The Best Beachside Road Trips

Planning the next scenic, coastal road trip to a sandy beach to sit, soak up the sun, swim, boogie board, or surf the waves. Whether your hobby is surfing, you are a seasonal road tripper, and your Google search ‘‘the best beachside road trips to visit’’, here are the recommended beachside locations.

The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) Drive would be an example that begins in Newport Beach and south along PCH, passing popular coastal towns like Laguna Beach, Dana Point, and San Clemente. Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) was founded in the 1930s and stretches over 600 miles across California’s diverse terrains and various coastlines.

Another beach hotspot is to take a trip to Catalina Island also in Newport Beach which is a port town of Dana Point but requires a ride on the ferry to there to enjoy activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

For an additional option for a change of scenery, drive east from Newport Beach to Joshua Tree National Park and witness the Joshua trees, striking rock formations, and starry night skies. Before exiting the location,  visit the Hidden Valley Nature Trail, Joshua Tree National Park Lost Horse Ranger Station, or the ever-popular Skull Rock along the two-hour drive via Route 60. 

Also, cruise down the coast to San Diego to visit attractions such as Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, and the USS Midway Museum to break up the journey.

Before leaving, pay a visit to the noteworthy Stops & Stays such as the newly opened Pendry Newport Beach which offers a blend of coastal pizzazz, world-class luxuries, and impeccable hospitality. In addition to VEA, Newport Beach presents chill, cool waters in an 85-foot-long poolscape to luxury cabanas by day as well as the sultry beats at night plus dig your toes in the warm sand of VEA Beach while holding a icy cocktail. 

Try to explore the alluring Corona del Mar. The neighborhood is home to high-end consignment boutique shops. As beginning the morning with a warm, cold caffeinated beverage, dip your toes in the sand and head to Pirate’s Cove, a hidden beach with crystal clear waters, silky soft sand, sea caves, and towering rock formations.

Lastly, the waters wrap up Newport Beach is home to an array of whale species, including gray whales, most often spotted in winter and spring as well as blue whales appearing in the warmer months. Take a break from the road, and try whale watching with plenty of operators showing group tours and private outings.