This edition is written by special guest editor Tyrone Rodriguez, an automotive journalist who currently writes for Exhaustnote.com, an enthusiast Web site featuring car reviews, features on products and car accessories, automotive news and a forum for readers to discuss and connect. Tyrone has previously written for Import Racer and IGN.com.

Spring days inevitably get people in the mood to get away, and for the chance to drive their cars on open road. When planning a road trip, there are some great drives on the coast in California that everyone should make at least once. Stay tuned to upcoming issues for Hot Rides in other parts of the country, too.

Monterey Bay
Known for its natural beauty and the world-famous Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca, Monterey Bay is the perfect weekend getaway. With luxury hotels, an aquarium, Pebble Beach Golf Course and Cannery Row all within miles, it has more sights than you might be able to take in on a quick weekend excursion. Relatively close to San Francisco, it's the ideal pit stop on the way in or out of the Bay Area to the north.

Scenic Drive: Be sure to check out the 17-mile winding road that leads through an exclusive neighborhood and past scenic coastal views in Pebble Beach along the Monterey Peninsula.
Hot Ride: Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
Best Season to Visit: Early Summer
While You're There: Visit Laguna Seca, preferably on a race weekend, and have a picnic at the track. And yes, do bring ear plugs.

Laguna Beach
A proven attraction for visitors, Laguna Beach is a great place for nightlife lovers with bars and restaurants up and down the Pacific Coast Highway. It's generally pretty difficult to cruise the compact strip on weekends so leave your vehicle near PCH and the 133, and take a hike south. If you prefer shopping or surfing, Newport and Huntington Beaches are just a 10- and 15-minute drive north on PCH. How's that for convenient?

Scenic Drive: Head south of Laguna on Interstate 5 and hop on the scenic Ortega Highway, just west of the San Juan Capistrano Mission.
Hot Ride: Lexus SC 430
Best Season to Visit: Summer
While You're There: Stop by the Whitehouse in Laguna for dinner and drinks; if you're in Huntington Beach, be sure to take a walk down the pier and grab a burger and fries at sunset at Ruby's Diner. If you're lucky, you might spot some dolphins.

San Diego
San Diego's Hotel Del Coronado isn't exactly on PCH but it's close enough to count. Once you cross the majestic Coronado Bridge, it won't matter that the famous hotel isn't squarely on the highway. Built in 1887, the hotel is about as “historic” as they come in California. It offers everything from spa treatments, large swimming areas to rooms just a few steps from the shore. Keep in mind, although this one ranks high up there on the tourist scale, its beauty and charm are enough to make you forget everything else.

Scenic Drive: Take a quick day trip to the picturesque town of Julian off of Highway 79 North and make sure to stop for their famous apple pie!
Hot Ride: Mini Cooper
Best Season to Visit: Spring
While You're There: Take the guided tour of San Diego and stop by “Old Town” for some authentic Mexican food.