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The Perfect Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary (25 Stops + 3 Itineraries!)

Post Summary: The Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary + All The Stops Along The Way

The Pacific Coast Highway is easily considered to be one of the most iconic road trip routes in the world !

It’s not hard to believe either. From the moody beaches in Washington to the spectacular natural bridges in Southern Oregon to the winding roads of Big Sur, California , there is something new to see around every bend.

Berty and I drove the entire route back in 2017, and have returned to deeply explore sections every year since then!

Because we know this route so well, we wanted to create this comprehensive guide for iconic stops and places to see along the entire length of the Pacific Coast Highway, all 1,700-ish miles between Seattle, Washington and Orange County, California !

In this power, we’ll share the best PCH stops in Washington, Oregon, and California to make your Pacific Coast Highway road trip your most epic trip yet.

Let’s get planning!

Step By Step Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Directions (Download)

Where is the pacific coast highway how long is it.

The Pacific Coast Highway has many names.

You can also recognize it by its abbreviation (PCH), and referred to as the California Coast road trip , Pacific Coast Highway road trip, Route 1, Highway 101 (through Washington and Oregon), or even just Highway 1 (in California).

All names aside, they all lead you down the same road, which is the route that parallels the Pacific Ocean and the western border of the contiguous United States.

The traditional Pacific Coast Highway (Route 1) is 655 miles long. The full Pacific Coast Highway (Orange County to Seattle) is just over 1,700 miles.

We’ll be talking about the entire Pacific Coast Highway itinerary in this blog post. (Seattle to Orange County)

Pacific Coast Highway Map, Directions, & Best Times

Which direction to drive the pacific coast highway.

Where should you begin your Pacific Coast Highway itinerary? Northbound or Southbound?

There are two directions to do a Pacific Coast Highway road trip – driving south or driving north! Honestly, both are great options but being from Washington, Berty and I began in Seattle and made our way south.

If you are searching for the best weather conditions, here are pros of each direction:

• Southbound (Seattle to Orange County): Driven during spring break, you can escape the Pacific Northwest rain and enjoy the warmth of Southern California.
• Nortbound (Orange County to Seattle): Driving north will help you escape California’s hot weather in late summer and fall.

Pacific Coast Highway Start and End Points

Traditionally, the Pacific Coast Highway is considered to be the entire Highway 1 of the California Coast. This spans between Capistrano Beach is Orange County to Legget in Nortoerhn California. Highway 1 is 655.84 miles.

However, we like to think of this drive spanning three Pacific Coast states: Washington, Oregon, and California.

The traditional starting point in Washington is Seattle (with a detour through the Olympic National Park). The traditional starting point in California is San Diego .

When To Drive The Pacific Coast Highway

We also began our trip in June, but this trip is good to take any time of year.

If you decided on making it a winter road trip route , that means you’ll have a lot fewer crowds to deal with! Driving along the coast, the weather is more temperate and usually doesn’t get cold enough for snow, so you won’t run into many driving issues.

However, if you’re looking for the “windows-down, sunsets every night” kind of trip, we recommend taking this drive any time between June-September for the best chance of good weather.

Pacific Coast Highway Map

Top Tips For Driving The Pacific Coast Highway

So, how can you plan a Pacific Coast Highway road trip? Here are our suggestions of things to do before your trip:

Plan Your Stops Carefully: Carefully creating an itinerary will help make reserving hotels and activies a LOT easier. However, make sure to leave just a little wiggle room for surprises! Book Accommodations In Advance: The Pacific Coast Highway is a popular road trip route. Once you know your trip dates, plan to book hotels and campgrounds ASAP. We like to split accommodations between car camping and hotels for a good mix. On a budget? Here are 20 car camping hacks to consider. Check Road Closures: Check you route for any major road closures. This actually happens a lot more often than you might think Big Sur often has landslides. Rent a Great Car (or RV!): You can rent a car and book hotels, OR you can rent a campervan and book campgrounds for a budget-friendly trip. Outdoorsy has cool recreation vehicles vans to rent – it’s like Airbnb but for RVs! Decide When To Embark: Determine when to plan your PCH trip and how many days you have. Keep scrolling to the bottom of the post for PCH itinerary examples. Use a Good Navigation App : Good navigation apps make a huge difference. Read our favorite road trip planner apps here. Get a Convertible…or a Harley! If you are driving only a small section of the PCH, rent a fun vehicle! This isn’t mandatory, but it sure is iconic to drive on the highway in one of these cool rides. Ask Great Questions: You’re in the car for a long time. Make sure to have these road trip questions ready to brighten those dull moments. Download Podcasts + Playlists : Download these road trip podcasts and personalized playlists when you have wifi. You’ll thank me later. Pack Your Car With The Essentials: Here’s a list of road trip essentials you need to be packing. Prepare To Stop Frequently: The whole point of driving the Pacific Coast Highway is to take in the sights!

How To Choose a Car For The Pacific Coast Highway

Choosing the right vehicle for your Pacific Coast Highway road trip is probably THE most important decision you will make.

Option 1: Drive Your Own Car Make sure your car has had a tune-up, and its oil changed. It’s worth it to get checked out now, than risk something going wrong mid-way through your trip.

Option 2: Rent a Regular Car Renting a car is a great option for a reliable drive down the Pacific Coast Highway. Personally, we like Avis becuase they have a great rewards program. You can find cheap options

Option 3: Rent a Campervan or RV Renting a campervan is an awesome way to experience a little bit of vanlife. Search for the best campervans at Outdoorsy . Just note, it may be a little tricky to drive a campervan one-way. You may have to return it at your starting point via I-5!

Option 4: Take The Public us (Kind of possible, but not recommended) Yes, it’s possible to cobble together transportation on local transit. You’ll find that you can get around easiest in Southern California and the central Oregon Coast. However, there will be stretches of road with no transporation avaiable, or you may have to leave the coast and venture inland to find a route. It’s cheap yes, but takes quite a bit of pre-planning.

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip On A Budget

Are you hoping to plan a Pacific Coast Highway road trip route on a budget ? Here are some budgeting hacks we like to use to plan a budget PCH trip:

Use The Dyrt To Find Campgrounds: The Dyrt is the largest online campground database. We use the offline campground search feature to find spots on the go (no service needed!). The Dyrt gave us a code for you, our epic reader, to try the pro membership for 30 days free!   Click here to unlock your 30-day free trial . Find Free Campsites: Road tripping around the west coast for years, we’ve learned a thing or two about finding free campsites in the USA . Our guide includes campground searching hacks, backcountry packing guides, and tips on how to find the best camping spots on the PCH. Cook Your Own Meals: Save money on the road by making your own quick & easy camping meals . Manage Money On The Road: Learn how we travel on a budget in the Pacific Northwest .

What To Pack For A Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

A good Pacific Coast Highway road trip will take you through the rainy gloom of Washington, as well as the sunny beaches of California. This makes packing slighly more challenging – you’ll have to account for tons of variable weather!

Rain Jacket: You’ll need one in Washington and Oregon, especially during winter and spring. Here are our favorite rain jackets to wear in the Pacific Northwest . Light Layers: Once you reach California, it’s nice to have light, packable layers to bring on your day adventures. We like this windbreaker and this colorful fleece for easy layering. Down Jacket: Down jackets are an excellent option for extra warmth, especially when paired with a rain jacket. Get this packable one to save space in your suitcase. Sunglasses: You’ll need some, since you’ll be watchin the sunset every night! Grab this pair of inexpensive but HIGHLY rated sunglasses to knock around on your adventures. Hiking Shoes: Hiking in the PNW for over a decade, we know a thing or two about boots! Read our list on the best hiking boots , to pick the right ones for you. Walking Sandals : From walking around Huntington Pier to strolling around your campsite, walking sandals are essential to your Pacific Coast Highway packing list. Portable Phone Charger: This Goal Zero 24 is the perfect companion to charge your phone on a day trip. Camera: Here’s our guide on how to take smartphone landscape photography, or you can check out the travel photography gear as media professionals. Hiking Clothes: You’ll want to bring these highly-coveted hiking shorts , a day pack , and the 10 hiking essentials .

Here are some posts we’ve written about what to pack for certain parts of the Pacific Coast Highway:

• 5 Essentials to Bring On The Washington Coast
• The Ultimate Packing List For San Francisco
• What To Pack For A Weekend in Los Angeles

The Best Pacific Coast Highway Stops (State By State)

If you’re planning to experience the entire Pacific Coast Highway (including extending it to Oregon and Washington), you probably know that there is an insane amount of beautiful stops to take.

We’re going to break locations down state by state, to give you bite-sized chunks of information for each place.

Each state provides something unique and exciting for your Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary, so read below for location inspiration in Washington, Oregon, and California!

Pacific Coast Highway Stops In Washington

Washington is not all rain and gloom!

While the movies portray this evergreen state in a constant shroud of clouds and moodiness (Thanks, Twilight) , its nothing farther from the truth.

Here, you can find powerful waterfalls, secret coves, and lush green forest, and amazing hikes in every corner of this beautiful state.

Keep on reading to read about some highlights along the Pacific Coast Highway in Washington!

Seattle, Washington

This is where we suggest starting your Pacific Coast Highway road trip.

Seattle is a great place to stock up on all the road trip essentials , grab rental cars, and arrive by plane to stay on your journey on the Pacific Coast Highway. If you’re flying in to begin your journey, you’ll fly into Sattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).

Have a little bit more time on your hands? Stick around for a few days and try these unique things to do in Seattle , or take these incredible day trips from Seattle .

Fun things to do in Seattle, Washington:

• Visit Pike Place Market
• Go to the first-ever Starbucks Coffee store
• Visit The Museum of Pop Culture
• Watch the sunset at Jose Rizal Park
• See the Space Needle up close at Kerry Park
• Have a bonfire with friends at Golden Gardens Park
• Go to A Husky Football game in the University District

Read More: What To Pack For The Pacific Northwest

Port Angeles

If you are starting in Seattle or Vancouver, chances are you’ll need to take a ferry across the Puget Sound to reach the Olympic Peninsula . It’s also possible to drive around through Olympia, if you don’t want to put your car on the ferry.

From here, you will pass the cities of Sequim and Port Angeles. Before hitting to Pacific Coast Highway, we recommend taking a stop by Lake Crescent for some classic PNW vibes and maybe a quick lunch break too.

If you want to see what the lake looks like from above, test your limits and hike Mount Storm King . The 4.7-mile round trip hike gains over 2,000 feet in elevation, including scrambling up the side of a cliff with the help of a few installed ropes.

This hike isn’t for the faint of heart, but your attempts will be rewarded with experiencing one of the most spectacular places to see in the Olympic Peninsula .

Stay Overnight: Book a stay at The Olympic Lodge in Port Angeles . It’s right in town, and central to other adventures like Hurricane Ridge, Salt Creek, and Lake Crescent.

Sol Duc Falls

Sol Duc Falls is located in the Olympic National Park , and along Highway 101 on your way towards the coast.

It’s a small detour before heading to the ocean. However, the detour is worth every minute! The short trail to Sol Duc Falls leads to one of the most gorgeous waterfalls in Washington state.

If you are wanting a unique place to stay in the Olympic National Park, consider staying at the Sol Duc Hot Springs, a natural pool resort in the park.

Doing this, you can wake up early to visit the falls and beat the crowds!

Cape Flattery

If you’re looking for the most northwest location in the lower 48 United States, you’ve found it at Cape Flattery !

This jaw-dropping piece of coastline is owned by the Makah Tribe. It includes beautiful sea stacks just offshore and expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

If you are planning your Pacific Coast Highway itinerary for epic photo spots, don’t miss this place! You’ll need an entry pass ($10 per vehicle) and you can pick it up at the gas station or grocery store at Neah Bay.

Forks, Washington

La Push Beaches (First, Second, and Third)

You may know these beaches from the movie Twilight but rest assured there are no vampires in sight. (Partly because it’s werewolf territory anyway, DUH) In fact, we’ve seen some of the most incredible sunsets right here on Second Beach.

When visiting, it’s important to note that there are three beaches to choose from. First Beach provides easy and instant beach access, so it’s a popular choice for families.

Second Beach requires a hike on a short trail to reach the beach, and you can also camp on this beach. Second Beach is also the most popular option for its beautiful rock formations and vast shoreline.

Third Beach requires a longer hike and is the least visited of all the beaches.

Any of these Washington beaches you choose, don’t forget to pack these 5 beach essentials!

Read More: La Push Beach + and Beach Camping Tips

Ocean Shores, Washington

Ocean Shores is a quaint little town on the Washington Coast, just north of Grays Harbor.

Here, you will find tons of vacation rental homes, small seafood restaurants, and tons of beach activities. Berty and I came with our friends last summer and opted to rent motorbikes on the beach, eat our weight in crab, and explore the jetty!

Restaurants to try in Ocean Shores:

• Murphy’s Candy & Ice Cream Shop
• Galway Bay Irish Pub
• Ocean Beach Roasters and Bistro
• Oyhut Bay Bistro

Want more beach fun on the Washington Coast? Check out Ruby Beach and Rialto Beach !

Read More: 7 Fun Things To Do In Ocean Shores, Washington

Pierce County Area (Gig Harbor, Tacoma, and Puyallup)

If you’re looking to spend a little extra for a comfortable room and some great food, spend some time exploring Gig Harbor and boating around the South Puget Sound . You will be able to spot wildlife all around you, whether it’s jellyfish or a pod of orcas!

Some of our favorite cities in Pierce County to explore: Puyallup (Washington State Fair), Tacoma, and Gig Harbor!

Mount Rainier National Park

Take your journey slightly inland to explore Mount Rainier National Park. Here, you can test your limits and backpack up to the summit (training required!) or simply take a nice stroll at the base of the mountain like on Nisqually Loop Trail .

Mount Rainier is best explored if you spend 2-3 days in the park! There are so many different areas to cover (Paradise Area and Sunrise Area are the most popular), so give yourself time to enjoy the beautiful outdoors here in the Pacific Northwest.

Most Popular Activities To Do At Mount Rainier:

• Hike the Grove of the Patriarchs Trail
• See Silver Falls
• Hike the Skyline Divide Trail
• Visit the Longmire Museum

Cape Disappointment State Park

Cape Disappointment is located in the far southwestern corner of Washington State. Here, you can discover miles of trails, play on the beaches, and maybe even spot an orca offshore!

For a memorable photo opportunity on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip, take the trail down to Deadman’s Cove and capture this hidden beach at sunset!

Read More: Cape Disappointment + Deadman’s Cove

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Stops In Oregon

The Oregon Coast itself is worthy of its own road trip but lucky you – you get to see it all and more!

We’re sharing all the best stops along this part of the Pacific Coast Highway and what you can expect in this beautiful state.

Not enough time for the whole thing? Take an Oregon Coast Road Trip instead!

Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach is a family and dog-friendly beach located 1.5 hours west of Portland. Here, you can explore the many quaint seaside shops, take a walk on the beach, and explore the many tide pools.

There are many services available here, so it’s a great stop for camping, resting, or even getting a seaside Airbnb! (By the way, y ou can get $40 off your first reservation at this link! )

Read More: Spending The Day At Cannon Beach

Cape Kiwanda

Cape Kiwanda  is a popular beach on the Oregon Coast. Here, you can walk along the beach and enjoy Pacific City’s own “Haystack Rock”, or climb the nearby sand dunes to discover incredible views, coves, and rock formations!

Too busy for you? Venture just a 5-minute drive south to Bob Straub State Park, where you can walk along the less-traveled and peaceful beachfront.

The area of Oregon can be rainy and cloudy year-round, but if you’re lucky you can experience one of its gorgeous sunsets (that is if the weather cooperates!). Make sure to pack a rain jacket!

Read More:  10 Epic Adventures To Take Aroun Cape Kiwanda

God’s Thumb Hike, Lincoln City

The hike to God’s Thumb is a moderately difficult hike along the Oregon Coast. A 4.6-mile round trip hike will bring you to a curved landscape on an oceanside cliff. 

It gets its name “God’s Thumb” because it slightly resembles a thumb… but we think it kind of looks like a soft-serve ice cream swirl!

Located in Lincoln City, Oregon , this is a perfect place to get out of the car, stretch your legs, and see a beautiful area of the Oregon Coast.

Read More: Hike To God’s Thumb in Lincoln City On The Oregon Coast

Devil’s Punchbowl

Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area is a perfect stop on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip. Here, you can experience the power of the ocean slamming and swirling into a carved-out bowl.

From the top, you can see down inside the “punchbowl”. During high tide, the waves swirl and crash around inside, but during low tide, you can walk down on the beach and explore inside.

Stay a while for a roadside picnic, to explore tide pools, or climb around on the rocks on the shore.

Thor’s Well

Thor’s Well in another one of the Oregon Coast’s amazing natural phenomena. You can experience the most dramatic sights at high tide, but beware – it’s the most dangerous time to visit too.

Similar to the Spouting Horn in Kauai , this sinkhole looks like water is just draining into a huge abyss, but it’s actually a natural rock tube that sucks and shoots water our according to the adjacent waves.

Don’t get too close to it though, it pushes and pulls water with a powerful force , meaning if you get too close you risk being swept off your feet into the hole!

This area is located just south of the Cape Perpetua Visitor’s Cente r, with lots of wheelchair accessible walkways AND walk-at-your-own-risk paths too.

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area is an amazing spot on the Pacific Coast Highway, and probably home to one of the best photo spots on the PCH!

For a quick side trip, take the drive up to Cape Perpetua Lookout , where you can see the Oregon Coast meet the winding highway below. It’s an incredible view – make sure to bring your camera!

This is also a great stop for some camping on the Oregon Coast, as well as exploring the many ocean features and scenic trails in the area.

Read More: 10 Epic Things To Do In Cape Perpetua Area Of The Oregon Coast

(Bonus Side Trip!) Umpqua Hot Springs + Toketee Falls

Got an extra day to spare?

Since you’re already in Oregon, consider taking a side trip east to the Cascade Mountains. The Umpqua National Forest has a lot to see, but it’s shining stars have got to be Toketee Falls and the Umpqua Hot Springs.

Both of the trails to Toketee Falls and Umpqua Hot Springs are nearby one another, short, and easy to follow.

They can be accomplished in a morning or afternoon trip. If you haven’t visited a Pacific Northwest hot springs  yet, this is the perfect chance to do it!

We would suggest that you Visit Toketee Falls first, so you can save your soak for last!

Read More: 5 Essential Tips For Soaking at Upmqua Hot Springs

Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor

Of all the stops on the Oregon Coast, Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor is a MUST visit. Offshore rock formations, dramatic cliffs, and crashing waves make this place a magical stop on the Pacific Coast Highway.

To fully experience this area, we suggest scheduling your visit for sunset. The sun sets over the Pacific Ocean, and on a clear day the skies light up with beautiful colors. Don’t forget to stop at other iconic spots in the park including Secret Beach, Natural Bridges, Arch Rock, and Indian Sands Trail!

Located on the Southern Oregon Coast , Samuel H Boardman spans around 10-miles of rugged, scenic coastline. There are many hikes to choose from around Samuel H Boardman Scenic Corridor . Take some time to explore a few (many trails are short) , and pick your favorite spots for sunset.

Pacific Coast Highway Stops In California

Congratulations! You’ve made it to California!

This is technically the beginning of the official Pacific Coast Highway (also called Highway 1) , but we all know you’ve put in too many miles on your car and see too much epic-ness for it to be just starting.

While you’ll be encountering a lot more sunshine in this section of the road trip, the Northern California coast can be a little temperamental! Don’t put away your rain coast just yet.

California road trip stops on the Pacific Coast Highway are some of the most breathtaking and beautiful areas of the whole trip. Read on to discover where to go and what to see below in the sunshine state.

Redwood National and State Parks

If your Pacific Coast Highway road rrip is taking you southbound, your first California stop will be at the Redwood National and State Parks.

The Redwoods are known for their spectacularly tall and beautiful trees. Furthermore, this area is home to some of the tallest trees on earth!

There are several scenic drives to take here, but the prettiest Northern California drives are through the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park (the scenic route) and the Avenue of The Giants at Humbolt Redwoods State Park. For a lot of stops and viewpoints of the ocean, consider stopping at Patrick’s Point State Park !

Read More: 10 Things To Do In The Redwood National Park

Fern Canyon

Wait, did we just travel through time? You’re not far off if you felt like you just stepped foot into Jurassic Park. In fact, scenes from the movie were filmed right here in Fern Canyon!

Fern Canyon Trail in the Redwoods is a very short route – just 1.1-miles to revel in the 50-foot tall fern-covered walls and lush surrounding forest. The hike is easy, but getting there is a different story. The trip requires a few creek crossings and winding, narrow dirt roads to reach the trailhead. We’ve got everything you need to know about Fern Canyon right here !

Black Sand Beach

Have you been looking at thos e famous black sand beaches in Iceland ? Get a taste of the beauty (without the price of a plane ticket) and come visit a look-alike on the California Coast.

Shelter Cove is a little town located in the King Range National Conversation Area. Here, there are craggy coastlines, dramatic scenery, and a black sand beach. The waves are tall and powerful here.

Warning: The road is winding and treacherous, which can be dangerous in bad weather.

This is also an extremely out-of-the-way detour, with one route going in and out from the beach. Make sure to have a full tank of gas, and be prepared to drive on narrow roads and near tall cliff edges!

Read More:   How To Get To California’s Iconic Black Sands Beach

Point Reyes National Seashore

Love the California beach? Explore the Point Reyes National Seashore , a protected coastline of rolling pastures, historic landmarks, and even a secret docked ship!

Start your journey in the town of Inverness, where you can stock up on food, gas, and even camping gear if you choose to spend the night in one of their many campgrounds .

Some of the best things to do in Point Reyes National Seashore are visiting the historic lighthouse (make sure to pay attention to its hours of operation! ), driving down the canopy of Cypress trees , and even whale watching if you come at the right time of year!

Read More: Spending The Day At Point Reyes National Seashore

Bolinas Ridge

If you have a scheduled stop in San Francisco on your Pacific Coast Highway itinerary, make sure to make a sunset stop just north of the city , on Bolinas Ridge .

This area of golden, glimmering rolling hills is located on the edge of Mount Tamalpais State Park in Marin County, California.

Our favorite scenic road to drive is Ridgecrest Boulevard , which includes pullouts ever so often to quickly park your car and enjoy the beautiful and consistent sunsets on this piece of the California coast.

Read More: A Golden Sunset At Bolinas Ridge

Mount Tamalpais

Keep the spirit of adventure alive , even in a bustling city like San Francisco !

If you’ve got a pit stop in the Golden City, journey just north of the Golden Gate Bridge and experience Mount Tamalpais State Park for a quick break from city life.

Here, you can take many amazing trails with stunning views of big city buildings across the bay. Some of our favorite trails for city views are the East Peak Hike  (to a stone lookout tower) and the Verna Dunshee Trail. 

Going when it’s cold outside? Read our San Francisco Winter Packing List .

Read More: 10 Adventurous Things To Do Outside of San Francisco

Golden Gate Bridge

No trip along the Pacific Coast Highway is complete without seeing the iconic Golden Gate Bridge!

On either side of the bridge, there are several incredible viewpoints to check out. Some of the best places to view the Golden Gate Bridge are from Battery Spencer, Kirby Cove, and the North Vista Point.

