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Complete Guide for Planning Your 2023 California RV Trip Across the Pacific Coast Highway

So, you want to plan a California RV trip. In this post and video, I’m sharing a 15-day road trip itinerary my family and I took along the famous Pacific Coast Highway. I’ve included where we stayed, what we did, and where we ate while offering tips and advice to ensure you and your family have an unforgettable experience. I’m also sharing what things cost, our top RV resources, such as how to find FREE overnight parking , plus our favorite RV apps to help guide you along your trip.

NOTE: I recommend booking most of these RV Parks and campgrounds in advance. This will help guarantee you a spot . If you wait until the last minute, there’s a good chance most of the places listed below will be full.

If you’re new here, my husband Siya, our 4-year-old daughter, our pup, and I have spent the last 5 years traveling throughout North America in our Airstream home . But, for this trip, we rented an RV from Cruise America. The cost for 15 days was $3160 USD for a standard 5-person motorhome, which allowed us to pick up the RV in San Diego, California and drop it off in Portland, Oregon. The price also included kitchen kits, bedding (which, unless you’re bringing your own, you will need), along with liability insurance. 

If you’d prefer to watch a video of my Complete Guide for Planning Your 2023 California RV Trip Across the Pacific Coast Highway , click the video below. If you’re a reader…keep reading!

The Pacific Coast Highway Route

First, let’s go over the route. It looks a little something like this…

San Diego –> Los Angeles –> Santa Barbara –> Paso Robles –> San Francisco –> Redwoods –> Coos Bay, Oregon

Total driving time = 18 hours and 18 minutes.

Depending on which direction you’re coming from, you can start your California RV trip from either San Diego or Portland, Oregon. The trip works either way. We did this route in February, which was a beautiful time of year for a California RV trip.

Not only are these destinations breathtaking, but the road to get to them will be one of, if not the most, beautiful drives you’ll take in your life. You can see photos and watch videos of people driving along the Pacific Coast Highway. But, it’s not until you experience it for yourself that you realize how incredible the views really are.

So, as I mentioned, we started in San Diego…

California RV Trip: San Diego / Day 1-3

Where to stay: Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay (2 nights)

I recommend spending the first two nights at Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay. This is an RV resort with all the works. Full RV hookups with propane fire pits and picnic tables, WiFi, cable, swimming pool, hot tub, fitness center, dog park, playground (for both kids and adults), and scheduled activities for kids like arts and crafts. Standard full 30-50 amp hookup spots start at $100 USD per night. For this price, you’d get a back-in site. Prices vary slightly during high and low seasons. You can upgrade your site to deluxe, pull-through, premium, or elite for an additional cost.

NOTE: For Sun Outdoors RV parks (which I’ll be featuring a lot in this post), I’ve given you the baseline pricing for a standard site. The pricing does fluctuate depending on availability. For example, if you’re planning a California RV trip in February like we did, you’ll pay less if you make all your bookings in October vs. in January. As spots fill up in the RV parks, rates increase.

What to do:

There’s plenty to do nearby as a family. You can visit the Aquatica San Diego for water fun, a waterfront park for a picnic or play in the park, the San Diego Zoo (we don’t personally do zoos), Third Avenue Village for shopping, and sunset at Imperial Beach. I recommend getting some takeout at one of the restaurants along the strip and heading to the beach for a sunset picnic. 

Watch our YouTube video from San Diego:

California RV Trip: Los Angeles / Day 3-5

Where to stay: Dockweiler RV Park in Playa Del Rey

Dockweiler RV Park is located on the beach and has basic amenities such as showers, washrooms, and laundry. A back-row basic hookup site costs $65 USD per night. 

Since you’re in Los Angeles, there are endless things to do here. You could spend months and months and never run out of things to do. But, for the sake of time, some highlights (and free things to do) in the area include: hiking to the Hollywood sign (well, a view where you can get a photo), walking down Venice Beach or West Hollywood, and spending the day at the beach. There are SO many incredible restaurants nearby. Some of my favorite plant-based ones are Cafe Gratitude, The Butcher’s Daughter, and Wallflower.

NOTE: All reservations for Dockweiler must be made in advance, with an arrival date that is a maximum of 90 days in advance of the booking date.

California RV Trip: Malibu / Optional Trip Add On (1-2 days)

Where to stay: Malibu RV Park

Siya and I spent a lot of time at Malibu RV Park (4 months, to be exact), before we had out daughter. This RV park is beautiful but fills up fast and is on the higher end of the price scale. If you have a couple of extra days for this trip, this is a fantastic spot to stay. You’ll get a multi-million dollar ocean view from your site and will pretty much be neighbors with Cher (no seriously…you can see her house from the RV park).

Rates vary here throughout the season. However, from January through February, you can get a mountain view site for as little as $73.37 USD per night. This can go up to $132.20 USD per night for an ocean-view site. During the high season (late May through mid-September), these prices more than double per night.

California RV Trip: Santa Barbara / 5-7 days

Where to stay: Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara (2 nights)

Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara is situated in Santa Barbara, where the Pacific Ocean and Ynez Mountains create a stunning backdrop for activities and adventure. Full 30-50 amp hookups start at $80 USD per night. Each site also includes a picnic table, a fire pit, a half-moon grill for outdoor cooking, and cable and WiFi. The resort has a pool, hot tub, playground, dog park, and movie nights under the stars.

Across the street from the RV park is a lovely beach to spend the day at. You can walk right over; no car required. But if you want to drive, it will cost you $10 USD to park for the day. I also recommend taking the short drive into town, which is definitely worth exploring. There are hip cafes, great restaurants, airy wine bars that line tree-shaded streets, small vendors selling food and gelato at the Santa Barbara Public Market, and much more.

Another fun thing to do for the whole family is a whale-watching tour. The one my family took departs from Santa Barbara Harbor, is 2.5 hours long with Condor Express, which costs $70 per adult, and children under 5 are free. Children 5-12 are $50. And yes, we saw a whale 🙂

Next up on this California RV trip is Paso Robles. If you love wine and olives, you’ll love this stop. Driving from Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara to Sun Outdoors Paso Robles (where we stayed) will take just under 2 hours along the Pacific Coast Highway.

Watch our YouTube video from Santa Barbara:

California RV Trip: Paso Robles / Day 7-9

Where to stay: Sun Outdoors Paso Robles (2 nights)

This is a beautiful RV resort located in wine country, amongst nature. A full 30-50 amp hookup site starts at $99 per night. It includes cable, WiFi, a picnic table, a free-standing fire pit for your outdoor enjoyment, and total access to all the amazing resort amenities.

The resort has a yummy farmhouse bistro, splash pad, swimming pools, wellness center, dog parks, and weekend entertainment like live comedy, music, and dance performances every weekend. They also hold their own wine-tasting events. But if you prefer to explore the variety of wines outside of the resort, there are plenty of opportunities to do that as well.

We spent the afternoon at Sculpterra – a winery and outdoor sculpture museum. While there, we did a wine tasting which cost $20 per person (and we could choose 6 wines from their menu), and also walked around and had a picnic in the sculpture garden, which our daughter loved.

Besides all the wine-tasting opportunities, there’s the ravine waterpark, Hearst castle (although this is a bit of a drive), and olive tasting.  

For the olive tasting, we went to Pasolivo. All the olives and olive oil are organic and locally sourced. It costs $5 per person for a tasting. BUT if you buy a bottle of olive oil or olives, it’s free!

Watch our YouTube video from Paso Robles:

California RV Trip: San Francisco / Day 9-10

Where to stay: San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge (1 night)

* You’ll be off-grid for the next two nights . So fill up your water tanks, charge your batteries, fill your propane and gas tanks, and prepare for epic views!

Your next stop on your California RV trip will be the famous Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, where you can spend the night…for FREE and will take 3.5 hours on the Pacific Coast Highway. We found this spot on an app called iOverlander – a tool created by and for Rvers. The app allows you to submit and find information and reviews on parks, campgrounds, wild camping, and free RV parking spots . 

There’s a parking lot on the bridge’s north end where many vans and smaller RV’s can park for one night. There are washroom facilities you can use as well. The pros: Sunset is spot on, you get the best view of Golden Gate Bridge (and you can take a photo with no one there and beat the crowd early in the morning), and it’s free. Cons: It can be loud at night because you’re right beside Highway 101, and you have to make sure you lock your doors and keep valuables on you or hidden because break-ins do occur.

Watch our YouTube video from San Francisco:

California RV Trip: Best Stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway / Day 10-11

Where to stay: Side of the road on Pacific Coast Highway (1 night)

Next up are the Redwoods. BUT FIRST, you’re about to drive along the BEST part of the Pacific Coast Highway. People travel from around the world to come and experience this area because of THE VIEWS! Oh, and you can spend the night on the side of the road if you want…for FREE. We highly recommend you do it since 1) the drive is just under 4 hours to your next stop and 2) it will be one of the most epic places you will ever sleep in your life! We found our spot on iOverlander as well.

After you spend a night on the side of the road, get ready to wake up to the most STUNNING view like EVER before heading out on the road again. Feel free to stop anywhere for some stretching and to relieve yourself. We made a nice stop at Sonoma State Park to enjoy a hike and a break from driving. Along this drive, we even saw a mama cow give birth on the side of the road!

California RV Trip: Redwoods / Day 11-13

Where to stay: Burlington Campground (2 nights)

Next up are the Redwoods. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast like us, visiting the Redwoods is most likely at the top of your bucket list. Let us tell you this… it’s even more magnificent than you imagined! That’s why we recommend spending 3 nights here to soak up the tranquillity and magic these wise gentle giants provide.

Burlington Campground is located next to the Visitor Center on the Avenue of the Giants, approximately 2 miles south of Weott. The campground has 57 sites in old and second-growth redwoods and 3 hike & bike sites for visitors arriving on foot or bicycle. Across the street is a short nature trail leading to the river, where swimming, fishing, and other hiking trails are available.

This is a campground and does not include any hookups, so you’ll be dry camping. Therefore, you’ll want to plan accordingly by filling up your tanks and charging your devices ahead of time. Also, they only allow vans and RVs up to 24 feet, so this isn’t a spot we could have come to with our Airstream. It’s $35 USD per night and includes one vehicle. Each additional car costs $8 USD per night.

You can easily spend a few days just sticking around the campground without having to leave. This is what my family did. We literally spent 3 days forest bathing and left feeling like new people. So calm, recharged, and humbled.

