california route 1 travel guide

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The Ultimate Guide to California’s Highway 1 Road Trip

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Last updated 10 months ago

Hello, fellow explorers! You know, they say life isn’t about the destination, it’s about the journey , right?

Well, they must’ve had California’s Highway 1 in mind when they came up with that pearl of wisdom. I’ve been fortunate enough to journey down this mesmerizing stretch of road myself, and I’m here to share the magic of it with you.

Imagine this: You’ve got your favorite tunes playing, the sun is warming your skin through the open window, and there’s nothing but miles of shimmering coastline , towering cliffs , and infinite ocean blues in your view. Sound like a dream?

Table of Contents

Understanding the Basics of California’s Highway 1 Road Trip

Best time to go, essential tips for planning, best stops along highway 1, san francisco, monterey and carmel-by-the-sea, san luis obispo, santa barbara, los angeles, essential packing list for highway 1 road trip, enjoying the california cuisine along the route.

That’s Highway 1 for you!

Winding its way along the heart-stoppingly beautiful California coastline , this iconic route is quite literally the road trip of a lifetime.

It’s the embodiment of freedom, a concrete ribbon of possibility stretching from the historic heart of San Francisco to the glamour of Los Angeles.

Whether you’re an adventurous solo traveler or embarking on a memory-filled family vacation, the Highway 1 experience is nothing short of transformative.

From discovering hidden beach towns to feasting on fresh-off-the-boat seafood and marveling at panoramic ocean views , it’s an experience that truly ingrains itself into your soul.

Stay with me as I guide you through the twists and turns of this iconic route. Ready to buckle up and join me for the ultimate California’s Highway 1 road trip ?

Let’s hit the road!

Basics of California's Highway 1 Road Trip

Before we start revving our engines, it’s important to grasp the fundamentals of this epic adventure. Officially known as State Route 1, and affectionately referred to as the Pacific Coast Highway, Highway 1 is a major north-south state highway that runs along most of the Pacific coastline of the U.S. state of California.

What sets it apart from your average highway is its stunning views and distinctive locations. Every mile brings a new vista, a different beach, a unique town, making it a prime candidate for one of the most beautiful drives in the world.

Stretching roughly 656 miles from end to end, Highway 1 snakes its way from Leggett in Mendocino County, all the way down to Dana Point in Orange County. But the real meat of the journey – and the portion most folks are familiar with – starts in San Francisco and ends in Los Angeles.

Along this route, the highway clings to the coast, treating travelers to cliff-hugging turns, heart-stopping seaside views, and access to some of California’s most iconic cities and attractions. And remember, folks, don’t rush it – Highway 1 is all about taking your sweet time.

Choosing the right time for your road trip down Highway 1 can make a huge difference. If you ask me, spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) are the most comfortable times to travel.

You’ll dodge the summer crowd, encounter less fog than in winter, and still enjoy some delightful weather. Not to mention, the scenery during these times is particularly enchanting, with spring’s wildflowers and fall’s radiant sunsets offering a feast for your eyes.

Planning is key for a successful road trip. Start by deciding how many days you want to allocate to the journey – I’d recommend at least 5 to 7 days to savor the experience fully. Be sure to check your vehicle thoroughly before leaving – that includes oil levels, tire pressure, brakes, and such.

Have a rough itinerary but don’t make it too rigid, flexibility is key when you’re on the road – who knows what hidden gem you might stumble upon! Lastly, always keep your tank at least half full, fuel stations can be few and far between in some stretches. Happy planning!

Also in United States

Road tripping down Highway 1 is not about racing from point A to point B, it’s about savoring every moment and immersing yourself in the journey. Along the route, there’s a treasure trove of must-see sights and experiences waiting for you.

From vibrant cities to quaint coastal towns, these stops are what make the journey so unforgettable.

Let’s start our journey in the City by the Bay, San Francisco. This city offers an eclectic mix of attractions.

Don’t miss out on the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, the vibrant Pier 39, and the historic Alcatraz Island. Head to Twin Peaks for panoramic views of the city, or unwind at Golden Gate Park, an urban oasis filled with gardens, museums, and even bison!

Next up is the laid-back city of Santa Cruz, home to a charming boardwalk, quirky downtown, and beautiful beaches. Make sure to check out the historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for some old-fashioned fun, or head to Natural Bridges State Beach to enjoy the idyllic coastal scenery.

Want to reconnect with nature? The redwood-filled Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park awaits.

Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea - Highway 1

Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea are neighboring gems that you simply can’t skip. Monterey’s premier attraction is its world-class aquarium, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which offers a peek into the rich marine life of the region.

And don’t miss the scenic 17-Mile Drive, a beautiful road that weaves through a stunning stretch of coastline and iconic golf courses. In Carmel-by-the-Sea, enjoy a stroll through its charming downtown filled with unique shops, art galleries, and top-notch eateries.

Prepare to be awestruck as you reach Big Sur, a rugged stretch of California’s central coast renowned for its breathtaking views. This is the place for hiking and exploring natural wonders like McWay Falls, a stunning waterfall that cascades straight onto a pristine beach.

The iconic Bixby Bridge is another must-see, an architectural masterpiece overlooking the ocean.

San Luis Obispo, or “SLO”, is a charming college town nestled halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. A wander through its friendly downtown is a must, as is a visit to the eccentric Madonna Inn.

Nearby, you have the seaside town of Pismo Beach, the dramatic Morro Bay, and the wine lover’s paradise – Paso Robles.

Known as the American Riviera, Santa Barbara will wow you with its Mediterranean-style white stucco buildings with red-tile roofs, enveloped by stunning mountains and sparkling ocean.

Head to East Beach for some sun, take in the city view from the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, and savor the local wine at the numerous downtown tasting rooms.

And finally, we reach Los Angeles, the City of Angels. With a diversity of attractions ranging from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood to the historic Griffith Observatory, and the tranquil Getty Center, Los Angeles is a city that truly has something for everyone.

And let’s not forget the sun-soaked beaches of Santa Monica and Venice, the perfect places to end your Highway 1 adventure.

With each stop offering its unique charm, these destinations collectively paint the diverse and enchanting picture that is California’s Highway 1.

Buckle up and get ready for the road trip of a lifetime!

As the saying goes, “Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.” Packing the right gear can make or break your road trip, ensuring you’re ready for whatever the open road throws your way.

From clothing to car essentials, here’s a list of items you won’t want to leave behind on your Highway 1 adventure.

Clothing : California weather can be a bit of a mixed bag. Packing layers is a smart move – think T-shirts, a sweatshirt or sweater, a waterproof jacket, and comfortable pants or shorts. Don’t forget your swimsuit for beach days and comfy shoes for those hikes!
Snacks and Drinks : Long stretches of road mean you may not always have immediate access to food or drinks. Pack a cooler with plenty of water and your favorite snacks. Remember, staying hydrated and fueled is key!
First Aid Kit : Safety first, adventurers. A basic first aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, and any necessary medication is a must-have.
Sun Protection : California is known for its sunshine, so don’t forget to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
Car Essentials : Make sure you have a spare tire, jumper cables, and tools for a basic tire change. Also, keep a flashlight and a multipurpose utility tool handy.
Camping Gear : If you plan to camp along the way, pack your tent, sleeping bags, and camping stove. Remember, some areas require camping reservations in advance.
Reusable Water Bottles and Coffee Cups : Stay hydrated and caffeinated while reducing your environmental footprint.
Camera and Binoculars : You’ll want to capture the stunning views and wildlife you’ll encounter along the way.
Entertainment : Road trip playlists, audiobooks, or podcasts can make long drives more enjoyable.
Cash and Cards : While most places accept cards, it’s always smart to have some cash on hand for small vendors or in case of emergencies.

By packing wisely, you’ll be prepared for just about anything, leaving you free to enjoy the magnificent views and experiences on your Highway 1 road trip. Safe travels!

Alaska's Seward Highway during Christmas

What’s a road trip without tantalizing your taste buds with the local cuisine? From roadside diners to gourmet dining experiences, California’s Highway 1 offers a culinary journey as diverse and exciting as the journey itself.

Let’s check out some must-try food and drink spots along the route.

Start your culinary adventure in San Francisco with a visit to Fisherman’s Wharf for some fresh seafood – don’t skip the clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl.

For an upscale dining experience, check out Michelin-starred restaurants like Quince or Atelier Crenn.

In Santa Cruz, stop by the iconic Beach Street Café for a hearty American-style breakfast.

For a more casual and unique experience, head to The Picnic Basket for fresh, local, and delicious sandwiches.

Indulge in mouth-watering seafood at Monterey’s Fish House, and be sure to sample clam chowder at Old Fisherman’s Wharf.

In Carmel-by-the-Sea, enjoy an unforgettable farm-to-table dining experience at Earthbound Farm Stand.

Big Sur is home to the famous Nepenthe Restaurant, offering hearty American cuisine coupled with breath-taking views of the coast.

For a more intimate setting, visit the Big Sur Bakery, a true hidden gem with gourmet offerings.

For a taste of the local vibe in San Luis Obispo, check out Firestone Grill, known for their delectable BBQ.

For wine lovers, don’t miss a wine tasting experience at one of the many local vineyards in nearby Paso Robles.

In Santa Barbara, enjoy fresh seafood at the bustling Santa Barbara Shellfish Company.

If you fancy a gourmet meal, The Lark, located in the vibrant Funk Zone neighborhood, is a must-visit.

Finally, Los Angeles offers a smorgasbord of culinary delights. For a legendary LA dining experience, visit The Ivy.

For something more laid back, swing by Gjelina in Venice Beach for their much-loved pizzas.

Remember, food isn’t just about satiating hunger, it’s about experiencing local cultures and flavors. So, make the most of it and don’t be afraid to try something new.

Bon appétit!

There you have it, adventurers, the ultimate guide to California’s Highway 1 road trip.

As we come to the end of our virtual journey together, let’s remember what makes this trip truly extraordinary.

Highway 1 is more than just a road; it’s a journey through diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and quaint towns, all backed by the continuous symphony of crashing waves. It’s about the majestic sights, from the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to the rugged cliffs of Big Sur.

It’s about the unique experiences that await at each bend, from exploring world-class aquariums to hiking through redwood forests.

And let’s not forget the flavors!

Whether it’s fresh seafood by the wharf in San Francisco, an intimate farm-to-table meal in Carmel, or gourmet pizza in Los Angeles, the culinary journey is just as exciting and diverse as the road trip itself.

Every mile of California’s Highway 1 presents a new adventure, a fresh perspective, a moment that begs to be savored.

It’s a place where memories are made, where every bend of the road, every wave of the ocean, every ray of golden California sunshine becomes a part of your story.

So, here’s my final piece of advice: Don’t rush it. Take your time. Stop often. Wander.

Explore. Taste. And most importantly, experience the journey – because in the end, it’s the journey that makes the destination worthwhile.

Ready to turn the key and hit the road? Trust me, California’s Highway 1 is ready for you, and it’s a road trip you’ll never forget.

Safe travels, friends, and here’s to the journey ahead!

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Best Highway 1 Road Trip Itinerary & Guide

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Big Sur cloud inversion along highway 1 in california

Highway 1 is arguably one of the most beautiful stretches of coastal roads in the United States, perhaps even in the world. Our first road trip together was actually this very itinerary! If you’re looking for jaw dropping views of never ending coast, beautiful blue water beaches, and gorgeous overlooks, this is Highway 1 Road Trip for you.

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ROAD TRIP ITINERARY

Living in California for all of our lives, both Stephen and I have done this road trip several times. In fact, we’ve probably done this itinerary at least 4 or 5 times in the past year. So this blog post is all based on our own personal experiences down the coast, as well as some recommendations from fellow adventurers we’ve met along the way.

WHERE TO START & END YOUR HIGHWAY 1 ROAD TRIP

Since LAX is one of the most popular starting spots for this trip, we’ll be starting off on a route from LA up the coast and back, as well as a route for those that would rather make a loop around after completing the stretch of Highway 1. In saying that, you could jump on either of these itineraries at any stage of your Highway 1 road trip and you may choose to start/finish in different spots. Or, if you start from San Francisco, you can drive down the route in reverse and just complete it in a different order. This itinerary is more geared toward those driving the whole way, whether it’s in your own car, a rental, or a campervan , rather than flying in between major cities.

If you decide to go the camper van route, we loved doing this itinerary in our Kuga Rental from Traveller’s Autobarn . We picked it up in Los Angeles and drove all the way up to Point Reyes and Back using this itinerary. The van was so convenient in terms of spaciousness, comfortability, and transportability. We usually car camp, so this was our first van life experience, and the rental worked out super well for us in terms of getting us from Point A to B in a super easy and hassle free way!

If you’re interested in booking a camper van for your Highway 1 Road Trip, make sure to use the code “LoversPassport ” at checkout with Travellers Autobarn to receive a $50 discount on a Kuga camper van rental. The coupon will work on a 5 day minimum rental for a Kuga Campervan model for the rest of 2021!

HIGHWAY 1 ROAD TRIP TIPS:

Best time of year to visit highway 1.

California generically has fantastic weather year round. However, when it comes to the coast, expect several mornings to be socked in with low hanging clouds or fog. Usually it will burn off by the afternoon, but we’ve encountered the Big Sur Coast to be cloudy and moody like 7/10 times we’ve gone so just be prepared.

Honestly, the summer months of June, July and August are the most foggy. The best weather is usually in September or October with still moderately warm temperatures, less crowds, and less likelihood of clouds. Mid-to-late February through April is also pretty nice, just with mildly colder temperatures.

WHERE TO RENT A VEHICLE FOR YOUR HIGHWAY 1 ROAD TRIP

Choosing a Highway 1 rental car will depend on the type of trip you plan to take and whether you would prefer to stay in Air BnBs, hotels, tents, or stay in a camper van. If you plan to stay in hotels or guest houses then you can opt for a regular rental car and we would recommend picking it up after you fly into Los Angeles International Airport.

We personally love to either travel via a SUV with a camper build or rooftop tent or a camper van when traveling around the coast of California. That way we have more flexibility in terms of where we want to go each day and what we want to do, as well as where we want to stay the night. Other perks of renting a car camper or camper van is that you can adjust your plans on the go without having to worry about a spot to sleep. Click here to book your Highway 1 campervan rental (we highly recommend using Travellers Autobarn if flying into Los Angeles or San Francisco ). If you plan to tent camp then you’re probably best to opt for a small rental car as that will be your most budget-friendly option.

WHERE TO STAY ALONG THE CALIFORNIA COAST

The biggest piece of advice when it comes to finding accommodations is to plan in advance! Campground reservations along the latter part of Highway 1 up closer to Big Sur book out several months in advance. If you want to stay in established campgrounds, make sure to set reminders on your calendar of when campground permits are released.

However, there are several other options. If you don’t mind dispersed camping in which you are completely self sustained, then make sure to check out freecampsites.net or iOverlander to find campsites along the route that you’d like to stay at.

If you are going along the hotel route, some of the most popular hotels along this route tend to run on the more pricey side. That being said, we’d still recommend some popular favorites like the Ritz Carlton Bacara or Rosewood Miramar Hotel in Santa Barbara, The Cliffs Hotel in Pismo Beach, the Madonna Inn in SLO, Ragged Point Inn near San Simeon and Big Sur, and Ventana in Big Sur.

LOGISTICS OF A HIGHWAY 1 ROAD TRIP

Gas in California has gotten quite expensive recently. Mapping out your route ahead of time can give you a good idea of how much you’re going to need to budget for gas since this road trip does cover quite a bit of miles! We always like to use Gas Buddy to find the best gas prices along our route.

Theft is also quite prominent in major cities. Always make sure to be wary of your surroundings and keep your valuables with you and out of sight when exiting your car along Highway 1 Road Trip stops.

CAR SICKNESS

Also, it should be noted that there are a lot of curvy roads along the way. If you get carsick, make sure to take proper precautions!

CLEANLINESS ON THE ROAD

While road tripping for a week, you are likely going to want to shower. We love bringing our Rinsekit on road trips like this where we are typically car camping. It’s a portable shower that is so easy to just pack in the car so you can basically shower anywhere you want! We lay down a tarp we bought from Walmart and hang a towel across the back of the car with magnets for privacy, but you can also invest in a pop up shower tent to go along with your Rinsekit.

LENGTH OF YOUR HIGHWAY 1 ROAD TRIP

If you are dedicated and don’t mind driving a ton with less time at each stop, you could totally do this itinerary in 3 days. However, if you want to fully experience Highway 1, I’d recommend allotting 5-7 days to really experience each town along the way. Since the total drive is quite a bit of miles, it will be nice to pace your itinerary out a bit rather than rushing through the whole thing.

That being said, Stephen and I both work full time office jobs during the week and are able to do this road trip with modifications on a Friday Night-Sunday Night. If you have less time, I would cut out 3-4 of the stops listed below so that way you can still enjoy your Highway 1 Road Trip without feeling rushed. You’ll also have an excuse to come back and see the beauty of the California Coast again in the future!

EPIC HIGHWAY 1 ROAD TRIP ITINERARY

Any Highway 1 Road Trip is going to be jam packed with lots of beautiful spots and lots of driving. BUT, it’ll totally be worth it! Thankfully, the California Coast has some of the most scenic coastal viewpoints where your mind will be blown for the majority of the ride,

SANTA MONICA

Whether you love relaxing at the beach or hiking in the mountains, Santa Monica has a variety of things to do. Make sure to stop by the Santa Monica Pier and shop around the Third Street Promenade. If you are a history or fine arts lover, the Getty Villa is also close to Highway 1 and is a great little stop to enjoy beautiful views of the Santa Monica coastline.

For our avid hikers, check out Tuna Canyon for beginners, or one of our favorites in the Santa Monica recreation area called Sandstone Peak. If you head up to hike Sandstone Peak for sunrise or sunset, you may just get treated to a cloud inversion depending on the cloud elevation!

The Malibu coastline boasts some of the best beaches in all of California. My home beach of Zuma Beach is a classic one to visit to enjoy a summer day or learn how to surf. Leo Carrillo State Beach is another gorgeous option for a beautiful beach day.

For some classic brunch spots along the Malibu coast, check out Duke’s Malibu and try to get an early reservation for brunch outside for a view or Malibu Farm along the pier for a trendy (but expensive) brunch or cocktail with a gorgeous beach in front of you! If you are a wine lover, make sure to check out Malibu Wine Safari and Rosenthal Winery right along Highway 1.

For our outdoorsy lovers, check out Point Dume. If you love outdoor rock climbing, you can actually climb here! As previously mentioned, the surfing in the area is fantastic, or you can enjoy a variety of coastal hikes found here on All Trails. Finish up your time in Malibu with a sunset at El Matador State Beach.

OXNARD & VENTURA

This is our stomping ground, so if you’re ever in the area make sure to reach out and say hi! Check out the Oxnard or Ventura Harbor and even rent a kayak or paddleboard if you want to get out on the water. Enjoy a beautiful view of the beach towns up at Serra Cross, grab a delicious brew from Madewest Brewery on the Ventura Pier, and check out the surfers at Surfers Point before heading on up the coast further. If you want a more in- depth guide on just Ventura, check out this video on a day in the life of the gorgeous coastal city.

OPTIONAL HIGHWAY 1 ROAD TRIP ADD ON: CHANNEL ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK

While at either city harbor, you can check out Island Packers, where you can book a day trip or overnight trip to one of the Channel Islands in Channel Islands National Park! We recently did an overnight trip to Anacapa Island and it was beautiful, but you could definitely do it as a mini day trip! Santa Cruz is by far the most popular island and offers a lot more diversity on the island! Make sure if you decide to camp out there that you book your sites in coordination with your f erry tickets out to the islands.

Check out our Youtube video of our experience camping on Anacapa to see the full experience!

SANTA BARBARA

Just around 40 minutes north from Ventura, you’ll find a beautiful paradise in Santa Barbara. This city is a MUST stop along the way! Stephen and I both lived here for 4 years and it’s honestly our favorite city in all of California. There’s a little something for everyone.

For the adventure lovers, make a little detour from Highway 1 up the Santa Barbara Mountains via the 154 and check out Lizards Mouth or La Cumbre Peak for sunrise or sunset. If you are into hiking, check out Inspiration Point or 7 Falls Trail for beautiful views of the Santa Barbara Coast and the Channel Islands in the distance on a clear day. For more on Santa Barbara, check out our Couple’s Guide to Santa Barbara or our Santa Barbara videos on Youtube.

Make a stop at East Beach and set up your hammock or slackline among the palm trees. Swing by East Beach Tacos or La Superiqua for some amazing Mexican food for lunch. Some of our other favorite beaches in the area are Hendry’s Beach (dog-friendly, too, and has a great restaurant called Hendry’s Boat House there), as well as Butterfly Beach and Santa Claus Beach. There’s also the beach that is next to the Santa Barbara Pier which is often nice, and you can also rent kayaks or paddle boards here.

For the city lovers, check out the Funk Zone in downtown Santa Barbara for some of the finest wine, beer, and food. We always love checking out The Lark, Loquita, Helena Avenue Bakery, the Lucky Penny, Finneys, and there are so many more options for amazing restaurants in the area. Once you’re done exploring there, you can cruise on up to State Street and check out the amazing outdoor shopping and other dining opportunities. Lastly, make sure to get some ice cream from McConnell’s Ice Cream on State Street before heading to your next road trip stop!

North of Santa Barbara, you’ll encounter Gaviota, which is a quaint little area with beautiful, quieter beaches than Santa Barbara. We always love checking out Gaviota State Park! Our favorites are the Gaviota Hot Springs Hike as well as the Gaviota Wind Caves hike, which is a great one for kids as well. Please make sure to leave no trace and keep the trails better than you found them when recreating in these areas since they are more fragile and less maintained.

OCEANO & PISMO

We always love making a pit stop at the Oceano Sand Dunes right near Pismo Beach. If you’ve ever checked out the Sand Dunes in Death Valley, you probably won’t be as impressed. However, these dunes are still super fun to walk around. We love coming here for sunrise photography since there’s usually no one else around. Beware, walking on the sand is much more strenuous than you think though! Allot yourself more time than you think you’ll need when visiting here.

We love stopping at Brooks Burgers here for lunch before we keep heading up Highway 1.

AVILA BEACH

One of our favorite hidden gems along the coast is Avila Beach. Right after Pismo and right before you get to San Luis Obispo, check out Avila Beach. It is tucked away off the side of Highway 1 and is the cutest little beach town! We love parking in the beachfront area and ordering a pizza from Mission Pizza (their Maui Wowie pizza and Cheese Sticks are awesome) and having a beach side picnic. There’s also a cool mini hike down to Pirate’s Cove. This requires descending down a cliffside rope, so make sure to be wearing the right shoes and don’t do anything you aren’t comfortable with. Beware, you might see some nude people hanging around since there’s a neighboring nude beach right there as well!

SAN LUIS OBISPO

Stephen’s all time favorite donut place in California is SLO Donut Company and it’s right off of Highway 1. If you’re driving late, it’s open from 5am-12am (*check Yelp as hours may change with pandemic restrictions), and it has the best donuts and fantastic coffee.

We always love heading into downtown SLO as well for other restaurants, fun nightlife, and nice shopping. If you are a Spanish food lover, we cannot recommend the Paella from Luna Red enough.

SLO is also an adventure lovers playground. Bishop Peak offers several amazing outdoor climbing routes and an amazing view of the city when hiking the peak itself. Madonna Mountain, also known as Cerro San Luis, also offers some nice hikes. Another stop to include would be Terrace Hill for a beautiful view of the ocean.

Morro Bay State Park and Morro Strand State Park are amazing parks to check out if you have time. They both offer stunning views of Morro Rock and are great areas to sit and enjoy the sunset. If you have extra time, also add the nearby Montana De Oro State Park to the list. Monta De Oro State Park features rugged cliffs, quiet sandy beaches, coastal plains, streams, and more.

Unless you are into surfing, the only pitstop in Cayucos you really need to make is visiting the Brown Butter Cookie Company. You will thank us later. They have some of the best homemade cookies you will ever try.

San Simeon is home to the famous Elephant Seal Lookout and is pretty close to Hearst Castle as well. If you have kids, this is a great stop along your Highway 1 Road Trip! Due to the pandemic, Hearst Castle hasn’t been open recently; however, it’s definitely worth checking out when it reopens!

RAGGED POINT

Ragged Point is known as the “Portal to Big Sur.” It truly is the first amazing look at the Big Sur coast line on your way up from LA. We like to stop here for a coffee and we’ll take it around the property so we can look at all the beautiful viewpoints around the inn. If you are in need of some food, too, they usually have a cafe as well!

For more information on Big Sur specifically, make sure to check out our ultimate guide to Big Sur . This blog covers all information from campsites, hikes to do, and beaches to see across the Big Sur stretch of Highway 1.

We highly recommend checking out all of the following stops along the Big Sur Coast!

Sand Dollar Beach
Limekiln State Park
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Mcway Falls
Hike Partington Cove
Andrew Molera State Park
Bixby Bridge: Make sure to not park illegally here or you will get a ticket. People drive quite crazily trying to pull off here, so just be aware.
Notley’s Landing: if you blink, you might miss it! This is just a tiny little pullout for a few cars with a gorgeous look at Bixby Bridge from a far.
Garrapata State Park: One of the few dog friendly beach areas in Big Sur!

The Big Sur area, in particular, is especially known for limited accommodations. Make sure to know exactly where you will be camping or staying before since you can get in trouble for staying overnight on certain parts of Highway 1, and campgrounds fill up incredibly quickly.

Before you get to San Francisco, also try hitting Monterey, Santa Cruz, and Davenport along the way for beautiful views of beaches! Shark Fin Cove is also along the way if you happen to be driving by it for sunset.

Monterey is a beautiful coastal city right along Highway 1 after Big Sur. There are so many family friendly activities in Monterey. For a more in depth guide to exploring this beautiful area, check out our weekend recommendations for visiting Monterey .

SAN FRANCISCO

A note before visiting San Francisco, this city, especially now, has been experiencing more theft and break ins ever than before. Please remember when visiting to take all of your valuables with you and leave nothing in sight in your car or van to prevent theft. If you can’t find a reputable campground, there are a variety of hotel options as well.

As more outdoorsy people, we hardly ever venture into the city because of the insane amount of traffic and trash. HOWEVER, we try to make a point to hit the following spots in San Francisco when doing our typical Highway 1 Road Trip.

Battery Spencer
Bunker Hill Hike
Golden Gate Overlook
Baker Beach
Marshall’s Beach
Muir Woods National Monument (Make sure to make a parking reservation ahead of time!)
Muir Beach Overlook
Mt. Tamalpais State park
Stinson Beach

Food wise, Aristicault’s Bakery is a MUST for pastry lovers. Their croissants are seriously next level. When we take people with us to visit SF, we will also do the touristy clam chowder bowls down in Fisherman’s Wharf or take them to the Ferry Building to look around.

POINT REYES NATIONAL MONUMENT

Point Reyes was one of those spots that we had little expectations for, but it absolutely blew us away! That’s why we chose to end the road trip itinerary here! Make sure to hit the Cypress Tree Tunnel and the Lighthouse area to take in mind blowing views of the California Coast line that almost compare to those of Iceland’s Black Sand Beach.

