Laguna Beach is the stuff that California fantasies are made of. Throughout this scenic destination, visitors are treated to cascading, verdant hillsides, breathtaking coastal parks, and secluded beaches. All of this, as well as its small-town spirit and historic arts community, are just a few of the many factors that contribute to this southern California destination being one for the books. Furthermore, it is extremely simple to get to. Laguna Beach, located between San Diego and Los Angeles, is right along Pacific Coast Highway, making it an ideal stop on your California road trip.

Laguna Beach is the kind of destination that you have to see to believe, and when you do, you'll be in awe of its magnificence. However, Laguna Beach is much more than its good looks. The town has a palpable love of the arts, which can be found not only inside the many galleries that line PCH, but also on the streets, where there are more than 100 public art pieces. There is also a strong appreciation for flora and fauna in this area.

Pismo Beach, full of beachgoers, surfers, fresh seafood, and colorful storefronts with a casual charm, has everything you'd expect from California and then some. Pismo Beach, located roughly halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, is an ideal place to get a sense of central California due to its undisturbed natural landscape. You'll be in awe of Mother Nature throughout your trip, from the rolling sand dunes of Oceano to the jagged cliffs that drop into the Pacific. If you enjoy hiking, the Pismo Preserve's trails provide panoramic sea views.

This city is centered on the beach, both physically and metaphorically, as it is located next to Pismo State Beach. The beach is a part of everyday life, and you can enjoy it in whatever way you want, whether you want to ride a horse on the sand, gaze out at the sea from above, or drive your car all the way to the waterline. Aside from its beautiful beaches and piers, the city is also known for its food and wine. In fact, the city is known as the "World's Clam Capital". When it comes to wine, there are numerous vineyards nearby, as well as tour operators who will transport you from one location to another.

The Monterey Peninsula is unlike any other region of California. Time slows down here, the architecture is simple (with the exception of the homes in Pebble Beach), and the lifestyle is a perfect blend of SoCal laid-back and NorCal sophisticated. The town of Monterey attracts the majority of tourists on the northern side of the peninsula, while Carmel-by-the-Sea attracts the easygoing wealthy set. The exorbitant prices of real estate contribute to the small-town atmosphere that exists along Monterey's breathtaking coastline.

This area is ideal for a road trip stop or a romantic weekend getaway. This stretch of California coastline is home to some of the world's most coveted golf courses. It's also a year-round whale-watching destination with some of the best California tours. Add to that a plethora of natural wonders, luxury resorts, and seafood restaurants, and Monterey may be the ideal destination for your next vacation.

This northern California county is home to an eclectic mix of University of California, Santa Cruz students, Silicon Valley tycoons, surfers, and left-leaning residents. Its landscape is equally diverse, with Pacific Ocean waves crashing against rugged cliffs, redwood trees towering skyward in nearby forests, and the Santa Cruz Mountains looming above it all.

The area retains some of its quirky charms, such as Mystery Spot, and its vintage attractions, such as the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, but the county's steady development of new local shops and restaurants attests to its current relevance. Santa Cruz now has enough things to do and places to eat to fill an entire vacation, but its location – just 75 miles south of San Francisco and 35 miles southwest of San Jose – makes it a great day trip destination as well.

Newport Beach, California, is a great place to vacation with family because of its beautiful beaches and high-end dining options. The city, which stretches for 10 miles along the Orange County coast, is known for the expensive yachts that moor in its harbors and the world-class surfing conditions that attract visitors from all over. There are must-see beaches, such as Corona del Mar, but there are also plenty of lesser-known shorelines to discover if you're willing to venture out.

Newport Beach is about 40 miles south of Los Angeles and is an easy drive from the city. Newport Beach is also close to Disneyland, making it an ideal home base if you want to unwind on the sand after a day of exploring the park. The city's harbor area is home to an abundance of restaurants and shops, and the amusement rides on the pier are ideal for children. The city is famous for its glitz, and you might even run into some celebrities while you're out and about.

Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz is popular for its intimate, serene setting and picture-perfect geological formations. The state beach is best known for its arch rock, which is especially beautiful at sunset. Explore the beach's Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve during low tide, where eucalyptus trees and milkweed plants provide a haven for migrating monarch butterflies from mid-October to mid-February.

This waterfront parkland is a lively and beautiful destination, with its signature natural bridge standing just offshore, capped by dozens of flapping and squawking pelicans and cormorants. Add nearby grasslands with trails winding through tall milkweed plants that attract more than 100,000 monarch butterflies each year (usually from October to February), and you've got a junior naturalist's dream.

Redondo Beach, located in Los Angeles County's South Bay region, is everything you'd expect a Southern California beach community to be. The namesake beach is more than a mile long and features a pier that juts out into the sea. The pier is notable for its size, as it houses numerous restaurants, shops, and even live music venues. The beach is also quite large, making it ideal for large groups and those who enjoy activities such as swimming, surfing, and windsurfing.

Redondo Beach, just minutes from Los Angeles International Airport, is a quintessential Southern California beach town that has managed to retain its small-town charm and seaside soul. It embraced and never let go of an early, now iconic surf and beach culture.