As much as we love perusing the colorific streets of S.F., our real-deal happy place is a picturesque drive down the Northern California coast — tunes blasting, top down, friends in tow.
So, now that we’re officially in the thick of road-trip season, we thought to take a quick jaunt down Highway 1 and deliver our top must-see spots. After all, it's the journey that counts!
Need some pointers? Here, 10 seriously quirky havens that were just vying to be unearthed — from S.F. to Santa Cruz — with deets on everything from an adorable strawberry farm (Airstream included) to a haunted restaurant, all for your traveling pleasure. Now rev up that engine and let’s hit the road!
Point Montara Lighthouse
While this idyllic stop may not stray too far from S.F., we definitely recommend pulling over to ogle the Point Montara Lighthouse.
This blink-or-you'll-miss-it destination houses an adorable, functional (you can’t explore inside, though) lighthouse, a private beach, and overnight accommodations. It reminds us of a teensy fisherman’s retreat, with buoys and a blanket of fog acting as the ultimate marine accessories.
While we can’t vouch for the overnight stay, we do know that the sweeping views and steamed cappuccinos are enough to keep us coming back.
Point Montara Lighthouse, at 16th Street and Highway 1, Montara; 650-728-7177.
Moss Beach Distillery
We dig a good ghost story. So, for us, stumbling upon Moss Beach Distillery was like hitting a paranormal jackpot. The eerie restaurant is tucked a bit off Highway 1, but be sure to stop in for a drink and let the staff woo you with haunting tale of the “blue lady.”
Apparently, she was the wife to the former restaurant owner way back when and had an extramarital affair with the in-house piano player. Scandal. Subsequently, they both disappeared mysteriously and haunt the premises (seriously, this place has been on everything from Unsolved Mysteries to A&E's They See Dead People).
If that’s not spooky enough, it’s perched within a stone’s throw of an Indian burial ground. One thing that’s hardly frightening? The amazing sunset views from the patio (the restaurant provides blankets if it’s chilly!) with a stiff drink in hand.
Moss Beach Distillery, 140 Beach Way (near Los Banos Avenue), Moss Beach; 650-728-5595
J V Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
After savoring the stunning views at Moss Beach Distillery, we recommend high-tailing it up the road, parking, and scoping out one of Northern California’s coolest wonders — the tide pools at J V Fitzgerald Marine Reserve.
Go when the tide is low and you will spot a plethora of inspiring wildlife — we’re talking starfish, neon-hued anemone, octopus, seals, and crabs.
A road trip wouldn’t be complete with out a little one-on-one nature time, right? The pools are sprinkled with all sorts of ecological gems. This is one stop you don’t want to pass.
J V Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, 200 Nevada Avenue (near Lake Street), Moss Beach; 650-728-3584.
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