The Pacific Coast is a top destination for travelers, especially in the spring and summer.

The scenery is breathtaking; the food is amazing, and the entertainment is world-class.

The Pacific Coast makes for an excellent road trip, with stops along the way such as Vancouver, Canada and Portland, Oregon. The most popular destination to visit along the Pacific Coast is Los Angeles, California, which also happens to be one of the top tourist destinations in the world.

It is home to legendary beaches and iconic landmarks, and it prides itself on its arts and entertainment culture by holding some of the world’s most popular music festivals and art experiences.

Here are eight reasons why exploring the Pacific Coast is perfect for spring or summer vacation:

1. The Beach Culture

California is home to some of America’s best beaches. The state’s legendary beaches include Venice Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Malibu Beach, Huntington Beach and many others. You’ll need a car because you’ll want to see them all.

The beach culture thrives in part because of the youthful surf culture and the cities of California keep their beaches in pristine condition.

If you’d like to witness California’s beach culture at its finest, visiting Venice Beach is a must.

The famous Venice boardwalk is lined with colorful shops and restaurants, and the beach is filled with young, tanned locals playing beach volleyball.

Cyclists and skateboarders whiz past you along the walkway and aspiring artists will play music as you take in all the sights and sounds.

All things considered, it’s nothing but good vibes at Venice Beach.

2. The Arts And History

California is a great place to expand your horizons. There’s always an opportunity to see something truly unique — something unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.

Visiting a landmark or taking a historic tour will help you realize how truly free our generation is, and it will be sure to give you some perspective.

Visiting Alcatraz Island, for example, is a must if you’re in San Francisco. The abandoned Alcatraz prison is where Al “Scarface” Capone (among other notorious inmates) once served time.

California often boasts top art shows. For example, on May 5, 2015, The Dark and Wounded art exhibit will be held at the Alcatraz prison.

3. The Wine

California is home to some of North America’s best vineyards and wineries. A wine tour is an obvious must when you’re in California.

If you’re in San Francisco, top vineyard destinations include Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley and many others.

In the Los Angeles area, great wineries include the San Antonio Winery and The Malibu Estate, Rosenthal.

4. The Food

The food in California is simply incredible. It’s an ingredient-rich state, and the food is very multicultural.

Many of the world’s most renowned chefs have restaurants in California, but you’ll definitely need to call ahead to make a reservation.

California is a foodie’s paradise, and it’s a great place to visit if you’d like to experience the ideal dining experience: amazing food paired with a beautiful view of the water.

5. The Scenic Road Trip

The Pacific Coast makes for the ultimate scenic road trip. Stop in all of California’s major cities for the ideal experience: San Francisco forAlcatraz and Napa Valley winery, Los Angeles for Venice Beach and Laguna Beach, and Santa Cruz for the natural bridges and amazing outdoor theater.

If you’re up for a real road trip along the Pacific Coast, you can extend your trip beyond California. Vancouver, British Columbia is a beautiful Canadian city to start with.

It’s then only a short drive to Seattle, Portland, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Each city has something wonderful to offer, and the experience promises to be unforgettable (as long as you don’t mind spending several hours on the road in between the major cities).

Set up an awesome road trip playlist, and you should be just fine.

6. The Entertainment Culture

Whether you’re enjoying street performers at Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade, witnessing some great theater or going to see your favorite artist perform at a music festival, there’s always prime entertainment in California.

The state also boasts some of the world’s best theme parks, like Disneyland and Six Flags, as well as prime amusement parks, like Universal Studios. Visitors to the sunny state can even get free tickets to be guests on their favorite talk shows.

The endless entertainment options prove why the state is so popular for its culture.

7. The Nightlife

California doesn’t slack off when it comes to nightlife. Its huge population of Millennials helps the nightlife thrive, so bars and clubs are always busy.

From barefoot bars on the beach and glamorous nightclubs to rooftop hotel pool parties and huge yacht after-parties, the options are endless.

8. The Nature

California’s nature will take your breath away. The state is home to beautiful, natural wonders, like natural bridges, hidden coves, pristine lakes, waterfalls, gorgeous hiking and even black sand beaches.

Depending on which of the state’s cities you visit, research the national parks in the area and be sure to see some mind-blowing nature.

We recommend seeing Yosemite National Park, best known for its stunning waterfalls.