Remember: The Golden Gate Bridge is a toll bridge . Motorcycles and regular cars will get through and be billed $8.00 to the address your car is registered at.

San Francisco, California

If you’ve been driving southbound on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip, San Francisco will be the first large city you will encounter. 

Here, you can experience many iconic and famous landmarks. Here are some places to see while in San Francisco :

• See the sunrise at the Golden Gate Bridge
• Visit Fisherman’s Wharf
• Stop By The Painted Ladies
• Wander through the neighborhoods and see the beautiful Victorian-era houses

Need a place to stay in San Francisco? Click here and get $40 off your first booking on Airbnb!

Shark Fin Cove

Click here to see more amazing pictures from our visit to Shark Fin Cove.

Shark Fin Cove is a beautiful California coast beach located south of San Francisco – in Davenport, California. It’s named for its rock formation just off the shore that resembling a shark’s top fin. 

You aren’t able to see this cove from the road, which makes finding access a little difficult . There are no signs indicating the location, so you must rely on Google Maps to help guide to you the parking lot off the California Coast Highway 1.

This place provides absolutely stunning views from above AND below. Start your visit at the top and walk along the trails near the cliffs (but be careful!). Finally, climb down into the cove via a steep trail to find beach access.

On a weekday, it’s very likely you will get this beach all to yourself! 

Read More: What To Expect At California’s Shark Fin Cove

Big Sur State Park

When you think of driving down the California Coast , Big Sur is what Pacific Coast Highway dreams are made of. Sunny coastline, winding roads, dramatic cliffs, and beautiful bridges are scattered along 90 miles of this beautiful West Coast drive.

Some of the highlights on this part of the PCH include:

• Pfeiffer Beach
• McWay Falls
• Bixby Creek Bridge
• Pebble Beach
• 17-Mile Drive (Monterey/Pacific Grove)

Pro Tip: A day trip to Big Sur, California is absolutely the most quintessential activity  of any good Pacific Coast Highway road trip. Don’t miss this.

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

(Detour Off Highway 1) Yosemite National Park

While you’re in the area, might as well take a little detour to one of the greatest national parks in America!

Yosemite is home to the tallest waterfall in North America, home to giant Sequoia trees, and has more than 800 miles of trails for hikers to enjoy.

Only have 24 extra hours to spare for Yosemite? Click here for our 24-hour guide to Yosemite National Park.

Pro Tip: If you are hoping to spend a few days in the park, make camping reservations extremely early in advance.

Camping spots generally get full six months before the reservation date. A trip to Yosemite National Park requires a lot of pre-planning.

Los Angeles, California

Another major city on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip will be Los Angeles California. For many going northbound, this is a common starting point (as well as San Diego).

If you’re like us and coming to LA on a southbound Pacific Coast Highway trip, this is a fun pit stop to take a few days and recharge from all that driving.

Again, if you are looking to book a place on Airbnb, click here to get $40 off your first booking!

Here are some fun things to do in Los Angeles:

• Santa Monica Pier + the Amusement Park on the boardwalk.
• Venice Beach
• Griffith Observatory
• The Getty Museum
• Hollywood Boulevard
• Hike to the Hollywood Sign

Read More: How To Spend a Fun Weekend in West Hollywood, California

Orange County, California

Orange County California is just south of the city of Los Angeles. With a slower lifestyle, less traffic, and a lot more beach space, this place is a perfect getaway for sunshine lovers and surfers alike.

There are a few opportunities to camp on the coast, like RV sites in Huntington Beach and tent sites at Crystal Cove State Park. Either way, it’s definitely worth it to spend a few days in Orange County and experience all it has to offer!

Must-see spots to visit in Orange County:

• La Tour (Secret Oceanside Castle in the cliff)
• Huntington Beach (Sur City, USA)
• Newport Beach Harbor and Balboa Island
• Laguna Beach
• Here are our favorite restaurants in Orange County to try!

Looking to travel to the OC on a budget? Check out our list of free things to do in Orange County to have maximum fun, with money still left in your pocket!

Read More: 10 Amazing Outdoor Activities in Orange County, California

San Diego, California

You did it!

San Diego will be the likely the end (or the beginning!) to your Pacific Coast Highway itinerary.

However, it’s still worth visiting for a few days. There are so many amazing things to do in San Diego that this city is an excellent way to kick off or wrap up any Pacific Coast Highway road trip.

Don’t miss out of Torrey Pines State Reserve! This network of outdoor trails have some of the best views in the entire city. Spend some time exploring the trails during sunset for a magical stay in San Diego.

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary Examples

Wondering if you can see all these iconic landmarks in one trip?

To accommodate different trip lengths, we’re sharing some example itineraries for a five-day trip , one-week trip , and two-week trip down the Pacific Coast Highway.

Read below to find your perfect one!

5 Day Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary

Five days to drive down the Pacific Coast is absolutely doable! During these days, you have time to experience the highlights of the coast, and whet your appetite for another future trip!

• Day 1: Seattle, WA to Coos Bay, OR
• Day 2: Coos Bay OR, to Redwood National Park, CA
• Day 3: Redwood National Park, CA to San Francisco, CA
• Day 4: San Francisco, CA to Los Angeles, CA
• Day 5: Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA

7 Day Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary

One week on the Pacific Coast Highway will allow you to see the most iconic locations. One week is great for travelers who want to fit in the entire trip during a school break, or only have so many days to take off of work.

A one-week Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary will allow you to see the highlights without feeling rushed. Here’s an example PCH itinerary:

• Day 1: Seattle WA, to Forks, WA
• Day 2: Forks, WA to Cape Kiwanda, OR
• Day 3: Cape Kiwanda, OR to Redwood State Park, CA
• Day 4: Redwood State Park, CA to San Francisco, CA
• Day 5: San Francisco CA, to Big Sur, CA
• Day 6: Big Sur, CA, to Orange County, CA
• Day 7: Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA

10 Day Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary

Two-week pacific coast highway road trip itinerary.

If you have two weeks to spare, this is the ideal amount of time for a Pacific Coast Highway road trip!

Two weeks gives you ample time to see all the highlights, take some day hikes, and even some off-coast detours like Yosemite or Toketee Falls! You will be able to see everything you want and more, and not feel rushed in your process.

• Day 1: Seattle, WA to Port Angeles, WA
• Day 2: Port Angeles, to Forks, WA
• Day 3: Forks, WA to Astoria, OR
• Day 4: Astoria OR, to Cape Kiwanda, OR
• Day 5:  Cape Kiwanda OR , to Brookings, OR
• Day 6: Brooking OR, to Redwood State Park, CA
• Day 7:  Redwood State Park, CA to Mendocino, CA
• Day 8: Mendocino, CA to San Francisco, CA
• Day 9:  San Francisco, CA to Santa Cruz, CA
• Day 10: Santa Cruz, CA to Big Sur, CA
• Day 11:  Big Sur, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
• Day 12: Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA
• Day 13: Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA
• Day 14: End in San Diego

Some of our Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Inspiration

Creating this Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary was quite the workload! Lucky for us, this is the kind of work we live for, and it was fun, inspiring, and most of all helpful!

We hope this helps in your own Pacific Coast Highway road trip and makes planning a little bit easier for you.

Here are some of the pins we’ve created to share with our followers on Pinterest. Feel free to save some too for your own inspirational road trip!

Pinterest ( Find us at @themandagies )

Have you taken a pacific coast highway road trip what were some of your favorite stops, ready to plan your own pacific coast highway road trip read these helpful posts:.

8 Steps For Planning A Flawless Weekend Trip

2o Energizing Hikes In The PN W

The Essential 2017 PNW Bucket List

Want more Pacific Coast Highway road trip inspiration? Follow our curated board on Pinterest!

So excited for you guys! My hubby and I did a similar (but quicker, so we didn’t see everything) trip in the summer of 2010 (a LONG time ago!). It was amazing. There is an amazing hike in Redwood National Park (Gold Bluffs Beach Section) that leads down to this secret beach. Even in summer (August) there wasn’t anyone on the trail. We were pretty new to the “planning” travel business so didn’t really plan anything when we went, but this hike was a highlight of our trip. I’m dying to go to the Painted Hills and Hot springs so excited to see what you guys think. Have so much fun!!! We’re secretly living through both of your photographs and blogs dreaming of our move one day back to this beautiful region of the world. We love Ireland, but the PNW truly can’t be beat.

Hi Danielle! I’m so glad you like our photographs and blog! That means so much to us 🙂 I’m so intrigued about the Gold Bluffs Beach Hike in the Redwoods. Now we need to go back and do that one!!!

Check out videos on hundreds of California adventures

Pacific Coast Highway: Where to Stop on Your Road Trip

Pacific Coast Highway is easily one of the best drives in the entire world. With tons of beautiful coastal views, two of the most famous cities in the country, some of the best seafood you have ever had and plenty to see along the way, it is a drive you have to experience once in your life. I have driven the entirety of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in California three times and many individual sections countless times. One of the questions I am most often asked is, “What is the best place to stop along Pacific Coast Highway?” This question is difficult to answer as PCH is different every time I drive it and depending on how much time you have, you can stop at 20 places or 200 along the way. This post was designed to help you plan and get excited for your own Pacific Coast Highway road trip. I have included a guide for taking a seven-day journey on PCH, a detailed history of the highway, and my recommendations for food and hotels below. Plus, I did the drive again in 2022 with my dad and made a 2 hour video on the entire route which you can watch as well. Hopefully, this helps when you plan your trip, and don’t forget to let me know what places I have missed in the comments.

Pacific Coast Highway 7 Day Road Trip Video

In June of 2022, I set out to drive all of Pacific Coast Highway with my dad over 7 days. I documented all of the stops along the way in a 2 hour video I made for my YouTube Channel. You can watch it below if you want to see how we explored Pacific Coast Highway.

24 Best Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) Stops

Here are my twenty five favorite stops on PCH from south to north. Click on the image to learn more about the stop.

Victoria Beach

Victoria Beach has the famous pirates tower of Laguna Beach, which is was built to allow the resident down from their home to beach below. It is no longer used but it is a awesome spot to see.

Venice Beach

One of my favorite spots for people watching, this boardwalk and beach is a crazy area to explore for a few hours.

One of the most beautiful places in all of Southern California, the small hike up to Point Dume is not something you will quickly forget.

Point Mugu State Park

This state park has a lot of nice hiking, especially for a Southern California. Check out the Sycamore Canyon trail for amazing views.

McConnell’s Ice Cream

While all of State St is fun, especially for shoppers, McConnell’s ice cream is a spot I stop at on pretty much every road trip through the area.

La Purisima Mission State Park

This is a fantastic example of California’s mission history. The mission here is wonderfully recreated and it gives you a great taste of early California life.

Monarch Butterfly Grove

When the butterflies are actually here (Nov – Jan) this spot can’t be beat. There are literally tens of thousands of butterflies in this small grove.

Pismo Beach / Splash Cafe

The boardwalk and beach here are beautiful. Add to that the surfer culture and the amazing clam chowder at Splash Cafe and you have an easy recommendation.

Madonna Inn

This eclectic hotel is my favorite spot to stay on PCH. Every room is different and the men’s bathroom has a fountain urinal.

Morro Rock is overpowering and beautiful when you head up PCH near Morro Bay. This is a great spot to watch the sunset or to kayak in the bay.

Hearst Castle

Most people know what Hearst Castle is but it truly is a unique spot to visit and one that is easy to recommend. It will take at least a half day but you will be blown away by it all.

McWay Waterfall

California’s waterfall that falls directly onto the beach has been seen in photos all over the world, so you should make a point to stop at it.

Pfeiffer State Beach

This may be my favorite beach in all of California. It has a massive rock with an arch, purple sand when it rains and a small parking lot that always makes it feel secluded.

Bixby Bridge

One of the most photogenic spots on PCH, Bixby Bridge will take your breath away. It is a quick stop but one you will remember.

Monterey Aquarium

Probably the best aquarium in the entire United States, Monterey Aquarium has so much to look at you will be overwhelmed, in a good way

Giant Dipper Roller Coaster

Right on the Santa Cruz boardwalk, this fantastic old wooden roller coaster from 1924 is something that you really should ride while driving up PCH.

Natural Bridges State Beach

Santa Cruz has a lot of great spots and great food places, but Natural Bridges State Park is one of my favorites by far. This beach has a beautiful rock arch about 20 feet out in the water and is a great spot for sunset.

Palace of Fine Arts

European architecture in the heart of San Francisco, Palace of Fine Arts is one of my favorites spots for photography in the city.

Golden Gate Bridge

What do I really need to say about this bridge? Of course you have to visit it while on PCH as it is one of the most iconic spots in all of California.

Muir Beach Overlook

Another often skipped but yet beautiful quick stop, this overlook provides an awesome birds-eye view of the coastline.

Hog Island Oyster Company

If you like oysters then you don’t need any more information, if you don’t like them then you need to try them here, fresh out of the water and mind-blowing good.

Point Arena Lighthouse

This 60 foot tall lighthouse right out on the cliffs is a great spot for views and for learning more about the lighthouses that used to dot the California coastline.

Glass Beach

The beach where people threw trash and the ocean turned that trash into smooth pieces of glass. It is a crazy spot to see.

Chandelier Drive Thru Tree

Right where PCH ends is the Chandelier Drive Thru Tree in the town of Leggett. No trip down Highway 1 is complete without a photo of your car going through it.

Pacific Coast Highway FAQ

How long is the Pacific Coast Highway?

Route 1, AKA Pacific Coast Highway, is 655 miles.

Where does it start and end?

The official start of Pacific Coast Highway is in Orange County in the city of Dana Point. The end is at the intersection of Highway 1 and Highway 101 in Leggett.

When is the best time to drive Pacific Coast Highway?

The best time to drive the Pacific Coast Highway is in the spring or fall. If you’re traveling during summer, prepare for high temperatures and heavy traffic on the road.

How long should I plan for a Pacific Coast Highway road trip?

Since the drive is about 650 miles long and it takes most people 4-5 days to do it depending on how much sightseeing they do along the way. It’s not recommended to attempt it all at once because there are so many beautiful spots along the way that deserve more than a passing glance and you cannot drive fast on many of the narrow roads, so it takes longer than you would think. I recommend 7 days if you have it, but 4-5 days will allow you to see a lot as well.

How is the drive?

Driving along the PCH in certain sections like Big Sur is like driving on a roller coaster — there are lots of curves, narrow lanes and steep drop-offs. While most of this highway is two lane roads with limited shoulders and relatively straight, there are also few sections where it becomes four lane divided highways such as between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo, which allows drivers who want faster speeds access to passing lanes if needed.

Is it easy to follow?

Outside of the Los Angeles portion, which can be a little tough to navigate, the route is pretty straightforward and easy to follow.

What are the best sections of Pacific Coast Highway?

For me, here are the best sections from South to North

• Laguna Beach: The region is known for its breathtaking beaches and some of the best Southern Califronia beaches can be found here.
• Santa Barbara: An amazing California coastal town with great food, shopping and activities.
• Big Sur: This is the quintessential PCH experience with some of the most stunning coastal views you will ever see.
• Point Reyes / Tomales Bay: If you have the time to visit Point Reyes Seashore, do it. It has one of the most beautiful lighthouses on the drive and miles a hiking trails.
• Mendocino: This small town has some of the best coastal views in the Northern California section.

Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) Road Trip Day Guides

If you are interested in driving the 600+ miles that makes up Pacific Coast Highway, then check out how I broke down each of my 7 days below. These day itineraries are designed to give you an example of how you can do the drive but you may want to do less or more spots each day than I did.

–  Dana Point to Malibu

–  Malibu to San Luis Obispo

–  San Luis Obispo to Monterey

–  Monterey to San Francisco

–  San Francisco to Mendocino

–  Mendocino / Fort Bragg to Eureka

Continue the Journey (Oregon and Washington)

Interested in continuing up to the Oregon state line or even all the way up to Seattle? Check out these other posts I wrote to help make the most of your journey along the coast of both Oregon and Washington.

Eureka to Oregon

–  Eureka to the Oregon State Line

Oregon & Washington Coast Stops

–  Oregon and Washington 4 Day Road Trip

Pacific Coast Highway eBook

I created this ebook after my 2022 Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip. In the ebook it has FAQ, some of my top spots, a suggested itinerary and a link to the map with all of my stops on it. If you are interested, you can purchase it below.

Map of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) Stops

The above ebook has a link to the map I created with all of the stops that I did on my last trip. It is a great resources for planning your trip along PCH since the stops are already added to the map for you.

Food on Pacific Coast Highway

Here are a few of my favorite places for food on Pacific Coast Highway.

• The Crab Cooker in Newport –  Fresh shrimp cocktails and seafood.  Review here
• Schooner or Later in Long Beach-  A great stop for breakfast, get there early as the wait can be long. Order “The Mess”.  Review here
• Neptune’s Net in Malibu –  Seafood sampler and tacos with optional frozen yogurt after.  Review here
• Spencer Makenzie’s in Ventura  – You must have the Ahi Pockets, you simple must.
• Johnny’s Tacos in Ventura –  Awesome deep fried crispy tacos at this tiny Mexican place.
• Tupelo Junction in Santa Barbara  – Amazing stop for breakfast, I recommend the Crab Cakes or Pumpkin Waffle.  Review here
• Santa Barbara Seafood Company in Santa Barbara – The onion rings are to die for, as are the oyster shots and great Cioppino, right on the pier.  Review here
• McConnell’s Ice Cream in Santa Barbara –  A must stop in Santa Barbara, try the Churros Con Chocolate and the Salted Carmel.
• Splash Cafe in Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo – Simply my favorite place for clam chowder, it is amazing. They have locations in Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo.  Review here
• Black Cat Bistro in Cambria-  Very high-end dinner spot, but amazing food if you are a foodie like me. Order anything with scallops.  Review here
• Linns Bakery in Cambria –  You must go here for the Olallieberry pie, it is fantastic and not a fruit you see often.
• Old Fish Grotto in Monterey – Great restaurant on the pier with fantastic clam chowder. Review here
• LouLou’s Griddle in the Middle in Monterey – Pancakes bigger than your plate. It’s an amazing breakfast spot. Review here
• The Little Chihuahua in San Francisco –  Try the fried plantain burrito for something totally unique. Open late.  Review here
• Brenda’s Soul Food in San Francisco –  One of my favorite places in all of California, try the shrimp and grits and the crawfish beignets.  Review here
• Mama’s in San Francisco  – Another amazing breakfast spot, but you have to get there early it is small and gets so packed. Get the Eggs Benedict.  Review here .
• Hog Island Oyster Company  – Fresh Oyster right out of the water, pretty much the only way to eat them.  Review here .

Where to Stay on Pacific Coast Highway

This is not a definitive list of where to stay but here are some of the great state parks you can camp in (arranged from South to North) and hotels at the end.

• Leo Carrillo State Park – Camping information
• McGrath State Beach – Camping information
• Emma Wood State Beach – Camping information
• Carpinteria State Beach – Camping information
• El Capitan State Beach – Camping information
• Refugio State Beach – Camping information
• Gaviota State Park – Camping information
• Oceano Dunes Recreation Area – Camping information
• Morro Bay State Park – Camping information
• Hearst San Simeon State Park – Camping information
• Limekiln State Park – Camping information
• Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – Camping information
• Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park – Camping information
• Manresa State Beach – Camping information
• Half Moon Bay State Beach – Camping information
• Sonoma Coast State Park – Camping information
• Salt Point State Park – Camping information
• Manchester State Park – Camping information
• Van Damme State Park – Camping information
• Mackerricher State Park – Camping information
• Standish-Hickey State Reserve – Camping information
• Richardson Grove State Park – Camping information
• Benbow Lake State Reserve – Camping information
• Humboldt Redwoods State Park – Camping information
• Patrick’s Point State Park – Camping information
• Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park – Camping information
• Del Norte Redwoods State Park – Camping information

Here are my suggestions. I have either stayed at all of these myself or they have been recommended to me by people I trust. These links are affiliate links so if this post was helpful, consider booking a hotel through one of these links.

• It is hard to recommend a hotel here as the city is so big and there are so many great options.  Browse this list  and pick one that is in your budget and location.
• Canary  – Located super close to State St, it is a beautiful hotel with a great location. It can be more expensive though.
• Hotel Milo  – A cheaper option which is walking distance from the pier. Santa Barbara is just an expensive place to stay in general.
• SeaVenture Beach Hotel  – A fun little hotel right on the beach with a unique style and only a 10-minute walk from downtown Pismo Beach and the pier.
• Madonna Inn  – One of my favorite hotels on this entire drive, it’s super eclectic and fun.
• Sea Otter Inn  – Relaxing hotel with breakfast delivered in the morning and a great location next to the water.
• Big Sur River Inn  – Fun little hotel, and a cheaper option in Big Sur. Rooms are nothing to write home about but a super fun vibe and a great location.
• InterContinental  – Beautiful hotel that is right on Cannery Row and many rooms look out over the ocean.
• Cannery Row Inn  – Cheaper hotel with a good location at the end of Cannery Row.
• The Monterey Hotel – Historic Victorian hotel in the heart of Monterey
• Ocean Pacific Hotel  – A no-frills hotel with a fantastic location. Walking distance from the famous pier but you can rent bikes form them as well.
• The Ritz Carlton  – If you can afford it then this is the place to stay. It is one of the most famous hotels on the entire drive as it sits out on the bluffs looking over the bay, but of course, it is far out of my price range. If you are not staying here I would stay in Santa Cruz or push onto San Francisco.
• Like Los Angeles, there are so many hotels here and most are fantastic, I would just  browse this list  and see what is in your price range.
• Hill House Inn  – Beautiful old hotel that I stayed at and recommend. The hotel itself is historic and it is a 5 minute walk from the main downtown street.
• Carter House Inn  – If you are looking for a historic place to stay than the Victorian style of the Carter House Inn is a winner. However, it is a more expensive option.
• Eureka Town House  – This is another no-frills cheap hotel, but it has a fantastic location near the old town so it is a good spot to stay.

History of Pacific Coast Highway

Construction of the Pacific Coast Highway, California State Highway 1, started in the 1920’s as a planned 1,400-mile link between the Mexican and Canadian borders. The road now runs nearly continuously from San Juan Capistrano in Orange County in the south to United States Highway 101 near Leggett in Mendocino County in the north.

The highway might not exist today had a single determined Malibu landowner prevailed in her long struggle to enjoin Los Angeles County from starting it. Since at least the 1890s, a primitive carriage road had run the rocky coast north from Santa Monica only to end at a barrier at her property line. A formidable opponent, in 1906 she forced the Southern Pacific Railroad to run its tracks around rather than through Malibu to reach Santa Barbara.

In 1907 when the county proposed to extend the coastal road through Malibu, she challenged the county’s exercise of eminent domain and stalled it for years. The court in 1923 finally awarded title of the Malibu right of way to the government and $107,289 to the tenacious challenger as compensation.

Construction of California Highway 1 was piecemeal; the first part completed was the central segment that passes through Big Sur. This is probably the most famous for its scenery. Authorized in 1919 by a state bond measure and constructed over 18 years with some labor from San Quentin prison inmates (paid 35 cents per day), it opened in 1937. Although popular for its scenic beauty, the Big Sur segment can be hazardous. Landslides and erosion have caused several closures for repairs.

