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The Ultimate Road Trip: Exploring California's Most Iconic Beaches and Piers

 

 

 

Santa Cruz Wharf

Hello there, explorer!

If you're reading this, chances are you're looking for the ultimate California road trip. And we think we've got just the thing. This road trip will take you to some of the most iconic beaches and piers in the state, from the rocky shores of Big Sur to the sunny sands of Southern California. You'll experience the best of what California offers, all while enjoying the open road.

So what are you waiting for? Book your LAX limo service to make the most of your time without worrying about driving, and get ready for the ultimate beach road trip! Let's hit the road!

Some Of The Coolest Piers That Await You On This Trip:

1. Santa Cruz Wharf - Santa Cruz

You can't go to California without stopping at the Santa Cruz Wharf. This historic pier is over 700 feet long and offers stunning views of Monterey Bay. It's also a great place to people watch, as it's always full of locals and tourists alike.

2. Pacific Pier - Huntington Beach

Another must-stop pier is Pacific Pier in Huntington Beach. This pier is shorter than Santa Cruz Wharf, but it's just as iconic. It's the perfect place to watch the surfers or take a stroll along the beach.

3. Redondo Beach Pier - Redondo Beach

Redondo Beach is one of the three Beach Cities in Los Angeles County, Southern California. The pier is located in the city of Redondo Beach, at the end of Torrance Boulevard. It is one of the busiest piers in Los Angeles County, with fishermen, sightseers, and sunbathers all flocking to its shores. The pier was built in 1889 and is currently 2,500 feet (760 meters) long.

The Redondo Beach Pier is a must-see for any visitor to Los Angeles. It offers stunning views of the city skyline, the Pacific Ocean, and Santa Monica Bay. The pier is also home to a number of shops and restaurants, as well as a popular fishing spot. Visitors can also take a leisurely stroll down the pier or go for a swim in the ocean.

4. Hermosa Beach Pier - Hermosa Beach

The Hermosa Beach Pier is one of California's most popular piers. It's easy to see why - with its stunning ocean views and a prime location near Los Angeles, it's the perfect place to enjoy a sunny day by the water. Visitors can fish off the pier, take a stroll down the beach, or relax in one of the many beachside cafes. No matter what you do, Hermosa Beach is sure to be a memorable stop on your California road trip.

5. Manhattan Beach Pier - Manhattan Beach

The Manhattan Beach Pier is a classic California pier. It was built in 1912 and is one of the longest piers on the West Coast. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, go for a swim, or fish off the pier. Manhattan Beach is also home to a number of great restaurants and shops, so be sure to explore the area before heading out on your road trip.

Take Some Time To Explore These Iconic California Beaches:

1. Big Sur - Big Sur

is one of California's most iconic beaches. It is located along Highway 1, about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Big Sur is known for its dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, and spectacular sunsets.

2. Venice Beach - Venice

Venice Beach is one of Los Angeles' most popular beaches. It is located in the bohemian Venice Beach neighborhood and is a great spot to people-watch or enjoy the sunset. The beach is also home to a number of shops, restaurants, and street performers.

3. Santa Monica Beach - Santa Monica

One place that definitely should not be missed on any California beach road trip is Santa Monica Beach. This world-famous spot is a must-see for its beautiful golden sand, clear water, and stunning coastal views.

Don't forget to walk along the iconic Santa Monica Pier, built in 1909, which houses a historic carousel, an aquarium, and a selection of shops and restaurants. For something a little different, take a ride on the Ferris wheel or visit the Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome, one of the first roller coasters in the United States.

4. Newport Beach - Newport Beach

Newport Beach is a beautiful coastal town located in Orange County, Southern California. The town is known for its luxurious lifestyle, with stunning beaches, a yacht-filled harbor, and upscale shops and restaurants.

Visitors to Newport Beach can enjoy a variety of activities, such as sunbathing on the beach, taking a stroll along the boardwalk, or indulging in some retail therapy at one of the many high-end shops. For those looking for a more active vacation, there are plenty of opportunities for surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, and kayaking.

5. Laguna Beach - Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach is a picturesque seaside town located in Orange County, Southern California. The town is known for its beautiful beaches, clear water, and laid-back vibe. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, such as swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and kayaking. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants to explore, as well as a variety of art galleries and museums.

So, there you have it - a list of some of California's most iconic beaches and piers. Whether you're looking to relax on the sand, take a walk, or enjoy some fun in the sun, remember to book a professional car service and your California road trip will be one to remember!

 

3 Great Santa Clarita Pet Shops for Pet Owners

As a pet owner in Santa Clarita, one of the things you are likely to need access to is a good pet shop. We turn to pet shops for all sorts of things for our pets, from high-quality food to aid their nutrition to bedding, toys, pet furniture, and much more. Once you find a good pet shop in the area, you can enjoy the reassurance and convenience of being able to turn to the same retailer for all of your pet care needs.

Most pet owners in the area put a lot of effort into finding the top vets in Santa Clarita to aid their pet’s healthcare needs. Well, you need to do the same when it comes to pet shops, as you need to find the best ones that cater to the needs of your pet. This means looking at the services and products that they offer, the location of the pet shop, and reviews from other people, among other things. In this article, we will provide the details of some of the top pet shops you can visit in Santa Clarita.

Some of the Options

You will find plenty of options to choose from if you want a great pet shop that can cater to all of your pet’s needs. Some of the very popular ones in and around Santa Clarita are:

PetSmart

As a global pet supplies brand, PetSmart offers access to pretty much everything you need for your pet. You can access a huge range of goods at very affordable prices, and you can even access services such as grooming for your pet. Whether you are looking for high-quality food for your pet or whether you want comfortable pet bedding, toys, or grooming supplies, you will find it easy to locate just what you want at this store. It also has hundreds of excellent reviews online, which means even greater reassurance.

Pet Supply Santa Clarita

If you want a pet shop that offers great service, a personal touch, friendly staff, and a wide range of goods, this is a great choice. There is a great selection of pet products that you can choose from, and you can get everything from food and toys to over-the-counter medical supplies and more. You can also enjoy a good choice of quality brands when purchasing items such as food, and you have the benefit of supporting a local business.

Petco

Another big-name pet supply chain, Petco makes it easy to find exactly what you are looking for when it comes to your pets. The store has hundreds of excellent reviews from customers online, and you can look forward to fully stocked shelves, a great range of products, and very reasonable prices. You can benefit from a friendly service from knowledgeable staff, and you should be able to find whatever you need for your pet.

These are some of the top options you can consider when it comes to pet shops in Santa Clarita.

 

3 Reasons to Take
a Trip to Anaheim

If you are looking to visit a destination that has a wide range of attractions, sights, and entertainment for adults, Anaheim is a great choice. While this is an area that is known for being the home of Disneyland, it is also a place that offers a huge variety of great attractions and entertainment options for adults. This is why there are many adults who visit this destination every year, and it has become a very popular tourist destination even among those who are not heading to Disney.

You will find plenty to keep you busy and entertained when you visit this area, and whether you are looking for retail therapy, great nightlife, or fun and adventure, you will not be disappointed. It is the ideal place to come if you want to chill out with friends or enjoy some quality time with your partner – or even if you just want to do some exploration on your own. In this article, we will look at some of the reasons to take a trip to Anaheim.

Some Top Reasons to Visit

There are lots of reasons to take some time out and visit Anaheim alone, with your friends, or with a partner. Some of the key ones are:

Great Shopping Opportunities

You will find some excellent shopping opportunities in Anaheim, and this is ideal for those who are looking to get some retail therapy. From specialist adult shops such as Hustler Hollywood Santa Ana to huge shopping malls such as Anaheim Plaza and Anaheim GardenWalk, you will find something for everyone here. This means that you can look forward to a diverse and exciting shopping experience with the chance to shop for all sorts of products.

Adventure and Excitement

Naturally, being home to Disneyland means that Anaheim is the perfect place for adventure and excitement, so this is another reason to visit. While most people associate Disney with kids, there are lots of reasons to visit as an adult from the many rides for adrenaline junkies to the after-dark parties and events that are hosted there. This is an exciting place for adults as well as kids, and it can even be a very romantic place if you are heading here with your partner.

