Our next Pacific Coast Highway RV adventure brought us to the beautiful coastline of Monterey Bay, where we checked into the peaceful Marina Dunes RV Park. Nestled among rolling dunes and just minutes from the ocean, it was the perfect home base for several unforgettable days filled with coastal views, incredible food, local drinks, and unexpected entertainment.
After settling into camp, we asked the check-in hosts where locals like to go for great food and drinks. Without hesitation, they recommended Alvarado Street Brewery, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, packed with both tourists and locals enjoying craft beer and great conversation. The brewery had an impressive variety of house-made beers, delicious food, and a fun energy that immediately kicked off our trip on the right note.
The next morning, we made our way to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, and honestly, it may have been one of the most stunning coastal areas we’ve ever visited. The rugged cliffs, turquoise water, crashing waves, and hidden coves looked like something straight out of a postcard. Everywhere we turned offered another breathtaking viewpoint. We spent hours walking the trails, stopping constantly for photos and simply soaking in the scenery. Between the dramatic coastline and the peaceful sounds of the ocean, Point Lobos quickly became one of our favorite stops of the trip.
From there, we headed into Monterey’s famous Fisherman’s Wharf for lunch at Crab House. Sitting by the water while enjoying fresh seafood felt like the perfect classic California coastal experience. The harbor views were beautiful, and watching boats drift in and out while eating fresh crab made the entire lunch unforgettable.
After lunch, we wandered over to Dust Bowl Brewing, where we discovered what may have been the best hard seltzer we’ve ever had. Crisp, refreshing, and perfect for a sunny afternoon near the water, it was exactly what we needed after a long day of exploring. The relaxed atmosphere made it easy to linger longer than planned.
As if the day couldn’t get any better, we unexpectedly stumbled into The Good Old Days Festival. What started as a casual walk turned into one of the highlights of the trip. The streets were alive with local artisan vendors, food stands, live music, and an incredible community atmosphere. Everywhere we looked there was something happening , handcrafted goods, local artwork, musicians performing, and families enjoying the celebration together. It felt like we had discovered a hidden gem of local culture completely by accident.
A few days later, we squeezed in a visit to Santa Cruz, another iconic California beach town full of personality and incredible ocean views. One of our favorite stops was the Santa Cruz Wharf, where we got to see sea lions up close directly from above the pier. Hearing them bark and watching them lounge beneath the docks was such a cool experience and something you really can’t appreciate until you see it in person.
For drinks, we visited Makai Rotating Bar, which offered not only creative cocktails but also panoramic coastal views as the restaurant slowly rotated. Watching the ocean scenery shift around us while sipping drinks made for such a unique and memorable experience.
We also drove along West Cliff Drive, which may be one of the most scenic coastal roads in California. The endless ocean views, dramatic cliffs, surfers in the waves, and sea breeze made it impossible not to stop every few minutes for another photo. Along the route, we visited the Surfing Museum, where we learned about Santa Cruz’s deep surfing history and culture. It was fascinating to see how much surfing has shaped the town’s identity over the years.
Before heading back, we made one final stop at Pleasure Point Cliffs, where surfers lined the waves from sunrise to sunset. Sitting on the cliffs watching surfers carve through the water while the sun reflected off the Pacific Ocean was the perfect ending to our coastal adventure.
This stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway continues to amaze us every time we travel it. Between the breathtaking scenery, incredible local food and drinks, charming coastal towns, and unexpected experiences like local festivals and wildlife encounters, this trip perfectly captured everything we love about RV travel along the California coast.