Road Trip USA 2023 - Part 2 (page 5 of 7)

PORT SAN LUIS PIER - SAN LUIS OBISPO

35.17089, -120.75644 Parking near the pier

The Port San Luis Pier is absolutely worth the detour! The coastal scenery is truly breathtaking.

Plus, it’s the perfect spot to watch the many sea lions lounging on a floating platform near the pier.

https://youtu.be/HJy3w1VGXa0

PISMO BEACH

35.13697, -120.64148 Street parking

Pismo Beach is a seaside resort located along the Pacific Coast Highway, halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles in California.

We stopped here and took a walk along the promenade that runs beside its beautiful white sand beach.

We also headed to the long pier that overlooks the ocean. Built in 1928, it offers a stunning panoramic view of the coastline, which is really pretty, and lets you get a closer look at the surfers’ skills.

I’ve heard Pismo Beach is known for its vineyards. We didn’t visit them during our stop, but I encourage you to check them out if you’re passing through the area.

https://youtu.be/g8YJ1gtPOS8

MONARCH BUTTERFLY GROVE - PISMO STATE BEACH

35.12888, -120.63204 Parking

This park, located along Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) in California, is an exceptional spot to observe monarch butterflies from October to February.

We went there in December and were able to see some. Some were hanging from the tree leaves, while others were landing on the ground, benches, and fences.

When we visited early in the morning, it was quite cold, and the butterflies weren’t moving much. The upside was that it made them pretty easy to photograph.

https://youtu.be/rTDFzAFZKq0

NOJOQUI FALLS PARK - SOLVANG

34.53263, -120.17659 Parking 34.52828, -120.17245 Nojoqui Falls

Nojoqui Falls Park is located near Highway 101 in Solvang, California. The park is well-maintained, with picnic tables, restrooms, green spaces, and plenty of areas for families.

A ±1.2 km round-trip trail leads to Nojoqui Falls. The trail is short, shaded, and slightly uphill, but very easy to walk.

The falls are gorgeous. They flow down a tall cliff and spill into a basin. The water continues its course, forming a pretty stream with small cascades along the way.

https://youtu.be/a68KyK44zeQ

ARROYO HONDO VISTA POINT - GOLETA

34.47398, -120.13921 Parking 34.47383, -120.14003 Viewpoint from the railway path

This viewpoint is located along Highway 101 in Goleta, California. It’s the perfect spot to take a little break and enjoy the stunning view of the Pacific Ocean, as well as the old road bridge and railway bridge.

Informational panels tell us about the history of the area, and telescopes let you get a closer look at the two bridges and the surrounding landscape.

https://youtu.be/iApqrfoOJkw

SOLVANG, A CHARMING DANISH TOWN IN CALIFORNIA

Location: 34.59604, -120.14519

Solvang, located in the Santa Ynez Valley in California, is a town founded in 1911 by Danish immigrants.

It’s especially famous for its Danish architecture and cultural heritage.

A little stroll through the streets of this town offers a unique experience and lets you discover charming half-timbered buildings housing numerous restaurants, shops, traditional bakeries, and windmills.

You’ll also find a replica of the Little Mermaid statue from Copenhagen. This replica is located at the intersection of Alisal Road and Mission Drive.

https://youtu.be/3DE_-LVjfbU

CHUMASH PAINTED CAVE - SANTA BARBARA

Location: 34.50420, -119.78761

The Chumash Painted Cave is located about 3 km from Route 154 (San Marcos Pass Road) in Santa Barbara, California.

The road leading to it (Painted Cave Road) is narrow and very winding. On-site parking is extremely limited.

The cave with the rock paintings is just a short walk from the road. You only need to climb a small rocky staircase to reach it.

You can view the rock paintings through a metal grate that has been placed at the cave entrance to protect them from vandalism.

Anthropologists estimate that these paintings date back to the 17th century, or even earlier.

The pigments used by the Chumash people for their drawings mainly came from natural mineral sources in their environment.

Common colors include red, black, and white. Red is often attributed to hematite (iron oxide), black to charcoal or manganese, and white to chalk or diatomaceous earth.

These natural pigments, mixed with binders like plant sap or animal fat, allowed the Chumash to create vibrant and durable patterns on the cave walls.

https://youtu.be/keEH2gRvAOM

GOLETA SAN MARCOS RD & CACHUMA LAKE VISTA POINTS - SANTA BARBARA

34.53138, -119.84235 Goleta San Marcos Rd Vista Point 34.58159, -119.97854 Cachuma Lake Vista Point

These two scenic overlooks are located on Highway 154 (San Marcos Pass Road) between Santa Barbara and Solvang in California.

