Touring the coast between Newport Beach and Santa Monica

[Zippa D Doodah]

We have family trip coming up in June. Can we cover that much coastline in an afternoon? We would likely stop and piddle around a couple places. The idea is to see the Pacific, and perhaps dip our toes in the water -all while getting a feel for some of the coastal communities

 

[Danibelle]

The mileage is short but you will encounter traffic. I would stick with some of the Orange County beaches so you can spend more time actually on the beach. IMHO.

 

[woody73]

We have family trip coming up in June. Can we cover that much coastline in an afternoon? We would likely stop and piddle around a couple places. The idea is to see the Pacific, and perhaps dip our toes in the water -all while getting a feel for some of the coastal communities

Yes, you can do it. Get a good map. Pacific Coast Highway does not hug the coastline the entire way.

Woody

 

[disneybride96]

I am no CA expert, but I have been to paradise cove on my one trip out west. I thought it was great but farther north.

www.paradisecovemalibu.com

 

[rockethouse]

Yes, I grew up in HB and we used to just do afternoon drives up to Santa Monica all the time. Though if you're coming from NB pop down to Laguna/Crystal Cove first and stop at the Shake Shack, the shakes are good but the view is amazing. Also remember that it's expensive to park at the beach, I wouldn't plan on stopping at every beach along the way.

Yes, you can do it. Get a good map. Pacific Coast Highway does not hug the coastline the entire way.

This is true, through a lot of Long Beach and the south bay you can't even see the ocean from PCH. You may want to hop on the freeway and skip past it, I think Ocean Blvd. might work for some of it but I've never done it?

Lonely Planet used to make a great PCH/Hwy 1 guidebook that had nice maps.

 

[Magix]

After Newport, you'll hit Huntington Beach, which is good. In Long Beach, you might visit the Belmont Shore area. Other than that, if you zoom through San Pedro (a port, not a beach), you could drive along the coast into the Palos Verdes area. Very nice along there!! You're up above the beach, but it's a terrific view, especially if it's clear and you can see Catalina Island.