PCH Southern California
Admired for its scenery as well as the landscapes that occasionally render it impassable, Pacific Coast Highway is one of southern California’s most iconic ribbons of asphalt. PCH was opened in the late 1920s as a part of Roosevelt Highway, a 1400 mile road that traced the Southwestern United States. Passing directly through towns, the Roosevelt Highway -- renamed Pacific Coast Highway in much of Southern California around 1941 -- adequately met the region's transportation needs In 1929. But by the 1950s, regional transportation planners envisioned a new Pacific Coast Freeway that would bypass congested retail districts and parallel the Superhighways further inland. Much of the 100-mile freeway would follow the original Roosevelt Highway route, but in some cases, the new road would bisect coastal communities and restrict public access to beaches. Even today, PCH is one of the most used roads for scenic car rides in Southern California.
Huntington Beach, California
Surfing was introduced here in the late 1920's when local boys became skilled with their heavy Redwood boards, but Huntington Beach wasn't a widely recognized surfing spot until the 1950's. The first surf shop, "Gordie's Surf Boards", opened in 1955. Within a few years, these shops dominated the Downtown commercial area, as they have continued to do until the present time. At the insistence of Pete Beltrom and Norman Worthy, then director of recreation and parks, the first United States surfing championships were held here in 1959. Fame as a "Surfer's Paradise" followed for the city and its historic pier, largely as a result of TV coverage of the annual event, beginning in 1960. The championships continued under city sponsorship for fourteen years, and surfing contests are still held at the pier each September. Some say that it was here in Huntington Beach that the “Woody Wagon" was originally thought up while watching surfers carry their wood Surfboards to the Beach.
Fountain Valley, California
Known as "A nice place to live" a motto the residents of Fountain Valley adopted since its incorporation in 1957, Fountain Valley has kept well maintained streets and parkways. Mile Squair Park in Fountain Valley totals 640 acres of land and is mome to the yearly "Classic Car And Truck Show" which takes place annually in june. car enthusiasts from all around come to see the large variety of classics dating back to the 1920's. Admission to the show is free and promises a day of meeting new people, viewing some gorgeous classics, and having fun in the sun.
Corona Del Mar, California
Up until the 1920’s Corona Del Mar (spanish For “Crown of the sea”) could only be reached by a small boat from the Peninsula or by a muddy dirt road that crossed Irvine Ranch. Once Pacific Coast Highway opened in 1926 a small but accelerating growth occurred for the small beach town. Starting in 1928 the Corona Del Mar Surfboard Club hosted the Pacific Coast Surfboard Championship. The club being the largest of its kind in the USA housed many surfing greats.
Every year in September, Corona Del Mar is home to the Coastline Car Classic and Coastline Motoring Road Rally. The road rally is a prelude to the car classic, in this event beautiful vintage cars journey through the gorgeous scenic coastal roads of Orange County. The following day the car classic begins showcasing the most unique and vintage automobiles in Southern California. Festivities include, live music, food & drinks, vendor exhibits and an awards ceremony.
City Of Orange, California
Some people call it the "Town Square" and some people refer to it as "The Traffic Circle", but in July of 1871 the center of the city of Orange was only a take in the ground and a dream in the minds of Andrew Glassell and Alfred Chapman. Old Towne Orange is known as "The Antique Capital Of California". The square mile around the old plaza is somewhat of an antique itself. Many of the commercial buildings and homes in that square mile are on the National Register of Historic Places. At the center of the shopping and dining is an old-fashioned traffic circle with a quaint park full of mature trees and a classic old fashioned water fountain. Among the eateries in Old Towne, you'll find one located in a converted 1800's chapel and one in a hundred year old Drug Store. These days it’s very common to be sitting at the circle and see all sorts of vintage cars cruising by.
Irvine, California
Irvine is a community with a rich ranching and agriculture history that has evolved into a city showcasing several high tech companies and master planned neighborhoods. The city's thriving economy and pride in innovative design has also made Irvine home to many of the World's finest examples of classic cars. Once upon a time, proud owners gathered for "Cars and Coffee" down the street from Ford's Corporate Offices to talk cars and enjoy a cup of Coffee. Sadly the City of Irvine recently stopped the "Cars And Coffee" show, with no signs of continuing it back up.