If you are lucky enough to have more time in this area, definitely check out the hikes in the monument. The coastal bluffs are ridiculously beautiful.

And that’s it for this itinerary! If you continue on heading up North via Highway 1, you’ll get some amazing chances to visit the Redwoods. But we’ll save that for a specific Northern California Road Trip itinerary! If you decide to do a more Northern CA road trip, we would recommend picking up your campervan in San Francisco and doing a loop from there.

Have you ever taken a road trip up Highway 1? If so, which spot was your favorite?

The Lovers Passport is reader-supported. Your engagement on this site allows us to bring you this content for free! Since this website contains affiliate links, if you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It’s one of the ways I can keep producing free guides and resources for all of our readers. This has absolutely no effect on our recommendations or evaluations and all opinions are our own. Thanks for supporting our adventures!

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The Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

Get ready to enjoy a scenic Highway 1 road trip. Our Pacific Coast Highway itinerary highlights the best places to stop along the way.

February 16, 2024

“It is all very beautiful and magical here—a quality which cannot be described. You have to live it and breathe it, let the sun bake it into you.” ― Ansel Adams

Brisk, salty air flows through your hair, sweeping curves captivate your senses, and cliffside views take your breath away. Taking a road trip down the Pacific Coast Highway feels like a right of passage and reminds us that it’s as much about the journey as it is about the destination.

So, load up on your favorite California-made snacks , fill the gas tank, secure your surfboard, turn on the radio, and get ready for the ultimate Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) road trip . Whether you've recently gotten your car repaired by a mechanic or you’re fresh off the lot , there’s no better way to show off your whip than to take it for a ride along 655 miles of California’s coastline.

Known as one of the most scenic drives in the country, the PCH—also called Highway 1—runs next to the ocean’s crashing waves, from Leggett in Mendocino County all the way down to Dana Point in Orange County . With so many miles to cover, considering all the potential Pacific Coast Highway stops can seem daunting—but we found the best road trip sights along the way, so relax and make the most of every minute.

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary: Day 1

Begin your adventure at the starting point of Highway 1, located just beyond Capistrano Beach in Dana Point. You will have an enjoyable and scenic 45-minute drive that takes you past the picturesque Laguna Beach , skirts the edges of Crystal Cove State Park, and brings you close to the Newport Beach Pier, before you reach your destination at Huntington Beach.

Huntington Beach

Dubbed “Surf City USA”, this stop is a must on any true California coastal road trip . Pull over, grab your surfboard, and jump into the swells to really experience the Golden State. After catching the perfect wave, it’s time to climb back into the car, roll down the windows, and breathe in the fresh air as you make your way up the state.

Venice Beach

After driving on Highway 1 for about two hours, you’ll come upon Venice Beach. Between the street performers, local artists, eclectic shops, and gorgeous views of the pier in the distance, this destination is well worth the time spent off the road. Appreciate the quirky culture of the Venice Beach Boardwalk and explore the iconic Venice canals to stay along the water’s edge.

If the beach is not calling, however, head inland to grab a slice of vegan pizza , visit the art museums of downtown Los Angeles , see the Hollywood Walk of Fame , or admire the architecture of Beverly Hills mansions.

Santa Monica

Once you’re done exploring Venice, make your way to Santa Monica. The Santa Monica Pier is worth a trip, so take a ride on the ferris wheel at Pacific Park and grab a bite to eat for dinner. With a long day under your belt, spend a luxurious evening in town , rest your head at one of the nearby hotels, and get ready for the adventures awaiting on the next leg of your trip.

Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary: Day 2

The following morning, make the short drive up to Malibu to look at the coastal homes and enjoy breakfast at one of the local restaurants. Stop by the rocky coves, cliffs, and headlands at Point Dume, and practice your skills at one of the most scenic rock-climbing spots in California . Then, take in the views of the San Fernando Valley from Topanga Overlook before continuing on.

Drive north to Ventura to take a surf break at Surfers Point, see the long Ventura Pier where fishermen cast their lines, walk around Ventura Harbor Village, visit the town’s historical sights, and discover beauty within the art galleries.

Santa Barbara

From Ventura, it’s a short jaunt to Santa Barbara , where the rolling hills and sweeping vineyards show the agricultural power of the California coast. Indulge in the local goods, dine alfresco, and hike around the varied landscape before hitting the road again.

San Luis Obispo

Spend some time getting to know the Central Coast’s surf scene to see how it stands up to Southern California’s reputation. Then, explore Pismo Beach’s oceanside parks, farmers market, shopping outlets, and butterfly grove before enjoying a picnic on the sand. After walking around this beloved beach town, head slightly inland to San Luis Obispo .

Admire the Spanish architecture, meander through the museums, snap a pic in the quirky Bubblegum Alley, and check in to the vibrant Madonna Inn for a charming overnight experience unlike any other.

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary: Day 3

Drive for 45 minutes and start the day with a 15-minute excursion inland to San Simeon to tour the elaborate Hearst Castle. While mansions are anything but rare in Southern California, this opulent residence showcases the impressively lavish life of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst , whose home included 165 rooms on 127 acres complete with pools, fountains, and precisely landscaped gardens.

Savor the ocean views from the balconies before heading into town to check out one of the industry-changing surf shops : Hobie Surf Shop. Add another surfboard to your collection, then find your way back onto Highway 1 to experience more of the breathtaking coastline.

In the morning, venture on toward the hot springs , rolling dunes, and unbeatable seafood of Big Sur . Take a short hike to see McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park , then continue on to cross the oft-photographed Bixby Bridge and experience the rugged coastal views from atop one of the tallest single-span concrete bridges in the world. Just north of here, you’ll find the quaint town of Carmel-by-the-Sea , followed by the popular destination of Monterey.

Take some time to explore the aquarium, Cannery Row, and Old Fisherman’s Wharf that make Monterey one of the best stops along the coast . Just on the other side of Monterey Bay, you’ll find the adorable town of Capitola, followed by the ultimate beach-bum town.

Take the opportunity to surf the waves and ride the roller coasters that epitomize the Santa Cruz lifestyle . Stroll around to see the boutiques and eateries that exude the coastal vibe and the California dream before continuing north.

For a slight detour, jump on Highway 17 to San Jose to witness the incredibly unusual Winchester Mystery House . This supposedly haunted mansion has been under continual construction since 1884, due to Sarah Winchester’s wishes and the upkeep that comes along with having the eccentric home open to the public.

Half Moon Bay

After exploring the unique San Jose landmark, take Highway 9 south toward Santa Cruz and drive through Castle Rock State Park, or travel north through Mountain View to catch Highway 84, which meets up with Highway 1 again at San Gregorio. Either road will lead you to Half Moon Bay for exclusive beaches and decadent seaside eateries. Once you’ve had your fill of adventures for the day, check in to a nearby hotel and catch the sunset before turning in.

Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary: Day 4

San Francisco

A Highway 1 road trip isn’t complete without a stop in San Francisco . Enjoy sumptuous spoonfuls of clam chowder from a sourdough bread bowl ; indulge in a bar of Dandelion Chocolate ; and say hello to Karl the Fog (who will undoubtedly stop by). Then, drive across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and visit Sausalito for stunning views of the city before traveling west toward Point Reyes.

Point Reyes

Soon, you’ll find Muir Woods National Monument , which provides the perfect scenery for a forested hike . Continue your outdoor adventure in nearby Stinson Beach and walk around Point Reyes before driving through Bodega Bay.

Pull off the road in the seaside town of Bodega Bay , and go on a horseback ride to take full advantage of the environs. Sit on the sand to admire the waves, bluffs, and beauty that surrounds you before you tackle the curvy section of the PCH, which eventually leads to Timber Cove Resort —one of the best places to stop on the Pacific Coast Highway.

Check in for the evening, capture the view with a photograph or two, and savor the flavors of sustainable seafood and local produce at Coast Kitchen. Listen to a record and enjoy a pour-over by the fireplace to experience a truly decadent evening in.

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary: Day 5

Spend the morning relaxing in your room, then set out toward Mendocino . Watch the waves become rougher as the inland scenery incorporates denser brush and taller trees. Get out of the car in Mendocino to look at the historic architecture, making sure to drive north to Fort Bragg to see the intriguingly beautiful Glass Beach.

Cruise northeast for just over an hour and you’ll find yourself in Leggett, completing the last portion of the drive. When Highway 1 ends, turn around , and prepare yourself as you begin the Pacific Coast Highway road trip from north to south . S top by the colorful fruit stands, fishing villages, intimate beaches, and bustling towns that caught your eye on the way up. Returning home with a happy car and even better memories will leave you eager to plan your next California road trip .

Ready for another adventure? Check out the sites worth stopping for on Route 66 .

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The Perfect Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

Where to stay, eat, and sightsee on the drive between San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Laura Itzkowitz is a freelance writer and editor based in Rome. She has been contributing to Travel + Leisure since 2014, when she started as a fact checker before becoming a contributing digital editor in 2015 and going freelance in 2016. She has also held positions as a contributing editor at The Points Guy and the NYC cities editor at DuJour Magazine. In addition to Travel + Leisure , her writing has appeared in Architectural Digest , Surface Magazine , Brooklyn Magazine , T Magazine , The Wall Street Journal , Vogue, GQ, Departures, Afar, Fodor's, Town & Country , Condé Nast Traveler , Robb Report , Hemispheres, and others. When she's not jetsetting around Italy and beyond, she can be found in Rome, enjoying some cacio e pepe or relaxing at home with her husband and two dogs. Originally from the Boston area, Laura moved to New York City in 2011 to pursue a master's degree in creative writing and translation at Columbia University. She also holds a bachelor's degree in French from Smith College. * 10+ years of experience writing and editing * Co-wrote "New York: Hidden Bars & Restaurants," an award-winning guide to New York City's speakeasy scene published by Jonglez Editions in 2015 * Contributed to "Fodor's Brooklyn," published by Penguin Random House in 2015, which won silver in the Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism competition * Contributed an essay to "Epic Hikes of Europe," published by Lonely Planet in 2021 * Updated the 2022 edition of "Fodor's Essential Italy"

California’s Pacific Coast Highway is one of America’s most scenic drives, with stunning bluffs and designated vista points featuring sparkling ocean views. While Highway 1 extends more than 600 miles, the most photogenic stretch can be found along California’s Central Coast between San Francisco and Los Angeles. In addition to picturesque panoramas, this classic road trip offers plenty of restaurants (Korean barbecue!), beaches (Santa Barbara!), and attractions (the Henry Miller Memorial Library!) along the way.

I hit the road with the mission of plotting out the best itinerary for a weekend trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Here's my play-by-play guide, complete with stops for photos in Big Sur, antique shopping in Solvang, and craft cocktails at one of L.A.'s coolest bars.

Looking to finally take that perfect Pacific Coast Highway road trip? Read on.

Breakfast at the Ferry Building Marketplace in San Francisco.

If you're departing from San Francisco, it's a good idea to kick-start your Pacific Coast Highway road trip with a hearty breakfast. Welcome to the Ferry Building Marketplace on the Embarcadero, an 1898 transit hub that's something of an icon thanks to its handsome white clock tower. Inside, you'll find artisanal bakeries, cheese shops, cafes, and a mushroom shop. Grab a cup of joe from the Oakland-born Blue Bottle Coffee and a pastry at the Acme Bread Company .

Stop for photos at Bixby Bridge in Big Sur.

Valerie de Leon/Travel + Leisure

It'll take you about three hours to reach Big Sur from San Francisco, and by then you'll be ready to stretch your legs. As soon as you hit the section of the Pacific Coast Highway connecting Carmel-by-the-Sea to Big Sur, you'll start seeing vista points where you can pull off the road and take photos. Be sure not to miss the one approaching Bixby Bridge. Sure, there will be plenty of other tourists getting out of their cars to take selfies, but with a stunning view like that, how can you blame them? Join in and snap away — you'll want to remember this landscape forever.

Lunch in Big Sur with breathtaking views.

After you've filled your camera roll, it's time to fill your stomach. If you feel like splurging, the Post Ranch Inn's restaurant Sierra Mar offers a $75 prix fixe lunch menu and a chance to dine at a clifftop restaurant with a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. For more casual fare with equally fantastic ocean views, stop at Nepenthe , which serves sandwiches and salads in a rustic lodge dating back to the 1940s.

Visit the Henry Miller Memorial Library.

Big Sur has inspired many famous writers, and seeing the natural beauty of the cliffs overlooking the Pacific, it's easy to understand why. Walt Whitman wrote about its charms, and the Beats were drawn to the enchanting landscape and bohemian way of life. Henry Miller lived in Big Sur from 1944 to 1962, and his experiences informed his book "Big Sur and the Oranges of Hieronymous Bosch." After Miller died in 1980, his good friend, the painter and writer Emil White, founded the Henry Miller Memorial Library within his own home — now an art-filled reading room, bookstore, and performance venue in the heart of the woods.

Spend a night in Big Sur.

If you want to stay overnight in Big Sur, the Post Ranch Inn is an excellent choice. There's also Alila Ventana Big Sur , which landed a spot on the T+L 500 best hotels of 2023 list and boasts villas and glamping tents spread out over 160 acres of redwood forest, a restaurant overlooking the ocean, and a spa that uses organic and locally made skin care products. As you sip your morning coffee with views of the Pacific, you might never want to leave.

Stop to see the elephant seals in San Simeon.

As you continue south on the Pacific Coast Highway, you won't want to miss the Elephant Seal Rookery at San Piedras Beach in San Simeon. Over 15,000 elephant seals migrate here every year. From the viewing platform, you can watch them sunbathe and flop around on the sand.

Get your retail fix in Solvang.

Nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley is the charmingly anomalous town of Solvang , which was settled in the early 20th century by Danish pioneers. Take a quick detour off the Pacific Coast Highway to explore quaint streets full of Danish architecture, antique shops, restaurants, and more. The town square features a bust of Hans Christian Andersen and a replica of Copenhagen's famous Little Mermaid statue. Pop into the family-owned Mortensen's Danish Bakery for strudel, butter cookies, and other treats.

Rest and refuel near Santa Barbara.

You'll be ready for a good meal and some R&R at one of the best hotels in Santa Barbara after a full day of driving. Just outside of Santa Barbara, The Leta Santa Barbara Goleta, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, offers both — plus cocktails and SoCal vibes. The easygoing hotel centers on the pool, where bands perform some evenings, and people gather around fire pits with margaritas and beers. Grab a table at the restaurant and order fish tacos, ahi poke nachos, and cauliflower tempura for an eclectic feast. After dinner, unwind with a nightcap at the bar or head up to your room, with its plush bed, coastal furnishings, and turntable.

Breakfast at Renaud's Patisserie in Santa Barbara.

In the morning, head over to Renaud's Patisserie , a Santa Barbara institution just a short drive from the Leta. Sample their excellent pastries, or order organic eggs prepared any style for a heartier meal.

Enjoy the art and views at the Getty Center.

Before heading into the heart of Los Angeles, stop at the Getty Center to get your culture fix. Oil tycoon and art collector J. Paul Getty originally built the Getty Villa in Malibu to house his collection of European art. His foundation continues to fund the museum and the Getty Center, designed by Richard Meier. Ride the tram up to the top of the hill and spend a few hours exploring the galleries and grounds — they have excellent views thanks to their elevated vantage point.

Explore Los Angeles' most dynamic neighborhood.

The Line LA is not only a great base for exploring the city's hip Koreatown neighborhood, but it's also a destination in and of itself. The hotel's revamped midcentury building features a raw but polished aesthetic (think exposed concrete custom furnishings and original art), a great restaurant by renowned chef Josiah Citrin, a cafe, an outdoor pool, and multiple bars including the '80s-themed Break Room 86 (complete with private karaoke chambers). Be sure to request a room with a view of the Hollywood Hills — the beds face the windows. so you can wake up to a stunning vista.

Feast on Korean barbecue at Park's BBQ.

While you could easily stay within the bounds of the Line and dine at Openaire , you'd be remiss not to venture out and see what else the neighborhood has to offer. Beeline to Park's BBQ , a no-frills restaurant in a strip mall, for authentic Korean barbecue that draws locals and celebrities alike. Feast on shrimp or Wagyu beef grilled tableside and a smorgasbord of sides, including veggies and savory kimchi pancakes.

Best Stops on Highway 1: California Road Trip Itinerary

Post Topic: Best Stops on Highway 1

Our road trip down the coast on California’s Highway 1 was a bittersweet one. It was the start of a long road trip back to the Lone Star State. Randy and I had spent over five months away from home, working remotely, and exploring America’s vast beauty and diversity. We had mixed feelings about heading back to Dallas, but we were just trying to soak up every last minute of our epic trip.

After heading up to Redwoods National Park and making it within 5 miles of the Oregon border (still kicking ourselves for not crossing that border), we were a grand total of 2,100 miles away from home. We started our grand trek home with an unforgettable trip down the California Coast on the famous Highway 1.

Is your California Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip a part of a longer trip? You may also like these articles:

10 Can’t Miss Stops on the Oregon Coast

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Disclaimer: This post contains some affiliate links, which means if you buy something through those links my blog will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me to create free resources like the one you just read. Thank you for the support!

Map of the Best Stops on Highway 1

You can experience the magic of Highway 1 from either direction. Although, I do highly recommend driving from north to south as you’ll have the ocean views and pull offs to the right.

Leggett to San Francisco: Best Stops on Highway 1

Did you know that Highway 1 doesn’t go all the way up California to the border of Oregon? It actually starts much further south in Leggett, California.

If yo u’re wanting to explore the coast of California north of the start of CA-1, check out my post on Redwoods National Park which has lots to see and do on the coast.

There’s actually not much to do in Leggett, but it’s where we’ll start this road trip. The first city you’ll come to on the California 1 is Fort Bragg where you can check out the Glass Beach in MacKerricher State Park .

A bit further south you’ll find Jug Handle Beach, which wasn’t originally on our road trip itinerary. As we were driving past, I got a glimpse of this small beach perfectly situated in a little alcove and I insisted that Randy pull the car over for a quick stroll on the beach. So glad we did!

Mendocino is a short drive south from Fort Bragg. Check out Mendocino Headlands State Park for insane views of the coastal bluffs. There are a couple of easy trails along the cliffs that provide epic sights of the ocean and rock formations below. Keep your eyes open for seals and other wildlife in the area.

After checking out the state park, spend some time strolling the streets of charming Mendocino. Some great local places to check out are Mendocino Country Store , which offers wine tastings on the weekends, and Mendocino Jams and Preserves.

Up for some exercise? Head to the Big River Estuary and rent a kayak from Catch a Canoe or check out one of the nearby hiking trails.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Our next big stop on the Pacific Coast Highway is Point Reyes National Seashore . Point Reyes was one of the places that I was most excited to visit on our road trip down the coast. Unfortunately, we visited on a day with super dense fog that impeded our view of a lot of the most popular landmarks in the park.

If you’re wanting to “better your chances” of seeing the famous Point Reyes Lighthouse and other sights, plan to visit in the afternoon after the sun has burned off most of the fog.

Here’s a few things to see while you’re at Point Reyes:

Visit the abandoned Point Reyes Shipwreck in Inverness . This interesting landmark is a must-see!
Take a short hike to the Chimney Rocks , one of the best views in Point Reyes National Seashore.
Visit the iconic Point Reyes Lighthouse . What’s a coastal drive without a few lighthouses?

Palace Market in Point Reyes Station is the perfect place to grab a deli lunch. Head to the back of the grocery store for a selection of pre-made and build-your-own sandwiches that are delicious and super fresh! Their buffalo milk soft-serve ice cream is also delicious and worth a try!

Stinson Beach

Stinson Beach is located only an hour north of San Francisco and is known for its long sandy beaches. It’s also the first town on this road trip that gives off a surf-town vibe.

If it’s a sunny day, park your car at the beach and then spend some time strolling the walkable tiny town.

Wanting more epic views of the coast? If it’s a clear day, head up to the Muir Beach Overlook .

San Francisco Area: Best Stops on Highway 1

Next up, the great city of San Francisco! If you can, stay here for a couple of days to take in all of the sights and sounds.

San Francisco has a special place in my heart as it was the first city I traveled to as an adult. Planning that trip did a lot to inspire me to start this blog. I actually wrote my first blog post ever on San Francisco, which I’ve since revamped. Go check it out here!

There’s lots to do here but make sure that you check out these epic stops on Highway 1!

But before you actually get to San Francisco, stop at Muir Woods National Monument which is in Mill Valley, just 30 minutes north of the city. Muir Woods, named after naturalist John Muir, is one of the best places in California to see the Coastal Redwoods. Parking at Muir Woods requires a reservation which you can obtain here .

You can easily spend a couple of hours or all day hiking the trails in Muir Woods. I recommend hiking the Main Trail and Hillside Trail for an easy loop trail that features the best views of Redwood Trees that Muir Woods has to offer.

San Francisco

No California Coast road trip would be complete without a drive over the Golden Gate Bridge. For a different vantage point of the bridge, check out Fort Point, Marshall’s Beach , and Golden Gate Overlook . Riding a bike across the Golden Gate is also an unforgettable experience.

Continuing along highway 1, you’ll find lots of great beaches in SF like Ocean Beach . I once found over a dozen perfectly intact sand dollars from this beach.

Note: If you plan to fly home, sand dollars may trigger an additional search at airport security . I may or may not know this from experience.

Add Golden Gate Park to your San Francisco Highway 1 itinerary. Fun fact, Golden Gate Park is the 3rd most visited park in the United States. You’ll find lots of great museums, gardens, and even a Dutch windmill.

Is this your first visit to San Francisco? Check out my First Timer’s Guide to San Francisco.

San Francisco to Big Sur: Best Stops on Highway 1

We didn’t make too many stops on our way to Big Sur from San Francisco but there are a few places that we highly recommend stopping at. One of those places is the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve to explore the tide pools. This stop is a must if you’re traveling with kids! Spend some time hunting for crabs and other sea creatures – you may also be able to see sea lions down the beach.

Further down the coast, check out the Pigeon Point Light Station State Park , one of the most picturesque lighthouses on this coastal road trip. If you’re visiting this area near lunch or dinner time, make a stop at Highway 1 Brewing Company for some bites and brews.

No trip down the Pacific Coast would be complete without a stop in Monterrey . While we only made a quick stop in Monterrey, you could easily spend several days in this part of California.

If you’re looking to get out of the car and stretch your legs, walk the Monterrey Bay Coastal Trail. Or rent a bike and explore on two-wheels! Carmel Beach is a great spot to soak up some rays.

Monterrey (and Carmel-by-the-Sea) is located just north of Big Sur which makes it a great place to stop for food and essentials before continuing south where amenities and services become limited.

Big Sur: Best Stops on Highway 1

Big Sur is by far the most popular and well-known section of the Pacific Coast Highway and it’s not hard to figure out why. This 90-mile stretch of coast is absolutely breath-taking around every bend.

Although some disagree on where the Big Sur area begins and ends, most agree that the northern end starts at the Carmel River and the southern end, San Carpoforo Creek.

There are many state parks, state beaches, coastal hikes, redwood tree groves, and other amazing things to see in Big Sur. And like I just mentioned, this area is full of incredible nature parks but few food and gas services so make sure you plan accordingly.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is by far a favorite stop in Big Sur. The park is only a few minutes from the town of Carmel, California.

There is a $10 parking fee to enter the park, but there were many visitors who were parking along the road outside of the park and walking in for free. This was a popular method but also a necessity for some as parking in the park did fill up mid-morning.

The views at Point Lobos were some of the most picturesque we saw on the entire Pacific Coast Highway.

Other things to see in Big Sur

If you’ve seen pictures of Big Sur before, you’ll probably recognize the Bixby Creek Bridge . This iconic bridge is most known for its aesthetic design and is actually one of the most photographed bridges in the world!

Next on your road trip, make a stop at Pfeiffer beach . This was VERY high on my list of places to see, however, the parking situation was horrible. We weren’t even able to make it to the parking lot because at attendant turned us away saying to come back later than afternoon. And unfortunately, we had to stick to a schedule and keep making our way south. So next time, we’ll be making time for Pfeiffer Beach and arriving earlier in the day.

Nearly across the street from Pfeiffer Beach is Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park . A GREAT place for camping if you can manage to snag a hard-to-get reservation. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is located on the banks of the Big Sur River and is home to many more of California’s incredible Redwood Trees. Even if you’re not camping, there are a few hiking trails along the river and Redwoods that are worth checking out.

Another one of the most beautiful stops on the Pacific Coast Highway is McWay Falls in Julia Burns Big Sur State Park. This water fall is absolutely stunning as it cascades off a cliff and onto the beach below.

Unfortunately, you are unable to hike down to the waterfall and the only way to see this incredible wonder is from a lookout above the falls. The parking fee at Julia Burns Big Sur is $10/vehicle. But if you are able to find parking along the road (and park LEGALLY), then you can walk into the park for free.

We found Julia Burns Big Sur State Park very crowded but the waterfall was simply breathtaking and so worth it. And I usually don’t say crowded spots are worth it.

Big Sur to Santa Barbara: Best Stops on Highway 1

After you leave Big Sur, make a stop at Elephant Seal Vista Point to see the funny-looking elephant seals. These awkward looking creatures are really a funny sight to watch. Between their goofy looking “elephant trunks” and their grumpy attitudes. The vista point is right off the highway and makes a perfect 10-15 minute stop.

Next up, make a stop in the city of Cayucos for delicious eats and fun shopping. The Brown Butter Cookie Company is a must for their shortbread cookies. If you’re ready for a real meal with a view, check out Schooners for some classic American Seafood. They’re located right by the pier, so after your meal, walk out on the pier and watch the local surfers riding the waves.

Morro Rock is located further south and is another incredible sight to see. Morro Rock Beach is one of the largest beaches I’ve seen. Stop here for a walk or a swim.

I highly recommending you plan your itinerary to be in Pismo Beach for breakfast. A stop at Old West Cinnamon Rolls is a must. You can thank me later.

Santa Barbara

The very last stop on this epic road trip is the city of Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara is actually the first spot on this road trip that you’ll get to experience what many people consider to be the stereo-typical California sights – think Spanish style architecture and streets lined with palm trees.

Spend your time exploring the sights of Santa Barbara, like the Old Mission Santa Barbara, Stearns Wharf, or Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. Or simply spend the day laying on a warm sunny beach like East Beach.

If you’re interested in indulging in a whale watching tour on your trip down the coast, Santa Barbara is the perfect place to do that. You’ll find many whale watching tours departing from here.

Bonus Stop: Channel Islands National Park

If you have an extra day in the Santa Barbara area, consider a day trip to Channel Islands National Park. Island Packers operates tour boats from Ventura, California (and sometimes Santa Barbara) to various islands in the national park.

We did a day trip to Santa Cruz Island from Ventura a couple of years ago, and it was an outstanding experience! I highly recommend taking the time to do this incredible excursion. Especially if you’re an avid hiker.

Pack These for a California Highway 1 Road Trip

1. good hiking shoes.

There are so many great hiking trails on the California Coast! Especially in the state parks in Big Sur.

