Embark on an unforgettable journey along the Pacific Coast Highway, renowned for its breathtaking scenery. Join us as we unveil the best stops on the Pacific Coast Highway, a must-visit for any traveler’s bucket list.
The beautiful San Francisco, the charming Carmel-by-the-sea, the jaw dropping landscape of Big Sur, the glamorous Santa Barbara, and many more destinations along the drive on California’s coast, which is with just over 656 miles also the longest state route in the Golden State, are worth visiting more than just once.
Later, you’ll hear some important tips for your road trip, so be sure to pay attention!
Starting north of San Francisco and driving down the coast, you’ll see all the highlights of the Golden State!
1. Point Reyes National Seashore
The first stop on our road trip is about 60 miles north of San Francisco. Visit the historic Point Reyes Lighthouse, which stands over 600 feet above sea level. The trails in this more than 71.000-acre park preserve are perfect for hiking.
After spending some time at Point Reyes, let’s hop in the car. Our next stop is a 90-minute drive away.
2. Point Bonita Lighthouse
The impressive Point Bonita Lighthouse is the third lighthouse built on the West Coast and the only US lighthouse at the end of a suspension bridge.
Here you’ll get some breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Pacific Ocean, and the bay.
After discovering the natural beauty surrounding this fascinating lighthouse, start the short, less than 5 mile long drive to the Golden Gate Bridge and spend a day or two in San Francisco.
3. San Francisco
Being home to the world’s greatest mix of cultures, this city has all you have ever dreamed of.
I know, to explore the whole city, you would need more than just a weekend, but you will have enough time to visit some cool attractions: Explore Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf with the sea lions at pier 39, the famous, winding Lombard Street, and the former federal prison an Alcatraz Island.
After spending a weekend in the city by the bay, you’ll find Half Moon Bay after less than an hour driving south.
4. Half Moon Bay
Named Half Moon Bay because of its crescent shape, this friendly, small town offers gorgeous beaches, impressive ocean scenery, and beautiful nature sites.
Be sure to try one of the fantastic craft beers at the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company. Other great activities are hiking or riding a bike on the California Coastal Trail, and visiting the Pillar Point Harbor.
After this short stop, jump back into the car and drive about an hour farther south, till you reach the laid-back Santa Cruz.
5. Santa Cruz
Stroll on the historic beach boardwalk, where you can ride the Giant Dipper, one of the country’s oldest still-functioning wooden roller coasters.
While most tourists don’t get much farther than visiting the beaches and wharf, you should also consider visiting attractions like the historic mission church, the charming downtown, and the surfing museum.
Let’s hit the road again! Another 45 minutes farther south, you’ll reach the beautiful city of Monterey.
6. Monterey
You should definitely visit the famous Monterey Aquarium, which is rated among the world’s best aquariums.
After learning about Pacific marine life, tour Cannery Row and get some food there.
Before driving through the beautiful Big Sur, make another short stop after about 5 miles after Monterey. You’ll experience a stunning, spectacular stretch of white sand in the charming town of Carmel-by-the-sea.
7. Carmel-by-the-sea
As you continue your breathtaking journey from Carmel-by-the-sea, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the captivating Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
8. Point Lobos
Just a short drive from Carmel, this coastal gem is a paradise for nature enthusiasts, offering pristine landscapes, hiking trails, and unparalleled vistas that will leave you in awe.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is one of the most beautiful State Parks in California.
But now let’s start the highlight of the road trip: When driving the 71 mile long segment of the Highway 1 between Carmel-by-the-sea and San Simeon, you’ll experience the breathtaking scenic Big Sur.
9. Big Sur
Trust me, you’ll want to stop at every single vista point, and there are a lot of them.
You won’t get enough of watching Big Sur’s massive cliffs with waves crashing on the shore below.
The photogenic Bixby Creek Bridge is one of the most photographed bridges in the state. The McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is a waterfall that falling directly on the beach. Both are must-sees when driving through Big Sur.
After driving through this wonderful piece of earth, make a short stop and watch the elephant seals at the Piedras Blancas Rookery, just north of San Simeon.
10. Piedras Blancas Rookery
About a 30 minute drive farther south is the charming Morro Bay.
