Safe and Beautiful Spots Along California's Pacific Coast

California's Pacific Coast calls out to all wistful travelers. With world-leading swaths of old-growth redwoods, dramatic coastlines networked by nature trails, imaginative beaches, and trendy seaside communities, this stretch of the US is what dreams are made of. With that said, not every stop along this lengthy shoreline highway is a desirable one. California unfortunately ranks high nationally for both homelessness and violent crime. However, we created a roadmap for a memorable, easy-going vacation. Based on our recent trip down The Golden State's coastline, there are loads of safe and beautiful spots worth visiting. In order from north to south, here are the best parks, drives, turnouts, and towns along California's portion of the Pacific Ocean.

Redwoods National and State Parks

The first major settlement along California's North Coast, Crescent City, has its charms, but also a bit of a rougher edge. So if you're looking to absorb the natural beauty of this sparsely populated area, focus instead on the many highlights of Redwoods National and State Parks. In particular we recommend the following:

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

A short drive inland, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park boasts 7% of the old-growth redwoods remaining on the planet. This accessible haven contains a well-kept campground, pristine day-use areas, a scenic through road, and 20 miles of rejuvenating hiking trails. What more could the heart of a naturalist desire?

Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park

With 8 miles of expressive coastline and 33,000 acres of nourishing forest (nearly half of which is composed of old growth redwoods), Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park showcases the wilder side of the North Coast. Hike the 4-mile (out-and-back) Damnation Creek Trail—a wooded switchback that descends sharply to the Pacific Ocean, before working its way back up to the highwayside turnout. It's a grind, but totally worth it.

Trees of Mystery

This novel tourist attraction glorifies the towering redwoods in a unique, yet more commercialized way. If traditional hiking isn't your preferred pastime, but you still desire to be immersed in the trees, then the Redwood Canopy Trail (a series of protected platforms and suspension bridges) and SkyTrail gondola are sure to please. Just keep your eyes peeled for the giant Paul Bunyan statue and his blue ox, Babe, as you approach the community of Klamath. This will be your cue to exit.

Sue-meg State Park

Another nature-based attraction just off Highway 101, or Redwood Highway, is Sue-meg. Here, you'll find peripheral forested hiking trails that visit sculpted sea stacks, sheer shorelines where waves crash and splash, tidal pools, meadows of wildflowers, scores of sea lions (and seasonal migrating whales), and the broad Agate Beach.

Additionally, with three campgrounds and an interactive recreation of a traditional Yurok village, Sue-meg (formerly, Patrick's Point) State Park has a strong sense of community. And best of all, at 640 acres, Sue-meg can be explored in its entirety with a simple overnight stopover.

Ferndale

The first coastal community to make the spotlight is the fairytale-like Ferndale. This small Humboldt county city exudes Victorian charm with a touch of modern sensibilities. Its Main Street and surrounding blocks consist of cute coffee shops, inviting Inns, specialized performance venues and museums. You'll also find enticing restaurants, a collection of boutique shops, and a handful of steeple-tipped churches. This quaint spot is quite popular and perfect for daytime enjoyment.

Humboldt Redwoods State Park

Before putting California's quintessential forests in the rearview mirror, take a moment to appreciate Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Right off the highway, an inspiring neck-wrenching canopy awaits. Those wanting to stretch their legs can walk the Founders Grove Nature Loop Trail to marvel at the thriving 346-foot Founders Tree, or the 362-foot downed redwood known as the Dyerville Giant. On the other hand, if you prefer to keep the southbound momentum, exit onto the 31-mile Avenue of the Giants—widely considered to be one of California's most scenic drives.

Shelter Cove

Next up, head for Garberville and make a due-west side trip up and over the King Range. The tiny but spirited community of Shelter Cove is one of the hidden gems of the Lost Coast (Northern California's most remote stretch). It's a "white-knuckle" journey to get there, but the juice is well worth the squeeze. Shelter Cove is stunningly beautiful, easy-going, and artsy.

There is a little pitch n' putt golf course, a cool RV campground, a few low-tide beaches, and a couple quirky watering holes with live music, comedy, and trivia. Also be sure to visit the historic Cape Mendocino Lighthouse. For a deeper dive into this magical spot, check out this recent feature on Shelter Cove.

