California Gold

There’s a stretch of California where something magical happens. As you cruise Highway 150 between Ojai and Carpinteria, a bend in the land puts the ocean off to your south, not the west. Waves break on legendary beaches, where surfing culture bloomed and California’s golden mythos took shape. The winding and thrilling trails weave together coast, mountain, and towns where it seems like time stopped at just the right moment. Gather your nearest and dearest companions and set out.

THE TERRITORY 

As the road stitches together Ventura County and Santa Barbara County, a full spectrum of discovery plays out in a single day.

THE CULTURE 

The climate here recalls Italy and the south of France, and the farmers and craftspeople create the olive oil, lavender and high-season fruit to match.

KEY INTEL 

Find orange groves and farmstands on Ojai’s Grand Avenue, valley views at Dennison Park. This coast is a necklace of beachy treasures. Ask around and find your way to secret hikes, surf breaks and backroad discoveries. Two storied spots: Carpinteria Bluffs Trail (for mighty vistas) and Rincon Beach (“Queen of the Coast” among surfers).

Beach sojourn: The sea’s churn is the region’s heartbeat. Rincon looms large in the history of surfing, once home to the bold lifeguards who pioneered the sport. For tidepools, lounging and roaming, it surely reigns supreme.

On the trail: Dramatic landforms mean that a casual ramble can zip up hidden bluffside pathways to unlock a view that raises everyone’s pulse.

On the road: Among California’s storied routes, Highway 150 is just a little more than 20 miles between Ojai and Carpinteria. It feels like so much more.

In the fields: Land and tradition come together to make this a vibrantly fertile part of the world. Pick your own berries. Pick your own oranges. In fact, the hardest pick is where to stop.

In town: Some towns make travelers breathe a little deeper by some unknown alchemy. Ojai is one of those: beloved for culture, history and food. You can’t help but use the word “vibe.”

At the lodging: After a day of unexpected finds and pure-classic moments, the wanderer wants a vintage place to rest, somewhere run with care and steeped in throwback quality. You’re in luck.

THE MAZDA CX-50 HYBRID is the ultimate road trip vehicle, offering cargo capacity to bring the gear (and crew!) you need and hybrid range to venture further on every trip. The spacious, refined interior makes the journey more comfortable, wherever your adventure takes you—on or off road.