California is the home state of the hippy.  Since his (or her) initial birth in the ‘60s the hippy has splintered off into many different factions, from Burning Man acid dropping theater geek to progressive, trustafarian backpacking farmer. California has a beach for every type of  hippy urge and all the designer weed you’ll ever need in order to toke up and stare into the sea.

Venice Beach: If druggy, dirty, street-performing, tarot-reading, drum-circling hippies are your bag Venice Beach is the place for you! The legendary boardwalk is like a rundown carnival set on the shore where local characters run head shops, muscled men play basketball and handball on beachfront courts, and tourists and the homeless compete for space on the expansive beach. Further inland Venice becomes a progressive yuppie paradise with amazing cottages set on lovely canals and a vibrant and arty downtown centered around Abbot Kinny and Main Streets.

Humboldt County: This Northern California farming county is absolute nirvana for the weed loving, nature- worshiper in all of us. This marijuana farm mecca is known for being uber-liberal, laid back and stunning. Not only is it home to the largest old growth redwood forest in the world, its beaches are rocky, fog covered wonders.  The coastal town of Eureka has amazing campsites, fabulous fishing and legendary surfing. You will also find great camping outside the town of Orrick, and don’t miss Agate Beach where you can search for the semi-precious stone as you inhale the fresh forest air.

Santa Cruz: 70 miles south of San Francisco, this college town has long been a center for social activism and leaders in the organic farming movement. There are several state beaches that offer awesome surfing, sailing and sea kayaking. Between the city council’s denouncement of the patriot act, the artsy, bar studded downtown and the popular “Keep Santa Cruz Weird” campaign, Santa Cruz is the perfect place to let your freak flag fly (while also getting your PhD).

Ocean Beach: This San Diego suburb is home to what I like to call the “redneck hippy.” These super chill folks party hard, slamming beers in the morning before going surfing, or fishing off the OB pier, or playing music on the concrete walkway that stretches a mile across the pristine shore.  After a day of activities you will find a plethora of relaxed dive bars on Newport Avenue filled with good-natured folks playing pool and drinking some evening brews.

Mendocino: This tiny town, picturesquely situated on a cliff overlooking the sea, claims less than 1,000 residents. It is home to a vital artists’ colony and many of the crafts produced are for sell in charming souvenir shops. Venture into Mendocino County and you’ll find many an old hippy growing pot or toiling in organic vineyards. If you’re looking for peace and quiet and some old school brotherly love on the beach or in the forest, Mendocino is proof of what the 60’s were really all about.