Are you ready to take your dream Pacific Coast Highway road trip? We’ve got you covered! This guide will take you through everything you need to know before embarking on this incredible California coast drive.

Driving the Pacific Coast Highway is an absolute dream as thinks to the stunning coastal views, beautiful hiking trails, mind blowing natural beauty, mouthwatering seafood, and historical sites that grace the area around this famous road.

Built in 1934, the Pacific Coast Highway took around fifteen years to complete. The completion of this world famous California coastal road was a combination of local efforts with the main goal of connecting Mexico to Canada.

If you are planning on joining the tens of millions of people who drive the Pacific Coast Highway each year, this full guide can help you as you plan your California coastal road trip. We will go over the most common Pacific Coast Highway questions, the top things to do on the Pacific Coast Highway, where to stay, where to eat, and itinerary options.

Let’s get started!

Your Road Trip Questions Answered

Does the Pacific Coast Highway have different names?

Yes! You will hear this famous California highway referred to as many different names. SR 1, Cabrillo Highway, Coast Highway, Pacific Highway 1, PCH, the 101, and Highway 1 are all names people use for the Pacific Coast Highway.

Where does the PCH start and end?

The Pacific Coast Highway starts near Long Beach in Orange County California and goes all the way up to northern Washington. For this road trip guide, we are going to talk about the part of the PCH that runs through the Golden State.

How many days do you need to drive the Pacific Coast Highway?

For those asking theirselves, so… how long does it take to drive the Pacific Coast Highway? Well it is a total of around 1800 miles long from southern California to northern Washington which would likely take you days to drive. If you are only looking at only the California portion, it would take your around 10-12 hours to complete without stopping.

If your goal is to see the best that the highway has to offer, you will want to take at least three days to explore the highway. Although 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 day road trips are all popular itinerary options amongst visitors which we will go over in a bit!

What is the best time of year to drive the Pacific Coast Highway?

One of the top questions about taking this glorious road trip is when to drive the Pacific Coast Highway. For the best weather and views, visiting sometime between late February to May is ideal. During this time, you will be able to avoid the rainy season and see beautiful wildflowers and greenery on your journey.

Keep in mind though, that moody weather along the highway can happen anytime a year and its no cause for disappointment as the rocky coastline of California looks beautiful under a covering of fog just like it does in the sunshine.

No matter when you choose to visit this lovely part of California, driving the Pacific Coast Highway is something you won’t soon forget!

What part of the Pacific Coast Highway is most scenic?

What is the prettiest part of the Pacific Coast Highway? Well, it feels crazy to try to pinpoint the prettiest part of the PCH as it is all quite breathtaking but if you have a limited amount of time, some of the most scenic spots on the Pacific Coast Highway are The Golden Gate Bridge, Big Sur, and the Monterey Peninsula.

Which is the best way to drive the Pacific Coast Highway -Is it best to go north or south on the Pacific Coast Highway?

If you drive north to south, you will be driving on the coast side of the road which could be beneficial if you have someone in the passenger seat wanting to take pictures or videos from the window. Plus, you will have easier access to the scenic turnouts this way.

While you will blown away no matter which way you drive, most travelers report favoring the north to south option.

Is the driving the Pacific Coast Highway dangerous?

Finding yourself asking is the Pacific Coast Highway safe… Well, yes and no. The roads are quite winding and there are sections that can make your stomach queasy with how far up you are from the ocean. Another potential hazard is low visibility due to fog or rain.

That being said, none of our countless trips on the highway have left us feeling in danger. As long as you don’t let fear of the fog, rain, or height get in your way of driving safely, then you should be totally fine.

How to get to the Pacific Coast Highway?

If you are flying into a California airport, it will be best to go ahead and rent a car from there. There are many airports that are very close to Highway 1, so you leaving from one of them will put you just a short drive away from the highway.

If you are starting up north, there are airports in Eureka and Crescent City. Mostly likely though, you will be flying into one of the major airports on the California coast.

Driving times from airports to the Pacific Coast Highway:

San Francisco International Airport to Highway 1: 10 minutes
Oakland International Airport to Highway 1: 35 minutes
San Jose International Airport to Highway 1: 5 minutes
Monterey Regional Airport to Highway 1: 5 minutes
Los Angeles International Airport to Highway 1: 5 minutes
San Diego International Airport to Highway 1: 1 hour

Best car for driving the Pacific Coast Highway?

For those who are flying into California, you will be wondering what type of vehicle you should rent for your Pacific Coast Highway road trip. Here are a few tips to help you make your decision!

• In general, you are going to want a vehicle that is lower to the ground as these types of vehicles can maneuver the winding roads easier than tall SUVs or a truck.
• Unless you plan on driving the road twice, you will be picking up in one location and dropping off in another so make sure there are drop of locations the area of the highway where you plan to stop your Pacific Coast Highway road trip.
• It is best not to rent your car from Los Angeles as rental cars are in LA are typically hundred more expensive than renting elsewhere in the state. In order to stay on budget it would be wise to fly into and/or rent a car from a different city along the highway if possible.
• While most rental vehicles are automatic these days, it should be said that renting a manual would not be smart as there are too many stops and speed changes for it to be worth it.
• Lastly, many people want to rent a convertible or something without a top for driving the PCH. This can be super fun! However, the weather can be unpredictable and if you are unsure what the weather will be like while you are there, it may be best to avoid having to make a lot of stops to remove or replace the top.

What do I pack for a Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip?

• Be sure to pack layers! It can get chilly on the coast and the weather can change quickly so it is always a good idea to pack layers.
• Next up is a good playlist. You can create a fun and exciting road trip playlist before getting to California and this will allow you to jump right into adventure with your music ready to go.
• A good phone/GPS holder is always a good idea. You don’t want to have to fumble with a faulty or nonexistent
• Binoculars, monocular, and cameras, oh my! The rocky cliffs, sea birds, and marine life are all super fascinating to see up close. Bring along your camera to capture memories and either a monocular or binoculars to see some of the far away beauty’s while you are on the highway.
• Lastly, pack a spirit of spontaneity! You don’t have to plan everything for a Pacific Coast Highway road trip, adding a few random stops to your trip as you see fit is part of the fun while you are adventuring!

Is driving the Pacific Coast Highway worth it?

Of course it is! A pacific Coast Highway roadtrip is something that millions of people have on their bucket list. And for a good cause! The scenery and attractions along the highway are top tier travel destinations. Whether you are planning on spending only a day on the highway, or slow traveling for a week, you won’t be able to stop talking about the beauty on this stunning highway on the California coast.

**Keep in mind that sections of the Pacific Coast Highway are frequently closed due to  rain, mud slides, road work, or wildfires. Be sure to check for closures**

Most Popular Cities & Towns on a Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

• Eureka
• Fort Bragg
• San Francisco
• Santa Cruz
• Monterey
• Carmel-By-The-Sea
• Big Sur
• Morro Bay
• San Simeon
• Santa Barbara
• Los Angeles
• San Diego

Pacific Coast Highway Map Popular Cities & Towns

Best Things To Do On The Pacific Coast Highway

Here is your list of some of the most popular things to do on the Pacific Coast Highway starting in the north and working down south to where the road begins/ends at Dana Point. You will find everything from view points, museums, and bakeries to wildlife viewing, waterfalls, and famous landmarks to explore.

While the most highly visited and scenic spots on the Pacific Coast Highway road trip are found towards central coast California, you will be blown away by what you can find all along this California coast highway.

All of these stops are popular for different reasons so no matter what you like to do while traveling and road tripping, you will find exciting things to do and see while driving the Pacific Coast Highway.

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Stops: Crescent City to Fort Bragg

Crescent City is home to beautiful coastal views, a lighthouse and jetty, and many noteworthy restaurants. Moving on down to Eureka, there are countless attractions that showcase the history and natural beauty of Northern California. You can visit museums, the zoo, the botanical garden, and tour historic buildings while you are there.

Further south to Fort Bragg, the blue water and sea glass are the most magnetic attractions in the area. So, let’s take a look at the top attractions from Crescent City to the Fort Bragg area for you to check out while you are on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip!

Battery Point Lighthouse

This lighthouse in in Crescent City was first lit in 1856. It is an active lighthouse with real lighthouse keepers still residing there. The public is welcome to visit the lighthouse and take tours as well. While there you can see the personal keepers quarters along with furniture and other artifacts from the 1850s.

The beauty of the lighthouse and the island that it is on is no secret. Music videos, movies, commercials, and TV programs have all been filmed there. Quite a few ghost stories about the lighthouse and Native American tales about the island it sits on are circulating as well.

What makes visiting this lighthouse really fun is that it is only visitable during low tide. You will have to cross between the mainland and the island on a little path that is covered when the tide comes in. So, be careful making this crossing as sneak waves goes come rolling through while you are making the crossing.

Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park

This beautiful state park is where tall trees meet the ocean. The rugged cliffs along this stretch of coast are some of the most mobile and tortured rocks in all of North America. For outdoorsy travelers planning their Pacific Coast Highway road trip, an overnight stay at the Mill Creek Campground is an ideal jumping off point for exploring the Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park.

In the park, you can explore rocky beaches, see wild and mind blowing coastal terrain that many people have only ever seen in movies, go hiking, and enjoy the fierce beauty of the Redwood forest. The most scenic hiking trail is the Damnation Creek Trail.

