American World Traveler Summer 2018 Issue

Hidden on an isolated stretch of CA-1 in Big
Sur, and down an unmarked one-lane road
(Sycamore Canyon Rd.), Pfeiffer Beach is not
the easiest to find, but you’ll kick yourself later
if you miss out on its impressive rock formations,
sea caverns, and unusual purple sands,
and most assuredly if you pass on the opportune
moment to witness the natural phenomenon
at Keyhole Arch.
For breathtaking views of seascapes, wildlife,
and tidepools, stroll the Moonstone Beach
Boardwalk. There are stairs to take you down
to the beach. Although you won’t find moonstone
here, you’ll find plenty of agates, and
possibly jasper and California jade as surfsmoothed
stones.
Southern California
If you’ve ever seen the cult classic film Earth
Girls are Easy, you’ll recognize legendary
Zuma Beach. Malibu’s classic beach party
site, offers surfing, boogie boarding, and volleyball
that fills up fast on summer weekends.
Crystal-clear water (unusual for the L.A. area)
makes it good for swimming. Grab a spot on
the west side of CA-1 for free parking, or pay
a little for one of the more than 2,000 spots in
the beach parking lot. Amenities include a
snack bar, boardwalk, and volleyball courts,
as well as restrooms and showers.
Huntington City Beach, a.k.a. Surf City,
USA, delivers waves, bikinis, volleyball nets,
and a long bike path. It constitutes 3.5 miles
of good surf and a pier in the center of the
beach leads into Main Street, where you’ll find
the Visitor Information Center and Kiosk, as
well as surf shops and rentals, restaurants and
bars. Huntington Beach is home to the
International Surfing Museum and hosts late
July’s U.S. Open of Pro Surfing.
La Jolla’s best beach may be found a couple
north of La Jolla village. La Jolla Shores is a
beautiful stretch of sparkling sand great for
families and beginning surfers. There’s a playground
for small children as well as swimming
and bodyboarding areas designated by
checkered flags. On the other side of those
flags, beginner surfers may find open space to
practice catching rides. More advanced riders
tend to head for the north end of the beach.
On the other side of the cliffs framing the
north end of La Jolla Shores, San Diego’s best
waves curl at Black’s Beach. Unless you want
to paddle the long way around from La Jolla
Shores, you’ll have to carry your board on a
hike down the cliffside trail originating at the
Torrey Pines Gliderport. Though gorgeous, the
cliff-backed beach remains less populated but
the reward is a secluded Southern California
beach backed by sandstone cliffs. You’re likely
to get an eyeful-its seclusion makes Black’s
a popular sunbathing spot for nudists.
Coronado Beach is a gorgeous 1.5 mile
stretch of sand set against the background of
the famous Hotel del Coronado, where lounge
chairs and cocktails are available. The familyfriendly
beach considered among the world’s
best.
When to Drive the Pacific Coast Highway
If you’re ready to hit the road (or some waves),
the best time for this road trip is late spring to
early fall, when the weather is best. If you drive
the PCH at the height of the summer season,
expect heavier traffic and crowds.
The Pacific Coast Highway invites many travelers
to the natural beauty of its shores. Pick up
a copy of Moon Pacific Coast Highway from
your favorite bookseller, pack up the car, and
come find out why for yourself.
LakeCrescent - Galyna Andrushko
15
Adapted from Moon Pacific Coast Highway
by Ian Anderson. Copyright © 2018.
Available from Avalon Travel, an imprint of
Perseus Books, a Hachette Book Group
company.
American World Traveler Summer 2018