Mendocino

Possibly the most charming town on your central California coastal road trip and the only one designated as a historical landmark, Mendocino was established in the 1850s and has grand Victorian buildings alongside saltbox cottages.

We highly recommend you include this stop on your central California road trip itinerary. The former artist colony is set atop a bluff that overlooks the Pacific Ocean.

It also happens to be the setting for the popular TV show, “Murder, She Wrote,” acting as Cabot Cove, Maine. This location was chosen for filming due to its New England vibe.

Amid the jaw-dropping landscape and lovely homes are countless eateries, Bed and Breakfasts, a museum, a book store, a toy shop, and unique stores.

Nearby, you can hike through the redwoods, relax and enjoy some wine tasting, and visit one of the world’s most spectacular botanical gardens.

Did we miss any of your favorite spots for a central California coastal road trip? Be sure to let us know in the comments!

And if you love exploring our beautiful nation just as much as we do, check out: 4 Best Midwest Road Trips in the US