This trail is a four miles long with a 1100 feet elevation drop close to Highway 101. You will walk through truly dreamy forests that frequently fill with fog, creating moody and memorable scenery perfect for photography or an ethereal hike. You will end your hike on a small and wild rocky beach.

Klamath Tour Thru Tree

Want to drive through one of these giant Redwood trees that everyone is talking about? The Klamath Tour Thru Tree is a massive Redwood tree with a tunnel carved out of its trunk allowing visitors to drive through. The tree stands around 90 feet tall and 17 feet wide.

At nearly 800 years old, this is such a cool site and beautiful tree to check out if you have the time while on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip. The tunnel is open twenty four hours a day seven days a week. You can drop a donation into the drop box in the after hours and enjoy the attraction no matter what time you are rolling through Klamath.

Redwood National and State Parks

Fond of Del Norte Coastal Redwoods? As you push deeper south on the 101, you will be driving through more of the Redwood National and State Parks. Here you are going to find countless opportunities to hike, picnic, see waterfalls, do a bit of wildlife viewing, and more. The drive through the Redwoods is breathtaking as this is one of the most breathtaking displays of natural beauty in America.

Hiking trails in the parks come in all shapes and sizes so if you aren’t much of a hiker, no worries! You can find trails that are rated easy and are a mile or less alongside the longer and more difficult trails. This is also nice for those traveling with young kids who are in need of something quite easy for their little ones.

Some of the most popular trails in the parks are:

Tall Trees Grove Loop Trail (3.6 mile loop)
Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail (1.5 mile loop)
Fern Canyon Loop Trail (1 mile lolly pop loop)
Founders Grove Nature Trail (0.5 mile)

Let’s talk about one of the state parks in particular, the Humboldt Redwoods State Park as this is one of the most popular parks that is visited in the area. The perfect addition to anyones Pacific Coast Highway road trip, this state park is home to the Avenue of the Giants.

The Avenue of the Giants is a scenic stretch of highway that is surrounded by coastal redwoods that tower far above the route. The entire route is 31 miles and is continually ranked as one of the best stretches of road in California. It runs right alongside the 101, making it an easy excursion for you while driving the Pacific Coast Highway.

Another site to checkout is the Lost Coast. This remarkably undeveloped area in California is shockingly beautiful. Jurassic Park type views, expansive and empty beaches, and crashing waves create for a truly dreamy landscape at the Lost Coast.

There is also another drive thru tree called the Shrine Drive Thru tree at the south end of Humboldt Redwoods State Park that you can check out if you missed the Klamath drive thru tree up north.

Confusion Hill

Do you love a quirky attraction? Confusion Hill may be the perfect addition to your Pacific Coast Highway road trip. You will find gravity defining rooms, world records, and confusing sights at Confusion Hill.

As one of the best things to do with kids on the Pacific Coast Highway, family travelers should look into Confusion Hill when planning their PCH itinerary.

Since 1949, this unique smile-making attraction has been a hub for fun and family entertainment in the California Redwoods. While you are at Confusion Hill, you can take creative photos where you look like you are defying gravity, hop on the Mountain Train Ride, grab a bite to eat, and learn about the history of the area.

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Stop: San Francisco

Most famous for the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco (also called the Golden Gate City or The Golden City) is a beautiful city that has played a crucial role in the development of California and of America as a whole. Home to Alcatraz, steep streets and colorful houses, picturesque water views, and a huge international community and food scene, this central coast town is a must on any Pacific Coast Highway road trip.

With a population nearing one million, San Fran has always been an economic giant. While the rest of the country was struggling during the Great Depression, San Francisco was doing so well, they built both the Golden Gate Bridge and the Oakland Bay Bridge.

This city is super interesting and has played home to a number of interesting events. Levi Strauss invented denim jeans there during the Gold Rush for miners needing durable clothes and the famous SF cable cars in the city were declared a National Historical Monument, making them the only national momument that can move!

You can explore history, try great food, and see beautiful landscapes when you stop to visit on your Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip.

Golden Gate Bridge

One of the most famous around the world, the Golden Gate Bridge is one of the top things to do in central coast California! This massive suspension bridge spans across the one mile strait that connects the Pacific Ocean to the San Francisco Bay.

This engineering marvel has lived a fascinating life. Here are some interesting historical facts about this famous California landmark.

• When it was first opened, hundreds of thousands of people walked across the bridge to celebrate the success. When it was first opened, it cost fifty cents to cross which is the equivalent of around ten dollars today.
• When the bridge celebrated its 50th anniversary, hundreds of thousands of people stood on the bridge all packed together, making it sway and groan which prompted officials to prevent the 600k+ people waiting to cross the bridge from crossing.
• The bridge replaced a popular ferry service that transported people to Marin County and back.
• The original plan for the bridge included it being painted black and yellow stripes! The orangish color that we all know was meant to be just a base coat.
• The Golden Gate Bridge is a record breaker. When it was built, it received the title of the longest suspension bridge in the world. It held that record for over twenty five years.
• In the 1980s, the one billionth person crossed the bridge!
• Lastly, it is one of the most Instagrammed attractions in the US with millions of pictures.

Mori Point

Mori Point makes a fantastic addition to any California coastal road trip as it is one of the best things to do on the Pacific Coast Highway. Striking blue water, rocky coastline, and dramatic views are all at Mori Point. There’s also a loop trail that is 2.5 miles long and ranked moderate in difficulty that you can hike while you are there.

You will see rock circles and spirals while on the trail that are popular amongst hikers looking for photo spots along the trail. It’s a super popular trail due to its location on the coast so you can expect to see others while you are there.

It usually takes around an hour to hike, making it a nice little pit stop if you need to stretch your legs and be active for a bit after hours of driving. This is one of the dog friendly trails near San Francisco so if you are traveling with your doggo, this is a great stop on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip.

Muir Woods National Monument

One of the top Pacific Coast Highway stops is Muir Woods. A part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, you will find gorgeous towering Redwood trees in the Muir Woods. There are plenty of hiking trails for you check out, many of them are relatively flat and rates easy in difficulty.

The Muir Woods Fern Creek Loop is a popular hike that is only 1.3 miles in length. It’s rated as easy in difficulty and usually takes around thirty minutes to complete. This peaceful hike takes you along the Canopy View Trail, giving you views of the Pacific Ocean.

Another dreamy trail in Muir Woods is the Muir Main Trail. You will cross creeks, walk on wooden boardwalks, follow the winding path, and be surrounded by towering beautiful giants on this trail. The trail is around a mile and a half and generally takes around a half of an hour to hike.

In the Muir Woods, there is a lovely little trading post called the Muir Woods Trading Company which is a concessionaire facility where you can grab snacks or a quick meal during the day.

Unfortunately, there aren’t any cabins, hotels, campgrounds or dispersed camping allowed at Muir Woods National Monument so if you are looking for a place to stay nearby your best options are either The Mountain Home Inn just outside of the Muir Woods or the hotels in nearby Mill Valley, California.

Alternatively there’s also unique vacation rentals on the water along Highway 1 and if you are looking for camping options, the closest campsites are in the Mount Tamalpais State Park. (Pantoll and Bootjack Campground)

Foodie Tour

Whether you take a guided tour or simply go restaurant hopping through San Francisco, you won’t want to miss the insanely good food that this city has to offer.

State Bird Provisions is one of the best restaurants in San Francisco that you can try. Serving up urban-rustic American food, the ever changing menu at this SF eatery is seriously spectacular. Unique dishes that you may see on their menu include duck liver mouse, roasted beets with huckleberry, parsnip mochi, and red trout.

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One of the most unique restaurants in San Francisco is the Tonga Room and Hurricane Bar. A tiki theme carries throughout the restaurant and the dining room is formed around a giant pool in the middle of the restaurant.

At Tonga Room, you can enjoy Pacific Rim cuisine and umbrella drinks served in a unique setting with live music. Keep in mind that if you are seated while the band is performing (7pm-close) then there will be a cover charge that is charged per person.

This definitely isn’t for everyone, but if you are interested in experiencing a kitschy one of a kind dinner while you are on the San Fransisco stretch of your Pacific Coast Highway road trip, consider swinging by the Tonga Room.

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Easily one of the funnest restaurants in San Francisco, El Mansour serves up delicious Moroccan cuisine with a belly dancing show. On the menu you will find stewed Australian lamb shoulder, rabbit tagine, lamb kabob, baklava, and more.

The incredible dishes, beautiful mosaic tiles, low seating, and the performances, make this one of the best things to do near the Pacific Coast Highway!

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It would be so easy to go on and on about all of the amazing places to eat in San Francisco, but I will stop here with the remarkable Hong Kong Lounge. You will find this amazing little restaurant in the Richmond district.

Known as SF’s most famous Asian restaurant, the dumpling selection is out of this world. You can find everything from shrimp, pea shoots, dried scallop, and spinach dumplings to woodear, curry beef, salted egg yolk, and pork and chive dumplings.

Of course, the rest of the menu is packed with other amazing dishes like beef short ribs with pumpkin, steamed chicken feet, pot stickers, and swan durian puffs. There really isn’t a better place to stop to enjoy a long dim dum style dinner on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip than at the Hong Kong Lounge.