Your next and last stop on your California RV trip is Coos Bay, Oregon. We stayed at Sun Outdoors Coos Bay, and it took us just over 5 hours to get there. This was the longest stretch yet, but we got up early and did it all in one day.

Watch our YouTube video from the Pacific Coast Highway and Redwoods:

California RV Trip: Oregon / Day 13-15

Where to stay: Sun Outdoors Coos Bay (2 nights)

Sun Outdoors Coos Bay is located on the Oregon coast. Each RV site is located just steps away from the Pacific Ocean. Some highlights from this park include tide pools on their pet-friendly beach and fishing and crabbing adventures. Full 30-50 amp hookups start at $52 USD per night and have cable, WiFi, plus a picnic table and fire pit.

Close by, you can go hiking in the state parks, visit the wineries and museums, go whale watching, or enjoy hot air balloon rides above the coast. I also recommend riding in a dune buggy through Oregon Dunes National Recreation Center. Siya did this and had a blast. The tour was 2 hours long and cost $299 USD for a single-rider buggy.

Watch our YouTube video from Coos Bay:

And that’s the Pacific Coast Highway route! This California RV trip was absolutely incredible in so many ways…but don’t just take my word for it…go find out for yourself.

Now if you want to learn more about how to find FREE overnight RV Parking , we have a separate video that will teach you about 8 different ways, including our favourite apps, to do just this.

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Pacific Coast Road Trip

An RV Guide to the Ultimate Pacific Coast Road Trip

Driving along the Pacific Coast of the U.S. is already a fantasy road trip for many, but being able to do it in the comfort of an RV only adds to the delight. This scenic route begins in San Diego , California, and brings travelers up to Seattle , Washington, traveling nearly the entire length of the country from the southern border with Mexico to the northern border with Canada.

Although you can complete the drive in under 20 hours by taking Interstate 5 through the interiors of California, Oregon, and Washington, these recommended stops require driving primarily on Highway 101 and Highway 1 along the coast. It adds about six or seven hours to the total driving time, but the spectacular views more than make up for the extra time behind the wheel.

Any time of year is fantastic for visiting Southern California , but if you're traveling in winter, the weather will get much colder and wetter as you travel farther north. Summer is a great time for sunny weather from start to finish, but it's also the most popular time for travel and Highway 101 can quickly get congested. Spring or fall is the best time for enjoying some sunshine with fewer crowds.

First Stop: San Diego

Danita Delimont / Getty Images

Where to Stay in San Diego

There are several great RV parks around and in San Diego, but one of the best all-around parks is  Campland on the Bay . There are several full utility sites and even “super sites,” which are private and come with several upgraded amenities such as a full-size washer and dryer and private whirlpool spa. Regardless of if you’re staying in a super site or not, there are plenty of features and amenities at Campland on the Bay including a dog park, game room, fitness center, laundry, and a marina available for use. Whether you're starting your trip in San Diego or ending it, Campland on the Bay is an RV park you'll want to stay at.

What to Do in San Diego 

San Diego features many kid-friendly parks and activities such as  Sea World ,  Legoland , and the famous  San Diego Zoo . If you want to explore the city’s views and scenery try Balboa Park, Torrey Pines State Reserve, or La Jolla Cove for some of the area's best beaches. Whether you want to hike around the coast, catch a Padres baseball game, or get some fabulous food, San Diego has it. 

Distance to Big Sur: 7 hours; 415 miles (668 kilometers)

Second Stop: Big Sur, California

Where to stay in big sur.

Big Sur Campground  is only a few miles from the magnificent coastline that makes Big Sur so alluring. The RV grounds are nestled right in a  California Redwood Forest  and sites come with electrical and water utility hookups with a dump station located within the park. The campground also comes with washrooms, laundry facilities, a camp store, playground, and more. Kids can rent inflatable tubes to bring to the nearby river for a rafting adventure.

What to Do in Big Sur 

Big Sur  is all about taking in the majestic views. You'll see many of these vistas from the road as you're driving up the Pacific Coast Highway, but if you want to explore nearby parks you have your options of Andrew Molera State Park, Pfeiffer State Park, and Burns State Park. You can also try venturing down to the actual coast to spot marine life such as elephant seals and whales. If the weather isn't ideal, venture into nearby  Monterey  for the award-winning Monterey Bay Aquarium. 

Distance to San Francisco: 2 hours, 45 minutes; 145 miles (233 kilometers)

Third Stop: San Francisco

Christian Heeb / Getty Images

Where to Stay in San Francisco

San Francisco RV Resort  is technically found in Pacifica, but it’s only a 20-minute drive to travel into the heart of San Francisco. This park is all about some great scenery as it is located right on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean for some great sunsets, wildlife viewing, and even surfing. The park itself comes with 150 great full utility hookup sites to go along with the views. Other amenities and features at San Francisco RV Resort include restrooms and showers, picnic areas, playgrounds, laundry facilities, a clubhouse, and more. 

What to Do in San Francisco 

Few cities have so many attractions packed into such a tiny area as San Francisco does, and you could easily spend a week or longer exploring the City by the Bay. The iconic Golden Gate Bridge is a must-see site, although you'll be driving across it to the next stop so you can focus your time on other places. Take a cruise to Alcatraz and tour the infamous prison that still sits on this eerie island, and then head back to the city for a walk around Pier 39 and the nearby Ghiradelli Square for a chocolatey energy boost. If you're feeling overwhelmed by all there is to see, try a guided walking or bus tour to see as many places as you can before continuing on your road trip.

Distance to Crescent City: 6 hours; 356 miles (574 kilometers)

Fourth Stop: Crescent City, California

TripSavvy / Alisha McDarris

Where to Stay in Crescent City

Redwoods RV Resorts  is one of the best RV parks in all California due not only to its stellar amenities and features but also because it's literally surrounded by the gorgeous and towering California redwoods. The amenities include Wi-Fi, immaculate bathrooms, and hot showers, plus on-site features including a playground, horseshoes, a dog park, and countless hiking trails.

What to Do in Crescent City

You won’t be in Crescent City so much as you will be in the surrounding forests of the  Redwood National and State Park . Journey through this incredible land by foot or vehicle to get a glimpse at some of the largest living organisms on Earth. Popular spots in Redwood National and State Park include Howland Hill Road, Crescent Beach Overlook, and the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. If you plan on staying a while you can also venture into Klamath National Forest. 

Distance to Port Orford: 1 hour, 30 minutes; 82 miles (132 kilometers)

Fifth Stop: Port Orford, Oregon

TripSavvy / Jamie Ditaranto

Where to Stay in Port Orford

Port Orford is a sleepy southern Oregon town known for its artistry where the mountains and forests meet up with the vast Pacific Ocean. Your best place to stay is at the Port Orford RV Village . This lovely RV park offers the full utility of hookups along with cable TV and wireless internet access right at your campsite. You also get washrooms and showers, laundry facilities, a recreation room with exercise and kitchen equipment, horseshoes, basketball, and more. 

What to Do in Port Orford

The number one destination should be the  Cape Blanco Lighthouse . Make your way over to the beautiful Cape Blanco State Park for some great hiking and sightseeing and, of course, to take a view of the lighthouse itself. The Port Orford area is full of several great parks like Humbug Mountain State Park and Port Orford Heads State Park. The area is also known for being quite artistic, so make sure to check out some of the great art scenes at the Hawthorne Gallery and other local creative hot spots. 

Distance to Cannon Beach: 5 hours, 30 minutes; 257 miles (414 kilometers).

Sixth Stop: Cannon Beach, Oregon

Where to stay in cannon beach.

What better way to explore the United States than to be near some of the most famous spots of Lewis and Clark’s western expedition, like Cannon Beach.  Cannon Beach RV Resort  will be a good place to rest and recharge for the final stops of your adventure with their gorgeous park situated right on the beach. A hundred paved and full-hookup sites give you the basics along with Cannon Beach’s complimentary cable and wireless internet. Cannon Beach RV Resort also houses laundry and bath facilities, an indoor pool and spa, a game room, gift shop, camp store, and more. 

What to Do in Cannon Beach 

Cannon Beach is all about the breathtaking coastline. Your ​first stop should be at Ecola State Park to explore the beaches all the way up to Seaside, Oregon. You can then set your sights to Tillamook Head, with its haunting lighthouse out on the Pacific Ocean. Other great areas of Cannon Beach to explore can be found at Haystack Rock, Hug Point State Park, and Oswald West State Park. If you’re looking for something different, try gazing at the artwork at Icefire Glassworks or sampling some spirits at the Cannon Beach Distillery.

Distance to Seattle: 3 hours, 30 minutes; 206 miles (332 kilometers)

Seventh Stop: The Seattle Area

Where to stay in the seattle area.

The last (or first) stop on your Pacific coast road trip takes you through the Seattle area and the surrounding bounty of outdoors hot spots. Two RV parks in the local area are both outstanding, so choose depending on what area you prefer to be in.  Elwha Dam RV Park  lies west of Seattle and is the perfect spot to start on exploring one of the most biodiverse regions in the world at Olympic National Park.  Mounthaven Resort  is found east of Seattle and is a great starting spot if you want to focus on Mount Rainier National Park. Both RV parks are packed with great features and amenities for your Seattle adventures.

What to Do in the Seattle Area

From the Space Needle to Pike Place Market to the Chihuly Garden and Glass, there are plenty of things to keep you busy in Seattle . This trendy city is known for its amazing seafood, microbreweries, and unparalleled coffee culture, so you'll have plenty to indulge in while you're there. If you're already aching again for the rich beauty of the Pacific Northwest, there are an endless number of options for day trips around Seattle to revel in its natural splendor, such as Bainbridge Island and Mt. Ranier National Park.

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Trip Information

Number of Nights: 8

Seasons: Year Round

Start / End: San Francisco/Los Angeles

Average Price: $5555

Detailed Itinerary

Start: san francisco, ca.

Starting from San Francisco, you are about to embark on a memorable road trip down the California Coast. Explore Alcatraz, Chinatown or have a picnic in Golden Gate park before you head out. Learn more about San Francisco .

San Francisco to Monterey: 105 miles

2 nights Monterey, CA

To begin, you will spend two nights in Monterey. Monterey is in love with the water you can experience at its Old Fisherman’s Wharf, the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, and the world-renowned Pebble Beach Golf Course. Learn more about Monterey .

Monterey to Big Sur: 35 miles

2 nights Big Sur

Next, you will continue south to spend two nights in the Big Sur, which stretches 90 miles along the coastline. Take a picture of Bixby Bridge and stop at an elephant seal rookery! Learn more about Big Sur .