Both offer stunning views of the Santa Ynez Valley and the hills in the background.

The Cachuma Lake Vista Point also provides a magnificent panoramic view of the lake and the Bradbury Dam.

https://youtu.be/wu7BvJuo12w

OLD MISSION SANTA BARBARA

Location: 34.43832, -119.71404

The Santa Barbara Mission in California is a stunning building full of history. Founded in 1786 by Spanish Franciscan friars, it’s one of the most picturesque landmarks in the city.

Its exceptional beauty and lush gardens are well worth the detour.

We only visited the outside of the site. However, note that self-guided tours are available every day from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Admission fees apply.

https://youtu.be/FTc6-bX6R4E

WALKING TOUR OF DOWNTOWN SANTA BARBARA

We did a walking tour (± 3.1 miles) through Santa Barbara’s historic downtown to explore the remnants of its Spanish colonial past.

Many of the historic buildings are true architectural gems, some dating back to the 18th century.

To make it easier for you if you’re tempted to visit this charming city, here are the locations of the must-see buildings.

I also recommend checking out the giant Moreton Bay fig tree near the Amtrak station.

Planted in 1877 from a cutting brought from Australia by Adeline Crabb, it’s considered the largest of its species in the United States, with a trunk circumference of 38 feet (11.6 meters).

34.40907, -119.69705 Free parking 34.41919, -119.70002 Paseo Nuevo 34.42028, -119.69927 Casa de la Guerra 34.42306, -119.70361 La Arcada Plaza 34.42329, -119.70340 La Arcada Barber Shop 34.42340, -119.70393 Santa Barbara Museum of Art 34.42379, -119.70488 Granada Theatre 34.42464, -119.70647 Arlington Theatre 34.42629, -119.70613 Our Lady of Sorrows Roman Catholic Church 34.42402, -119.70268 Superior Court of California County 34.42259, -119.69890 Presidio de Santa Barbara 34.42155, -119.69720 Santa Barbara Historical Museum 34.42148, -119.69988 Lobero Theatre 34.41387, -119.69401 Moreton Bay Fig Tree Return to parking

https://youtu.be/TR9b_8mYOhI

Hi there, Your videos are great! They took me right back 15 years... Patrick

WEST BEACH - SANTA BARBARA

34.41054, -119.69046 West Beach (free parking for 90 minutes along the road)

West Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Santa Barbara, California.

Lined with a bike path and a long palm-lined promenade, it’s close to many hotels, shops, restaurants, and historic sites in downtown Santa Barbara.

https://youtu.be/3uDI3TYNghA

WHAT TO SEE IN VENTURA

Free parking for 2 hours on nearby streets.

34.27516, -119.29104 Ventura Pier 34.28106, -119.29802 Mission Basilica San Buenaventura 34.282233, -119.2931 San Buenaventura City Hall 34.28468, -119.29621 Serra Cross - Stunning panoramic view of Ventura

Ventura is a coastal city located along the iconic Highway 1, between Santa Barbara and Malibu in California.

I invite you to explore Main Street, a typically American street packed with historic sites, quirky shops, and artworks.

Take the opportunity to stroll along the long beachfront promenade and head to Ventura Pier, near Main Street, to watch the sunset.

Serra Cross is a beautiful cross erected atop a high hill. It’s one of the most stunning and peaceful spots in Ventura.

The view is truly breathtaking, offering a 360° panorama of the city, the ocean, and the mountains.

https://youtu.be/Eeyd4nRYpAE

PARADISE FALLS - WILDWOOD REGIONAL PARK - THOUSAND OAKS

34.21995, -118.90273 Start of Mesa Trail 34.21964, -118.90954 Left onto North Teepee Trail 34.21422, -118.90959 TeePee 34.21470, -118.91046 Viewpoint of Paradise Falls 34.21446, -118.91057 Paradise Falls 34.21774, -118.90860 Right to return via Moonridge Trail 34.21697, -118.90816 Right onto Moonridge Trail 34.21972, -118.90239 Access to parking (stairs)

Paradise Falls is located in Wildwood Regional Park in Thousand Oaks, California. It’s a stunning 12-meter waterfall that flows into a large pool along the Arroyo Conejo.

There are several routes to reach the falls. For our part, we took a loop trail that’s about 4 kilometers long.

From the starting point to Paradise Falls, the Mesa Trail is mostly downhill. We passed by a reconstructed teepee. From there, we had a beautiful view of the canyon.

The trail descends into a gorgeous canyon and leads to a viewpoint overlooking the creek and the top of the falls.