It’s super important to wear sturdy hiking shoes or sandals on the trails. I wear brands like Merrell Moab 2 Mid Ventilator , Teva Universal Trail (trail sandal) , and Timberland Mt. Maddsen Mid Waterproof . My husband, who is very prone to ankle injuries, wears Salomon X Ultra Low GTX and swears by them.

I love being able to switch between a solid hiking boot and a trail sandal with excellent traction on the easier or wet trails. I’m very prone to blisters and having different shoes to change into makes a world of difference.

2. Water Bottle & Hydration pack

It’s important to stay hydrated on hiking trails. Even if the conditions are wet & rainy and you may not think about drinking water.

To keep your drink extra cold, go with a Hydroflask , which is vacuum-sealed and keeps your liquids cold for up to 24 hours. If you’re looking for something a bit more lightweight, go with the traditional Nalgene .

On longer hikes, fill up your Ospry Hydraulics Reservoir to keep your water easily accessible & hands free. My favorite day pack that accommodates a hydration bladder is the Osprey Mira 22 Hydration Pack .

3. Snacks & More Snacks

Every good road trip requires good snacks. Make sure you bring enough energy-boosting food to get you through the day. full of driving & hiking.

Some of our favorite road trip and trail snacks are the traditional PB&J, grapes, trail mixes, Go Macro Bars , and RX Bars .

4. Wool Clothes & Moisture Wicking Clothes

I HIGHLY recommend wool material clothes for both road trips and hiking. Wool is the best at keep your cool when the temperatures are warm and keeping you warm when it’s cold out. It’s natural fibers are great for pulling the moisture and sweat away from your body and don’t cause the build-up of bacteria. Meaning wool clothes won’t start to smell like your polyester shirt!

These Icebreaker T-Shirts have been a favorite of mine recently, they’re excellent at keeping you dry. And the best part is that they don’t stink even after a long sweaty day on the trail!

6. Lots of Layers (including a Rain Jacket)

You can expect the temperatures on the coast to be cooler than you expect. Literally. In the middle of July, I didn’t go many places without my puffer jacket (although I was still wearing shorts). Definitely pack and carry a jacket with you. Especially during an early morning or late evening hike.

A rain jacket is absolutely essential. Rain on the coast is very likely.

More California Adventures

10 Unforgettable Things to Do on Your First Trip to San Francisco
A Perfect Weekend in Sequoia and Kings Canyon

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The Perfect Highway 1 Road Trip Through California

Don't travel this iconic route without hitting up great camping, hiking, surfing, and more along the way

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California’s Highway 1 is a perennial favorite for adventurous road-trippers—and for good reason. You can visit the sunny beaches of San Diego, the wine country of the central coast, the rugged cliffs of Big Sur, and the towering redwoods of Mendocino without ever leaving the road. Sections of the iconic highway were closed due to wildfire and mudslides for over a year, but these reopened in July 2018 and the route is eager for visitors. Along the way, score dreamy campsites overlooking the Pacific Ocean or post up at the many revamped retro hotels that dot the route. Tackle the whole thing, or take it on piecemeal by planning a trip for one of the sections below.

San Diego to Santa Barbara

Start from the southern end of Highway 1 in San Diego, where you’ll find a thriving craft-beer scene, friendly surf breaks, and 65 miles of trails in the city’s 1,200-acre Balboa Park . Stay in Hotel del Coronado (from $323), a historic guesthouse on Coronado Island in the heart of San Diego Bay, and don’t miss the ever changing collection of small plates, like pork shoulder with bacon-braised lentils and black trumpet mushrooms, at the award-winning restaurant Juniper and Ivy in the city’s Harbor View neighborhood.

Crystal Cove , near Newport Beach (south of Los Angeles), has oceanfront cottages and private rooms for rent starting at just $37 a night, or continue north and hit Sandy’s Beach Shack in Huntington Beach for mahi-mahi tacos, beer, and a surf session before checking into Malibu’s Surfrider Hotel (from $369), a revamped 1950s-era motel with wetsuits and surfboards for rent and a rooftop deck. Near Santa Barbara, Skyview Los Alamos (from $179) is another renovated motel, this one with outdoor showers overlooking wine country and loaner mountain bikes for exploring the area’s miles of quality singletrack.

The Central Coast

Camp, sandboard, or drive ATVs on more than five miles of sand dunes in Oceano Dunes State Park , and check out the history of skateboarding at the Morro Bay Skateboard Museum . Then be sure to grab a scoop of Harmony Valley Creamery ice cream at the legendary Thursday-night farmers’ market in San Luis Obispo. The Hotel San Luis Obispo (from $445) opens in June, or check out the town’s eccentric Madonna Inn (from $109), where you can stay in a rock-lined room designed to mimic the granite walls of Yosemite.

Instead of continuing north on Highway 1, make a short detour inland to visit the wineries that surround Paso Robles in addition to a new multi-acre installation from artist Bruce Munro called Field of Light , where you can wander among 58,800 solar-powered spheres that light up the night. Back on route, spot elephant seals on the beach in the seaside village of Cambria, and book a tour of Hearst Castle in San Simeon to take in the art, gardens, and free-roaming zebras that were once part of William Randolph Hearst’s private zoo.

Big Sur to San Francisco

Stop off in Limekiln State Park and you’ll find a secluded beach and views of the Big Sur coast. Then hike the trails and pitch a tent in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park , which should reopen sometime this summer after a storm damaged it in early February. From there, it’s just an hour north to Big Sur proper and the surf breaks at Sand Dollar Beach. If you’re in search of some luxe accommodations, opt for a safari-style tent nestled in a redwood forest at Ventana Big Sur (from $450), which overlooks the ocean and has Japanese-inspired hot baths and a gallery featuring the works of local artists. Can’t-miss eats in the area include the cookies at Big Sur Bakery and the Ambrosia burger on the outdoor patio at Nepenthe .

On your way north toward San Francisco, Carmel Coffee , in the charming one-square-mile town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, has espresso and surprisingly good ramen bowls, and there’s quality mountain biking in Santa Cruz’s Demo Forest , just south of San Francisco. Don’t miss the freshly baked artichoke bread at Norm’s Market in the old fishing town of Pescadero, just off Highway 1, and the sunset from San Gregorio State Beach .

Mill Valley to Mendocino

Once Highway 1 crosses the Golden Gate Bridge, you’ll be treated to vast stretches of empty, jagged coastline and little towns worth long pit stops. Start with a mountain-bike ride or a trail run with ocean views in Mount Tamalpais State Park , north of Muir Beach, where mountain biking first got its start. There’s a well-loved surf break in Bolinas—and good beta and gear at the town’s 2 Mile Surf Shop , which rents boards and offers lessons—if you can find the turnoff for this unmarked beach town . Fuel up with tasty tacos in an old lifeguard tower at Siren Canteen in Stinson Beach.

In Guerneville, AutoCamp (from $190) rents decked-out Airstreams for a night along the Russian River and provides canoes for a mellow paddle. Or book yourself into the Bodega Bay Lodge (from $189), which has recently renovated rooms on a rocky bluff above the sea. In Mendocino, Catch a Canoe and Bicycles Too rents paddleboards and bikes and offers guided boat tours on outrigger canoes up the Big River, which flows into Mendocino Bay. From there the highway continues along the coast for a few dozen miles before turning inland to join Highway 101.

San Francisco
Santa Barbara

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The Ultimate California Coast Road Trip – All the Best Stops Along the PCH

Big Sur / California / In the City / North America / Outdoors / USA

Planning a California Coast Road Trip? These are all the best stops!

It’s hard to beat the views of road-tripping along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). It’s one of the most scenic drives in the world. The PCH (also called State Route 1, Cabrillo Highway, Shoreline Highway, or Coast Highway) runs 655.8 miles between Orange County and Mendocino County, and this guide takes you up the entire coast.

You can do any portion of this drive and split it into multiple trips depending on how much you want to explore each area. We have suggestions for places to check out along the way, and you can click the links to more in-depth guides.

California Coastal Highway Road Trip - All the Best Places to Stops on the Pacific Coast Highway - from San Diego to Crescent City including stops in Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Big Sur, Monterey, San Francisco, Mendocino and more // localadventurer.com

This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: June 14, 2024

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San Diego – Los Angeles
Los Angeles – San Luis Obispo (SLO)
SLO to Monterey

Monterey to San Francisco

San francisco to mendocino, mendocino to crescent city.

A Map to Help You Get Around
Best Places to Stay
Essential Tips for First-Time Visitors

Planning Checklist

More Resources

The Ultimate California Coast Road Trip

We did our guide from South to North because we lived in San Diego and LA, and they’re both easy starting points to fly into. If you’re visiting from out of state and only plan on driving a portion of the coast, we suggest flying into SF and going from North to South to have better coast views and easier access to pullouts.

San Diego to Los Angeles

Distance: 132 Miles / 4 hr

Although the PCH doesn’t technically start until Dana Point, we started our guide in San Diego. It’s an easy place to fly into, and we loved it so much while living here.

San Diego – Mile 0 →

San Diego was one of our favorite places to live. Its chill vibe, surfing culture, and beautiful beaches make it a perfect place to start. Just try not to get stuck here. You may never want to leave.

San Diego Zoo is rated one of the best zoos in the country.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park – We love it much more than the regular zoo, and our favorite part is the safari experience. This property can fit 180 San Diego Zoos!
La Jolla – kayak through the caves, visit Sunny Jim Cave , and say hello to the seals at the Children’s Pool. You can also test your skills and become a whiskey diver .
Cabrillo National Monument Tide Pools – Visit the lighthouse, and go tide-pooling with your whole family. There are tons of sea critters to find.

Where to Stay: Search for San Diego hotel deals

See More: The Ultimate San Diego Bucket List

La Jolla Trail aka Ho Chi Minh Trail in San Diego

Carlsbad – Mile 35 →

Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch – although it may change each season, it’s generally from March 1 to May 8.
Legoland California Resort – for the little ones, but we enjoyed the miniature Lego world.
Blue Ocean Robata & Sushi Bar – delicious omakase.

See More: When and Where to See The Best California Wildflowers

Carlsbad Flower Fields + All the Best Places to Stop on the Pacific Coast Highway California // localadventurer.com

Dana Point – Mile 64.5

Ocean Institute /Pilgrim Boat – a Family-friendly spot where you can interact with sea life or take classes to learn more about the ocean.
Pirate’s Cave – The 1.2-mile hike is only safe to do during low tide.
Salt Creek Beach is a popular surfing beach with beautiful cliffs on the north and south sides.
Surfing Heritage & Culture Center has the largest collection of surfing artifacts (tip: chat with the staff for more insight).
Killer Dana Surf Shop – friendly and knowledgeable staff to help you get the gear you need.

Where to Eat:

Bear Coast Coffee – a popular spot with locals that serves small bites and great coffee.
OverVue – great views with indoor and outdoor seating.
AVEO Table & Bar – amazing sunset views with a resort-like feel.

Where to Stay: Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa – Beautiful hotel with great amenities, including two pools, pickleball courts, yoga in the park, and multiple restaurants.

Long Beach – Mile 105

Queen Mary – Explore this ship that’s popular amongst locals.
Aquarium of the Pacific – See all things Pacific Ocean, including penguins, sea otters, etc.
Wayfarers Chapel (Palos Verdes) – beautiful glass church with views of the ocean and garden.
SS Dominator Shipwreck (Palos Verdes) – a coastal hike to see the remains of this shipwreck.
Point Vincente Lighthouse – beautiful coastal lighthouse

See More: 9 Fun Things to Do in Long Beach for First Timers

La to San Luis Obispo (SLO)

Distance: 219 Miles / 4 hr 15 min

Los Angeles – Mile 132 →

We’ll end day 1 in Los Angeles, another spot where you can spend all week, but a convenient stop since you’ll have everything you need nearby.

Santa Monica Pier – classic west coast pier
Venice Beach – a great place to people-watch
Griffith Park – Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood Sign Hike

Where to Stay: Search LA hotels

See More: 7 Things You Need to Do in Santa Monica On Your First Visit

Malibu – Mile 150.4

The Getty Villa is a beautiful museum focused on Greece and Rome.
El Matador State Beach – 3 small beaches surrounded by cliffs.
Zuma Beach – a quiet beach that’s popular with the locals.
Leo Carillo State Park – check out coastal caves, tidepools, or watch surfers and windsurfers.
Point Dume – climb to an amazing view.

See More: Most Instagrammable Places in LA

Point Mugu / Oxnard – Mile 176.9

Point Mugu State Park Hike – beautiful hike to great views of the surrounding hills and ocean
Channel Island Maritime Museum – a great collection of maritime paintings, models, and artifacts
Channel Islands Harbor – if you want to extend your trip, take a ferry to Channel Islands National Park .

See More: Kayaking in Channel Islands National Park

Santa Barbara – Mile 217.3

Rincon Beach – a popular beach for surfing just south of Santa Barbara.
Shoreline Park – oceanside park atop a mesa.
State Street – a historic area with shops and restaurants.
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum – fun, interactive museum with a permanent exhibit on surfing and maritime culture.
Sunset Sail with the Santa Barbara Sailing Center – the perfect way to relax and enjoy the evening.

Where to Stay: Blue Sands Inn – cute property in a great location and features local art || Search all Santa Barbara hotels

Lompoc – Mile 289.9

La Purisima State Historical Park – the most completely restored Mission of California
Wine Ghetto – collection of 50 wineries
The Murals of Lompoc – check out the murals in downtown

Pismo Beach – Mile 337.8

Monarch Butterfly Grove – if you are visiting between late October and February, stop by to see the thousands of monarch butterflies that fill the Eucalyptus trees
Pismo Beach Pier – 1,200-foot pier great for watching surfers and kite surfers.
Pismo Beach Surf Shop – Eccentric surf shop that can outfit you for any beach activity.
Surfside Donuts – try the donut breakfast sandwich.
Splash Cafe – one of the oldest Pismo Beach restaurants with delicious award-winning clam chowder.

Where to Stay: Cliff’s Hotel and Spa – amazing oceanside views and one of our favorite hotels we’ve stayed at on the coast.

See More: 15 Absolutely Amazing Surfing Beaches in California

Surfing Pismo Beach + 15 Best Surfing Beaches in California

Slo to Monterey

Distance: 146 Miles / 4 hr 20 min

After leaving SLO, there are fewer major stops and amenities on this route until you reach Big Sur, but the coastline is incredible.

San Luis Obispo – Mile 351

Bubblegum Alley – take photos in an alleyway covered in gum (pick up some gum at Rocket Fizz just around the corner if you want to add your own).
Bishop Peak – hike to a stunning view of the city and valley around
Avila Valley Barn – pick up some fresh fruits or snacks at their sweet shop, u-pick fruits during certain seasons, and stop by to see their farm animals.
Morro Rock – This is technically north of SLO in Morro Bay. Stop by to see this behemoth rock sitting in the cove.
Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa – founded in 1772, the stunning Mission has gardens with cacti, succulents, roses, and more.
Kynsi Winery – Edna Valley is full of wineries, and we enjoyed relaxing and doing a tasting flight at Kynsi.
Arroyo Grande – a small historic village with wild roosters and antique shops to explore. They also have a swinging bridge that is one of a kind in California.
TASTE! Craft Eatery – fun menu giving you plenty of options to create your perfect meal.
Copper Cafe at Madonna Inn – a very instagrammable restaurant with delicious pink champagne cake.
Mason Bar & Kitchen – try their lobster corn dogs.
Brown Butter Cookie Company – north of SLO in Cayucos, known for their brown butter cookies. Our favorite was the honey one!

Where to Stay: Search San Luis Obispo hotels and rentals

san luis obispo slo california pacific coast highway

Cambria – Mile 384.3

Harmony – just south of Cambria, the town of Harmony has a population of 18. Check out Harmony Glassword, Harmony Valley Creamery, and you can even rent the entire town for your next event. You may recognize this town from the K-Drama Heirs.
Moonstone Beach/Leffingwell Landing – a serene spot with an overlook of Leffingwell Cove
Nitt Witt Ridge – a crazy collection of art
Hearst Castle (San Simeon) – a spectacular estate overlooking San Simeon

Big Sur – Mile 473.5 →

Our favorite place along the California coast (and top 10 in the United States). We could spend an entire week enjoying the views here, but here are a few highlights.

McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – famous waterfall that goes into the ocean
Pfeiffer Beach – a beach with purple sand and “the window”
Bixby Bridge – It’s one of the most iconic bridges on the west coast.

Where to Stay: Find hotel deals in Big Sur

See More: 11 Things You Can’t Miss in Big Sur

Pfeiffer Beach Big Sur California - famously known for its purple sand beach // localadventurer.com

Distance: 118 Miles / 2 hr 45 min

You can spend the morning exploring Monterey before heading up to San Francisco . There are a lot of great quick photo stops along the way, or you can spend more time at each spot doing hikes.

Monterey – Mile 497 →

Carmel-by-the-Sea – cute town south of Monterey with lots of shops and wineries to check out
Monterey Bay Aquarium – one of our favorite aquariums located right on the ocean
17-Mile Drive – iconic drive with the famous lone cypress tree
Kayak Monterey Bay – experience Monterey from the water

See More: 15 Amazing Things to Do in Monterey

The 17 Mile Drive in Monterey California - Your Essential Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Guide // Local Adventurer

Santa Cruz – Mile 540.6

Seacliff State Beach – pier with a sunken ship at the end
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk – great for the family with lots of games and rides
Mystery Spot – if you like those weird and gimmicky touristy spots
Natural Bridges State Park – beautiful beach with natural bridges and also a hotspot to see monarch butterfly migrate
Seymour Marine Discovery Center – interactive marine science museum and aquarium

Davenport – Mile 550.7

Swanton Berry Farm – farm stand with fresh berry pies, strawberry shortcakes, and hot soup
Shark Fin Cove – cove with a giant rock shark fin formation

Pescadero – Mile 562.1

Pigeon Point Lighthouse – built in 1871, it is the tallest lighthouse on the West Coast
Ano Nuevo State Reserve – home to tons of sea lions with a 3-mile trail that takes you close to them

Pacifica – Mile 602.6 →

Devil’s Slide Trail – used to be the most dangerous portion of PCH, but is now a trail for hiking and biking
Pacifica State Beach – beautiful beach popular among surfers, plus you can eat at the most picturesque Taco Bell in the country – seriously!
Mori Point – 110-acre park located on a bluff giving you great views of the coastline

Distance: 170 Miles / 4 hr 20 min

I recommend spending a couple days exploring SF and the surrounding area. If you are, go ahead and drive up to Point Reyes Station as well. Otherwise, when you’re ready to leave, continue heading north.

San Francisco – Mile 615 →

Fisherman’s Wharf / Pier 39 – tourist spot in SF with stores, restaurants, and sea lions
Golden Gate Bridge – can’t visit SF without seeing the Golden Gate
Palace of Fine Arts – beautiful monumental structure and park that houses art exhibits as well
Muir Woods National Monument – walk among massive trees

Where to Stay: Find hotel deals in San Francisco

See More: 101 Things to Do in San Francisco

Listening to (and smelling) the Sea Lions at Pier 39 + 25 Fun Free Things to Do in San Francisco // Local Adventurer #sf #bayarea #california

Point Reyes Station – Mile 655.8

Point Reyes National Seashore – need more time to explore it fully but you can schedule safaris, explore by kayak, or hike
Cypress Tree Tunnel – super popular photo spot located in Point Reyes National Seashore
Tomales Point Trail – 9.4-mile hike that gives amazing views from both sides

Bodega Bay – Mile 687.8

Bodega Head – nice quick stop with views of the ocean and cliffs
Potter Schoolhouse – where The Birds was filmed

Jenner – Mile 698.4

Fort Ross State Historic Park – former Russian fur trading outpost and native redwood forest
Salt Point State Park – tons of trails that take you to a beautiful bluff and beach

Point Arena – Mile 750

Point Arena Lighthouse – beautiful lighthouse popular amongst photographers
Bowling Ball Beach – located just north of Schooner Gulch State Beach with bowling ball-like rock formations that appear only at low tide. Don’t forget to check the tide tables . We had to come back twice!
B Bryan Preserve – preserve focused on African hoof animals

Mendocino – Mile 785

Van Damme State Park – great short hiking options
Jug Handle State Reserve – 2.5-mile staircase trail exploring wave-cut terraces

Where to Stay: Search for hotels in Mendocino

Distance: 229 Miles / 4 hr 45 min

The rest of California feels different. There are some great kitschy touristy stops, lots of hiking, and beautiful scenery. You’re technically off the PCH by this point, but it’s still worth seeing how the scenery changes as you are surrounded by massive redwoods.

Fort Bragg – Mile 795

Glass Beach (photo above) – a colorful beach with colorful glass along the beach
MacKerricher State Park – trails with beautiful tree tunnels
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens – for the flower and plant lovers
Pudding Creek Trestle – unique wooden bridge great for photos

Where to Stay: Look for hotels and rentals in Fort Bragg

Leggett – mile 838.4

Chandelier Drive-Through Tree – a fun drive-through tree
Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area – check out a river canyon with year-round camping, hiking, and swimming

Garberville – Mile 861.4

Richardson Grove State Park – walk amongst redwoods on one of the hikes
One Log House – see a house made in one log

Myers Flat – Mile 877.8

Shrine Drive-Through Tree – another drive-through tree. They also have a drive-on tree and some other photo ops.
Humboldt Redwoods State Park (Weott) – an amazing park where you can see massive trees – drive through the Avenue of Giants and check out Founders Grove.

Eureka – Mile 928.8

Sequoia Park Zoo – oldest zoo in California. The Redwood Sky Walk just opened here.
Carson Mansion – large Victorian home (considered the grandest in America)
Pink Lady – pink Victorian home
Humboldt Bay – second largest enclosed bay in California

See More: 15 Epic Things to Do in Redwood National Park and State Parks

Klamath – Mile 992.4

Trees of Mystery – unusual tree formations and a giant Paul Bunyan & Babe out front
Tour-Thru Tree – another chance to drive through a tree
High Bluff Overlook – beautiful overlook

Crescent City – Mile 1014

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park – another chance to walk amongst giants
Battery Point Lighthouse – quick stop for lighthouse chasers

Where to Stay: Ocean View Inn & Suites (mid-range) || Search all hotels in Crescent City

Continue to the Oregon Coast Highway

From Crescent City, you’re only 20 miles away from the Oregon State line and more amazing coast to explore. Check out our Ultimate Oregon Coast Road Trip guide.

Map of the California coast

Essential Tips for First Timers

When to Go: Spring and Fall will have the fewest crowds and great weather. If you go during the winter, SoCal will stay warm but will be colder as you go north. The popular spots will bring in tons of tourists in the summer.
Be Flexible: You never know what area you’ll discover and love. Make a plan on how many days you want to spend on the road, but give yourself flexibility in case you want to spend more time in a specific area. If you have more time, we highly recommend staying more than a day in San Diego, LA, Santa Barbara, SLO, Big Sur, and SF. Other spots you can more or less get the gist of the area in one day.
Consider Driving North to South: That will keep you on the side of the coast and makes it easy to take advantage of pullouts.
Clothes to Wear: Dress in layers. It can get windy on the coast and it also helps to have waterproof layers in case it rains.
Park Passes to Pick Up: Pick up a California Parks Pass and an America the Beautiful Pass to save money on the parks. America the Beautiful Pass covers National Parks , BLM, National Forests, and National Wildlife Refuges.

Best Places to Stay in California

We’ve done SD to LA and LA to SF countless times but mostly stayed with friends. When we did it in its entirety, we were in an Airstream, which means most of our accommodations were campgrounds and RV sites. We’ll continue to add in more recommendations for hotels and Airbnbs once we get a chance to check more out.

San Diego: Search San Diego hotels
Los Angeles: Search LA hotels
Santa Barbara: Blue Sands Inn || Search all Santa Barbara hotels
SLO: Search San Luis Obispo hotels and rentals
Big Sur: Find hotel deals in Big Sur
San Francisco: Find hotel deals in San Francisco
Mendocino: Search for hotels in Mendocino
Fort Bragg: Look for hotels and rentals in Fort Bragg
Crescent City: Ocean View Inn & Suites || Search all hotels in Crescent City
Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
Download these helpful language apps .
Find a great deal on California hotels .
Arrange a rental car for your trip.
Book a tour for your visit.
Get airport lounge access .
Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
Get a new backpack for your trip.
Buy a California Coast travel guide .
Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
Don’t forget your in-flight essentials .

More RESOURCES

Rand McNally Road Atlas
Lonely Planet’s Coastal California Guide
Fodor’s California: with the Best Road Trips

Have you driven the California Coast? Which parts were your favorite? Anything else we’re missing?

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The Ultimate California Coast Road Trip - All the Best Stops along the Pacific Coast Highway

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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes ” – M. Proust

Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

Follow on Instagram (E + J) , YouTube , TikTok , and Pinterest.

This Post Has 7 Comments

So detailed – thanks for putting in so much effort!

Once I adopt my foster children, I want to plan a road trip from San Diego to Seattle, taking a month or longer in the summer. We want to spend time in places such as San Diego and Disney, so will take whatever time we need as I teach so the summer works well. Anything anyone can offer would be welcome.

Want to take a trip down the PCH not sure where to start or fly into nor where to stay… please help to have the best amazing times of our lives

Hi Tudi! It really depends on how much time you have to spend on the coast. We would recommend the whole coast if you have two weeks or more, so you don’t feel rushed. It also depends on whether this trip is more about the drive itself rather than the stops. If it’s your first time, most people do LA to SF or SF to LA (we recommend SF to LA to be on the coast side). That will be the easiest since flights are are cheaper and easy to get for both cities. If you’ve been to these cities before, I highly recommend adding San Diego too. Lmk if you have more questions.

I love this in depth road-trip itinerary! It is one of the best I’ve found! I’m just wondering how long this trip took and how much it cost?

Thanks Taylor! We actually haven’t done the entire trip in one go. We did it in portions. How long it takes kind of depends on how many stops you want to take. We know people who have driven the cost in 5-7 days. You can also spend that long just in one section. Same with costs. The biggest expense will be accommodations. You can go as cheap as you want and camp on your way up, or stay at really luxurious hotels.

You have described everything very well. Interesting and awesome. Thanks!

Top Tips For Driving Highway 1: Ultimate California Road Trip

Update: April 1, 2024

Want to take the ultimate California road trip? Drive California’s Highway 1 (aka California’s Pacific Coast Highway) along the Central Coast. It’s rightfully rated as one of the top road trips in the world.

This is a breathtaking drive, especially along the Big Sur coast where the Santa Lucia mountains plunge into the sea and the wind bends the native cypress trees into otherworldly shapes. You’ll see coves painted in shades of turquoise, sapphire, and teal, that will make you long to plant your flag and declare that beach your own.

Top Tips Driving Highway 1 Ultimate California Road Trip

Photo courtesy of See Monterey

Before you embark on the ultimate California road trip, let me share some of my top tips to help you along the way . While it’s a fun drive, it can be very challenging and demands 100 percent of your attention.

I’ll also share some of the top attractions from Monterey to Cambria . Keep in mind this is a small selection. Honestly, there is so much to see and do, especially if you’re an outdoor enthusiast, I can’t cover it all in one article.

Be sure to read 5 Things to Love About Monterey which includes information about restaurants and tours in the area. You’ll also find there are more than 5!

How long does it take to drive California Highway 1?

The trip takes about five hours if you drive at a leisurely pace. I drove both north to south and south to north (Monterey to San Luis Obispo). Most people prefer driving north to south and I agree because when you drive south the ocean views are on your right side and it’s easier to pull off at the turn-outs to take pictures.

top tips driving California Highway 1 Ultimate Road Trip @PennySadler

Top tips for the Ultimate California road trip

Tip: 1 drive a comfortable car.

Driving a comfortable and reliable car is a must. This is a two-lane mountain road. In some places, the shoulder is quite narrow, and there’s not much between you and the sea below. There’s a forty to fifty-mile stretch of hairpin twists and turns. Since you’ll be pulling over a lot to take photos and admire the views, I recommend you drive a car that picks up speed quickly. I drove that cute Kia rental car you see in the photo below.

Kia Forte on the beach from Ultimate California Road trip

Asilomar Beach, Pacific Grove

Tip 2: When is the best time to go?

The short answer is to go in the off-season. The main reason to go in the offseason is probably obvious, but let me be clear: driving this road with heavy traffic would make it that much more challenging. The distance from Cambria to Big Sur is only 60 miles but it takes at least two hours depending on how many stops you make, not to mention the curves in the road make the distance pass a little more slowly.

California gets plenty of sunshine and it’s not that cold in the winter– even in the offseason the weather is temperate. I was there the first week of January and it was chilly in the mornings but sunny; and got warmer as the day went by. Just be sure to wear layers that you can easily remove and you’ll be fine.

If you go during the off-season, the only activity that you may miss out on is working on your tan. You can still surf, hike, go whale-watching, and enjoy everything else that makes California so popular.

Winter Weather Warning

One possible drawback to the winter is it’s the rainy season. Be sure to check for updates on the road conditions. Excess rain in California can mean road closures due to mudslides.

Tip 3: Fill Up Your Car

Be sure you’ve filled up the car with gas before you hit the road. There are 40 miles of highway between Cambria and Big Sur–and no gas stations.

Tip 4: There are no bathrooms

If you need to use the bathroom, don’t wait. Again, there’s no place to stop, even on the roadside. The only places to pull over are turnouts where there will be other tourists. No privacy.

Tip 5: Take Your Time

Don’t rush it. A California coast road trip is one of the bucket list experiences that people dream about. Take your time. Smell the ocean air. Notice the natural beauty around you; stop and look for whales migrating up the coast, then, feel the tension leave your body. Relax, you’re in California. Do you feel it?

The Pacific Ocean near Big Sur, from, Ultimate California Road trip @PennySadler

Just a typical view along California’s Highway 1

Tip 6: Charge Your Camera

Make sure you have a great camera with you, and that you have a fully charged battery and plenty of memory on the card. Be sure to ask someone to snap a photo of you in that stunning scenery. I saw plenty of people with selfie sticks at lookout points, it’s an option if you’re traveling alone. Your phone is also a great camera and many times it’s the best choice.

Tip 7: It’s Better To Drive Than Ride

If you suffer from carsickness it’s best if you drive because once you enter the Big Sur area the road is a bit of a roller coaster. If for some reason you cannot drive, be prepared with some non-drowsy Dramamine. It would be a crime to fall asleep on this bucket list road trip.

Have questions? Feel free to email me via my contact page and I’d love it if you’d subscribe!

Top Attractions Along California Highway 1

Hearst Castle

The story goes, that when publishing mogul William Randolph inherited 40,000 acres of California coastal land from his mother, he told architect Julia Morgan, that he wanted to “build a little something.” That little something was Hearst Castle.

As a young boy, Hearst and his father spent a lot of time camping on the land around San Simeon. The glamorous castle, once his private residence, is now a state park and vacation destination about twenty miles north of San Luis Obispo.

Beautiful table with decoration inside San Simeon, Heart Castle, from Adventures of a Carryon

Tour Heart Castle

I took the Grand Rooms Tour. T hough the house is a magnificent example of Mediterranean and Gothic architecture, filled with antiquities from all over the world, my favorite part of the tour was the indoor Roman Pool . From the exquisite blue tile work to the soft ambient lights, and the mirror reflection of the water, this pool begs you to lose yourself in its deep blue calm.

I loved the stories of famous personalities and frequent guests at the castle who would sneak out to the pool after hours for a little romantic interlude in one of the many secluded corners. Cary Grant was quoted as saying “The Roman pool is a great place to get to know someone just a little bit better.” I wouldn’t mind meeting up with him there at all.

indoor pool at Heart Castle @PennySadler 2014

The Roman Pool at Hearst Castle

As you walk through the house imagine all the famous and infamous people that stayed there. As owner of the largest media company in the United States, Hearst entertained the movers and shakers of the world. After the tour, you can wander outside to your heart’s content. Be sure to book a castle tour in advance. Plan to spend at least two hours here.

For more information about Hearst Castle and the various tours available, you can book online .

Elephant seals near Cambria California @PennySadler 2015

Elephant seals on the beach near San Simeon.

Elephant Seal Viewing Area

Just five miles from Hearst Castle is the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery. These animals are really quite ugly, but very interesting to watch. They’re also really noisy, especially during the mating season. The shore area is dotted with large lava rocks, and it can be hard to distinguish the seals from the rocks when they are in the water. The day I drove past, there was a backup of cars waiting to get into the parking lot. This is another good reason to go off-season or on a weekday.

Imagine building bridges along this road.

Attractions in the Big Sur Area

Bixby bridge.

This may be the most photographed bridge in California, aside from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Bixby Bridge is a single-span concrete arch more than 260 feet high and 700 feet long. You can park at a turnout at either end to take photographs. Bixby Bridge, along with Garrapata and Rocky Creek Bridge, was built in the 1930s and paved the way for tourism to come to Big Sur. Before the completion of Highway 1, the Old Coast Road was the only access. It remains an unpaved road and is not suitable for standard passenger automobiles.

McWay Falls, Big Sur, California @PennySadler 2015

McWay Falls, a top attraction in Big Sur

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

A great place for hiking, this park is best known for McWay Falls , a 100-foot waterfall that cascades from an 80-foot high drop-off into the cove below. The trail to get there is quite easy and it’s such an iconic spot that you can’t skip it.

Don’t park on the side of the road. You’ll see that a lot of people do, but I think it could be dangerous. There’s plenty of parking in the park itself, at least in the off-season.

The falls used to drop into the ocean but due to a landslide several years ago, now they fall onto the sandy cove. It’s an idyllic spot and one that makes you wish you could access the beach and the falls. There is signage everywhere warning against it. Be smart and admire safely from afar.

Pfeiffer Beach is one of the best beaches in the area. But it is not the beach with the waterfall.

Nepenthe Big Sur

Nepenthe is an indoor/outdoor restaurant best known for its views, but it also has an interesting history. The restaurant and surrounding land have been in the family for over 50 years. It’s still a popular spot with locals and tourists alike. There’s a very nice gift shop with handcrafted jewelry, unique fragrances, books, and children’s gifts, carefully curated from around the world.

The view from Nepenthe, Big Sur

Highway 1 North of Big Sur

After you pass Big Sur it’s about thirty or forty minutes to Carmel by the Sea. Carmel is also known as “the little town in the forest by the sea,” an apt description. Much like a European village, it’s a place to walk, not drive. There are many unique shops, galleries featuring local artists, and great restaurants. The beach there is known as one of the best places on the Monterey Peninsula to watch the sunset.

Carmel was voted #2 Best Small City in the USA by Conde Nast Traveler last year.

Carmel by the Sea

Pebble Beach

A short drive from Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pebble Beach is known for its stunning golf links among the sand dunes and the famous 17-mile drive. Do this drive at sunset if you can. Check out my short article about 17-mile Drive and the Lone Cypress.

Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary

I did not have time to visit the sanctuary but the information I found on Wiki makes me want to go.

The black-and-orange butterflies spend much of the fall and winter in the local Monterey Pine trees, roughly from Halloween until Valentine’s Day. Residents of Pacific Grove help the butterfly’s habitat by planting purple and yellow flowers, such as lantana, yellow aster, Pride of Madera, and Mexican Sage, in what is called Butterfly Gardens. from wikipedia

Point Pinos Lighthouse

Since 1855, the Point Pinos Lighthouse has been a beacon for ships on the Pacific coast . It’s the oldest continually operating lighthouse on the West Coast and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Hours of operation are Thursday – Monday 1:00 – 4:00 pm.

A personal side note: I left a ring in the bathroom at the lighthouse and didn’t realize it until I was back in my room several hours later. Luckily I thought to check if they had a Facebook page. I left a message about leaving the ring in the bathroom and asked if it had been found. The next morning, I was on my way to pick it up. You might say the lighthouse provided the lumens I needed to know the best way to make contact with them, thereby reuniting me with my ring. Either way, I will never forget the lighthouse.

Monterey Bay Aquairium jellyfish @PennySadler

Jellyfish at the Aquarium

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey Bay Aquarium opened in 1984, quickly becoming one of the most visited aquariums in the world. Today the aquarium receives over 2 million visitors per year. Located on the north end of Cannery Row, it’s on the former site of the Hovden Cannery, the last cannery to close, in 1973.

Cannery Row

Cannery Row, originally Ocean View Avenue, became famous largely due to John Steinbeck’s eponymous novel. The book was the basis for a film named Cannery Row and starred actors Debra Winger and Nick Nolte. One of the main characters, Doc, was a real person – a scientist- named Edward F. Rickets. His lab still exists and across the street is a Chinese-American-owned store, also mentioned in the novel. Today, Cannery Row is filled with shops, restaurants, and hotels, and is a tourist attraction in Monterey.

I am reading an excellent book about Steinbeck and Monterey by author Susan Shillinglaw, A Journey Into Steinbeck’s California . You can purchase this book at the Aquarium or the Steinbeck house in Salinas. You can also obtain a copy through Roaring Forties Press.

Where To Stay

The Monterey Bay area has a good selection of places to stay from bed and breakfasts to cottages and modern hotels. If you want to be in the middle of it all, stay in Monterey. You are five to ten minutes from Carmel, twenty from Big Sur, and only two hours from San Francisco.

Bungalow at Casa Munras, Monterey, California

Casa Munras

I stayed at the historic Casa Munras, one of the Inns of Monterey . Located just off the 101, it’s an excellent location for walking downtown and to the Fisherman’s Wharf. You can compare prices at this link .

Intercontintental Monterey

A really beautiful hotel right on the water in an excellent location. It’s easy to walk around the historic area of Monterey. If you truly want to be in the heart of Cannery Row, stay at the Intercontinental on Cannery Row.

Great weather almost 365 days a year, a laid-back attitude, and scenery that has inspired romantics, artists, explorers, and adventurers for centuries – any time of year is a great time to take the Ultimate California Road Trip.

Alternate Routes Are Listed Below

If you are driving from San Francisco or the San Jose area, take the 101 south to Highway 156 through Castroville. 156 will connect to Highway 1 where you can continue your journey south, to Monterey.

From Los Angeles take the 101 north to the 156. Alternatively, you can drive the 101 north to Santa Barbara where you will connect with Highway 1 (this is not the most scenic stretch). From there you can drive to Morro Bay and Cayuga, a beautiful stretch of highway. If there are road closures you’ll need to take Highway 46 and reconnect with the 101 to continue north. If your road trip begins or ends in Los Angeles , be sure to visit this historic winery in downtown LA.

Highway 46 will take you to the city of Paso Robles , a great place for tasting Rhone varietals. Or, visit the wine tasting rooms along Highway 46 – there are 40 to choose from!

No matter when you go, California’s Highway 1 is the Ultimate California Road Trip.

sunset at McWay Falls from, Top tips driving highway 1 ultimate california road trip @PennySadler

Looking north from McWay Falls, Big Sur.

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98 comments.

Hi Penny, We are planning a drive from San Diego to Napa over about 5 days in early July, and would like to make a few select stops along the way. We’re unfamiliar with the area, and are concerned about whether we’ll be able to pass through the Big Sur area after reading about the landslides. Do you have any insight on that? Also, besides Monterey, what highlights would you recommend?

Hey Mike, Here’s an article with info about the closures. It looks like it’s open. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/california/highway-1-big-sur-reopens-repairs/3541168/

Most of the “highlights” are in my article. You have to read the whole article. It’s numbered and easy to skim to the parts you’re interested in.

Hi Penny, we are planning a 3-week tour through the western USA at the end of July to mid-August (SF – LA – LV – Death Valley NP – Yosemite NP – Sac – SF). Of course we also want to drive Highway 1 and hope that it will be passable again at that time. Your report is very inspiring, we will definitely consider many of your tips. Best regards from Germany, Juergen

I hope you’re planning on spending a month or two here! 🙂 You’re covering a lot of pretty places. Enjoy! Reach out if I can help, which means ask me about California but not LV. Also, I haven’t been to Yosemite, yet! Can you believe it?

Just by the way, I’ve seen all 3 seasons of “Emily In Paris”, the 4th is due to be released on Netflix in August. On our trip we will visit Alcatraz in S.F., Death Valley NP and Yosemite NP. In your opinion, is it better to buy the AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL Annual Pass or to pay the fee for the parks individually? And you’ve never been to Yosemite? Unbelievable! I’ll report back to you 😉

Yes please do let me know! I’ve never been to any of those places. I mean I’ve been to San Francisco, LV, Sac, Los Angeles, many times etc. You know there’s a nice little area called Muir Woods near SF. About the park pass, that’s a good question. A quick google search regarding fees for Yosemite and Death Valley, it looks like 65 to go to those two places. Not sure if Alcatraz would be included in that pass. If you think you might go to more parks then the 80 USD for the pass seems maybe a good deal. https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/entrance-fee-prices.htm

Also, check if you can buy an REI membership. For 30 dollars it’s good forever. And you can return things. But if you don’t need to buy anything for your trip then maybe it’s not good for you. But if you love camping, the outdoor life, etc. you’ll love REI. About Emily in Paris, so do you agree with me about the episode and the luggage?!

Also, I really need to update those about pages!

This is a great resource for anyone planning a road trip down Highway 1! The Big Sur coast is definitely one of the most scenic drives in the country, and your tips about avoiding crowds and renting a comfortable car are spot on.

I was wondering if you had any recommendations for places to stay along the way? There are so many great little towns and stops, it would be hard to decide where to base yourself for the night. Thanks!

Hi there, glad to hear you found the article useful. Where to base yourself is actually pretty easy. Monterey, Carmel by the Sea, and Pacific Grove (all north of Big Sur) are all within a stones throw of each other. There are two hotels mentioned at the end of the article that are in Monterey but there are many others. I enjoyed staying in Monterey and if you stay in the historic area you can walk everywhere. But, I also stayed in Carmel by the Sea, Carmel Valley, and in Big Sur. Here’s a link with more hotel options. https://www.adventuresofacarryon.com/lodging-options-cambria-to-carmel-california/

[…] about five hours north of Los Angeles and two hours south of San Francisco on California’s Central Coast, the sublime scenery attracts artists, photographers, tourists, and locals, all of whom come for […]

[…] January, I packed the car and headed north to discover California’s Central Coast and drive iconic Highway 1 from Los Angeles to Monterey County, staying in Cambria, Big Sur, and […]

[…] boomers road-tripping in the Golden State, Penny Sadler offers Top Tips for Driving Highway 1: Ultimate California Road Trip. But even a walk in the neighborhood can be an adventure, she says with a laugh. (If only at our […]

My driver will drive an International 24 passenger bus from a town called Seaside, CA 93955 going on to Hwy 1 to Los Angeles, what is the best route please?

I love your detail article! I am taking my husband for the first time to Monterey Bay on September 3, and I am so excited!! This will be my third time going to Monterey Bay, and I’ve already made my list of stops to see along route 1. I will be driving from Los Angeles to Monterey Bay so he can see the most beautiful aquarium and walk the beach, see Cannery Row. Thanks for the additional point of interest.

Hi there, We visited CA last year and drove down Hwy 1 from San Francisco to the Paso Robles area, and used your guide every step of the way. We took many of your suggestions of where to stop, sights to see, and places to lodge and eat. We really enjoyed all of your suggestions. So I just tried to find that online guide again, and can no longer find it. Wondered how we can get to it? We are traveling this fall from Santa Barbara down to Newport Beach and would like to use your guide again. Thank you!!!

Hi Brenda, First of all, thank so much for the message. As a writer and blogger I focus on writing what I love and hope that others will too. Your affirmation means a lot. I’m not sure what guide you speak about though as I have several articles about traveling on Highway 1 from Cambria to Monterey, but they are not in a guide format. I don’t have one for Santa Barbara to Newport Beach either, but there are many articles about what to do in Santa Barbara, especially where to go wine tasting. You may have read one of my articles published on another site perhaps? There’s also an article about a few sites along the Malibu coast and the Getty Museum, downtown LA, Long Beach and a few others. Just look under destinations, Californai. Hope this helps! I’m actually working on some new content for southern California. Thanks for being a loyal fan and reader. I’d love to hear from you how you think the site could be a better resource. Cheers!

I would like to travel highway #1 in July this year from San Francisco to LA. What is your suggestion what to see and for how many days travel.

Hi there, There is a lot of content about what to see along the way in the article. Of course, there is also much more. I’ve also provided links to other websites that can provide more information to help you plan your trip. If you’ve never done the drive before, I’d allow at least 5 days, with overnight stops at your desired locations. Of course, what will be open may dictate where you stop. If you’d like me to map out an itinerary including hotels for you I can send you a questionnaire to fill out and we can go from there. Just send you info through the contact form on this site. Thanks!

Hi, love this article! Me and my partner are also planning on doing San Fran to LA this July. Have you got any tips on car hire? Also, if you have this itinerary still, I would be really grateful to have a copy? Thank you so much!

Hi Dee, Sorry I’m just getting around to approving article comments. I don’t have an “itinerary” but you can make your own via the article. I was traveling on my own so I just stopped where I wanted to really. As for car hires, I’m really sorry but I have not rented a car in a long time.

Hi Penny, I am travelling to the US for the first time and would like to get the link to the questionnaire as I am planning to rent a camper van and drive from San Francisco to LA for 5 days. Looking forward to your reply and guidance on the road map itinerary.

Hi there, I’m not sure what questionnaire you are referring to?

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Thanks for the tips. My sister and I are planning this drive from Seattle in March. We are so excited! Glad to hear the road is clear through Big Sue!

You will love it. Be sure to read my other article Reasons To Visit Monterey, California. There’s more info, not the same …

Awesome post, Penny. Very informative and helpful. I’ll be going to Monterey next week and plan on driving along this coast. Thank you so much for all the fantastic tips.

Glad to know that you found it helpful. That’s what it is all about!

Hi Penny, Just want to say I enjoyed this report as Im in California 4 weeks today for a 24 day holiday. Travelling from Spain where I live now. So looking forward to the drive down the PCH isn´t fully booked yet as trying to cram so much in. We have 4 days in San Francisco booked (Tues to Sat) then pick up hire car and move to Vallejo (six flags) for 2 days(Sat and Sun). next booked in at Santa Cruz for a night (Mon)and next day booked in at Monterey(Tues). Now we have nothing booked until we arrived in Downtown L.A (Sat to Sat). Obviously we don´t want to rush but would lo love to be in San Diego by the Friday before heading to L.A Saturday afternoon. So we´re thinking as leaving Monterey (Tues), next night stop Cambria or San Luis Obispo(Weds) , then next stop Santa barbara or Ventura (thurs) and travel to San deigo on the Friday morning. In your opinion do you think we have given us enough time to see everything or are we cramming too much in? San Diego isn´t a must but would love to see it. Would it be safe to just drive and book when we want to stop? After L.A. we have two free days to get to Las Vegas where we drop off hire car and have booked 4 nights before heading home. Any help would be appreciated. Regards Rob and Kike.

Hi Rob, I’m afraid I’m not clear exactly what you’re doing but I can say that I would spend at least 4 days in the Monterey/Big Sur area. Have a great time!

How many beaches, state parks, and national parks did you visit along your trip? I am debating buying a California Explorer Vehicle Day Use Annual Pass ($195) and/or a National Parks & Federal Recreation Lands Annual Pass ($80). Do you think it would be worth it or should I just plan to pay as I go?

Hello Dakota, I can’t really say if you’d find it worth it or not. I didn’t actually visit that many because I had limited time. If you’re going to have more than a week or two it may be worth it to you. Maybe decide where you want to go and add up the costs individually compare to the passes?

Amazing tips for highway driving. Thaks for share for fantastic this tips.

Thanks Lisa!

Loved ur writing!! Question for you? I have done the Carmel to big sur route in the past and have to agree it’s truly amazing! I am heading to Napa now and want to do the northern shore (1 North) – is it as good as this one? Ocean on one side and mountains on the other? Thanks!

Hi there, I can’t really comment. I’ve only been as far north as River’s End at Jenner Beach. However, my friends from the area say yes! Enjoy your trip!

[…] and explore. For boomers road-tripping in the Golden State, blogger Penny Sadler offers these “Top Tips for Driving Highway 1: Ultimate California Road Trip.” But even “a walk in the neighborhood can be an adventure!” she laughs. (Now if only at our […]

[…] cost you a fortune, either. Join me on a photo walk along California’s famous Pacific Coast Highway. We’ll stop for happy hour and watch the surfers ride the waves. Then, we’ll continue […]

Thank you for sharing all this info of this wonderfull place! I’m from Brazil and planning driving from San Francisco down to LA next year with my boyfriend, but we can only go by the end of March. Could you please tell me what to expect in this time of year? We’ll probably be in SF on March 20. I’ve read a lot about the weather but nothing conclusive…I understand it’s in the very beggining of spring and can still be a little cold for brazilian references. It’s not the cold we are worried about but the cloudy days! Can you please help me? Thanks!

Hi Emilia, Unfortunately it is very hard to predict. This year California had a lot of rain but next year, who knows. The end of March should be ok. There could be fog in the mornings and sunshine in the afternoon. Ultimately, does it matter? Go and have a great time enjoying the beauty – never mind the weather!

Hello Penny, thanks for the feedback! Actually that’s what everyone says right? It’s beautiful no matter when! We are thinking perhaps we should postpone the trip and go on september or novemeber, would it be better?

It might be warmer but I don’t know what to tell you. Go when it works best for you. Off season will be less expensive. Maybe that’s a factor?

Well it could be! I’ve done a little research and people say it’s the best time to visit… I think we will stick to September! Thank you!

It’s really a cool and helpful piece of information. Thanks for share.

Thanks Lara

Amazing and informative road tips about California! I did not know most of them. Thanks dear for sharing with us.

So happy to hear you found the information useful. Best wishes to you

[…] Cambria, about 60 miles, you’ll come to the coastal area known as Big Sur – this is the ultimate Highway 1 experience. Travelers who want to immerse themselves in the great outdoors and fall asleep to the sound of waves […]

[…] I’d heard a lot about California’s scenic 17 Mile Drive, it was on my list of recommended attractions in the Monterey Bay area. Would it really be worth it I wondered. I’d just driven Highway 1, the most spectacular coastline I’d seen since my 1999 trip to Italy’s Amalfi Coast. (read my article The Ultimate California Road Trip.) […]

[…] Willow City Loop is one of the prettiest drives anywhere and I should know. I’ve driven California’s scenic central coast and the gorgeous Hudson River […]

[…] meal at the Harmony Cafe is a must when traveling Highway 1 in San Luis Obispo County. Chef Giovanni will woo you with his passion for preparing and serving […]

Your post brought back wonderful memories of a girlfriend’s road trip I did back in the day. I’d love to do it again and this time focus on the outdoor activities instead of just the drive.

Those are exactly my thoughts Mary. It’s a lot to see and the drive is only part of the experience, or it can be the entire experience.

What a dreamy area! It’s definitely one of those places where renting a car makes full sense. We’ve got to head back there soon!

Highly recommend. 🙂

When I was in undergrad, I drove that highway from Stanford to L.A. Solo. Got a ticket on my way back but it was such a wonderful expression of freedom at such a young age, I’m baffled thinking about it. THanks for the trek down memory lane.

So glad you enjoyed it and it brought back good memories.

Love this part of the world.

One tip though, go from Carmel / Santa Cruz in the north to the south. This way, the passenger is overlooking the ocean without another lane in the way (and all those cars in high season) and the driver has a better view too.

For those moments when a glimpse can be snatched while driving that road!

Stop for food at the Big Sur River Inn or Fernwood Resort (also a nice place to stay, they even have cabins in among the Redwood trees).

Hi Jack, I totally agree with you, the drive from north to south is the easier and prettier for caching a glimpse or pulling over. I stayed at the Big Sur River Inn but did not eat there. Interesting place right on the river. Unfortunately it was too cold to enjoy sitting in the river, but the atmosphere and location were perfect.

America really is the best country for road tripping! We went to Monterrey on our trip from Seattle to Vegas and I have to say I didn’t enjoy it. Left after a night!

Hey Bethaney Sorry you had a bad time. I have to wonder where exactly you were. The entire area which includes Big Sur, Carmel by the Sea, Pacific Grove and lots more, is stunning. But if you stayed near Cannery Row or some other more urban touristy areas then I can’t really comment. If you’re ever back in the area go to Big Sur. I’m sure you will love it.

We’re considering this for a mini moon before heading back abroad – great article, and our other ideas have some serious competition!

thanks Cat!

[…] fresh food, and great museums. I recently crossed one of my California wishes off my list – driving Hwy. 1 and seeing Big Sur. That was epic. Of course I’d like to do it again, but slower this […]

I haven’t been on the PCH-1 in a long time. Many years ago, we drove out from Malibu on the 1 in an attempt to arrive in the South Bay Area later that very same day. Riiiiiggghht; yeah, no. Of course, we underestimated the driving time by a ridiculous amount. We decided by committee, and “surrendered” by heading inland at San Luis Obispo, with cuts back to 101 then up I-5 the rest of the way north.

Years later, I’m on a big coach/bus for a comfortably reclined 7-hour ride from Santiago, Chile to the small coastal resort town of La Serena. The drive takes place on Ruta-5 (Route 5), also known as the Carretera Panamericana or the Panamerican Highway. Much of the Chilean Pacific coastline is very similar to scenery along the PCH-1.

Wow that is really interesting. South America is appealing because no time zone change! LOL. I also underestimated this drive because my GPS kept saying it’s only 60 miles. I didn’t factor 60 miles of switchbacks!

Highway 1 through Big Sur is indeed a spectacular scenic drive. Thanks for the great tips & article.

Thank you for the comment!

Thanks for stopping by Marilyn.

Very nice article! I would like to add that gasoline is available in Gorda.

Steve, thank you very much! I remember passing through Gorda. How far is it from Cambria?

California road trips are near and dear to my heart and the Central Coast is amazing. You’ve captured it brilliantly in your photos. Great tips, too. There are so many wonderful places to visit along the way — Hearst is definitely a must. Love your pic of the indoor pool – that’s one of my favorite places in the castle, too.

Cathy I envy you living there. I hope to be able to spend most of my summer there.

I have done this road trip a few years ago. Unfortunately when I visited in August it was quite misty and the views weren´t as clear. It is a beautiful landscape and the perfect drive. It is great to see yoour photos of the trip

I have done quite some Road Trips in the US but I have never done this one. It looks like a stunning trip with lots of attractions along the way. Definitely added to my list, thanks for the great tip !

