California Coastal Magic From Montara To Santa Cruz

Are you ready for a mix of warm summer magic, cool salty air, and a whole lot of good energy?

Get set for a solo adventure from Sacramento that includes scenic hostels, oceanfront hot tubs, cuddly goats, and sea swings over a blue sky, resulting in epic memories on California’s coast.

With an efficient, reliable vehicle and a few days to spare, this getaway loop – part recreation, part relaxation, and all authentic – is low-stress and high-reward. Let’s go!

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Thursday: Montara State Beach Lighthouse Hostel

The journey began from Sacramento, driving Interstate 80 and 280 to California Highway 1, to the HI Montara Lighthouse Hostel, perched high on the cliffs of Montara State Beach.

The hostel is a little weathered around the edges—think vintage charm with a sandy personality— but its overall vibe is warm, welcoming, and scenic.

After checking in and receiving a quick orientation from staff member Taya, I ventured down a winding path through wildflowers and brush to a small cove where the ocean washed up piles of deep red sea kelp and seagulls danced on the sand.

Later, I connected with three travelers from nearby Oakland who were like tres mariposas, fluttering wisely around the establishment and laughing with me about wacky Spanish phrases.

After a restful night in the all-female dorm, I woke to see the morning fog drifting over the ocean in low, light-filled clouds.

Before my departure, two women from Yuba City and Grass Valley gave me a traveler’s blessing. This one simple moment—eyes closed, hearts full—was a reminder that solo travel doesn’t have to be lonely.

Address: 16th Street at Highway 1, Montara, CA
Rates: Dorm beds from ~$42, private rooms also available
Check-in: After 3 PM, and parking is free onsite
Don’t Miss: the winding path down to a small beach cove

California Coastal Magic 2025 Playlist

Every road trip deserves a playlist to keep the driver happy and motivated while still staying focused on the road; this adventure along the California coast was no exception.

Included in the playlist are songs by California-based bands about sunshine, islands, and the West Coast state, plus some other notable gems.

Friday: Thrifting in Pescadero + Goats at Harley Farms

Friday morning began with a picturesque drive from Montara to Pescadero, a small town near the coast that’s always worth a visit. First up: South Coast Children’s Services Pescadero Thrift Shop, a treasure trove of gently-used items.

As luck would have it, everything was 50% off for their last weekend of the month sale. I scored a few great finds, including some colorful, vintage postcards for 25 cents each.

From the thrift store, a three-minute drive led to nearby Harley Farms Goat Dairy, where a wonderful guide, Kim, shared stories with our tour group about the farm’s history, their care for its many animals, the working dairy, and the people who keep it running.

With Kim leading the way, we wandered through exotic flower gardens, patted friendly goats, and learned about the highly anticipated new pasteurizer arriving for the dairy remodel.

Surrounding myself with the sweet herd of mid-sized goats, I took selfies and gently reminded them that sweater buttons are not snacks.

Wrapping up the tour, we visited the farm’s beautifully curated shop, where Kim offered delicious cheese samples, including her favorite, the salty feta. A few of us stuck around and met the lovely founder and owner, Dee Harley.

After admiring handcrafted goat cheeses, luxurious bath goods, and rich black clay cookpots from La Chamba, Colombia, I took home several delightful treasures as gifts for friends.

Whether you’re into farm-fresh food, charming animals, or just a beautiful countryside escape, Harley Farms is a must-visit!

Address: 205 North Street, Pescadero, CA
Tours: Offered Friday–Sunday, check the website for current hours
Insider Tip: wear close-toed shoes and dress casually in layers, you’ll be petting lots of cute goats and walking across grassy meadows of varying temperatures
Don’t miss: the beautiful upstairs area for private tastings and seasonal farm-to-table dinners

Friday Night: Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel

I arrived at HI Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel late in the afternoon and was greeted warmly by Kelsey, a staff member originally from Sacramento.

At check-in, I booked a 30-minute soak in the hostel’s cliffside hot tub for a relaxing evening experience. Listening to the ocean waves and inhaling the scent of salt and sea grass from this spot was pure bliss!

Unlike Montara, with its single main house hostel, Pigeon Point has individual cottages, each with its own shared kitchen and sitting room. This made for a more intimate experience and a restful sleep after exploring the grounds.

Address: 210 Pigeon Point Rd, Pescadero, CA
Rates: From ~$36 for dorm beds
Insider Tip: Book a dip in the hot tub, $10 for 30 minutes – sign up early!
Fun Fact: Pigeon Point is the tallest lighthouse, tied with Point Arena Light, on the U.S. West Coast

Saturday: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

The summer solo adventure hit full swing in Santa Cruz, one of my favorite places in California, with its Surf City vibes, historic Beach Boardwalk, and legendary Banana Slugs.

First, a walk out on the wharf in beautiful weather to a delicious brunch at Makai Island Kitchen and Groggery. Their rotating bar features a mural of surf legend Duke Kahanamoku and an unbeatable view.

I ordered the poke bowl, loaded with cucumber, seaweed, ahi tuna, edamame, and lychee, plus some coconut shrimp and sweet potato hash, and savored every bite.