As we continued our hike, we passed a picnic area and arrived at a pool below the falls.

From there, we had an excellent view of the 12-meter waterfall plunging into the pool. You can also spot a cave to the left of the falls.

We returned via the Moonridge Trail. Keep in mind there are quite a few steps to climb and descend on this last section of the trail.

https://youtu.be/t3HefTbTOBE

SANDY DUNE & EL MATADOR STATE BEACH - MALIBU

34.07495, -119.02072 Sandy Dune 34.03929, -118.87495 Paid parking - El Matador State Beach

These two attractions are located along Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) in Malibu, California.

* Sandy Dune

This dune is super photogenic and truly impressive. We stopped by the side of the road to get a closer look and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean.

Many people climb to the top of the dune for a great view of the coastline, especially in the late afternoon to watch the sunset.

* El Matador State Beach

This beach is accessible via a steep trail from the parking lot, which also includes a long staircase down to the beach.

The scenery is incredibly picturesque, with spectacular cliffs, unique rock formations, and sea caves.

It’s the perfect spot for a photo session!

https://youtu.be/H3fR2do567I

POINT DUME NATURE PRESERVE - MALIBU

34.00502, -118.80515 Parking and trailhead 34.00084, -118.80658 At the summit, the trail loops back

Point Dume Nature Preserve is located along Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) in Malibu, California.

From the parking lot on Cliffside Drive, a gentle loop trail about 1.5 km long leads up to an observation platform at the top of a headland.

The 360° panoramic views of the rugged coastline, beaches, and the mountains surrounding Malibu are breathtaking.

When we visited, wildflowers were abundant and added a lovely touch to the scenery.

https://youtu.be/a-PQx6TEjh8

MALIBU PIER

34.03651, -118.67618 Park along the roadside

Malibu Pier, in California, is located along the famous Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway). You’ll find souvenir shops and restaurants there.

It offers a stunning view of the Malibu coastline, lined with lush, green hills. The scenery is breathtaking.

https://youtu.be/Xr0UBEXmPtI

ROAD TRIP IN THE MALIBU MOUNTAINS

34.04149, -118.89439 Decker Road Scenic Drive 34.11466, -118.77822 The Old Place 34.10525, -118.73181 Cistern Trail Parking for the viewpoint 34.10438, -118.72665 Overlook of Malibu Creek State Park 34.09503, -118.70973 Malibu Hindu Temple

Our road trip through the Malibu mountains in California started on the scenic Decker Road at the intersection with Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway).

This picturesque road winds its way into the heart of the valley, offering breathtaking views of steep hills and beautiful homes nestled in the canyons.

We then headed toward Mulholland Highway. Our first stop was The Old Place restaurant. It was closed when we passed by, but we loved the unique Western vibe there.

After that, we stopped at three overlooks to enjoy stunning panoramic views of Malibu Lake and the surrounding mountains.

Our last stop was the Malibu Hindu Temple in Calabasas. Unfortunately, it was also closed during our visit.

We still took the time to admire the exterior of this magnificent temple, which offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of southern India. You can get a peek in this video.

https://youtu.be/5daoN1PphxY

LOS LIONES TRAIL - SANTA MONICA

34.04731, -118.56010 Parking and trailhead 34.05310, -118.55740 Viewpoint

This 4 km (round trip) linear hike with 170 m of elevation gain will take you to a stunning viewpoint overlooking Pacific Palisades and the Pacific Ocean.

The trailhead is located on Los Liones Dr. A few parking spaces are available. You can also park along the street—just check the parking rules.

The 4 km (round trip) trail winds through a lush canyon at the southern end of Topanga State Park. The climb is gradual.

After 2 km, the trail opens up to a promontory with breathtaking views of Santa Monica Bay, Pacific Palisades, and the Pacific Ocean.

In the distance, you can see the city of Los Angeles dominated by towering skyscrapers.

https://youtu.be/s7pMdyKFVN0

SANTA MONICA PIER

34.01026, -118.49666 Santa Monica Beach Parking ($) or with a parking meter on a street 34.00973, -118.49695 "66 End of the Trail" sign on the pier

The Santa Monica Pier in California is one of the major attractions in this city. It features a "66 End of the Trail" sign that marks the end of the legendary Route 66, which connects Chicago to Los Angeles.

It’s a lively spot with a wide range of restaurants, cafés, and shops. There’s also an amusement park and an aquarium.

It’s not only the perfect place to have fun but also to admire the sunset, which was truly spectacular during our visit.

https://youtu.be/b7_o7HLsuzY