11. Morro Bay
After the long drive through Big Sur, find a nice restaurant on the water and have lunch or dinner with a view of the water and the iconic, 581-foot Morro Rock.
Let’s go farther south. Now there are two options.
Either you make a short detour and visit the Danish village of Solvang in the Santa Ynez Valley, or you drive straight to Santa Barbara.
12. Solvang
If you have time to go to Solvang, I would recommend it.
The city is home to a number of bakeries, merchants, and restaurants offering a taste of Denmark in California.
The beautiful Mission Santa Inés, more than 100 nearby vineyards, and the remarkable architecture make this city be unlike anywhere else in California.
45 minutes away is Santa Barbara, also known as the American Riviera.
13. Santa Barbara
The Mission Santa Barbara, called “the Queen of the Missions”, is equally as beautiful as the one in Solvang.
Stroll down State Street and admire the city’s Spanish colonial architecture. Visit the magnificent county courthouse and have a stunning view from the clocktower: Santa Barbara is one-of-a-kind.
Also explore Stearns Wharf, enjoy some seafood while overlooking the ocean, and visit the Sea Center on the pier.
And be sure to stroll on East Beach and some of the other charming beaches.
Let’s hit the road again! After about 1 hour 15 minutes of driving south, you’ll reach Malibu.
14. Malibu
Its perfect beaches for surfing, mansions of the rich, and scenic hikes make Malibu one of the best stops on the Pacific Coast Highway.
A perfect place for a hike is for example Point Dume State Beach and Preserve. Also make sure to visit El Matador Beach, which is on the list of the best beaches to visit in the US.
It takes about 30 minutes to drive from El Matador Beach to our next stop, Santa Monica Pier.
15. Santa Monica
After arriving in Santa Monica, walk on the Pier and have fun in the Pacific Park.
Also take a walk on the beautiful Santa Monica State Beach, before you go shopping on the Third Street Promenade.
When you’re in Santa Monica, you should also consider visiting the nearby Venice Beach and hang out on the boardwalk including Muscle Beach and all the buzzing.
16. Venice Beach
After about an hour driving south, depending on traffic, you’ll reach the beautiful Laguna Beach.
17. Laguna Beach
With its seven-mile stretch of perfect white sand and picturesque cliffs, this city is one of the prettiest in the entire state. Ideal for a day at the beach, you’ll never want to leave again!
At Interstate 5 south of San Juan Capistrano, which is about 10 miles farther south, the Pacific Coast Highway ends.
And while you’re reading ‘the best stops on the Pacific Coast Highway’, I think it’s worth your time to continue your trip to the southern end of the California coast in San Diego.
From Laguna Beach to our second last stop, the gorgeous La Jolla, its a 65-mile drive.
18. La Jolla
This neighborhood in San Diego is a first class collection of beaches, bars, and restaurants.
My favorite thing to do there is experiencing a kayak tour at La Jolla Cove and watching the sea lions and other wildlife.
This is one of the best stops on the Pacific Coast Highway if you love adventures for sure!
Another 25 minutes in the car and you’re at the last stop of the road trip (unless you want to visit the beach that was ranked number one on my list about the best beaches to visit in the US; it would be very close).
The last stop in this video is Point Loma.
19. Point Loma
This peninsula has been described as ‘where California began’: Here was the landing place of the first European expedition to come ashore in present-day California.
Point Loma houses Cabrillo National Monument and the Point Loma Lighthouse and boasts one of the best harbor views in the world. If you’re lucky and the day is clear, you can see Mexico to the South and the snow-capped mountains east of Los Angeles to the North.
As promised, here are some important tips for driving the Pacific Coast Highway!
To experience the best views, make sure to drive from North to South, so your car is on the ocean side of the road.
Consider spending a night in the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo. This landmark hotel is unlike anything else, you’ll love the over-the-top interior design!
Don’t be overzealous with planning your trip. Maybe you’ll love one place even more than the others and want to stay longer than planned!
If you like convertibles: Especially the southern part of the trip would be perfect for that.
When possible: Don’t do the road trip by yourself. If you go with a friend or your partner, you could share the driver role and each of you can enjoy the view on the passenger seat a little bit.
And last but not least: Take your time, it will be worth it.
If you enjoyed reading this list, you’ll love watching the video:
