As the holiday travel season kicks off with a record-number of people expected to hit the roads and take to the skies over the Thanksgiving holiday, Californians who want to leave all the frenzy behind can look to tranquil spots closer to home along the state’s Pacific Coast Highway.
From the quaint village of Carmel-by-the-Sea and relaxed Pismo Beach to the coastal surf town of Huntington Beach and family-friendly Carlsbad, home to Legoland, these regional escapes require zero passports and make planning a “staycation” stress-free for any type of traveler.
Let’s take a look.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, a charming retreat
No stranger to Best Of lists, the beachside hamlet located in the Monterey Bay has Hollywood bonafides: Clint Eastwood is a former mayor, Doris Day was a much beloved long-time resident and jointly owned a historic hotel for 20 years, and Brad Pitt bought a mansion in the nearby highlands overlooking the Pacific Ocean a couple of years ago.
While the town famously has no numeric street addresses, it features unique architecture, including Hobbit-style houses and imposing stone structures by early designer and builder Hugh Comstock along with a single-story home built on a foundation of brown Carmel Stone designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Taking a walk along the town’s white sandy beaches is a holiday tradition.
Perched on a cliffside with panoramic ocean views, Hyatt Vacation Club at Highlands Inn in Carmel offers a picture-perfect escape and restful stop along California’s Pacific Coast Highway in the heart of Big Sur. The resort puts guests’ minutes from Carmel-by-the-Sea’s charming shops and galleries, the scenic 17-Mile Drive, and wine tasting in nearby Monterey and Carmel Valley.
Cambria, a seaside hamlet with popular Christmas Market
Located along the central coast off Highway 1, midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, the charming town of Cambria feels like Big Sur’s quieter cousin. It has dramatic cliffs, Monterey pines, and moody skies along with some of the most spectacular seaside views.
Cambria Beach Lodge in Cambria, California.
The charming town, with its boutique stores and places to eat, is a walk away from the coastline, and there are ample lodgings and guest homes to rent. Busy times are during the summer and mid-to-late November season when the popular Cambria Christmas Market unfolds.
The coastline is accessible via many public trails. The Fiscalini Ranch Preserve features eight trail entrances that go through 437 acres of protected forest, riparian habitat, and grasslands. The benches located along the trails are each unique pieces of art that offer stunning ocean views.
Pismo Beach, the classic beach town
Pismo Beach, the destination Bugs Bunny never quite made it to after taking that left turn at Albuquerque, is a classic California beach town that offers calm and respite for folks looking for a winter weekend away.
Located on California’s iconic Highway 1, Pismo Beach offers a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. Visitors can surf, kayak, hike coastal bluffs, explore nearby wine country, and enjoy breathtaking sunsets from the pier. With its laid-back vibe, walkable downtown, and natural beauty, Pismo Beach delivers the quintessential California coastal experience.
Over the holidays, local restaurants shine, offering unique settings and live entertainment while diners ponder their New Years resolutions overlooking the Pacific Ocean. SeaVenture Restaurant offers Christmas Eve & Day three-course holiday dinners on the beach, while on New Years, Marisol at The Cliffs hosts an elegant party with dinner, live music and views of the harbor.
Huntington Beach, surf town
Popularly known as a surf town, Huntington Beach offers a relaxed atmosphere, mild weather and fewer crowds during the winter months. Festive events like the city’s holiday parade and Cruise of Lights, named a Top 10 holiday destination by Coastal Living Magazine, makes the city a unique winter break.
The city offers ample shopping opportunities, and the pleasant weather makes a stroll on the beach and visit to nearby Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, with its hiking trails and over 1300 acres of coastal habitat to explore a welcome adventure.
Oceanfront resorts offer a luxurious escape from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Paséa Hotel & Spa in the heart of Huntington Beach offers a majority of its 250 rooms and suites facing the Pacific Ocean, while motorists can stop-over at the Treehouse for a drink while taking in panoramic views of the coastline. And no need to leave the pooch at home, Paséa Hotel & Spa was named the #1 pet friendly hotel by USA TODAY readers.
Take the kiddos to Carlsbad
Who said relaxing meant leaving the kiddos at home? The secret to any successful holiday with the under-18 set is to keep them well occupied. For this reason alone, a trip to Carlsbad, located 35 north of San Diego should be on your winter travel list.
CARLSBAD, CA — The LEGO Movie World 2 Experience at LEGOLAND California Resort.
Mild weather, outdoor activities like whale watching, hiking and golfing can be enjoyed without the peak-season tourist crowds. Carlsbad Village is filled with unique boutiques, craft breweries, and restaurants.
For a more festive experience, holidays at Legoland California offers fun for the whole family. During the holiday season, the amusement park puts up the giant Lego tree, offers seasonal shows and a visit with Lego Santa at the North Pole. There is also a kid-friendly New Year’s Eve party.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Five California coastal retreats to escape to this winter