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Point Reyes Lighthouse

Among the Highway 1 attractions is the Point Reyes Lighthouse. This little light station sits on a piece of land that sticks out into the Gulf of Farallones. It was built in 1870 and serves the coastlione for over one hundred years.

There is a short 0.65 mile walk to reach the lighthouse. Be sure to wear a jacket and something to cover your ears as it will at the very least be chilly and windy on the walk out, rain and fog are quite possible as well.

Near the lighthouse on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, you will pass several ranches. Also, you will find a beach overlook, an observation deck, and a sea lion view point, all adding memorable views and experiences to your time spent around the lighthouse.

Golden Gate Park

This massive park is a great addition to anyones Pacific Coast Highway roadtrip. The park is more than 1000 acres and it is home to lakes, gardens, meadows, and exciting activities. Walking through beautiful natural spaces, see stunning animals, and learning while you’re at it are all possible in Golden Gate Park.

One of the popular areas of the park is the Bison Paddock. There have been bison in the park since 1892! You may also see elk, deer, sheep, and bears while in the park. You can also check out the California Academy of Sciences, the Conservatory of Flowers, the oldest museum in SF called the de Young Museum, the Japanese Tea Garden, and other attraction while you are in the park.

With the size of the park it can seem a little daunting. If you want, you can take a segway tour or rent a bike to help you get around. It is so easy to spend the whole day exploring Golden Gate Park! You are liable to get hungry while you are exploring the park and of course, places to eat are plentiful!

If you get hungry while you’re there, you can swing by the coffee kiosk, ice cream shop, the chowder mobile, Annakoot Indian food truck, Annies hot dogs, the Beach Chalet Brewery or the Park Chalet Beer Garden.

Golden Gate Park was first opened in 1870 and has been an icon in SF ever since with around twenty five million people visiting each year. Be sure to check the events schedule before you arrive as you may be able to attend one of the free annual festivals that are held there.

Alcatraz Island

Ahh the famous Acatraz Island. If you are going to be spending the day on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip in San Francisco, consider visiting the famous Alcatraz Prison. The prison is located on a small island that is around 1.25 miles off the shore from San Francisco.

You can get to Alcatraz via a ferry on the Embarcadero that leaves roughly every half hour. Then, you can join a guided tour of the prison and island where most people spend two to three hours learning the history and stories of the island.

Self guided audio tours, guided day tours, night tours, behind the scenes tours, and bay discovery tours are all available.

All tours except for the bay discovery will involves a lot of walking, including an uphill climb from the dock to cell house which is only .25 mile but it is a steep incline equivalent of walking up at thirteen story building. Keep this in mind is you are traveling with someone who may struggle with this.

Visit the Iconic Painted Ladies

Wanting to visit the most famous stops on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip? This San Francisco landmark is famous all around the world!

The iconic Painted Ladies are a row of homes that are painted pastel colors against a backdrop of the San Francisco cityscape. These colorful homes are alongside the eastern part of Alamo Square Park. They are one of the most photographed sights in the city.

Standing shoulder to shoulder they are on a gentle slope, adding to their postcard-esque beauty. The park in front of the Painted Ladies makes a great place to sit in a chill while enjoy the city views, so if you are looking for a place to picnic or simply a place to enjoy the breathtaking looks of San Francisco, check out the Painted Ladies!

See the Impressive Lombard Street

Lombard Street is famous for being the most crooked street in the world. It is a one way block on Russian Hill between Leavenworth and Hyde Streets. Eight sharp turns create a dramatic appearance and driving experience.

Built in 1922, this street has become a major tourist attraction in SF. If you decide to stop by this classic central coast landmark on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip, you can join millions of others who either walk or drive down the hill each year.

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Stop: Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is known for its surf culture. They have expansive beaches and not to mention, some of the best off-shore breaks in the world. The laid back culture that California is known for is really visible in Santa Cruz.

The top attractions and things to do in Santa Cruz revolve around food and the beach for most visitors. This makes Santa Cruz a fantastic stop on a Pacific Coast Highway road trip.

Davenport Crack

This famous natural landmark is a cleft in the coastal rock just north of Santa Cruz that stretches all the way from the southern end of the beach out into the ocean.

For those who are more excited to see the natural beauty along the Pacific Coast Highway, consider visiting the Davenport Crack. You can catch an awe-inspiring sunset through the natural viewfinder at the end of the crack, creating a beautiful backdrop for pictures.

Santa Cruz Wharf

An idyllic stop on your California road trip, Santa Cruz Wharf offer excellent wildlife viewing, mouthwatering restaurants, breathtaking sunsets, and expansive bay views. There are also cutouts in the wharf where you can look down at the sea lions lounging on the posts below.

When it’s time to eat, head on in to Firefish Grill where the floor to ceiling windows and delicious food will leave you feeling relaxed and ready to hop back on your exciting Pacific Coast Highway road trip.

Firefish Grill has stunning seared scallops, fresh halibut, clam chowder bread bowls, Cioppino, and countless other seafood dishes for you to indulge in on this PCH stop. Be sure to check out the shopping opportunities on the wharf on your way out as well.

Santa Cruz Surfing Museum

The Santa Cruz Surfing Museum is one of the best things to do on the Pacific Coast Highway. This dreamy coastal town was the birthplace of mainland surfing. Boards were made from Redwood planks and three Hawaiian princes visiting the area taught people how to surf for the first time in 1885.

The Surfing Museum showcases the introduction of surfing to California and goes on to document one hundred years of the local surf culture. You will see photos, surf boards, awards, and more from the inception of surfing in mainland California. Plus, you will likely see people surfing behind the museum. (Anytime of year!)

Santa Cruz Boardwalk

Time for some family fun? Whether you are traveling with kids or not, the Santa Cruz Boardwalk is an exciting place to stop on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip.

You can ride rides, eat fun fair snacks, watch the waves role in, and do some shopping while you are there. Other than boardwalk treats, you can also find more hardy items like cheeseburgers, corndogs, turkey legs, ceviche, acai bowls, pizza, gyros, Philly cheesesteaks, and more!

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Stop: The Monterey Peninsula

The Monterey Peninsula consists of Monterey, Pacific Grove, Del Monte Forest, and Carmel-By-The-Sea. Some of the most breathtaking views and intriguing historical sites that you will pass on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip.

From the natural beauty in Pacific Grove and the basilica in Carmel-By-The-Sea to the historical sites in Monterey and the incredible seafood that extends all across the peninsula, you won’t want to skip the breathtaking Monterey Peninsula!

Monterey Bay Aquarium

One of the top things to do on the Pacific Coast Highway with kids, the Monterey Bay Aquarium pleases all ages. Located on the rocky California coast, the aquarium sees around two million visitors each year! When driving the Pacific Coast Highway, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is major stop for tourists along the way.

What makes this aquarium different than many marine life attractions is that it exists for the purpose of conservation. The water in the tanks is pulled directly from the bay so that animals are given a life that is as similar to the bay as possible.

As a non-profit, they do perform countless tasks for the betterment of marine life and the ocean’s health every day. In fact, they have worked to restore sea otter populations, pass bills that support ocean health, transform fisheries around the world, and more!

There are so many breathtaking exhibits at the aquarium including an aviary and an area that is designed to look like you are underneath the famous wharf in Monterey.

When searching for the best things to do in Monterey, you will probably always hear someone suggesting the aquarium, and rightfully so! It’s even a favorite of Betty White who was a fan and donor of the aquarium and all the good work they do. So much so that instead of flowers at her funeral, she requested donations to the aquarium.

Consistently ranking among the top aquariums in the U.S., the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a must for anyone on a Pacific Coast Highway.

The Old Fishermans Wharf

Among the stops for your Pacific Coast Highway road trip is to visit the Old Fishermans Wharf. The wharf acted as an active fish market until the 1960s and today serves as not only a historical site but also a place to shop, eat, and sightsee.

You can find shops on the wharf that sell souvenirs, clothes, jewelry, and more. There are also restaurants and sweet shops where you eat or browse overlooking the pretty blue water of the Monterey Bay.

Plus, if you are visiting close to a holiday, you can enjoy the decorations on the wharf. Always outfitted with a festive dress, the wharf is a fun place to be around holidays year-round.

The restaurants on the wharf are insanely good! Stop by Paluca Trattoria for mind blowing seafood focused Sicillian classics and boutique wines!

Carmel Mission Basilica

A short drive from Monterey, Carmel-by-the-sea is the home to the historic and completley stunning Carmel Mission Basilica.

The grounds are beautifully cared for and create a gorgeous area for visitors to enjoy while they are there. Cactus, succulents, vining plants, and flowers surround the building making it a lovely place to sit and rest or take travel photos.

You are welcome to take a self-guided tour through the Basilica, museums, and the grounds or you can take a guided tour by appointment only. Keep in mind that this is an active church and as such there are often events being held that visitors have to work around.

Padre Junipero Serra arrived in Monterey by ship in 1770 and founded Mission San Carlos Borromeo the next year. When he decided to leave Monterey, he established another mission in Carmel.

