where should i stop on the pacific coast highway

Where Should I Stop Along My Pacific Coast Hwy Road Trip?

• San Francisco. If you’re trekking out from the San Francisco area, start with a visit to the Golden Gate Bridge. This...
• Half Moon Bay. Your next pit stop during your Pacific Coast Highway road trip may land you at Half Moon Bay. Situated...
• Santa Cruz. The next stop takes us to Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz is well...

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Where to go on a Pacific Coast Highway road trip?

The Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip. 1 Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary: Day 1. Begin the journey in Dana Point, a Southern California town known for its enviable surf. 2 Dana Point. 3 Huntington Beach. 4 Venice Beach. 5 Santa Monica. More items

Is Highway one worth a stop on the Pacific Coast?

No special stop necessary (but there are plenty of pullouts for photos). Many of the best places to stop on Highway One are charming little coastal getaways which can only be accessed by driving Highway One. And each of these Pacific Coast Highway towns is well worth a stop or an overnight! We’ve included a few of our favorite things to do in each.

Where is the best lighthouse on the Pacific Coast Highway?

Stay at the top where everyone else is, please. Located on the northern stretch of Highway One between San Francisco and Mendocino, t his beautiful lighthouse is one of my favorite scenic stops along the Pacific Coast Highway, the perfect place for a little picnic or just a cute photo op.

Where should you stop in San Diego?

If you are driving south beyond the Dana Point, then make a stop in La Jolla. La Jolla is San Diego’s wealthy seaside community. There are many beaches in La Jolla including La Jolla Shores, La Jolla Cove, and the Children’s Pool. La Jolla Cove is the most popular one with beautiful views of the Pacific, blue water, and white sand.

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What is the prettiest part of Pacific Coast Highway?

The Golden Gate Bridge Perhaps one of the most iconic views along the whole highway – San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge is as visually stunning as the views one gets from the bridge itself. Before you head across, come off the highway to get some of the best views and see the best San Francisco sights of the area.

Where should I stay when driving on the Pacific Coast Highway?

Best Hotels Along Pacific Coast HighwayThe Brewery Gulch Inn (Mendocino)Nick's Cove (Marshall)Pelican Inn (Muir Beach)Stanyan Park Hotel (San Francisco)Bella Notte Inn (Santa Cruz)Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa (Monterey)Candle Light Inn (Carmel-by-the-Sea)Fernwood Resort (Big Sur)More items...

Is it better to drive north or south on the Pacific Coast Highway?

Driving the route from north to south is ideal, as you'll be on the ocean side of the road the entire way, allowing unobstructed views of the jagged coastline below. Three days is a minimum, and if time allows you could easily spend more.

What is the prettiest part of Highway 1?

Highway One's Most Scenic StopsSanta Barbara Mission. ... Pismo Beach. ... Wildlife Watching In San Luis Obispo County. ... Hearst Castle. ... Cambria. ... Limekiln State Park. ... Nepenthe. ... Bixby Bridge.More items...

How long does it take to drive the entire Pacific Coast Highway?

10-12 hoursTo drive the entire coastal CA Highway 1 takes 10-12 hours without stops. But this road trip is all about the stops! Plan on a minimum of 3 days and 2 nights. However, a 5-day itinerary is ideal for the San Francisco to LA trip with the first and last night spent in each city.

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

The best time of the year to drive the Pacific Coast Highway is in mid-to-late February through April. California's rainy season typically ends in early February, turning its golden hills bright green and covering the coast with colorful wildflowers which last through April and into early May.

Is PCH scary to drive?

It's very intense because there are no guard rails at the edge and there is little room for error if on coming traffic swerves in your direction. Also called Highway 1, it takes about five hours to drive the PCH.

Is driving the Pacific Coast Highway worth it?

But people tend to call the whole highway the PCH.) Naming technicalities aside, the most popular road trip along the route goes from the greater Los Angeles area to San Francisco, and no matter what you call it, the drive is absolutely worth a trip.

What is the best stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway?

One Of The Most Beautiful Stretches Of Highway In The World. The Pacific Coast Highway (otherwise known as Highway 1 in California) is 656 miles long. But if you can't drive the entire length of it, I recommend the short stretch between Monterey and Big Sur.

Where should I start on Highway 1?

Capistrano BeachHighway 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.

Is it better to drive up or down the California coast?

Many travelers question, Is it better to drive up or down the California coast? We think the best route on California State Route 1 is from north to south – which is why we recommend the drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles via the Pacific Coast Highway.

