A local’s twist on the classic coastal road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles.
Have grippy shoes and cameras ready for a new perspective on a classic road trip.
See ducks, turtles, birds, and other wildlife.
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Seasonal native dune plants and wildflowers attract butterflies and birds.
Consider a sunset hike for majestic views.
Devil’s Slide Trail, Pacifica
Walk on the only stretch of Highway 1 closed to cars.
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The easy1.3-mile paved trailhas signage, benches, and ocean views.
Devil’s Slide was part of Highway 1 for many years but was dangerous because of falling boulders.
Look closely to see a railroad bed in the hilly terrain, the only remnants of an ill-fated railway.
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The one-hour scenic Equestrian Trail ride ($100) has beach and ocean views but skips the sand.
Book the 90-minute Trail and Beach tour ($110) to ride on Poplar Beach.
The Early Bird Special offers a two-hour trail and beach ride for $85.
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Shakespeare Society of America Headquarters, Moss Landing
To stop or not to stop?
That is the question and the answer is yes.
Peruse the rare book and reference collection, museum and memorabilia, visual art, and theater arts archive.
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The quirky, Instagram-worthy public art and murals in the West End are created by local and visiting artists.
Heads up: the trail can be slippery.
Bring binoculars for wildlife sightings.Reservationsare necessary.
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Marley Family Seaweeds, Cayucos
Hunt vegetarian style and munch on kelp (it’s nutritious!)
on aprivate seaweed foraging tourwith the Marley family.
Learn about sustainable and respectful harvesting and how to forage edible seaweed.
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Then enjoy a seaweed ramen treat on the beach.
Plan your visit for low tide when marine life is more visible.
Find more marine life at a beached boat inPoint Estero.
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but check out the secluded estuary and wetland inhabited by hundreds of animals and plants.
After filming, director Cecil B. DeMille had the set buried in the dunes.
There it sat until archaeologists excavated it in 2017.
See the huge sphinx head, prohibition-era liquor bottles, makeup, and tobacco tins at theDunes Center.
Park at the El Capitan surf spot overlook.
Plus, enjoy lush Victorian gardens and free concerts (the first Sunday of each month).
They’re now an integral part of the 107-acre Mediterranean-themed gardens, which have since grown back.
It’s operated by the City of Santa Monica.
Stroll along sidewalks and bridges to photograph the pretty canals.