The rugged terrain of the 100-mile Big Sur segment of California Highway 1 between Carmel and San Simeon required construction of 32 bridges. The first, small timber structure over Salmon Creek about 19 miles north of San Simeon opened in 1928. The Bixby Bridge about 13 miles south of Carmel, completed in 1932, was the most difficult to build. Its deck, 356 feet long and 260 feet high, rests on two concrete abutments fastened to sheer cliff walls at a point 140 feet above the ground. The National Register of Historic Places lists seven concrete arch bridges between Point Sur and Carmel.

In 1925, construction began to extend Route 60 between San Juan Capistrano and Oxnard farther north to Ventura. At Point Mugu, the construction cut a path through the coastal mountains, creating Mugu Rock in the process. Then, in 1931, work on Route 56 progressed south from Cambria to San Luis Obispo.

A 1933 expansion of the state highway system extended Route 56 southward from Pismo Beach through Guadalupe and Lompoc to Las Cruces and northward along the coast from Carmel through Santa Cruz to San Francisco. Part of this segment between Pacifica and Daly City suffered major earthquake damage in March 1957 and unfortunately became unusable.

Several segments north of San Francisco completed the Pacific Coast Highway: one from the Golden Gate to Valley Ford in Sonoma County, a second from Jenner to Westport in Mendocino County, and a third from Westport northeast to Leggett, where California Highway 1 now joins United States Highway 101.

The Pacific Coast Highway and its segments have had numerous names and numbers. The Big Sur segment was initially the Carmel–San Simeon Highway or Route 56. The Highway 1 designation first appeared locally in 1939. After construction and joinder of all segments, the official designation of California Highway 1 followed in 1964.

Route 56 along Big Sur became California’s first state scenic highway in 1965. In 1966, Lady Bird Johnson led an official ceremony at Bixby Bridge as the federal government designated the California Highway 1 as an All-American Road.

Make sure to leave a comment with your favorite spot below .

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The Ultimate Guide To Pacific Coast Highway

Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most popular scenic drives in the world!

No trip to California is complete without driving through the Pacific Coast Highway!

Pacific Coast Highway is my second favorite scenic coastal drive in the US, the first being Road to Hana in Hawaii . On the drive along the Pacific Coast Highway in California , you’ll come across some gorgeous beach towns, state parks, beaches, pristine forests, lighthouses, and of course, breathtaking views of the Pacific Coast.

Pacific Coast Highway, also known as PCH, California 1, Route 1, Highway 101, Highway 1, Golden Coast, and California Coast road trip, all refer to the road that runs parallel to California’s Pacific coastline.

Technically speaking, Pacific Coast Highway is officially designated as a southern part of State Route 1, also known as Highway 1, starting at Dana Point and ending in Ventura County. But very often, people tend to call the entire highway the PCH, Pacific Coast Highway.

To keep it simple, let’s consider Pacific Coast Highway starts in San Francisco, in Northern California, and extends all the way to San Diego, in Southern California.

The entire stretch of PCH, from San Francisco to San Diego, is around 570 miles and takes about 10-12 hours if you drive non-stop. However, I highly recommend spending a minimum of 4-5 days on your PCH trip, stopping, exploring, staying overnight, refueling yourself, and then moving onto the next stop along the PCH.

Here is my ultimate guide to Pacific Coast Highway, featuring major attractions and popular stops on PCH, along with a suggested itinerary and recommendations on Pacific Coast Highway hotels and restaurants.

Planning Your Pacific Coast Highway Trip

You can fly into one of the major airports in California, including SFO, LAX, or SAN, rent a car, and then hit the PCH!

I recommend breaking the Pacific Coast Highway drive into two parts (1) San Francisco to Los Angeles and (2) Los Angeles to San Diego. You can also reverse the order based on the city you’re flying into in California.

Breaking the Pacific Coast Highway drive into two parts saves you from the fatigue of continuously driving through the winding roads of PCH and lets you spend a reasonable amount of time in the most popular cities in California – San Francisco , Los Angeles , and San Diego .

I have organized my PCH guide into two sections: San Francisco to Los Angeles and Los Angeles to San Diego.

San Francisco to Los Angeles Via PCH

If you’re planning to start your Pacific Coast Highway trip from San Francisco, you could fly into one of many airports near San Francisco, including SFO, OAK, and SJC, spend time exploring San Francisco and then embark on your PCH road trip. 

The drive from San Francisco to Los Angles via Pacific Coast Highway is around 480 miles and may take anywhere from 12 hours to a couple of days, depending on the places you stop on the PCH. 

On your drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles via Pacific Coast Highway, you can stop at several vista points, beach towns, and attractions, including Santa Cruz, Monterey, Big Sur, Elephant Seal Vista Point,  Hearst Castle ,  Solvang , and Santa Barbara.

I have covered all stops and vista points in detail in the section below – Pacific Coast Highway Stops between San Francisco to Los Angeles. 

Los Angeles to San Diego Via PCH

There’re a lot of people who fly into Los Angeles and then drive to San Diego or San Francisco via the Pacific Coast Highway. You could directly fly into Los Angeles International Airport (Lax) or to one of many other airports near Los Angeles, including BUR, LGB, and SNA.

The drive to San Diego from Los Angeles via PCH is about 150 miles but can take anywhere from 6 hours to a couple of days, depending on how much time you spend at each stop.

On your drive from Los Angeles to San Diego via Pacific Coast Highway, you can stop and explore several gorgeous beach towns in California, including Long Beach, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Dana Point Harbor, Encinitas, Carlsbad, and La Jolla.

I have covered all stops and vista points in detail in the section below – Pacific Coast Highway Stops between Los Angeles and San Diego.

No matter where you start your PCH trip, below you will find all the popular stops & attractions along the Pacific Coast Highway!

Pacific Coast Highway Stops Between San Francisco and Los Angeles

Pch attractions map san francisco to los angeles.

Gorgeous coastal views, waterfalls, beach towns, a mystery house, Elephant seals, a castle, and a Dutch village awaits you on this side of the Pacific Coast Highway.

I recommend allowing 2-3 days on this leg of the Pacific Coast Highway trip, starting at San Francisco, exploring places on the way, and staying overnight at San Simeon and Solvang.

Popular attractions on Pacific Coast Highway between San Francisco and Los Angeles:

San Francisco

• Elephant Seal Vista Point
• Hearst Castle

Santa Barbara

Los Angeles

The vista points are listed in sequential order starting at San Francisco, and I have marked and saved these points on Google Maps, which you can use on your phone’s app or a web browser – San Francisco – Los Angeles PCH Google Map .

San Francisco, also popularly known as the Bay City!

San Francisco is a cosmopolitan city in Northern California, located on a peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay.

Besides the natural beauty, the picturesque beaches, and closeness to the Silicon Valley, San Francisco is also known for attractions like Golden Gate Bridge, Cable Cars, Alcatraz Island, China Town, and Pier 39.

On your Pacific Coast Highway trip, you must allocate a fair amount of time to explore San Francisco. You can find more details about San Francisco, including major attractions, a suggested itinerary, and recommendations on San Francisco hotels and restaurants, in my San Francisco Travel Guide .

Read More: The Ultimate Guide To San Francisco

San Jose, The Silicon Valley!

Besides being home to the headquarters of the tech giants like Apple, Google, and IBM, San Jose is a lively city with several attractions, including museums, amusement parks, and a great shopping district.

Here are the best things to do in San Jose on your PCH trip

Winchester Mystery House : With a fascinating history, this mansion in San Jose is known for its unconventional structures, including stairways and doors leading to dead ends, full of twists and turns, and is known to be one of the most haunted houses in the world. Winchester Mystery House Address: 525 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128.

Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum : Dedicated to ancient Egypt, this museum has the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts in the US. Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum Address: 1660 Park Avenue, San Jose, CA 95126.

The Tech Interactive : The Tech Interactive is a science and technology museum with several hands-on and interactive displays. The Tech Interactive Address: 201 S Market St, San Jose, CA 95113.

Santana Row : Santana Row in San Jose is a popular shopping district bustling with several retail stores and restaurants. Santana Row Address: 377 Santana Row, San Jose, CA 95128.

California’s Great America : It is one of the most popular attractions in San Jose, especially among families with kids. California’s Great America is an amusement park with several rollercoasters, family-friendly rides, and restaurants. California’s Great America Address: 4701 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, CA 95054.

Half Moon Bay : Located forty-miles from San Jose is the beautiful coastal city of Half Moon Bay. Half Moon Bay is known for its stunning coastal views, several hiking trails, and beaches. Half Moon Bay Address: 235 Main St., Half Moon Bay, CA, 94019.

Santa Cruz, a gorgeous coastal city, popularly known for the bridge-shaped rock formation in its Natural Bridges State Beach!

While it’s obvious you must visit the Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz to see the iconic sea arch rising from the bed of the Pacific Coast, there are several other very indulging things to see and do in Sant Cruz.

Popular attractions and Things to do in Santa Cruz on your PCH trip

Natural Bridges State Beach : The stunning views of the sea arch rising from the Pacific Ocean, the Monarch Groove a Natural Preserve, and tide pools make Natural Bridges State Beach my favorite place and a must-see in Santa Cruz. You can see several monarch butterflies, birds, seals, otters, and other animals from the shores of the Natural Bridges State Beach in fall and winter. Natural Bridges State Beach Address: 2531 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.

Roaring Camp Railroad : This is an epic train ride through the scenic places in Sant Cruz. Departing from Santa Cruz Mountains in Felton, the Roaring Camp Railroad offers two routes: (1) Redwood Forest Steam Train, a 1 hour 15 minutes ride through the redwood forest. (2) Santa Cruz Beach Train – 3 hours ride to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk passing through the Redwoods State Park, a truss bridge, and an old tunnel. Roaring Camp Railroad Address: 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA 95018

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk : Overlooking the Monterey Bay, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a sprawling seaside amusement park with several rides, shops, restaurants, and many other attractions. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Address: 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.

Santa Cruz Beaches : Santa Cruz is home to two stunning beaches with golden shores, the Main Beach and the Cowell Beach, located adjacent to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

Mystery Spot : This is a fascinating spot in Santa Cruz, and you have to visit it to believe what I am about to say! The laws of physics and gravity don’t seem to apply to this place. Houses, objects, and people appear tilted even though they’re all standing straight. Mystery Spot Address: 465 Mystery Spot Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95065.

Monterey, home to the legendary 17-mile drive!

Monterey, a small but beautiful coastal city in California, is known for its cannery history and breathtaking coastal views.

Here are the must-see places in Monterey on your PCH trip

17-Mile Drive : The enchanting scenic drive in Pebble Beach, starting at Pacific Grove Gate, passing through stunning beaches, sea cliffs, and serene forests, is a must-see do in Monterey. There are 17 stops on the 17-mile drive, each offering some stunning views, including Spanish Bay Beach, The Restless Sea, The Lone Cypress, Ghost Trees at Pescadero Point, and more. 17-Mile Drive Address: 1700 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, CA 93953.

Monterey Bay Aquarium : The Monterey Bay Aquarium, a very popular attraction among families with kids, is home to several engaging exhibits and shows. Monterey Bay Aquarium Address: 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940.

Cannery Row : Cannery Row, once the main fish packing area in Monterey, is now a bustling waterfront street running parallel to the coastline of Monterey Bay, lined with several shops and restaurants. Cannery Row Address: 700 Cannery Row, Monterey, California 93940.

Old Fisherman’s Wharf : This is a historic wharf in Monterey, once a wholesale fish market, is now a touristy attraction, located close to Cannery Row, is home to several restaurants and shops. Old Fisherman’s Wharf Address: 1 Old, Fishermans Wharf, Monterey, CA 93940.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve : This is one of the hidden gems in California, located 15 miles from Monterey, is home to sublime nature, including tidal pools, stunning rock formations, and sea coves providing shelter to sea lions and sea otters. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve Address: GPS Coordinates – Lat: 36.5192, Long: -121.9497.

Big Sur is the most scenic stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway!

Big Sur, on the Pacific Coast Highway, is the stretch between Carmel and San Simeon. The 90 miles long stretch of Big Sur offers some awe-inspiring coastal views and has several vista points along the way. Big Sur is my favorite and the most scenic part of the entire Pacific Coast Highway drive!

Here’re the must-see places in Big Sur on your PCH drive

• Garrapata State Park
• Bixby Creek Bridge
• Point Sur State Historic Park
• Pfeiffer Beach
• Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
• McWay Falls
• Limekiln State Park

The vista points are listed in sequential order starting from Carmel, and I have marked and saved these points on Google Maps, which you can use on your phone’s app or a web browser – Big Sur Google Map .

San Simeon, located on the Pacific Coast Highway, is home to the Elephant Seal Vista Point & Hearst Castle!

San Simeon is a quaint town on the PCH and is home to two popular attractions of California – Hearst Castle and Elephant Seal Vista Point. 

Hearst Castle : Hearst Castle is a sumptuous and awe-inspiring hilltop estate overlooking the Pacific Ocean located in San Simeon, California. Castles are rare sights in the US, and given the lavish design and beautiful architecture, Hearst Castle is a must-see on your Pacific Coast Highway trip!

Elephant Seal Vista Point : Located about 5 miles north of Hearst Castle is the Elephant Seal vista point, here you would find thousands of elephant seals resting at the shore. There is a parking lot and a viewing platform overlooking the beach, from where you can see the elephant seals. 

San Simeon is an excellent choice to take a break and stay overnight on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip.

You will find more details about Hearst Castle, Elephant Seal Vista Point, and San Simeon hotels & restaurants in my Hearst Castle Guide .

Read More: The Ultimate Guide To Hearst Castle

Experience Denmark in California!

Solvang is a quaint little town located in Santa Barbara County, California. Solvang’s main attraction is the town’s European architecture and heritage, as it gives you the taste of Denmark in everything you see and eat.

Solvang has something to impress everyone; whether you love nature, architecture, wine, food, pastries, shopping, you will find it in Solvang! Whether it’s a day trip or you plan to spend a couple of days in Solvang, there are plenty of things to keep you entertained during your visit!

Read More: The Ultimate Guide To Solvang

Santa Barbara, a lively coastal city with a gorgeous waterfront and bustling downtown!

Santa Barbara is another beautiful coastal town in California, with golden sandy beaches, a gorgeous waterfront, a lively pier, boutique shops, and restaurants.

Here are the must-see places in Sant Barbara on your PCH drive

Stearns Wharf : Located in downtown Santa Barbara, Stearns Wharf is a deep-water pier lined with several shops and restaurants, also home to the Sea Center and the starting point of several day cruises. Stearns Wharf Adress: 217 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.

Mission Santa Barbara : The iconic landmark of Santa Barbara, the Mission Santa Barbara, is an old Spanish Mission known for its beautiful Spanish Colonial architecture and the many gardens. Mission Santa Barbara Address: 2201 Laguna St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105.

Santa Barbara Beaches : Santa Barbara is home to some stunning beaches, including East Beach and West Beach, located on either side of the Stearns Wharf, Leadbetter Beach, and Butterfly Beach, among other popular beaches in Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara Downtown : Santa Barbara has a lively pedestrian-friendly downtown, with several boutique shops, restaurants, and Paseo Nuevo, an elegant Spanish-style outdoor shopping mall. Santa Barbara Downtown Address: 651 Paseo Nuevo, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.

Santa Barbara Zoo : The Santa Barbara Zoo, located atop a hill overlooking the Pacific Coast, is a very popular spot for families with kids. The zoo is small but has an impressive collection of animals and lush gardens. Santa Barbara Zoo Address: 500 Ninos Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93103.

Los Angeles, The City of Angels!

Surrounded by mountains, desert, and the beautiful Pacific Coast, Los Angeles is blessed with natural beauty and endowed with excellent weather.

Los Angeles is home to several renowned film studios, theme parks, skyscrapers, several museums, and other tourist attractions. It’s a good idea to take a break in Los Angeles, explore the city, and then embark on the second half of the Pacific Coast Highway road trip.

You will find details about Los Angeles attractions, hotels, and restaurants in my Los Angles Travel Guide .

Read More: The Ultimate Guide To Los Angeles

Pacific Coast Highway Stops Between Los Angeles and San Diego

Pch attractions map los angeles to san diego.

On this stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway, starting at Los Angeles and going all the way to San Diego, you will come across some beautiful sandy beaches, sea caves, and gorgeous beach towns in California. 

I recommend spending a couple of days on this leg of the Pacific Coast Highway trip, starting at Los Angeles, exploring places on the way, and staying overnight at Long Beach and Carlsbad.

Popular attractions on Pacific Coast Highway between Los Angeles and San Diego:

Huntington Beach

Newport beach, laguna beach, dana point harbor.

The vista points are listed in sequential order starting at Los Angeles, and I have marked and saved these points on Google Maps, which you can use on your phone’s app or a web browser – Los Angeles – San Diego PCH Google Map .

Long Beach is a lovely beach town and home to the Aquarium of the Pacific and The Queen Mary!

Once you’re done exploring the attraction in Los Angeles, your next stop on the Pacific Coast Highway trip is the city of Long Beach. 

Long Beach is a vibrant beach town located 25 miles from Los Angeles and is home to some stunning beaches, including Long Beach City Beach, Junipero Beach, Mothers Beach, and Bayshore Beach. 

However, there is a lot more to see in Long Beach beside the beaches, and you may very well need a couple of days to explore all of Long Beach. 

The other popular attractions in Long Beach include the  Aquarium of the Pacific ,  The Queen Mary , and the charming Naples neighborhood. Long Beach also servers as a gateway to the  Catalina Islands , with ferries departing from the Long Beach Catalina Island Ferry Terminal. 

Huntington Beach, also popularly known as the Surf City USA!

Huntington Beach, located in Orange County, California, is known for its iconic pier, a lively downtown, and surf beaches.

Must-see places in Huntington Beach on your PCH road trip

Huntington Beach Pier : The iconic Huntington Beach Pier is a long pier offering sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, with souvenir shops, fishing rentals, and a couple of restaurants. Huntington Beach Pier Address: CA-1 & Main St, Huntington Beach, CA 92648.

Downtown Huntington Beach : The lively Main Street, lined up with palm trees, stores, restaurants, surf stores, and souvenir shops, is a must-see in Huntington Beach. Downtown Huntington Beach is also home to the International Surfing Museum and Pacific City, a shopping mall in a beautiful setting overlooking the Pacific Coast. Huntington Beach Downtown Address: 21010 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648.

Newport Beach is home to beautiful beaches, coves, and a shopping destination on the Pacific Coast Highway!

Newport Beach, known for its laid-back beach culture, is home to two piers, museums, gorgeous coves, and a shopping district.

Best places to see in Newport Beach on your PCH road trip

Newport Pier : Located on the Balboa Peninsula, the Newport Pier offers excellent views and a great place to watch the sunset over the Pacific. Newport Pier Address: 70 Newport Pier, Newport Beach, CA 92663.

Crystal Cove State Park : The Crystal Cove State Park in Newport Beach is home to wooded canyons, cliffs, hiking trails, and tide pools and is breathtakingly beautiful and a must-see in Newport Beach. Crystal Cove State Park Address: 8471 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651.

Fashion Island : Overlooking the ocean, Fashion Island is a premier shopping district in Newport beach with several luxury brands, boutique shops, restaurants, and a movie theater. Fashion Island Address: 401 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660.

Balboa Fun Zone : Located in the Balboa Peninsula, in Newport Beach, the Balboa Peninsula is a popular family destination with several appealing attractions, including the iconic waterfront Ferris wheel, many gaming arcades, a boardwalk, and several shops and restaurants. Balboa Fun Zone Address: 600 E Bay Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92661.

Laguna Beach, a small but charming coastal town, is known for its many art galleries!

Home to two beautiful coastal parks and a happening downtown with retails stores, restaurants, and art galleries, Laguna Beach is one of my favorite stops on the Pacific Coast Highway.

Here are the must-see places in Laguna Beach on Pacific Coast Highway

Heisler Park : Heisler Park is a beautiful oceanfront park with stunning coastal views, paved pedestrian paths, benches, and gardens. Heisler Park Address: 375 Cliff Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651.

Main Beach Park : Main Beach Park is another oceanfront park in Laguna Beach, with a boardwalk, basketball and volleyball courts, and several restaurants and shops. Main Beach Park Address: Broadway St & Pacific Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651.

Laguna Beach Downtown : Starting at Main Beach Park and stretching all the way to Legion Street, Laguna Beach Downtown is home to several restaurants, shops, and art galleries.

Dana Point, Carlsbad, and Encinitas are the next three beach cities on the Pacific Coast highway!

Dana Point city, home to the Dana Point Harbor, lined with several restaurants, shops, and the starting point of several whale-watching cruises, is a great spot on the Pacific Coast Highway. Dana Point Harbor: 34571 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629.

The city of Carlsbad has an alluring charm of a European village on the Pacific Coast Highway and home to several attractions, including white sandy beaches, Legoland California, Sea Life Aquarium, resorts, and several shops and restaurants. Carlsbad State Beach Address: 7201 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad, CA 92008.

Encinitas is a beach city and worth a stop on the Pacific Coast Highway. Encinitas is home to the Moonlight State Beach, San Diego Botanic Garden, and beautiful Meditation Gardens overlooking the Pacific Coast. Moonlight State Beach Address: 400 B St, Encinitas, CA 92024.

La Jolla, a small seaside neighborhood, is known for its La Jolla Cove!

The second last stop on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip, La Jolla, is a small neighborhood known for its sea caves, gorgeous views, crystal clear water, and marine life.

La Jolla Cove is a small gorgeous beach snuggled between sandstone cliffs in La Jolla and is one of the most visited and photographed beaches in California.

You can see the sea caves located along the bluff by taking a guided kayak tour or visit the Cave Store, which has a human-made tunnel that goes inside the Sunny Jim Cave. La Jolla Cove Address: 1100 Coast Blvd. (at Girard Ave), La Jolla, CA 92037.

San Diego is the oldest and one of the most vibrant towns in California!

San Diego, the final stop on the Pacific Coast Highway, is one of California’s finest cities. The perfect year-round weather makes San Diego a popular tourist destination in the US!

There’re several things to see and do in San Diego, including the world-famous San Diego Zoo, Sea World, museums, national monuments, beautiful beaches, and so much more!

You will find details about San Diego attractions , hotels, and restaurants in my San Diego Travel Guide.

Read More: The Ultimate Guide To San Diego

Other California Attractions & Related Posts

Yosemite National Park

Death Valley National Park

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San Simeon Hearst Castle

Mammoth Lakes

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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.

After a full day of driving, you'll be ready for a good meal and some R&R. The Leta Santa Barbara Goleta, Tapestry Collection by Hilton , just outside of Santa Barbara, 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.

Planning a Pacific Coast Highway road trip

Driving the PCH along the West Coast of the U.S. is high on many roadtrippers’ bucket lists—and it’s easy to understand why.

The Pacific Coast Highway, or the PCH, is one of the most famous road trip routes in the U.S., right up there with Route 66 and Skyline Drive in terms of popularity.

While many people still consider the Pacific Coast Highway to be the California section only, Highway 1 and U.S. Route 101 combine to provide an epic road trip along nearly the entirety of the West Coast of the U.S. that offers everything from beaches lined with palm trees to misty, rainforest-covered mountains.

