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They say California is never a bad idea. Well, unless you buy a house in a fire zone…

For vacationers, though, it’s a phenomenal place to visit with hundreds of miles of coastline that is perfect for a spring getaway.

While much of Southern California is already witnessing spring vibes with gorgeous sunny days, wildflower blooms, and vivid blue waters, The Points Guy just revealed a surprising California vacation spot just a couple of hours from San Francisco.

This underrated coastal gem is often overlooked in favor of California’s household names, but once you visit, you’ll understand the hype.

Plus, it’s a rare place that’s actually better to drive in for an epic road trip rather than fly into its small airport.

Home to a sensational food scene, a world-class aquarium, and the closest thing the West Coast has to Maine as a former fishing village turned laid-back beach hideaway, it’s time to plan your spring vacation to none other than Monterey, one of California’s best-kept secrets.

America’s Top Springtime Road Trip

On many-a bucket lists, Highway 1 is one of the most scenic drives in America. I once drove from San Diego to San Francisco and decided to take a “detour” through Monterey and Big Sur and it’s undoubtedly the prettiest drive I’ve ever taken.

Albeit you’ll likely need to make a pit stop to grab a coffee or Red Bull as driving the winding roads along sometimes guardrail-less cliffs takes an extra level of focus.

Due to horrendous mudslides last year, sections of Highway 1 remain closed for repairs, but you could easily fly into San Francisco, Oakland, or San Jose and rent a car for a road trip south along the coast to Monterey.

Of course, the most popular spot along this route is Big Sur, one of the most Instagram-worthy towns on the West Coast.

You can still drive to Big Sur for the region’s renowned stunning views, but you’ll have to make a U-turn just past Dolan’s Creek Bridge, roughly an hour from Monterey.

World-Class Attractions

There’s no need to go snorkeling or diving in Monterey’s vibrant blue waters, as the Monterey Bay Aquarium is among the best in the world.

This year, the aquarium is celebrating its 41st anniversary. It’s truly a must-visit to witness some of the prettiest aquatic life up close and personal, such as sea otters, alien-like jellyfish, various vibrant schools of fish, and even a fun penguin exhibit.

Plus, Monterey is known for frequent shark sightings, so discovering the region’s sea life here is a lot more comforting behind thick glass.

Cannery Row can’t be skipped either, and this is the area that reminds me most of Maine. Formerly housing industrial fishing factories decades ago, this transformed neighborhood doesn’t feel like quintessential California but still offers a unique unmatched charm unlike anywhere else in the state.

Nowadays you’ll find nice waterfront hotels, ample art galleries, and oceanfront eateries such as top-rated A Taste of Monterey: Wine Market & Bistro.

The Points Guy also highlighted Monterey as a great place for whale watching tours with the chance to see humpbacks, grays, blues and even orcas.

Check out Princess Monterey Whale Watching where marine biologists are on board to provide expert knowledge.

Stunning Coastlines (Including A 10 Minute Ride A Fairytale Beach Town)

Despite being a sunny coastal town with average temps in the 60s, Monterey isn’t exactly known for beaches per se. Although activities like kayaking are super popular in the bay.

The region surrounding Monterey is truly breathtaking from aforementioned Big Sur all the way to the neighboring fairytale town of Carmel, which Monterey makes a great base for visiting as hotels can be pricey outside of Monterey’s city limits.

Carmel is more of a proper beach town than Monterey is if you’re looking for an ideal beach to relax.

Plus, walking around the town center is an Instagram post waiting to happen, as the architecture can only be described as Hobbit-like, as if Bilbo Baggins will walk out at any moment.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

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