A Romantic Summer Road Trip Itinerary: From Annie’s Canyon to A Coastal Evening in OC

What happens when you combine a hidden canyon hike, brunch with ocean views, a scenic coastal drive, and rooftop cocktails at sunset? You get one of the most memorable couples road trips through Southern California—from the cliffs of Solana Beach to the rooftops of Laguna. In this full-day itinerary, we take you through our favorite off-the-beaten-path spots starting with a sunrise hike at Annie’s Canyon, followed by delicious brunch, scenic viewpoints along the Pacific Coast Highway, and hidden gems like a treehouse bar in Huntington Beach and boutique bungalow stays along the coast.

As full-time photographers about to hit the road and document life on the move, this blog reflects the type of storytelling adventure we’re living. If you’re planning a romantic summer escape or just want to experience SoCal in a deeper way, this is your perfect roadmap. And if you’re near any of these stops—we’d love to capture your story. Fill out our form and we’ll reach out when we’re in your area.