Big Sur to San Simeon: 65 miles

1 night San Simeon

Stop for the night in San Simeon and carve out some time to visit Hearst Castle, a modern day castle built by William Randolph Hirst. Continue your journey south passing Pismo Beach and Moro Bay.

San Simeon to Santa Barbara: 135 miles

2 nights in Santa Barbara

Stop in one of the most charming towns in the West, Santa Barbara. This picturesque town offers incredible outdoor adventures and a unique California culture that you will highly enjoy. Learn more about Santa Barbara .

Santa Barbara to Ventura: 30 miles

1 night Ventura

Your last night will be spent in Ventura, where you can end your coastal road trip in quaint quietness or in the lap of luxury before finishing up in Los Angeles. Learn more about Ventura .

Ventura to Los Angeles: 35 miles

End: Los Angeles, CA

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The Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

Get ready to enjoy a scenic Highway 1 road trip. Our Pacific Coast Highway itinerary highlights the best places to stop along the way.

February 16, 2024

“It is all very beautiful and magical here—a quality which cannot be described. You have to live it and breathe it, let the sun bake it into you.” ― Ansel Adams

Brisk, salty air flows through your hair, sweeping curves captivate your senses, and cliffside views take your breath away. Taking a road trip down the Pacific Coast Highway feels like a right of passage and reminds us that it’s as much about the journey as it is about the destination.

So, load up on your favorite California-made snacks , fill the gas tank, secure your surfboard, turn on the radio, and get ready for the ultimate Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) road trip . Whether you've recently gotten your car repaired by a mechanic or you’re fresh off the lot , there’s no better way to show off your whip than to take it for a ride along 655 miles of California’s coastline.

Known as one of the most scenic drives in the country, the PCH—also called Highway 1—runs next to the ocean’s crashing waves, from Leggett in  Mendocino County  all the way down to  Dana Point in Orange County . With so many miles to cover, considering all the potential  Pacific Coast Highway stops  can seem daunting—but we found the best road trip sights along the way, so relax and make the most of every minute.

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary: Day 1

Begin your adventure at the starting point of Highway 1, located just beyond Capistrano Beach in Dana Point. You will have an enjoyable and scenic 45-minute drive that takes you past the picturesque Laguna Beach , skirts the edges of Crystal Cove State Park, and brings you close to the Newport Beach Pier, before you reach your destination at Huntington Beach.

Huntington Beach

Dubbed “Surf City USA”, this stop is a must on any true California coastal road trip . Pull over, grab your surfboard, and jump into the swells to really experience the Golden State. After catching the perfect wave, it’s time to climb back into the car, roll down the windows, and breathe in the fresh air as you make your way up the state.

Venice Beach

After driving on Highway 1 for about two hours, you’ll come upon Venice Beach. Between the street performers, local artists, eclectic shops, and gorgeous views of the pier in the distance, this destination is well worth the time spent off the road. Appreciate the quirky culture of the Venice Beach Boardwalk and explore the iconic Venice canals to stay along the water’s edge. 

If the beach is not calling, however, head inland to grab a slice of vegan pizza , visit the art museums of downtown Los Angeles , see the Hollywood Walk of Fame , or admire the architecture of Beverly Hills mansions.  

Santa Monica

Once you’re done exploring Venice, make your way to Santa Monica. The Santa Monica Pier is worth a trip, so take a ride on the ferris wheel at Pacific Park and grab a bite to eat for dinner. With a long day under your belt, spend a luxurious evening in town , rest your head at one of the nearby hotels, and get ready for the adventures awaiting on the next leg of your trip.

Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary: Day 2

The following morning, make the short drive up to Malibu to look at the coastal homes and enjoy breakfast at one of the local restaurants. Stop by the rocky coves, cliffs, and headlands at Point Dume, and practice your skills at one of the most scenic rock-climbing spots in California . Then, take in the views of the San Fernando Valley from Topanga Overlook before continuing on. 

Drive north to Ventura to take a surf break at Surfers Point, see the long Ventura Pier where fishermen cast their lines, walk around Ventura Harbor Village, visit the town’s historical sights, and discover beauty within the art galleries. 

Santa Barbara

From Ventura, it’s a short jaunt to Santa Barbara , where the rolling hills and sweeping vineyards show the agricultural power of the California coast. Indulge in the local goods, dine alfresco, and hike around the varied landscape before hitting the road again. 

San Luis Obispo

Spend some time getting to know the Central Coast’s surf scene to see how it stands up to Southern California’s reputation. Then, explore Pismo Beach’s oceanside parks, farmers market, shopping outlets, and butterfly grove before enjoying a picnic on the sand. After walking around this beloved beach town, head slightly inland to San Luis Obispo .

Admire the Spanish architecture, meander through the museums, snap a pic in the quirky Bubblegum Alley, and check in to the vibrant Madonna Inn for a charming overnight experience unlike any other. 

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary: Day 3

Drive for 45 minutes and start the day with a 15-minute excursion inland to San Simeon to tour the elaborate Hearst Castle. While mansions are anything but rare in Southern California, this opulent residence showcases the impressively lavish life of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst , whose home included 165 rooms on 127 acres complete with pools, fountains, and precisely landscaped gardens.

Savor the ocean views from the balconies before heading into town to check out one of the industry-changing surf shops : Hobie Surf Shop. Add another surfboard to your collection, then find your way back onto Highway 1 to experience more of the breathtaking coastline.

In the morning, venture on toward the hot springs , rolling dunes, and unbeatable seafood of Big Sur . Take a short hike to see McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park , then continue on to cross the oft-photographed Bixby Bridge and experience the rugged coastal views from atop one of the tallest single-span concrete bridges in the world. Just north of here, you’ll find the quaint town of Carmel-by-the-Sea , followed by the popular destination of Monterey.

Take some time to explore the aquarium, Cannery Row, and Old Fisherman’s Wharf that make Monterey one of the best stops along the coast . Just on the other side of Monterey Bay, you’ll find the adorable town of Capitola, followed by the ultimate beach-bum town. 

Take the opportunity to surf the waves and ride the roller coasters that epitomize the Santa Cruz lifestyle . Stroll around to see the boutiques and eateries that exude the coastal vibe and the California dream before continuing north.

For a slight detour, jump on Highway 17 to San Jose to witness the incredibly unusual Winchester Mystery House . This supposedly haunted mansion has been under continual construction since 1884, due to Sarah Winchester’s wishes and the upkeep that comes along with having the eccentric home open to the public. 

Half Moon Bay

After exploring the unique San Jose landmark, take Highway 9 south toward Santa Cruz and drive through Castle Rock State Park, or travel north through Mountain View to catch Highway 84, which meets up with Highway 1 again at San Gregorio. Either road will lead you to Half Moon Bay for exclusive beaches and decadent seaside eateries. Once you’ve had your fill of adventures for the day, check in to a nearby hotel and catch the sunset before turning in.

Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary: Day 4

San Francisco

A Highway 1 road trip isn’t complete without a stop in San Francisco . Enjoy sumptuous spoonfuls of clam chowder from a sourdough bread bowl ; indulge in a bar of Dandelion Chocolate ; and say hello to Karl the Fog (who will undoubtedly stop by). Then, drive across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and visit Sausalito for stunning views of the city before traveling west toward Point Reyes.

Point Reyes

Soon, you’ll find Muir Woods National Monument , which provides the perfect scenery for a forested hike . Continue your outdoor adventure in nearby Stinson Beach and walk around Point Reyes before driving through Bodega Bay. 

Pull off the road in the seaside town of Bodega Bay , and go on a horseback ride to take full advantage of the environs. Sit on the sand to admire the waves, bluffs, and beauty that surrounds you before you tackle the curvy section of the PCH, which eventually leads to Timber Cove Resort —one of the best places to stop on the Pacific Coast Highway.

Check in for the evening, capture the view with a photograph or two, and savor the flavors of sustainable seafood and local produce at Coast Kitchen. Listen to a record and enjoy a pour-over by the fireplace to experience a truly decadent evening in.

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary: Day 5

Spend the morning relaxing in your room, then set out toward Mendocino . Watch the waves become rougher as the inland scenery incorporates denser brush and taller trees. Get out of the car in Mendocino to look at the historic architecture, making sure to drive north to Fort Bragg to see the intriguingly beautiful Glass Beach. 

Cruise northeast for just over an hour and you’ll find yourself in Leggett, completing the last portion of the drive. When Highway 1 ends, turn around , and prepare yourself as you begin the Pacific Coast Highway road trip from north to south . S top by the colorful fruit stands, fishing villages, intimate beaches, and bustling towns that caught your eye on the way up. Returning home with a happy car and even better memories will leave you eager to plan your next California road trip . 

Ready for another adventure? Check out the sites worth stopping for on Route 66 .

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The Ultimate California Coast Road Trip – All the Best Stops Along the PCH

• Big Sur / California / In the City / North America / Outdoors / USA

Planning a California Coast Road Trip? These are all the best stops!

It’s hard to beat the views of road-tripping along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). It’s one of the most scenic drives in the world. The PCH (also called State Route 1, Cabrillo Highway, Shoreline Highway, or Coast Highway) runs 655.8 miles between Orange County and Mendocino County, and this guide takes you up the entire coast.

You can do any portion of this drive and split it into multiple trips depending on how much you want to explore each area. We have suggestions for places to check out along the way, and you can click the links to more in-depth guides.

This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure  for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: March 25, 2024

− − Content Menu

• San Diego – Los Angeles
• Los Angeles – San Luis Obispo (SLO)
• SLO to Monterey

Monterey to San Francisco

San francisco to mendocino, mendocino to crescent city.

• A Map to Help You Get Around
• Best Places to Stay
• Essential Tips for First-Time Visitors

Planning Checklist

• More Resources

The Ultimate California Coast Road Trip

We did our guide from South to North because we lived in San Diego and LA, and they’re both easy starting points to fly into. If you’re visiting from out of state and only plan on driving a portion of the coast, we suggest flying into SF and going from North to South to have better coast views and easier access to pullouts.

San Diego to Los Angeles

Distance:  132 Miles / 4 hr

Although the PCH doesn’t technically start until Dana Point, we started our guide in San Diego. It’s an easy place to fly into, and we loved it so much while living here.

San Diego – Mile 0 →

San Diego was one of our favorite places to live. The chill vibe, surfing culture, and beautiful beaches mixed with endless attractions make it a perfect place to start. Just try not to get stuck here. You may never want to leave.

