Southern California offers a great wealth of stunning natural resources. If you live here, you already know that and you probably have a couple of favorite places. I have some that I like to keep to myself just so they don’t become overcrowded, but I also have a number of choice coastal destinations that I love sharing with everyone I know.

The first thing you need to know about exploring the coast of California is that you’ll need the right vehicle. We’ve got rugged mountains and some dirt roads that lead to paradise and you don’t want to be caught with the wrong car or truck in the wrong place. I highly recommend the hybrid Nissan Pathfinder. First off, it’s a Nissan, so you know already that it’s reliable. Second, it’s a hybrid, so you can feel good about saving money on gas and lessening your carbon footprint, and last, it can go anywhere. It’s a beast. If you’re tempted by this safe, state of the art beauty, check one out at Nissan dealership Ontario or metronissanredlands.com and get ready to start planning an adventure!

Big Sur

No discussion or exploration of the California coast is complete or even dented without a thorough visit to the central coast. Big Sur refers to about 150 miles of breathtaking hills and vistas that run from the Hearst Castle to Monterey Bay. In this region you’ll find historic bridges, towering waterfalls, spectacular redwoods and oh, so much more. Every turn of the road offers an invitation to another dimension of beauty and exploration opportunity.

Malibu

Just the name conjures a feeling of class and beauty, but Malibu offers so much more. There are campsites right on the beach and breathtaking hikes that overlook them. Malibu is home to some of the most beautiful communities that shelter splendid culinary gems and lush farmer’s markets. A perfect day for me is to drive up to Matador beach and watch the sunset from Neptune’s net, my favorite seafood restaurant. El Matador is a semi-private beach that is never crowded and always offers nice waves and a kid friendly environment. I’ve shared this kind of secret spot with only my closest friends, but I’m feeling generous right now so I’ll share it with you as well. And as I said, you really can’t beat that seafood restaurant to finish off your day in the sun. If you’re lucky enough to live in sunny Southern California, don’t take it for granted. Use this opportunity to appreciate all the myriad environments and food and beautiful nooks it has to offer.