A bit more on the history of the mission and of Junipero Serra. In 1985, Junipero Serra was declared venerable by Pope John Paul II and in 1988, he was recognized for his heroic virtues. Then, in 2015 Saint Junipero Serra was canonized at the National Shrine in D.C.

Today, the Carmel Mission Basilica is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in the United States for religious travelers from all over the world.

When the weather is nice, there is nothing like stopping off from your Pacific Coast Highway road trip to walk around the grounds at the Carmel Mission. The bright colors, flowers, and architecture create a unique scene for visitors.

The mission is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. While they are open on Wednesday through Sunday, the hours vary each day so be sure to check their websites for exact times and time changes before your visit.

Lovers Point

Home to a top beach in the city and a beautiful rocky coastline, Lovers Point Park is among the best dog-friendly things to do on the Pacific Coast Highway. You will find Lovers Point in Pacific Grove on the Monterey Peninsula.

This beach has soft sand, perfect coastal and bay views, seal and sea lion watching, crystal clear waters near the beach, and deep blue water further out into the bay.

Around the beach, there is a walking and biking trail that is very popular. You can also walk out to the water’s edge on strips of land that reach out into the bay from the trail. You are almost guaranteed to see either seals or sea lions so keep an eye out while you are relaxing on the beach.

Whale Watching

A must on any Pacific Coast Highway road trip, there are several whale-watching companies that have tours leaving from the Monterey Peninsula. Whale watching is super popular in Monterey Bay. Going whale watching is a staple activity while in central California.

You may be wondering when is the best time to go whale watching in California. Well, you can see whales in the bay most of the year, but you aren’t likely to see them during the winter months. The best time to see whales is March through November.

There are several companies in the area that give whale watching tours. There are different types of tours so you can choose the one that works best for you and whoever you’re traveling with. Keep in mind, it is a lot colder out in the bay than it is on the coast so be sure to wear something warm and have something to cover your ears with.

If you book a whale watching tour through Monterey Bay Watch, the tour will be led by Marine Biology students who will explain everything about the bay and the marine life thoroughly, giving you a really knowledge-rich in-depth experience.

Before you take off, you will be able to go through their shop and pick up anything that you forgot like ear warmers, ginger pills or Dramamine for seasickness, and more. Plus, there is a little snack/drink stand on the boat for anything that you might need while on board.

Asilomar State Beach

When it comes to beautiful coastal attractions along the PCH, Asilomar State Beach should be on your radar! The beautiful rocky coast and dune habitat along the Monterey Peninsula are parts of the appeal for many travelers visiting the area.

And Asilomar State Beach is a great place to see these natural features up close. There are many different beaches broken up by rocky outcroppings and land offshoots for you to explore.

Even referred to as the Refuge By The Sea, Asilomar is a celebrated area on the Monterey Bay that is known for its dune ecosystem as well as its architectural significance.

Asilomar State Park as a whole was used as a young woman’s leadership camp in the early 1900s where many of its buildings were built by architect Julia Morgan.

You can find parking all along Sunset Drive which runs alongside the beach. There’s also a lovely walking trail called the Asilomar Coastal Trail that you to follow as you explore the area and take in the sights along the beach.

Keep your eye out for the quaint little gazebo along the pathway. It is a great place to sit and rest while you enjoy the remarkable blue water and marine life playing below. The trail is a mixture of sand, wooden steps, and wooden boardwalks. You will see people of all ages and abilities along the trail.

Don’t miss this lovely pit stop on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip!

17 Mile Drive

17 Mile Drive is home to tide pools, mansions, golf, and bay views. It is a beautiful stretch of road on the Monterey Peninsula that is one of the top things to do along the Pacific Coast Highway.

You will drive along dramatic and enchanting coastal cliffs, sandy white beaches, and stunning forests while you navigate this section of coastline. The drive is in the famous Pebble Beach. There is an entrance fee that is paid per vehicle to get into the Pebble Beach area.

Once inside, you can stop by the points of interest or simply just enjoy the drive. There is a visitors center, the Lone Cypress, lookout points, beaches, as well as wildlife gathering points along this section of road.

Point Lobos

This is one of the most popular things to do on the Pacific Coast Highway and for obvious reason! The Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a treasure cove of wild coastline, sea life, and premium hiking trails.

If you don’t mind a bit of a journey, consider meandering on the Point Lobos Loop Trail. Ranked moderate in difficulty, the loop trail is 7.5 miles long and takes you on a stunning walk along the coast giving your breathtaking picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean.

For those looking for something a little more leisurely, consider one of these three trails as all three of them are rated as easy in difficulty.

• Cypress Grove Trail (0.8 miles)
• Sea Lion Point Trail (0.4 miles)
• South Plateau Trail to Bird Island (1.6 miles)

Point Lobos parking lots can regularly fill up quite quickly. Don’t be surprised if you show up in the morning and parking has already flowed out on to the highway. Once the lots are filled you see cars lining the PCH as people walk into the reserve area.

To ensure you have a place to park you can either arrive as soon as they open or visit on a weekday. Keep in mind though that even on weekdays, it is normal to see the parking lots full so grab yourself a nice parking spot as early as you can.

It’s a fabulous idea to pack yourself a little picnic to enjoy while you are there. There are picnic tables overlooking the wildlife and crashing waves which is just an absolutely dreamy lunch destination!

You are liable to see divers while you are in the park as Whalers Cove is a popular destination for scuba divers. If you are able to get a parking place at Whalers Cover, you can sit at the picnic tables here and watch the divers as they dive in the cove.

When you are finished, you can head up the staircase from the parking and picnic area to a couple of the best trails in the natural reserve.

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Stop: Big Sur

Visiting Big Sur is one of the best things to do in central coast California! Famous for its rugged coast line and mountains to the east, this is one of the most breathtaking towns in California. Its dramatic scenery continues to be documented for movies, TV shows, and photography.

Those driving the Pacific Coast Highway flock to Big Sur like moths to a flame as it is known to be one of the prettiest stretches of the highway. If you only have a short amount of time driving the Pacific Coast Highway, check out the Big Sur area!

McWay Falls

Have you been wondering about the waterfall that flows into the ocean in California? McWay Falls on Highway 1, is one of the most beautiful coastal waterfalls in California.

This beach with waterfall is a spectacular visual display of what the California coast is all about. McWay Falls is one of the most striking waterfalls you will ever see so it is no surprise that it is consistently put onto lists of the best waterfalls in California.

McWay Falls is at the top of the list of amazing waterfalls in California. (And definitely one of the most incredible things to do in central coast California!) McWay Falls is a must-stop for anyone traveling on the Pacific Coast Highway as it is one of only two waterfalls that fall directly to the ocean in the United States.

You can see this lovely waterfall by visiting Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park or from Highway One directly. If you visit the falls vis the state park, you will need to pay an admission fee; if you’re visiting from Highway One, you can access the falls overlook for free.

The trail is ranked as easy in difficulty and is only 1.2 miles. The trail is a loop and it’s very popular, so prepare for others to be on the trail while you’re there. A short trail like this is a great way to not only see the waterfall but to stop and stretch your legs on a road trip. On the trail, you will pass through a tunnel, climb stairs, see the beautiful blue water of the cove, and of course, see the beautiful McWay Falls.

Pfeiffer Falls Trail

Ready for another incredible California waterfall on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip? This 1.3 mile hiking trail leads you to Pfieffer Falls. Rated as easy in difficulty, this trail in manageable for beginner hikers and children both.

It usually takes hikers around 40-60 minutes to complete depending on stop times. The trail is pretty popular so you aren’t likely to be alone while you are there. If you want to walk through beautiful coastal forests and see one of the most popular coastal waterfalls in California while you are there, don’t skip this trail on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip.

Big Sur Bakery

Popular on many peoples’ California road trips, Big Sur Bakery is a hit amongst travelers on a Pacific Coast Highway road trip. It’s not just a place to stop for a pastry, the are around the bakery is a reason to stop by itself.

Beautiful cactus and succulents and wild flowers surround the bakery, making it a great place to walk around and explore while you stop to stretch your legs and try a delicious croissant or wine. Beyond the gardens, there is also a botanical shop that you can check out.

The vibe inside the bakery is just as memorable as outside. Rows of seasonings, coffees, and cookies fill the walls of the Big Sur bakery. You can choose from sandwiches and pastries, coffees and wines, salads and burgers.

Whether you want to grab a quick snack and hit the road or sit outside to enjoy some barbecue or a cheeseburger, you really can’t go wrong by adding the Big Sur Bakery to your Pacific Coast Highway itinerary.

Next to the bakery is the Del Campo Art Gallery. Beautiful post cards, paintings, and photographs fill the gallery. This is an ideal stop for anyone who wants to bring a piece of the PCH home with them.

It’s always such a gift to be able to support local artists. And being able to add a beautiful work of art to your home makes it all the better. You will find bathrooms around back of the gallery.

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Stop: San Simeon

San Simeon is an idyllic town just north of Morro Bay, California. The perfect addition for your Pacific Coast Highway road trip, San Simeon is home to the iconic Hearst Castle, troves of sea lions, and stunning coastal views.

Elephant Seal Vista Point

Wildlife viewing on the Pacific Coast Highway is an absolute treat, making it one of the best things to do on the PCH. At the Elephant Seal Vista Point, you can see hundred of these beautiful creatures resting, fighting, and socializing.