• San Diego Zoo  is rated one of the best zoos in the country.
• San Diego Zoo Safari Park   – We love it much more than the regular zoo, and our favorite part is the safari experience. This property can fit 180 San Diego Zoos!
• La Jolla  – kayak through the caves, visit  Sunny Jim Cave , and say hello to the seals at Children’s pool. You can also test your skills and  become whiskey divers .
• Cabrillo National Monument Tide Pools  – Visit the lighthouse, and go tide-pooling with your whole family. There are tons of sea critters to find.

Where to Stay: Search for San Diego hotel deals

See More: The Ultimate San Diego Bucket List

Carlsbad – Mile 35 →

• Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch   – although it may change each season, it’s generally from March 1 to May 8.
• Legoland California Resort  – for the little ones, but we enjoyed the miniature Lego world.
• Blue Ocean Robata & Sushi Bar   – delicious omakase.

See More: When and Where to See The Best California Wildflowers

Dana Point – Mile 64.5

• Ocean Institute/Pilgrim Boat  – a Family-friendly spot where you can interact with sea life or participate in classes to learn more about the ocean.
• Pirate’s Cave – The 1.2-mile hike is only safe to do during low tide.
• Salt Creek Beach  is a popular surfing beach with beautiful cliffs on the north and south sides.
• Surfing Heritage & Culture Center  has the largest collection of surfing artifacts (tip: chat with the staff for more insight).
• Killer Dana Surf Shop  – friendly and knowledgeable staff to help you get the gear you need.

Where to Eat:

• Bear Coast Coffee   – a popular spot with locals that serves small bites and great coffee.
• OverVue  – great views with indoor and outdoor seating.
• AVEO Table & Bar   – amazing sunset views with a resort-like feel.

Where to Stay: Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa  – Beautiful hotel with great amenities, including two pools, pickleball courts, yoga in the park, and multiple restaurants.

Long Beach – Mile 105

• Queen Mary  – Explore this ship that’s popular amongst locals.
• Aquarium of the Pacific  – See all things Pacific ocean, including penguins, sea otters, etc.
• Wayfarers Chapel (Palos Verdes) – beautiful glass church with views of the ocean and garden.
• SS Dominator Shipwreck (Palos Verdes) – a coastal hike to see the remains of this shipwreck.
• Point Vincente Lighthouse  – beautiful coastal lighthouse

La to San Luis Obsipo (SLO)

Distance:  219 Miles / 4 hr 15 min

Los Angeles – Mile 132 →

We’ll end day 1 in Los Angeles, another spot in which you can spend all week, but a convenient stop since you’ll have everything you need nearby.

• Santa Monica Pier   – classic west coast pier
• Venice Beach  – a great place to people watch
• Griffith Park – Griffith Observatory and the  Hollywood Sign Hike

Where to Stay: Search LA hotels

See More: 7 Things You Need to Do in Santa Monica On Your First Visit

Malibu – Mile 150.4

• The Getty Villa  is a beautiful museum focused on Greece and Rome.
• El Matador State Beach – 3 small beaches surrounded by cliffs.
• Zuma Beach   – a quiet beach that’s popular with the locals.
• Leo Carillo State Park   – check out coastal caves, tidepools, or watch surfers and windsurfers.
• Point Dume – climb to an amazing view.

See More: Most Instagrammable Places in LA

Point Mugu / Oxnard – Mile 176.9

• Point Mugu State Park Hike   – beautiful hike to great views of the surrounding hills and ocean
• Channel Island Maritime Museum – a great collection of maritime paintings, models, and artifacts
• Channel Islands Harbor – if you want to extend your trip, take a ferry to  Channel Islands National Park .

Santa Barbara – Mile 217.3

• Rincon Beach  – a popular beach for surfing just south of Santa Barbara.
• Shoreline Park  – oceanside park atop a mesa.
• State Street – a historic area with shops and restaurants.
• Santa Barbara Maritime Museum  – fun, interactive museum with a permanent exhibit on surfing and maritime culture.
• Sunset Sail with the Santa Barbara Sailing Center  – the perfect way to relax and enjoy the evening.

Where to Stay: Blue Sands Inn  – cute property in a great location and features local art ||  Search all Santa Barbara hotels

Lompoc – Mile 289.9

• La Purisima State Historical Park – the most completely restored Mission of California
• Wine Ghetto – collection of 50 wineries
• The Murals of Lompoc – check out the murals in downtown

Pismo Beach – Mile 337.8

• Monarch Butterfly Grove – if you are visiting between late October and February, stop by to see the thousands of monarch butterflies that fill the Eucalyptus trees
• Pismo Beach Pier  – 1,200-foot pier great for watching surfers and kite surfers.
• Pismo Beach Surf Shop  – Eccentric surf shop that can outfit you for any beach activity.
• Surfside Donuts   – try the donut breakfast sandwich.
• Splash Cafe   – one of the oldest Pismo Beach restaurants with delicious award-winning clam chowder.

Where to Stay: Cliff’s Hotel and Spa  – amazing oceanside views and one of our favorite hotels we’ve stayed at on the coast.

See More: 15 Absolutely Amazing Surfing Beaches in California

Slo to Monterey

Distance:  146 Miles / 4 hr 20 min

After leaving SLO, there are fewer major stops and amenities on this route until you reach Big Sur, but the coastline is incredible.

San Luis Obispo – Mile 351

• Bubblegum Alley  – take photos in an alleyway covered in gum (pick up some gum at Rocket Fizz just around the corner if you want to add your own).
• Bishop Peak – hike to a stunning view of the city and valley around
• Avila Valley Barn – pick up some fresh fruits or snacks at their sweet shop, u-pick fruits during certain seasons, and stop by to see their farm animals.
• Morro Rock – This is technically north of SLO in Morro Bay. Stop by to see this behemoth rock sitting in the cove.
• Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa  – founded in 1772, the stunning Mission has gardens with cacti, succulents, roses, and more.
• Kynsi Winery  – Edna Valley is full of wineries, and we enjoyed relaxing and doing a tasting flight at Kynsi.
• Arroyo Grande – a small historic village with wild roosters and antique shops to explore. They also have a swinging bridge that is one of a kind in California.
• TASTE! Craft Eatery   – fun menu giving you plenty of options to create your perfect meal.
• Copper Cafe at Madonna Inn   – a very instagrammable restaurant with delicious pink champagne cake.
• Mason Bar & Kitchen   – try their lobster corn dogs.
• Brown Butter Cookie Company  – north of SLO in Cayucos, known for their brown butter cookies. Our favorite was the honey one!

Where to Stay: Search San Luis Obispo hotels and rentals

Cambria – Mile 384.3

• Harmony  – just south of Cambria, the town of Harmony has a population of 18. Check out Harmony Glassword,  Harmony Valley Creamery, and you can even rent the entire town for your next event. You may recognize this town from the K-Drama Heirs.
• Moonstone Beach/Leffingwell Landing  – a serene spot with an overlook of Leffingwell Cove
• Nitt Witt Ridge – a crazy collection of art
• Hearst Castle (San Simeon) – a spectacular estate overlooking San Simeon

Big Sur – Mile 473.5 →

Our favorite place along the California coast (and top 10 in the United States). We could spend an entire week enjoying the views here, but here are a few highlights.

• McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park  – famous waterfall that goes into the ocean
• Pfeiffer Beach   – a beach with purple sand and “the window”
• Bixby Bridge – It’s one of the most iconic bridges on the west coast.

Where to Stay: Find hotel deals in Big Sur

See More: 11 Things You Can’t Miss in Big Sur

Distance:  118 Miles / 2 hr 45 min

You can spend the morning exploring Monterey before heading up to  San Francisco . There are a lot of great quick photo stops along the way, or you can spend more time at each spot doing hikes.

Monterey – Mile 497 →

• Carmel-by-the-Sea – cute town south of Monterey with lots of shops and wineries to check out
• Monterey Bay Aquarium   – one of our favorite aquariums located right on the ocean
• 17-Mile Drive   – iconic drive with the famous lone cypress tree
• Kayak Monterey Bay   – experience Monterey from the water

See More: 15 Amazing Things to Do in Monterey

Santa Cruz – Mile 540.6

• Seacliff State Beach – pier with a sunken ship at the end
• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk – great for the family with lots of games and rides
• Mystery Spot – if you like those weird and gimmicky touristy spots
• Natural Bridges State Park  – beautiful beach with natural bridges and also a hotspot to see monarch butterfly migrate
• Seymour Marine Discovery Center – interactive marine science museum and aquarium

Davenport – Mile 550.7

• Swanton Berry Farm – farm stand with fresh berry pies, strawberry shortcakes, and hot soup
• Shark Fin Cove  – cove with a giant rock shark fin formation

Pescadero – Mile 562.1

• Pigeon Point Lighthouse – built in 1871, it is the tallest lighthouse on the West Coast
• Ano Nuevo State Reserve  – home to tons of sea lions with a 3-mile trail that takes you close to them

Pacifica – Mile 602.6 →

• Devil’s Slide Trail – used to be the most dangerous portion of PCH, but is now a trail for hiking and biking
• Pacifica State Beach   – beautiful beach popular among surfers, plus you can eat at the most picturesque Taco Bell in the country – seriously!
• Mori Point – 110-acre park located on a bluff giving you great views of the coastline

Distance:  170 Miles / 4 hr 20 min

I recommend spending a couple days exploring SF and the surrounding area. If you are, go ahead and drive up to Point Reyes Station as well. Otherwise, when you’re ready to leave, continue heading north.

San Francisco – Mile 615 →

• Fisherman’s Wharf / Pier 39 – tourist spot in SF with stores, restaurants, and sea lions
• Golden Gate Bridge – can’t visit SF without seeing the Golden Gate
• Palace of Fine Arts – beautiful monumental structure and park that houses art exhibits as well
• Muir Woods National Monument  – walk among massive trees

Where to Stay: Find hotel deals in San Francisco

See More: 101 Things to Do in San Francisco

Point Reyes Station – Mile 655.8

• Point Reyes National Seashore  – need more time to explore it fully but you can schedule safaris, explore by kayak, or hike
• Cypress Tree Tunnel – super popular photo spot located in Point Reyes National Seashore
• Tomales Point Trail – 9.4-mile hike that gives amazing views from both sides

Bodega Bay – Mile 687.8

• Bodega Head  – nice quick stop with views of the ocean and cliffs
• Potter Schoolhouse – where The Birds was filmed

Jenner – Mile 698.4

• Fort Ross State Historic Park   – former Russian fur trading outpost and native redwood forest
• Salt Point State Park  – tons of trails that take you to a beautiful bluff and beach

Point Arena – Mile 750

• Point Arena Lighthouse – beautiful lighthouse popular amongst photographers
• Bowling Ball Beach – located just north of Schooner Gulch State Beach with bowling ball-like rock formations that appear only at low tide. Don’t forget to  check the tide tables . We had to come back twice!
• B Bryan Preserve – preserve focused on African hoof animals

Mendocino – Mile 785

• Van Damme State Park – great short hiking options
• Jug Handle State Reserve – 2.5-mile staircase trail exploring wave-cut terraces

Where to Stay: Search for hotels in Mendocino

Distance:  229 Miles / 4 hr 45 min

The rest of California feels different. There are some great kitschy touristy stops, lots of hiking, and beautiful scenery. You’re technically off the PCH by this point, but it’s still worth seeing how the scenery changes as you are surrounded by massive redwoods.