Yorba Linda, California
Yorba Linda started out as a community full of small farms with hard-working citizens. The Pacific Electric Railroad between Yorba Linda and Los Angeles was a very important transportation link, Yorba Linda farmers were able to easily transfer their goods to major produce markets. During the 1920’s Yorba Linda continued to prosper but farming remained the mainstay of the local economy. It was not until the 1960’s that Yorba Linda began experiencing a huge population growth and Yorba Linda once a small farm community began to transform into a modern community.
Anaheim, California
Anaheim was founded in 1857 by a group of German families. In the early days of the city, fruits and vegetables were the viable cash crops, especially when the "Continental Railroad Network" connected Los Angeles and Orange County. During the first part of the 20th Century before Disneyland opened its doors, Anaheim was a vast rural city with Landowners who farmed them. In the summer of 1955 Disneyland opened its doors to the public and quickly became one of the world’s most visited tourist attractions. Every Year anaheim is home to the Orange County International Car Show, produced by Auto Trend. This is where car enthusiasts young and old get to experience the hottest new cars, trucks, exotics and more!
Garden Grove, California
When Orange County incorporated in 1889, Garden Grove had a population of 200. It was a quiet farming community, up until 1905, when the Pacific Electric Railroad came through Garden Grove and brought tourists, visitors, and eventually more settlers. For the next 40 years agriculture continued to be the city’s main economy. World War II had an important impact on the city’s growth. Servicemen who had visited California during their training, came back with their families to settle. As the city grew, the rural nature disappeared and turned into a more modern society. Today, historic Main Street, Garden Grove is now the host to the longest running continuous cruise in Southern California. The "Friday Night Cruise" in Garden Grove takes place every friday night on main street from 4pm-8pm. This is where hot rod addicts can come together and do what they love, talk with other addicts and view beautiful hot rods all while they listen to live entertainment and receive awards for their works of art.
Santa Barbara, California
Monterey Bay, located on the coast of California, was founded in 1770. Monterey is known for its famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, gift shops, seafood restaurants and bars in converted factories. But one of the most notable events worth visiting in Monterey is Monterey Car Week. Monterey Car week is an annual event, a week of shows, races, and expos for classic race cars. This event puts Monterey on the spot for being a town rich with the history of classic vehicles.
Hollywood, California
Hollywood, located in the hills Los Angeles, is one of the most famous Tourist spots in America. Known for its movie making history, Hollywood is home to many big-name actors and actresses, Tv & Movie Production Companies, and Universal Studios Hollywood. Because of this long history with TV and movies, Hollywood is to thank for a lot of beloved Classic Cars' traction and popularity. Cars like the 1981 DMC DeLorean (from "Back to the Future"), 1963 Aston Martin DB5 (from "Goldfinger"), 1968 Ford Mustang Gt (from "Bullitt"), 1969 Dodge Charger (from "Dirty Mary Crazy Larry"), and many more became popular from the movies they are famously featured in. "Back to the Future" and "Goldfinger" especially put these cars on the spot, and made Classic Cars recognizable, and highly appreciated.
Beverly Hills, California
Located Northwest of Downtown LA, Beverly Hills was founded in 1838. Beverly Hills is home to many wealthy homeowners, unique attractions and events, and rich history. Among the unique events, comes the "Rodeo Drive Concours D'Elegance". Rodeo Drive Concours D'Elegance is an annual car show held every year on Father's Day. Hyper cars, Supercars, Classic Cars, and Custom-built Cars are displayed by their proud owners, for families and car enthusiasts alike to come and view.
Malibu, California
Malibu is famously known for being a beautiful beach ton located on the coast of California. Like, Hollywood, Malibu is home to many actors and actresses, as well as countless film sights. Malibu is very famous for its history and attractions. Of these attractions, are car shows, past, present, and upcoming, featuring classic cars and muscle cars, Malibu values their Classic Cars highly.
