Are you planning a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway? If so, you’re in for an amazing adventure! There are countless incredible stops to make on this route, but I’ve narrowed it down to my 25 favorites in California. From dramatic seaside cliffs to charming coastal towns, there’s something for everyone on this list of Pacific Coast Highway road trip stops. So pack your bags, use my FREE road trip planner, and get ready for an unforgettable journey!
Pacific Coast Highway (also known as “PCH” or “The One”) is a road that runs along the entire west coast of the United States. It starts in Mexico and goes all the way up to Canada. There are SO many amazing things to see and do on PCH, so it’s no wonder why it’s such a popular tourist destination!
This stunning drive winds along California’s dramatic coastline, providing plenty of opportunities for photos and amazing views. There are small towns, big cities, stunning natural beauty and loads of things to do along the way. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your PCH road trip today! Here are the most epic Pacific Coast Highway road trip stops you can’t miss, and some tips for your journey.
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Planning Your Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip
Pacific Coast Highway is hands-down one of America’s most scenic drives. If you’re planning to make the drive, you might be wondering how many days do you need? There’s no definitive answer, but here are some tips to help you decide:
The PCH stretches more than 1,500 miles from Washington state to San Diego. The scenery varies dramatically along the route, so you’ll want to allow plenty of time to see everything it has to offer. If you’re in a hurry, you can probably do the drive in seven or eight days, but to really enjoy it, ten or twelve days is ideal. You’ll want to plan your trip carefully so you can take advantage of all the stops you want to make.
When you’re planning a road trip, the last thing you want to worry about is what to pack. So, I’ve put together The Road Trip Checklist You’ll Be Happy You Used AND a printable list of essentials for your next adventure! On your journey through California, these items will make your trip more enjoyable. From snacks and drinks to maps and sunglasses, I’ve got you covered! Enter your email below to grab the free Road Trip planner and checklist:
There aren’t distinct lines that separate northern California from central and southern. The Pacific Coast Highway covers a lot of miles, so for the purposes of this post it’s divided into three sections, one for each region. You can combine them for a road trip of epic proportions, or take it piece-by-piece. Whatever works for you! PCH extends really far north into Canada, but this post will only cover California.
Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Stops: Northern California
1. Drive Through A Tree
Have you ever wanted to see a redwood tree up close? Well, now you can! Just take a drive through one of these massive trees. You don’t even have to get out of your car! There are several spots in California where you can do this. So if you’re looking for an easy and unique way to experience these giants, just take a drive through them. There are 3 places in northern California where you can do it.
2. See MORE Giant Redwood Trees
Redwood trees are a sight to behold. Towering above all other trees, they are a natural wonder that can be found in northern and central California. If you’re looking to see some redwoods, I highly recommend you add this to your list of PCH road trip stops! My post See Giant Redwoods in California: Everything You Need to Know will help you pinpoint where to go, and also has a more detailed map specific to redwood trees. If you like the idea of a guided tour, here are a few options to check out:
- Near San Francisco, try a Muir Woods and Sausalito 1/2 Day Tour
- An epic train ride through the redwood forest near Mendocino
- Relax with a wine and redwood tree combo tour in Sonoma
3. Relax With Some Wine in Mendocino
Mendocino, California is a quaint and charming town that is located on the northern coast. The town offers plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy, including hiking, fishing, kayaking, and whale watching. Mendocino also has some wonderful restaurants and shops that are worth checking out. So if you’re looking for a peaceful getaway in beautiful surroundings, be sure to visit Mendocino.
4. A Beach Made of Glass Pebbles
Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, California is a beach made entirely of sea glass! The colorful glass pebbles are polished by the waves and sand until they’re smooth. True to its name, you can expect to see a beautiful beach with sparkling pieces of sea glass dotting the shoreline. While it’s popular to collect these colorful gems, please remember to leave some behind for others to enjoy.
5. Point Reyes National Seashore
If you enjoy being outdoors and are looking for a beautiful place to visit, Point Reyes National Seashore is the perfect spot. With stunning coastal views, fascinating wildlife, and plenty of hiking and biking trails, there’s something for everyone at this seashore. So pack your sunscreen and prepare to explore all that Point Reyes has to offer!
6. See The Golden Gate Bridge
If you’ve ever been to San Francisco, then you know that one of the city’s most iconic sights is the Golden Gate Bridge. Spanning almost 1.7 miles across the Golden Gate Strait, this magnificent bridge is a must-see for any visitor to the city. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a great view, you gotta check it out! The Golden Gate Bridge is the tip of the iceberg for exploring San Francisco – if you’re curious what else there is to do, head on over to Plan A Weekend in San Francisco or check out some other fun tours of San Francisco.
