For a taste of what this stretch of Pacific shore is all about, enjoy a cruise (in a convertible preferably) along Highway 1 - locally it cuts inland just southeast of Long Beach and runs west to Torrance before turning north where it passes Los Angeles International Airport and finally returns to the coast in Santa Monica. The section of highway that cuts west towards Point Mugu State Park through Malibu is the most interesting, sprawling mansions frame the road on the ocean side with mountains to lend the road's inland curves some natural contrast. There are public beaches and pull-out parking lots located at intervals along the way. Just not that the Pacific Coast Highway can get fairly congested so don't tackle this drive during peak hours or if you're in a big hurry to be somewhere.
Scenic drives to consider in the Coastal Los Angeles area are listed below. Click on any scenic byway or backway listed below for complete information.