The observation deck in San Luis Obispo County gives you a view of the shoreline and the birthing and breeding grounds. While you can generally find seals here year around there are certain times of year that produce more activity.

November: young males head to the beach while mature males begin arriving more towards the end of the month
December: bulls continue their return and females begin arriving, mid-month sees the first birth
January: females continue to arrive on the beach, peak births
February: births continue and mating peaks around Valentines Day, females begin to leave
March: last of the adults leave and the weaned pups will stay around to teach themselves how to swim

San Simeon Tide Pools

Tide pools are a staple on a California coastal road trip. When you are planning your Pacific Coast Highway road trip, you will find many tide pools along the coast to check out. Some of the best are in San Simeon, just north of Morro Bay.

The craggy shoreline in San Simeon has lead to the formation of spectacular tide pools. If you look at the area that is north of Piedras Blancas Light Station you will find the Point Sierra Nevada Trailhead. This will give you access ti Arroyo Laguna Beach which has incredible tide pools.

The Northernmost Boucher Trailhead leads you to a fantastic beach that has a selection of tide pools as well. When you are out this way, be sure to keep your eye on your surroundings as Elephant Seals may be on the beach.

Lastly, the W.R. Hearst Memorial Beach has a smaller and calmer tide pool that is perfect for small children. If you are going to be driving the Pacific Coast Highway with little ones, a stop at the San Simeon Tide Pools is always a good idea as it is one of the best things to do with kids on the Pacific Coast Highway.

Hearst Castle

For everyone planning road trips in California, it won’t take you long to stumble across someone suggesting you visit Hearst Castle. This stunning attraction acts as a wondrous museum like no other.

Dazzling and historic, Hearst Castle was designed by a publishing tycoon and his architect. It took quite some time to be built as it was under construction from 1919 to 1947.

If the idea of walking through an opulent home, taking beautiful pictures of a historic site, and seeing a slice of central coast history is appealing to you, don’t miss the remarkable Hearst Castle while you are in the area.

There are a variety of tours that you can take during your visit including the Grand Rooms Tour which showcases what it would have been like to be a guest at The Enchanted Hill, the Cottages and Kitchen Tour which shows the most personal rooms in the castle, and Julia Morgan Tour that gives a look at the woman who is behind the masterpiece.

General tickets for children are discounted and entrance for children five years old and older is totally free. You can find the castle about thirty minutes north in San Simeon, California.

Hearst Castle has played many roles throughout history including being, at one point, a Hollywood party hot spot. Everyone from Sir Winston Churchill, Cary Grant, Calvin Coolidge and Charlie Chaplin to Jack Warner, George Bernard Shaw, and Howard Hughes have visited the remarkable Hearst Castle.

During your visit be sure to stop by the visitors center where you can tour an exhibit area about the castle and its original owner. There is also a little cafe, gift shop, and restaurant as well. After your tour, be sure to check out the gardens. They’re stunning!

Something to keep in mind if you plan on adding Hearst Castle to your Pacific Coast Highway road trip is that it is not air conditioned. If you are visiting during the summer months, it is going to be very hot inside.

The grounds around the castle look their best in the spring and fall. And temperatures for visiting are best in the colder months, just something to consider as you are planning your road trip. If you really want to avoid the heat, you could always book a night tour.

Hearst Castle is truly a work of art and it always makes its way onto lists of the best things to do in central coast California and Pacific Coast Highway stops. This iconic California attraction is a must for keen travelers on a Highway 1 road trip.

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Stop: Morro Bay

Morro Bay receives more than 800,000 visitors each year, drawing in travelers from all over the world. There are so many things to see and do while you are in town. The one thing that most people think of when they think of Morro Bay is Morro Rock, but there is much more than that!

There are museums, walking and hiking trails, shops, restaurants, sweet shops, coffee houses, wildlife viewing, bars, and more for you to check out while visiting. No matter what type of traveler you are, there’s something for everyone in this idyllic coastal town.

Enjoy Morro Bay Beaches

Seeing Morro Bay Rock is a must on any Highway 1 road trip and the beaches in this lovely coastal town give you a fantastic place to chill around this famous landmark. Morro Rock Beach is one of the best beaches on the Pacific Coast Highway!

At Morro Rock Beach you can see sea otter playing in the water, watch a gorgeous sunset, and of course do everything that you love to do at the beach. Morro Strand Beach is another popular beach in town. It is located in the state park and is quite expansive.

If you are a dog owner taking your furry friend along with you on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip, check out Morro Bay dog beach. There are miles of beach for you doggo to explore. Open fires are allowed and parking is plentiful!

Morro Bay Museum of Natural History

For those looking for things to do on Highway 1 with kids, the Museum of Natural History is at the top of the list! This museum sits right on the water’s edge giving you incredible views of the water and of Morro Rock from inside the museum.

Built with the intention of creating interactive and educational experiences for people of all ages, the Museum of Natural History provides a place where adults and children both can learn about the natural spaces in and around the bay.

You will also have opportunities to learn about the cultural history, geology, the ocean, and Native American life while you are there. Nature walks around the museum, visiting lectures and rotating exhibits, and more are all available activities for visitors.

The museum has been open since 1962 and still acts as home to some of the most breathtaking and expansive views of the bay. You can find parking next door by the Bayside Cafe. You can grab a bite to eat, walk the White Point Trail and reach the museum from here.

From the whale skeletons and educational displays to the kid’s games and interactive exhibits, you won’t want to miss this Morro Bay attraction as it is one of the best things to do on the Pacific Coast Highway with kids.

Morro Bay State Park

One of the top things to do in Morro Bay is to visit the Morro Bay State Park. The stunning wooden boardwalk south of the park is a short and beautiful walk that follows along the coastline of the lagoon. The saltwater and brackish marshes are home to a thriving bird population that makes your time around the park even more magical.

You can download the CA State Parks app gives you access to information about all 279 of California’s state parks. This will keep you up to date on any closures or alerts about anything in the park while you are there. It can also help you find trails and your location in the park.

Perfect for when you want to hop out and stretch your legs, have a picnic, or simply explore more of the gorgeous nature that surrounds you on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip, you won’t want to miss this beauty in Morro Bay!

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Stop: San Luis Obispo

Known for its vineyards and other outdoor locations, San Luis Obispo (SLO) has been called the happiest city in the country. SLO gets a remarkable 287 days of sunshine each year which is well above the national average.

This city is a super popular Pacific Coast Highway stop for travelers. You can try amazing food, enjoy the lively downtown, explore the Spanish mission, shop, hike, and more while you are in San Luis Obispo.

Sunset Spots

San Luis Obispo is one of the best stops on a Pacific Coast Highway road trip. It also happens to be one of the most incredible places to see the sunset over the mountains and ocean. There are several sunset spots that real shine through in SLO.

There really is nothing like a west coast sunset, so if you have the opportunity to hunt down a good sunset location while you are on the PCH, you definitely should!

Some of the best sunset spots around San Luis Obispo:

Dinosaur Caves Park
Terrace Hill
TV Tower Road (rough road)

Mission San Luis Obispo De Tolosa

The mission in SLO was the fifth Spanish mission to be built in The Golden State. Founded by Father Junipero Serra, the same man who founded the Carmel Mission Basilica in Carmel-By-The-Sea, this mission is still an active church.

It is one of the only missions to have never relocated and it stands around sixty feet tall. This is because local laws required churches to be built to be as tall at the local trees. In this case, it was a pine tree.

Explore Downtown San Luis Obispo

Downtown San Luis Obispo is a fun area along a Pacific Coast Highway road trip for you to explore. Home to the historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, one of a kind shopping opportunities, a famous Farmers Market on Thursdays, and a trendy (and kind of gross) Bubblegum Alley.

Whether you are looking for a place to stop off and have a relaxing meal outside in a classic small town America setting or if you are looking go full tourist mode seeing the local attractions and doing some shopping, you can find what you are looking for in downtown San Luis Obispo.

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Stop: Santa Barbara

Beautiful Santa Barbara is known for its incredible beaches. Just shy of two hours from Los Angeles, there is a lot of history and natural beauty in this towns along the PCH. Interesting historical events have taken place in Santa Barbara as well.

A few facts about Santa Barbara:

• The oldest human fossils to be found in the United States were found just outside downtown Santa Barbara
• The first Europeans to visit the area were Portuguese in the 1500s
• The city has been a hot spot for filming movies and TV shows for more than a hundred years.
• The mind blowing weather is an absolute dream. Referred to as the American Riviera, the weather is similar to that of the South of France.
• Foodies adore Santa Barbara. Julia Child spent her summers and final years in SB.
• It is legal to sunbath nude on some Santa Barbara beaches!
• There are many annual events that draw in visitors including the International Film Festival, The new Noise Music Conference, the Summer Solstice Parade, and Old Spanish Days.

Santa Barbara Walking Tour

 If you are looking for things to do on the Pacific Coast Highway for couples, consider taking a self guided walking tour around Santa Barbara. Driving the Pacific Coast Highway can make your legs a bit stiff and stopping for a walk around a beautiful city is always a good idea!