Fort Bragg – Mile 795

• Glass Beach  (photo above) – a colorful beach with colorful glass along the beach
• MacKerricher State Park – trails with beautiful tree tunnels
• Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens – for the flower and plant lovers
• Pudding Creek Trestle – unique wooden bridge great for photos

Where to Stay: Look for hotels and rentals in Fort Bragg

Leggett – mile 838.4

• Chandelier Drive-Through Tree – a fun drive-through tree
• Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area  – check out a river canyon with year-round camping, hiking, and swimming

Garberville – Mile 861.4

• Richardson Grove State Park  – walk amongst redwoods on one of the hikes
• One Log House – see a house made in one log

Myers Flat – Mile 877.8

• Shrine Drive-Through Tree – another drive-through tree. They also have a drive-on tree and some other photo ops.
• Humboldt Redwoods State Park  (Weott) – an amazing park where you can see massive trees – drive through the Avenue of Giants and check out Founders Grove.

Eureka – Mile 928.8

• Sequoia Park Zoo – oldest zoo in California. The  Redwood Sky Walk  just opened here.
• Carson Mansion – large Victorian home (considered the grandest in America)
• Pink Lady – pink Victorian home
• Humboldt Bay  – second largest enclosed bay in California

See More: 15 Epic Things to Do in Redwood National Park and State Parks

Klamath – Mile 992.4

• Trees of Mystery – unusual tree formations and a giant Paul Bunyan & Babe out front
• Tour-Thru Tree – another chance to drive through a tree
• High Bluff Overlook – beautiful overlook

Crescent City – Mile 1014

• Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park  – another chance to walk amongst giants
• Battery Point Lighthouse  – quick stop for lighthouse chasers

Where to Stay: Ocean View Inn & Suites  (mid-range) ||  Search all hotels in Crescent City

Continue to the Oregon Coast Highway

From Crescent City, you’re only 20 miles away from the Oregon State line and more amazing coast to explore. Check out our  Ultimate Oregon Coast Road Trip  guide.

Map of the California coast

Essential Tips for First Timers

• When to Go:  Spring and Fall will have the fewest crowds and great weather. If you go during the winter, SoCal will stay warm but will be colder as you go north. The popular spots will bring in tons of tourists in the summer.
• Be Flexible:  You never know what area you’ll discover and love. Make a plan on how many days you want to spend on the road, but give yourself flexibility in case you want to spend more time in a specific area. If you have more time, we highly recommend staying more than a day in San Diego, LA, Santa Barbara, SLO, Big Sur, and SF. Other spots you can more or less get the gist of the area in one day.
• Consider Driving North to South:  That will keep you on the side of the coast and makes it easy to take advantage of pullouts.
• Clothes to Wear:  Dress in layers. It can get windy on the coast and it also helps to have waterproof layers in case it rains.
• Park Passes to Pick Up:  Pick up a  California Parks Pass  and an America the Beautiful Pass  to save money on the parks. America the Beautiful Pass covers  National Parks , BLM, National Forests, and National Wildlife Refuges.

Best Places to Stay in California

We’ve done SD to LA and LA to SF countless times but mostly stayed with friends. When we did it in its entirety, we were in an Airstream, which means most of our accommodations were campgrounds and RV sites. We’ll continue to add in more recommendations for hotels and Airbnbs once we get a chance to check more out.

• San Diego:  Search San Diego hotels
• Los Angeles:   Search LA hotels
• Santa Barbara: Blue Sands Inn ||  Search all Santa Barbara hotels
• SLO:   Search San Luis Obispo hotels and rentals
• Big Sur:  Find hotel deals in Big Sur
• San Francisco:   Find hotel deals in San Francisco
• Mendocino:   Search for hotels in Mendocino
• Fort Bragg:   Look for hotels and rentals in Fort Bragg
• Crescent City:   Ocean View Inn & Suites ||  Search all hotels in Crescent City
• Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
• Download these helpful language apps .
• Find a great deal on California hotels .
• Arrange a rental car for your trip.
• Book a tour for your visit.
• Get airport lounge access .
• Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
• Get a new backpack for your trip.
• Buy a California Coast travel guide .
• Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
• Don’t forget your in-flight essentials .

More RESOURCES

• Rand McNally Road Atlas
• Lonely Planet’s Coastal California Guide
• Fodor’s California: with the Best Road Trips

Have you driven the California Coast? Which parts were your favorite? Anything else we’re missing?

Did you enjoy this post? Pin it for later

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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes ” – M. Proust

Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

Follow on Instagram (E + J) , YouTube , TikTok , and Pinterest.

This Post Has 7 Comments

So detailed – thanks for putting in so much effort!

Once I adopt my foster children, I want to plan a road trip from San Diego to Seattle, taking a month or longer in the summer. We want to spend time in places such as San Diego and Disney, so will take whatever time we need as I teach so the summer works well. Anything anyone can offer would be welcome.

Want to take a trip down the PCH not sure where to start or fly into nor where to stay… please help to have the best amazing times of our lives

Hi Tudi! It really depends on how much time you have to spend on the coast. We would recommend the whole coast if you have two weeks or more, so you don’t feel rushed. It also depends on whether this trip is more about the drive itself rather than the stops. If it’s your first time, most people do LA to SF or SF to LA (we recommend SF to LA to be on the coast side). That will be the easiest since flights are are cheaper and easy to get for both cities. If you’ve been to these cities before, I highly recommend adding San Diego too. Lmk if you have more questions.

I love this in depth road-trip itinerary! It is one of the best I’ve found! I’m just wondering how long this trip took and how much it cost?

Thanks Taylor! We actually haven’t done the entire trip in one go. We did it in portions. How long it takes kind of depends on how many stops you want to take. We know people who have driven the cost in 5-7 days. You can also spend that long just in one section. Same with costs. The biggest expense will be accommodations. You can go as cheap as you want and camp on your way up, or stay at really luxurious hotels.

You have described everything very well. Interesting and awesome. Thanks!

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An Iconic California Coast Road Trip Itinerary (45 Epic Stops!)

Post Summary: 45 Epic California Coast Road Trip Stops (Northbound!)

Did you know that California’s Highway 1 is one of the most popular west coast road trips in the United States?

It makes perfect sense. California’s rugged coastline, gorgeous sunsets, and nostalgic adventure feel have drawn us in more times than we can count!

If you’re hoping to plan your own road trip down the famous Highway 1, you’ve come to the right place. From the Redwoods all the way down to the sunny beaches of San Diego, there are so many amazing stops to see!

In this post, we’re sharing our favorite stops along Highway 1 for the ultimate California coast road trip. We hope this post encourages you to create your own adventure in California and explore this beautiful coast! 

After reading this guide on how to plan a trip to the California coast, you’ll be ready to have another epic western US adventure.

The Ultimate California Coast Road Trip (All The Best Stops)

Where do i begin northbound or southbound.

Where to start your California Coast road trip is completely up to you!

Starting south and driving northbound is probably the most common way to travel Highway 1 because of the easy access to airports and rental cars to begin your journey.

There are easy southern starting points like San Diego or Los Angeles. Northern California starting points are a little more difficult – you’ll have to begin in Medford, Oregon, or Redding, California and drive a few hours to the coast to begin.

However, if you’re driving from Portland or Seattle and following our Pacific Coast Highway road trip or our Oregon Coast Road Trip , you’ll find that going southbound isn’t much of a problem!

For the sake of this post, we’re sharing stops in the order of someone going northbound!

Want To Take On The Entire Pacific Coast Highway?

We’ve got lots of information about the ultimate Pacific Coast Road Trip and tons of advice for your journey . Here are some posts to get you started on planning your next road trip on Highway 1!

• The Ultimate Pacific Coast Road Trip (Washington To California)
• 10 Amazing Road Trip Planner Tools + Apps For Your Best Trip Yet
• How To Pull Off A Day Trip To Big Sur, California
• Adventurous Things To Do In And Around San Francisco
• 30 Necessary Road Trip Essentials You Need To Be Packing

The California Coast Road Trip – Northbound (Beginning in San Diego!) 

San diego area stops.

To get a taste of SoCal, visit San Diego! San Diego is one of the most beautiful places in California, and it offers visitors gorgeous views, lots of fun attractions, and a diverse array of activities and experiences.

Here are some of the most popular (for good reason!)–and our favorite–places to go in San Diego:

La Jolla is one of the most popular attractions in San Diego! This is because of its cute and high-end shops, delicious restaurants, and tons of amazing places to stay.

If you love animals and long walks, you’ll want to visit the La Jolla Cove and the La Jolla Coast Walking Trail to see all kinds of coastal creatures!

The beaches in La Jolla are also top-notch for ocean kayaking (where you can go into sea caves!)! There are also tons of opportunities to go snorkeling/swimming, and relaxing.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Looking to be close to town while still having adventures in nature? Check out Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve !

In the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, you’ll find tons of hiking trails (both popular and more secluded), unique foliage specific to this area, lots of wildlife, gorgeous Pacific Ocean views, and lovely corners to find solitude and relaxation.

Some of our favorite things about Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve are the beautiful cliffs, blooming wildflowers native to Southern California, and the Torrey Pines State Beach .

A day use fee to the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve costs between $10-25 , depending on what vehicle you drive. The gates open at 7:15AM, though the park is busiest from 10AM-1PM everyday!

Just north of San Diego , Encinitas is another perfect stop on your California coast road trip.

Here, you’ll find lots of great beaches to relax or play, including Cardiff State Beach , Swami’s Beach , and Moonlight State Beach !

