A couple weeks ago we packed up our truck and headed west in search of good times, adventure and some relaxation.  With no real destinations our plan was to drive California Highway 1 to 101 and see what we happened upon.  Although there are countless amazing views, adventures and sweet spots to see I picked my top 10 from this trip to share with the world.  Take a look and see if you are inspired to chart your own course up the coast of Cali!

1.  Huntington Beach, California

Alex Deibold going out for a surf at the 17th street break in Huntington Beach, California
First stop, 17th street break in Huntington Beach, California.

2.  Ventura Point Breaks

Checking out one of the famous point breaks in Ventura. Slow small waves make for a great long board break.
Checking out one of the famous point breaks in Ventura. Slow small waves make for a great long board break.

3.  Grover Beach and the 5 Cities Area

Sunset at Grover Beach, California. Blue lifeguard stand in the foreground, and a colorful sunset over the ocean in the background.
We got to Grover Beach just in time to bike down to the beach and watch the sunset. It was a great way to end the day!

4.  Central California Fruit Stands

Barn fresh produce stand in central California, near Castroville.
With the abundance of agriculture in California, we had to stop for some sweet, sweet strawberries.

5.  Big Sur

Ocean vista taken from highway 1 in Big Sur, California.
A California treasure, Big Sur did not disappoint.

6.  Santa Cruz

Ashley Berger enjoying the ocean views from the hills of Santa Cruz during an epic evening mountain bike ride.
Ashley and Dan enjoying the ocean views from the hills of Santa Cruz during an epic evening ride.
Photo: Alex Deibold

7.  San Francisco

South facing view of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline. Shot from Golden Gate Park, California.
Classic view of the Golden Gate Bridge with a foggy San Francisco skyline in the background.

8.  Wine Country

The front of Cafe 2 in Tomales, California. Two old bikes are parked out front advertising a nearby greenhouse.
We found this little gem out by the coast after a night of camping in Wine Country. The eggs and bacon hit the spot.

9.  The Giant Redwood Groves of Northern California

Alex Deibold marvels at the giant redwoods at Avenue of the Giants. Beautiful scenic byway that meanders along the South Fork Eel River.
Alex marvels at the giant redwoods at Avenue of the Giants. Beautiful scenic byway that meanders along the South Fork Eel River.

10.  Gold Bluffs Beach Campground

Alex Deibold sets up the Mountainsmith Genesee Tent under pine trees at Gold Bluffs Campground, California.
Alex sets up camp at Gold Bluffs Campground.

Shop Mountainsmith Tents for your next adventure.

Bonus shot!

Because it was too good to leave out…

Beautiful, craggy, foggy coastline in the northern reaches of California.
Beautiful, craggy, foggy coastline in the northern reaches of California.

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