The most important decision to take while planning a Pacific Coast Highway road trip is the direction to take – Northbound or Southbound. And if you want our recommendation, we suggest you head South.
The reason we say this is because the Southbound flank is on the coastal side of the road and offers a better view of the coastline and the ocean. The second decision that you must take is the starting point.
Now, as a thumb-rule people start from California Highway 1, but you can always extend the route to include the Oregon and Washington coasts. Depending on whether you cover just California or include the other two States, you can pick a starting point.
Assuming you start from San Francisco and drive all the way to San Diego, the route stretches across 550 miles and covers multiple seaside villages and untouched forests with a serene coastline for company.
Mentioned below is a list of 13 iconic location on the scenic route for every travel enthusiast to visit while on a PCH expedition.
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San Francisco
The Golden Gate Park is an epic location to start the equally epic road trip, and a drive on the Golden Gate Bridge welcomes you to San Francisco. While in the city, spend some time at the Fisherman’s Wharf, visit Alcatraz or spend a lazy day sipping coffee in Union Square.
Do not forget to embark on the famous San Francisco tram ride and take a casual stroll down Lombard Street while you are at it. There is a host of other fun activities to do in San Francisco, but do not go overboard as a fun road trip awaits you!
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San Jose
San Jose is well worth a stop on your drive down the Pacific Coast Highway. With a few notable museums and galleries to explore, San Jose is number two on our list. Spend a day exploring the famous Winchester Mystery House and all its 165 rooms with dead end hallways and staircases that run all the way to the ceiling.
San Jose is also home to the famous Silicon Valley, which houses the headquarters of Facebook and Google, apart from the renowned garage where Hewlett Packard started its operations back in the day.
Do not forget to visit the zoo and the largest open-air market in the USA, apart from a trip to Downtown San Jose post sunset.
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Santa Cruz
If you are driving down the PCH, Santa Cruz should be your next stop. Make sure to stop for a picture by the cliff edge at Half Moon Bay on the way, before proceeding to the Ano Nuevo State Park which is famous for its Elephant Seals and the San Francisco Garter Snakes.
A quick 90-minute drive and you arrive at Santa Cruz. Relive moments from the 60s as you soak in the old-school vibe along the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Do not miss the lighthouse on the beach and the Big Dipper along the shore. Visiting the Mystery Spot should also be on your to-do list.
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Monterey
An hour’s drive from Santa Cruz and you reach Monterey Bay. Enjoy the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the stunning Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. You could also drive down the scenic 17 Mile Drive, visit the Old Fisherman’s Wharf or spend some time shopping at Cannery Row.
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Big Sur
Travel over the Bixby Bridge, which is one of the tallest single span concrete bridges in he world, to reach Big Sur. Some of the most notable places along the Big Sur include Pfeiffer Beach, point Sur State, McWay Falls, Ragged Point and Historic Point.
It is impossible to cover the Big Sur in a day. If you have time, consider spending some exploring the route while soaking in the scenery and chilling on the beach.
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San Simeon
Take some time off from driving once you reach San Simeon and make your way up to the Hearst Castle on The Enchanted Hill. The place is just as mesmerizing as it sounds and spread across 250,000 acres of rooms, cottages, suites, kitchen and garden!
The Hearst Castle hosts around a million visitors each year and is the most popular destination in San Simeon. Moonstone beach is a local attraction along with the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery. You could also spend some time lazing around Cambria Village.
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Santa Barbara
If you want to make a quick stop before hitting the bright lights of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara makes for a quaint stop. Visit the Stearns Wharf along the coastline, the East Beach and the famous Santa Barbara Zoo, Botanic garden and Lotusland.
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Malibu
Malibu is just a short drive away from Santa Barbara. Reach Point Dume to enjoy the beautiful sunny beach, rocky coves, cliffs and headlands. Just outside Malibu is the stunning Topanga Canyon, a famous hideout of Hollywood celebrities.
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Long Beach
If you do not mind a little detour from your route, visit Long Beach. Do not forget to check out the Long Beach Museum of Art, which is located in a 20th Century mansion. Drive along Dana Point, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, and Huntington Beach before entering the San Diego County.
Keep an eye out for the coastline along the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, as it stores all kinds of crazy experiences for the adventurous traveler. Drive over the 2-mile long Coronado Bridge as it takes you all the way to San Diego Bay, while crossing some of the most scenic beaches along the way.
- San Diego
Once you have reached San Diego, do not miss Balboa Park and the Old Town. Take a walk down Cabrillo National Monument at the end of Point Loma and catch the breathtaking view of San Diego and the shoreline. A perfect way to end an epic road trip!
What are your views on the Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip? Have you driven on the route? Share your stories with us in the Comments Section below.
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