Excellent Nightlife

Many adults who visit Anaheim are looking for a fun and vibrant nightlife, and you will not be disappointed with what is on offer. You can look forward to a range of options from clubs and bars to live music venues offering a range of musical talent to cater to all tastes. If you are looking to have fun when the sun goes down, there are many places that stay open until the early hours, and these are ideal for those that want to dance the night away or simply enjoy a night of cocktails and drinks with friends.

These are just some of the many reasons why you should consider a visit to Anaheim, as there is plenty here for adults.

Traveling with kids

Affordable tips
for traveling
with little kids,
stress-free
 

When you have little ones, traveling can be a serious source of stress. Ideally, you want vacations to be relaxing opportunities to get away from the demands of daily life. However, the extra work of keeping everyone content on the trip can make it feel less like a getaway. Fortunately, you can reduce the stress of traveling with small children, and you don't need to spend a bundle to do it. Here are a few affordable tips for stress-free traveling with your kids:

Get Ahead of Luggage Worries

One thing most parents worry about when traveling with little kids is keeping track of luggage. Small children are notorious for putting things down somewhere then wandering away. In an airport and if your youngster is big enough to carry their own, Mapping Megan notes this can be a recipe for disaster. Moreover, there's always a concern that another passenger might accidentally grab your luggage, leaving you stuck without your things.

One way to reduce these worries is to get everyone in your family matching luggage. This will ideally be in a bright, difficult-to-miss color. This way you'll notice if your little one wanders away from their carry-on, and you're less likely to have someone grab your things by mistake. Search for something that rolls, which will be easier for your little one to manage, and check out online luggage deals so you don't have to spend an arm and a leg.

Bring Along Entertainment

One of the best things you can do to keep little kids content on the road or in the air is provide plenty of entertainment. Bring along lots of books and quiet toys, and load up a few favorite movies on a tablet, phone, or computer. Then, when they get fidgety, point them toward one of their toys. An audiobook can also be the perfect source of calm entertainment in this situation.

Little toys and pre-loaded movies can also save you a ton at the destination. You'd be amazed how quickly pay-per-view movies at the hotel can add up - having something already downloaded will cut costs substantially.

Plan All-Ages Activities

When figuring out what to do on your trip, you may be tempted to pick a lot of activities that are either mainly for the grown-ups or mainly for the kids. However, the more outings you can plan that have multi-generational appeal, the happier everyone is going to be. You don't want the vacation to be a constant flux between "fun for them" and "fun for you."

Museums are a great option for all members of the family, particularly if they can balance great visuals with plenty of information. Science museums geared toward children can be particularly engaging for both little ones and adults. As EdSurge notes, you can use the interactive exhibits as an opportunity to introduce them to some scientific concepts. You might even learn something new along the way, too! Many museums are free to kids under a certain age as well, so check particulars before you visit.

Another idea is to give you and your kids an outlet for energy. Physical activities and outings in nature, such as hiking or visiting a beach, tend to appeal to all ages, and they're a great way to stretch your legs when you've been cooped up in a vehicle. On top of that, they won't break the bank.

Build In Plenty of Breaks

Little kids have endless energy…until they don't. Anyone who has spent time around a toddler knows the importance of regular naps. Make sure to build this time into your day. These breaks are a good opportunity for you, as well. You can use this time to unwind and read a book, or take a nice relaxing bath.

If you're traveling with other adults, you can trade babysitting duty during nap times and spend the downtime doing something the kids wouldn't enjoy. It's a great way to corral stress and make the most of your pennies and your moments.

Traveling with little ones doesn't have to be stressful, nor does it mean overspending. With the right plan you can ensure that you and the kids all have a great time on your trip. Enjoy your adventure together as a family, and build memories to look back on forever!

 

Glass Beach

 Glass Beach
Fort Bragg, CA

See glass close up

Glass Beach is a beach in Fort Bragg, California that is abundant in sea glass created from years of dumping garbage into an area of coastline near the northern part of the town. In the early 20th century, Fort Bragg residents threw their household garbage over cliffs owned by the Union Lumber Company onto what is now Glass Beach, discarding glass, appliances, and even vehicles. Locals referred to it as "The Dumps." Fires were lit to reduce the size of the trash pile.

