California is known for sunny days, stunning beaches, sweet confections, and memorable drives along the coast. You can sample it all on the Pacific Coast Highway, from San Francisco to San Diego. Between exciting attractions and gorgeous vistas, you can indulge in some of the best ice cream along the way. Here’s a roadmap to the best sights and sweets on 500 miles of California coast.
San Francisco
Sights: San Francisco is famous for its landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge and the Alcatraz penitentiary (get tickets in advance). Ride the cable car and go shopping in Union Square. Kick off your sweet trip with a visit to the Museum of Ice Cream.
Sweets: Bi-Rite Creamery – Mouth-watering unique flavors including salted caramel and Ritual Coffee Toffee. The best spot is in the Mission, right next to Mission Dolores Park where you can enjoy city views. Vegan options are available. 3692 18th St
Santa Cruz
Sights: Santa Cruz is a quaint little beach town stretching into Monterey Bay, featuring a historic boardwalk filled with vintage rides. Silicon Valley hasn’t overtaken this charming town yet! The downtown area is full of vintage clothing stores, galleries, and great food. Enjoy shopping or take a cruise around the bay.
Sweets: Penny Ice Creamery – Everything is made from scratch in-house, using organic ingredients from local farms to create eclectic flavors such as Blackberry Sweet Corn, Brown Sugar Oat Walnut, and Peaches & Cream. 913 Cedar St
Monterey
Sights: Just across the bay sits Monterey and the famed Cannery Row, once a sardine packing factory that now hosts wharf-side shops and restaurants. Don’t miss the gorgeous 17-mile drive, known for its breathtaking views. You can also explore the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium – visit the penguins and hammerheads while keeping an eye out for otters off the back deck.
Sweets: Revival Ice Cream – Handcrafted using locally sourced organic ingredients, their signature scoops include the award-winning Bee’s Knees (made from Monterey honey), Apple Pie, and the Mint, Eucalyptus, and Fudge. They offer rotating seasonal flavors made in small batches, with dairy-free options available. 463 Alvarado St
Big Sur
Sights: Nestled among the rugged Santa Lucia Mountains, Big Sur features plenty of stops for stunning ocean vistas. Drive across one of the world’s highest single-span bridges, Bixby Bridge, notable for its appearance in HBO’s Big Little Lies.
Sweets: Coast Big Sur – They serve delicious soft serve, chocolate landslide sundaes, and affogatos (espresso poured over a scoop of ice cream) near McWay Falls. 49901 California Hwy 1
Cambria
Sights: Primarily a tourist destination, Cambria is renowned for its charming Bed and Breakfasts and Moonstone Beach, named for the pearly rocks that often wash ashore. California’s famous Hearst Castle is just a few miles away.
Sweets: Linn’s Restaurant – Famous for its Olallieberry pie, Linn’s Restaurant and Bakery is perfect for lunch and a treat, including milkshakes. Just down the street, Mojo’s Village Bean serves local Doc Burnsteins Ice Cream Lab ice cream. 2277 Main Street
Harmony
Sights: This small town off the highway has a population of only 18 people, alongside a few cows. Founded and run by artisans, the community offers a mix of art, pottery, wine, and ice cream.
Sweets: Harmony Valley Creamery – A cute little ice cream truck is typically parked across from the creamery, showcasing a selection of ice creams made with natural California ingredients. Check out where the Scoop Truck will scoop next. 2177 Old Creamery Road
Cayucos
Sights: With historic storefronts housing antique shops and eateries, the main drag of Cayucos gives a nostalgic vibe reminiscent of an Old West frontier town complete with a saloon.
Sweets: Brown Butter Cookie Company – While this may not be ice cream, these delectable cookies from the big red building on the corner of D Street are a must-try. 98 N Ocean Ave
San Luis Obispo
Sights: Situated halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo features notable stops like Morro Bay and the local university, Cal Poly. Consider a stay at the Madonna Inn, which boasts uniquely themed decor.
Sweets: Nite Creamery – Experience ice cream made with liquid nitrogen for an extra creamy texture. Popular options include Strawberry Creme (made with real strawberries) and BBB (Peanut Butter ice cream mixed with bananas and brownies, topped with a peanut butter drizzle). Gluten-free options are also available. 570 Higuera St #103
Santa Barbara
Sights: A great stop for shopping and dining – make sure to visit Santa Barbara’s Old Mission before heading over to the Santa Barbara Zoo. The Ritz-Carlton Bacara is an excellent choice for a stay or to stop by for sunset drinks.
Sweets: Rori’s Artisanal Ice Cream – Rori Trovato crafts each flavor uniquely, such as malted milk ball, lemon curd, or rich dark chocolate. You can also visit Rori’s Ice Cream Factory located in Carpenteria, just outside of Santa Barbara. 38 West Victoria Street
Santa Monica
Sights: Whether you ride the roller coaster at Santa Monica Pier, shop along the Third Street Promenade, or enjoy a beach day, you won’t be disappointed with the wealth of options in Santa Monica.
Sweets: Scoops Ice Cream and Treats – Indulge in Lappert’s ice cream at the Santa Monica Pier, a part of Pacific Park. Walter Lappert opened his first store in Sausalito, California. Now, three generations later, the Lapperts are still serving delightful flavors such as Hawaii Pink Sea Salt Caramel, Lemon Creamsicle, Banana Cream Pie, and Carmel Coconut Macadamia. 380 Santa Monica Pier, Suite 6
Venice Beach
Sights: Explore the Venice Canal Walk and marvel at the beautiful real estate, or stroll along the Venice Beach Boardwalk to meet some interesting characters, to say the least!
Sweets: Wanderlust Creamery – Merging the essence of global travel with ice cream, this spot tantalizes your taste buds with flavors like Sticky Rice and Mango inspired by Thailand, Japanese Neopolitan, and Passionfruit Cacao inspired by Brazil. 609 Lincoln Blvd Suite B
Encinitas
Sights: Encinitas is a tranquil beach and surf town, where surfers often revel until the last light fades at San Elijo State Beach.
Sweets: Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream – Treat yourself to a tower of homemade ice cream at Handel’s. With over 50 flavors to choose from, there’s something for everyone. 90 N Coast Hwy 101 #101
San Diego
Sights: The journey concludes in San Diego. Take a swing at Torrey Pines Golf Course or experience the thrill of hang gliding at the Gliderport. Be sure to visit the world-famous San Diego Zoo, then head downtown to the trendy Gaslamp Quarter for shopping and dining. The gorgeous historic Hotel Del Coronado is an excellent place to stay.
Sweets: MooTime Creamery – Enjoy a classic soda shop atmosphere with made-from-scratch ice cream that boasts daily rotating flavors for the freshest taste. Give your taste buds an irresistible punch of sweetness. 1025 Orange Ave