More common than an end-to-end journey is to drive various segments of the road: Dana Point to Los Angeles, L.A. to San Francisco, San Francisco north to the Oregon border, or the Oregon and Washington coastal route north to Olympic National Park.

The rainforests of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula are just one aspect of the natural beauty encountered along the Pacific Coast Highway, which crosses the mighty Columbia River, passes alongside redwood forests, and meanders through California’s wine country from Sonoma to San Luis Obispo. Breathtaking views of cliffs, beaches, and crashing ocean waves are near-constant companions, and drives through quaint coastal towns are paired with passages through San Francisco and Los Angeles, almost always within hailing distance of the sea.

Everything you need to know about a Pacific Coast Highway road trip

• Pacific Coast Highway road trip map

Our favorite attractions

• Pacific Coast Highway history  
• Washington: Olympic Peninsula
• Washington: Willapa Hills
• Oregon: North Coast 
• Oregon: Central Coast
• Oregon: South Coast
• California: Northern Coast
• California: Bay Area
• California: Central Coast
• California: Southern California

Download the mobile app to plan on the go.

Share and plan trips with friends while discovering millions of places along your route.

Olympic National Park : It’s hard to miss Olympic National Park at the north end of the PCH—U.S. 101 nearly circumnavigates the 922,000 acres of rainforests, mountains, glaciers, and wilderness. The park literally begins at sea level, with the PCH providing direct access to Rialto Beach and other sections of the park on the coast of the Olympic Peninsula. The Hoh Rain Forest in the park’s interior gets up to 170 inches of rain annually, which feeds the lush greenery, rivers, and waterfalls. Contrast this environment with the park’s 2.6-mile-long Blue Glacier, descending from the 7,980-foot Mount Olympus.

Redwood National and State Parks : Visitors can spend hours or days immersed in the glory of these parks, which contain some of the largest trees in the world. The redwood forests can be explored via hikes of varying lengths and skill levels, taking you to such must-sees as the 1,500-year-old Big Tree and the Tall Tree Grove. Howland Hill Road offers a 10-mile scenic drive through redwood forests, but RVs are prohibited from its twisting course; the Newton B. Drury Scenic Highway is an alternative route that’s more RV-friendly. From the less-explored coastal sections of the park you can spot whales in the Pacific Ocean and the Klamath River.

Mendocino: A Victorian seaside village with homes converted to small inns and bed-and-breakfasts invite visitors to linger and soak in Mendocino’s laid-back culture and explore the beauty of the northern California coast, including redwood forests, wineries, beaches, and whale watching.

The Golden Gate Bridge : The PCH passes right over the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, and for many that’s thrill enough. When it opened in 1937, it was the longest and tallest suspension bridge in the world. To get the most out of a visit, park your car and walk across the historic bridge, which connects the city to the Marin Headlands. Better yet, rent bikes in downtown San Francisco to ride across the bridge and downhill to the charming town of Sausalito, where you can have lunch before taking a ferry back to the city.

Big Sur and the Monterey Peninsula: The image of the PCH residing in most people’s minds is the rugged segment on the Central Coast of California between Carmel and San Simeon, known as Big Sur. The meeting of the Santa Lucia Mountains and the Pacific Ocean results in a dramatic landscape of tall cliffs, steep mountain slopes, and thundering waves, interspersed with redwood forests and beaches. While millions of people visit Big Sur each year—mostly via the PCH—the area remains largely uninhabited, preserving its great natural beauty.

Hearst Castle : Close to San Simeon is the hilltop mansion built by millionaire newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst. Built over several decades on a 250,000-acre ranch beginning in 1919, and with antiques and even entire decorated rooms brought over from Europe, the mansion is now open to the public as a museum. Tours of the huge complex focus on specific areas of the home and grounds, including itineraries that take in the grand rooms, upstairs, cottages, and kitchens, and special interests like art, architecture, and the castle’s association with Hollywood.

San Luis Obispo: California’s Highway 1 takes a rare detour away from the coast to pass through the town of San Luis Obispo, founded by Spanish missionaries in 1772 and now most famous for its excellent wines. The restored Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa dates back to the city’s founding and is a reminder of California’s Spanish colonial period, while the state’s 20th-century car culture flourished in San Luis Obispo thanks to the intersection of Highway 1 and U.S. 101. The thriving downtown is full of shops and restaurants, while wine country begins right on the outskirts of town, with several wineries located along U.S. 101.

Santa Monica : Highway 1 spends some time wending through the street grid of downtown Los Angeles, but it’s all about the beach once it hits Santa Monica. Here, the PCH passes by Tongva Park and the famous Santa Monica Pier and its iconic Ferris wheel, cruising alongside Santa Monica State Beach and Palisades Park . It’s a great place to get out of the car and stroll the boardwalk to Muscle Beach and Venice Beach , as well as walking out to the amusement park and other attractions on the long, wide fishing pier.

Pacific Coast Highway history

The PCH has its origins in the desire to build a coastal road connecting Ventura and Santa Barbara, California; by 1913, a paved road allowed drivers to travel alongside the Pacific Ocean from Los Angeles to San Francisco. 

The tricky Big Sur segment was added in the 1920s and 1930s, in part by prison laborers. Around the same time, U.S. 101 was being built along the coast of Oregon and Washington. As various other sections of road were completed, the Highway 1 designation in California began appearing in the 1930s, and the full California section of what would become known as the PCH opened in 1951. 

Highway 1 runs 656 miles from near Dana Point, California (where it intersects with I-5), north to Leggett, California, where it meets U.S. 101. The latter continues nearly 1,000 miles further north, along the coastline of Oregon and California.

A Pacific Coast road trip by segments

Washington: Olympic Peninsula [Port Angeles to Aberdeen]

Olympic National Park occupies the majority of the Olympic Peninsula, and while there’s no way to drive through the park, most of the park entrances are off U.S. 101, including the portion of the road that’s part of the PCH. The scenic highway begins in the town of Port Angeles on the Salish Sea near Seattle, which also serves as the north entrance of the park. 

From the north entrance, the scenic Hurricane Ridge Road climbs to the higher elevation areas of the park, accessing a variety of hiking trails, the Head O’ the Hills campground, and a seasonal ski area. Heading west of Port Angeles takes you to Olympic Hot Springs Road, which leads to the park’s Elwha Valley area, Lake Crescent , and the Sol Duc area, home of the historic Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort . 

Highway 101 turns south to pass through the town of Forks before connecting to Upper Hoh Road, which runs east into the park’s Hoh Rainforest . The PCH then makes its first connection with the Pacific Ocean at Ruby Beach —also part of the national park—skimming the rugged coastline past the Kalaloch campground and lodge and South Beach before crossing the Queens River at the small town of Queets inside the Quinault Indian Reservation. The PCH makes its last contact with Olympic National Park at Lake Quinault , where several more campgrounds and the Quinault Rain Forest are located, before reaching the town of Aberdeen. 

Washington: Willapa Hills [Aberdeen to Columbia River]

Known as the Gateway to the Olympic Peninsula, Aberdeen straddles the Chehalis River and is home to several offbeat attractions, including a memorial to Nirvana singer Kurt Cobain, who dropped out of Aberdeen High School to pursue his music career. U.S. 101 returns to the coast at Willapa Bay, passing through the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge , which contains a rare old-growth coastal cedar forest. 

The PCH hits the Long Beach Peninsula at the town of Long Beach, a resort town known for its boardwalk, beaches, and the World Kite Museum . Nearby Cape Disappointment State Park has old military ruins, a lighthouse, and hiking trails through forests and cliff-top views of the ocean. The PCH crosses the broad mouth of the Columbia River via the Astoria-Megler Bridge , the longest continuous truss bridge in North America.

Oregon: North Coast [Columbia River to Cascade Head]

Crossing the Columbia River brings you to Astoria, Oregon; downtown attractions include the Fort George Brewery , the Bridgewater Bistro with its spectacular views of the Astoria-Megler Bridge, and the Columbia River Maritime Museum , where you can learn about the explorations of Lewis and Clark, who reached the Pacific Ocean here in 1804, after a yearlong expedition from Missouri. Across Youngs Bay is a recreation of Fort Clatsop, where the explorers camped before making their return journey in 1805; the fort is part of Lewis and Clark National Historic Park .

The PCH stays glued to the Oregon coastline as it heads south of Astoria, passing through beach towns like Sunset Beach and Gearhart. Seaside is home to the Seaside RV Resort as well as a variety of amusement parks, an aerial adventure course, an aquarium, and a beachfront promenade dating back to the 1920s. Hikers will love the Tillamook Head Trail just south of Seaside, which climbs 900 feet over 3.6 miles to mount spectacular headlands overlooking the coast.

Mighty Haystack Rock is the iconic symbol of Cannon Beach, renowned for having some of Oregon’s best beaches. In addition to a beautiful shoreline, Rockaway Beach has a 1.2-mile boardwalk trail leading to a preserve of ancient cedar trees, including Oregon’s tallest cedar—154 feet high and almost 50 feet in circumference. 

Between Tillamook and Pacific City, you can take a detour onto the  Three Capes Scenic Loop , which leads to Cape Meares,  Cape Lookout , and  Cape Kiwanda . The Tillamook Air Museum houses a collection of rare and vintage aircraft in a massive former blimp hangar. The town of Tillamook, which is in Oregon’s dairy country, is also known for its cheese museum and kayaking on the multiple rivers feeding into Tillamook Bay. Earthquakes are the prime suspect in the creation of the Neskowin Ghost Forest , the stumpy, partly submerged remnants of a Sitka spruce forest just offshore of the town of Neskowin.

Oregon: Central Coast [Cascade Head to Reedsport]

The Nature Conservancy’s Cascade Head Preserve includes hiking trails through Sitka spruce and hemlock forests to grassy overlooks on the protected Pacific headlands. The seaside towns of Lincoln City, Cutler City, and Kernville are hubs for RV parks as well as hiking and beaches; the Otis Cafe in Lincoln City is one of the top breakfast spots in Oregon. 

Whale watching cruises depart from Depoe Bay, and you can also spy passing gray whales with binoculars from the shore at the Oregon state parks’ Whale Watching Center (the best viewing is between May and September). U.S. 101 is Depoe Bay’s Main Street, the address for the popular fine-dining Restaurant Beck , as well as the Whale, Sea Life, and Shark Museum . Keep the theme going with a stay at the Whale Cove Inn , a boutique hotel overlooking a marine sanctuary just south of downtown.

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is a highlight of downtown Newport, where the circa 1871 Yaquina Bay Lighthouse stands watch over the jetty-protected inlet. The PCH passes through town on the arched Yaquina Bay Bridge , which has a pair of observation areas where you can stop for pictures. For boat-to-table fresh dining, make a reservation at Local Ocean .

Waldport is known for crabbing, but if you don’t want to dig them yourself you can order them cooked at the Salty Dawg Bar and Grill or the Alsea Bay Crab Co . The town also serves as the gateway to the Siuslaw National Forest , which offers camping and hiking in more than 630,000 acres of oceanfront, old-growth forests, and towering mountain peaks.

Oregon: South Coast [Reedsport to California border]

The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area in Reedsport contains the largest field of sand dunes in North America, some topping 500 feet high. Founded as a railroad camp in the 19th century, Reedsport has transitioned from the lumber industry to a hub for ATV activity on the local sand dunes. The city is also known for an annual chainsaw carving competition, held over Father’s Day weekend, and various carvings can be seen around town. 

The twin towns of Coos Bay and North Bend comprise the Oregon Bay Area: They combine to form the biggest city on the Oregon Coast. The downtown Marshfield District is a center for the arts and includes the historic Egyptian Theater , while the stretch of coast south of the city is largely undeveloped state and federal parkland. The 41-mile Cape Arago Highway is a scenic alternative to the PCH, a loop drive that can include stops to see the Cape Arago Lighthouse and seals and sea lions on Simpson Beach. The highway, also marked as Route 540, begins in downtown Coos Bay.

The Old Town of Bandon has a boardwalk with shops, galleries, and restaurants like Tony’s Crab Shack , where you can get the gear to catch your own Dungeness crab and have it cooked to order. The Bandon Dunes Golf Resort has lodging and one of the nation’s top golf courses. Alternatively, book a campsite at Bullards Beach State Park , which has camping close to a 4-mile beach and the Coquille River Lighthouse .

Art galleries, kayaking trips, hiking, and mountain climbing are part of the diverse charms of Port Orford, an active fishing port that’s the westernmost town in the contiguous U.S. RV and tent camping is available at Cape Blanco State Park , where visitors can enjoy miles of hiking trails and visit the oldest still-standing lighthouse in Oregon.

Fishing on the Rogue River (which can also be enjoyed on a jet boat tour) is a highlight of a stop in Gold Beach, which has miles of mostly deserted beaches and hiking in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest . The latter, crossed by the Pacific Crest Trail , has tent, RV, and cabin camping—the perfect base for exploring more than 1.7 million acres of wilderness, including the world’s tallest pine tree.

The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest was the site of perhaps the oddest attack of World War II, when a floatplane launched from a Japanese submarine dropped two incendiary bombs in 1942—a failed attempt to start a forest fire. The pilot of the plane, Nobuo Fujita, later visited the area and donated his family’s samurai sword as a gesture of apology; the sword resides in the Chetco Public Library . Chetco is another popular stop for outdoor recreation along the PCH, including whale watching, bicycling, and beach activities.

California: Northern California [Del Norte, Humboldt, and Mendocino Counties]

Crossing the border into California’s Del Norte County on the PCH means entering redwood country: These giant coastal trees, some 500 to 700 years old, will be more or less constant companions as you head south on U.S. 101 toward San Francisco and the Bay Area.

Crescent City is named for its broad sweep of beach, and the historic Battery Point Lighthouse has stood watch over the shore since 1856. But the town’s main claim to fame is its proximity to two parks full of tall trees: Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park . U.S. 101 passes directly through the latter as you drive south towards Klamath, home to the Cathedral Tree—nine trees that have grown together to form a sylvan shrine. The Sky Trail gondola ride and the Redwood Canopy Trail with its elevated suspension bridges are two unique ways to experience the redwood forest.

Highway 101 skirts the edge of Prairie Creek Redwood State Park , but a popular detour is to take the spur onto the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway , a 10-mile jaunt into the heart of a redwood forest. The RV-friendly parkway includes a variety of scenic pullouts, including one for the Big Tree, a 286-foot-tall coast redwood. The Elk Prairie and Gold Bluffs Beach Campgrounds have cabins and sites for RVs up to 27 feet.

Near the town of Orick is the intersection with Bald Hills Road, another scenic drive that includes stops at the Lady Bird Johnson Grove within Redwoods National and State Parks as well as a beautiful overlook of Redwood Creek. Keep an eye out for herds of Roosevelt elk as you explore the Orick area.

Eureka is a charming coastal city with 19th-century Victorian homes on Humboldt Bay, a popular destination for wildlife-viewing cruises. A visit to the Sequoia Park Zoo downtown offers the added bonus of hiking or biking through 67 acres of urban redwood forest. U.S. 101 spends its final miles inland as you drive south toward Humboldt Redwoods State Park ; within this 53,000-acre park is the largest contiguous old growth redwood forest on Earth, the 10,000-acre Rockefeller Forest .

U.S. 101 ends in the small town of Leggett, mostly famous for its Drive-Thru Tree Park —a 315-foot redwood with an opening at its base that’s wide enough for (some) cars, but not RVs, to drive through. Here, the PCH continues west toward the sea on Highway 1.

Devonte Lookout is one of several scenic pullouts worth stopping at once you hit the Pacific Coast again. Highway 1 passes through a variety of small coastal towns before reaching Fort Bragg, where you can view—but don’t take—a colorful variety of sea glass washed up on Glass Beach and walk across the scenic Pudding Creek Trestle Bridge . The Skunk Train is another fun way to play among the redwoods—the excursion train departs Fort Bragg for trips through the forest and across rivers on an old logging route.

Redwoods aren’t the entire story of this segment of the PCH: You also can visit a pygmy forest in Jug Handle State Natural Reserve , hike out to the remote Point Cabrillo Light Station , and bask in waterfalls and the swift waters rushing through the canyon at Russian Gulch State Park . By the time you reach Mendocino you’ll be ready to relax at this historic town’s restaurants, bed-and-breakfasts, shops, and galleries. 

California: Bay Area [Sonoma, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Cruz Counties]

The scenery on Highway 1 south of Mendocino is particularly spectacular as the road largely hugs the coastline, passing through small towns like Albion and Little River. If your intention is to incorporate a visit to California’s Napa and Sonoma counties—also known as wine country—Highway 128 south of Albion is a popular route inland. Otherwise, stay on Highway 1 and head for Point Arena.

Highway 1 is Point Arena’s Main Street, and this small town (population 460) is overrepresented with great restaurants like Franny’s Cup and Saucer and the Bird Cafe and Supper Club in the historic Point Arena Hotel. The town’s art scene is centered on the Arena Theater , an art deco classic dating to 1928. Standing 115 feet high, the Point Arena Lighthouse remains operational and has two museums to visit.

Fort Ross was founded in 1812 by Russian immigrants. You can tour the former settlement, which sits right on the coast and has been part of Fort Ross State Historic Park for more than 100 years. In addition to 17 miles of undisturbed shoreline, Sonoma Coast State Park boasts the only public campground on the Russian River, with tent and RV sites at Wright’s Beach.

You don’t have to drive into the valleys to sample Northern California wines: The Sonoma Coast Vineyard is located right on Highway 1 in Bodega Bay and produces everything from chardonnay to pinot noir and sparkling brut rosé. With a selection of small inns and campgrounds, Bodega Bay is a nice place to lay your head for the evening; you can also spot whales from Bodega Head or go horseback riding on the beach and dunes. The Tides Wharf Restaurant not only has fresh local seafood but was also a film set for Alfred Hitchcock’s classic thriller The Birds .

Just north of San Francisco in Marin County, the Point Reyes National Seashore has an abundance of hiking trails that will make you feel a million miles from the city—even though downtown is visible from some parts of the park. Speaking of views, you’ll get a spectacular one from the top of 2,500-foot Mount Tamalpais, another popular hiking destination nearby, alongside the famous Muir Woods redwood grove.

Highway 1 exits the spectacular Marin Headlands via the Golden Gate Bridge, passing through downtown San Francisco before leaving the city behind for small coastal towns like Pacifica and Montara. Half Moon Bay is home to the famous Mavericks surf break and full of restaurants, hotels, and shops. Coastal isolation gives way to a carnival atmosphere in Santa Cruz, where the city’s iconic boardwalk features amusement park rides like a 1911 Looff Carousel and the Giant Dipper roller coaster.

California: Central Coast [Monterey, Big Sur, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara ]

Monterey is the front door to California’s fabled Central Coast and the segment of Highway 1 most commonly associated with the Pacific Coast Highway. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is world famous, as is the Pebble Beach golf course; Cannery Row , the old fish-packing district, is now populated with seafood restaurants and shops. While the PCH veers away from the shore in Monterey, the coastal 17-Mile Drive is a popular alternative.

Civilization thins out as you head south of Monterey and Carmel by the Sea; the PCH bisects Point Lobos State Natural Reserve , which has a network of coastal hiking trails that includes a sea lion viewing area. This twisting segment of Highway 1 is only occasionally interrupted by narrow bridges and scenic overlooks, although you can stretch your legs with a hike to the bluffs in Garrapata State Park .

Bound by the Santa Lucia Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Big Sur is the epitome of a PCH road trip, with little to divert your attention other than amazing scenery—and the need to keep your eye on the serpentine road. Camping and hiking are the main attractions at a series of state parks in the Big Sur area, including the picture-perfect McWay Falls tumbling into the ocean in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and the purple sand and Keyhole Rock at Pfeiffer Beach . The PCH itself is the star at the dramatic Bixby Creek Bridge . Surfers and birders share the shore at Sand Dollar Beach , and you can stand in awe of the big bucks that millionaire William Randolph Hearst spent on his Hearst Castle , located in the hills above San Simeon.

San Luis Obispo is one of California’s top viticultural regions, and the Central Coast city is also a cultural hub and historic site, founded by Spanish missionaries in 1772. The inland route of the PCH makes access to the wineries of the Edna Valley a breeze; prominent vintners include Wolff Vineyards .

Franciscan friars who founded the mission in Santa Barbara still occupy the site established in 1786; the present mission building, which is open to visitors, dates to 1820. The mission inspired much of the other architecture in Santa Barbara, arguably one of California’s most beautiful cities. The PCH passes right by some of the city’s most popular attractions, including the Santa Barbara Zoo , the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum , and the shops and restaurants of Stearns Wharf.

California: Southern California [Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego Counties]

Beaches and surfing are the prime attractions of Ventura, and you might want to embrace the California vibe with a stop at In-N-Out Burger on your way through town. Or, take a break from driving with a day trip to Channel Islands National Park , an island habitat for seals and seabirds with sea caves and a rare Torrey Pine forest.

If you have to drive in Los Angeles—and nearly everyone does—it might as well be a scenic drive on the PCH. Highway 1 tightly hugs the shore as it passes through Malibu, Will Rogers State Beach , and Pacific Palisades before reaching Santa Monica’s iconic pier—which has starred in countless Hollywood movies and marks the end of Route 66. Stop for a ride on the Ferris wheel or a stroll down Muscle Beach and Venice Beach, or continue on through Manhattan Beach to Long Beach, where you can tour the elegant Queen Mary cruise ship.

Huntington Beach is perhaps the most famous surf town in the U.S., and the International Surfing Museum is worth a visit whether or not you plan to hang 10 yourself. Laguna Beach is all about the shore, with multiple beaches to choose from, but it also has a vibrant arts scene led by the Laguna Art Museum —unique in that it only displays art depicting California.

Fun on the water takes many forms in Dana Point, near the southern terminus of Highway 1 and the PCH. Here you can swim, surf, parasail, go whale-watching, paddleboard, sail—or just build a bonfire and relax at Doheny State Beach , which has a tent and RV campground. If you time it right (usually mid-March), you may arrive in time to witness the swallows return to nearby San Juan Capistrano.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to drive the entire pacific coast highway.

It would take at least 40 hours, or nearly 2 days, to drive the length of the Pacific Coast Highway without stopping. But the whole point of driving the PCH is to take your time and make plenty of stops to enjoy the scenery along the way. A minimum of 6 days is recommended for the popular San Diego to San Francisco segment of the highway; adding Oregon and Washington to your itinerary could easily double that.

How many miles is the Pacific Coast Highway?

The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 101 on its north end and Highway 1 to the south, runs 1,650 miles from Port Townsend, Washington, to San Diego, California.

What is the best way to travel the Pacific Coast Highway?

Driving a car is the ideal way to experience the PCH—and if it’s a convertible, all the better. RVs are permitted on the highway, but the narrow, twisting roadway on some segments can be a challenge for less-experienced drivers. The PCH is also a highly desirable route for motorcyclists.

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

Weather-wise, early spring to late fall is the best time to drive the PCH; the tradeoff is that the traffic is heaviest during the summer months. Fog can be a factor in June, July, and August. September is perhaps the single best month to take a PCH road trip. Winter weather, including snow, can become a factor in the Oregon and Washington segments of the highway.

What are the driving conditions on the Pacific Coast Highway?