For a full stay in Encinitas, take a day at LEG O LAND California (just 15 minutes north of Encinitas in Carlsbad, CA)! You can also stroll through the San Diego Botanic Garden , and grab a bite to eat at the famous restaurant, The Taco Stand .

San Clemente

For cute California vibes, you must stop in San Clemente, California!

San Clemente boasts top-notch relaxation and picnicking at the San Clemente State Beac h . There is also fun hiking/strolling along the 2.3-mile San Clemente Beach Trail , great surfing, epic sunset views on the San Clemente Pier , and tons of cute shops and restaurants.

Orange County Stops

Orange County is the place to go if you’re looking for epic outdoor adventures. From surfing their iconic waves to exploring the gorgeous bluffs and canyon trails, there’s so many amazing places to go in Orange County!

Here are some of our favorite things to do:

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach is full of amazing opportunities to hit the beach, explore the coast, and stroll around downtown. With their weekly summer art walks, this is a perfect stop for people who love locally-made goods.

Looking to stay on a budget during your California Coast road trip? Here are some free things to do in Orange County to have fun and save money at the same time!

Newport Beach

Newport Beach is the perfect destination for boutique shops, paddle boarders, and sailboat lovers! 

Looking for a bit more adventure? Head over to “The Wave” which is located at the end of the jetty. This is where giant waves come and challenge even the best surfers – you’re sure to get a show here!

Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach is the place to go if you’re seeking that iconic California coast culture. There won’t be a shortage of surfers here! Some of the best waves on the entire California Coast are found on Huntington Beach.

Want to experience the waves for yourself? Consider taking a lesson with Toes on The Nose surf school to try out a new skill!  

Los Angeles Stops

Los Angeles is another big city stop along your California Coast road trip. Known for its fame and glamor, Los Angeles features the world-famous Hollywood Walk of Fame , top-tier restaurants, and hundreds of unique shops, hotels, and attractions.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is the place to go for iconic California fun. Popular for its amazing public pier, this area is full of activities to do on your California Coast road trip. Stop a while and play in the waves, check out the amusement park right on the pier, or grab an ice cream cone and watch the sunset.

There isn’t a bad way to experience Santa Monica Pier!

Venice Beach

When planning your California coast road trip itinerary, be sure to include visiting Venice Beach. This is a classic SoCal beach with tons of popular attractions.

Known for its bohemian vibe, the walkable Venice Beach highlights street performers, a fun pier to walk on and watch the sunset, and unique beachside activities.

The Getty Museum is a FREE museum located in West Hollywood in Los Angeles.

Being one of the largest art organizations in the world, you must visit the Getty Museum! Here, you’ll find both American and European Art, lots of unique architecture, and gardens to spend hours in.

Other Famous L.A. Destinations

Want more to do while in Los Angeles? We gotchu! While in this popular SoCal city, be sure to check out The Broad , Griffith Observatory , Hollywood Bowl , Watts Towers Arts Center , Los Angeles Theater , Los Angeles Conservancy , and Huntington Beach Pier .

Topanga State Park

Topanga State Park is known as the largest state park within a city limit in the US. It is one of the easiest natural attractions to access while in the greater Los Angeles area!

With over 76 miles of trails, Topanga State Park is the perfect place to escape after exploring the big city.

The most popular trails in Topanga State Park include the Eagle Rock/Eagle Spring Loop Trail , Musch Ranch Trail , and Will Rogers Trail .

Not up for hiking? Try biking or horseback riding!

Malibu, California is one of the most well-known cities along the California coastline. It’s known for its big estates and the grand homes of celebrities!

In Malibu, you can also expect a relaxed surf culture in places like Zuma Beach and Point Dume State Beach .

For jaw-dropping harbor scenes and vintage town vibes, be sure to stop in Ventura, CA!

What makes Ventura unique is their popular Surfers Point at Seaside Park . This is a paved beach pathway lined with palm trees–and easy access to Santa Cruz Island . This is an island located in Channel Islands National Park that has tons of hiking, kayaking, diving, and camping.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is one of the most picturesque areas along the west coast with cool attractions. It’s often called the American Riviera!

Some of the most popular destinations in Santa Barbara include the Old Santa Barbara Mission and botanical gardens, hiking at Figueroa Mountain or Arroyo Burro Beach County Park , and stopping for a margarita, Mexican food, and epic sunsets at the end of the day.

San Lius Obispo Stops

San Luis Obispo, or SLO, is one of the cutest stops on the California coast with many fun attractions!

Here are some of our favorite activities in San Luis Obispo:

Lompoc Flower Fields

The Lompoc Flower Fields is a stunning area filled with larkspur, stock, and sweet peas.

The best times to see the blooms at the Lompoc Flower Fields are between May and June!

While the fields are privately owned (AKA no trespassing!), you can take pictures from the side of the road. Even better, stop to buy some locally owned fruit stands along the way and enjoy a treat!

The Town of San Luis Obispo

The charming town and greater area of San Luis Obispo has lots of things to do for families, couples, individuals, and friends. It’s almost halfway between San Francisco and L.A.!

While in the area, you can relax at Pismo Beach , go wine tasting in SLO’s wine country , or explore the Montaña de Oro Bluff Trail (easy, 4.1-mile trek with 229’ elevation gain) in Montaña de Oro State Park .

Hiking the Bluff Trail and tide pooling near Spooners Cove is another fun stop in SLO. It offers visitors epic views of the California coast!

Big Sur Stops

For a complete road trip up the California coast, you must travel along the world-famous Big Sur Scenic Byway.

Big Sur is a 90-mile stretch of coast with some of the most scenic curves and bends along the coast. It’s truly a must-see attraction!

Sunrise at Coastal Pullouts

Along these winding, twisting roads are endless opportunities to pull the car over and capture the roaring waves crashing into the cliffs! Foggy hills, jagged rocks, and dramatic coastlines are around every corner here in Big Sur.

Read More: The Ultimate Pacific Coast Road Trip

McWay Falls

If any view can sum up your time on the California Coast, the view of this 80ft tall McWay Falls would be it! 

It’s the shortest recorded trail in the Big Sur area. That makes it a perfect option for families and people who want to quickly stop by on their drive.

Park at the parking lot labeled “Overlook/Waterfall Trail/Pelton Wheel” and head back toward the coast. You cross through a tunnel that goes under the highway, and then have access to the boardwalk view of McWay Falls. Viewing platforms, short walk.

There is no beach access at McWay Falls!

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

Pfeiffer Beach

Pfeiffer Beach is a wonderful place to explore, that’s marbled with purple sand! However, be caution of the route! The way to the beach is through a winding 2-mile narrow road, so be prepared to squeeze right next to another car to get by one another!

Another popular attraction for visitors in Keyhole Rock. Keyhole Rock which is a natural bridge worn through by the crashing waves.

Read More: California’s Black Sand Beach

Bixby Creek Bridge

Did you know this is one of the most photographed bridges in California?

Built in 1932, this bridge was important to the people of Big Sur because it finally connected communities on either side of the canyon. Before the bridge, people had to drive on an 11-mile old and dangerous coastal road to reach the other side!

There are pullouts available on either side of the bridge and an overflow parking lot on the north/inland side.

Carmel-by-the-Sea Stops

One of the cutest and most charming spots along the California coast is Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey!

There are tons of little shops, art galleries, and cafés in these towns. Here are some of our favorite attractions in Carmel-by-the-Sea:

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Point Lobos Natural Reserve is located just south of Monterey, California. This area is widely referred to as the “crown jewel” of California state parks. This is because of its focus on natural preservation, miles of trails, and gorgeous coastline. Because of its proximity to larger cities and right off Highway 1, this place is an easy getaway for visitors to be immersed in nature.

You can explore See Monterey’s website for things to do at Point Lobos like as hiking, bird watching, diving and other activities!

Natural Bridges State Beach

For excellent bird watching and places to explore marine life, check out Natural Bridges State Beach!

At Natural Bridges State Beach, you’ll see grand sea stacks along the compact, sandy beach, tide pools that are perfect for curious kids, and lots of wildlife.

Just 10 minutes north of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey, CA is another charming town in Central California.

In Monterey, the most popular attractions include visiting Cannery Row. It actually inspired John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row , and the Monterey Bay Aquarium .

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

For a romantic date with your beau or fun day with the family, visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk –an amusement park set right along the sandy beaches of Central California!

Admission to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk starts at $40 (though you can often find deals!), and hours are typically 10AM-10PM in the peak summer season.

Shark Fin Cove

Be on the lookout for this spot before the small town Davenport, California because it can be easily missed! There is no sign indicating the cove’s location, just a large pull out on the coastal side of Highway 1! You can park your car free of charge right off the road on a cleared dirt area.

After a brief walk across old train tracks from the “parking lot”, you can stand on the cliffs above to get a dramatic view. There are walking paths to see the “shark fin” from many perspective, and all are unique and beautiful, in our opinion.

You can also choose to climb down to to the bottom to explore on the beach. The beach access is a steep but manageable trail, and we enjoyed an empty beach with the early sunset. Be careful not to enter the natural arch on the far left side of the beach. Loose rocks often fall from the top (we saw it happen!) and standing under when that happens could be extremely dangerous.

Read More: What To Expect At Shark Fin Cove – Davenport, California

Davenport Pier

This is located not even a mile away from Shark Fin Cove. The Davenport Pier was once used for the village of Davenport, but only the concrete base remains intact. Park at the Davenport Beach parking lot to view it from the cliffs about.

The route down to the actual beach is dangerous, so use your best judgement when deciding to make the descent. Here is a helpful article that explains the area and what you might expect here!

San Francisco Area Stops

San Francisco–like many big cities–is a bustling area full of unique places, diverse people, and lots to do!

We’ve narrowed down some of the best stops in San Francisco for you to add to your California Coast road trip itinerary:

Gol d en Gate Bridge

Who doesn’t love a classic? While traveling along the California coast, you must stop at the iconic Golden Gate Bridge for pictures and to enjoy the view of the bay and Alcatraz.

Just 30 minutes from the city center, this stop is one of the most convenient along your entire road trip!

Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is another one of those iconic San Francisco stops you must take while traveling along the California coast.

Here, you can explore the wharf, rent a bike , go shopping , eat at any of the amazing restaurants, visit local galleries and museums , and more!

Want more activities like this? Check out Pier 39 –a popular pier on the ocean that offers visitors tons of fun activities, shops, restaurants, and experiences!

About 40 minutes from San Francisco, Muir Woods was named a national monument in 1908 after the well-known naturalist, John Muir.

Within Muir Woods, you can hike the Canopy View Trail, which is a great hike that takes you right under big redwoods!