Simple Walking Tour: Start at the Santa Barbara Courthouse and making your way to the Our Lady of Sorrows Church and the Arlington Theater where its vintage feel draws tons of visitors each year.

From there, walk along State Street where you will pass the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, the Paseo Nuevo shopping center, a coffee shop and patisserie, countless bars and restaurants, and more. Your walk will end at Stearns Wharf which is one of the top things to see in Santa Barbara.

Museum Walking Tour: If you want to spend quite a bit of time in Santa Barbara, you can mix this tour with the one above as most museum are around State Street. You can start at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art before crossing the street to visit the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum. Then, four blocks away there are two more museums to check out.

Casa de La Guerra is a historic preservation that dates back to the early 1800s. You can tour this site and its regularly changing exhibits for some insight to what life was like in a time long gone, then walk a block to your last museum stop, the Santa Barbara Historical Museum.

Old Mission Santa Barbara

This beautiful mission makes for a wonderful dive into the past while on a Pacific Coast Highway road trip. The Old Mission Santa Barbara has been a hub for community gatherings and worship for centuries. Established in 1786, the mission has changed over time, but its beauty remains in tact.

It sits on fifteen acres and is surrounded by historic gardens and a cemetery. Inside, you will find a museum and gift shop. If you want to take a tour while you are there, guided tours and self guided audio tours are available. Audio tours are available in English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and German.

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Stop: Los Angeles

The City of Angels is one of the most visited cities in The United States. As the most populated city in California and second most populated in the country, it is quite a busy place. Filled with tourists, visitors, and locals, Los Angeles is famous for its beaches, celebrities, and of course, that famous LA traffic!

Natural beauty, museums, famous restaurants, fun attractions, and more are all a part of the fun of visiting LA. If you are considering visiting Los Angeles on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip, here are some of the top things to do in The City of Angels along with some fun facts about this famous city!

• Los Angeles is the only city in North America to have held the Olympic twice
• The famous Hollywood sign actually use to say HOLLYWOODLAND
• Around four million people live in Los Angeles
• There are eleven miles of underground tunnels in LA!
• The Capitol Records Building flashes Hollywood out in Morse code
• Los Angeles has more than a hundred wild mountain lions living within the city limits

Hike to the Hollywood Sign

You can hike the Canyon Drive Trail to this iconic sign while you are stopped off of the PCH. Ranked as moderate in difficulty, this trail climbs a whopping 1200 feet and is around six miles long.

It usually take people around three hours to complete this hike. It’s super popular amongst locals and visitors alike so you will likely run into others while you are there, Leashed dogs are welcome to tag along as you hike.

Seeing the Hollywood sign is a must for any Pacific Coast Highway road trip! If you don’t want to hike, the Hollywood Sign Viewpoint is only ten minutes from the 101.

Griffith Observatory

The Griffith Observatory is one of the best things to do in Los Angeles. It sits high above the city giving you impeccable views of the city and the sky at night. Once you arrive, you can check out the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, Griffith Park, and the sixty exhibits inside the observatory.

There are more than four thousand acres in Griffith Park where you can hike and enjoy both the natural beauty of the area and the city scape views. In the planetarium, you can enjoy live shows that discuss everything from the water cycle to how physics and chemistry drive cosmic evolution.

The Last Bookstore

This bookstore is every bibliophiles dream! Multiple levels, rows and rows of books, unique book displays, book tunnels, hallways, nooks and crannies, The Last Bookstore is something you won’t want to miss on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip.

The store in located in an old bank building so ghosts and bank vaults are also a part of the equation! This LA shop is the largest new and used bookstore in The Golden State. 22,000 square feet is packed with a comic book store, a yarn shop, a record store, a mammoth head, and five art studios!

This is a seriously funky and unique experience that is loved by everyone who visits. You may even recognize some of the spots in the library that have been used in film and music videos. WRONG by Kid Laroi, Gone Girl, and Under the Silver Lake were all filmed there.

La Brea Tar Pits

The La Brea Tar Pits are in the heart of Los Angeles. Thought you could never experience the Ice Age? Think again. You can learn about Mastodons and Mammoths, see a fossil lab, and learn about the excavation of the Tar Pits at this Southern California attraction.

While anyone can enjoy this LA attraction, if you are traveling with young kids on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip, this is should be on your radar!

Los Angeles Museums

Museums in Los Angeles are mind blowing! The buildings themselves are works of art before you even step foot inside to check out the exhibits. Here are some of the best museums in Los Angeles that you can check out on during this stop along the Pacific Coast Highway.

The Broad: This is a contemporary art museum in downtown LA that is famous for its Andy Warhol displays and the popular Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Rooms.

Petersen Automotive Museum: Home to hyper cars, cars from film and television, a Tesla electric revolution exhibit, an extreme hypercars exhibit, and more!

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles: This thrilling museum is one of the top things to do on the Pacific Coast Highway. There are exhibits on butterflies, insects, LA underwater, dinosaurs, and more. For those traveling with kids, you may want to check out the Dinosaur Encounters. This is a live show featuring life-sized juvenile dino puppets!


Los Angeles Museum of Art: This museum is an absolute LA icon. You have probably seen the rows of lamp posts outside the museum many times before on social media as they are one of the most popular photo spots in LA. There are exhibits on Afro-Atlantic histories, East Asia, political art, and more.

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Stop: Dana Point

The last Pacific Coast Highway road trip stop that we are going to talk about is Dana Point. Famous for whale watching and dolphin watching, Dana Point has a stunning seven miles of coastal bluffs along with rolling hills.

Dana Point Beaches

A great ending (or starting point) for your Pacific Coast Highway road trip is at Capistrano Beach in Dana Point where the road starts. Also called Capo Beach, this neighborhood in Dana Point is a lesser known and much more low-key beach in Orange County.

The beaches are fantastic, so if you are wanting to stop for a picnic or simply just spend some time in the sun while you are there, you will have stunning beaches to choose from!

Where To Eat On The Pacific Coast Highway

A Pacific Coast Highway road trip wouldn’t be complete without stopping for some of the delicious coastal cuisine that California is famous for. Plus, there are loads of classic American dishes and international cuisine all up and down the California coast that you won’t want to miss out on while you are on Highway 1.

Rivers End Restaurant & Inn

One of the best restaurants on the Pacific Coast Highway is located in Jenner. Rivers End sits where the Pacific Ocean and the Russian River. Fine dining with incredible views, Rivers End is a must-experience for anyone looking for an elevated dinner experience while driving the Pacific Coast Highway.

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Hog Island Oyster Co.

For everyone wondering where to eat on Highway 1, take a look at Hog Island Oyster Co. You will find the finest selection of craft cocktails, oysters and seasonal seafood at this eatery off of the PCH. They have several locations to choose, two of which are on or just off the PCH.

The Marshall location provides shellfish, seafood, and picnic supplies to go! The supplies includes things like meat, cheese, drinks, and small bites from their farm kitchen. So, if a picnic is the cards for your Pacific Coast Highway road trip, consider Hog Island Oyster Co.!

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Bottega Louie

Wondering where to eat in Los Angeles? Bottega Louie has pizzas, pastas, and small plates served in a cute and bustling space that offers macarons to go. Delicious entrees like cacio e pepe, lasagna, Napoli pizza, and French onion soup are available at Bottega Louie.

They also has a weekend brunch menu and a patisserie menu to browse through. From the patisserie you can get eclairs, macarons, tiramisu, tarts, and cakes. The Macaron selection is fantastic with flavors like mango, earl gray, cotton candy, grand-cru, espresso, and more. They make a great Pacific Coast Highway road trip snack!

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Esteban Restaurant

This Spanish restaurant in Monterey offers both Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine served in a super chip dining room with a fire place. You will also find a dreamy outdoor patio with fire pits for those beautiful cool nights in the salty air.

Complete with a tapas hour and a killer breakfast selection, you can find everything at Estebans! Empenadas, house fries, salads, pizzas, and home made sangrias are all to die for at this dream PCH restaurant.

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Neptune’s Net

You may notice this Malibu restaurant right away as it was one of the filming locations for Fast and Furious. As one of the best restaurants along the Pacific Coast Highway, don’t miss the opportunity to visit this iconic eatery if you find yourself down south near Los Angeles.

You can order from the “restaurant side” or the “seafood side” of the restaurant depending on what you are looking for. The restaurant side has bottled and can bear with fried food and the seafood side serves live and fresh seafood with draft beer. From the patio you will have views of the crashing waves!

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Night + Market Sahm

Celebrities (and everyone else!) love this Thai Joint in Venice. It is right off of Highway 1 and is the perfect addition to your Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary. The atmosphere is bustling and the dining room is super inviting with brightly colored decorations. You will find traditional Thai food with modern twists at Night + Market Sahm. It’s a small restaurant, but it packs a big punch!

On the menu, you will find everything from fried chicken sandwiches and curries to spicy salads and stir fries. This restaurant easily makes its way on to lists of best restaurants in California and it has been nominated for a James Beard Award for their wine list.

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Superba

You can find Superba off of the one in Venice. They are perfect for brunch or any meal really as their menu is diverse, beautiful, and full of local flavor. Plus, fresh baked bread is always on the menu! You can find chia seed pudding, burritos, croissant French toast, Keto plates, and more on the break fast menu.