The PCH is a two-lane, undivided highway along much of its length and particularly in the coast-hugging segments that make it famous, such as the Big Sur area. Speed limits on the road’s many hairpin turns drop to 25 mph, and there are also slow-speed sections where the road passes through more populated areas. Elsewhere, the speed limit may get as high as 55 mph. Summer fog and winter snow can make driving hazardous, and driving at night on the PCH should be avoided when possible. Landslides are not uncommon, especially in California, which can lead to construction related delays or road closures.

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

Many drivers—and especially those with a fear of heights—prefer to travel the Pacific Coast Highway from south to north so that their car or RV occupies the right lane (the one further from the sheer drop-offs on the more precarious coastal segments of the road). Going this way also makes it easier to pull off at scenic overlooks and take photos. On the other hand, if you want the thrill of driving along the edge of the ocean and a view unobstructed by oncoming traffic, you may prefer the north-to-south route.

Written by Robert Curley

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Oregon Highway 101 Road Trip Guide

The Oregon coastline is arguably the best stretch of road along the Pacific Coast - there is no other section of Highway 101 or 1 that stays so consistently close to the ocean. Rugged headlands, large rivers, and quiet beach towns are found throughout the entire coast. There is so much to explore with very few population centers close by, which means everything feels relaxed and local.

Along this stretch of Highway 101 you can expect to find delicious cheese factories, amazing microbreweries, scrumptious seafood, and plenty of charmingly quirky motels and bed & breakfasts.

Here's what you'll find in the Oregon Highway 101 Road Trip Guide

• Graphic Guides To...
• Three Capes Scenic Route
• Oregon Sand Dunes
• Rogue River
• Trip Planning Advice, including...
• A suggested itinerary
• The highest rated lodging & camping by area

The Mighty Columbia River

The Columbia is the fourth largest river by volume in North America, and the largest by volume to enter the Pacific. Over the course of 1243 miles this river drops 2690 feet from Columbia Lake, British Columbia to Astoria, Oregon. For over 15,000 years native tribes fished, traveled, and traded along the Columbia River. Salmon served as both a major source of food and also as a focal point of their religious beliefs. Many historic fishing sites, such as Celilo Falls, were submerged when hydroelectric dams were built.

In the area known as Columbia Bar , where the river meets the ocean, conditions change from calm to life-threatening in a matter of minutes. Over 2000 ships and 700 live have been lost in this one area alone, giving it the nickname Graveyard of the Pacific (1) .

5 Absolutely Cannot Pass-Up Destinations

Local advice from skyler lanning.

• 1) Ecola State Park is a great hiking destination, with old growth rain forest and fantastic trails hugging the cape. The trails also offer great views of the crashing surf below, with numerous vantage points looking directly onto the famous Haystack Rock.
• 2) Neahkahnie Overlook is the highest viewpoint along the Oregon Coast and uses this to full effect - it offers visitors enormous 180 degree views of the coastline. On a clear day, common sights are the town of Manzanita, Nehalem Bay, Tillamook Bay and the Three Arch Rocks.
• 3) Manzanita which mean “Little Apple,” is a very cute and quaint coastal town that makes for a great stop. They have a cool coffee shop, aptly named Manzanita Coffee Shop, a number of confectionary shops, and a very stroll-able main street.
• 4) The Tillamook Cheese Factory is a great stop for locals and tourists alike. It is a cooperative-owned cheese maker that produces 40 million pounds of cheese annually. They offer self-guided tours of their production lines, complimentary cheese tastings, and amazing ice cream for purchase.
• 5) Whale watching is always in season along the Oregon Coast, due to a permanent whale population numbering around 40. Peak viewing is usually in June and December, with whale watchers trying to catch glimpses of the thousands of whales on their annual migration. Regardless of the time of year, Depot Bay and their whale-watching center is a fantastic stop to catch sightings. Interesting side note - the city also has the world's smallest harbor.

Skyler Lanning and his wife Maria operate Wildwood Adventures, a day tour company out of Portland, OR. They offer public and customized tours to some of Oregon’s greatest natural treasures. For more information visit www.WildwoodTours.com

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On your website, 6) three capes scenic route, the three capes, local advice from jeremy strober.

The best stop along Highway 101 in Oregon requires that you veer off of Highway 101 by just 3 miles. The Three Capes Scenic Route begins just south of Cloverdale and takes you to Pacific City where you’ll find Cape Kiwanda, the southernmost Cape along the Three Capes Route.

In Pacific City, you will find the lesser-known Haystack Rock, towering 357 feet above the water. Adjacent to the Cape, it makes for beautiful eye-candy as you stare west.

Photo by Jeremy Strober

Sitting right on the beach at Cape Kiwanda is the Pelican Pub & Brewery, one of the state’s award-winning breweries. The Pelican offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner on an outdoor patio so you can enjoy the beach al fresco.

The Cape provides for some of the most diverse activities along the coast. It is the Home of the Dory Fleet, a flat-bottom fishing boat that launches off the sand into the surf and has done so from this spot for over 100 years. It is one of the best surfing spots along the coast, providing perfect breakers courtesy of the sandbar that stretches from the Rock to the Cape. Kayakers launch here to fish or ride the waves. The marine garden provides tidepooling galore. And the 18 story sand dune creates a mecca for climbing, running, jumping, and sand boarding.

You can reconnect to Highway 101 as you travel north, after visiting Cape Lookout and Cape Meares.

As the operator of three local lodging establishments, Jeremy Stober often gets asked about the unique places to eat, drink, and visit. Being able to recommend the perfect match to a guest’s desire is his favorite part of the hospitality business! Find out more at www.yourlittlebeachtown.com

Conde McCullough - Bridge Builder

In the early 20th century, towns along the rugged Oregon coast were practically unreachable. By the 1920s, rapidly growing interest in coastal tourism prompted the funding of a highway that would span the entire length (2) . Over the course of five years, from 1921 to 1926, section by section of Highway 101 was completed. Among the many challenges the engineers faced were the many rivers that ran from the Coastal Range Mountains to the ocean. Ferries were commonly used to transport cars and good across the rivers, but they couldn’t keep up with the increasing demands the highway brought. Instead, it was decided that bridges must connect each section of road.

Conde McCullough, the Oregon state bridge engineer at the time, was presented with the opportunity to design and build the infrastructure for these key links to the highway. McCullough wasn’t just interested in making the bridges structurally sound, but also architecturally beautiful. Over the course of fifteen years, McCullough designed a total of fourteen bridges along Highway 101. These bridges are constructed in a variety of styles and materials. You will find them adorned with Gothic spires, art deco obelisks, and Romanesque arches (3) .

Some notable bridges include the Yaquina Bay Bridge (Newport), the Siuslaw River Bridge (Florence), and the Old Youngs Bay Bridge (Astoria).

McCullough went on to help design over 600 bridges in his lifetime.

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• 26 beautifully drawn sections of the coast. Each section highlights a mix of over 20 eateries, breweries, hikes, bed & breakfasts, camping, viewpoints, local wildlife, and much more!
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8) Oregon Sand Dunes

Local advice from stephen hoshaw.

Nestled along Highway 101, Florence is well suited for all types of adventure. With long sandy beaches and dunes, scenic viewpoints, and rocky coastal panoramas, this might be one of the best places to experience the Oregon Coast.

Photo by Josh Alder

Search for coastal wildlife while whale watching from Heceta Head Lighthouse scenic viewpoint. Or venture underground at the Sea Lion Caves to hear the echo of barking sea lions.

At the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and Sand Master Park thrill-seeking adventurers can choose between sandboarding or riding in dune buggies between the massive hills of sand.

Josh Tenge back flips in Sand Master Park

Florence’s Old Town district offers boutique shopping experiences and cozy coastal meals at local hotspots like Bridgewater Ocean Fresh Fish House and Waterfront Depot.

Stephen grew up in the Northwest and has fond memories of both week-long family reunions at the Coast, and quick day trips from Eugene with friends. Whether storm watching from the Heceta Head Lighthouse in winter months, or walking through the warm sand at Sand Master Park during breezy coastal summers, the Oregon Coast has always provided a relaxing escape. Learn more at www.eugenecascadescoast.org

Formation of Sand Dunes

The combination of desert sands, old growth forests, lakes, and ocean found at Oregon Sand Dunes is unique to the southern Oregon coast. By why is it here?

12 million years ago, uplifting layers of sedimentary rock formed what is now the Oregon Coastal Range mountains. As these mountains eroded, the soft rocks traveled downstream and were broken into small granular pieces. These sediments were then deposited at the mouth of the rivers along a gently sloping marine layer called the Coos Bay Dune Sheet. Unlike the headlands found to the north and south, this flat sandstone bottom allows for sands to be picked up and deposited by waves along the shorelines. Finally, these sands were picked up by the wind and dropped over 2.5 miles inland to form the dunes (4) .

Over thousands of year, the dunes have been shaped by wind and water into a vast array of shapes and sizes.

The Legend of Face Rock

By Visitor7 [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Many years ago, the great chief Siskiyou of the mountain tribes planned a visit to four coastal tribes. His daughter Ewauna was to accompany him, which was a great honor. Chief Necomah, being the strongest of the four coastal Chiefs, decided that as a group they would host the greatest potlatch as a show of respect and of their own prosperity.

The days leading up to the potlatch were full of preparation. Necomah ordered massive amounts of clams and mussels to be harvested and stored for the meal. The Elks tribe brought a hundred salmon, cleaned and ready to be roasted. The Sixes brought meat from a dozen elks. The Rogues carried in twenty horses loaded with deer meat. Armed warriors stood guard on the bluff watching for Seatka, the evil spirit of the sea.

Chief Siskiyou arrived with his daughter, who had never before seen the sea. She was enthralled by its beauty despite being warned not to wander near it for fear Seatka would snatch her. With her was her loyal dog Komax and her cat with kittens.

On the morning of the second day, everyone convened in beautiful regalia and commenced the feast. They celebrated this unique visit while eating until they were too tired, at which point they proceeded to sleep in place. Ewauna, wishing to see more of the sea, slipped away from the sleeping camp. A full moon shown down on her as she played at the edge of the ocean.

Finally, she set her basket of kittens down and told Komax to keep watch. Ewauna ran out into the ocean and dove in the crashing surf. She swam for a long time and was slowly pulled away from shore. She was so enraptured that she was unable to hear Komax barking a warning.

Suddenly, the moon became blocked by a dark hand as the fearsome creature Seatka emerged from the water. Komax grabbed the basket of kittens and swam out to help Ewauna. He sunk his sharp teeth into Seatka but was swatted away, along with the basket. Seatka tried to make Ewauna look at him, for his power lived in his gaze, but she stubbornly look straight up at the moon.

Chief Siskiyou rose at sunrise, alarmed to find his daughter missing. Everyone rushed to the sea, only to find Ewauna stubbornly staring up towards the moon with Seatka still trying to meet her gaze. Eventually she turned into stone and you can still see her face gazing up toward the moon to this day (5) .

10) Rogue River

Wild and scenic rivers.

The Rogue River travels 215 miles and over 1 mile in elevation from its source in Crater Lake National Park to the Pacific Ocean at Gold Beach. This river is famous for its stellar whitewater rafting, salmon runs, and outdoor recreation opportunities. The Rogue was one of the original eight river listed under the 1968 National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (6) . This act focuses on the need to protect our rivers as pristine and scenic areas. Since the inception of the act, over 203 rivers have been granted this status.

Dams have been a controversial topic along the Rogue for over a hundred years. Many dams were originally built to provide hydroelectric power and prevent flooding. However, even with fish ladders designed into the dams, salmon populations dropped dramatically. Numerous dams have been constructed and then demolished -- one was even dynamited by a group of angry commercial fishermen! Now only the William L. Jess Dam remains, which is located 157 miles from the mouth of the river.

Are you planning a trip here?

Here's one way to do it.

• Spend the morning exploring the marina and shops along the Riverwalk in Astoria, give yourself plenty of time to check out the Columbia River Maritime Museum.
• Stop at Buoy Beer Company for lunch and an afternoon brew then head to the Astoria Column for a relaxing walk and excellent views.
• Grab dinner at Northwest Wild and stay at either the Norblad Hotel or camp in nearby Fort Stevens State Park.
• Head out to the beach at sunrise and grab some pictures of the Peter Iredale shipwreck.
• Continue south and stop at either the Seaside Turnaround to check out the shops or hike at Ecola State Park.
• Pull over at Neahkahnie Viewpoint (highest along the Oregon coast) on the way to the Tillamook Cheese Factory (free samples!).
• Grab lunch at Blue Heron Cheese Company then jump on the Three Capes Scenic Route.
• Check out the lighthouse and Octopus Tree at Cape Meares and stop at Lex’s Cool Stuff for brownies and 2nd hand shopping.
• Hike the 4.8 mile Cape Trail then head into Pacific City for dinner at the Pelican Pub.
• Stay at Pacific City or camp to the north at Cape Lookout.
• Grab breakfast at Cafe on Hawk Creek on the way down to Jennifer Sears Glass Art Studio.
• Check out glass art being made or maybe make your own, then continue south to watch for ocean birds at Boiler Bay Scenic Viewpoint.
• Head out on a whale watching tour out of Depoe Bay. Afterwards taste some salt water taffy at Ainslee’s and get lunch at Gracie’s Sea Hag.
• As you continue south turn off onto Otter Crest Scenic Loop where you can taste some wine while watching surf crash at the Devil’s Punchbowl.
• Tour Yaquina Lighthouse or spend some time walking the beach at South Beach State Park.
• Enjoy a hot bowl of slumgullion at Luna Sea.
• Stay at the Fireside Motel or camp at Cape Perpetua State Park.
• Take a morning stroll down the Hobbit Trail to the beach, then stop at the Sea Lion Caves on your way to Florence.
• Spend the late morning exploring the sand dunes either by renting an ATV or taking a hike.
• Grab lunch at Harbor Light Restaurant or the Fishermen’s Seafood Market. In the afternoon take the Cape Arago scenic loop, stopping to enjoy the parks along the way.
• Explore the town of Bandon and eat dinner at the Bandon Fish Market.
• Stay at the Bandon Beach Motel or camp at Bullards Beach State Park.
• Spend the morning stopping at sights like Face Rock, Cape Blanco Lighthouse, and Battle Rock Park.
• Eat lunch at the Crazy Norwegian's Fish & Chips then hike up the Humbug Mountain Trail.
• Check in to the Gold Beach Inn then drive down to Myer’s Creek Beach for the sunset.
• Enjoy dinner at the Barnacle Bistro.
• Continue your journey to California, stopping at the Natural Bridges Viewpoint on the way.

Top Rated Places to Stay

• Norblad Hotel
• Cannery Pier Hotel
• Astoria Crest Motel
• Fort Stevens State Park
• Astoria/Warrenton KOA
• Kampers West
• Inn of the Four Winds
• Inn at Seaside
• The Gilbert Inn
• Bud's RV and Campground

Cannon Beach

• Stephanie Inn
• Sea Breeze Court
• Inn at Cannon Beach
• Wright's for Camping
• RV Resort at Cannon Beach
• Sea Haven Motel
• Coast Cabins
• Ocean Inn at Manzanita
• Nehalem Bay State Park
• Kelly's Brighton Marina

Rockaway Beach

• Garibaldi House Inn & Suites
• Surfside Resort
• Tradewinds Motel
• Shorewood RV Park
• Rockaway Beach RV Park
• The Ashley Inn at Tillamook
• Shilo Inn Suites Hotel
• Thyme and Tide B&B
• Terimore Lodging by the Sea
• Three Arch Inn
• Cape Lookout State Park
• Netarts Bay RV Resort

Pacific City

• Inn at Cape Kiwanda
• Cottages at Cape Kiwanda
• Surf & Sand Inn
• Cape Kiwanda RV Park

Lincoln City

• Looking Glass Inn
• Baywood Shores B&B
• Pelican Shores Inn
• Devil's Lake State Recreation Area
• Devil's Lake RV Park
• Inn at Arch Rock
• Whale Cove Inn
• Depoe Bay Inn
• Sylvia Beach Hotel
• Moolack Shores Motel
• Agate Beach Motel
• South Beach State Park
• Beverly Beach State Park
• Whaler's Rest RV Park
• Cliff House B&B
• Terry-A-While
• Waldport/Newport KOA
• Beachside State Recreation Site
• Fireside Motel
• Deane's Oceanfront Lodge
• SeaQuest Inn B&B
• Tillicum Beach Campground
• Cape Perpetua Campground
• Old Town Inn
• Heceta Head Lighthouse
• Jessie M. Honeyman State Park
• Carl G. Washburne State Park
• Port of Siuslaw Campground & Marina
• Umpqua Lighthouse State Park
• Winchester Bay RV Resort
• William M. Tugman State Park
• Umpqua Sand Camping
• Osprey Point RV Resort
• Itty Bitty Inn
• Old Tower House B&B
• Sunset Bay State Park
• Oregon Dunes KOA
• Bandon Beach Motel
• Table Rock Motel
• Bullards Beach State Park
• Bandon RV Park

Port Orford

• WildSpring Guest Habitat
• The Compass Rose B&B
• Shoreline Motel
• Humbug Mountain State Park
• Bandon/Port Orford KOA
• Cape Blanco State Park
• Gold Beach Inn
• Tu Tu Tun Lodge
• Pacific Reef Hotel
• Secret Camp RV Park
• Ocean Suites
• Best Western Plus Beachfront Inn
• Mount Emily Ranch
• Harris Beach State Park
• Driftwood RV Park

Or stay at one of the many amazing Airbnb properties the Oregon coast has to offer. ** Get $35 off your first night if you sign up with this link **

Special Thanks to: Sarah J Eagen ( www.sarahjeagen.com )

• 1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbia_Bar
• 2) http://www.oregonencyclopedia.org/articles/highway_101_oregon_coast_highway_/#.VwRNmxMrJ_U
• 3) http://bluebook.state.or.us/notable/notmccullough.htm
• 4) http://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/siuslaw/learning/nature-science/?cid=fsbdev7_007155
• 5) http://thebandonguide.com/the-legend-of-face-rock
• 6) http://www.rivers.gov/wsr-act.php

Have you explored this stretch of road? Leave your recommendations below!

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip: Best Views, Stays, & Eats

* This article contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you.

The perfect Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip, including where to stop, eat, and stay. Plus, four sample itineraries you can use for inspiration! 

When I was abroad and missing California, the first image that would come to mind besides seeing my friends and family was the Pacific Coast Highway. 

The reason? It’s the most beautiful drive I’ve been lucky enough to experience multiple times in my life. 

To me, it also represents some of my favorite aspects of California – stunning beaches, charming seaside towns, metropolitan cities, lush redwood forests, views for days, and a variety of landscapes and terrain. 

Road tripping the Pacific Coast Highway is one of those bucket list items that everyone should experience at least once in their life (if not half a dozen times). 

And there’s so much to see along the PCH that you could have a very different trip each time you drive it, depending on what you want to focus on. 

As someone who grew up in California and who has been driving the Pacific Coast Highway for decades, I wanted to put together the ultimate Pacific Coast Highway road trip guide for anyone who wants to experience it for themselves. 

In this guide, you’ll get the full rundown of all the places you could add to your Pacific Coast Highway trip, as well as some sample itineraries. Plus, where to stay and eat. 

Get ready to enjoy the best parts of the California Coast – happy road tripping! 

Note: this post contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you so I can keep providing free travel advice and tips.

How to Use This Pacific Coast Highway Guide

• It goes from north to south – I talk about this more below, but I find the PCH to be more scenic if you go from north to south because we drive on the right-hand side of the road in the US. This means you’ll be closer to the coastline and those stunning views if you head from the top of the state down. If you want to leave from Southern California and head north, just reverse this guide and start from the bottom.
• It’s broken up by California coastal regions and then by micro road trip legs within each region – I broke up this guide into three California coastal regions with recommendations for how long you should spend in each section. I also included mini road trips within each of these regions with recommendations for how long each one takes. Do one mini road trip leg at a time or combine 2-3 in one day, depending on how much you’re trying to fit in. If a particular road trip leg doesn’t sound that interesting to you, just skip it and move onto the next. I wanted to make this a flexible guide that gives you plenty of options to add to your overall Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary. If you want to just do a specific section of the PCH, you can skip to it from the table of contents above.
• There are more general Pacific Coast Highway itinerary guides and specific recommendations for where to stay and eat below – For those who want general itineraries and accommodation and food recommendations, I put all of those below to make your trip as easy to plan as possible. 

Read our specific guides on where to stay and where to eat along the Pacific Coast Highway .

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip: Fort Bragg to San Francisco

Recommended time: 2-5 days                        

Highlights: Redwood trees, lighthouses, rugged coastlines and beaches, fewer crowds, plenty of hiking and camping opportunities.

Where to Eat: Little River Inn Dining Room (Mendocino), The Marshall Store (Near Tomales Bay), Burma Superstar (San Francisco). 

Where to Stay: 

• Hotels: Brewery Gulch Inn (Mendocino), The Inn at the Tides (Bodega Bay), Pelican Inn (Muir Beach), Stanyan Park Hotel (San Francisco) 
• Airbnbs: Mendocino , Tomales Bay , Point Reyes , San Francisco  
• Campsites: Russian Gulch State Park , Wright’s Beach Campground , Point Reyes National Seashore   

Starting just south of Leggett, in the Fort Bragg and Mendocino area, you’ll drive down the coast towards San Francisco. This is the quietest and calmest part of the Pacific Coast Highway with less traffic and people. 

Along the way, you’ll come across old logging towns, redwood forests, lighthouses, and natural beauty in every direction.

You’ll end in eclectic San Francisco, a city you can explore for a couple of days or pass through on your way to the Central Coast.

Get your FREE California Travel Planner – including printable checklists and my favorite two-week itinerary for the state. 

Table of Contents

Fort Bragg to Mendocino

Distance: 15 minutes of driving (10 miles) 

Recommended Time: 2 hours – 1 day

Fort Bragg to Mendocino is the shortest stretch in this guide, but I made it its own PCH road trip leg because there’s so much to see around Mendocino County.  

If you can spend the night in Mendocino, that’s ideal. Otherwise, try to spare a few hours to fit in the following sights before you make your way further down the coast. 

• Glass Beach  – This unique beach was once a trash dump for local residents until the 1960s. Over the years, the thrown out glass has transformed into smooth glass pieces that cover the beach. Unfortunately, Glass Beach isn’t quite as grand as what it used to be 10 years ago since so many tourists visit and take glass with them (please don’t do this!), but it’s still a cool place to stop at. Plus, there are tide pools nearby.
• Downtown Fort Bragg – Fort Bragg used to be a military garrison and then a lumber town and you can still feel the aged layers of this place as you walk through its historic downtown area. Grab some Cowlick’s Ice Cream while you’re there and maybe check out the Guest House Museum if you want to learn more about Fort Bragg’s history. And if you have the time, I’d definitely recommend hopping on the Skunk Train or going Railbiking through the forest. It’s a very Fort Bragg experience.
• Pomo Bluffs Park – This 25-acre park is a good place to stretch your legs and get in some breezy walks alongside stunning Pacific Coast views.
• Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens – A refreshing and relaxing stop where you can explore canyons, coastal bluffs, wetlands, and a pine forest. Right now, they’re asking all guests to book online reservations ahead of time as they’re not selling tickets onsite.
• Point Cabrillo Light Station – If you’re not sick of history and coastal views yet, make a stop at Point Cabrillo Light Station. Built in 1909, the lighthouse features a museum and a view that takes in over 270 acres of rugged bluffs, coves, and the Pacific Ocean. And if you really want to get into the historic spirit, you can even spend the night in one of the lighthouse keeper cottages.
•   Russian Gulch State Park – One of my favorite California state parks that features an art deco bridge and a hike to a waterfall in the forest. 