The US is a great place for road trips. My family used to drive from Texas to California often enough when I was a kid. Now that’s a road trip I could have done without out! LOL

I’ve been top to bottom and bottom to top on the PCH — When people ask me for vacation recommendations — this is number 1 for sure. Nothing like it anywhere!

California is one of thos places I am determined to get to, and this post makes me want to do it even more. Carmel looks like my kind of place, although it all looks lovely.

California is “one of those places.”

Love the look of Carmel, Penny. This sounds like a road trip best experienced from the passenger seat. I knew there was a reason I still haven’t got my licence.

Ha! I hope you have a good driver!

Awesome post, we’re actually leaving for the Highway 1 April 10 so these tips are great! Thanks!

Glad you find them useful.

There is a place just south of Nepenthe – very rustic place to stay – Lucia Lodge. We have stayed there several times. No frills, but breathtaking views!!!

Nancy, I stopped at Lucia because they have a little market there. I hoped to get a look at some of the rooms but they were all booked. I agree it’s in an amazing spot. I’d love to go back and stay there a couple of days though you aren’t close to anything except nature so you have to prepare. 🙂

This post brought back great memories. I’ve only done a few of the side trips – elephant seals and the Monterey Aquarium and for the beauty alone it’s a drive worth repeating. I don’t know if there is a foggy time of the year but that’s the only time I’d really not want to go.

Leah, good point! There is a foggy time of year and I believe it’s summer. Definitely would not be a fun drive in the fog!

ooooh lovely! These photos brought back some wonderful memories of when my friend and I made this tour. We got super lucky at the car rental place, and they upgraded us to a convertible for only $20 extra per day, so that really made the trip and view amazing. We drove from LA up to Carmel-by-the-Sea and then back down the same way we came. Beautiful shot of the jellyfish, by the way! Love that color contrast.

Hi Dana, Yes I did the drive both ways. It’s not easy but worth it. A convertible would be fun! I had a sun roof, not quite the same. 🙂 thanks for the compliment on the photo. I loved the jellyfish!

We just did the coast road trip at Christmas time, It was an amazing trip.we were heading to San Diego. I’m surprised that you didn’t go to” Point Lobos ” It is my favorite place to visit. it also has the beautiful rugget landscape. it was also the setting for alot movie scenes.”A Summer Place”one of my favored movie.

Moneypenny that is also one of my nicknames. 🙂 I now will have to watch a Summer Place.

Penny, check out “The Sandpiper” w/Liz Taylor and Richard Burton for another Big Sur-locale film. It will take you back to a 60s vibe (which still exists in some ways in the area). Nice article and good shots!

I agree. And thanks for the film tip.

VERY top tip: do not head north from LA towards Pacific Grove/Big Sur on Hwy 1 after dark! We left LA around sunset. The lady we were to meet in Monterey/Pacific Grove called to ask where we were, as we should have arrived around 4 PM. I told her we were coming up Hwy 1. She asked if she might suggest an alternative route. I said we’d wanted to see the water and wanted to do this. She wished us luck. Now, back when E-Systems sent me to Stanford to attend an AI seminar for two weeks, I drove *south* from Palo Alto to the Monterey peninsula on Hwy 1, and it was beautiful. Thus I did not expect the AAAAAAA experience of having the sheer cliff dropoff to the ocean on the left and the mountains on the right. Hubby drove this, including the Bixby Bridge (XOXOX), in the pitch blackness with no moon and other cars on the two-lane road coming the other way. He said he enjoyed it and that it was like the first-person videogames he has played. I think my mother began her decline as she clung to the sides of the back seat of the van because she could actually see the ocean. I was looking straight ahead and willing the oncoming vehicles to go more slowly and NOT come into our lane, as there was NOWHERE to go. Man! We arrived at our host house around midnight. Do not do as we did. Do the drive during the day when you can be properly terrified!

Too Funny. You’re right though, very good tip, drive during the day! Otherwise, what’s the point.

Just gorgeous! And what fantastic (and useful) tips – thank you!

Thanks Jessie.

Thanks Tawanna and don’t forget to vote.

An Iconic California Coast Road Trip Itinerary (45 Epic Stops!)

Post Summary: 45 Epic California Coast Road Trip Stops (Northbound!)

Did you know that California’s Highway 1 is one of the most popular west coast road trips in the United States?

It makes perfect sense. California’s rugged coastline, gorgeous sunsets, and nostalgic adventure feel have drawn us in more times than we can count!

If you’re hoping to plan your own road trip down the famous Highway 1, you’ve come to the right place. From the Redwoods all the way down to the sunny beaches of San Diego, there are so many amazing stops to see!

In this post, we’re sharing our favorite stops along Highway 1 for the ultimate California coast road trip. We hope this post encourages you to create your own adventure in California and explore this beautiful coast!

After reading this guide on how to plan a trip to the California coast, you’ll be ready to have another epic western US adventure.

The Ultimate California Coast Road Trip (All The Best Stops)

Where do i begin northbound or southbound.

Where to start your California Coast road trip is completely up to you!

Starting south and driving northbound is probably the most common way to travel Highway 1 because of the easy access to airports and rental cars to begin your journey.

There are easy southern starting points like San Diego or Los Angeles. Northern California starting points are a little more difficult – you’ll have to begin in Medford, Oregon, or Redding, California and drive a few hours to the coast to begin.

However, if you’re driving from Portland or Seattle and following our Pacific Coast Highway road trip or our Oregon Coast Road Trip , you’ll find that going southbound isn’t much of a problem!

For the sake of this post, we’re sharing stops in the order of someone going northbound!

Want To Take On The Entire Pacific Coast Highway?

We’ve got lots of information about the ultimate Pacific Coast Road Trip and tons of advice for your journey . Here are some posts to get you started on planning your next road trip on Highway 1!

The Ultimate Pacific Coast Road Trip (Washington To California)
10 Amazing Road Trip Planner Tools + Apps For Your Best Trip Yet
How To Pull Off A Day Trip To Big Sur, California
Adventurous Things To Do In And Around San Francisco
30 Necessary Road Trip Essentials You Need To Be Packing

The California Coast Road Trip – Northbound (Beginning in San Diego!)

San diego area stops.

To get a taste of SoCal, visit San Diego! San Diego is one of the most beautiful places in California, and it offers visitors gorgeous views, lots of fun attractions, and a diverse array of activities and experiences.

Here are some of the most popular (for good reason!)–and our favorite–places to go in San Diego:

La Jolla is one of the most popular attractions in San Diego! This is because of its cute and high-end shops, delicious restaurants, and tons of amazing places to stay.

If you love animals and long walks, you’ll want to visit the La Jolla Cove and the La Jolla Coast Walking Trail to see all kinds of coastal creatures!

The beaches in La Jolla are also top-notch for ocean kayaking (where you can go into sea caves!)! There are also tons of opportunities to go snorkeling/swimming, and relaxing.

Torrey Pines Natural Reserve - California Coast Road Trip Stops

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Looking to be close to town while still having adventures in nature? Check out Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve !

In the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, you’ll find tons of hiking trails (both popular and more secluded), unique foliage specific to this area, lots of wildlife, gorgeous Pacific Ocean views, and lovely corners to find solitude and relaxation.

Some of our favorite things about Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve are the beautiful cliffs, blooming wildflowers native to Southern California, and the Torrey Pines State Beach .

A day use fee to the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve costs between $10-25 , depending on what vehicle you drive. The gates open at 7:15AM, though the park is busiest from 10AM-1PM everyday!

Highway 1 California Coast Road Trip Stops - Encinitas

Just north of San Diego , Encinitas is another perfect stop on your California coast road trip.

Here, you’ll find lots of great beaches to relax or play, including Cardiff State Beach , Swami’s Beach , and Moonlight State Beach !

For a full stay in Encinitas, take a day at LEG O LAND California (just 15 minutes north of Encinitas in Carlsbad, CA)! You can also stroll through the San Diego Botanic Garden , and grab a bite to eat at the famous restaurant, The Taco Stand .

San Clemente

For cute California vibes, you must stop in San Clemente, California!

San Clemente boasts top-notch relaxation and picnicking at the San Clemente State Beac h . There is also fun hiking/strolling along the 2.3-mile San Clemente Beach Trail , great surfing, epic sunset views on the San Clemente Pier , and tons of cute shops and restaurants.

California Coast Road Trip Route - Surfing in Orange County

Orange County Stops

Orange County is the place to go if you’re looking for epic outdoor adventures. From surfing their iconic waves to exploring the gorgeous bluffs and canyon trails, there’s so many amazing places to go in Orange County!

Here are some of our favorite things to do:

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach is full of amazing opportunities to hit the beach, explore the coast, and stroll around downtown. With their weekly summer art walks, this is a perfect stop for people who love locally-made goods.

Looking to stay on a budget during your California Coast road trip? Here are some free things to do in Orange County to have fun and save money at the same time!

Newport Beach

Newport Beach is the perfect destination for boutique shops, paddle boarders, and sailboat lovers!

Looking for a bit more adventure? Head over to “The Wave” which is located at the end of the jetty. This is where giant waves come and challenge even the best surfers – you’re sure to get a show here!

Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach is the place to go if you’re seeking that iconic California coast culture. There won’t be a shortage of surfers here! Some of the best waves on the entire California Coast are found on Huntington Beach.

Want to experience the waves for yourself? Consider taking a lesson with Toes on The Nose surf school to try out a new skill!

Pacific Coast Road Trip Stops - Los Angeles

Los Angeles Stops

Los Angeles is another big city stop along your California Coast road trip. Known for its fame and glamor, Los Angeles features the world-famous Hollywood Walk of Fame , top-tier restaurants, and hundreds of unique shops, hotels, and attractions.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is the place to go for iconic California fun. Popular for its amazing public pier, this area is full of activities to do on your California Coast road trip. Stop a while and play in the waves, check out the amusement park right on the pier, or grab an ice cream cone and watch the sunset.

There isn’t a bad way to experience Santa Monica Pier!

Venice Beach

When planning your California coast road trip itinerary, be sure to include visiting Venice Beach. This is a classic SoCal beach with tons of popular attractions.

Known for its bohemian vibe, the walkable Venice Beach highlights street performers, a fun pier to walk on and watch the sunset, and unique beachside activities.

The Getty Museum is a FREE museum located in West Hollywood in Los Angeles.

Being one of the largest art organizations in the world, you must visit the Getty Museum! Here, you’ll find both American and European Art, lots of unique architecture, and gardens to spend hours in.

Other Famous L.A. Destinations

Want more to do while in Los Angeles? We gotchu! While in this popular SoCal city, be sure to check out The Broad , Griffith Observatory , Hollywood Bowl , Watts Towers Arts Center , Los Angeles Theater , Los Angeles Conservancy , and Huntington Beach Pier .

Topanga State Park

Topanga State Park is known as the largest state park within a city limit in the US. It is one of the easiest natural attractions to access while in the greater Los Angeles area!

With over 76 miles of trails, Topanga State Park is the perfect place to escape after exploring the big city.

The most popular trails in Topanga State Park include the Eagle Rock/Eagle Spring Loop Trail , Musch Ranch Trail , and Will Rogers Trail .

Not up for hiking? Try biking or horseback riding!

Malibu, California is one of the most well-known cities along the California coastline. It’s known for its big estates and the grand homes of celebrities!

In Malibu, you can also expect a relaxed surf culture in places like Zuma Beach and Point Dume State Beach .

For jaw-dropping harbor scenes and vintage town vibes, be sure to stop in Ventura, CA!

What makes Ventura unique is their popular Surfers Point at Seaside Park . This is a paved beach pathway lined with palm trees–and easy access to Santa Cruz Island . This is an island located in Channel Islands National Park that has tons of hiking, kayaking, diving, and camping.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is one of the most picturesque areas along the west coast with cool attractions. It’s often called the American Riviera!

Some of the most popular destinations in Santa Barbara include the Old Santa Barbara Mission and botanical gardens, hiking at Figueroa Mountain or Arroyo Burro Beach County Park , and stopping for a margarita, Mexican food, and epic sunsets at the end of the day.

San Lius Obispo Stops

San Luis Obispo, or SLO, is one of the cutest stops on the California coast with many fun attractions!

Here are some of our favorite activities in San Luis Obispo:

Lompoc Flower Fields

The Lompoc Flower Fields is a stunning area filled with larkspur, stock, and sweet peas.

The best times to see the blooms at the Lompoc Flower Fields are between May and June!

While the fields are privately owned (AKA no trespassing!), you can take pictures from the side of the road. Even better, stop to buy some locally owned fruit stands along the way and enjoy a treat!

The Town of San Luis Obispo

The charming town and greater area of San Luis Obispo has lots of things to do for families, couples, individuals, and friends. It’s almost halfway between San Francisco and L.A.!

While in the area, you can relax at Pismo Beach , go wine tasting in SLO’s wine country , or explore the Montaña de Oro Bluff Trail (easy, 4.1-mile trek with 229’ elevation gain) in Montaña de Oro State Park .

Hiking the Bluff Trail and tide pooling near Spooners Cove is another fun stop in SLO. It offers visitors epic views of the California coast!

Big Sur Stops

For a complete road trip up the California coast, you must travel along the world-famous Big Sur Scenic Byway.

Big Sur is a 90-mile stretch of coast with some of the most scenic curves and bends along the coast. It’s truly a must-see attraction!

Sunrise at Coastal Pullouts

Along these winding, twisting roads are endless opportunities to pull the car over and capture the roaring waves crashing into the cliffs! Foggy hills, jagged rocks, and dramatic coastlines are around every corner here in Big Sur.

Read More: The Ultimate Pacific Coast Road Trip

McWay Falls

If any view can sum up your time on the California Coast, the view of this 80ft tall McWay Falls would be it!

It’s the shortest recorded trail in the Big Sur area. That makes it a perfect option for families and people who want to quickly stop by on their drive.

Park at the parking lot labeled “Overlook/Waterfall Trail/Pelton Wheel” and head back toward the coast. You cross through a tunnel that goes under the highway, and then have access to the boardwalk view of McWay Falls. Viewing platforms, short walk.

There is no beach access at McWay Falls!

Read More: How To Pull Off A Day Trip To Big Sur, California

Pfeiffer Beach

Pfeiffer Beach is a wonderful place to explore, that’s marbled with purple sand! However, be caution of the route! The way to the beach is through a winding 2-mile narrow road, so be prepared to squeeze right next to another car to get by one another!

Another popular attraction for visitors in Keyhole Rock. Keyhole Rock which is a natural bridge worn through by the crashing waves.

Read More: California’s Black Sand Beach

Bixby Creek Bridge

Did you know this is one of the most photographed bridges in California?

Built in 1932, this bridge was important to the people of Big Sur because it finally connected communities on either side of the canyon. Before the bridge, people had to drive on an 11-mile old and dangerous coastal road to reach the other side!

There are pullouts available on either side of the bridge and an overflow parking lot on the north/inland side.

Carmel-by-the-Sea Stops

One of the cutest and most charming spots along the California coast is Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey!

There are tons of little shops, art galleries, and cafés in these towns. Here are some of our favorite attractions in Carmel-by-the-Sea:

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Point Lobos Natural Reserve is located just south of Monterey, California. This area is widely referred to as the “crown jewel” of California state parks. This is because of its focus on natural preservation, miles of trails, and gorgeous coastline. Because of its proximity to larger cities and right off Highway 1, this place is an easy getaway for visitors to be immersed in nature.

You can explore See Monterey’s website for things to do at Point Lobos like as hiking, bird watching, diving and other activities!

Natural Bridges State Beach

For excellent bird watching and places to explore marine life, check out Natural Bridges State Beach!

At Natural Bridges State Beach, you’ll see grand sea stacks along the compact, sandy beach, tide pools that are perfect for curious kids, and lots of wildlife.

Just 10 minutes north of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey, CA is another charming town in Central California.

In Monterey, the most popular attractions include visiting Cannery Row. It actually inspired John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row , and the Monterey Bay Aquarium .

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

For a romantic date with your beau or fun day with the family, visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk –an amusement park set right along the sandy beaches of Central California!

Admission to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk starts at $40 (though you can often find deals!), and hours are typically 10AM-10PM in the peak summer season.

Shark Fin Cove

Be on the lookout for this spot before the small town Davenport, California because it can be easily missed! There is no sign indicating the cove’s location, just a large pull out on the coastal side of Highway 1! You can park your car free of charge right off the road on a cleared dirt area.

After a brief walk across old train tracks from the “parking lot”, you can stand on the cliffs above to get a dramatic view. There are walking paths to see the “shark fin” from many perspective, and all are unique and beautiful, in our opinion.

You can also choose to climb down to to the bottom to explore on the beach. The beach access is a steep but manageable trail, and we enjoyed an empty beach with the early sunset. Be careful not to enter the natural arch on the far left side of the beach. Loose rocks often fall from the top (we saw it happen!) and standing under when that happens could be extremely dangerous.

Read More: What To Expect At Shark Fin Cove – Davenport, California

Davenport Pier

This is located not even a mile away from Shark Fin Cove. The Davenport Pier was once used for the village of Davenport, but only the concrete base remains intact. Park at the Davenport Beach parking lot to view it from the cliffs about.

The route down to the actual beach is dangerous, so use your best judgement when deciding to make the descent. Here is a helpful article that explains the area and what you might expect here!

San Francisco Area Stops

San Francisco–like many big cities–is a bustling area full of unique places, diverse people, and lots to do!

We’ve narrowed down some of the best stops in San Francisco for you to add to your California Coast road trip itinerary:

Gol d en Gate Bridge

Who doesn’t love a classic? While traveling along the California coast, you must stop at the iconic Golden Gate Bridge for pictures and to enjoy the view of the bay and Alcatraz.

Just 30 minutes from the city center, this stop is one of the most convenient along your entire road trip!

Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is another one of those iconic San Francisco stops you must take while traveling along the California coast.

Here, you can explore the wharf, rent a bike , go shopping , eat at any of the amazing restaurants, visit local galleries and museums , and more!

Want more activities like this? Check out Pier 39 –a popular pier on the ocean that offers visitors tons of fun activities, shops, restaurants, and experiences!

Best Stops on a California Coast Road Trip - Muir Woods

About 40 minutes from San Francisco, Muir Woods was named a national monument in 1908 after the well-known naturalist, John Muir.

Within Muir Woods, you can hike the Canopy View Trail, which is a great hike that takes you right under big redwoods!

IMPORTANT: Muir Woods has very specific parking requirements, and you must reserve a spot in advance , so be sure to plan ahead before you go as walk-ins are prohibited.

Bolinas Ridge

Bolinas Ridge –a mountain in Mt. Tamalpais State Park –is one of the most popular hiking destinations for visitors and locals alike!

You can summit Bolinas Ridge for yourself on the Bolinas Ridge Trail , which is a 21.9-mile trek with 2,470 feet of elevation gain.

One of the best things about this area is that you can hike it or bike it, take as much or as little time as you’d like, and enjoy the scenery of Central California all the while!

Stinson Beach

Found on Bolinas Bay, Stinson Beach is a great way to stop and have a picnic while driving along the California coastline.

Here, you can look for critters in tide pools with the kids, relax with a book and drink on the beach, or explore the nearby town.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Point Reyes National Seashore is one of the most unique stops along the Pacific Coast Highway , as it’s known as being one of the “foggiest places in North America,” has lots of hiking, is perfect for camping overnight, and has tons of epic hiking trails .

Some of our favorite hikes (among many more !) in Point Reyes National Seashore include the Laguna Trail Coast Trail Loop (6 miles), Tule Elk Road Tomales Point Trail (9 miles), and Elephant Seal Overlook Trail (0.5 miles).

Northern California Stops

While making your way up to Northern California, you’ll want to make sure to visit these popular attractions:

Just north of San Francisco, Bodega Bay is a must-see stop on your California coast road trip.

Known for its hiking around Bodega Head –which also has epic whale watching–and easy access to the beachside Doran Regional Park , this area is perfect for nature-lovers and outdoor adventurers.

Near Bodega Bay, you can also take a spa day at the OSMOSIS Day Spa Sanctuary , stay at The Lodge at Bodega Bay , or hike around the bay on the Shorttail Gulch Trailhead .

Sonoma Coast State Park

North of Bodega Bay, you’ll find the stunning Sonoma Coast State Park –a natural area full of great hikes, epic Pacific Ocean views, and fun beaches to explore. It’s the perfect place for families or solo trips!

Within Sonoma Coast State Park, you can go horseback riding on the Bodega Dunes trail system , hike the Kortum Trail (easy, 9.3 miles with 912 feet elevation gain), and go beachcombing on the rugged, sandy beaches.

Shelter Cove – Black Sands Beach

With a coastline of over 20 miles and unique black sand, the Black Sands Beach near Shelter Cove is one of the coolest beaches in Northern California!

One of the best ways to experience Black Sands Beach is on the Lost Coast Trail –a 24.6-mile trek that offers visitors a unique coastal wilderness hiking adventure and sightings of classic coastal wildlife.

Not up for hiking? This area is perfect for tide pooling and enjoying the natural wildflowers!

Fort Ross and the Fort Ross State Historic Park is a great place to experience the wide variety of stories, cultures, and natural history of the area. The primary people group that inhabits the land have been the Kashia Pomo Indian Tribe . Russian colonizers (1812-1842) and the Ranch era (1842-1972) changed the primary inhabitants, then the area became a protected resource as a State Historic Park.

You can learn more about this area’s rich history at the park’s Visitor Center !

Mendocino is another unique coastal area in Northern California that has lots of things to do on the California coast.

While in the area, you should explore the Mendocino Headlands State Park , peruse the Water Gallery , and walk through the Cypress Grove park .

Eureka! While the name might have a silly history , it also means “I have found it!” with a connotation of discovery. Eureka, California is no exception, as there’s lots to discover in this California coastal town!

While in Eureka, be sure to check out the town’s local stores , explore the Victorian-era Carson Mansion , stop at Stinky Beach (which, unlike the name, is not stinky…anymore), and follow the city’s mural map to see unique art from local artists.

Sue-Meg State Park

Directly 30 miles north of Eureka, Sue-Meg State Park is the perfect stop for those who want to camp overnight , hike, or learn more about the culture and history of the area.

One of the easiest ways to experience Sue-Meg State park is by hiking the 3.1-mile-long Patrick’s Point Rim Trail , which starts at Palmer’s Point and ends at Agate Beach.

If you’re staying here for longer, make it a full day and drive along Wedding Rock Road to make the short, steep climb up to Wedding Rock . Here, you can explore North Coast Native American history at Sumêg Village .

Trinidad is one of the best places in California to explore cool beaches, because of the many sea stacks and unique geological features!

While in Trinidad, you’ll want to check out Agate Beach , Trinidad State Beach (where you can also hike the Trinidad Head Trail Loop ), and Old Home Beach !

Whether you want to go on a morning walk on the beach or love seaside sunsets, Trinidad’s beaches are the way to go.

Redwood National Park Stops

Redwood National Park is one of the coolest national parks in the west–and for good reason!

If you’re not sure what to do while in Redwood National Park, make sure to add these to your list:

Humboldt Redwoods State Park

To travel the 32-mile-long Avenue of the Giants –a scenic drive through some of the largest redwood trees in the area–you’ll want to visit Humboldt Redwoods State Park !

Open year-round, Humboldt Redwoods State Park is the perfect place to vacation and get a taste of Northern California magic.

We suggest stopping by the visitor center , admire the 300-foot-tall trees on the Gould Grove Nature Trail , walk along the fallen Dyerville Giant , and take a dip in the South Fork of the Eel River .

Fern Canyon

The Fern Canyon Trail is one of our favorites in Redwoods National Park and is a Northern California gem. With tons of plants, cool lighting, and enchanting vibes, you’ll feel like you’re in a fairytale when hiking along the Fern Canyon Trail!

The Fern Canyon Trail is a short 1-mile loop that’s perfect for all levels.

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

The expansive Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is one of the best state parks in the redwoods area, as it has over 75 miles of hiking trails, great camping spots , and epic views of Northern California’s world-famous redwood trees.

There’s also tons of resources for kids , making it a perfect stop on your family road trip!

While visiting Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, you might even catch sight of a herd of Roosevelt Elk.

NOTE: Permits/day-use fees are required in some locations in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, such as Gold Bluffs Beach .

Best Stops on a California Coast Road Trip - Redwood National Park

Tall Trees Grove

One of the best hiking areas in the greater Redwoods National Park is the Tall Trees Grove .

You can park at the trailhead parking lot and reach the Tall Trees Grove on a 4.5-mile round trip backcountry hike with a total 1,600 feet of elevation gain.

Permits are required to visit the Tall Trees Grove , but they’re easy to get online and FREE! You must reserve your permit 24 hours in advance of visiting the Tall Trees Grove.

California Coast Road Trip Conclusion

Alright, you’ve made it all the way across Highway 1 and 101 on a California Coast road trip! Want to keep driving? Read our guide on the best Oregon Coast road trip route, and even continue to Washington with our Olympic Peninsula road trip route !

We hope you enjoyed our post and happy travels!

Highway 1 between Los Angeles and San Francisco: The complete guide

The California Coast has all the stuff of dreams.

Between the Pacific Ocean as far as the eye can see and rugged mountain ranges, the drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco is a real feast for the eyes.

Here is my complete guide to Highway 1 between the City of Angels and Fog City .

What should you know before you leave?

To get from Los Angeles to San Francisco, or vice versa, you have several options.

The fastest route is Interstate 5, which will take you between 5.5 and 6 hours.

However, if you really want to live the ultimate California road trip experience, Highway 1 is the most spectacular way to travel between these 2 cities .

Although it will add about 100 miles (160 km) to your trip, it's one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the world.

So plan to spend 2 to 3 days in order to fully enjoy all the wonders it has to offer.

A rental RV is also a great way to enjoy this drive.

Here are the stops you won't want to miss during your adventure!

California Coast

#1. santa monica .

Santa Monica is the closest place on Highway 1 to downtown Los Angeles .

Start your trip here. A short stop at this legendary beach is a must!

The most popular spot in Santa Monica is the pier at the end of Colorado Avenue .

On this lively wooden pier you'll find restaurants, gift shops, street artists, a Ferris wheel, and even a roller coaster!

And the adventure begins! Your first stop should be Malibu.

Located some thirty kilometres from Los Angeles, the City of Malibu is known for two main reasons.

The first is its long stretch of pristine beach , home to tide pools, caves and strange rocky formations.

The second is the many Hollywood celebrities who live there, looking to get away from the big city.

Be sure to visit Point Dune, one of the loveliest beaches in southern California, or explore the city to see beautiful homes and sample some typical California cuisine.

#3. Ventura

As you drive along Highway 1, you'll pass right by the Ventura Pier.

If you're into surfing , this is a spot you won't want to miss!

Otherwise, check out the historic downtown area and enjoy some shopping in the vintage and thrift stores.

#4. Santa Barbara

Your next stop is the lovely city of Santa Barbara, known for its beaches, wine, red tile roofs and beautiful gardens.

If you're looking for a place to spend the night along the way, there's enough to see and do here to warrant an extended stop!