For lunch you can grab some avocado toast, roasted squash, Yellowfin Tuna crudo, charred broccolini, smoked brisket, steak salad, and more! One of the best dishes is the hippie burger. It is a fava and sprouted lentil patty with tomato jamp, aioli, feta, salad, and pickled beets. Would you try one?

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Bud & Gene’s

Bud & Gene’s is at the end of the Huntington Beach pier. Their seafood-focused menu is something you won’t want to miss on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip. Always changing with the seasons, the menu includes goodies like grilled street corn, oysters on the half shell, shrimp cocktail, and Ahi tartare for starters.

Finish up with a lovely wedge or peach salad with fish and chips, barbecue prawns, a softshell crab BLT, a burger, or a spicy crispy chicken sandwich. The dining room is a bright and spacious room filled with picnic tables and great views from off the end of the pier.

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Driftwood Kitchen

Driftwood Kitchen is a Laguna Beach staple. You will find steaks, seafood, and all of your New American cuisine favorites on the menu. Eat up while you take in the beautiful oceanfront views. The huge floor to ceiling windows give guest that most amazing sunset views.

Open for breakfast, you can grab Scottish smoked salmon bagels, eggs Benedict, pancakes, steak and eggs, and more. For lunch, you can dive into a bowl of butternut squash bisque, slurp oysters, taste pan fried brussels sprouts with cranberries, devour Spanish octopus, and more.

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Coastal Kitchen

Coastal Kitchen is Dana Point is a Pacific Coast Highway road trip must! This bright and modern restaurant offers fantastic steaks, sandwiches, and New American entrees with cocktails. Some of their fun and innovative include a spiced old fashion, cucumber mint lemonade, and Dutch mules!

The mouthwatering menu at Coastal Kitchen is packed with delicious dishes. Smoked trout dip, New England chowder, veggie burgers, Hawaiian ribeye, northern halibut, Cioppino, and Scottish salmon all grace the menu at Coastal Kitchen.

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Where To Stay On The Pacific Coast Highway

Curious as to where to stay on Highway 1? You really have a huge variety of options to choose from including hotels, guest houses, cabins, campgrounds, resorts, and unique places to stay along the Pacific Coast Highway.

No matter your budget, you can find lovely places to stay on highway 1.

While you are on your PCH drive, you will have access to easily accessible accommodation right on the highway. But, sometimes a slight detour from your California Highway 1 road trip will allow you to reach amazing places to stay. So, let’s go over some of the best accommodations on and near the PCH.

Hotels

Here are some of the best hotels along the Pacific Coast Highway!

Oceanfront Lodge: The Oceanfront Lodge in Crescent City is just ten feet from the beach. This hotel is pet-friendly and has an on-site bar, a spa, a restaurant, and other amenities.

If you are looking for a place to stay up north, consider staying at the Oceanfront Lodge as it puts you in a great location to start your PCH drive and for nearby activities like horseback riding, windsurfing, and biking.

Check prices on Booking.com

Tradewinds Carmel: If you are planning to spend the night on the Monterey Peninsula, Tradewinds Carmel in Carmel-By-The-Sea offers a dreamy and relaxing nights sleep. A calming zen theme runs throughout the hotel and the luxurious guest rooms are in a Japanese style.

When you stay here you will be just a few minutes from the beaches and a short drive from the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the attractions surrounding it, so keep Tradewinds on your radar!

Check prices on Booking.com

Brisas del Mar Inn at the Beach: The Mediterranean style Brisas del Mar Inn at the Beach is just two blocks from stunning beaches. Located in Santa Barbara, this is a dreamy Mediterranean-style accommodation that adds to any fantastic Pacific Coast Highway road trip.

This is a hotel thats popular amongst couples and honeymooners. Your stay includes free bike rentals and free continental breakfast every morning.

Check prices on Booking.com

Sea Rock Inn: This Long Beach Hotel is a simple and classically American roadside hotel. For those planning a Pacific Coast Highway road trip that really dives deep into American culture and experiences, you should check out the Sea Rock Inn.

The basic rooms and lovely pool will be everything you need and more during your stop in Long Beach.

Check prices on Booking.com

Beach Bungalow Inn and Suites: Dreamy beach bungalows in Morro Bay? Yes, please! If you are like most travelers on the PCH, you will likely stop in Morro Bay on your Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip.

When you stay at the Beach Bungalow Inn and Suites, you will be just a five minute walk away from the aquarium, you will have lovely Turkish bath towels in your room, access to a fire pit in the courtyard, and free breakfast each morning.

Check prices on Booking.com

Monterey Tides: An elevated and picturesque potential accommodation on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip, Monterey Tides is a travelers dream!

A heated pool, comfortable guest rooms, and perfect location makes Monterey Tides the perfect hotel in Monterey. You will be within ten minutes of all the best attractions in town and you will have incredible water views as the hotel is right on the waters edge.

Check prices on Booking.com

Campgrounds

Looking for camping along the Pacific Coast Highway? We’ve got you covered! Here are some of the top campgrounds along the Pacific Coast Highway!

Big Sur Campground: With both tent sites and RV sites, you can find a place that fits your camping style here! There’s also cabins if you don’t like to rough it. They’re located amongst the towering redwoods in Big Sur.

Santa Cruz Costanoa KOA: This KOA campground is a eco-adventure resort. It is designed to encourage guests to explore the beauty around them. You will be close to opportunities to hike, mountain bike, kayak, check out art exhibits, relax with a spa treatment, and more when you stay here!

Leo Carrilo State Park Campground: This campground has more than one hundred campsites for travelers. With basic sites and electrical hook up sites, they cater to various types of campers. You’ll find both water views and mountains views here.

Resorts

Here are some of the top resorts along the Pacific Coast Highway!

Timber Cove Resort: This resort sits along the Sonoma Coast and features a super cozy atmosphere alongside modern amenities. There is an idyllic fire pit and lounge area, breathtaking coastal views, and an on-site Coast Kitchen that serves seasonal food in an elegant dining setting.

Check prices at Booking.com

Heritage House Resort & Spa: Approxamently nine miles from the Navarro River Redwoods, this resort has a lovely restaurant and bar on site. The guest rooms have fire places and the atmosphere is very much coastal excellence.

There is a fitness center available and in-room massages are offered as well. You are only fifteen minutes away from the Point Cabrillo Light House and ten minutes away from Mendocino when you stay here.

Check prices on Booking.com

The Sanctuary Beach Resort: Another dreamy oceanfront hotel on the Pacific Coast Highway, the Sanctuary Beach Resort offers picturesque views. Rooms here have fireplaces and views of the ocean or surrounding sand dunes.

You’ll have access to the Salt Wood Restaurant on site as well as the swimming pool and hot tub. Here, you are only fifteen minutes from the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the historic Cannery Row entertainment area.

Check prices on Booking.com

The Cliffs Hotel & Spa: This resort overlooks Shell Beach and offers a full-service spa for guests. You will have access to a swimming pool and will have a balcony to enjoy in any of the guest rooms.

A complete package with a sauna, hot tub, gym, and Marisol Restaurant on-site, The cliffs Hotel and Spa has it all! There is even a free shuttle to the San Luis Airport and to the Amtrak Station.

Check prices on Booking.com

Cabins

Here are some of the best cabins along the Pacific Coast Highway!

Big Sur Lodge: This idyllic cabin hardly feels like a cabin at all! If you are wanting a rustic accommodation without feeling like you are roughing it, the Big Sur Lodge may be perfect for you.

There’s a seasonal swimming pool along with a restaurant and bar at the Big Sur Lodge. In terms of location, this is a great stop for your Pacific Coast Highway road trip if you plan on traveling through the central coast area.

Check prices on Booking.com

Big Sur River Inn: This Big Sur cabin is adjacent to the Big Sur River. There’s an on-site restaurant and bar as well as a private entrance and free toiletries. If a dreamy landscape is a necessity for your cabin stay, this inn has you covered.

While it provides a cabin experience, it also gives you hotel perks, making this another good option for those not looking to rough it.

Check prices on Booking.com

Unique Stays

Here are some of the best unique stays along the Pacific Coast Highway!

Lucia Lodge: One of the more popular places to stay on the Pacific Coast Highway, the Lucia Lodge sits on the mountainside and gives guests insanely beautiful and expansive views of the sea.

The lodge opened in 1937 when Highway 1 opened. It was constructed by one of the pioneer families in the 19th century and to this day, the lodge is providing a unique and historic place for visitors to stay. There’s a fantastic Mexican food truck at the lodge a few days a week during the high season and there’s also free breakfast in the mornings.

Check prices here!

Alila Ventana Big Sur for Adults Only: This adult only rental in Big Sur is one of the most amazing properties along the PCH. Remarkable service, incredible heated pools and Japanese hot bath, plus, simply breathtaking scenery, this rental is is a major bucket list stay!

The on-site restaurant, The Sur House, has a lovely patio and balcony along with a bar where you can sip drinks overlooking the ocean.

Check prices on Booking.com

Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary Options

A Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip is incredible, no matter what length. Whether you are planning on spending 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7 days on a California coast drive, you are sure to have a blast! Let’s take a look at some popular itinerary options.