The California State Water Resources Control Board and city leaders closed the area in 1967.Various cleanup programs were undertaken through the years to correct the damage. Over the next several decades the pounding waves cleaned the beach, by breaking down everything but glass and pottery and tumbling those into the small, smooth, colored pieces that cover Glass Beach.

There are three Glass Beach sites in Fort Bragg where trash was dumped into ocean between 1906 and 1967. Glass Beach Site Two and Three (1943-1949) are located at the end of the path that begins on the corner of Elm Street and Glass Beach Drive. These sites are accessible by foot and by a short climb down the cliffs surrounding the beach. Site One (1906-1943) is located south of Sites One and Two and can only be accessed by water because there is no trespassing on the cliffs above the cove.

In 1998, the private owner of the property determined that Glass Beach should belong to the public, and in 2002 it was incorporated into MacKerricher State Park. The beach is now frequently visited by tourists. Collecting is not permitted on the park's beach, although sea glass can be found on other local beaches outside the park boundary. A Glass Festival is held annually on Memorial Day weekend.

 

Trona Pinnacles

Trona Pinnacles
Trona, CA

The Trona Pinnacles is one of the most unusual geological features in the California Desert National Conservation Area. They grow at an elevation of 1,800 feet above sea level and are located approximately 10 miles south of Trona, California. The unusual landscape consists of more than 500 tufa spires (porous rock formed as a deposit when springs interact with other bodies of water), some as high as 140 feet, rising from the bed of the Searles Lake (dry) basin. They now sit isolated and slowly crumbling away near the south end of the valley, surrounded by many square miles of flat, dried mud and with stark mountain ranges at either side.

The Pinnacles are recognizable in more than a dozen hit movies. Over 30 film projects a year are shot among the tufa pinnacles, including backdrops for car commercials and sci-fi movies and television series such as Battlestar Galactica, Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, Disney's Dinosaur, The Gate II, Lost in Space, and Planet of the Apes.

Access to the site is from a BLM dirt road (RM143) that leaves State Highway 178, about 7.7 miles east of the intersection of State Highway 178 and the Trona-Red Mountain Road. The 5-mile long dirt road from State Highway 178 to the Pinnacles is usually accessible to 2-wheel drive vehicles, however, the road may be closed during the winter months after a heavy rain. They are well worth the visit.

Portola Expedition Marker

San Francisco Bay
Discovery Site
Pacifica, CA

Elephant Seal

 

Located in the town of Pacifica, California, the site of the discovery of San Francisco Bay consists of the point at which the Portola Expedition, 1769, crossed over Sweeney Ridge, and for the first time, came to view one of the world's largest sheltered anchorages. From the top of Sweeney Ridge one can see not only inland to the Bay, but north along the ocean coast as far as Point Reyes. In late October of 1769, Captain Gaspar de Portola and his party of sixty men (with a caravan of 200 horses and mules for riding and the pack train) had come from San Diego in search of Monterey Bay, but from their overland approach, they had failed to recognize it. 

On November 1, 1769, Sergeant Ortega with a squad of scouts began a three-day reconnoitering tour. Somewhere along the five mile stretch between Mussel Rock and the summit (Point Reyes), Ortega saw San Francisco Bay on his first day of scouting. Three days of slow travel then brought the expedition to the site of modern Palo Alto where a new base camp was made to await Ortega's probing of the east side of the estuary. Ortega returned in four days with discouraging news. He observed great stretches of burned-over land leaving no pasture for the expedition's livestock. A council was then called and the decision was made to return to San Diego.

The Portola Expedition ultimately accomplished its purpose of finding Monterey Bay. The San Francisco region was further explored by Lieutenant Pedro Pagas in 1772 and by Juan Bautista de Anza in 1776. The importance of the inland bay was further emphasized by the establishment of a presidio and two missions in the environs of the bay. Today, the site of the discovery of San Francisco Bay consists essentially of two knolls from which the member of the expedition acquired the view. There are two commemorative monuments that celebrate the Gaspar de Portola Expedition. The Portola Site monument, shown here, was erected in 1968 when the site received its National Historic Landmark designation.

