Best Spots to Eat And Surf Along The California Coast
Seafood, strawberries, tacos, ice cream, and more!
When I arrived home after 20 days of traveling down the California coast, sleeping in a 2007 Toyota RAV4, learning how to surf, and eating at fun spots along the way, my family asked me if I would do it again.
And yes, I would (duh!)... But not alone.
Not because I don’t enjoy solo travel—I do, and I think everyone who’s itching to explore the world most definitely should travel alone at least once in their life.
But after surfing alongside grey dolphins and playful seals, after walking along the beach in Malibu, after eating a take-out dinner on a lookout point over the ocean, after exploring the Channel Islands… After discovering the ins and outs of California, I want to share it with everyone.
I want to spend summer weeks at my newly-discovered favorite surf spot with my family. I want to bike across the Golden Gate Bridge and wander around San Francisco with my husband. I want to show the people I love Big Sur, Bixby Bridge, and McWay Falls.
So they can see how incredible this beautiful state is. And so you can too.
I want to share my California with you. That’s why I’ve created this California Coast Road Trip Guide. This is Part 2. If you missed Part 1, check it out here. In this guide, you’ll get:
My 11 favorite foodie stops along the California coast—and what to order at each one,
The 12 best surf spots for beginners along the California coast (I’ve successfully wiped out at each of these), and
An interactive Google Map with recommended restaurants, must-see attractions, and all the best surf spots.
My 11 Favorite Foodie Stops Along the California Coast
I ate at quite a few subpar restaurants on my road trip down the California Coast. At the time, I was 23 and still learning how to find good eats that fit my budget. I hadn’t yet been to Peru, so I tried four different Peruvian restaurants that were just mid, because I didn’t know any better.
Thankfully, along the way I did stumble upon some really great spots. These are my 11 favorites, in order from north to south:
