Best Photo Spots Along the California Coast

The Journey Along the Pacific Coast Highway to San Francisco

This world renowned scenic drive stretches along the California Coastline & offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, towering mountains & charming coastal towns. Wherever your a nature lover, photo enthusiast or simply looking for an adventure the PCH has something for everyone. From winding roads & hidden coves to iconic landmarks & vibrant cities, this epic roadtrip will leave you with unforgettable memories so take your camera (not just Iphone memories). I use the Sony AR7II. It is lightweight, 40mb photo file so you can make large prints & also does 4K video. If you shoot with a digital camera consider using a Picture Profile like PP5 or PP7 (if you use Sony cameras). You will have to do post on the images to bring in the colors & you can apply color LUTS. It allows for a more cinematic look to your images & video.

Malibu

Take a stroll along the beach or grab a drink at one of the many beachfront restaurants and bars. Indulge in some fish tacos while watching the dolphins play & enjoy the golden sunsets.

Point Sur Lighthouse

This lighthouse is located on a rocky promontory that juts out into the ocean. It was built in 1889 and is a National Historic Landmark. The lighthouse offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline, and a tour of the lighthouse is available.

Bixby Bridge 2021 ©M. Ramirez-Adams

Big Sur | Where Mountains and Sea Meet

Big Sur has winding roads along a rugged stretch of coastline that offers some of the most stunning views in the world. Here, you can hike through lush forests, picnic on picturesque beaches, and marvel at the towering redwoods. You can also visit the famous Bixby Bridge, an architectural marvel that spans 714 feet across a deep canyon.

Carmel by the Sea 2021 ©M. Ramirez-Adams

Carmel by the Sea

Carmel by the Sea is a charming coastal town that is also very dog friendly & where the famous Pebble Beach Golf Course is located. You can walk to all the galleries & have plenty of restaurants to choose from but we prefer the Bruno’s Market & Deli for the hearty sandwiches, especially after a long hike or day at the beach.

Monterey Bay ©M. Ramirez-Adams

Monterey Bay

Further north, you'll find Monterey Bay, a quaint seaside town that is famous for its stunning marine life. Take a stroll along Cannery Row, visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, or take a whale watching tour for a chance to spot humpback whales.

Golden Gate Bridge ©M. Ramirez-Adams

San Francisco

Finally, after a journey along the Pacific Coast Highway, you arrive in San Francisco, home of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. This stunning suspension bridge is a true testament to human engineering and design, and is recognized as one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.

There is the very busy tourist spot to take photos but it is best to drive past that & there is a road that will go  up a winding incline. The road is popular with cyclists so be mindful when parking & opening your car door. From there you can get a better view of the bridge.

Capturing Memories

Digital images live on our phones & computers but to preserve memories I highly recommend creating a book of your travels & getting prints made.

I created a book using Blurb & selected the Lay Flat Photobook. Honestly for the price I paid I thought the quality was just okay so for my next travel book I will try something else (but I do recommend them for zines & other books).

Moving Images

Yes, I love that I can switch to recording 4k seamlessly with my Sony so what to do with all those files…make a fine art travel film.