AARP Hearing Center
California’s coastline contains a treasure trove of idyllic beaches, historical landmarks and serene natural landscapes. As a Los Angeles native, some of my greatest memories include driving to quaint towns along the Pacific Ocean that offer quiet moments of respite from busy city life. I’ve witnessed whales breach in Carmel-by-the-Sea, sipped wine from producers in Santa Barbara tasting rooms and observed art at lively festivals in Laguna Beach.
The scenic, road trip-friendly coastline makes getting behind the wheel easy, and a 2025 survey by Booking.com proves that. Searches on the website for travel to coastal towns like Laguna Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea and Santa Barbara all increased from 2024 to 2025. In addition, Los Angeles ranked among Booking.com’s top three domestic cities for car rental pickups – making it an ideal starting point to explore California’s coastal stretch. Furthermore, 35 percent of U.S. boomers shared that they would like to take a beach trip, while 47 percent expressed interest in a scenic viewpoint for leisure, giving California’s diverse coastline another competitive edge.
Whether you’re looking for ways to commune with nature along walking trails or delve into the historical legacies and architecture of a place, there’s an oceanside town in California that checks the mark. Read on for five locations to get you started.
Montecito

Montecito is a coastal retreat about 90 miles northwest of Los Angeles. It is located within Santa Barbara County, which is referred to as the American Riviera because of its temperate climate and luxurious yet laid-back vibe. The small unincorporated town maintains a prized location near world-class vineyards and historic sites such as Old Mission Santa Barbara, which is popular for its picturesque gardens and grand bell towers. Memorable restaurants lining a main street called Coast Village Road include Clark’s Oyster Bar, popular for its menu full of shellfish sourced from the California coastline, and the Lion’s Tale, a dimly lit cocktail bar where visitors clink martini glasses and old fashioneds over small dishes. At The Barbara Beach Club, guests enjoy private cabana seating on East Beach while ordering pizza from local favorite Lucky Penny straight to their spot in the sand. Off land, Santa Barbara Sailing Center’s sunset cruises are a popular way to view Montecito from the Pacific Ocean. Santa Barbara Botanic Garden offers six free days throughout the year for visitors 60-plus. The Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club, the third-oldest polo facility in the country, hosts lively matches from May through October.
Where to stay: Tucked on a quiet residential street, the newly opened Paraiso Collection features six rentals that can accommodate solo travelers and groups. Guests of the four-bedroom Villa Magnolia have access to farm-to-table menus from Apropos Catering and a private wine tasting at Villa sul Mare.