Take a walk along Stearns Wharf , the longest deep-water wharf between Los Angeles and San Francisco, or pay a visit to East Beach .

If you're a fan of architecture, visit the courthouse and its clock tower and the Old Santa Barbara Mission .

If you prefer a cultural activity, check out the Lobero Theater , the Arlington Theater or the Santa Barbara Historical Museum.

To stretch your legs, don't miss the Santa Barbara Zoo , the Santa Barbara Botanical Garden and Lotusland .

#5. Solvang

When you think of the California coast, you probably don't think of European architecture.

You'll feel quite disoriented in Solvang : you have to see it to believe it!

Solvang was founded by Danish immigrants who wanted to make the United States feel like home.

Today, this Danish village is a popular tourist destination with its European-style windmills, flower-lined streets and half-timbered buildings.

In fact, it's at the top of our list of the 5 most beautiful towns in California!

During your visit, you'll want to browse the northern European-style boutiques and see the many replicas of famous landmarks found in Denmark .

If time permits, head to the Hans Christian Anderson Museum and keep an eye out for the Little Mermaid statue!

#6. Pismo Beach

The Pismo Beach area is known for its beaches and sand dunes .

It's also a popular option for an overnight stay during your road trip.

If this is your case and you have a little extra time to spare, head to the Oceano Dunes State Recreation Area for an off-road ride in the sand dunes.

Otherwise, focus on its downtown area, where you can enjoy a good meal at one of the many restaurants.

If you're there at the end of the day, the sunsets over the Pismo Beach Pier are spectacular!

#7. Morro Bay

The next stop along your route between Los Angeles and San Francisco is a small fishing village.

Morro Bay is home to a magnificent state park and several estuaries teeming with birds and wildlife .

But the star attraction is at the end of Morro Beach.

I'm talking about Morro Rock , an ancient volcanic plug 175 meters high.

In addition to being imposing, it's surrounded by a beautiful lagoon where seals and sea lions can be seen throughout the day.

It's possible to kayak to the edge of the rock if you feel like it, but I recommend a short stop here to enjoy a picnic on the beach .

#8. San Simeon

The town of San Simeon is known for the extravagant home of William Randolph Hearst , a businessman who made his fortune in publishing.

While California is no stranger to great affluence and huge mansions, Hearst Castle is in a class of its own .

Perched atop a hill known as The Enchanted Hill , this eccentric castle contains marble statues, tapestries and oil paintings, Tiffany lamps, exotic carpets, and all the other collectibles accumulated by William during his somewhat marginal life.

In addition to the million visitors it receives each year, Lady Gaga used the castle in her music video for GUY.

Besides the castle, you should also visit Moonstone Beach , the stores of Cambria Village and, above all, Piedras Blancas Beach.

The latter is home to an enormous colony of elephant seals.

Fun fact: in 1990, there were only 24 elephant seals in this colony, and then in 1991, more than 400 showed up on the beach just south of the Piedras Blancas lighthouse.

Nobody knows why!

#9. Big Sur

Be prepared to stop often near Big Sur on the famous Highway 1.

The route winds along high cliffs with drop-offs that are both exhilarating and terrifying.

An icon of the scenic highway can be found here: the Bixby Bridge .

While in the area, don't miss Point Sur State Historic Park , Ragged Point , and especially the famous Julia Pfeiffer State Park .

This park's main attraction is McWay Falls , which spills from a high cliff directly into the Pacific Ocean.

It's one of the most beautiful beaches in California.

The trail to the falls is well indicated in the park.

You will have to pay the $10 park entry fee.

If you have the time, explore the rest of the park, which is home to sequoias that are over 2,500 years old.

#10. Point Lobos Natural Reserve

Point Lobos Nature Reserve is one of the most beautiful parks in the State of California.

Coming from Los Angeles, Point Lobos will be on your left, just before you reach Carmel .

The park entrance can't be seen from the road, so watch out for the signs.

Point Lobos is a real paradise for lovers of nature and wildlife .

Explore the park's coves and beautiful trails.

On its shores, you'll have the chance to see seals, sea lions, sea otters and orcas.

On the wooded trails, keep an eye out for gray foxes, raccoons, opossums, deer, rabbits, bobcats and coyotes.

#11. Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a romantic little town with a European coastal charm .

Many musicians, writers and painters have made Carmel their home for many years.

One of the town's mayors was none other than famous Hollywood actor Clint Eastwood.

Main Street is definitely the heart of the action.

The street is lined with art galleries, boutiques, and upscale shops and restaurants.

The city's architecture is a mix of charming little beach houses, rustic cottages, log cabins, and breathtaking modern glass houses.

Nearby, the Carmel Mission with its courtyard and gardens is a peaceful place to meditate or enjoy a rest.

A museum presents the history of the Monterey Peninsula and all the California missions.

#12. Monterey

Near Monterey you will find what is probably one of the most beautiful stops along Highway 1.

17-Mile Drive is definitely the most beautiful stretch of coastline on the Monterey Peninsula.

It stretches from the majestic Pacific coast to the Del Monte forest.

You will drive through Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach.

This road is private and has an access fee , but thousands of people drive it each year to see the magnificent Lone Cypress , one of California's most famous natural treasures, as well as Bird Rock and Spanish Bay .

The coastline is heavily populated with sea lions. For several miles you can see baby seals and their mothers on the beaches.

At the end of the road, you will reach the city of Monterey.

Its famous Cannery Row was once the hub of the sardine packing industry.

Today, the factories have been transformed into gift shops, bars and seafood restaurants.

Don't miss the Monterey Bay Aquarium , the sixth-largest aquarium in the world.

It is home to sea otters, penguins, sharks, stingrays, jellyfish and many other native marine species.

#13. Santa Cruz

In Santa Cruz, prepare to be nostalgic!

The 1960s are alive and well here, especially along the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk with its Americana vibe.

Visit the beach to see the beautiful lighthouse and the Giant Dipper on the boardwalk.

The Santa Cruz wharf is an excellent starting point for exploring the area.

You can also take a whale-watching tour or a fishing trip, if you have the time.

If you're interested in the supernatural, check out The Mystery Spot, a collection of strange phenomena from the last 70 years.

Along the iconic Pacific Avenue , you will find all kinds of vintage goodies.

If you need to stretch your legs one last time, pay a visit to Wilder Ranch State Park for some hiking.

If you're staying overnight, head for the Rio Theatre for a local music concert.

#14. San Francisco

And that's it!

Your final destination is San Francisco , the most European and most tolerant city in the American West.

Don't miss the city's main attractions, like Fisherman's Wharf to enjoy a meal with sea lions, Telegraph Hill , or the Painted Ladies , a famous row of colored houses.

I suggest you book a tour of Alcatraz .

If you're not easily spooked, opt for the evening tour and discover the haunted remains of the old prison from which no one could escape.

And don't forget your picture of the Golden Gate Bridge .

Locate the stops on Highway 1 between L.A. and San Francisco

Now you're ready to discover the wonders of this famous California coastal road .

Do you have any other suggestions of places to stop? Feel free to share them in the comments below !

An enthusiast of both our vibrant cities & great oudoors, my life revolves around travel & adventure. It's a no brainer that I have to share the wonders & secrets of my neck of the woods with other travelling souls. Enjoy the journey!

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Highway 1 Road Trip / A Surfer’s Guide to the California Coast

The Highway 1 road trip along California’s scenic coastline is at the top of many a’ road trip lists for good reason. This famous stretch of road, aptly named The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH for short), winds along the California coast from Capistrano Beach in Orange County in the south to Leggett in northern Mendocino in the north.

The whole highway totals about 750 miles (1200 kilometers), but many travelers opt for the stretch between Los Angeles and San Francisco because they are convenient start/end points. Whether you want to sample a portion of the coast, take a one-way trip, or round trip, you really can’t go wrong with this gem of a drive.

There are so many spectacular spots along Highway 1 that your biggest challenge will be figuring out how and where you want to spend your time. From gorgeous hikes among towering Redwoods in Big Sur and wine tasting in Paso Robles, to surfing in Malibu and gorging on delicious Mexican food, there’s a seemingly never-ending list of amazing things to do on a Highway 1 road trip.

Then there’s the surf. Don’t tell anyone, but there’s a lot of really fun surf in California 😉 . You can also find fantastic campsites close to surf breaks , which of course makes for a lovely combination.

One of the best ways to experience the California coast at its finest is to rent a campervan and camp and drive up the coast. Campervans are a great middle ground between tent camping or driving a big ‘ol RV.

You have the flexibility of a car with the added comforts of a little home on wheels, and it’s a great opportunity to get a taste of that #vanlife everyone is wild about.

Escape Campervans has five locations along the west coast so you have ultimate flexibility with your route. You can rent a campervan in Los Angeles, enjoy the coast to your heart’s desire, and drop off the campervan in San Francisco, Portland, or even Seattle.

Escape Campervans are hand painted by local artists and equipped with a comfy bed and a kitchen with a stove, sink, fridge, and they have extras available like kitchen supplies, bedding, and other camping goodies so you’ll have everything you need for your road tripping adventure. Find out more about what’s included here .

In this guide to a Highway 1 road trip, we’ll take you through some of the best things to do and see on your California coastal journey. Starting in LA and heading north, we cover stops in Malibu , Ventura, Ojai, San Luis Obispo County, Big Sur , Santa Cruz, and a few not-to-be missed pit stops along the way!

Without further ado, here are our top recommendations on where to surf, eat, camp, and play between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

HIGHWAY 1 ROAD TRIP

• a surfer’s guide •.

Malibu has a reputation for being a glitzy surf town, but just under the surface, you’ll find a nature lover’s paradise with awesome camping, miles of hiking trails, empty beaches, and really fun surf.

MALIBU SURFRIDER BEACH is a classic rolling longboarder wave where you’ll find loads of stylish nose-riding surfers strutting their stuff as they walk on water. But if longboarding isn’t your thing, not to worry, just grab a retro fish or your wave weapon of choice and head out back to the furthest peak where it’s a much faster higher performance ride.

COUNTY LINE is another easy to spot and park surf break that’s always worth a check. The main attraction is a rocky right-hand point which tends to stay cleaner than other spots since there’s a kelp bed out back. There are a few peaks in the vicinity so have a look around and go for a paddle if you see something you like.

EAT & DRINK

MALIBU FARM CAFE • Take a stroll to the end of the Malibu Pier and park yourself at an outside table at this picturesque cafe for a tasty breakfast burrito with a view of the surf.

MALIBU BURGER CO serves up tasty grass-fed beef, bison, fish & vegan burgers in a beachy cool setting at the Malibu Country Mart.

NEPTUNE’S NET is an iconic seafood restaurant and biker bar serving up grilled seafood, beer-battered fish-and-chips, chowder, and all the fixins. Located right on Highway 1 at County Line, go for a surf and then fuel up at Neptune’s before continuing north.

DO & SEE

GET YOUR HIKE ON • Malibu offers heaps of hikes in the Santa Monica Mountains that line the east side of the PCH. For a mellow canyon trail, check out Solstice Canyon . The trail takes hikers along a creek through the ruins of a burned mansion and a small waterfall. A couple of other great hikes are Escondido Falls and Malibu Creek State Park .

EXPLORE the secluded beaches and surf breaks between Zuma Beach and County Line.

WINDOW SHOP • If you want to check out a few Malibu boutiques, visit Malibu Country Mart (for the ladies, stop by Planet Blue and Wildfox).

LEO CARRILLO STATE BEACH has awesome campsites nestled into a small canyon right across from the beach. Set up camp under some Sycamore trees and then walk to the beach for an afternoon/sunset lounge fest or surf session if conditions allow.

VENTURA & OJAI

Ventura is a small no-frills beach town Between Malibu and Santa Barbara. Ventura made our list because there are some pretty special surf breaks in this area, and a nice little primitive campsite right on the water that’s hard to beat for location’s sake. Take an afternoon or a day trip to Ojai, a very cool artsy mountain town a 20-minute drive away.

VENTURA POINT is home to a series of right-hand points directly off of California Street . Sounds like a very appropriate place to stop for a surf on a California surfing road trip, if you ask me. It’s a popular break with a mixed crew of locals and out-of-towners but if you’re patient and respectful you can potentially score some really good waves.

EMMA WOOD could be a fun, peaky, punchy wave good for a few turns, a head dip, or an air if you’re at that level. Also, it’s directly in front of the campsite which makes for quick and easy access in the morning or at sunset if you’re staying a few nights.

RINCON is basically on the border of Ventura and Santa Barbara County. So it’s only an eight-minute drive up the coast from Emma Wood. With a nickname of The Queen of the Coast and a reputation for being California’s best point break, you can always count on finding crowds of rippers from near and far on any given peak. If you’re lucky enough to catch it when it’s good, you can line up some very long and dreamy rides.

BEACH HOUSE TACOS slings tasty tacos and local brew directly on the Ventura Pier. With outdoor seating, ocean views, and good prices, this is a great pit stop in town.

TIPPLE AND RAMBLE in Ojai is a picnic shop and wine bar with a fantastic patio perfect for lounging a sunny day away over a bottle of local wine.

OJAI HARVEST is a beautifully-styled bohemian bar and restaurant focused on locally-sourced organic fare and crafty cocktails.

BOCCALI’S is a casual family-owned Italian restaurant in Ojai serving up huge portions of homestyle Italian deliciousness in a California country setting. A favorite with locals and visitors alike, try their pizzas, lasagnas, tomato salad (when in season), and their famous you-can’t-not-order-it fresh strawberry shortcake. Mmmm.

GO BEER TASTING at a few of Ventura’s many local craft breweries. And yes, “beer tasting” is just a fancy way of saying go drink some beer . You can find some serious craft brew all over California, and Ventura County has their share of great places to get your brewski on. Try Surf Brewery , Made West , Topa Topa Brewing Company and Leashless Brewing to start.

THE SPA AT OJAI VALLEY INN is rated one of the best in the country, so if you have a hankering for a massage in a Spanish-style gorgeous spa and some extra time, indulge in spending the day reveling in spa perfection.

EMMA WOOD STATE BEACH is an awesome campsite located right at the beach (and Emma Wood surf break). It’s primitive so there aren’t any facilities besides a few portable bathrooms, but what it lacks in amenities it makes up for in location, location, location. There’s no tent camping allowed here so you have to have a self-contained vehicle. Campervans with a grey water system can pass. Make sure to book ahead because the campsite is reservation only from mid-May through Labor Day.

SAN LUIS OBISPO AREA

Nestled between the Coast Range and the Pacific on California’s Central Coast, San Luis Obispo County has a series of quaint beach towns with rugged coastline, rolling hills, and remote beaches. The mountains and coast here offer great hiking and plenty of surf breaks, while the inland valleys around Paso Robles offer superb vineyards for the oenophiles.

PISMO BEACH Pier and the surrounding area offers up lots of options for beach breaks scattered along the coast all year long. While it’s often pretty walled and nothing to write home about, if the elements come together you can definitely score some quality surf.

MORRO BAY is a fun sand bottom beach break with a variety of peaks to choose from along this couple mile stretch of beach, which allows the crowds to spread out a bit at times. It tends to get busier the closer you are to Morro Rock where you’ll find a mix of left and rights.

GRANADA BISTRO in San Luis Obispo serves modern Californian-meets-Mediterranean fare in a charming space with a lovely patio complete with string lights and a fireplace.

FLOUR HOUSE PIZZA BAR + PASTARIA in San Luis Obispo dishes up Southern Italian favorites complete with house-made pastas and wood-fired pizzas in a cozy modern space.

BLISS CAFE is a creekside cafe with creative and fresh plant-based and gluten-free dishes in San Luis Obispo.

TOP DOG COFFEE BAR makes fresh micro-roasted coffee, delicious chai, and tasty basic eats in a casual sunny space in Morro Bay.

THE SPOON TRADE is a restaurant in Grover Beach (close to Oceano Campgrounds) with foodie-approved farm-to-table brunch, lunch, and dinner. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

THE MADONNA INN is a kitschy hotel that has become a bit of a landmark in San Luis Obispo. Complete with themed rooms, pink tennis courts, and plenty of gaudy fabulousness, stop by for breakfast at Copper Cafe or a drink at the ornate Silver Bar Cocktail Lounge.

TAKE A HIKE along the coast on one of the many picturesque trails like Bluff Trail in Montaña de Oro State Park , or an inland incline like Bishop Peak Trai l.

RENT AN ATV or Dune Buggy and zip around the Pismo Beach sand dunes .

GO WINE TASTING at a few of the 200 wineries in Paso Robles. Yep, you read that right.

girl with surfboard on oceanview balcony

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SYCAMORE SPRINGS is a resort and spa with mineral spring-fed hot tubs you can rent by the hour. Perfect for an evening warm up after a long surf session.

PADDLEBOARD or Kayak around Morro Bay and spot wildlife. Look out for adorable otters sleeping in the kelp.

OCEANO DUNES CAMPGROUND is located on Oceano Beach, which is the only place in California where you can drive and camp on the beach. Oceano Dunes State Park has 42 campsites situated directly between the dunes and the ocean so you can fall asleep to the sweet sound of the Pacific. Tip: Don’t confuse this campground with the similarly-named Oceano Campground at Pismo Beach.

MORRO BAY STATE PARK is a nice campsite with good facilities and only a quick 5-minute drive to the famous Morro Bay Rock and surf break.

Pit Stop: Hearst Castle

Built by American media tycoon William Randolph Hearst, the Hearst Castle is a beautiful and quirky 165-room castle with epic views of rolling hills and the Pacific Ocean. The only way to tour the grounds is with a tour guide, so book ahead to reserve a spot.

Tips: Keep your eyes open for the zebras around the property, and stop by Sebastian’s across from the museum for a post-tour wine tasting and delish sando.

Pit Stop: Elephant Seals

Ten minutes north of the Hearst Castle is a little wildlife pit stop that you might smell before you see. The Elephant Seal Vista Point is a spot where hundreds of Elephant Seals congregate at various times throughout the year to breed and rest. This stop off has a viewing area where you can watch the seals, well, being seals.

This place barely needs an introduction, it’s the most famous stretch of Highway 1. With mountains covered in redwood forests on one side and dramatic cliffs-meet-turquoise Pacific on the other, Big Sur attracts visitors from around the world. Plan for at least a couple days here so you can settle into the beauty of this special piece of coastline.

Surf in these parts is fickle at best, so don’t count on the surf cooperating, but rest assured the stunning views and pure beauty of the area will keep you happy.

WILLOW CREEK is the very first surfable set up when heading north on Hwy 1 into the iconic PCH drive along the California coast of Big Sur. You can get a glimpse of the conditions and crowd factor before descending down to the beach access parking lot. Willow Creek is primarily a right-hander with a bouldery bottom.

SAND DOLLAR BEACH is an absolutely stunning stretch of rugged coast in Big Sur. This rocky cove is surrounded by massive submerged boulders and picturesque cliffs. As for the surf, you’ll find a variety of decent peaks with lefts and rights on offer up and down the beach. The water gets cold in these parts and the area is known to be sharky. So beware.

DEETJEN’S BIG SUR INN is a rustic charming-as-charming-can-be institution that has been welcoming guests since the 1930s. On the National Register of Historic Places, the hand-crafted quality and old-world ambiance of the hotel take you back to Big Sur’s early days. Their restaurant is the epitome of cozy and serves incredible food. This is seriously one of the best breakfasts I’ve ever had–try the chorizo and eggs and blueberry pancakes. Dinner is also very popular but quite pricey. If you opt for dinner make sure you have a reservation.

BIG SUR BAKERY has a serious reputation for just about everything they make, but especially their bacon-and-egg-topped breakfast pizza. Come hungry and grab some delish pastries for the road.

NEPENTHE is an awesome restaurant perched 800 feet above the Pacific with some of the best views in Big Sur. Stop by for a cocktail or enjoy dinner on their patio at sunset for a special evening.

JULIA PFEIFFER BURNS is the spot with McWay Falls, the famously beautiful waterfall cascading into a perfectly turquoise cove. The falls are a quick walk from the parking lot, so definitely check them out and then opt for a longer hike like Ewoldsen Trail, a 5-mile loop that winds through creeks, redwood forests, and offers impressive viewpoints of the coast.

HIKE, HIKE, AND HIKE SOME MORE. When you’re not ogling the insane views whilst driving along the coast, you’ll be ogling the trails and viewpoints along one of many hikes in Big Sur. Andrew Molera State Park has some great bluff hikes with coastal views (the Andrew Molera Loop), Pfeiffer Falls hike at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a fav, as well as Limekiln Trails . Talk about some serious hike decisions.

GO NAKED HOT TUBBING with a view at the famous Esalen Institute . If you aren’t staying at Esalen as part of one of their workshops, you’ll have to book a massage to use the property’s hot tubs during the day. Otherwise, the mineral baths are open to the public only between 1 and 3 am, with a reservation and a $20 fee.

PLASKETT CREEK CAMPGROUND is a really nice campground surrounded by a lush redwood forest and located a leisurely 5-minute stroll away to Sand Dollar Beach, the largest beach in Big Sur, complete with incredible views. Campsites are spaced out quite a bit for privacy, and for the most space and privacy book a site on the outside perimeter of the camp.

KIRK CREEK CAMPGROUND sits on an open bluff 100 feet above the Pacific. This has got to be one of the most beautiful campsites in California . Reservations at least 3 days in advance are necessary and book far in advance if you’re planning on traveling in the busy months. Tip: Raccoons abound at this site so lock up all your food and goodies.

LIMEKILN CAMPGROUND has two loops–one surrounded by towering redwoods and a creek, and the other perched on cliffs overlooking the Pacific with direct access to a small beach. You really can’t go wrong here. With only 29 campsites, reserve a spot way in advance if you’re planning on visiting in the summer months.

Pit Stop: Monterey Bay Aquarium

highway 1 road trip monterey bay aquarium

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the top aquariums in the United States and a must-visit for ocean lovers. Located right on the water on Monterey Bay, the aquarium has impressive exhibits and is a leader in ocean conservation and marine science.

Santa Cruz is a gem of a laid-back beach town full of students, surfers, counterculture lifestyles, and a whole lot of natural beauty. As goes with a lot of the California coast, nature in all its glory steals the show. Explore hiking/biking trails, beach-hop, and let your hair down.

Santa Cruz is known for localized breaks, heavy waves, and raw open ocean power. It’s also known for its rugged and enchanting beauty.

STEAMER LANE is another iconic California surf scene like Malibu, but completely different. Steamer Lane is not for the timid and can get seriously large and dangerous for inexperienced surfers. On average days a quality right peels along the cliffs with the occasional A-frame peak breaking a little away from the cliffs. But when it gets bigger a heaving A-frame barrel emerges from the pits of hell and the bluff turns into the Coliseum of surfing.

FOUR MILE is just a few miles outside of the downtown Santa Cruz area. It’s a beautiful cove with a lovely beach and fun rocky right-hand point setup. It’s known to be a target for petty theft, however, loads of traveling surfers passing through have no other options but to leave their belongings in their campervans and are fine. Just know there may be a higher risk of theft and do your best to hide valuables and lock up.

BANTAM ‘s menu features perfectly charred Neapolitan pizzas and a rotating menu of Italian-inspired dishes with a Californian twist.

VERVE COFFEE ROASTERS whips up delicious coffee and decadent pastries in three modern unlimited-wifi shops around town.

LUPOLU CRAFT BEER HOUSE serves up crafty beer alongside tasty Latin and Mediterranean eats. Get in on their stellar lunch specials Monday – Friday before 3pm.

JALAPEÑOS TAQUERIA is a no-frills hole-in-the-wall taco joint with delish tacos and burritos. The chicken mole and al pastor are winners and they even have a vegetarian burrito that’s a hit.

THE PENNY ICE CREAMERY makes insanely delicious ice cream from scratch. With rotating seasonal flavors that use locally-farmed organic ingredients, this place is kinda a big deal. Case in point: Mascarpone Bourbon Cake, Cardamom Coconut Blackberry, Whisky Custard.

TAKE A BREW CRUZ • Hop on the super sweet refurbished school bus Betty Jane and be escorted from brewery to brewery for four hours while learning all about local brewery history. So yes, basically a form of heaven.

SHOP AROUND • There’s a lot of creativity in Santa Cruz and therefore some really cool independent local shops around town. Check out Sawyer Land + Sea Supply for a great selection of boards and surf gear, Stripe and Stripe Men for clothing, gifts and such, Home/Work and Hive & Hum for home decor, and Berdel’s for skate, surf, and dude style.

MYSTERY SPOT is a tourist magnet, we’ll admit, but really fun anyway and worth a visit.

WALK IT OUT • Take a lovely stroll along East Cliff Drive to Pleasure Point. Start out on 41st Avenue and walk around the entire loop complete with ocean views, beautiful homes, surf, hidden beaches, and plenty of spots to just relax and enjoy the view.

NEW BRIGHTON STATE BEACH has a beautiful lush forested campground only a mile or so out of Capitola. The campsites can be a bit tight, but some sites make up for it with ocean views. You might want to snag one of the nine premium sites sitting on the bluff overlooking the ocean for a special treat. Book way in advance to ensure your spot.

SUNSET BEACH STATE CAMPGROUND is a little walk from the beach, but not to worry, you’ll be happily set up in your green and spacious campsite amongst the Monterey pines. And if it’s head high or smaller with light or offshore winds, you just might score some quality surf along this stretch of beach.

So there you have it! There are so many awesome spots along the Pacific Coast Highway you really can’t go wrong. Just hug the coast, explore your heart out and have an amazing Highway 1 road trip!

If you’re interested in renting a campervan for your trip, check out Escape Campervans to reserve a fully-equipped road trippin’ machine.

We hope this guide will help you plan your dream trip, and please feel free to comment below with any questions! We would be happy to help in any way that we can.

Happy travels!

* This post was created in partnership with Escape Campervans and all words and opinions are my own. We only partner with companies we genuinely like and are a fit for Lush Palm. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Lush Palm going with fresh content and helpful guides.

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17 thoughts on “Highway 1 Road Trip / A Surfer’s Guide to the California Coast”

This article was so helpful! Do any of the surf spots listed have board rentals nearby? I’ll be renting a van to do this trip 🙂

Hi Belinda,

Thanks for your feedback — so glad you found the article helpful! Most of the locations listed have surf shops where you can rent surfboards. Malibu, Ventura, and Santa Cruz definitely have board rentals available. Big Sur is very small and likely doesn’t have board rentals, and it’s a fickle place for surf anyway, so I wouldn’t count on waves there. In the other spots, just google ‘surfboard rentals’ and I’m sure you’ll find plenty of options!

Hope you have a wonderful trip! Cheers

Hey what’s happening due to Covid 19 . Will beaches , rentals and restaurants still be operating in July or august?

Hi Paula – Over the past couple of months, the COVID 19 situation in California has been changing on a regular basis, so it would be difficult to confirm what will be open in July and August. But currently, restaurants, beaches, and most businesses have officially opened back up in most counties in California, so hopefully, they continue to stay open throughout the summer! Fingers crossed!

I loved to see this! I’ve never been to California and it’s really lovely to see all this. Thank you for sharing!

Thanks for your feedback, our pleasure!