Where should I stop between LA and Big Sur?

Must-Sees on a Road Trip From LA to Big Sur, CaliforniaLotusland, Montecito. Botanical Garden. ... Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes. Hiking Trail. ... Bubblegum Alley. Natural Feature. ... Morro Rock. Natural Feature. ... Nitt Witt Ridge. Building. ... Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery. Natural Feature. ... Hearst Castle. Guesthouse. ... McWay Falls. Hiking Trail.More items...•

What to do on the Pacific Coast Highway?

Another kid-friendly attraction along the Pacific Coast Highway! Santa Monica Pier is a Los Angeles icon and contains everything from an amusement park to fishing areas . The amusement park, Pacific Park, has a variety of attractions including a solar-powered Ferris wheel, roller coaster, carousel, the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, a video arcade, etc and is fun for the whole family. The Santa Monica Pier is also the end of the famous Route 66 and taking a photo with the End of Road sign is one of the most popular things to do. The Pier also has many restaurants and eateries and is great for spending an entire day.

What is the name of the bridge that crosses the Pacific Coast Highway?

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco. The Golden Gate Bridge , along with Big Sur, is the star attraction of the Pacific Coast Highway road trip. The suspension bridge spans the one mile wide Golden Gate Strait and is considered to be an engineering marvel. The PCH 1 actually crosses the Golden Gate Bridge ...

What is the best place to visit in San Luis Obispo?

Being a university town, it is great for younger tourists who like to enjoy the nightlife, cafes, and unique attractions like the Bubble Gum Alley. SLO also has many cultural attractions including the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, a historic downtown district, and the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art. Being midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, SLO makes a great pitstop on the Pacific Coast Highway road trip.

How to explore Mendocino?

The best way to explore Mendocino’s coastline is by hiking over the coastal, cliffside trails. The best trails and views can be seen from both Mendocino Headlands State Park and the Russian Gulch State Park. Another unique Mendocino attraction is the Pygmy Forest at Van Damme State Park.

What are the beaches in Half Moon Bay?

The four beaches are Roosevelt Beach, Dunes Beach, Venice Beach, and Francis Beach. Each of these beaches is accessible from Hwy 1 – Venice Beach is one of the most popular ones. Not only are the beaches pretty and ideal for sunbathing but they are also perfect for bird watching, fishing, surfing, and beach-combing. If you are camping along the PCH, then Half Moon Bay campground is a great place to stop for the night.

What was dumped into the ocean prior to rebuilding Fort Bragg?

The rubble was dumped into the ocean prior to rebuilding the town. After the reconstruction, many new people came to live in the town. Most of the Fort Bragg residents dumped their trash, which included glass in the forms, into the ocean.

How many miles of Pacific Coast Highway are there?

The Pacific Coast Highway is much more than the sun, sand, and surf. The best places to stop along the almost 656 miles of Pacific Coast Highway combine beaches with bridges, delicious seafood, art communities, and dramatic cliffside views. It is, after all, the #1 Road Trip in the country.

When is the best time to drive the Pacific Coast Highway?

The best time of the year to drive the Pacific Coast Highway is in mid-to-late February through May. February is usually the end of California’s annual rainy season, which turns California’s golden hills bright green and covers the coast with colorful wildflowers that last through April and into early May.

Where is Highway 1?

Highway One runs from southern California in Orange County, all the way up the California coast to Mendocino county. Its southern terminus intersects with Highway 5 in San Clemente (between Los Angeles and San Diego ), and its northern terminus merges into Highway 101 north of Mendocino.

Where is Half Moon Bay?

Half Moon Bay is a small coastal town just 30 minutes south of San Francisco made semi-famous by the award-winning film Birdemic: Shock and Terror! ( actually I think it won an award as the “Worst Film Ever Made”, so obviously we love it, please go watch the trailer).

Where to see elephant seals in California?

Located almost across the street from Hearst Castle, The Elephant Seal Vista Point is the best stop along Highway One to meet one of California’s most underrated marine stars: elephant seals! You’ll find these strange animals at the rookery year-round, but between December to March – our favorite time of year to drive Highway One – you’ll see mostly pups on the beach, which is as cute as it sounds!

Where is Stinson Beach?

Located under an hour north of San Francisco, Stinson Beach is one of Northern California’s most famous beach towns, famous for its long, wide, sandy beach. Everything in the town of Stinson has a nostalgic surf-town vibe, and most of the tiny town is walkable – perfect for a day at the beach!

Is the highway in Los Angeles a good start?

