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery – Watch these enormous marine mammals up close as they nap, bark, and bicker along the shoreline.

Stay: The Morgan Hotel – A boutique hotel with coastal touches and a location perfect for visiting both castle and coast.

8. Cambria: Rugged Beauty & Moonstone Magic

An artist’s haven with dramatic ocean scenery, Cambria is peaceful and picturesque.

Fiscalini Ranch Preserve – Hike along breathtaking coastal bluffs, surrounded by Monterey pines and ocean breeze.

Moonstone Beach – Search the shoreline for the beach’s namesake smooth stones, especially glimmering after high tide.

Stay: El Colibri Hotel & Spa – Unwind in this stylish retreat with spa services, fireplaces, and nature trails just steps away.

9. Morro Bay: Fishing Traditions & Ocean Adventures

Known for its iconic rock and waterfront charm, Morro Bay blends outdoor fun with small-town spirit.

Morro Rock – Kayak or paddleboard around this ancient volcanic plug, watching seabirds nest in the cliffs above.

Embarcadero Dining – Try the local catch at The Galley Seafood Grill & Bar, where every table comes with a view.

Stay: Anderson Inn – A waterfront hideaway with boutique service, private balconies, and direct bay views.

10. Oxnard: Urban Flair Meets Coastal Bliss

Just a short drive from LA, Oxnard offers long beaches, fresh farms, and family-friendly fun.

Hollywood Beach – Stretch out on wide, sandy beaches ideal for sunbathing, volleyball, or sunset walks.

Strawberry Fields – Tour working farms and taste the sweetest local berries in season—perfect for families or foodie travelers.

Stay: Embassy Suites by Hilton Oxnard – Beachfront comfort with spacious suites, complimentary breakfast, and easy access to Channel Islands.

Plan Your Highway 1 Coastal Adventure with DPP Travel

From the creative corners of Mendocino to the scenic shores of Oxnard, California’s Highway 1 is a journey of discovery. With curated stops, breathtaking coastal views, and hidden gems, let DPP Travel craft the perfect itinerary for your dream road trip.

📍 Reach out at DPP Travel’s Website or call (843) 970-2727 to start planning your unforgettable adventure today.Every coastal town has a story—let DPP Travel help you uncover yours.