Hey!!! I really need help planning a trip to California for surfing! You guys have so much information I’d really appreciate your help.

Hello, Thank you for your article, so helpful! I’m planning a road trip in a campervan along the Highway 1, end of September, to discover California and to surf. With your precious information, I know where to go to have nice surf sessions. I’m a beginner/intermediate level surfer, I have got my own surf board at home but I don’t think to take it with me (I’m afraid to break it during the flight). I’m thinking to rent a surfboard each time I want to surf but don’t know if it’s a good idea. Does there is surf rental shops everywhere? What are you recommendations? Thank you in advance for your reply

Hi Pauline, happy to help and stoked you like the article! While there are plenty of surf shops to rent surfboards from southern California to northern California, there are also a lot of areas to explore in between towns where you’ll want a surfboard on hand. You’ll also most likely want to go in the same direction and not have to backtrack too often. A surfboard rental will easily cost you from $20-$40 dollars per day. So if you’re exploring and surfing for at least 10 days, that could add up to be $200-300+. Plus you might have to put down deposits, etc, in case you ding it. So I’d recommend you browse Craigslist as soon as you arrive in town. You can easily find a used surfboard on Craigslist for the $200-300 you’d be spending to rent one. At the end of your trip, you could either try to sell it really quick for a super good deal to make back some money or just give it away. Hope that helps! Cheers

Great updates, any recommends along Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park? Not seeing any surf lanes between Sand Dollar and Rivermouth…

Hey, thanks Ross, not that I’m knowledgeable about. But there is a lot of coastline to explore if you’re keen. You might want to check WannaSurf for additional insights. Cheers and happy travels man!

Hi. I met Tara this morning at Black’s. I am living in my van and surfing. Have been at Black’s since November. I like your website a lot and will follow you. Take care, Danny

Hi Danny, nice to meet you and thanks for the kind words! Cheers!

What about Pacifica State Beach? The now number 1 surfed beach in Northern CA. Pacifica is only 15 min south of SF and SFO. NorCal Surf Shop right at the beach to rent surf & paddle boards, wet suits and more. Check out their retail items which includes skateboards, ukuleles, sunglasses, apparel and much more.

Thanks, Carol! Yes, Pacifica is a beautiful spot!

Wow! This article was so helpful and well-detailed 🙂 I’m planning a roadtrip in an Escape Campervan from San Francisco down to San Diego along the coast in order to catch some waves! I wanted to know if there is any possibility to sleep in the Van next to the road for free or if you would advise to always sleep in campgrounds. Furthermore I couldn’t find anywhere if a special driving license was requiered to drive the Van. I’m 22 and have a regular car driving license.

Thank you so much in advance for your reply and thanks again for this amazing article!

Hi Tania, Thanks for your kind words! So happy we can help you plan your trip!

There’s so much to do and see along the coast, you’re going to have an awesome time 🙂 As far as sleeping next to the road goes, we wouldn’t really recommend it, and in some counties in California it’s actually illegal to sleep in a vehicle (along a roadside or in a parking lot). I know some travelers will ‘free camp’ or ‘wild camp’ in different places in California, but it’s more in off-the-grid locations, rather than near cities or along the road. Also, there are more and more people traveling the coast, so there are many signs that say it’s illegal to sleep/camp alongside the road. So we definitely recommend playing it safe and sticking to campgrounds.

Here’s a roundup of some of the best beach campgrounds in California for surfing: https://lushpalm.com/beach-camping-in-california/

For the license, no, you don’t need any special license to drive the van! Your regular license is all you need so you’re good to go! Have a wonderful trip and let us know if you have any other questions!

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The Ultimate California Highway 1 Road-Trip Itinerary

Trina Hendry

https://www.foratravel.com/guides/LQZR7L/the-ultimate-california-highway-1-road-trip-itinerary

Road Trip Travel

Nature Escapes

Sightseeing

Curator’s statement

A cruise down California's Highway 1 — the PCH as it is affectionately known by locals — from San Francisco to Los Angeles is the quintessential California road trip. As you journey through quaint towns and stunning landscapes unlike anywhere else on the planet, you will find yourself mesmerized by the postcard-perfect beauty and sheer diversity of this 500-mile stretch of highway. This five-day adventure covers all of the main attractions, from Bixby Bridge in Big Sur to the beaches of Malibu, with stops at hidden gems and local haunts along the way.

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Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there

Where to stay

Cambria beach lodge.

Indulge in coastal relaxation at Cambria Beach Lodge, where modern comforts, breathtaking views and a laid-back atmosphere combine for a memorable stay along the stunning Central Coast of California.

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The Surfrider

Located at Surfrider Beach, a great pick for easy access to the Malibu Pier, featuring rooms with a sophisticated, yet laid-back Californian feel.

Complimentary wetsuit rentals.

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Shutters on the Beach

The classic Santa Monica beach experience, the lobby makes this property feel more intimate, but the pool is a great scene.

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Breakfast daily.

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Santa Monica Proper Hotel

A luxury lifestyle hotel on sun-drenched Wilshire Boulevard where guests will have a front-row seat to sunsets over the Pacific.

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Monterey Tides

Experience the coastal charm of Monterey Tides, where ocean views, sandy beaches and laid-back vibes create the perfect beachfront getaway.

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Day 1: San Franciso to Monterey

Start the day with an early breakfast at Tartine Manufactory to fuel up for the 120-mile drive to Monterey. Hop onto CA 1 and drive to Half Moon Bay for a seafood lunch at Sam’s Chowder House . Sam’s is famous for its Lobster Roll, which is hailed as one of the “Five Best Sandwiches in America” by The Today Show. As you make your way south, take a quick pitstop in Capitola, the most darling candy-colored beach town near Santa Cruz. It is also the oldest beach resort on the West Coast. Depending on the time, you may wish to meander along the famous 17-mile drive at Pebble Beach before arriving in Monterey. Check into either the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa or the Monterey Tides , a recently renovated boutique hotel right on the beach. Tip : If you stay at Monterey Tides, ask for the second or third floor for the best vistas. Cap off a perfect day with a seaside dinner at Fish Hopper , located on the pier at Cannery Row.

Day 2: Monterey to Cambria

Begin the day with an early morning beach walk before driving 10 minutes south to the quaint town of Carmel-by-the-Sea for breakfast at iconic Katy’s Place . If you love eggs benedict you will die and go to hollandaise heaven with more than 20 varieties to choose from. After a leisurely walk around town, it’s time to head to Big Sur! Your first stop Bixby Bridge for the iconic Big Sur view and photo.

Grab coffee-to-go and a chocolate cookie at Big Sur Bakery and then admire McWay Falls from the overlook trail. As hunger sets it, it is time to head to Nepenthe for a leisurely lunch of California fare perched on a Big Sur cliff overlooking the ocean. The views are magnificent. Head out toward the central coast beach town of Cambria, stopping to see the elephant seals sunbathing at the rookery in San Simeon. San Simeon is also the home to Hearst Castle, which I highly recommend it if you’ve never been. In Cambria, stop in at the Cambria Pines Lodge’s Fireside Lounge for Happy Hour or an early dinner before checking in to the hotel. Check into the Cambria Beach Lodge just in time to watch the sunset at Moonstone Beach.

Day 3: Cambria to Santa Barbara

After enjoying a complimentary continental breakfast in the lodge’s reception area, followed by a stroll through town, I highly recommend taking a quick inland detour off Highway 1 to Paso Robles for a morning of wine tasting. Head back to the 101 freeway to San Luis Obispo for lunch, a slice of the renowned Pink Champagne Cake and a bathroom break at the quirky Madonna Inn. Tip : The inn is famous for its restrooms, especially the men’s, which has a waterfall over the urinal!

As you make you way down the central coast, you pass through the towns Santa Ynez Valley, sometimes referred to as Napa’s baby sister, including Los Alamos (the trendiest town in the region at the moment,) Los Olivos and Buellton, the town made famous in the wine cult film, “Sideways." Arrive in Santa Barbara mid-to-late-afternoon and head straight to the Funk Zone for some more wine tasting at Municipal Wines, or the other 14 tasting rooms that make up Santa Barbara’s Urban Wine Trail . Check in at Hotel Californian, a stunning Moroccan-inspired hotel steps from the beach. You’ll be hard pressed to find a bad meal in Santa Barbara. I highly recommend making a reservation at Bibi Ji , a modern Indian street food restaurant on State Street. Other popular restaurants with walking distance of the hotel include The Lark (New American), Loquita (Spanish tapas) and Lucky Penny (pizza.) If you wish to venture out a bit further from the funk zone, La Super-Rica Taqueria is always a hit as is Bettina (Italian) in Montecito and Toma (Mediterrean) on State Steet in downtown Santa Barbara.

Day 4: Santa Barbara to Malibu

Kick off the day in Santa Barbara at Helena Avenue Bakery for a cold brew coffee and their famous Breakfast Sandwich on Brioche. On your way out of town, I highly recommend you stop at Metropoulos Fine Foods Merchant , a delicious gourmet food shop and deli. Have them pack up a couple of sandwiches for the road. Trust me, they are some of the best handhelds you will ever eat, and this food emporium is a local favorite. Take the 101 S to Ventura County and follow the signs back to Highway 101 of the scenic drive to Malibu. If the tide is out, make a pit stop at Leo Carillo State Beach to explore the tide pools or go for a beach stroll at one of the most stunning So Cal beaches, El Matador. Check in at the Surfrider Malibu , an exclusive 20-room Californian Beach House located on the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, across the street from the world-famous Surfrider beach.

Lunch/brunch at Malibu Farm directly across the street from the hotel on the Malibu Pier. I normally go the cafe at the end of the pier, but this epic journey is worthy of a meal at the organic, farm-to-table restaurant at the beginning of the pier. After lunch, do a bit of shopping at Aviator Nation (located directly across from the pier) and Malibu Country Mart , which is excellent for not only local and designer brands but also for people watching. End the day by watching the sunset with a glass of wine in hand on the hotel’s rooftop, or catch Happy Hour and sunset views at the Malibu Beach Inn’s Carbon Beach Club or Nobu, both located a very short walk from the hotel.

Day 5: Malibu to Los Angeles

Beautiful blue water beach with people and green hills.

No trip to Malibu would be complete without a hike. I suggest driving back up the coast for about 15 minutes to the Point Dume Nature Preserve, which offers beautiful walking trails and a wooden boardwalk along the cliff, as well as stairs down to the quiet beach where you will often find sea lions sunning themselves and dolphins frolicking in the surf. Other great hiking options include Escondido Falls and Solstice Canyon. If you’re hungry, head to the Point Dume plaza for Lily’s famous breakfast burrito. I suggest calling in your order though as they take 45 minutes to prepare and there is often a line-up. Head back down the coast to Santa Monica to begin your Los Angeles adventure. For beachside accommodation, Oceana and Shutters on the Beach are excellent choices. Santa Monica Proper is my favorite hotel in Los Angeles, and if you prefer to stay in the heart of the action, aka West Hollywood, the Pendry Hotel and 1 Hotel West Hollywood would be my picks.

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For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Grace Hilty’s guide, 3 Days in Big Sur, California .

This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to California .

Ultimate California Highway 1 Road Trip

Drive. Dine. Walk. Gawk. Find joy. Explore 735 gorgeous miles of the iconic road with these essential stops along the way.

Laguna Beach to Santa Monica

Highway 1 begins unceremoniously, emerging from a tangle of freeway ramps in Orange County’s Dana Point. There’s a glimpse of ocean, but it isn’t until Laguna Beach that Highway 1 becomes Pacific Coast Highway in more than name. In the O.C., the luxe life is everywhere—pastel villas, yachts, and the requisite Ferrari dealer—while Huntington Beach delivers the simpler pleasures of 10 miles of beachfront. Then the road veers from the ocean, even going underground beneath the runways at LAX. All of which makes it that much sweeter when Highway 1 escapes the darkness of the McClure Tunnel to bask in the Santa Monica sun.

Miles: 60 | Number of boats in Newport Harbor: 9,000 | Surf shops in Huntington Beach: 13 | Lights on Santa Monica Pier’s Pacific Wheel: 160,000

Most Beautiful Stretch of Sand, Laguna Beach

Jumping for Joy, Laguna Beach

Ultimate Coastal Combo, Laguna Beach

Perfect Fish Sandwiches, Newport Beach

A Soulful Surfing Superstore, Huntington Beach

Far out Footprints, Huntington Beach

Legends of the Surf, Huntington Beach

A Peerless Pier, Manhattan Beach

Wild Ride, Manhattan Beach

A Stay at the Shore, Santa Monica

Malibu to Lompoc

Secluded Sands, Malibu

Perfect Pause, Malibu

Island Idyll, Ventura

Seaside Seafood, Santa Barbara

Match Made in Heaven, Santa Barbara County

Golden Road, Santa Barbara County

The Hills Are Alive, Santa Barbara County

Miracle Burgers, Jalama Beach

Serenity Now, Jalama Beach

The New Wine Country, Lompoc

Cayucos to Point Lobos

Smokin' Good Fish, Cayucos

The Magic Castle, San Simeon

Unfortunately, Hearst Castle is closed during the summer of 2020 due to COVID-19, with no firm reopening date set. Please check the castle's web site before you go to see if it has reopened.

A Bend in the Redwoods, Big Sur

Solitary Strolling, Big Sur

Cozy Hangout, Big Sur

Dining with a View, Big Sur

Secret Bargain, Big Sur

Greatest Hike, Point Lobos

Postcard-Perfect Scenery, Point Lobos

Pebble Beach to Half Moon Bay

After the untamed drama of Big Sur, Highway 1 makes a calmer approach to the sweep of Monterey Bay. The pleasures here are civilized: Pebble Beach’s fairways, Carmel’s galleries, and Pacific Grove’s narrow streets of tiny Victorian cottages. But along the Santa Cruz waterfront, the refined gives way to the endless summer pursuits of roller-coaster rides at the beachfront boardwalk and surfing the perfect waves at Steamer Lane. It can get big at Steamer but nothing like at Half Moon Bay, 50 miles north, where the Mavericks Invitational doesn’t even take place unless the wave faces reach 20 feet or more. So much for civilized pleasures.

Miles: 96 | Number of U.S. Opens held at Pebble Beach: 5 | Year people first surfed at Santa Cruz: 1885 | Top speed of Giant Dipper roller coaster: 46 mph

Lunch on the Links, Pebble Beach

Meet the Marine Life, Monterey

Perfect Beach Day, Monterey Bay

Thrill Rides, Santa Cruz

Picnic Pairings, Santa Cruz

Tasty Souvenirs, Davenport

Top Taps, Pescadero

Scenic Sentinel, Pescadero

Guided by Nature, San Mateo County

Hidden Gem, San Mateo County

Hidden Beaches, Half Moon Bay

Roadside Stunner, Half Moon Bay

San Francisco to Jenner

A Perfect Point of View, San Francisco

Lost in the Labyrinth, San Francisco

Fort Baker, Sausalito

Divine Descent, Point Reyes

Heaven on the Half-Shell, Inverness

Placid Path, Tomales Bay

Architectural Icon, Bodega Bay

A Private Pocket of the Coast, Jenner

Fortuitous Curves, Sonoma Coast

Sea Ranch to Rockport

The northernmost stretch of Highway 1 is moody. One hour it’s fog-wrapped and brooding. An hour later, a gentle sun gives highway, forest, and ocean a brilliant sparkle. The road skirts coastal towns that hug cliff tops (Elk) and pose tidily on bluffs (Mendocino). Rivers—the Navarro, the Little, the Big—curve beneath bridges as they meet the sea. This remains a working coast. Fort Bragg’s still a fishing port, and you may share the road with a logging truck. Above Rockport, Highway 1 bends inland toward its terminus at U.S. 101 at Leggett. Before that, linger among the redwoods that line its final miles: They’re stunning, unforgettable, like Highway 1.

Miles: 90 | Most recent value of year’s catch from Fort Bragg: $6.8 million | Number of B&Bs in Mendocino Village: 46 | Steps up Point Arena Lighthouse: 145

Stairway to Heaven, Point Arena

High Light, Point Arena

Cafe Society, Point Arena

Legendary Beauty, Sonoma Coast

A Marvelous Main Street, Elk

Paradise Found, Mendocino County

Bygone Era Charms, Mendocino

Under the Bridge, Fort Bragg

Big Trees, Rockport

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Home > Road Trip Itineraries > West Coast > California Road Trip Itineraries > California Coast > Pacific Coast Highway: The Road of the American Dream

Pacific Coast Highway: The Road of the American Dream

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Also known as Route 1 or Highway 1 , the Pacific Coast Highway is the road of the American Dream, a U.S. route that offers beautiful views of the coast along the 620-mile road from Orange County (near Dana Point, south of Los Angeles ) to Mendocino County (just above San Francisco , in Leggett), that covers almost the entire California coast.

A Pacific Coast Highway road trip passes through desolate moors and viewpoints that allow you to enjoy the rare and amazing natural beauty of the coast. The possibilities are endless but a common route is to take the coastal scenic route from Los Angeles to San Francisco (or vice versa), and often people extend the journey and continue south to San Diego , a city with beautiful beaches and pleasant temperatures.

But a road trip on Highway 1 doesn’t only offer unforgettable scenic views. Even history buffs will find something of interest. Along the Pacific Coast you will find the many Franciscan missions that were built in California starting the eighteenth century, all included in the historical itinerary El Camino Real . We start our Pacific Coast Highway itinerary from the south, from the beaches of Orange County, and will head north towards San Francisco Bay and beyond.

Pacific Coast Highway Map

Orange county, located south of los angeles, from los angeles to santa barbara, hearst castle and big sur, the monterey peninsula, san francisco bay area and marin county, north of san francisco: the last stretch of highway 1, how long is the pacific coast highway.

Usually, the last stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway, which crosses Orange County, is traveled on the way from Los Angeles to San Diego . Best known for Disneyland , Orange County is a region that can boast many incredible attractions, including the beautiful beaches and charming hidden coves that characterize Laguna Beach , the area’s most popular beach destination, but also interesting historical places, such as San Juan Capistrano , 11 miles south of Laguna Beach, which, in addition to its historic district , has one of the most fascinating missions on the entire California coast.

If you love surfing, there are a few places where you can go in search of the perfect wave, starting with Huntington Beach . Many consider it the surf capital of the United States (not surprisingly it was renamed “Surf City USA”). There are also Newport Beach and The Wedge , on the southern end of the Balboa Peninsula .

This section of Highway 1 is not particularly impressive to drive along, but it can be very rewarding if you decide to stop in the various coves and inlets that the Laguna Beach area offers along the way (e.g. the cliffs of Treasure Island Park ). For a list of recommended stops, please refer to our guide of Laguna Beach.

Continuing north, pass through Long Beach and plan to stop next in Santa Monica , one of the most famous destinations in the Greater Los Angeles area , known throughout the world for its amusement park on the pier (Santa Monica Pier ) and for being the end of Route 66 . Next, head to Malibu , a stretch of the coast that was renamed “27 miles of great views”, and then on to Santa Barbara , at the foot of the Santa Ynez Mountains, a green valley full of vineyards and farms that you can also cross via Highway 101 , an alternative and faster road that goes from Los Angeles to San Francisco .

Santa Barbara is a destination that really deserves an extended visit, especially because of the multiple pieces of history and the many Spanish Colonial buildings. Since you are here, take the opportunity to make a detour in a very unusual town, Solvang , a Danish town in the USA.

Further north, the Pacific Coast Highway begins to show its most majestic and impressive scenery, rising 1640 to 3280 ft above the roaring waves of the Pacific. Considered by many as America’s most fascinating scenic road , the rugged and wild 90-mile drive that stretches from Hearst Castle , just past the interesting towns of Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo , is bound to win the hearts of road trip enthusiasts.

Big Sur , which is bordered by the rugged mountains of Saint Lucia to the east and the Pacific to the west, is certainly the most fascinating section of the coast, “A place of greatness and eloquent silence”, as described by Henry Miller, the author of the novel Tropic of Cancer .

It was practically inaccessible before the Pacific Coast Highway was built. Thanks to the work of prisoners and New Deal funds, Big Sur was completed in 1937 and began to attract tourists. Its beauty has inspired artists and writers like Miller, whose books and photographs can be found at the Henry Miller Memorial Library, and alternative thinkers, some of whom helped found the Esalen Institute.

Proudly protected by its 1,500 inhabitants, Big Sur offers landscapes that seem to be taken from a Romantic painting. The land is splashed by the impetuous waves of the ocean and circumscribed by curved and narrow roads that wind along the edge of the sheer mountains. You will definitely want to take pictures at Bixby Bridge , the famous symbol of this road.

pacific coast highway road trip itinerary

Hearst Castle, located near Pfeiffer State Beach , a beach with violet sand and picturesque sea stacks, is another unforgettable place, and if you are looking for somewhere to take a break and relax, stop by Nepenthe for a drink, a restaurant with an outdoor patio 2,625 ft above the sea.

For more details about things to do in the area, check out our guide on how to visit Big Sur .

The most spectacular section of Highway 1 is behind us, but this road still has a lot of surprises for us. The Monterey Peninsula is a treasure trove with many places to discover, starting with Carmel By the Sea , a charming town with a beautiful mission, then Monterey , famous for its large aquarium and many well-preserved historic buildings, the 17-mile Drive , a winding scenic road that runs along the ocean around Carmel Point, and Pebble Beach , an area frequented by wealthy people that has golf courses, luxurious villas, as well as charming views of the sea and trees with unusual shapes.

In addition, there is also Pacific Grove , which has a rugged coastline dotted with pink flowers and embellished with the striking lighthouse of Point Pinos , and Point Lobos , a beautiful protected area where you can go and view the perfect inlet.

For a complete recap of everything that awaits you on this stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway, please read our Monterey Peninsula guide.

You’ve arrived in San Francisco and most people decide to conclude the trip on America’s most scenic road here, yet this fascinating itinerary still has so much to offer. Highway 1 continues along one of the most famous bridges in the world, I’m not talking about the aforementioned Bixby Bridge but the famous red bridge that crosses San Francisco Bay (read our tips for driving across the Golden Gate Bridge ) and will take you to the giant redwood forest of Muir Woods , but before you get there, I recommend a small detour from the main road to visit Point Bonita Lighthouse , one of the most scenic lighthouses on the West Coast.

Continuing further north, the coast of Marin County has stunning views of cliffs and sea stacks; it is an area known as the Gulf of the Stacks and part of the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary . Those who love lighthouses will enjoy visiting Point Reyes Lighthouse , one of California’s most scenic and well-known lighthouses.

After crossing Marin County, the lesser-known and less touristy part of the coast awaits us. Highway 1 continues along the ocean and still offers some breathtaking views of the cliffs overlooking the sea. The first interesting stop is Bodega Bay , which Hitchcock used as the set for the movie The Birds . If you go on Westshore Road, you can visit Bodega Head , where you can enjoy one of the best views of Highway 1 (the area is also recommended for whale watching).

Mendocino, famous for being used as a set for Jessica Fletcher’s Cabot Cove , is certainly the most picturesque area of this stretch of the road because of the sea stacks and cliffs of Headlands State Park . Those who love lighthouses will still find points of interest, namely Point Arena Lighthouse and Point Cabrillo Lighthouse , both built after the devastating earthquake in San Francisco in 1906. The lighthouses can be visited by taking a short detour from Highway 1. Also worth mentioning is the very special Bowling Ball Beach : the name says it all!

The Pacific Coast Highway officially ends in Leggett, 53 miles north of Mendocino, where it connects to Highway 101 , which leads to the area with the world’s tallest redwoods ( Redwood National Park ) and then to more spectacular views on the coast of Oregon .

The travel time is not to be underestimated. If you are in a hurry, this is not the right road for you. There are several alternative roads further inland that allow you to travel more quickly (but alas what you will see will be less rewarding). To travel the main stretch of Highway 1, the one between Los Angeles and San Francisco, I suggest you plan 1 or 2 stops (for directions on how to break the journey, you can read my guide on where to stay between Los Angeles and San Francisco ). Here are some guides to the most important destinations you will find along the way:

Santa Barbara
San Luis Obispo
Hearst Castle
Point Lobos

If you want to continue to the end of the Pacific Coast Highway, keep in mind that from San Francisco Bay to Mendocino the drive is slow and depending on the length of the stops, you may need another stop to break up the journey, for example, in Gualala . Before Leggett, the best stop is Mendocino (about 90 minutes away). We also have an article in which you can read our advice on what to do and where to stay in Mendocino .

For more detailed information about finding accommodations in Los Angeles and San Francisco, read our in-depth articles:

Where to stay in San Francisco: Recommended areas and neighborhoods
Where to sleep in Los Angeles: Staying in the city and the surrounding area

The Pacific Coast Highway is the ideal route for those who dream of going on a road trip and gives you the chance to admire the natural wonders of California’s coast. It is one of the most popular routes traveled by those who love to take road trips around the USA and who love adventure.

Warning: Operating hours can change and closures for extraordinary events can occur, so we strongly suggest to check the venues official websites.

lorenzo puliti

I am fascinated by the wonders of the world I never tire of going in search of them.

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Driving California's Scenic Highway One

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

California's Highway One is a state highway. It runs from Capistrano Beach in Orange County to Leggett in northern Mendocino (Dana Point), a total of about 650 miles. You can tackle it in sections, pick just part of it to see or make the journey into a week-long road trip.

No matter what you have in mind, this guide links to detailed directions for every single mile of it, starting from the south.

Orange and Los Angeles Counties

Highway One begins in the town of Capistrano Beach in Orange County. From there, to Santa Monica and through Malibu, it's a city street.

It takes on several street names but is most often called Pacific Coast Highway (which locals shorten to PCH). Between Manhattan Beach and LAX, it's called Sepulveda. North of the airport to Santa Monica, it's Lincoln Blvd.

The route sometimes follows the coastline, but far more often it passes neighborhoods and mundane strip malls. The best parts of that route are from Laguna Beach to Naples (just south of Long Beach) and from Santa Monica through Malibu to Oxnard.

Santa Monica, Malibu, and Oxnard

One of the most scenic sections of Hwy 1 goes through beautiful Malibu . For the first part of the trip, the road passes the garages and back doors of coastal homes, but north of Pepperdine University it sometimes runs so near to the continent's edge that it feels like you could reach out and dangle your fingers in the water.

Oxnard to San Luis Obispo

North of Oxnard, CA Hwy 1 merges with US Hwy 101. The stretch of 101 between Oxnard and Santa Barbara is especially scenic, with views of the Channel Islands offshore.

Just north of the Gaviota Tunnel (which is north of Santa Barbara), Hwy 101 turns inland, and you won't see the ocean again until you get to Pismo Beach, and then only briefly.

Hwy 1 splits off from Hwy 101 north of Gaviota, passing through Lompoc and Guadalupe before rejoining Hwy 101 just south of Pismo Beach . This 50-mile section is sometimes called the Cabrillo Highway. You could drive it if you want to cover every single inch of the famous highway, but there's little of interest if you're just sightseeing. From Pismo Beach to San Luis Obispo, Highways 1 and 101 are the same.

San Luis Obispo to San Francisco

The road you think of as the Pacific Coast Highway is probably the section between San Luis Obispo and Monterey. Its sights include Hearst Castle , the Big Sur coast , Carmel , Monterey , and Santa Cruz .