7. Visit Alcatraz Island
Are you looking for an interesting and adventurous activity to do while in the Bay Area? If so, then visiting Alcatraz Island should be at the top of your list! This former prison is now a popular tourist destination, thanks to its history, location, and stunning views. It’s a fascinating place to visit and take a tour. We did the Night Tour, which is limited to a smaller group and they take you to places other visitors aren’t allowed to go. It was really cool!
8. Natural Beauty at Half Moon Bay
Located just south of San Francisco, Half Moon Bay is a stunningly beautiful spot to spend a day (or two). With its pristine coastal cliffs and expansive ocean views, the area is perfect for hiking, biking, swimming, and simply taking in the natural beauty. And if you’re looking for a place to stay, there are plenty of charming bed and breakfasts and hotels to choose from.
9. Laid Back in Santa Cruz
Just south of San Francisco is the seaside town of Santa Cruz. With a population of just under 60,000, it’s big enough to have all the amenities you need but small enough to be intimate and charming. Santa Cruz offers beautiful beaches, a lively downtown area, and plenty of things to do both indoors and out. You can see redwood trees at nearby Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park or check out the “mystery spot” that Santa Cruz is known for.
10. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
If you want to feel like you’re stepping into another world, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is the place for you. This reserve is located just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea and offers stunning ocean views, as well as rocky cliffs, marine mammals, and more than 400 types of plants. There are over 20 miles of hiking trails too! Whether you’re looking to spend the day hiking or simply taking in the scenery, Point Lobos is absolutely gorgeous.
Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Stops: Central Coast
11. Marine Life at Monterey Bay Aquarium
If you’re looking for a breathtaking and educational marine life experience, look no further than the Monterey Bay Aquarium. With majestic tanks filled with fish, sharks, and other creatures of the deep, this aquarium is sure to amaze visitors of all ages. In addition to its colorful displays, the Monterey Bay Aquarium also offers a variety of informative exhibits on ocean conservation and the marine ecosystem.
12. Find Unbeatable Views at Big Sur
No Pacific Coast Highway road trip is complete without stopping in Big Sur. This area of the California coast is full of stunning views of the ocean and rocky cliffs. You’ll find plenty of things to see and do in this beautiful part of the world. Make sure to stop at overlooks for amazing views, and take your time as you wind through the hills. McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that tumbles over a cliff into the Pacific Ocean is one of Big Sur’s most popular attractions.
13. See The Famous Bixby Bridge
Located in California’s Marin County, Bixby Bridge is a well-known and photographed bridge (for good reason!) Spanning the mouth of Bodega Bay, the bridge offers phenomenal views of the Pacific Ocean. The original bridge was destroyed by an earthquake in 1933, but was rebuilt and reopened later that year. Today, visitors can stop at the nearby pull-out to take in the view or walk across the bridge for a closer look. This is a must-see!
14. Feel Refreshed At A Waterfall
We already mentioned McWay Falls in Big Sur, but did you know there are LOTS of other waterfalls along Pacific Coast Highway? There are plenty of them to be seen, and they’re all absolutely stunning. Each waterfall is unique in its own way, so you’ll definitely want to take your time stopping at each one. Here are a few other beach waterfalls in California.
15. Explore Morrow Bay
Morrow Bay is a small town located in the Central Coast of California, midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. The charming town is home to some of the best beaches in the area, as well as great restaurants and hotels. The most unique thing to see in Morrow Bay is Morro Rock, which is an ancient volcanic mound at the end of Morro Rock Beach and the last in a chain of long-extinct volcanoes.
16. Visit A Fairy Tale Castle
If you’re a fan of history and architecture, Hearst Castle is definitely worth a visit. Located in San Simeon, California, the estate was built by William Randolph Hearst between 1919 and 1947. With beautiful gardens, courtyards, and grandiose rooms filled with intricate details, it’s easy to see why this place is so popular. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of Hearst himself! Note: As of Jan 2022, Hearst Castle is currently closed for repairs due to road damage.