IMPORTANT: Muir Woods has very specific parking requirements, and you must reserve a spot in advance , so be sure to plan ahead before you go as walk-ins are prohibited.

Bolinas Ridge

Bolinas Ridge –a mountain in Mt. Tamalpais State Park –is one of the most popular hiking destinations for visitors and locals alike!

You can summit Bolinas Ridge for yourself on the Bolinas Ridge Trail , which is a 21.9-mile trek with 2,470 feet of elevation gain.

One of the best things about this area is that you can hike it or bike it, take as much or as little time as you’d like, and enjoy the scenery of Central California all the while!

Stinson Beach

Found on Bolinas Bay, Stinson Beach is a great way to stop and have a picnic while driving along the California coastline.

Here, you can look for critters in tide pools with the kids, relax with a book and drink on the beach, or explore the nearby town.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Point Reyes National Seashore is one of the most unique stops along the Pacific Coast Highway , as it’s known as being one of the “foggiest places in North America,” has lots of hiking, is perfect for camping overnight, and has tons of epic hiking trails .

Some of our favorite hikes (among many more !) in Point Reyes National Seashore include the Laguna Trail Coast Trail Loop (6 miles), Tule Elk Road Tomales Point Trail (9 miles), and Elephant Seal Overlook Trail (0.5 miles).

Northern California Stops

While making your way up to Northern California, you’ll want to make sure to visit these popular attractions:

Just north of San Francisco, Bodega Bay is a must-see stop on your California coast road trip.

Known for its hiking around Bodega Head –which also has epic whale watching–and easy access to the beachside Doran Regional Park , this area is perfect for nature-lovers and outdoor adventurers.

Near Bodega Bay, you can also take a spa day at the OSMOSIS Day Spa Sanctuary , stay at The Lodge at Bodega Bay , or hike around the bay on the Shorttail Gulch Trailhead .

Sonoma Coast State Park

North of Bodega Bay, you’ll find the stunning Sonoma Coast State Park –a natural area full of great hikes, epic Pacific Ocean views, and fun beaches to explore. It’s the perfect place for families or solo trips!

Within Sonoma Coast State Park, you can go horseback riding on the Bodega Dunes trail system , hike the Kortum Trail (easy, 9.3 miles with 912 feet elevation gain), and go beachcombing on the rugged, sandy beaches.

Shelter Cove – Black Sands Beach

With a coastline of over 20 miles and unique black sand, the Black Sands Beach near Shelter Cove is one of the coolest beaches in Northern California!

One of the best ways to experience Black Sands Beach is on the Lost Coast Trail –a 24.6-mile trek that offers visitors a unique coastal wilderness hiking adventure and sightings of classic coastal wildlife.

Not up for hiking? This area is perfect for tide pooling and enjoying the natural wildflowers!

Fort Ross and the Fort Ross State Historic Park is a great place to experience the wide variety of stories, cultures, and natural history of the area. The primary people group that inhabits the land have been the Kashia Pomo Indian Tribe . Russian colonizers (1812-1842) and the Ranch era (1842-1972) changed the primary inhabitants, then the area became a protected resource as a State Historic Park.

You can learn more about this area’s rich history at the park’s Visitor Center !

Mendocino is another unique coastal area in Northern California that has lots of things to do on the California coast.

While in the area, you should explore the Mendocino Headlands State Park , peruse the Water Gallery , and walk through the Cypress Grove park .

Eureka! While the name might have a silly history , it also means “I have found it!” with a connotation of discovery. Eureka, California is no exception, as there’s lots to discover in this California coastal town!

While in Eureka, be sure to check out the town’s local stores , explore the Victorian-era Carson Mansion , stop at Stinky Beach (which, unlike the name, is not stinky…anymore), and follow the city’s mural map to see unique art from local artists.

Sue-Meg State Park

Directly 30 miles north of Eureka, Sue-Meg State Park is the perfect stop for those who want to camp overnight , hike, or learn more about the culture and history of the area.

One of the easiest ways to experience Sue-Meg State park is by hiking the 3.1-mile-long Patrick’s Point Rim Trail , which starts at Palmer’s Point and ends at Agate Beach.

If you’re staying here for longer, make it a full day and drive along Wedding Rock Road to make the short, steep climb up to Wedding Rock . Here, you can explore North Coast Native American history at Sumêg Village .

Trinidad is one of the best places in California to explore cool beaches, because of the many sea stacks and unique geological features!

While in Trinidad, you’ll want to check out Agate Beach , Trinidad State Beach (where you can also hike the Trinidad Head Trail Loop ), and Old Home Beach !

Whether you want to go on a morning walk on the beach or love seaside sunsets, Trinidad’s beaches are the way to go.

Redwood National Park Stops

Redwood National Park is one of the coolest national parks in the west–and for good reason! 

If you’re not sure what to do while in Redwood National Park, make sure to add these to your list:

Humboldt Redwoods State Park

To travel the 32-mile-long Avenue of the Giants –a scenic drive through some of the largest redwood trees in the area–you’ll want to visit Humboldt Redwoods State Park !

Open year-round, Humboldt Redwoods State Park is the perfect place to vacation and get a taste of Northern California magic.

We suggest stopping by the visitor center , admire the 300-foot-tall trees on the Gould Grove Nature Trail , walk along the fallen Dyerville Giant , and take a dip in the South Fork of the Eel River .

Fern Canyon

The Fern Canyon Trail is one of our favorites in Redwoods National Park and is a Northern California gem. With tons of plants, cool lighting, and enchanting vibes, you’ll feel like you’re in a fairytale when hiking along the Fern Canyon Trail!

The Fern Canyon Trail is a short 1-mile loop that’s perfect for all levels.

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

The expansive Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is one of the best state parks in the redwoods area, as it has over 75 miles of hiking trails, great camping spots , and epic views of Northern California’s world-famous redwood trees.

There’s also tons of resources for kids , making it a perfect stop on your family road trip!

While visiting Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, you might even catch sight of a herd of Roosevelt Elk.

NOTE: Permits/day-use fees are required in some locations in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, such as Gold Bluffs Beach .

Tall Trees Grove

One of the best hiking areas in the greater Redwoods National Park is the Tall Trees Grove .

You can park at the trailhead parking lot and reach the Tall Trees Grove on a 4.5-mile round trip backcountry hike with a total 1,600 feet of elevation gain.

Permits are required to visit the Tall Trees Grove , but they’re easy to get online and FREE! You must reserve your permit 24 hours in advance of visiting the Tall Trees Grove.

California Coast Road Trip Conclusion

Alright, you’ve made it all the way across Highway 1 and 101 on a California Coast road trip! Want to keep driving? Read our guide on the best Oregon Coast road trip route, and even continue to Washington with our Olympic Peninsula road trip route !

We hope you enjoyed our post and happy travels!

READ MORE ROAD TRIP ROUTES

The Ultimate Pacific Coast Road Trip

Olympic Peninsula Loop Trip

30 Necessary Essentials For Every Road Trip

101 Fun and Random Road Trip Questions To Ask Your Friends

20 Brilliant Car Camping Hacks For Your Best Trip Yet

Driving Through The Redwood National Forest

9 Lessons We Learning Living In A Van For 10 Days

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The Ultimate California Coast Road Trip Itinerary

last Updated: March 27, 2024 big sur california carmel central coast half moon bay highway 1 Los Angeles monterey orange county pismo beach road trip san francisco santa barbara santa cruz santa monica solvang

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Planning a California coast road trip?! Taking a drive down the PCH?! You’re in the right place!  I’ve got loads of info for you!

A road trip down the California Coast on the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) is an unforgettable way to see so much of what the state has to offer. 

From waterfalls and castles (yes, really), to spectacular beaches and theme parks, there’s absolutely no shortage of things to do on the California Coast. 

Whether you’ve got a weekend or a few weeks to travel, you can fill your time with a wide array of California experiences. Let’s get this Pacific Coast Highway road trip under way!

Being one of the most scenic drives in the world (and rightfully so), I advise you to take your sweet time to really savor all the charming beauty of this west coast road trip down California.

And before we go into it, if you’ve got even more time in California and you’d like to visit a few spots off the coast, check out my latest post: 45 (Extremely) Beautiful Places in California   (opens in new tab, don’t worry!) << lots more itinerary inspiration for your California road trip!

Recommended Route down the California Coast

• Stop 1:  San Francisco, California
• Stop 2:  Half Moon Bay
• Stop 3:  Santa Cruz
• Stop 4:  Monterey/Carmel-by-the-Sea
• Stop 5:  Big Sur
• Stop 6:  San Simeon
• Stop 7:  San Luis Obispo/Pismo Beach
• Stop 8:  Solvang
• Stop 9:  Santa Barbara
• Stop 10:  Ventura  → Channel Islands
• Stop 11:  Malibu
• Stop 12:  Los Angeles/Santa Monica
• Stop 13:  Anaheim
• Stop 14:  Orange County
• Stop 15:  San Diego

ALL 75 of my favorite PCH stops RIGHT over here ! There’s tons of ideas in this California coast road trip itinerary, but those are my absolute favorites.

Note that the number of stops you’ll be able to make highly depends on how much time you have allotted for this California road trip.

Suggested One-Week Itinerary: If you have a week or so for this drive down the California Coast, I recommend a day in SF (depending on whether you’ve been or not), a day in Carmel/Monterey, a day in Big Sur , stopping at Hearst Castle in San Simeon, dune-bashing (if that’s your thing) in Pismo Beach, a day in Santa Barbara, stopping in Malibu en route of LA, checking out the main sights of LA/Santa Monica , then some beach time in Orange County .

Yes , it’ll be pretty jam-packed , but highly doable if you plan your drives correctly. You can really spend an infinite amount of time on the California Coast, so it’s hard to say exactly how long this road trip will take. It highly depends on your interest, how much time you wanna spend in the cities, and how much driving per day you wanna do.

Note that you can drive directly from San Francisco to LA in roughly 6 hours, but this route (via Highway 101 and Highway 5) will take you inland, meaning you’ll miss out on so much of the Central Coast. 

If you’re planning to drive round trip, I highly recommend that you drive South down the coast via Highway 1 – the Pacific Coast Highway , and then venture back up North via Highway 5 and Highway 101. 

You can drive either way (from SF to LA/San Diego -or- LA/San Diego to SF), but I prefer driving South, starting in the SF Bay Area and making my way down to LA/SD.  Pssst: the views are better this way as the car will be closer to the water. 😉

Renting a Car: Since this is in fact a  road trip , you’ll need a vehicle to get you from place to place! Worth mentioning so you don’t forget to account for the cost of a rental car when following this California coast road trip itinerary!