Through the City of San Francisco

In the city of San Francisco , Hwy 1 is a street: 19th Avenue. It leads to the Golden Gate Bridge . It's a busy street with little to see and traffic that's more than annoying. You can get through town more easily by merging with I-280 north of Pacifica or by taking CA Hwy 35 north and following the coastline.

Golden Gate Bridge, Marin, Sonoma, and Mendocino

North of the Golden Gate Bridge, the official highway name of Highway 1 is Shoreline Highway. It passes along some dramatic coastline, through scenic Marin, Sonoma and Mendocino Counties . It ends north of Rockport, where it turns inland toward Leggett and disappears.

Tips and Advice

These tips and ideas will help make your trip more pleasant:

Check your gas gauge. There's no gasoline available for up to 40 miles in some stretches, especially in Big Sur and north of San Francisco.
"Go" when you have a chance. Restrooms are also scarce in those same areas.
Allow plenty of time. Assume you will average about 30 miles per hour (45 kph). A trip to Hearst Castle and Big Sur from San Luis Obispo can take most of a day. San Francisco to Mendocino can be a very tiring all-day drive.
If anyone in your party suffers from motion sickness, be prepared. If that party is a licensed adult, try letting them drive which helps control nausea.
If you are driving Highway One in only one direction, go from south to north if you can. You will be driving on the less knuckle-whitening insides of the curves and views are clearer toward the north.
If you are driving the road in both directions (making a round trip to Hearst Castle from Big Sur, for example), avoid crossing traffic to see things on the opposite side of the road. Save them for the return trip instead.
CA Hwy 1 is prone to closure due to landslides, especially during rainy winters. Check its condition online or call 800-427-7623 before you go.

It's always good practice to follow these safety tips, but they become even more important along busy CA Hwy 1:

Drive defensively. Avoid dangerous situations and allow plenty of distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
Buckle up! California law requires it for the driver and all passengers.
Pull over if five or more cars are following you. It's also a California law, but only do it when you can pull over safely
Don't pass where there are double yellow lines. This rule is more important than ever on the curve-filled sections of the highway where visibility is limited.

Pacific Coast

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Appalachian Trail

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Home / Pacific Coast

The Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

Pacific Coast Highway road trip driving distance map from California to Oregon and Washington

For some reason, when people elsewhere in the country refer to the Pacific Coast, particularly California, it’s apparent that they think it’s a land of kooks, an overbuilt suburban desert supporting only shopping malls, freeways, and body-obsessed airheads. All this may be true in small pockets, but the amazing thing about the Pacific Coast—from the dense green forests of western Washington to the gorgeous beaches of Southern California—is that it is still mostly wild, open, and astoundingly beautiful country, where you can drive for miles and miles and have the scenery all to yourself.

Planning a West Coast Road Trip

Road Trip USA’s Pacific Coast route begins at the northwest tip of the United States at Port Townsend near Olympic National Park, and remains within sight of the ocean almost all the way south to the Mexican border. This 1,650-mile (2,655 km), mostly two-lane route takes in everything from temperate rainforest to near-desert. Most of the Pacific Coast is in the public domain, accessible, and protected from development within national, state, and local parks, which provide habitat for such rare creatures as mountain lions, condors, and gray whales.

A misty day at rocky Cape Flattery on Washington's Olympic Peninsula.

Heading south, after the rough-and-tumble logging and fishing communities of Washington State, you cross the mouth of the Columbia River and follow the comparatively peaceful and quiet Oregon coastline, where recreation has by and large replaced industry, and where dozens of quaint and not-so-quaint communities line the ever-changing shoreline. At the midway point, you pass through the great redwood forests of Northern California, where the tallest and most majestic living things on earth line the Avenue of the Giants, home also to some of the best (meaning gloriously kitsch) remnants of the golden age of car-borne tourism: drive-through trees, drive-on trees, houses carved out of trees, and much more. The phenomenally beautiful coast-line of Northern California is rivaled only by the incredible coast of Big Sur farther south, beyond which stretches the beachfronts of Southern California. The land of palm trees, beach boys, and surfer girls of popular lore really does exist, though only in the southernmost quarter of the state.

Along with the overwhelming scale of its natural beauty, the West Coast is remarkable for the abundance of well-preserved historic sites—most of which haven’t been torn down, built on, or even built around—that stand as vivid evocations of life on what was once the most distant frontier of a new nation. While rarely as old as places on the East Coast, or as impressive as those in Europe, these diverse sites include the Spanish colonial missions of California, Russian and English fur-trading outposts, and the place where Lewis and Clark first sighted the Pacific after their long slog across the continent.

Last but certainly not least are the energizing cities— Seattle and Portland in the north, San Francisco in the middle, and Los Angeles and San Diego to the south—that serve as gateways to (or civilized respites from) the landscapes between them. Add to these the dozens of small and not-so-small towns along the coast, with alternating blue-collar ports and up-scale vacation retreats, and you have a great range of food, drink, and accommodations options. Local cafés, seafood grills, and bijou restaurants abound, as do places to stay—from youth hostels in old lighthouses to roadside motels (including the world’s first, which still stands in lovely San Luis Obispo, California) to homespun B&Bs in old farmhouses.

10 Best Pacific Coast Highway Stops

For more insight into each stop along a West Coast road trip, our content is arranged by state, with California’s coastline broken into its northern, central, and southern sections. Here are ten major sights along the Pacific Coast Highway where travelers aiming to follow only a section of the full cross-country route may wish to use to plan their drive:

Sunset at McWay falls in Big Sur along the Pacific Coast Highway

Olympic National Park, Washington – Combines the features of Maine’s rocky coast, the snowy peaks of the Rocky Mountains, and the unique rainforests of the Pacific Northwest
Astoria & Fort Clatsop, Oregon – Part of the extensive Lewis and Clark National Historic Park, Fort Clatsop is just outside the oldest American city west of the Rockies
“Dune Country,” Oregon – Hop out of the car and into a dune buggy to travel through some of the tallest sand dunes in the world
Redwood National Park, California – Stretch your legs with a walk through Lady Bird Johnson Grove
Mendocino, California – One of the prettiest towns on the California coast, and extra fun for fans of the TV show Murder, She Wrote
San Francisco, California – Easily one of the most enjoyable cities in the US and a great place to start, end, or spend a weekend along the Pacific Coast Highway
Monterey, California – Home to the excellent Monterey Bay Aquarium and the internationally famous Monterey Jazz Festival
San Simeon, California (Hearst Castle) – One of the truly unique attractions to see on a classic Highway 1 road trip
San Luis Obispo, California – A lively college town with a beautiful 18th-century Spanish mission to tour, and the Madonna Inn, one of the quirkiest places to spend a night
Los Angeles, California – Hollywood, Sunset Boulevard, and an intersection with another storied road trip: Route 66
San Diego, California – Beautiful beaches, grand buildings, and home to the San Diego Zoo, one of the largest and most popular zoos in the world

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The Essential Road Trip Itinerary for California’s Highway 1

Highway 1 is regarded as not only one of the best road trips in the United States, but also the world. The coastal cruise promises dramatic bluffs, panoramic ocean vistas, and many designated viewpoints to capture it all. Plus, you’ll get the opportunity to explore some of California’s greatest treasures, like popular Big Sur and quaint Carmel-by-the-Sea.

The key to getting the best out of this stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway is to start up north in a destination like San Francisco and drive down to Los Angeles . Not only do these two major cities provide convenient flight options, but you’ll also be riding along the water, which will also in turn make it easier to pull over and take those FOMO-inducing photos. To help you embark on this adventure we’ve put together a comprehensive, seven-day itinerary on where to stop along the way as well as mini guides to the towns you’ll be passing through.

If you can, nab a flight that’ll get you to San Francisco by noon to make the most of your first day. Head straight from the airport to The Battery , a chic member’s club that also doubles as a hotel. With only 14 accommodations, it’s intimate and, thankfully, quiet. Once you’ve dropped off your bags, go down the street to Hog Island Oyster Co. and pick up some fresh (and sustainable) mollusks for lunch. For dessert, venture over to their neighbor Humphry Slocombe for a scoop of Blue Bottle Vietnamese coffee ice cream or Golden Gate Bakery in nearby Chinatown for egg tarts that rival those of Hong Kong (just make sure they’re open; the owners have a very sporadic vacation schedule) before you make a beeline to Alcatraz .

After you’ve toured the famed former federal penitentiary, wander over to Fisherman’s Wharf where you’ll see hundreds of sea lions at Pier 39, but skip the touristy shops and head back to your room to recharge and freshen up before dinner. There are certainly plenty of dining options in the city, but if you can manage to nab a reservation, Atelier Crenn should be at the top of your list. A three-Michelin-starred restaurant by the inimitable chef Dominique Crenn , the creative French chef delivers an ocean-forward menu with a focus on local produce. But if you weren’t able to secure a booking, try your luck with neighboring Bar Crenn , a listening bar with elevated bites along with an intimate tasting experience at the counter. And if you’ve still got some energy before you call it a night, enjoy The Battery’s cozy courtyard with a tipple from the bar.

Kick off the day with some delicious dim sum at Lai Hong Lounge , a better and much more authentic option than another glitzier establishment in the city. Then, if you’ve never been, make your way over to San Fran’s famous winding Lombard Street to snap a few photos before venturing over to the famous Golden Gate Bridge, followed by a stroll around Golden Gate Park , the California Academy of Sciences , and a visit to the row of pastel-color Victorian and Edwardian homes known as the Painted Ladies.

Otherwise, fill your time with a little shopping (yes, there’s more to this techie city than hoodies and jeans). The Mission District is where you’ll find most of the city’s best stores, such as Le Point , a well-curated women’s clothing boutique; Taylor Stitch for quality men’s shirts and basics; and Gravel & Gold , a female-owned design collective that sells everything from garments to ceramics. And while you’re in the area, pop into Clarion Alley and Balmy Alley to admire the murals. But if you have the time, head up to the town of Larkspur, just across the Golden Gate Bridge, and pop into Hero Shop . The brainchild of former Vogue editor Emily Holt, it’s undoubtedly the Bay Area’s coolest store.

By now it’s time for lunch and if you have a hankering for Mexican food you won’t want to miss out on La Taqueria , a no-frills eatery serving up some of the best burritos and tacos in San Francisco. Otherwise, head over to Japantown and grab a seat at Udon Mugizo for freshly made noodles, pick up a coffee crunch cake at Yasukochi’s Sweet Shop for dessert, and walk around one of the city’s most cherished enclaves. And if you decided to go for the latter, stick around until dinner. The area has a lot of fantastic restaurants such as State Bird Provisions , where small plates of modern Californian fare with an Asian influence are carted around the dining room; Copra , a modern Indian restaurant with fantastic cocktails to boot; and Nari , a contemporary Thai spot that’s not afraid of bold flavors. (Note: if these excellent dining options have you considering staying in the area, the perfectly located Kimpton Hotel Enso opened in 2022 with updated rooms.)

Pick up your rental car early in the morning and drive over to Tartine Manufactory , where bread is made in-house daily and a breakfast sandwich is the perfect way to start your day, before you hit the road for Monterey (preferably by 8 a.m. at the very latest). Your GPS will tell you to take 280 or 101 for the fastest route, but don’t forget you’re here for a reason, and that’s to take the longer, much more scenic Highway 1. It’ll take you anywhere between two to three hours before you hit the seaside town that has been made even more famous on the HBO hit Big Little Lies . Take in harbor views at Fisherman’s Wharf and, if you want to check out marine life on land, take a spin around the Monterey Bay Aquarium . And while the 17-mile drive through Pebble Beach (where the Lone Cypress resides) passes through an exclusive neighborhood with gorgeous homes and offers great views of the coast, it doesn’t quite warrant the admission fee given what you have in store ahead. Instead, scoot on down to Carmel-by-the-Sea , where the idyllic beach town has recently undergone quite the renaissance with a host of new hotels and restaurants.

Enjoy lunch at Stationaery , a seasonal, farm-to-table restaurant. Then check in at the hotel of your choosing. If you head inland, the sprawling Carmel Valley Ranch spread over 500 acres has all the bells and whistles—eight tennis courts, an 18-hole golf course, multiple pools, fitness classes, and a laundry list of activities like beekeeping—to keep you busy. It’s very family-friendly, too, and kids will love visits to the goat pen. Otherwise, stay in town where you’ll find several recently opened hotels like Villa Mara , Carmel Beach Hotel , and Le Petit Pali at 8th Ave and Ocean Ave . Spend the rest of the afternoon strolling around or down by the beach followed by dinner at Chez Noir , a European-inspired bistro with a menu that draws influence from France and northern Spain.

Now it’s onto the good stuff: You’re going to Big Sur today! The route from Carmel to California’s forest gem is perhaps the best stretch of the drive, warranting multiple stops along the way, so make sure you head out early . Grab a bite at the hotel before you check out or head back into town to favored bistro La Bicyclette for a croissant and coffee before pulling into Point Lobos State Natural Reserve . With several trails to hike and panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean, you don’t want to rush your time here too much. Take in the limestone rock formations, rugged bluffs, and coves dotted with seals and sea lions while peering out into deep blue waters, keeping an eye out for spouting whales.

Continue on, and you’ll find that there are a number of pull-over spots along the highway for you to step out and take photos of the undisturbed coastline. One in particular is right before Bixby Bridge, an architectural marvel (one of the tallest single-span concrete bridges in the world) that acts as a gateway to Big Sur. Shortly after you’ll come across Point Sur State Historic Park , home to the still-functioning Point Sur Lighthouse. But before you step into Big Sur Bakery for a quick bite, make sure to drive down to Pfeiffer Beach, where tide pools and a natural arch known as Keyhole Rock await. (Note: You might lose cell service along the way, so make sure you have directions saved elsewhere just in case.)

By now it’ll be late afternoon and you’ll probably be ready to retire. Post Ranch Inn has been Big Sur’s longtime icon, situated right on the bluffs with uninterrupted views of the water. There’s also Alila Ventana Big Sur , where you’ll have the option of glamping tents in a redwood forest in addition to traditional hotel rooms. But if you have more time and are looking for a holistic retreat center, Esalen is one of the best in the world.

Wake up early and try to hit the road by 8:00 a.m. Your first stop will be a short 20-minute drive down to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park , where you’ll hike a short distance to the McWay Falls overlook and set your eyes on 80 feet of cascading water. If you want to stretch your legs some more, check to see if the other trails are open, otherwise enjoy the rest of the coastal drive ahead to Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo. The former is home to a number of vineyards and distilleries, but the one to visit is Re:Find , where handcrafted spirits are made from saignée (free run juice from wine grapes). Sit down for a quick tasting and definitely give the refreshing cucumber vodka or tangy kumquat liqueur a try. To assuage a rumbling stomach, drive 40 minutes to SLO and dine at Thomas Hill Organics for dishes centered around local, organic produce and grass-fed meats. Alternatively, you could take a slight detour over to Avila and indulge in some of the best fried chicken sandwiches and homemade mac and cheese at Avila Valley Barn’s Chicken Shack & Smoke House . Don’t forget to pick up some honey sticks for the road while you’re at it.

After you’ve had your fill, jump back in the car and head straight to Los Angeles . It’ll take you between three to four and a half hours depending on traffic, but you should arrive by late afternoon. Given that L.A. is a sprawling metropolis, where you choose to stay will largely depend on which neighborhood is calling your name. For glitz and glam, Beverly Hills has some of the city’s finest luxury hotels, like the Maybourne , Beverly Wilshire (hello, Pretty Woman ), and Viceroy L’Ermitage . West Hollywood is characterized by a youthful energy—Sunset Boulevard, live music venues, comedy clubs—that’s matched by its hotel scene with chains like the Edition , Pendry , and 1 Hotel . But if you still haven’t gotten enough of those ocean views, there’s no place like the Georgian , an Art Deco beauty right by the Santa Monica Pier.

If you’re keen to get some shopping in, first-timers will inevitably want to visit Rodeo Drive, but don’t skip out on the Way We Wore for vintage or the Webster for a well-curated selection of designers in a building designed by Sir David Adjaye . Once dinnertime comes around you’ll have to make a tough decision on where to eat. Whether it’s tacos at Sonoratown , Korean-American fare at Yangban , Roman dishes at Mother Wolf , or a butcher shop-meets-restaurant at Gwen , you’re spoilt for choice.

Sleep in. No, really, it’s okay. After a packed several days, it’s well deserved. Once you’re ready to get out of bed, head to A.O.C. , a staple for great wine and seasonal small plates since 2002. If you’re here on the weekend, the WeHo location serves brunch and its ivy-lined, exposed brick patio is a dreamy setting. Otherwise, the newer Brentwood outpost is also open Wednesday through Sunday for lunch. Whatever you order, just make sure you start off with a cheese plate, which will sometimes feature gems like Pantaleo from Sardinia. Then drive up to the Hollywood Hills and drop by Jerome C. Daniel Overlook for sweeping vistas of the City of Angels before stopping by the Griffith Observatory for even more exceptional views.

Once you’re done with your jaunt in the hills, make your way downtown and stop by The Broad , where you’ll find Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrors alongside other contemporary pieces. Continue your exploration of the arts at the MOCA or Art Share L.A. to check out the works by emerging local artists. Stick around downtown and go to dinner at Bestia , where its multiregional Italian cuisine has received accolades year after year, or Kato , a fine-dining establishment that showcases chef Jonathan Yao’s Taiwanese background. End the night back west to check out Chris Burden’s Urban Light installation at LACMA.

If you can swing it, book a flight that doesn’t leave until early evening so that you’ll still have plenty of time to explore on your final day. Start off with breakfast or brunch at République , a French eatery that makes all of its bread and pastries on-site with a great juice and smoothie menu to boot. Afterwards, drive over to Santa Monica to walk around the carnivalesque pier and savor your final moments at Venice Beach , paying a visit to the skate park and ogling at all of the amazing tricks. For your last meal consider a trip to In-N-Out: the burger chain certainly needs no introduction, and there’s one conveniently stationed right by the airport.

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Published September 23, 2020

California State Route 1 (also known as Highway 1) is the highway that runs along most of the state’s Pacific coastline. With stretches of beaches, cliffs, forests, hills, and mountains, Highway 1 provides an especially scenic route for a road trip to the numerous attractions and cities along the coast.

The highway is designated as an “all-American road,” and is often considered the best coastal scenic route in all of North America, if not the world. Although it’s definitely not the fastest way to travel the length of the state, it’s by far the most beautiful.

Below is an itinerary for your next road trip adventure along Highway 1.

Length: 655 miles (1,055 kilometers)
Northern terminus: U.S. 101 near Leggett
Southern terminus: I-5 in Dana Point
Major cities: San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Cruz, San Francisco
Drive on the: Right

The highway spans the entirety of California, but the most popular road trip along this route stretches from San Diego to San Francisco. In this itinerary, we’ll begin at the southern end of the state and travel north through Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Carmel, Monterey, and Santa Cruz, and into the Bay Area.

Begin your trip in one of California’s sunniest destinations, where the weather is basically 70°F (21°C) all year. In the heart of the city, you can shop at Horton Plaza or catch a baseball game at Petco Park. You can also explore the famous San Diego Zoo, or wander through the city’s diverse neighborhoods: Little Italy, North Park, South Park, and East Village. These pedestrian-friendly areas form the epicenter of San Diego’s burgeoning culinary movement, progressive art scene, and craft beer boom. If you venture along 30th Street or University Avenue, you can choose from a wide selection of farm-to-table restaurants and boutique wine bars, or head to a local favorite–Carnitas’ Snack Shop with an ever-evolving menu. You can also walk around Mission Bay or cross the idyllic bridge to Coronado Island–known for its pristine beaches, crystal waters, and friendly beach-town persona.

Once you’re done exploring San Diego, drive north along the water to stop in La Jolla and snap a few photos of the coastline. Then you can hop on Highway 1 in Dana Point.

Orange County

There are plenty of places to explore in Orange County, but we recommend starting in Huntington Beach where Southern California’s beach culture is alive and well. Along this city’s curving shoreline, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for cycling oceanfront paths, playing volleyball, and surfing. From Huntington Pier, it’s just a short walk to Main Street’s boutiques and restaurants–many of which offer sidewalk tables or decks that let you take in the ocean breeze. You can also explore the other side of town by horseback-riding in Huntington Central Park or bird-watching and trailblazing in Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve–restored wetland and one of Southern California’s most vital coastal habitats.

From there, follow the coastline to California’s largest metropolitan area — but be sure to listen to Phantom Planet’s “California” at least once before leaving O.C.

Los Angeles

L.A. is California’s largest city and overflowing with fun things to do. That said, it can be more than a challenge to navigate, so plan your trip in advance. Start in the coastal city of Santa Monica — with its open beach, signature pier, shopping at Third Street Promenade, rooftop dining, and ocean and city views. It’s definitely worth a visit. Follow Santa Monica Boulevard northeast to visit legendary Beverly Hills, continue east toward Hollywood to stroll the Hollywood Walk of Fame or visit the TCL Chinese Theatre, drive east to explore hip and historic downtown Los Angeles (DTLA), or head northeast and wander through Pasadena’s old Victorian and art deco buildings.

Return to the coast and drive north past Malibu on to one of California’s prettiest cities.

Santa Barbara

Tucked in the Santa Ynez Mountains and protected from the brunt of Pacific wind and waves, Santa Barbara boasts a Mediterranean climate with plenty of sunny days. With its cache of culture and distinct Spanish colonial-style architecture, this seaside city is often called the “American Riviera.” The area also boasts an idyllic wine country, outdoor adventures on both land and sea, and plenty of artistic and cultural entertainment. Stroll down State Street for local shopping and dining, paddle a kayak from East Beach to Stearns Wharf, visit Old Mission Santa Barbara, or tour the 1782 Presidio for a look at original adobes like El Cuartel, the second-oldest surviving building in the state.

Then, drive north to sample the region’s breathtaking wine country.

Santa Ynez Wine Country

This next stop encourages you to slow down, relax, and savor your surroundings. The Santa Ynez Valley, just north of Santa Barbara, is one of the most diverse grape-growing regions in the county. And to top it all off, it’s surrounded by rolling hills, cascading vines, and ancient oak trees. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start at Sunstone Winery. It boasts sustainably grown grapes and a spectacular limestone chateau available for overnight stays. Tip: if you buy a pass from the Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country Association , you’ll save on tastings at 15 participating boutique wineries.

Continue on to one of the state’s most remarkable and ornate structures.

Hearst Castle

From Highway 1, you’ll be able to spot this incredible complex of embellished towers and buildings perched on the coastal hilltop. Park in the main lot of the state park grounds and check in at the visitor center to ride one of the park’s shuttle buses up to the castle. Lavishly designed by Julia Morgan (California’s first female licensed architect) as the private residence of publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst, the complex is an extraordinary homage to 1940s opulence. Now showcased within one of California’s most visited state parks, the 165-room castle and the 127 acres of terraced gardens, fountains, and pools are must-sees.

From Hearst Castle, head north 15 miles (24 kilometers) along Highway 1 for a looped road trip along the twisted roads that lead to Ragged Point, or the “Gateway to Big Sur” — a prime viewing spot for whales, dolphins, and elephant seals. Be sure to check out this site for updated road closure information to see if continuing all the way to Big Sur is an option. If not, visiting Ragged Point will ensure that you see the iconic panoramas of California’s rugged coastline.

Paso Robles

After venturing to Ragged Point, head south on Highway 1 and pull over near Piedras Blancas Rookery for a viewing of the elephant seals. Continue south for a temporary detour around Highway 1, starting just beyond Cambria. Turn left onto the vineyard-flanked Highway 46 and continue on to U.S. Highway 101 North to reach the growing wine country destination of Paso Robles. This San Luis Obispo County destination offers rolling hills, mineral hot springs, wine and beer tastings, agritourism, and outdoor activities such as hiking and horseback riding. Browse the art galleries of the historic downtown square, and complete your stop with a soak in one of the area’s thermal springs — found at River Oaks Hot Springs Spa, Franklin Hot Springs, or select rooms at the Paso Robles Inn.

Make your way back to Highway 1 and continue up the coast toward the Monterey Peninsula.

Monterey and Carmel

Surrounded by the sparkling Pacific on three sides, the Monterey Peninsula features plenty of clean beaches, quiet coves, casual eats, and local art. And if you like aquariums, you’re in luck — the Monterey Bay Aquarium is world-renowned, with tanks and exhibits showcasing more than 35,000 animals and over 550 species of plants. Step outside and find yourself among the hotels, shops, and restaurants along Cannery Row, the area made famous by local author John Steinbeck. Rent bikes and follow the coast south around the peninsula to Pacific Grove, or drive around the neighborhoods and pick your favorite iconic Monterey home.

Head south to Carmel-by-the-Sea, a town that deftly straddles the line between rich history and new wealth. The Carmel Mission is one of the state’s most beautiful churches, with shady trails fanning out from the site and into the Mission Trail Nature Preserve. Stroll the white sands of Carmel Beach, or explore the area’s main village.

From there, you can still spot some of Big Sur’s best sights with another looped journey south. Spend an hour or two hiking around the shoreline trails of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (10 minutes south of Carmel) and, while you’re there, be sure to snap a photo of Big Sur’s Bixby Bridge.

After the added detour, continue north beyond Monterey to California’s quirkiest beachfront town.

At its heart, Santa Cruz is a surf town — in fact, it’s where the sport was originally introduced to California. In the center of town, Pacific Avenue offers a variety of shops with a neighborhood twist, including Santa Cruz local Jack O’Neill’s namesake store, the independent Bookshop Santa Cruz, and various locally sourced vegan cafés. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk also offers yesteryear-style attractions, such as classic roller coasters, arcade games, corn dogs, and a historic carousel. Or, if you’re looking for vintage shops and organic restaurants, head to the downtown area.

Next, travel to your last stop on your Highway 1 road trip.

San Francisco

Wrap up your Highway 1 road trip in one of the world’s most iconic cities. Park your car and explore San Francisco by foot, bike, or public transportation. Walk or cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge, wander through the Presidio, and head to Golden Gate Park to take in the towering redwoods, visit the Conservatory of Flowers, or row across Stow Lake. Explore the Embarcadero and Fisherman’s Wharf, where you can try your luck at the creepy yet iconic arm-wrestling game from “The Princess Diaries.” Hop on a cable car, indulge at Tartine Bakery, stroll through the boutique of Maiden Lane, wander Hayes Valley, catch a show in the theatre district, or venture to North Beach for Beach Blanket Babylon , an irreverent San Francisco institution. For nightlife and dining, head to the Mission district, and enjoy all that San Francisco has to offer.

Regardless of the route you take or the pit stops you make on your road trip, California’s Highway 1 is sure to leave you speechless. Share your Highway 1 road trip stories with us in the comments below. We’d love to hear about your experiences on the beautiful Californian coastline!

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ROAD TRIP ITINERARY

WHERE TO START & END YOUR HIGHWAY 1 ROAD TRIP

HIGHWAY 1 ROAD TRIP TIPS:

WHERE TO RENT A VEHICLE FOR YOUR HIGHWAY 1 ROAD TRIP

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Visit the Henry Miller Memorial Library.

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