Next, it was time for my favorite “never grow up” joy: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It was a picture-perfect day, riding the beloved Skyglider and Sea Swings, plus the Undertow coaster, and the beautifully preserved Looff Carousel, which has operated smoothly since 1910.

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Of course, it was hard to resist playing 20 rounds of Skee-Ball, my favorite arcade game, and 20 more of the modern version, Skee-Ball 1000, inside the Casino Arcade and Neptune’s Kingdom.

Eventually, those arcade games add up! After a few years of visiting the Beach Boardwalk, I finally cashed in my points for a nerdy, cool pair of socks featuring a surfing sea otter. Hang ten!

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While the Boardwalk is open year-round, the best events happen during the summer, like Friday night movies on the beach and live entertainment on the weekends. Let your inner kid out to play!

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Sunday: Tasty Arepas + Santa Cruz Hostel

A Sunday morning solo brunch came from Pana Venezuelan food located downtown at lively Abbott Square Market. Their Caprese arepa with fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil, and ripe tomato is everything comforting and fresh.

A Santa Cruz must-visit, Pana’s food takes me back to Colombia with every bite. If you’ve never had this amazing South American corn pancake stuffed with cheese, meat, and/or veggies, you’re in for a real treat!

After lunch, I headed to the Santa Cruz Hostel, located just blocks from the Beach Boardwalk.

In the evening, I returned to view the illuminated rides and the historic Colonnade. While it wasn’t one of the infamous free movie nights on the beach, it was still spectacular!

At $52 a night for a dorm bed, the Santa Cruz hostel is quite possibly the best value on the coast. Long-time staffers give the place a welcoming, familiar feel to the hostel, which is always clean and full of travelers.

Not a fan of hostel dorms? Santa Cruz Hostel offers private rooms for more intimate overnight stays. Whatever you choose, you’ll love the location and casual atmosphere.

Address: 321 Main Street, Santa Cruz, CA
Rates: Dorm beds ~$52, private options available
Insider Tip: Purchase a parking pass from the hostel May–September, when residential permits kick in and hourly, metered parking is scarce.

Monday: Beach Bliss + San Francisco Days

After checking out from the Santa Cruz Hostel, I soaked in the morning sun on the Santa Cruz beach, watching kids building sandcastles and the occasional sea lion swimming close to the shore.

I left around noon, cruising along iconic Highway 1, eager to beat the Bay Area rush-hour traffic and take advantage of a few bonus days in San Francisco.

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Dining in the Sunset District

Almost everyone knows that San Francisco is a food lover’s paradise. Take a trip away from the inner city to the Sunset District, and you’ll find some eclectic, choice spots for low-key dining.

Mixto

Mixto, at 3914 Judah Street, serves Peruvian-Salvadorean dishes with deep flavor in a cozy, tranquil setting. Try the delectable ceviche and the golden-hued Mariscada, a seafood stew made with aji amarillo.

Insider Tip: Visit Mixto early to beat the lunch crowds and order a jarrito of Chicha, a refreshing drink made with purple corn and cinnamon.

Golden Boy Pizza

A “Sanfrancillian” pizza place offering iconic, square-shaped pies, Golden Boy, 1447 Taraval Street, is a pickup or delivery only restaurant featuring some of the best pizza in the city.

Try the delectable Pesto Veggie pizza or brave the unique Clam and Garlic pie; it’s often hard to resist eating it all in one sitting. Mangia!

Sunset Cantina

With its colorful decor and cozy yet sizable patio, Sunset Cantina, located at 3414 Judah Street, is a trendy taqueria with a lively toucan mascot serving authentic food with a twist.

Try the bangin’ Baja shrimp tacos or the Machete burrito featuring a flavor-stuffed spinach tortilla served by a friendly staff. ¡Andale pues!

Celia’s by the Beach

A local landmark, Celia’s By the Beach, 4019 Judah Street, was founded in 1960 by Celia and Perfecto Lopez. If the decor doesn’t capture your heart, the Enchiladas en Molé and Mariscos El Cancun certainly will.

Now open for brunch, try one of Celia’s variations on chilaquiles, a Mexican breakfast favorite, and savor the super sensation of el sabor.

“The last trip on a road trip is often the best one, as it leads you back home with new memories.”

Golden Gate Tap Room

In between all this great eating, there had to be room for more Skee-Ball and a visit to Golden Gate Tap Room, 459 Powell Street, a sizable sports bar with big screen TVs and friendly bartenders.

Insider Tip: Go on a Tuesday for low-priced, handmade tacos. Be sure to bring small bills for the change machines!

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Wednesday: Back to Sacramento

Driving home and wrapping up this adventure meant reflecting on the past few days with a huge smile from a trip well achieved.

Driving towards the Capital City with the light beaming off the emblematic Ziggurat building was a reminder that the last trip on a road trip is often the best one, as it leads you back home with new memories.

Final Thoughts

This was a simple, soulful, and joy-filled week— proof that some of the best travel experiences come from authentic moments, special interactions, and places with personality.

If you’re a solo traveler on the West Coast craving a creative escape full of discovery, this California coastal loop is pure gold.

Ready to experience travel that shines? Here are some of my most-trusted resources to light your way through the Golden State!