1 Day Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary

When you start creating you PCH road trip itinerary, you may be worried that you don’t have enough time to see everything you want to see. It’s okay, we’ve got you covered with this one day Pacific Coast Highway itinerary. When you only have one day, stick to the most scenic part of the road around Big Sur.

You can start on the Monterey Peninsula and drive south to the Lucia Lodge if you are spending the night on the highway. If you were to drive directly from Monterey to Lucia it would only take your around an hour and a half, but with stops for attractions, meals, and viewpoint, you can spend the day exploring this strip of the highway.

Details below!

1 day Pacific Coast Highway itinerary

Starting point: Monterey Peninsula
Top stops:

• Breakfast on Monterey Peninsula
• Old Fishermans Wharf
• Monterey Bay Aquarium
• Lunch in Monterey
• Point Lobos
• Calla Lily Valley
• Bixby Creek Bridge view point
• Andrew Molera Beach
• Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
• Dinner in Big Sur

Stopping Point: Lucia Lodge

This itinerary gives you plenty of time to sight see, hike, stop to eat, and spend time exploring attractions along the way.

2 Day Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary

If you have two days to spend on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip, let’s extend on the one day itinerary a bit. The Pacific Coast Highway scenic route is most often considered to be the Big Sur stretch so let’s keep that on the itinerary and add more stops as we move south to include all of the best things to do on the highway from the Monterey Peninsula to Morro Bay.

2 day Pacific Coast Highway itinerary

Starting point: Monterey Peninsula
Day one:

• Breakfast in Monterey
• Old Fishermans Wharf
• Monterey Bay Aquarium
• Lunch in Monterey
• Point Lobos
• Calla Lily Valley
• Bixby Creek Bridge view point
• Andrew Molera Beach
• Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
• Dinner and night in Big Sur

Day two:

• Breakfast around San Luis Obispo
• Hearst Castle
• Elephant Seal Vista Point
• San Simeon tide pools
• Lunch in Morro Bay
• Morro Rock
• Museum of Natural History
• Morro Bay State Park boardwalk trail
• Dinner and night in Morro Bay

Stopping Point: Morro Bay

3 Day Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary

This 3 day Pacific Coast Highway road trip will start in Santa Cruz and extend down to Santa Barbara. This route covered many of the best Pacific Coast Highway stops and allows you to see some lesser visited locations along the coast as well.

Traveling from Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara, you will see the origins of surfing in the United States, brightly colored waterfront buildings, tide pools, historic sites, and incredible beaches!

3 day Pacific Coast Highway itinerary

Starting point: Santa Cruz
Day one:

• Santa Cruz Wharf
• Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
• Natural Bridges Tidepools
• Stop in Capitola to see the colorful houses on the beach
• You can stop at the roadside produce stands as you make your way to the Monterey Peninsula
• Old Fishermans Wharf in Monterey
• Asilomar Beach
• Night on the Monterey Peninsula

Day two:

• Monterey Bay Aquarium
• Point Lobos
• Bixby Creek Bridge Viewpoint
• Big Sur Bakery
• Elephant Seal Vista Point
• Morro Rock
• Night in Morro Bay

Day three:

• Hearst Castle
• Walk the Danish-style streets in Solvang
• Kayaking in Pismo Beach
• Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara
• Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
• Night in Santa Barbara

Stopping Point: Santa Barbara

4 Day Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary

If you want to extend your PCH drive to four days, this itinerary will show you amazing coastal views, towns and cities, historical sites, and more. Starting in San Francisco and ending in Santa Barbara, this epic 4 day Pacific Coast Highway itinerary is a dream come true!

4 day Pacific Coast Highway itinerary

Starting point: San Francisco
Day one:

• Breakfast in San Francisco
• Drive across the Golden Gate Bridge
• Visit Alcatraz Island
• Lunch
• Golden Gate Park
• Take a walk at JV Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
• Dinner and night in Santa Cruz

Day two:

• Santa Cruz Wharf
• Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
• Natural Bridges Tidepools
• Stop in Capitola to see the colorful houses on the beach
• You can stop at the roadside produce stands as you make your way to the Monterey Peninsula
• Old Fishermans Wharf in Monterey
• Asilomar Beach
• Night on the Monterey Peninsula

Day three:

• Monterey Bay Aquarium
• Point Lobos
• Bixby Creek Bridge Viewpoint
• Big Sur Bakery
• Elephant Seal Vista Point
• Morro Rock
• Night in Morro Bay

Day four:

• Hearst Castle
• Walk the Danish-style streets in Solvang
• Kayaking in Pismo Beach
• Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara
• Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
• Night in Santa Barbara

Stopping Point: Santa Barbara

5 Day Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary

One of the most common Pacific Coast Highway road trip length is five days! This fun filled itinerary will have you following along the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

You will hit the major cities and towns, see the most iconic road side attractions, eat delicious seafood, and more with this 5 day Pacific Coast Highway itinerary!

5 day Pacific Coast Highway itinerary

Starting point: San Francisco
Day one:

• Breakfast in San Francisco
• Drive across the Golden Gate Bridge
• Visit Alcatraz Island
• Lunch
• Golden Gate Park
• Take a walk at JV Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
• Dinner and night in Santa Cruz

Day two:

• Breakfast in Santa Cruz
• Santa Cruz Wharf
• Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
• Natural Bridges Tidepools
• Stop in Capitola to see the colorful houses on the beach
• Lunch in Capitola
• You can stop at the roadside produce stands as you make your way to the Monterey Peninsula
• Old Fishermans Wharf in Monterey
• Asilomar Beach
• Dinner and night on the Monterey Peninsula

Day three:

• Breakfast on Monterey Penninsula
• Monterey Bay Aquarium
• Lunch in Monterey
• Point Lobos
• Bixby Creek Bridge Viewpoint
• Big Sur Bakery
• Elephant Seal Vista Point
• Morro Rock
• Dinner and night in Morro Bay

Day four:

• Breakfast in Morro Bay
• Hearst Castle
• Walk the Danish-style streets in Solvang
• Lunch near San Luis Obispo
• Kayaking in Pismo Beach
• Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara
• Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
• Dinner and night in Santa Barbara

Day five:

• Breakfast in Santa Barbara
• Los Angeles County Museum of Art
• Petersen Automotive Museum
• La Brea Tar Pits
• Lunch in Los Angeles
• See the Hollywood Sign
• Visit Chinatown
• Santa Monica Pier
• Dinner and night in Los Angeles

Stopping Point: Los Angeles

7 Day Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary

Last, but not least, let’s take a look at a 7 day California coast road trip. This massive week long road trip will take you from Crescent City in northern California to Los Angeles.

You’re going to fall in love with the iconic 101 while following this 7 day Pacific Coast Highway itinerary. From the Redwoods up north and the blue waters of the central coast to the dreamy SoCal beaches, you will get to see everything that the California coast is famous for.

7 day Pacific Coast Highway itinerary

Starting point: Crescent City

Day one:

• Breakfast in Crescent City
• Battery Point Lighthouse and Museum
• Crescent Beach Overlook
• Klamath River Overlook
• Klamath Tour Thru Tree
• Lunch at Requa Inn Farm to Table Restaurant in Klamath
• Hiking at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
• Dinner and cabin rental near Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Day two:

• Breakfast in Eureka
• Humboldt State Park
• Lunch in Caspar
• Russian Gulch State Park
• Sonoma Coast Vineyards
• Point Reyes National Seashore
• Dinner and night in San Francisco

Day three:

• Breakfast in San Francisco
• Drive across the Golden Gate Bridge
• Visit Alcatraz Island
• Lunch
• Golden Gate Park
• Take a walk at JV Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
• Dinner and night in Santa Cruz

Day four:

• Breakfast in Santa Cruz
• Santa Cruz Wharf
• Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
• Natural Bridges Tidepools
• Stop in Capitola to see the colorful houses on the beach
• Lunch in Capitola
• You can stop at the roadside produce stands as you make your way to the Monterey Peninsula
• Old Fishermans Wharf in Monterey
• Asilomar Beach
• Dinner and night on the Monterey Peninsula

Day five:

• Breakfast on Monterey Penninsula
• Monterey Bay Aquarium
• Lunch in Monterey
• Point Lobos
• Bixby Creek Bridge Viewpoint
• Big Sur Bakery
• Elephant Seal Vista Point
• Morro Rock
• Dinner and night in Morro Bay

Day six:

• Breakfast in Morro Bay
• Hearst Castle
• Walk the Danish-style streets in Solvang
• Lunch near San Luis Obispo
• Kayaking in Pismo Beach
• Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara
• Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
• Dinner and night in Santa Barbara

Day seven:

• Breakfast in Santa Barbara
• Los Angeles County Museum of Art
• Petersen Automotive Museum
• La Brea Tar Pits
• Lunch in Los Angeles
• See the Hollywood Sign
• Visit Chinatown
• Santa Monica Pier
• Dinner and night in Los Angeles

Stopping Point: Los Angeles

Conclusion

A Pacific Coast Highway California road trip is something that thousands of travelers dream of. The idyllic coastline and picturesque mountain and city scapes along the California coast drive simply can’t be beat.

Now that you have learned about how to take the most exciting Pacific Coast Highway road trip, which of these stops along the route will you be adding to your itinerary? We would love to hear from you!