Bridgeport Bridge

Bridgeport Bridge
Bridgeport, CA

 

One of the most beautiful bridges in Nevada County, if not in all of the Gold Country, is the Bridgeport covered bridge on the South Fork of the Yuba River in the South Yuba River State Park. The present road to French Corral, Nevada County, leaves Highway 20 midway between Smartville and Rough and Ready. That paved road twists and turns for 5 miles before passing close by the longest single-span covered bridge in the nation.

The 233-foot-long Bridgeport Bridge, or Wood's Crossing, was originally constructed in 1862 and was part of the Virginia Turnpike Company Toll Road that served the northern mines and traffic to and from Virginia City and the Comstock Lode in Nevada. More than a century ago, pioneers and miners paid a $2 toll to drive their wagons and horses across the river. Now, traffic is limited to pedestrians only and there is no toll.

On October 20, 1997, there was a flood on the South Yuba River that almost took out the bridge. It was 135 years old at the time and workers put in 10-hour days making repairs on the landmark wooden bridge. But it still needs more work. On April 24, 2014 the State Assembly Budget Subcommittee voted 4-0 to support the State Senate's recommendation to fully fund restoration of the bridge. Visitor Center hours: 11am to 4pm all days from Memorial Day to Labor Day and Thursday to Sunday from Labor Day to Memorial Day.

 

Hubcap Ranch

The Hubcap Ranch
Pope Valley, CA

Hubcap driveway

Wouldn't you stop if you were driving along and came to a spot that has more than 5,000 hubcaps, hundreds of old license plates, highway signs of every description, odd-shaped tail lights that defy counting, and zillions of beverage can bottoms fashioned into little fans that twinkle in the sun? Such a spot can be found north of Pope Valley on the road to Middletown. It is rather difficult to miss because the entrance stands out like a diamond in the rough.

The man behind this unusual collection was Italian-born Litto Damonte, who spent most of his life in San Francisco before retiring to Pope Valley in 1942. The hubcap king started his collection of "highway art" by nailing pieces to the garage in back of his home. Over the years his collection grew to the point where it covers the house, patio, porch, trees, fences and outbuildings.

"Anything that hit the ground and broke, he made into art," says his grandson Mike Damonte."He really liked anything that was shiny." In 1987, two years after Litto died, Hubcap Ranch was named a State Historic Landmark, complete with a plaque proclaiming it an "exceptional twentieth century folk art environment." Mike Damonte took over the ranch in 1982 and has been a faithful servant of the hubcaps, allowing a steady stream of car clubs, preschools, European tourists and biker gangs to stop and gaze upon the gleaming assemblage.

If you go, be polite and quiet, people live there!

Olema Fault Line

Earthquake Walks
Olema, CA and
Pt. Arena, CA

Point Arena Cove

When we talk about land movement, we normally associate it with big real estate deals that boggle the mind. But in the case of a little spot near Olema, in Marin County, we're talking about earth-shaking news! In 1906, the San Andreas Fault shook, rattled and rolled, causing widespread damage throughout California.

At Olema, the effects were noted mostly by terrain movement. Fences and trees moved more than 10 feet, primarily because the Pacific Plate and the Eastern Plate converge at this point. Pressure between the two plates far below the surface builds up over time, setting up stresses that cause upheavals when they let go. During the 1906 upheaval, the Point Reyes Peninsula moved 16.4 feet to the northwest.

Just west of Olema, Bear Valley, which is a part of the Point Reyes National Park, offers visitors the opportunity to walk the earthquake trail and learn more about our shifting and ever-changing world. A short paved loop explores the Fault Zone and interpretive signs describe the geology of the area. This trail begins at the southeast corner of the Bear Valley Picnic Area, across the street from the Bear Valley Visitor Center.

A lesser-known place to view the San Andreas Fault is from Point Arena Cove in Mendocino County. One could say that the fault's lowest point is in the Pacific Ocean west of Point Arena. You can have lunch at the wharf and enjoy a glass of wine while looking across the cove to the telltale streaks in the cliff, hoping that they don't move anytime soon.

 

 

 

 

 

Please tell us about your favorite California travel spots or travel tips!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Great links:

Ideas for or fun road trips 

California Hwy 395 Road Trip 

Strangely Awesome Stuff

 

 

 

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