Once you get to Mendocino, you’ll find a welcoming seaside community that feels miles away from the bigger cities down south. This is a great area to spend the night at a bed and breakfast or camp at one of the many parks nearby. 

While you’re in Mendocino, make sure to visit Mendocino Headlands State Park and Portuguese Beach then explore the many local boutique shops in downtown Mendocino and grab a drink at Dick’s Place .

If you’re looking for more things to do in the area, check out my top picks for what to see in Mendocino . 

Mendocino to Point Reyes National Seashore

Distance: 3.5 hours of driving (132 miles) 

Recommended Time: 1-2 days 

The drive from Mendocino to Point Reyes has some of the most unique sights on the North Coast.

This is the section I’d recommend spending the most time in to really take in the beauty of the Northern Pacific Coast Highway, as well as my two favorite spots – Point Reyes and Tomales Bay.  

• Point Arena Lighthouse – Another must-see lighthouse on the North Coast. The 360-degree views from the top balcony are worth the 145 steps you’ll have to climb to get up there. Check ahead to see what times you can hop on their daily tower tour.
• Bowling Ball Beach – Also known as Schooner Gulch State Beach, this is a unique stop that features bowling ball-shaped rocks that are millions of years old. Just make sure you time your visit during low tide when the rocks are most visible.
• Fort Ross – A California State Historic Park that was once a bustling Russian-American settlement in the 1800s. There are historic buildings and replicas to walk around and some short trails to add to your itinerary if you want.
•   Wright’s Beach & Duncan’s Landing Overlook  – If you’re looking to camp, Wright’s Beach has one of the most popular campsites on this stretch of the coast. Otherwise, enjoy a picnic on the beach before heading over to Duncan’s Landing Overlook to take in those Pacific Ocean views.
• Bodega Bay – Most famous for being the filming location for Alfred Hitchcock’s 1963 film, “The Birds,” Bodega Bay is a pretty seaside community that features uncrowded beaches and a good hiking area called Bodega Head. At the very least, I’d recommend stretching your legs at Bodega Head, especially if you’re visiting in the spring because the wildflowers are beautiful. 

• Tomales Bay & Marshall – A little further down the coast, you’ll come across Tomales Bay and Marshall where you can try some of the freshest oysters in California. There are two famous oyster stops in the area – Hog Island & The Marshall Store . I’d recommend grabbing lunch at The Marshall Store since it’s more of a restaurant where they cook the oysters for you. Hog Island is where you can purchase raw oysters that you need to shuck yourself (something I learned the hard way on my last visit there when I thought I was getting ready-to-eat oysters). This is also an ideal area to stay the night if you’re looking to break up the trip down to San Francisco. Tomales Bay is where you can do night kayaking around bioluminescent plankton and the 9.4-mile Tomales Point Trail is one of the most scenic hikes in the area. Not to mention, you could spend a full day at Point Reyes National Seashore alone, which is also nearby.
• Point Reyes National Seashore – Only an hour from San Francisco, this beautiful tucked away park has a good combination of history, views, and wildlife. If you’re looking for a long hike, tackle the 11-mile hike to Alamere Falls. Otherwise, spend some time driving around to the different historic and unique sights, like the Point Reyes Lighthouse and the Cypress Tree Tunnel, and keep your eyes peeled for the park’s resident tule elk. 

Point Reyes National Seashore to San Francisco

Distance: 1 hour of driving (35 miles) 

Recommended Time: 5 hours – 2 days 

This is your last leg before you get to your first big city on your PCH road trip – San Francisco. Soak up more coastal views and visit some of the most popular redwoods in California at Muir Woods National Monument. 

• Stinson Beach & Muir Beach – These are two popular but scenic beaches near San Francisco that get crowded on summer weekends. Don’t miss the Muir Beach Overlook on your way down for more stunning coastal views.
• Muir Woods – Another popular place that’s usually crowded but worth a visit, especially if you go during the week. Muir Woods is a great place to see redwoods right next to San Francisco . Just make sure you book a parking reservation online ahead of time.
• Marin Headlands – Similar to Point Reyes, Marin Headlands offers a good variety of historic sights, beaches, coastal views, and hiking trails. There’s a lot to see at the Marin Headlands, but a few must-see stops include Battery Spencer, Point Bonita Lighthouse, and Rodeo Beach.

From the Marin Headlands, you’ll make your way over the Golden Gate Bridge to arrive in San Francisco. 

This is a good place to stay one to three nights with the bountiful accommodation options and how much there is to see and do in San Francisco. 

If you’re looking to see things that are mostly along the Pacific Coast Highway, don’t miss visiting the Presidio , grabbing dim sum in the Richmond neighborhood, walking through Golden Gate Park , exploring Haight-Ashbury, and taking a photo in front of the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps . 

If you have more time in the city than just a quick drive through, check out my list for the top things to do in San Francisco . 

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip: San Francisco to Santa Barbara

Recommended time: 3-7 days                        

Highlights: Coastal drives, elephant seals, redwoods, beaches, diverse marine life.

Where to Eat: Taco Bell (Pacifica), Sam’s Chowder House (Half Moon Bay), El Palomar (Santa Cruz), Riva Fish House (Santa Cruz), Nepenthe (Big Sur), Shine Cafe (Morro Bay), McConnell’s Ice Cream (Santa Barbara), Santa Barbara Shellfish Company (Santa Barbara).

• Hotels: HI Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel (Pescadero), Bella Notte Inn (Santa Cruz), Fernwood Resort (Big Sur), Madonna Inn (San Luis Obispo), Hotel Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara)
• Airbnbs: Half Moon Bay , Carmel-by-the-Sea , Cambria , Morro Bay , Santa Barbara  
• Campsites: Henry Cowell State Park , New Brighton State Beach , Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park , Morro Bay State Park (read our guide to Morro Bay camping and Big Sur camping )

If there’s one part of the coast to include in your Pacific Coast Highway itinerary, it’s the Central Coast between San Francisco and Santa Barbara. 

This is the most popular part of the Pacific Coast Highway and the section I’d recommend if you’re short on time and only want to see the main highlights. 

There are four driving sections within this part of the coast that I’d recommend focusing on to really soak it up to the fullest. 

The Big Sur area will be the biggest draw with its golden-hued cliffs, aquamarine waters, and instagram-famous Bixby Creek Bridge and McWay Falls. 

However, you won’t want to miss out on the unique attractions that the other parts of the coast have to offer as well because there are many within these 363 miles. 

San Francisco to Santa Cruz

Distance: 1.5 hours of driving (73 miles) 

Recommended Time: 3 hours – 2 days 

The Pacific Coast Highway drive from San Francisco to Santa Cruz may be short but it packs in a lot of quick stops and beautiful viewpoints along the way.

One of the best aspects about this section of the Pacific Coast Highway is how stunning the views are from the car. 

So, although there may not be as many “official” stops, prepare to jump out a lot to take pictures or discover a hidden beach or two when you come across them.

• Pacifica – Once you leave San Francisco, your first stop will be Pacifica. This popular surfing destination is also one of the foggiest places in the Bay Area so don’t be surprised if you arrive to overcast skies. In Pacifica, you can hike out to the views at Mori Point and maybe grab a bite to eat at the fancy Taco Bell. It’s considered by some to be the nicest Taco Bell in the world (take that as you will).
• Half Moon Bay – On your way down to Half Moon Bay, stop at Mavericks Beach. It’s not only a pretty beach but has a lot of history to it as well. This is where the invite-only Mavericks Surf Competition used to take place each year because of the huge swells that come through here in the winter. The competition doesn’t run anymore but it’s still a cool spot to stop at, especially if you’re into surfing. Once you get to Half Moon Bay, walk along the Coastside Trail for a bit or simply peruse the shops and restaurants in the small downtown area along Main Street. This is also a great place to grab a fresh seafood lunch from Sam’s Chowder House if you’re hungry.
• Pigeon Point Lighthouse – A little further down the coast, you’ll find Pigeon Point Lighthouse. Built in 1871, this is the tallest lighthouse on the West Coast of the US with a scenic viewpoint that should be added to any California road trip. If you call ahead, you can hop on one of their 30-minute historic tours around the lighthouse and its grounds. 

• Año Nuevo State Park – A beloved state park just up the coast from Santa Cruz, I used to go to Año Nuevo on field trips back in elementary school. This is one of the best places on the California Coast to see elephant seals in their natural habitat. The best times to visit the park are either April through November for the molting season (where the seals shed their outer skin layer) or December through February for the breeding season.
• Davenport – Before you reach Santa Cruz, make a stop in Davenport to explore its hidden windswept beaches and cute downtown area. Shark Fin Cove and Panther Beach are two favorite local beaches to visit on your way into Santa Cruz.

And finally, you’ll reach Santa Cruz to end this leg of the Central Coast. 

I might be a tad partial to Santa Cruz because it’s my hometown, but if you’re looking for a quintessential California beach town, Santa Cruz is it. 

Spend at least an afternoon if not a couple of days exploring all that Santa Cruz has to offer. 

A few spots that shouldn’t be missed include the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk , West Cliff Drive , Downtown Santa Cruz , Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park , and Capitola Village .

If you’re looking for a full guide to Santa Cruz, read through my tips on what to do in Santa Cruz , as well as my guides to the best beaches and the best hikes in Santa Cruz . 

Santa Cruz to Big Sur

Distance: 2.75 hours of driving (121 miles) 

Recommended Time: 1-3 days 

The section of the Pacific Coast Highway from Santa Cruz to Big Sur is my absolute favorite in terms of natural beauty and the endless coastal sights. 

This is where the views start to really get jaw-dropping, the cliffs a little higher, the road more winding, and the water more aquamarine. 

This part of the coast has a good mix of cities but also more undeveloped natural areas. 

You’ll start to feel the lack of development (at least by California standards) once you get past Monterey and the 17-Mile Drive and start to enter into the Big Sur area. 

These are the stops I’d recommend including in your Pacific Coast Highway itinerary from Santa Cruz to Big Sur. 

• Moss Landing – Not too far past Santa Cruz, you’ll come across Moss Landing. It might not look like much initially with a large power plant front and center, but this is where you’ll find Elkhorn Slough. Elkhorn Slough is a protected marine habitat for birds and sea otters and an ideal place to go kayaking . You can either rent kayaks or go on a tour with Monterey Bay Kayaks .
• Monterey – Next, you’ll want to make a stop in Monterey, another seaside community on the other side of the bay from Santa Cruz. Monterey is a little more upscale than Santa Cruz and there’s a lot to see within its city limits. I’d recommend spending at least an afternoon here to go to the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium , walk around Cannery Row , and maybe grab a nice lunch at Old Fisherman’s Wharf .
• 17-Mile Drive – A road trip within a road trip, the 17-Mile Drive from Monterey to Carmel-by-the-Sea should definitely be added to your Pacific Coast Highway road trip down this part of the coast. The cost to do the drive is $10.50 per vehicle and you’ll want to grab a brochure when you enter so you don’t miss any stops. A few stops to include on your road trip are Spanish Bay Beach, The Restless Sea, Point Joe, China Rock, Seal Rock, and The Lone Cypress.

• Carmel-by-the-Sea – If you have time after the 17-Mile Drive, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a scenic coastal town that’s fun to walk around. This could be another good place to grab a late lunch if you didn’t eat in Monterey or to have a picnic at Carmel Beach.
• Point Lobos State Natural Reserve – Point Lobos is technically a part of Carmel-by-the-Sea but a stop in its own right. This is one of the most beautiful coastal parks I’ve been to in California, featuring a large tide pool area, sea stacks, sunbathing seals, and stunning tucked-away beaches and viewpoints. Don’t miss walking down to my favorite beach while you’re there, Gibson Beach, and taking in the views along the Bird Island Trail.

Once you leave Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, you’ll basically be in Big Sur. The Big Sur area is easily one of my favorite places in California and there is SO much to do and see here. 

Spend at least a full day if not two to take in the viewpoints, local parks, and hidden beaches around the Big Sur Coastline. Big Sur hotels can be expensive so this would be a great place to camp if you’re on a budget or to splurge on a nice hotel for a night. 

A few spots that shouldn’t be missed in Big Sur include Garrapata State Park , Pfeiffer Beach , Bixby Creek Bridge , McWay Falls , Nepenthe (for sunset cocktails or a nice meal), and Limekiln State Park . 

Big Sur to Santa Barbara

Distance: 3.25 hours of driving (169 miles) 

Although Big Sur gets a lot of attention on the Central Coast, the section of the Pacific Coast Highway from Big Sur to Santa Barbara is beautiful in its own right. 

It features more small coastal towns, sand dunes, good local surf spots, a “castle,” and plenty of elephant seals. And you couldn’t end in a more beautiful place. 

Santa Barbara is one of those underrated gems that many tourists pass over but there’s no other place like it on the California Coast. 

• Point Piedras Elephant Seal Rookery – If you didn’t make a stop at Año Nuevo State Park up north or you’re simply looking to view more northern elephant seals (they are very cool animals), a stop at Point Piedras is a must. This windy beach in San Simeon is where a bunch of elephant seals stay during their breeding and molting periods. The best times to visit are in January (for births), February (mating), April-May (molting), or Sep-Nov (when young pups go out to sea). You can see the elephant seals at other times of the year too, just not at the same numbers as what you might find at these peak times.
• Hearst Castle – A bucket list stop on any Pacific Coast Highway road trip, Hearst Castle is a sight you’ll have to see for yourself to believe. This is California’s most famous mansion that once belonged to William Randolph Hearst, a rich early 20th-century newspaper tycoon. The full estate features 165 rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, gardens, and a random mix of decor, artwork, and antiques from various historical periods. You’ll need to book a 1-2-hour tour to view the mansion.   

• Optional Detour: Paso Robles – If you have an extra afternoon to another full day, Paso Robles is a scenic place that’s slightly inland from the coast. Paso Robles is especially well-known for its stellar wine scene and olive groves, so I’d recommend stopping at a couple of wineries for tastings before exploring the downtown area.
•   Morro Bay – If you’re looking for a small coastal town that’s somehow not too touristy yet, Morro Bay is an ideal stop. The city’s most striking feature is Morro Rock , a 576-foot rock that was part of a volcanic peak 23 million years ago. When you’re walking to the rock and back, you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for otters in the water. The last time I was in Morro Bay, I saw a bunch of otters with their babies and it was extremely cute. Besides Morro Rock, Morro Bay has a lot to offer with its waterfront Embarcadero, beaches, water activities, and cute downtown area. Don’t miss a meal at the healthy Shine Cafe if you’re hungry. And nearby, there’s a tucked away state park called Montaña de Oro if you’re looking for a short hike to stretch your legs before hopping back in the car.
• San Luis Obispo – A short drive from Morro Bay, you’ll come across San Luis Obispo. This college town can feel more upscale at times but it also maintains that laid back vibe that most Central California cities seem to have. In SLO (pronounced “slow”), as locals call it, you’ll find wineries, one of the best farmers markets in California (on Thursday nights), a historical downtown area, and a California Mission . If you’re up for some strenuous exercise, do the 3.4-mile hike up to Bishop Peak for sweeping views for miles. And if you’re looking for a quirky place to stay along the Pacific Coast Highway, San Luis Obispo is also where you’ll find the colorful Madonna Inn.  

• Pismo Beach – Heading back towards the coast along Highway 1, you’ll come to Pismo Beach. This seaside town is known for its monarch butterfly grove, long pier, beaches, and coastal views in every direction. Don’t miss stopping at Shell Beach and Pismo City Beach while you’re in town.
• Oceano Dunes – Just south of Pismo Beach, you’ll find some of the most expansive coastal sand dunes in California. This is the perfect place to rent ATVs (or do a tour if you’re not comfortable driving yourself) and get your adrenaline running as you soar across the dunes. You can also camp and go horseback riding on the beach. Note: The Oceano Dunes will be shutting down to off-roading vehicles starting in 2024, so after that date, you’ll only be able to explore the dunes by foot or horseback.
•   Optional Detour: Solvang – Solvang is a worthwhile detour if you’re looking for unique places to add to your Pacific Coast Highway itinerary. The city was founded in 1911 by Danish Americans who wanted to bring a piece of their heritage to the California Coast. As you wander around the small downtown area, you’ll feel like you just stepped into a small Danish town in Europe, complete with Danish bakeries and windmills. You can read our guide on fun things to do in Solvang to get a better idea if it’s worth the stop for you.

And finally, you’ll end this leg of your Pacific Coast Highway road trip in Santa Barbara. 

Santa Barbara is one of those places that feels like it came straight out of a glossy travel magazine. 

There’s a bustling harbor, red rooftops and Spanish-style architecture everywhere you look, breathtaking sunsets, and impeccable beaches. 

Santa Barbara is one of the prettiest cities you’ll come across on the Central Coast and it’s worth exploring fully. I’d recommend giving yourself at least an afternoon, if not a full day, to soak up the sights in town. 

A few things that shouldn’t be missed include visiting Mission Santa Barbara , walking along State Street , grabbing ice cream from McConnell’s , and making a stop at Stearns Wharf and the beach. 

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip: Santa Barbara to Dana Point

Recommended time: 2-4 days 

Highlights: Beaches, beach cities, coastal views, and good weather.

Where to Eat: Duke’s Malibu (Malibu), Bay Cities Italian Deli (Santa Monica), Flake (Venice), El Primo Tacos (Venice), George’s Greek Cafe (Long Beach), Mama D’s Italian Kitchen (Newport Beach), Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee (Newport Beach), Nick’s Laguna Beach (Laguna Beach), Lupe’s (Dana Point).  

Where to Stay

• Hotels: The Surfrider Malibu (Malibu), The Kinney (Venice Beach), The Queen Mary (Long Beach), Crystal Cove Beach Cottages (Newport Beach), Seaside Laguna Inn & Suites (Laguna Beach)
• Airbnbs: Malibu , Venice Beach , Laguna Beach
• Campsites: Leo Carrillo State Park , Crystal Cove State Park

Congrats! You’ve reached the last section of your Pacific Coast Highway road trip. 

There may not be as many miles to cover on this part of your California road trip (although there will be plenty of traffic), but there’s a lot to see and do from Santa Barbara to Dana Point. 

This stretch will give you iconic Southern California vibes with gorgeous weather, plenty of cities along the beach, and beautiful viewpoints. 

There are two main sections I’d recommend including in this part of your Pacific Coast Highway itinerary – the Los Angeles beaches and Orange County beaches. 

Let’s dive into each one!  

Santa Barbara to Los Angeles

Distance: 3 hours of driving (113 miles) 

Recommended Time: 1-2 days

The start of the southern section of your Pacific Coast Highway road trip, the leg between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles is all about beaches and beach cities.

There are some optional islands off the PCH that you can add to your itinerary too if you’re looking for a quick escape from the mainland.  

This part of the coast is where you really start feeling the transition to Southern California weather, scenery, and culture as you make your way down to Los Angeles. 

• Ventura – The drive to Ventura alone is a stunning way to start out this section of your PCH road trip. Be prepared for more seaside highway views and postcard-perfect scenery. Popular attractions in Ventura include visiting its beaches, such as San Buenaventura and Emma Wood, the picturesque Ventura Harbor Village , and the Ventura Pier .
• Optional Detour: Channel Islands National Park – If you’re looking to visit a national park off the Pacific Coast Highway, look no further than Channel Islands National Park. If you have an extra day or two, Ventura is a good jumping-off point to do a day trip to one of the closer islands in the park or an overnight trip. Ferries to the closer islands take about an hour from the mainland. I’d recommend visiting Santa Cruz Island since it has the most things to do for first-time visitors. You can even book a kayaking tour ahead of time to explore the sea caves once you arrive from the ferry. 

Read our guides on how to plan an epic California national parks road trip and how to use the national park passport.

• Malibu –  A little further down the coast, you’ll arrive in Malibu. This is a popular spot for the rich and famous to vacation and plenty of celebrities live here. This means it’s not super cheap for food or accommodation, but, luckily, there are still plenty of free or inexpensive activities to take advantage of in the city. Two of my favorite things to do in Malibu are to hit the beach and the hiking trails (and there are plenty of both).
• Santa Monica – A family-friendly destination that features a three-mile sandy beach and historic pier. The pier has a small amusement park as well, which can be a fun place to stretch your legs after the long drive. Santa Monica is the endpoint of the famous Route 66 in the US and there’s a sign you can snap a picture of at the pier.
• Venice Beach – Right next to Santa Monica you’ll discover Venice Beach, which has a very different vibe and culture. Venice is where you’ll find hippies, vegans, skateboarders, and an underlying counterculture feel that is artsy and colorful. The beach is beautiful, there are a number of healthy eateries to stop in for lunch, there’s an outdoor market along the boardwalk, and a bunch of street murals around town. If you have time, this is a good place to rent bikes to ride along the scenic Strand Bike Path . And before you leave, don’t miss checking out the gorgeous Venice Canals , which are a hidden slice of Italy tucked away in LA.
• Manhattan Beach –  If you’re not sick of the LA beach culture yet, you can make a quick pit stop at Manhattan Beach. Here you can take in yet another pristine beach on this part of the Pacific Coast Highway. It’s a nice place to walk out to the pier to watch the surfers and visit a small aquarium.
• Long Beach –  And finally, you’ll arrive at your last Los Angeles beach town in Long Beach. Known for being the hometown of the band Sublime (please play “Santeria” as you drive into town), Long Beach is a port city that’s home to a few sights. These include spots like the Naples neighborhood, Bluff Park , and the Downtown Waterfront district . And if you’re looking for a unique place to stay on this section of the Pacific Coast Highway, I’d recommend looking into The Queen Mary. The city is also a good jumping off point if you want to do a day trip to Catalina Island.
• Optional Detour from Long Beach : Catalina Island –  Another island that’s easy to visit off the Pacific Coast Highway, Catalina Island takes around an hour to get to from Long Beach. If you have an extra day, do a five-hour day trip to enjoy some snorkeling and explore Avalon and its surrounding sights via golf cart. Read my full guide on how to do the perfect Catalina Island Day Trip . 

Once you get to Long Beach, you’ll be at the end of this leg of your PCH road trip. 

If you want to do a detour off the Pacific Coast Highway to explore the other parts of Los Angeles, anywhere from Santa Monica to Long Beach would be the place to do that. 

A few sights that shouldn’t be missed in Los Angeles include the Hollywood Walk of Fame , Griffith Park , walking up to the Hollywood Sign , Universal Studios , and the Sunset Strip . 

If you’re looking for more ideas, I wrote a whole post on 100+ Things to do in LA . 

Los Angeles to Dana Point

Distance: 1.5 hours of driving (40 miles) 

Recommended Time: 5 hours – 2 days

It’s hard to beat Orange County beaches . With Southern California’s perfect year-round weather and the number of rich people that live in Orange County, the beaches are pristine, well taken care of, and enjoyed by the droves. 

