Originally Posted by
RedVee
For a fun one or two nights I'd suggest Santa Cruz, a fifties style pleasure beach and a visit to the Mystery Spot. Downtown Santa Cruz is a good spot for people watching and has a good range of artisan/non chain stores. As well as the crusty hippies, elderly surfer dudes, the god shouters and ladies who lunch

Pismo Beach is nice with a beach town feel up the road a bit is Avila very cute smaller town right on the beach! Either would be my choice for a break up of a long drive. Enjoy!!