Laguna Niguel, California
Laguna Niguel, located in Orange County, California, has a rich history with classic cars. Since the late 1950s, Laguna Niguel has been a hub for car enthusiasts. Because of the area's rich residents and its proximity to major highways like the Pacific Coast Highway, it became a hotspot for showcasing vintage cars. From classic muscle cars to European imports, Laguna Niguel's car culture has been established through car shows, auctions, and enthusiast clubs, celebrating the timeless beauty and craftsmanship of these beloved vehicles. Today, the tradition continues with annual events that draw crowds from across the area, holding Laguna Niguel's status as a hub for classic car enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Redondo Beach, California
Located along the coast of Southern California, Redondo beach was founded in 1892. Since the mid-20th century, Redondo Beach has been a hotspot for car enthusiasts, thanks to its beachside scene and nice atmosphere. The city's beachfront avenues and wide boulevards have hosted numerous car shows and cruise-ins over the decades, showcasing a diverse array of vintage automobiles from hot rods to classic convertibles. These events not only celebrate the nostalgia and craftsmanship of classic cars, but also foster a sense of community among enthusiasts and spectators alike. Today, Redondo Beach continues to be a premier destination for classic car lovers, blending its coastal charm with a passion for automotive history and culture.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco, known for the golden gate bridge and nice climate, has a vibrant classic car culture. San Francisco hosts several events, like the "California Mille" which showcases vintage cars on a 1000 mile tour through Northern California, and the "San Francisco Old Car Picnic" where classic car owners meet for a casual show and swap meet. San Francisco is always near by to many neighboring classic car shows and museums. Museums like, "The California Automobile Museum" in Sacramento, and "The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance", held annually in Monterey.
Los Altos, California
Los Altos is a town located in the bay area, founded in 1952. Los Altos is home to many classic car aficionados as well as classic car shows. Shows like "Los Altos Hills' Classic Car Show", is run by nice car enthusiasts. Los Altos is also neighbor to many towns that host other Car shows and events.
Monterey Bay, CALIFORNIA
Monterey Bay, located on the coast of California, was founded in 1770. Monterey is known for its famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, gift shops, seafood restaurants and bars in converted factories. But one of the most notable events worth visiting in Monterey is Monterey Car Week. Monterey Car week is an annual event, a week of shows, races, and expos for classic race cars. This event puts Monterey on the spot for being a town rich with the history of classic vehicles.
San Clemente, CALIFORNIA
San Clemente, a coastal gem in Southern California, boasts a rich history deeply intertwined with classic car culture. Founded in 1925 by Ole Hanson, the city quickly became a haven for affluent residents and car enthusiasts, drawn by its scenic stretches of the Pacific Coast Highway. Over the decades, San Clemente has become renowned for its vibrant classic car community, hosting numerous car shows, cruise nights, and events that celebrate vintage automobiles. Annual gatherings like the San Clemente Car Show attract enthusiasts from across the region, showcasing a stunning array of classic roadsters, muscle cars, and meticulously restored vehicles. The city's classic car culture is further bolstered by local restoration shops and clubs dedicated to preserving automotive history. San Clemente's commitment to honoring and maintaining this heritage underscores its unique position within Southern California's broader love affair with classic cars.
Dana Point, CALIFORNIA
Dana Point, a beautiful coastal city in Southern California, has a rich history intertwined with the classic car culture. In the mid-20th century, Dana Point became a hub for car enthusiasts, drawn by its scenic coastal drives and vibrant car community. The city's iconic Pacific Coast Highway provided the perfect backdrop for showcasing classic cars, leading to the establishment of numerous car clubs and events. One of the most famous is the annual Dana Point Concours d'Elegance, which attracts classic car enthusiasts from all over the world. This prestigious event celebrates the beauty and craftsmanship of vintage automobiles, reinforcing Dana Point's status as a significant landmark in classic car history. Today, the city's love for classic cars remains strong, with regular car shows and cruises, preserving the nostalgic charm of a bygone automotive era.
La Jolla, CALIFORNIA
La Jolla, a coastal gem known for its stunning landscapes and affluent community, has long been a sanctuary for classic car enthusiasts. From around the 1950’s, the town's picturesque streets and annual parades have featured a dazzling array of vintage automobiles, drawing collectors and spectators from across the nation. The local culture embraces the elegance and artistry of classic cars, with frequent shows and auctions that spotlight everything from sleek mid-century sports cars to stately pre-war sedans. These events not only serve as a celebration of automotive history but also foster a community spirit, connecting generations of car lovers who share a passion for these rolling pieces of art.