In Los Angeles, the “highway” is actually more of a crowded street in a busy city. It makes for a perfectly fine start to a road trip, because you clear the traffic after the first few hours of your trip, but it’s a bummer to end a great trip by sitting in traffic.

Is California cold?

California is colder than you think. Several stretches of the coast get very cold, with strong wind and heavy fog that lasts until midday. But just to make things more confusing, there are also odd patches of hot weather. Rule of thumb: bring a lot of layers, and don’t forget to pack a warm jacket! READ THIS POST.

Where to stop on the Pacific Coast Highway?

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.

Where to cruise on Highway 1?

Start your journey where Highway 1 begins: just north of Capistrano Beach in Dana Point. Cruise for 45 minutes—past the enviable Laguna Beach, alongside Crystal Cove State Park, and near the Newport Beach Pier—before arriving at Huntington Beach.

Where is Highway 1 in California?

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 ...

Where to take a surf break in Ventura?

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.

Where to hike in Bodega Bay?

Continue your outdoor adventure in nearby Stinson Beach and walk around Point Reyes before driving through Bodega Bay.

Where to go in Monterey Bay?

Just on the other side of Monterey Bay, you’ll find the adorable town of Capitola , followed by the ultimate beach-bum town.

Where to go after Venice?

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.

Why do you drive north to south on the Pacific Coast Highway?

Driving south on the right-hand side of the road, you’ll have a great view of the ocean and coastline.

Where is the Pacific Coast Highway?

The Pacific Coast Highway is located in the U.S. states of Washington, Oregon, and California. The Pacific Coast Highway runs along two highways: US 101 in Washington, Oregon, and parts of California and California Highway 1 in the majority of California. From end-to-end, the Pacific Coast Highway is 1,675 miles long from Olympia, WA to San Diego, ...

Where to go on PCH?

Here are some different starting/ending points for a PCH road trip: Seattle to San Diego (or vice versa) – the whole Pacific Coast Highway. Crescent City to San Diego (or vice versa) – the California portion of the Pacific Coast Highway. San Francisco to San Diego – a great California coast road trip, but only the Central California ...

When is the best time to drive in California?

In Northern California, the best weather of the year happens between September and October. Southern California has great weather year-round. Therefore, I recommend driving the Pacific Coast Highway in September, when you’re most likely to have great weather along the entire length of the road trip.

How many days to drive the PCH?

If you have more time to drive the PCH, this 10-day itinerary is perfect. You can even stretch it out by spending a few extra days exploring some of the cities along the route if you want to. Here’s a Pacific Coast Highway map and schedule for 10 days:

1. Mendocino

Your Pacific Coast Highway road trip begins at Leggett, so naturally, the first stop is the wonderful Mendocino. Here, waves are grand and harsh, and coastal cliffs are as breathtaking as it gets. You’ll also pass by several unique beaches on the way, but one you should totally check out is Glass Beach.

2. Bodega Bay

Next up is Bodega Bay, the quaint fishing community in Sonoma County. The town is blessed with untainted natural beauty and divine seafood. A picturesque horseback ride on the beautiful rocky shorelines is a dream come true in Bodega Bay. And tasting the area’s fresh seafood is a non-negotiable treat everyone deserves.

3. San Francisco

Not stopping in the City by the Bay on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip is pretty much blasphemy. You’re cranking up the tunes on the road and the next thing you know the Golden Gate Bridge is waving hello—congratulations, you made it to one of the most eclectic cities in the nation.

4. Santa Cruz

Welcome to the most laid-back city on the Central Coast. This surfer’s paradise has more to offer than just beaches. If you have time, pay a visit to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and traverse the trails featuring marvelous riverside views. Better yet, enjoy a stroll through the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum and Botanic Garden.

5. Monterey

The scenic coastal city of Monterey invites you with its white-sand beaches and unique attractions. If you thought you’re done splashing around, we’ve got news for you. Search for China Cove in Point Lobos Natural Reserve and jump right in.

6. Big Sur

Wildflowers are blooming, California condors are soaring, and the coastal wind is blowing through your hair—that’s right, you’re in Big Sur. All roads and trails here take you to spectacular places. Whether you trek the Salmon Creek or Overlook Trails, both will reward you with breathtaking cascades.

7. San Simeon

Some might disagree, but San Simeon is one of the best stops to make along the Pacific Coast Highway. Filled both with natural wonders, architectural masterpieces, and lots of outdoor adventures, San Simeon is the picture-postcard spot you didn’t know existed. This prime beach destination is where you'll find Hearst Castle.