17. San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo (SLO) is a hidden gem in California. This charming town is located halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, making it the perfect stop for travelers on the west coast. SLO offers a variety of activities and attractions, from its bustling downtown area to its beautiful beaches and wine country. Here are a few fun things to do in SLO:
- Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tour from San Luis Obispo & Pismo
- Ghost & True Crime Tour in San Luis Obispo
- Essential Downtown SLO: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Stops: Southern California
Southern California is truly gorgeous! Living there for over 5 years, I took advantage of that time and did lots of weekend getaways and road trips. In addition to the PCH road trip stops listed below, here are a few other posts I think you’ll enjoy:
- Top 10 Things To Do In Southern California
- Curious What To Do in San Diego? 20 Places to Explore
- Guide to Los Angeles: 5 LA Itineraries To Explore Today
- Awesome Things To Do in Mission Bay San Diego
18. Walk Through A Danish Village
If you want to feel like you stepped into a quaint European village, you should definitely check out Solvang, California. It’s a beautiful small town in the heart of Santa Barbara County. The town is known for its Danish heritage and architecture, as well as its wine country surroundings. There’s plenty to do in Solvang, from touring its picturesque streets to sipping wine at one of the many local vineyards. You can even take a private pedicab tour around town that includes wine!
19. Check Out Malibu
Malibu is a world-famous beach town located in Los Angeles County, California. It’s known for its stunning beaches and celebrity residents. The northern part of the city is mountainous and woodsy, while the southern portion is mostly made up of sandy beaches and rocky coves. There’s something for everyone in Malibu – whether you’re looking for hiking trails, restaurants, shopping, or beaches. Keep in mind if you’re planning on visiting Malibu that it can be very expensive, but a great place to visit nevertheless. Read here for more fun things to do in Malibu and Los Angeles.
20. Quintessential California Life at Santa Monica
Nowhere says SoCal like Santa Monica! If you’re looking for a fun and eclectic beach town to spend a weekend in, look no further than Santa Monica. With its great restaurants, unique shops and energetic nightlife, there’s something for everyone in this coastal city. Plus, the Pacific Ocean views are fantastic and the pier and boardwalk area are super fun.
21. Newport Beach
If you’re looking for a beautiful and relaxed beach town to spend a weekend in, Newport Beach is the place for you. This upscale SoCal spot has everything from world-class shopping and dining to stunning coastline views. Don’t miss out on walking along the Balboa Peninsula Boardwalk or taking a leisurely stroll through Crystal Cove State Park.
22. Chill in Encinitas
When most people think of California, they think of the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles or San Francisco. However, there is a lot more to this great state than just its two biggest cities. One such example is Encinitas, a charming beach town located in northern San Diego. With its world-class beaches, picturesque downtown district, and wide variety of restaurants and shops, Encinitas makes for the perfect road trip spot. It’s also named time and time again as one of the top surfing spots in the U.S. Want to know more about Encinitas? Check out USA Beach Towns: Travel Guide To Encinitas California. If you end up spending more time in San Diego, there are TONS of things to do!
23. See The Seals at La Jolla
La Jolla is the gem of San Diego! An upscale community set in the hillside of Mt. Soledad, the landscape is absolutely breathtaking and has a Mediterranean feel. A visit to the La Jolla Cove is a must for any traveler visiting San Diego. This world-famous spot is home to dolphins, sea lions, and marine life of all kinds. The Cove offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the dramatic cliffs that line its coast. It’s no wonder this spot has been popular with locals and tourists alike for generations. I lived in La Jolla for over 5 years! Check out my Local’s Guide to La Jolla California.
Final Thoughts For Your PCH Road Trip Stops
The pacific coastline of California is dotted with lots of lighthouses! This is another unique adventure to consider adding to your list of road trip stops along Pacific Coast Highway. They’re often free or inexpensive to tour and you get fantastic coastline views (and a free workout if you count climbing the stairs up to the top!) Check out this list of 18 Incredible CA lighthouses. They aren’t only in SoCal…
Camping anyone? There are SO many state parks, all along the Pacific Coast Highway route. Whether you’re looking for a cabin, tent, RV rental or a more luxurious glamping experience, you’re sure to find lots of options to choose from. An option I think is fascinating is the Twig Hut in Big Sur. For more info, check out this list of California State Parks to plan your trip.
Tips To Maximize Your PCH Road Trip:
Are you planning a road trip soon? If so, you’ll likely need a rental car. Here are some tips to help you get the best deal on your rental.
- First, be sure to book as early as possible. Rates tend to go up as the date of your trip approaches
- Second, compare prices online. You can usually find better deals by booking through a discount website or travel aggregator – rentalcars.com is a great option!
- Finally, read the terms and conditions carefully before you book. Make sure you understand the fees and restrictions associated with your rental agreement
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Enjoy Your Pacific Coast HIghway Road Trip!
With so many wonderful stops to make along the PCH, it’s hard to pick just one. But if you had an unlimited amount of time and money on your hands, which stops would make the cut? The Santa Cruz or San Luis Obispo? Point Lobos or Hearst Castle? Waterfalls or lighthouses? Let me know in the comments below!
