June 6, 2013 will mark my seventeenth year of being a Southern Californian. Having lived in Southern California for over half of my life now, I am proud to say that I have explored it in every single direction. I have visited its lakes, swam in its rivers, traversed its mountains, napped under its giant trees and I have roasted in its deserts, but there’s nothing quite as breathtaking as our California Coast.

In my first years here, you could find me on its beaches pretty much every day; running, rollerblading, biking, swimming or just basking in the sun. There nothing like the roar of the ocean waves and the vastness of its beauty to truly give you peace and perspective in the world.

Almost from the beginning of our (now) 17 year relationship, my husband and I have driven the California Coast via the famous Pacific Coast Highway, never allowing each other to take its grandeur for granted. From the Mexico Border, to Big Sur and all the way up past San Francisco, we have ridden its twists and turns and it is with deep pleasure that I’m sharing with you a few of our favorite stops along the way!

Paradise Cove – Malibu, California

My husband and I became weekly regulars at Paradise Cove when we were just dating, cira 1997! Back then, it was the most unassuming dive restaurant you’ve ever seen, in a (then) secret little cove in Malibu with the best weekday champagne brunch anywhere.

Two Young Kids on The Paradise Cove Beach – Circa 2007 We’ve spent birthdays there, anniversaries, long lazy days lounging on its quiet shores and it is the perfect spot to spend Mother’s Day. Paradise Cove Beach – Mother’s Day 2011 Although you won’t find it very divey anymore, it’s still laid back and a must-stop for us on The Pacific Coast Highway! If you want to hike before you dine, check out The Solstice Canyon Trail to the Waterfall about 4 miles south on PCH!

Neptune’s Net on The Ventura County Line Whether you’re a biker or not, if you’re driving The Pacific Coast Highway, Neptune’s Net is a must-stop! We took our little peanut here when she was just about 6 weeks old and she slept right through each and every unmuffled Harley vigorously starting its engine! Neptune’s Net Neptune’s Net is known for its fresh seafood, cooked anyway you want! They have it all, from oysters and lobster to dungeness crab and calamari; raw, grilled or fried everything and beer for days! The perfect spot to stop after hiking The Grotto Trail @ Circle X Ranch a stone’s throw away!