Most beaches have small to medium-sized cities attached to them and these will be your main stops along this stretch of your PCH road trip. 

These are the places I’d recommend for a quick stop along Highway 1 before making your way down to Dana Point. 

And if you have more time in the area, check out my recommendations for the best things to do in Orange County . 

• Huntington Beach – Known as “Surf City USA,” you can probably guess that Huntington Beach is a great place to go surfing or learn how to surf. If that’s not your thing though, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy an hour or two in Huntington Beach. While you’re in town, don’t miss the Huntington Beach Pier , Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum , and Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve . 

• Optional Detour: Disneyland & California Adventure – If there are two bucket list spots that are worth the detour off Highway 1, it’s Disneyland and California Adventure. These are two of California’s most famous amusement parks and, if you’ve never been to a Disney-themed park before, they’re a must-visit. If you want to do both parks, I’d recommend giving yourself two full days, one in each park. Otherwise, if you only have time for one, definitely experience the magic of Disneyland and save California Adventure for another time.
• Balboa Island – Making your way further down the coast, you’ll come across Balboa Island in Newport Beach. While you’re there, stop by the Balboa Island Fun Zone, take in the scenic views, and grab a frozen banana (and pretend you’re in Arrested Development ). You can access this man-made island by bridge or ferry.
• Crystal Cove State Park – One of California’s most beautiful state parks , Crystal Cove State Park is a good place to stretch your legs and go for a hike or enjoy a picnic on the beach. This historic park has one of the largest open spaces of natural coastline in Orange County. Take a pretty coastal stroll along the bluffs, explore the tide pools, or discover the hidden coves around the park. And if you’re looking for a unique stay, you can book a night in one of the 46 vintage cottages that were once part of a seaside colony back in the 1930s and 40s. Just note that you sometimes have to book these a year in advance because they’re so popular.
• Laguna Beach – Next up, I’d recommend making a stop at Laguna Beach if you want to explore unique beaches and a local art scene. Explore the artsy nature of downtown Laguna Beach and make a stop at some of the city’s most beautiful beaches . These include Crescent Bay Beach, Victoria Beach (complete with a random pirate tower), and Table Rock Beach. There are also a ton of really good hiking trails , the most popular is the Top of the World hike.
• Dana Point Headlands – The Dana Point Headlands is another place to feel the wind in your face and surround yourself with Pacific Ocean views. And if you’re visiting in spring, the headlands get even more colorful with beautiful wildflowers. Take your time enjoying the views and celebrating making it to the end of your PCH road trip. 

Example Pacific Coast Road Trip Itineraries

5-day pacific coast highway road trip itinerary.

If you only have five days for your PCH road trip, I’d recommend sticking to the highlights from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Since you don’t have a ton of time, doing this itinerary also means you can easily just fly in and out of San Francisco or Los Angeles. 

• Day 1: San Francisco to Santa Cruz | Stops to include – Golden Gate Bridge, Mori Point and fancy Taco Bell in Pacifica, Main Street in Half Moon Bay & the coastside trail, Pigeon Point Lighthouse, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, walk West Cliff Drive at sunset. Stay the night in Santa Cruz.
• Day 2 & 3: Santa Cruz to Big Sur | Stops to include – Pacific Avenue in Santa Cruz and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 17-Mile Drive, Garrapata State Park, Pfeiffer Beach, Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls, Limekiln Falls. Spend two nights in Big Sur.
• Day 4: Big Sur to Santa Barbara | Stops to include – Point Piedras Elephant Seal Rookery, Hearst Castle, Solvang, Stearns Wharf, Mission Santa Barbara, State Street & McConnell’s Ice Cream. Stay in Santa Barbara for the night.
• Day 5: Santa Barbara to Los Angeles | Stops to include – Short hike in Malibu, Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach Boardwalk and Venice Canals. Spend the night in Los Angeles or head home. 

7-day Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary

If you have a couple of extra days to add to your PCH road trip, I’d recommend starting north of San Francisco in Mendocino and working your way down to Los Angeles.

Alternatively, you can start in San Francisco and add on the Orange County beaches until you get to Dana Point. However, I think starting further north gives you a slightly more diverse look at the California Coast. 

• Day 1 & 2: Mendocino to San Francisco | Stops to include : Mendocino Headlands State Park, Point Arena Lighthouse, Marshall Store, Point Reyes National Seashore, Muir Woods or Marin Headlands, Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park. Stay the first night in the Point Reyes/Tomales Bay area and the second night in San Francisco.
• Day 3: San Francisco to Santa Cruz | Stops to include : Pacifica, Half Moon Bay, Pigeon Point Lighthouse, Shark Fin Cove or Panther Beach, Wilder Ranch State Park, West Cliff Drive, Downtown Santa Cruz. Stay the night in Santa Cruz.
• Day 4 & 5: Santa Cruz to Big Sur | Stops to include : Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Cannery Row, Monterey Bay Aquarium, 17-Mile Drive, Point Lobos, Garrapata State Park, Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls, Pfeiffer Beach. Stay in the Monterey/Carmel area your first night and the Big Sur area your second night.
• Day 6: Big Sur to Santa Barbara | Stops to include : Point Piedras Elephant Seal Rookery, Hearst Castle, Morro Bay, Solvang, Santa Barbara. Stay the night in Santa Barbara.
• Day 7: Santa Barbara to Los Angeles | Stops to include : Morning hike in Malibu, Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach Boardwalk and Venice Canals. Spend the rest of the day exploring Los Angeles or head home. 

10-day Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary

If you have 10 days for your PCH road trip, I’d recommend doing the whole stretch from the Fort Bragg and Mendocino area to Dana Point. You’ll spend a little extra time in the most beautiful areas and the cities that have more things to do. 

• Day 1 & 2: Mendocino to San Francisco | Stops to include : Mendocino Headlands State Park, Point Arena Lighthouse, Bowling Ball Beach Marshall Store, Point Reyes National Seashore, Muir Woods or Marin Headlands, Golden Gate Bridge, the Presidio, Golden Gate Park. Stay the first night in the Point Reyes area and the second night in San Francisco.
• Day 3: San Francisco to Santa Cruz | Stops to include : Mori Point, walk around Main Street in Half Moon Bay, Pigeon Point Lighthouse, Shark Fin Cove or Panther Beach, Wilder Ranch State Park or Natural Bridges Monarch Grove (if it’s the right time of year), West Cliff Drive, Downtown Santa Cruz. Stay the night in Santa Cruz.
• Day 4 & 5: Santa Cruz to Big Sur | Stops to include : Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Cannery Row, Monterey Bay Aquarium, 17-Mile Drive, Point Lobos, Garrapata State Park, Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls, Pfeiffer Beach, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Stay in the Monterey/Carmel area your first night and the Big Sur area your second night.
• Day 6: Big Sur to Morro Bay | Stops to include : Point Piedras Elephant Seal Rookery, Hearst Castle, Morro Bay. Stay the night in Morro Bay.
• Day 7: Morro Bay to Santa Barbara | Stops to include : San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach, Solvang, Santa Barbara. Stay the night in Santa Barbara.
• Day 8 & 9: Santa Barbara to Los Angeles | Stops to include : Malibu, Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach Boardwalk and Venice Canals. Spend the rest of the day exploring Los Angeles.
• Day 10: Los Angeles to Dana Point | Stops to include : Huntington Beach, Balboa Island, Crystal Cove State Park, Dana Point Headlands. Make your way back to Los Angeles to stay the night or head home. 

14-day Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary

If you have 14-days or more to spare for your PCH road trip, you can take your time with what you want to see and even add on a detour or two if you’re feeling up for it. 

• Day 1-3: Mendocino to San Francisco | Stops to include : Glass Beach, Downtown Fort Bragg, spend an afternoon going railbiking through the forest, Russian Gulch State Park, Mendocino Headlands State Park, Point Arena Lighthouse, Bowling Ball Beach, Fort Ross, Marshall Store, Point Reyes National Seashore, Muir Beach Overlook, Muir Woods, Marin Headlands, the Presidio, Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park. Spend the first night in the Mendocino area, the second night in the Point Reyes area, and the third night in San Francisco.
• Day 4-5: San Francisco to Santa Cruz | Stops to include : Pacifica, Half Moon Bay, Pigeon Point Lighthouse, Ano Nuevo State Park (if it’s the right season for spotting seals), Shark Fin Cove or Panther Beach, Wilder Ranch State Park or Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, West Cliff Drive, Downtown Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Capitola Village. Spend two nights in Santa Cruz.
• Day 6-8: Santa Cruz to Big Sur | Stops to include : Go kayaking at Moss Landing, Cannery Row, Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey Bay Aquarium, 17-Mile Drive, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Garrapata State Park, Bixby Creek Bridge, McWay Falls, Pfeiffer Beach, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Limekiln State Park. Spend the first night in the Carmel area and two nights in Big Sur.
• Day 9: Big Sur to Morro Bay | Stops to include : Point Piedras Seal Rookery, Hearst Castle, Morro Bay. If you have time you can explore Montana de Oro State Park. Spend the night in Morro Bay.
• Day 10: Morro Bay to Santa Barbara | Stops to include : San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach, Oceano Sand Dunes, Solvang, Santa Barbara. Spend the night in Santa Barbara.
• Day 11-12: Santa Barbara to Los Angeles | Stops to include : Spend the morning around Santa Barbara or head to Ventura to do a day trip to Channel Islands National Park. Then, continue onto the Malibu beaches, Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach and Venice Canals, and Long Beach. Stay the first night in Ventura or Oxnard and the second night in Venice or Long Beach.
• Day 13-14: Los Angeles to Dana Point | Stops to include : Choose from doing a day trip to Catalina Island or a day at Disneyland. The next day, stop at Huntington Beach, Balboa Island, Crystal Cove State Park, Laguna Beach, and Dana Point. The first night you can stay in Long Beach and the second day you can either stay the night in Laguna Beach or head home. 

Tips for Road Tripping the Pacific Coast Highway

There are a few things to keep in mind when planning a PCH road trip, these are my main tips: 

• Allow yourself extra time in your Pacific Coast Highway itinerary for stops – With how many beautiful turnouts and attractions there are to see along the coast, you’ll want to factor in extra time (more than you expect) for getting from point A to B.
• Pack plenty of snacks and water – Although there are plenty of towns and restaurants along the way, it’s always good to have road trip snacks and plenty of extra water for when you’re feeling peckish but don’t want to make another stop just yet.
• Don’t be afraid to make some short detours – There is SO much to see on a California Coast road trip, don’t be afraid to include a detour here or there if you have time. This is especially the case if you’ve already driven the highway once and you’re looking for some new spots to add to your itinerary. I always recommend planning a baseline of a few must-see stops per day but leaving a chunk of wiggle room for some spontaneous stops and detours as well.
• Be prepared for intermittent cell service – This is less the case the further south you go, but especially up north and through Big Sur, cell service is hit or miss. Make sure you have your maps downloaded ahead of time and your playlists ready for offline use so you don’t miss a beat.
• Check road conditions and weather ahead of time – Some parts of Highway 1 (I’m looking at you Big Sur) are prone to landslides after rain. Make sure to double-check there haven’t been any recent landslides along the stretch of the coast you’re driving, especially in the winter and spring. Another concern in California, even on the coast, is wildfires. There are plenty of forests along the coast that have had devastating wildfires in years past. Unfortunately, fire season has become almost a year-round thing in California, but especially if you’re traveling in the summer and fall, check the weather and air quality ahead of time.

What to Pack for the Pacific Coast Highway

These are some of the key essentials you should always bring for a Pacific Coast Highway road trip.

• Driver’s license/registration
• Spotify/iTunes playlists
• Road trip snacks & extra water
• Sunscreen & sunglasses
• Aloe vera if you sunburn easily
• Sandals or flip flops
• Good walking shoes  
• Bathing suit
• Various tops , shorts , jeans/pants , dresses , underwear , socks , PJs (and at least one super comfy outfit for longer driving days) 
• Light sweater
• Windbreaker or puffy jacket
• Beanie for those brisk mornings near the coast 
• Hat that’s good for hiking and the beach 
• Daypack for hiking
• Hiking shoes  & clothes
• First aid kit
• Reusable water bottle
• Beach towel / sarong
• Usual toiletries ( lip balm , hairbrush , hair ties , toothbrush , toothpaste , floss , deodorant , makeup , pads / tampons )
• Downloaded maps/paper maps
• Camera / phone
• Portable charger / USB cord
• Books or Kindle
• Camping gear (if you plan to camp)
• Travel insurance

Frequently Asked Questions for a Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

Where does the pacific coast highway start and end.

Generally, when people are talking about the Pacific Coast Highway, they’re talking about Highway 1, which runs from Leggett, California (just north of Mendocino) to Dana Point in Orange County. 

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

If you make absolutely no stops and don’t hit much traffic, the Pacific Coast Highway from Leggett to Dana Point takes around 15-20 hours to drive. 

How many days do you need for a Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip?

At the very least, I’d recommend giving yourself 5 days to do the highlights or up to two weeks if you want to fit more in. 

What is the best direction to drive the Pacific Coast Highway?

Although it might be more convenient to fly into Los Angeles and do a PCH road trip from south to north, I actually prefer driving the Pacific Coast Highway from north to south. 

The reason for this is because we drive on the right side of the road in the US and driving north to south means you’ll be closer to the water and the best views the whole drive. 

What is the speed limit on Pacific Coast Highway?

The speed limit on the Pacific Coast Highway varies because Highway 1 intersects on and off with other highways, like Highway 101. In general, you can expect the speed limit to be between 50-65 MPH. 

Is the PCH the same as Highway 1? What about Highway 101?

There are a lot of names for the Pacific Coast Highway so it can get confusing. The PCH is synonymous with Highway 1, but it’s a completely different highway from Highway 101, which travels up the length of the West Coast.  

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

My favorite time to drive the Pacific Coast Highway is in spring (around April or May) when it’s the peak season for wildflowers and flower fields and the weather is usually clear and sunny.

This is also a good time of the year for whale watching and viewing elephant seals in their natural habitat. And, in general, things are slightly less busy in the spring compared to summer. 

With that said, California has a very temperate climate so any time of the year can be good for driving the Pacific Coast Highway. 

If I had to choose, the only months I’d recommend avoiding are February, March, and June. February and March are usually the rainiest months on the California Coast (although we still don’t get a ton of rain). 

And we often get “June Gloom,” which means dealing with a lot of overcast mornings and afternoons in June. 

If you decide to make this trip in the fall, be sure to check out our guide to where you can see fall colors in California .

What is the prettiest part of the Pacific Coast Highway?

There are plenty of stunning stretches along the Pacific Coast Highway, but the prettiest part is the drive from Monterey to Santa Barbara. And, more specifically, the Big Sur coastline. 

It’s hard to beat golden cliffs, aquamarine water, and art deco bridges (like Bixby Bridge). 

What should you not miss on the Pacific Coast Highway?

There’s a lot to see on a PCH road trip, but a few sights that you definitely shouldn’t miss are the following:

• Point Reyes National Seashore
• Golden Gate Bridge 
• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk & West Cliff Drive 
• Bixby Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach, and the Big Sur coastline in general 
• Point Lobos
• Hearst Castle 
• Santa Monica & Venice Beach 
• Crystal Cove State Park 
• Laguna Beach 

What kind of car should you drive on the PCH?

A convertible is a classic option if that’s available because there’s nothing better than feeling the air on your face when you’re driving down the coast. 

But really, any car that’s good at hugging the curves of the road and smooth to drive is a good bet. 

It’s also a good idea to go for smaller cars as opposed to large trucks, SUVs, or RVs since Highway 1 can get narrow along some stretches. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mimi McFadden Founder & Editor-In-Chief

Mimi McFadden initially started The Atlas Heart in 2013 to write about her adventures abroad. But since 2019, The Atlas Heart has become a love letter to the Golden State. Mimi enjoys sharing her first-hand knowledge and expertise with the places she knows so well and making the most comprehensive travel guides possible. When she’s not hiking and exploring new places in California, she loves to travel abroad, read in her cozy chaise lounge, play basketball, and connect with friends and family over board games. Over her 28 years in California, she has lived in Santa Cruz (18 years), San Diego (5 years), and the San Francisco Bay Area (5 years), where she currently resides.

Looking for more California travel inspiration? Check out these related posts below! 

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Hi, I'm Mimi! I'm an outdoorsy Californian who has spent over 28 years immersed in the incredible natural beauty that California has to offer. My goal is to inspire others to get out and find their next adventure in California. Whether it’s escaping to an alpine lake in the Sierras, finding peace among the giant redwoods, or road tripping down the PCH, there’s always more to explore in this beautiful state.

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The Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway 

An awesome viewpoint of seattle skyline from the western shore., views from a drive through olympic national  park, a hiking trail featuring a suspension bridge and the perfect river to swim in., portland    has eco vibes, lots of parkland and many cycling routes, drive along the scenic highway 101 and you'll spot a number of beaches, book a stay at the elk meadow cabins, plenty of interesting things to see enroute, like the drive-thru tree and confusion hill, a slight detour and you'll find the impressive yosemite glacier point, swipe up  for more on the ultimate  pacific coast highway 101 road trip.

The Perfect 5-Day Road Trip on Oregon Coast Highway 101

By Author Tara Schatz

Posted on Published: April 18, 2024

Categories Destinations , Pacific Northwest United States , United States

The Pacific Coast in Oregon is known for its wild shoreline, gravity-defying cliffs, and quirky coastal towns.

A meandering road trip on Highway 101 is the best way to discover its charms. In fact, five days on the Oregon Coast Highway may convince you that it’s one of the most beautiful road trips in the entire world.

I’m an East Coast girl at heart, but I’ve never been in love with East Coast beaches—all that sun and sand and all those people trying to inch onto your blanket space. I may have enjoyed it when I was in high school, but those days are long gone.

Fortunately, we had a chance to take a magical Oregon Coast road trip not too long ago, and that changed everything.

The hardest part about this enchanting road trip is deciding where to stop because every mile or so, there’s an awesome beach, hiking trail, or vista to get lost in.

Fortunately, we’ve explored quite a bit of this beautiful coast, and we’ve rounded up the best spots for you to explore.

We’ve taken our undying love for the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway and turned it into a five-day road trip itinerary so you can submit to the charms of the Oregon Coast.

Discover sea caves, tide pools, lighthouses, and deserted beaches on your journey.

This is the perfect road trip for outdoor lovers, as there are ample spots to stop along the route for hiking and camping. Kids and dogs will love it, too!

We recommend flying into Portland International Airport (PDX), renting a car, and driving down the coast from north to south.

While we almost always choose to camp when we’re road-tripping, we’ll include a few lodging choices along the way for those who don’t want to rough it.

Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Day 1: Astoria

Today, you’ll be driving from the airport north through the Columbia River Valley and into the coastal town of Astoria, Oregon.

Driving time: about two hours

The case could be made for taking your time and exploring the region between Portland and Astoria, but as this is a coastal road trip, we’re going to recommend hopping right on the Interstate and following the sea breezes northwest into the beautiful port city of Astoria, Oregon.

If you have more days built into your schedule, by all means, explore the Portland area at either end of your trip. It’s delightfully weird, with great restaurants, quirky side streets, and lots of art, music, and culture.

Three rivers converge with the Pacific Ocean in Astoria, which is the oldest settlement west of the Rocky Mountains.

This is where Lewis and Clark ended their famous westward expedition more than 200 years ago, where hundreds of Victorian homes were built on the hillside and then lovingly restored, and where craft breweries grow like flowers for all to enjoy.

Here are a few gems in Astoria to help you kick off your Oregon Coast road trip.

Lewis and Clark National Historic Park

What do you know about Lewis and Clark’s perilous trek across the West from 1804 to 1806?

The Lewis and Clark National Historical Park in Oregon celebrates the end of Lewis and Clark’s tumultuous journey across the fledgling country. How exciting it must have been for them to catch their first glimpse of the Pacific Ocean after two years of roughing it in the Wild West.

Learn more about Lewis and Clark at Fort Clatsop , a replica of the winter encampment built by the Corps of Discovery in 1805. If you visit in the summer, costumed rangers will answer your questions and teach you historical games and crafts from the 1800s.

Tips for Visiting the Lewis and Clark National Historic Park: The park is open every day except Christmas Day, but you’ll only find costumed reenactors during the summer months. The entrance fee is $10 for adults. Children under 15 are admitted free.

Visit Oregon Film Museum: Goonies Fans Take Note

Much of the 1980s cult classic The Goonies was filmed in Astoria. Buildings and locations featured in the film still exist and are visited by fans from across the globe.

I will admit to watching The Goonies dozens of times as a kid, and I immediately recognized some of the film locations during our visit.

Most notable is the jail cell from the first scene of the movie, which you can visit at the Oregon Film Museum, housed in the old Clatsop County Jail. Be sure and get your own souvenir mugshot so you never forget your visit!

Check out The Astoria Column on Coxcomb Hill

For amazing views of Astoria and beyond, head up to Coxcomb Hill and the 126-foot-tall Astoria Column that pays tribute to the first settlers in the region. The column was built in 1926 by the Great Northern Railway and features a mural detailing the area’s settlement up until the arrival of the railroad.

The Astoria Column is open daily from dawn until dusk. Parking is $5 per vehicle, but climbing the 164 steps to the top is free.

Take a Brewery Tour in Downtown Astoria

Beer lovers take note — Astoria, Oregon, has more than its fair share of craft breweries, so make time to indulge while you’re here. Here are some of the fantastic Astoria Breweries that you won’t want to miss before heading south.

• Buoy Beer Company: A waterfront restaurant and taproom with indoor and outdoor seating. Numerous beers on tap and a limited food menu.
• Fort George Brewery & Public House: More than a dozen beers, live music, and wood-fired pizza in a spacious building with indoor and outdoor seating.
• Reach Break Brewing: A continuously evolving tap list (the Reach Break IPA is a local favorite) and local food carts make for a satisfying experience.
• Astoria Brewing Company: Astoria’s first commercial brewing company, serving a nice variety of beers and a casual menu.

Where to Stay in Astoria, Oregon

There are lots of lodging choices in Astoria. Choose from a posh hotel, a Victorian B & B, or your own tent. Here’s what we’d recommend.

• Camping: Fort Stevens State Park is just north of Fort Clatsop, right off of Oregon Coast Highway 101. It’s a massive park with 170 campsites, yurts, cabins, bike rentals, and freshwater swimming. A highlight was visiting the wreckage of the Peter Iredale, a steel ship that went down off the coast in 1906. If I could go back and do this trip again, I would spend two or three nights in the park. There’s so much to explore.
• Downtown hotel: Norbland Hotel is within walking distance of Astoria’s best restaurants, breweries, and attractions and is housed in a beautiful historic building. The hotel is independently owned and pet-friendly.
• Victorian B & B: Clementine’s Bed & Breakfast is an 1888 restored Italianate home that is now a well-appointed European-style bed and breakfast within walking distance of the downtown area. It is family and pet-friendly and has beautiful rooms and common areas.

Day 2: Astoria to Manzanita

Time to head south! Today you’ll discover beautiful beaches, view a lonely lighthouse, and take your first coastal hike.