Mendocino

Mendocino, a pastel town along Highway 1 with the perfect balance between attractive infrastructure, bohemian van-life culture, and rugged, but gently-tamed nature. Coffee lovers will enjoy the Waiting Room—with its cabin-like interior, cast iron fireplace, and sun-soaked back patio—on Ukiah Street. Hikers can comb through the cliff-edge trails of Mendocino Headlands State Park, and beachgoers need to dip their toes into the sands of Big River Beach and Portuguese Beach. Otherwise, simply stroll the several square blocks and see what kinds of historic homes, independent galleries, intriguing museums, and artisanal shops you can uncover.

Bay Area Pit Stops

Point Reyes Station

The blip on the map known as Point Reyes Station isn't usually on the radar, but after rounding the bend of a reduced-speed section of the Shoreline Highway, this compelling spot inspires exploration. Point Reyes Station is a laid-back, three-block strip that, despite being a highway town, is super pedestrian-friendly. If you have time to spare, spend an hour or two eatting, sipping, and shopping. And if you have an open-ended itinerary, you may wish to plunge into the treasures of Point Reyes National Seashore.

Stinson Beach

Getting closer to San Francisco the pull of "The City" almost rushes you through the satellite communities. Case in point, Stinson Beach is a small, scenic spot in which to hone your surfing skills, enjoy long walks on the namesake beach, or hike into the Marin Hills. Grab a coffee at Parkside Cafe and watch the waves and shorebirds flow in the rising sun. While offf-season brings few crowds, summer in Stinson Beach is a happening getaway.

Sausalito

Sausalito isn't technically on the Pacific Coast, but before your cross over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, this hip, bayside city deserves all the love. Sausalito is stocked with a surprising number of generous parking lots (some of them are free), making it easy to pull over and enjoy the sights. There are several packed marinas, a classy commerce strip, and the elegant Sausalito Boardwalk that looks ahead to the colorful hill homes. You'll also experience views of Alcatraz Island and the San Francisco skyline.

Despite the mixed reputation of its neighbor to the south, Sausalito feels completely safe at every corner. Before skipping town, make one last pit stop atop the Golden Gate National Recreation Area for some of the best views of the famous rusty-red bridge.

Capitola

Capitola is instantly recognizable by its Instagram-worthy, technicolor venetian residences. This uplifting backdrop to Capitola State Beach is complemented by a splendid wharf, the sheer peripheral cliffs of Soquel Cove, and a vibrant touristic core. It can be harder to come by parking in these parts, so considered paying $2/hour further up on Cliff Drive and embracing the pleasant walk down. Stop by Mr Toots Coffeehouse, a secretive, second-floor cafe with an indie feel. And if you're lucky, you can snag one of four stools overlooking the aforementioned main attraction.

Monterey

Monterey is an excellent alternative to Santa Cruz (which resides on the north side of Monterey Bay). It sports an entertaining wharf of its own (Old Fisherman's Wharf), which flows seamlessly into the timeless Monterey State Historic Park and onwards to the magnetic Alvarado Street. Visit Monterey's main attraction, Monterey Bay Aquarium, showcasing an impressive display of marine animals. Enjoy uncrowed beaches and locally-sourced seafood restaurants, or continue up the stubby peninsula to the overlooked sister city of Pacific Grove.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Rounding out our list of safe and beautiful Pacific Coastal spots is the incomparable beach city of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Adjacent to the world-famous Pebble Beach golf course, Carmel's affluent, one-mile, village-esque core leads visitors past a variety of high-end shops and storybook inns to the soft, sprawling white sands of the eponymous beach.

The action on and around Ocean Avenue will easily fill an afternoon, but for a change of pace, scoot to the south side to see the Carmel Mission Basilica Museum (officially, Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo)—built in 1771 and today, one of the most authentically restored of California's 21 antiquitous Spanish missions.

Parting Thoughts

Attractive, fair-weather destinations have a way of drawing eclectic crowds. So if you're seeking sunshine, trees, beaches, and community but are nervous about any negative word-of-mouth you might have heard, rest assured that as of the fall of 2024, these places are as safe as they are beautiful. Enjoy the pristine nature and friendly faces that abound in these California coastal gems.

Safe and happy travels!