Luffa might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you picture a road trip along California’s coast, but the Luffa Farm in Nipomo makes for a delightful first stop. Take a free and interactive tour to learn how these natural sponges grow and about their different uses. Don’t leave without a visit to the gift shop where you can stock up on handmade soaps, lotions, and—of course—a wide variety of luffas.

If you travel between late October and February, a visit to the Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove will put you up close and personal with thousands of orange and black butterflies, seeking shelter from the cold. The area is also great for hiking, biking, and running, and state park staff is typically available to answer questions.

There is no shortage of chain hotels along the Pacific Coast Highway, but for a more boutique experience, consider staying at Avila Village Inn. The cozy 30-room hotel is situated along the Bob Jones Trail, an easy and scenic 3-mile walking and biking trail. Hotel amenities include bicycle rentals, private patios, and gas fireplaces in every room. For extra luxury, book one of the Hot Tub Deluxe Rooms, which come with a private outdoor hot tub.

Located right on the boardwalk in Avila Beach, a quaint coastal town surrounded by amazing scenery, this French restaurant offers a slightly more upscale experience than some of its more relaxed neighbors. Get a table on the patio, order a bottle of locally produced wine, and enjoy some excellent food with a front-row view of the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean.

The name of this state park translates to “Mountain of Gold,” which feels accurate since it’s a real gem. The park is popular for its many hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails. Located right on the coast southwest of Baywood-Los Osos, it also features dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches, wildlife, and a dense eucalyptus forest with an enchanted vibe.

Morro Rock is impossible to miss when traveling along the coast through San Luis Obispo County. The 580-foot-tall volcanic plug sits on a tied island just outside of Morro Bay’s harbor. The area surrounding the rock is a state park open to visitors—including RVs up to 35 feet—or you can grab a bite on one of the harbor restaurant patios facing the coast and admire the rock from a distance.

Cayucos is a cute beach town nestled along the coast between Morro Bay and Cambria. Grab some freshly baked goods from local favorite Brown Butter Cookie Company and enjoy a sweet treat on the nearby pier with a view of the Pacific Ocean. You can’t go wrong with the original brown butter flavor—but if you’re feeling adventurous (or extra hungry), we recommend also stocking up on lemon sugar, chocolate chunk, and cocoa cookies.

The population of this tiny hamlet is 18. That number is hard to miss, as it’s displayed on signs and souvenirs all over the adorable tourist town. With a rich dairy industry history, Harmony is full of milk-related puns and businesses. Stop by the Harmony Valley Creamery for a scoop (or three) of some “udderly awesome ice cream.”

What do you know about olallieberries? Genetically a mix between blackberry and raspberry, and developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the 1940s, it’s the primary berry grown at the Cambria farm owned by the Linn family. At Linn’s Restaurant, you can get a taste of the tart berry in everything from pie to cheesecake to pudding. The bicycle-crazy owner has decorated the place with vintage bicycles—including some famous ones that have appeared in movies.