Feed the Seals at Seaside Aquarium

Founded in 1937, Seaside Aquarium is one of the oldest aquariums on the West Coast. This small aquarium is home to a family of famous harbor seals, as well as a touch tank with native sea critters and several underwater tanks. beachfront aquarium and

Grab breakfast at Osprey Cafe before heading to the shore. At Seaside Aquarium you can feed the seals and learn about the animals that call the Pacific Ocean home.

Before hopping back in the car, we recommend a stop at Funland Arcade in Seaside, where you can play Fascination Ball against everyone in the room for just a quarter. This cool parlor game is addictive and will remind you what it was like to be a kid in an arcade!

Take a Hike at Ecola State Park

Now for a little exercise! The nine miles of coastline between Seaside and Cannon Beach is part of Ecola State Park, where there are trails suitable for every type of hiker, tidepools to explore, and incredible views in every direction.

Explore Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach is a popular spot for tourists who come to view the impressive Haystack Rock and other sea stacks along this stretch of the Pacific Coast. Not only is Haystack Rock the very spot where One-Eyed Willie set sail in the Goonies , it’s also a haven for tufted puffins, so bring your binoculars.

After meandering along the shore at Cannon Beach, head into town to browse the galleries and enjoy a relaxing lunch.

We recommend Public Coast Brewing, and not just because we fancy ourselves beer connoisseurs. The root beer floats here actually rival the best beers, but use your judgment. The fish tacos and the onion rings will make you smile, too.

Devil’s Cauldron

After those amazing root beer floats, you’re going to need a little walk.

Take the half-mile hike to Devil’s Cauldron and treat yourself to gorgeous views, as well as the thundering sound of the crashing waves pounding against the cliffs more than 800 feet below. Yes, the devil has been at it again!

The parking area for Devil’s Cauldron is just south of the turn-off for Short Sands Beach, so be on the lookout.

Manzanita, Oregon

Your last stop for day two of your Oregon Coast road trip is the small but vibrant community of Manzanita. This small beach town is such a gem. There are numerous galleries, boutique shops, and restaurants to check out, and hidden gardens all over town.

If you happen to be visiting Manzanita on a Friday evening between June and September, be sure to visit the Manzanita Farmers Market, where you can chat with the locals, listen to live music, and indulge in all kinds of farm-fresh goodies.

For dinner, we recommend Big Wave Cafe for the freshest seafood around.

Where to Stay in Manzanita

There are few hotels in Manzanita, but plenty of adorable vacation rentals. If you have extra time, this would be a good spot to book a few nights so you can explore more of the area.

• Lil’ Love Shack Cottage : This adorable cottage is perfect for a couple or a small family. It features a bright and cheerful interior, a cozy deck with an outdoor dining area, and it’s just a block from the beach!
• The Yellow Abode: A downtown cottage that sleeps seven comfortably, the Yellow Abode is pet-friendly with beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces.

Day 3: Manzanita to Cape Lookout

Another day of coastal explorations, cheese tasting, and beautiful scenery. We could get used to this!

Rockaway Big Tree Boardwalk

Start the morning off with an easy walk into a beautiful old-growth cedar grove. The Rockaway Big Tree Boardwalk circles around the namesake tree, and yes, it’s big! The trail totals 1.2 miles and is a boardwalk the whole way. Give yourself at least an hour to explore this primordial forest.

Tillamook Creamery

Is that your belly I hear growling? It must be time for a self-guided tour of Tillamook Creamery. Learn about what it takes to make the West Coast’s most famous cheese and ice cream.

At Tillamook Creamery, not only will you learn about the 100-year-old tradition of crafting delicious dairy products, but you’ll get to do a lot of tasting. When you’re finished with your tour, be sure to pop into the shop for some ice cream!

Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint

From Tillamook Creamery, you’ll be hopping off 101 to drive around Tillamook Bay and check out Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint . This popular spot is known for Oregon’s shortest lighthouse, coastal views, and the beautiful forest of Sitka spruce.

If you happen to visit during the spring or fall whale migration, bring your binoculars so you can peer out to sea and scope the waters for grey whales.

A .25-mile spur trail will bring you to the largest Sitka spruce tree in Oregon, and you can tour the Cape Meares Lighthouse to get a close-up view of the Fresnal lens (closed in 2022 due to the pandemic).

Cape Lookout State Park

If you are camping on your road trip down the Oregon Coast Highway, we recommend spending the night at Cape Lookout State Park. If you prefer more luxurious amenities, choose from the yurts or deluxe cabins available in the park.

Cape Lookout State Park is located on a sand spit between Netarts Bay and the ocean. This is a fabulous destination for coastal views, beachcombing, and hiking. We loved the five-mile Cape Trail that follows the ridge of the peninsula with sweeping views of the ocean with more opportunities to see whales.

This makes a great sunset hike — just bring a headlamp with you for the return journey back to your tent, cabin, or yurt.

Day 4: Cape Lookout to Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

Today the landscapes make a notable shift from sandy beaches to rocky cliffs until you get to the dunes, that is.

Driving time: approximately 3.5 hours

Road’s End State Recreation Site

Located near Lincoln City, it’s time to explore the hidden cove and headlands of Road’s End State Park. Before heading to the beach, pick up breakfast in Pacific City. We love the Grateful Bread Bakery for indulgent pastries and great coffee.

Continue south to the beach at Road’s End State Park . This lovely secluded beach is located between Logan Creek and Roads End Point at the north end of Lincoln City is great for a meandering morning walk. Coastal views are a given, but you can also explore the tide pools and find a secret beach if you visit during low tide.

Devil’s Punchbowl

The devil seems to have its hands in all kinds of natural features on the Oregon Coast.

Devil’s Punchbowl is a cool natural attraction where, during low tide, you can hop right underground and explore. During high tide, the waves come crashing in, so be sure you’re always aware of your surroundings!

This small park is also a great spot to explore tide pools and watch for whales.

Yaquina Head Lighthouse

The tallest lighthouse in Oregon is surrounded by protected public land where you can hike several beautiful trails, go tidepooling, on the beach, and learn about local wildlife.

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The area extends out from the Oregon coast, one mile into the Pacific Ocean. Standing 93 feet tall at the westernmost point of the basalt headland, the Yaquina Head Lighthouse was first lit on August 20, 1873.

From the lighthouse parking area, hike up to Salal Hill with your binoculars and look out to the ocean for shorebirds, whales, and seals. Next, head down to Cobble Beach to look for critters in the tide pools. If the wind isn’t too strong, this is a great spot for a picnic.

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

Welcome to one of the largest expanses of temperate coastal sand dunes in the world. Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area encompasses a 31,500-acre portion of the Siuslaw National Forest.

These massive and sprawling dunes are home to an ever-changing landscape over miles of mountains of sand as far as you can see. Designated trails are non-existent, and the wind will quickly sweep away your footprints making it tricky to know exactly where you are.

We saw plenty of off-road vehicles during our stay, as well as kids and adults sandboarding on the dunes. We were content just playing in the sand, but you can rent sandboards and take lessons in nearby Florence.

There are several great campgrounds in Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Many are busy with OHV traffic. If you want a quiet camping experience, reserve a spot at Eel Creek Campground, which maintains a trail to the beach.

If you don’t want to pitch a tent, check into the Landmark Inn , which is located in Florence, within walking distance of Old Town and eight minutes from the dunes.

Day 5: Florence to Brookings

As you drive farther south, the climate becomes warmer, but the views are still incredible. This is the last day of your road trip on the Oregon Coast Highway.

Driving time: about 3.5 hours

Coos Bay is the largest city on the Oregon Coast with just under 17,000 residents.

This is a peaceful, protected bay with lots of amenities, perfect if you need to do laundry, buy groceries, or get your oil changed (road trip necessities).

Here are some things to do in Coos Bay:

• Shore Acres State Park : Perched on craggy sandstone cliffs high above the ocean, Shore Acres State Park features a Japanese-style garden with a lily pond, and two carefully curated rose gardens that include All-American Rose Selections. From the garden, a trail leads to a secluded ocean cove at Simpson Beach.
• Cape Arago Lighthouse Viewpoint: Built in 1907, Cape Arago Lighthouse can be viewed from a pullout near Sunset Bay State Park.
• 7 Devil’s Brewery: There’s that devil again! 7 Devil’s features northwest-style ales in two locations. The menu features typical pub fare and, of course, seafood entrees.

Cape Blanco State Park and Lighthouse

Cape Blanco State Park is located on the Pacific Ocean near Port Orford. Explore eight miles of hiking trails, a 19th century lighthouse, and beautiful views.

The hike out to the Cape Blanco Lighthouse is less than a half-mile. Cape Blanco Heritage Society opens the lighthouse for tours from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Wednesday through Monday starting on April 1 and running through October.

From the lighthouse, take the beach trail another mile down to the ocean.

Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor

You’ve already experienced some of the best Pacific Coast views, but as you head south toward Brookings, you will be treated to 12 miles of exquisite beauty as the road hugs the coast. The Samual H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor has lots of cool natural features, hiking trails, and views, so spend some time exploring if you can.

There are numerous trailheads along the route, but you can also simply drive, stop at pull-offs and take in the views. Here are a few we’d recommend.

• Arch Rock : An overlook where you can view a series of offshore sea stacks and islands.
• Natural Bridge : A short trail leads to views of the seven iconic arch rocks and blowholes known as Natural Bridges.
• Whaleshead Beach Picnic Area : Yes, it’s a great spot for a picnic. The trail to the beach is level and the views are lovely.
• House Rock Viewpoint : The 4-mile trail between Cape Ferrelo and House Rock offers many side trails to secluded beaches and views.
• Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint : A mile-long hike leads to far-reaching views of the coastline and opportunities to see whales in spring and fall. Watch the sunset here before heading into Brookings for your last night.

Where to Stay near Brookings, Oregon

For simple lodging near the beach, check into Westward Inn in Brookings. The rooms are not fancy, but they are clean and comfortable.

From Brookings, we recommend driving to Grant Pass and picking up Interstate 5 north to Portland to catch a flight back home.

Oregon Coast Highway FAQs

Do you have a burning question about driving the Oregon Coast Highway? Drop us a comment! Here are the questions we are asked the most.

When should I take an Oregon Coast Highway Road Trip?

A summer road trip on the Oregon Coast Highway is classic and not to be missed. There are numerous options for camping and hiking, but don’t be fooled into thinking you can sunbathe on the beach or swim in the ocean off the Oregon Coast. The water never gets warmer than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

While summer is the most pleasant time to embark on this journey, it’s also the most popular. If you want a less crowded experience, opt for mid-September, when the kids are back in school. Campgrounds will still be open, the weather will be cooler, and you won’t have to deal with as much traffic.

Should I drive the Oregon Coast Highway from south to north or north to south?

We recommend flying into Portland International Airport (PDX), renting a car, and then driving approximately two hours north to the coastal city of Astoria before heading south down the Oregon Coast Highway. The trip down the coast is about 340 miles, which we’re doing in five days.

You can certainly tack on days for a more leisurely road trip, but give yourself at least a full day to drive from the Oregon-California border back to PDX, which is about six hours.

Besides the obvious, what should I pack for my Oregon Coast road trip?

Even in the summer, it will be chillier than you think. Pack your merino wool base layers, a good raincoat, and sturdy footwear. A lightweight pair of binoculars are fabulous for whale watching!

Can I swim in the Pacific Ocean in Oregon?

What are you crazy? It’s too darn cold for swimming and rip currents make it dangerous. But, if you have a death wish and a wet suit, be my guest…

Are there guidebooks or maps that you recommend?

I’m so glad you asked! If you love to hike, this day-hiking guide has lots of trail ideas so that you can extend your trip. There’s a paperback and Kindle version available. We also found the Moon Guide to Coastal Oregon useful when planning our own trip.

The Pacific Northwest is definitely one of our favorite places in the world. Here are a few more PNW spots that we love:

• North Cascades National Park
• The Quinault Rainforest
• Sol Duc Valley in Olympic National Park
• Port Townsend, Washington

And if you’re visiting Oregon with kids, Portland is a fabulous destination. Check out Things to Do in Portland, Oregon with Kids by our friends, Photo Jeepers.

Have you ever taken an Oregon Coast road trip? What are your favorite spots? We’d love for you to share them with our readers!

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Tara is a freelance writer and travel blogger with a passion for outdoor adventures. She is the co-author of AMC’s Best Day Hikes in Vermont and currently blogs at Back Road Ramblers and Vermont Explored , where she shares travel tips, adventure destinations, and vacation ideas for the wanderer in everyone.

Greg McCauley

Tuesday 24th of January 2023

Thank you for the article. Lots of good info here. I do have a question though. I am planning on doing this trip this year, but I am struggling on figuring out the best route to take. I see you suggest flying into Portland, but I was curious on what your suggestion would be on flying back out. Right now I think it may be best to drive back to Portland to fly out.

Tara Schatz

Hi Greg, When we did this trip we took the coastal route as far south as Crescent City (we stayed at Jedediah Smith State Park) on our final night, which isn't in our Oregon itinerary. We spent about a week doing the coastal route and then took a full day to drive back to Portland on Interstate 5. I belive it's a little over 300 miles.

Are you ready for a Road Trip? Explore these eleven incredible cross-country road trip routes across the U.S.!

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Appalachian Trail

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The Great Northern

The Oregon Trail

The Loneliest Road

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Home / Pacific Coast / Oregon

Oregon Coast Road Trip

Rarely losing sight of the Pacific Ocean during its 340-mi (545-km) jaunt along the Oregon coast, US-101 winds past rockbound coast, ancient forests, and innumerable towns and villages. While the region also has its share of strip towns and places where the timber boom went bust, the beach loops, historic restorations, and more state parks per mile than any place in the country soften its few hard edges. Every 20 mi (32 km) or so, you’ll pass through attractive, if moderately touristy, towns populated by at most a few thousand people. As a general rule, it’s the mileage between these hamlets that explains why most people visit: to take in one of the most dramatic meetings of rock and tide in the world.

Starting in the north along the Columbia River at historic Astoria, one of the oldest settlements in the western United States, the route winds along the ocean past the different beachfront hamlets of Seaside and Cannon Beach before edging slightly inland through the rich dairy lands of Tillamook County. Midway along, the popular vacation spots of Lincoln City, Newport, and Florence form the most developed corridor along the coast, but it’s still easy to reach unpeopled stretches, especially at the remarkable Oregon Dunes stretching to the south. The dunes end abruptly at the heavily industrial port of Coos Bay, beyond which the natural beauty returns with a string of state parks and the diverse coastal towns of Bandon, Port Orford, Gold Beach, and Brookings.

Recommended Beaches on the Oregon Coast

• Cannon Beach is where you’ll find the ever-popular, photogenic Haystack Rock.
• Oswald West State Park to the south of Cannon Beach is home to driftwood-laden and surfer-friendly Short Sands Beach
• Three Capes Scenic Loop provides access to spectacular beaches, including the one at Cape Kiwanda.

Top Sights on the Oregon Coast

• Fort Clatsop National Memorial is the centerpiece of the sprawling multistate Lewis and Clark National Historical Park.
• Ecola State Park to the north of Cannon Beach offers scenic hiking along the Oregon Crest Trail and a pullover for one of the most photographed views on the coast.
• Three Capes Scenic Route a forty-mile loop to the coast that in winter and spring is a prime place to view passing gray whales
• Dune Country are 50 miles of oceanfront dunes that include the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
• Gold Beach is the spot to fish during salmon season or take a jet-boat tour up the Rogue River

Oregon Coast Road Trip Travel Map

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Take In The Beautiful Pacific Northwest Coastline On This Road Trip Route

When it comes to scenic road trip routes, the U.S. is overflowing with possibilities, and one of the most beautiful routes you'll encounter is the one along U.S. Highway 101. Also known as U.S. Route 101 or just U.S. 101, this highway stretches from the city of Tumwater, Washington, all the way down to Los Angeles, California. It crosses San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge and covers over 1,500 miles across three states. That includes Oregon and its entire coastline, which is all owned by the state. This means the beaches are open to the public, and you can take in some incredible views of the Pacific Ocean along the way.

Tumwater neighbors Olympia, the capital of Washington state, and it's only about an hour's drive south of Seattle. If you want to keep from putting too much mileage on your car, flying into Seattle and picking up a rental car there might be a good place to start. You can visit the Space Needle, plus the benefit of driving north to south is that it will put you in the outer lane. Since 101 is mostly a two-lane highway, you'll have a better view on that side, without as many cars crossing between you and the Pacific Coast.

When you get down to California, Highway 101 becomes the famous Pacific Coast Highway. While they may be slightly less well-known, however, the parts of 101 that wind through the Pacific Northwest still offer an abundance of sights worth checking out.

From Washington to Oregon

Highway 101 begins by looping around the Olympic National Forest on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington. This is where Cape Flava, the westernmost point in the contiguous U.S., is located. It's also part of Olympic National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the country's longest stretch of wilderness coastline this side of Alaska. The park also contains several landmarks in the National Register of Historic Places, including the Enchanted Valley Chalet. The visitor center is in Port Angeles, which the highway passes through en route to Lake Crescent.

If you have time, you can detour south 17 miles from Port Angeles to catch a sweeping view of mountain glaciers at Hurricane Ridge. Back on the highway, "Twilight" fans will likely want to stop in the rainy little lumber town of Forks. Here, you can follow the "Twilight" map to see locations, costumes, and props featured in the popular vampire movie series. Other places of interest along 101 in Washington include the mossy Quinault Rain Forest and Aberdeen, the birthplace of grunge music, where you can tour sites associated with Nirvana's late frontman Kurt Cobain.

Chinook Point is the notable campsite where early American explorers on the Lewis and Clark expedition first saw the Pacific Ocean in 1805. Not far from there is the Astoria-Megler Bridge, the longest continuous truss bridge in North America. It will carry you across the river to Oregon and the town of Astoria, another Pacific Northwest location made famous by Hollywood.

From Oregon to Northern California

Astoria served as the setting for "The Goonies," and it was later a shooting location for films like "Kindergarten Cop" and "Free Willy," which The Oregon Film Museum spotlights. First founded as a fort in 1811, Astoria is also historically significant as Oregon's oldest city, as well as the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. And just outside the city is Lewis and Clark National Historical Park.

From Astoria, you can continue along Highway 101 to Cannon Beach, which is arguably  the best budget-friendly beach in the Pacific Northwest . Another possible detour, just 90 minutes or so from there, is Portland, Oregon, where you can get drinks at a theater pub or visit Powell's City of Books. With about a million books on its shelves, Powell's takes up a whole city block and markets itself as the world's largest new and used bookstore.

Once you rejoin the highway, you'll be able to enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean as it runs south from Newport along the Siuslaw National Forest. In Florence, the drive begins to incorporate oceanfront sand dunes, where the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area provides one of the world's biggest temperate expanses. The stretch of coastal highway between Port Orford and Brookings is known for its sea cliffs. And, as you cross over into California, you can see the Battery Point Lighthouse in Crescent City, driving down through Redwood National Park and other parts of the Golden State.

11 most scenic Pacific Northwest road trips

Posted: November 24, 2023 | Last updated: November 24, 2023

My home region is one of the most beautiful in the country. Home to looming mountains begging to be explored to rugged coastlines, expansive deserts, and quirky cities, the best way to see it is to take one of the following road trips.

Olympic Peninsula, Washington

One of my favorite parts of the world is right in my home state, with Highway 101 circling the peninsula for 300 miles. Start by taking the ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island, where you can go wine tasting, browse the cute town, and enjoy views across the sound. Continue on the 104 to adorable Port Townsend before spending a few days camping, surfing, hiking, or skiing in the winter at Olympic National Park. Highlights in the park include Hurricane Ridge, Forks, the coast, and the Hoh Rainforest. Plan between six and nine days for this route.

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Columbia River Gorge Route, Oregon

Start in Portland, head out through the beautiful Columbia River Gorge, and stop at numerous waterfalls, including the famous Multnomah. Enjoy hikes with amazing views of the river and surrounding forest. Then continue to the Hood River Region for mountains, and don’t forget to stop at the Cascade Locks Marine Park for lunch one day. Expect this route to take anywhere from three to five days.

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Northern Oregon Coast

Drive to Astoria from either Portland or Seattle, then head south on the 101 with stops in Seaside, Cannon Beach, and Tillamook (make sure to tour and taste the dairy factory). Continue onto Pacific City and Lincoln City before ending in Newport. This can be a quick long weekend trip or a weeklong adventure, depending on how much time you want to spend at the beach.

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Southern Oregon Coast and NorCal

This route picks up just south of the northern option in Newport. Spend some time at the beach before heading to the Siuslaw National Forest to hike. Then drive to Florence to enjoy the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. The mix of desert, ocean, and forest that follows as you head south goes through adorable Coos Bay before hitting the California border. Then explore the rugged coast of northern California, and give yourself at least a week to complete.

Salmon Bay Byway, Idaho

Idaho isn’t always considered the Pacific Northwest, but this trip is so beautiful it needed to be included. Start in the Gem State’s capital, Boise, a small college town home to numerous bars and restaurants. Then, hop on the Salmon River Scenic Byway and explore multiple hot springs, rivers, and ghost towns. Notable stops include the Sawtooth Mountains, Sun Valley, and Ketchum. Allow for at least a week to complete.  

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Inland Southern Oregon

Start in the adorable college town of Eugene, explore the University of Oregon campus, and hike in the nearby Willamette National Forest. If you’re into wines, definitely explore Willamette Valley. Head down I-5 before heading east to Umpqua National Forest, then onto Klamath Falls. Head north to Crater Lake, Sun River, and Bend for hiking, skiing, and biking. Give yourself at least a week or 10 days to complete.

Seattle to Vancouver

Start in the Emerald City, where you can hit up Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and the waterfront before jumping in the car and heading north. Stop in Mukilteo and take the ferry to Whidbey Island, then drive along the entire island before heading back to the mainland via Deception Pass. Continue north on the 20 to Anacortes, where you can catch a ferry to the San Juan Islands for an addition. Then, head back to the mainland, stopping in La Connor and Bellingham before hitting the border and ending in Vancouver, BC. Allow for a week or more, depending on how many stops you plan on.

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Cascade Loop, WA

This loop also starts in Seattle, but instead of taking a ferry to start, continue straight up I-5 to Deception Pass State Park and La Connor. Hike, camp, or just enjoy the scenery. Then head east to the North Cascades National Park — one of the lesser-known parks in the nation. Head south across the pass to Leavenworth, the perfect German village lookalike, then continue onto Wenatchee, Lake Chelan, and Stevens Pass. The time needed: at least six days.

Willamette Scenic Highway

Another option to the itinerary above starting in Eugene is to skip nature and head right into wine country via the Willamette Scenic Highway. An easy day trip, or you can stay a few nights and visit every winery.

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North Cascades and the Okanogan

From Seattle, head directly to the North Cascades (only open from April/May through October) to hike and camp. Then, continue east to the historic western towns, Winthrop and Twisp, and into the Okanogan Valley. Then head north across the border to eastern BC and enjoy the wineries, Lake Country, and Kelowna. Allow for five to seven days.

East Northern Oregon and Southern Washington

Start in Portland and explore the Mt. Hood National Forest before heading east to the Hood River and the Umatilla National Forest. Then cross the border into Washington and Walla Walla to enjoy the best of western wines. Continue onto Yakima and the Tri-Cities, where fruit picking is a fun summer activity, before ending in adorable Ellensburg. Allow for five days.

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