Driving along the west coast of the United States heading south towards San Diego from Los Angeles is a bit like Australia’s version of the Great Ocean Drive along Victoria – plenty of blue, cars and winding roads to your side. This is one of the better ways to see California, The Golden State for what it is commonly known as, and its beaches when there is time to spare – it is a lot better than taking a one hour interstate flight between the two cities because you get to see a whole lot more. Plus if you’re a beach lover and you’re going on this trip in the summer, then you definitely don’t want to miss out on this!

As you drive along the meandering 405, take in the scenery of the gorgeous houses located in and around the city of Los Angeles before soon reaching one of America’s well-known universities, UCLA.

This same road will take you all the way to Santa Monica which is an hour drive from L.A and a great place to stretch your legs.

Downtown Santa Monica, on Main Street is where it is all happening. If you are from Sydney, picture it as your American version of Manly Beach. As for the rest of you, Main Street is an open wide shopping strip surrounded by some of America’s popular chain stores, the odd boutique store and plenty of restaurants. Around the corner from all of this on a Sunday you’ll come pass the Farmer’s Market, a popular place to get fresh local produce.

If you have been travelling for a bit and you are starting to miss the salt water residue left on your skin every time you hop out after a refreshing dip in one of Australia’s beaches, the closest you’ll ever get to it in the States is along this drive. Venice Beach which is located 10 minutes drive from Santa Monica is a popular destination to go for a swim and to get a golden tan without the burn of the Aussie sun. Enjoy the sound of the crashing waves against the pier while admiring the strip of multi-pastel coloured buildings that stretch on for forever against the backdrop of Venice Beach.  Alternatively, take in the picturesque panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean while you enjoy a meal up near the beach.

There will be plenty of other beaches to pass by on this drive including Long Beach and Laguna Beach and by this time, you may just get sick of seeing sand and water. But that is until you hear the line of ‘welcome to the O.C. bitch!’ was made famous under Newport Beach’s wharf in the hit television show, The O.C. Take a seat over on top one of the many lifesaver towers made famous in the many make-up/break-up scenes between Ryan and Marissa. Here, you’ll get to enjoy the pleasure of watching the hazy purple and orange coloured sunset before you continue that last part of the drive to San Diego.