On your next road trip north, break up the drive with these 5 leg-stretchers

Road trips make me antsy. As a hiker and runner, I build in as many stops as my buddies will tolerate on the northward drive from L.A. (destination: Morro Bay).

Here are five leg-stretchers that will break up the boredom.

Your ultimate guide to planning the best summer road trip »

Wendy Trail in Newbury Park

The wikiup at the Satwiwa center in the Santa Monica Mountains. (Mary Forgione)

A 15-minute detour from U.S. 101 takes you into the grasslands and meadows of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

Walk a few flat miles on this trail and you’ll come to the Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center, where kids can play in the outdoor wikiup or view artifacts inside.

It’s a good place to burn off some energy before you’re back on the open road.

How: far It’s about 48 miles from downtown Los Angeles. Take the Wendy Drive exit off U.S. 101 North to its end at Potrero Road and park; no fees.

Info: Santa Monica Mountains

El Moro Elfin Forest Natural Area in Los Osos

The Elfin Forest in Los Osos. (Mary Forgione)

This is an easy walk of sheer coastal beauty, from the silver lupine and sage that line the trail to the wide-angle views of the estuary and Morro Rock in the distance.

The easy boardwalk loop, less than a mile long, takes you to 200-year-old coast live oaks stunted by this coastal dune habitat (hence the “elfin” name). Birders should bring their binoculars.

How: It’s about 155 miles from the Santa Monica Mountains stop. Find Santa Ysabel Boulevard in Los Osos and turn on to 11^th through 17^th streets for access to the reserve.

Info: El Moro Elfin Forest

Cerro Alto Trail in Los Padres National Forest

The trail starts out under a lush oak canopy. (Mary Forgione)

This spot is midway between Atascadero and Morro Bay. Take a break from the road by walking into a shady oak grove in the first quarter-mile of this trail.

There are blackberry bushes in the underbrush and a sweet little creek with a wooden footbridge.

You’ll feel miles away from the road and, as you climb, the oaks give way to a ridge studded with manzanita. Here the views of San Luis Obispo County’s hill country unfold.

Blackberries bloom along the Cerro Alto Trail, (Mary Forgione)

You can continue on for two more miles or so to the top. (Yes, it gets steep.)

How far: This is 13 miles from the Elfin Forest. Trail begins off California 41 at the Cerro Alto Campground; $10 day-use fee.

Valencia Peak in Montaña de Oro State Park, Los Osos

It’s a hard but worthwhile slot up to Valencia Peak. (Mary Forgione)

There are so many places to see in this state park — the dramatic bluffs and coves of the California coast up close -- but Valencia Peak takes you above it all.

It’s a tough trek (about 4½ miles round trip) to the top of the more than 1,300-foot summit along a rocky two-mile trail.

Snap a selfie when you reach the top. (Mary Forgione)

The payoff? 360-degree views of the surf and beaches below — unless it’s fogged in.

How far: It’s about eight miles from the Cerro Alto Trail. Trail starts near the parking area south of Spooner’s Cove.

Info: Montaña de Oro State Park

Embarcadero in Morro Bay

Here you’ll find dunes and a great view of Morro Rock. (Mary Forgione)

You’ve arrived! Kick off your shoes and head for the dunes at the spot where Atascadero Road turns into the Embarcadero.

A slog through the deep sand will feel like a foot massage, and you can check out the sand verbena and beach primrose that cling to the sandy hills.

A sand dollar on the beach off Embarcadero. (Mary Forgione)

Once through the dunes, you can walk the hard-packed beach in either direction where you’ll catch great vistas of the back side of Morro Rock.

How far: It’s about 13 miles from Valencia Peak trailhead. Take Pacheco Valley Road, Los Osos Valley Road and Bay Boulevard to meet up with Cabrillo Highway and into Morro Bay. Parking along the Embarcadero is free.