I like to search  via this site  in order to compare rental companies to see who has the best price.

Note that many rental car shops charge extra for returning their cars at different pick up/drop off locations – just something to keep in mind (it may be worth the extra 6 hour drive back to your original starting point to avoid this pesky fee).

Search for the cheapest car rentals over here !

WHERE TO GET THE BEST FLIGHT DEALS TO CALIFORNIA:

First things first, if you’re not a resident of San Francisco (or LA), you’ll of course need to get yourself there. Since SFO is a major international airport, and a hub for many airlines, you can easily find cheap airfare within the states. 

I swear by  Skyscanner  and  Google Flights , and always always  always  use these two sites when looking for airfare.  The option to watch prices and get email notifications are top notch and one of my favorite features of the two. 

Always check budget airlines that may not be listed, especially if you are coming from other areas of the US with shorter flight times.  A great list of budget airlines can be found  here .

If you’ll be following this  itinerary and heading south (without driving the direct 6+ hours back to  San Francisco ), you’ll want to book two one-way tickets. 1) HOME → SFO, 2) LAX→ HOME. Make sure to search for one-way flights when booking tickets.

Totally your call, but I suggest flying round trip from the same airport so you can avoid one-way drop off rental car fees.

When to Drive Down the California Coast

Keep in mind that the summer months (June, July, and August) are usually rather foggy in San Francisco and down the California coast.  Because of this, some mornings will be pretty damp and misty.  For best weather and best chance of sunshine, plan for a road trip in either late September or October. 

If summer is your only option, you may get lucky with clear skies, but don’t count on it.  However, with this in mind, the fog usually clears up by mid-morning/afternoon.  Normal summer temps are in the low-60’s to mid-70’s, so bring a jacket and reconsider that convertible!  “May Grey, June Gloom” is a real thing out here.

*All drive times are approximations.  Traffic can be heavy at some points along the drive, and you’ll likely be getting out of your car occasionally to take photos along the way.

Stumped on what to pack for a California road trip itinerary? Check out this ultimate road trip essentials packing guide (opens in new tab)!

What to Pack for your Pacific coast highway road trip (rotate sideways on Mobile)

Now let’s get this California coast road trip planning on it’s way!

California Coast Road Trip Itinerary:

1) start in san francisco.

Ahhh, SF, my favorite city; although technically I’m biased because I chose to move to the city by the bay from NYC a few years ago. 😉

A few San Francisco must do’s include either walking or driving over the Golden Gate Bridge, wandering around Fisherman’s Wharf (and stuffing your face with an ice cream sundae at Ghirardelli’s), getting spooked at Alcatraz Island (go on the night tour!), relaxing with some coffee in Union Square, walking down twisty Lombard Street, and riding a cable car. 

Get some great views at either Twin Peaks or the top of Coit Tower, check out the Painted Ladies, commonly known as the “Full House” houses, and nosh on some sourdough bread, fresh pasta in North Beach, and a burrito in the Mission District.

Other things to do in San Francisco include taking a panoramic night tour of city , cruise around the bay in a catamaran (champagne included!), see the Golden Gate Bridge from above  on a seaplane tour , and taking a day trip to Napa Valley (not to be missed on any PCH road trip !)

Visiting San Francisco for the first time? Read THIS  and THIS .  🙂 And make sure to check out this perfect 3-day SF itinerary !

Beware, parking is not the greatest (and garages are expensive), and public transportation is somewhat lacking.  I’ve lived here for 4 years now and still don’t love touring the city via car.

I recommend playing tourist and taking a full tour of the city  instead of trying to do everything on your own.  Or rent bikes , electric bikes (!!!), or even a really fun (and kind of cheesy) goCar  if you’d prefer to fly solo. Uber is always a good suggestion, and with my discount code  (jessicak148), you can get a few bucks off your first ride!

Read More about San Francisco:

• A First Time Visitors Guide to San Francisco
• The Ultimate San Francisco Food Bucket List
• Hiking in San Francisco: A Coastal Walk through Lands’ End
• 25 Spectacular Day Trips from San Francisco
• Best Places to Photograph the Golden Gate Bridge
• Best Desserts in SF (All my Favorite Spots)

Where to Stay in San Francisco

• Intercontinental San Francisco (up-scale luxury and fantastic restaurant)
• Hotel Carlton (travel themed and around the block from Mr. Holmes Bakehouse)

2) Half Moon Bay (45 minutes from SF)

Your first official stop on your California coast road trip (unless you wanna make a few stops in Pacifica /Pescadero – I’ve got a whole road trip guide from San Francisco to Santa Cruz here )!  Say goodbye to the city and venture on over to Half Moon Bay, a cozy little seaside village right on the coast. 

You could easily plan a full day’s worth of activities here, but I suggest spending either a morning or afternoon, unless you want to take the plunge and stay at the ever-so-beautiful Ritz Carlton . 

A few must do’s: go for a stroll on one of the many beaches that dot this area of the coastline (my favorites: Poplar, Mavericks, and Miramar), wander around Half Moon Bay Main Street, walk the coastal trail, and indulge in a lobster roll from Sam’s Chowder House.

Read More about Half Moon Bay:

• The Weekend Guide to Half Moon Bay
• 12 Reasons to Love the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay
• All My Favorite Beaches in Half Moon Bay

3) Santa Cruz (1 hour from Half Moon Bay)

Drive a bit further on Highway 1 and you’ll reach Santa Cruz, where I suggest stopping for a few hours .  Walk on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, ride the Giant Dipper and/or the Ferris Wheel right on the beach, and stop for a snack or two (churros and funnel cake are my favorites).  You can also head to Shark Fin Cove if you’re looking for a unique beach!

Also, don’t miss the Mystery Spot, which I won’t give away for obvious reasons, and make sure you try Marianne’s before heading out (the absolute BEST ice cream in the area).

Read More about Santa Cruz:

15+ Things to do in Santa Cruz

4) Monterey/Carmel-by-the-Sea (45 minutes from Santa Cruz)

Next up on our Pacific Coast Highway road trip – Monterey and Carmel! California is just full of sweet little seaside towns, and this area, despite being rather touristy, is definitely one to stop at. 

Monterey and Carmel are only a few miles apart, and I highly suggest spending the night in either of these towns (Monterey being the more affordable option) while on your California coast road trip.

A few recommended activities and bites: bundle up on a whale watching tour , indulge in clam chowder at Old Fisherman’s wharf, walk around Cannery Row, and spend a few hours at the Monterey Bay Aquarium (included in the San Francisco CityPASS if you’ve gotten it previously).

Don’t miss a walk around the charming little town of Carmel, cruising around the area in a Sea Car , watching the sunset at Carmel Beach Park, and stopping at the viewpoints along the 17 Mile Drive. 

On our most recent visit, I couldn’t stop raving about the food, with my favorites being the Monterey Crepe Company, Red’s Donuts, and The Poke Lab.  I really should make an-depth guide to Monterey soon!

Read More about Monterey/Carmel:

• Why I Want to Move to Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
• Monterey and the 17 Mile Drive

Where to Stay in Monterey:

• Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa (located on a golf course!)
• Holiday Inn Express Monterey-Cannery Row (wonderful location)
• The Monterey Tides Hotel (right on the beach!)

5) Big Sur (50 minutes from Monterey)

Next up: Big Sur , famous for a reason and many people’s favorite stop on this California coast road trip itinerary. Most people are surprised at how little “civilization” is around here – no traffic lights, strip malls, or banks. 

It’s more of a state of mind rather than a specific point on a map, encompassing about 90 sunny Californian miles down the coast. 

With this being said, plan to drive down the coast and consider setting up camp/hotel in another location, unless you want to fork over some big bucks for a luxury hotel.  I recommend everyone spend a bit of time in Big Sur on a California coast road trip (at least half a day)– it’s too remarkable to miss!

You’ll be stopping on the side of the highway so many times you’ll lose count – the coast line is just that spectacular!  It’s known for its winding turns, seaside cliffs, and breathtaking views of the often misty coastline. 

A few must-do’s here in Big Sur : see McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, wiggle your toes in purple sand at Pfeiffer Beach (yes, parts of it really are purple, I was surprised too…), marvel at the Bixby Creek Bridge, and check out all the views from Point Lobos. OH, and if you’re visiting between February and April, definitely find the hidden blooms at Calla Lily Valley !

Read More on Big Sur

• A Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary: What to See, Do, Eat, and Enjoy

Where to Stay in Big Sur (Super Duper Beautiful Luxury Spots)

• Post Ranch Inn  (cliff-top hotel with a gorgeous spa)
• Ventana Inn  (luxe wilderness resort, with lots of privacy)
• Hyatt Carmel Highlands  (overlooking Big Sur)

6) San Simeon (2 – 4 hours drive, depending on how many stops you make in Big Sur)

Did you think you’d be stopping at a castle on your California coast road trip?  When I first learned about Hearst Castle, I was mesmerized.  Being a historic landmark on the coast, tours do fill up in advance, so be sure to book your spot ahead of time . 

First time visiting?  Sign up for the Grand Rooms Tour – and that’s exactly what you’ll see – plenty of spectacularly ornate rooms, plus lots of time to explore the absolutely stunning grounds. 

Non-negotiable on any California Coast road trip, in my opinion.  Be sure to look out for the zebra on the side of the highway as you enter/leave.  Bizarre, opulent, and oddly satisfying.

And while you’re in the area, make sure to stop at Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery, a popular spot to observe elephant seals with its own boardwalk and viewing areas. 

The best times to visit the rookery are in late January, late April, and late October, but visits are encouraged year round.  Have you seen an elephant seal use their large, inflatable noses to make noise?  It’s pretty wild!

7) San Luis Obispo/Pismo Beach/Morro Bay/Paso Robles (45 minutes from San Simeon)

So there’s kinda a lot to do in this little area – so best to pick and choose your favorites (if not, you can easily spend a whole week here!). 

In SLO (what locals refer to as San Luis Obispo), sip pink drinks at the Madonna Inn , stuff your face with bbq are Firestone Grill, blow bubbles at the Bubble Gum Wall in downtown, and grab donuts at SLO Donut Company (SloDoCo). All my favorites, and I can’t image an afternoon not doing any of these.

Looking to stretch your legs?  Opt for the Bluff Trail at Montaña de Oro State Park, a 3.4 mile round trip relatively flat path with (better-than-okay) ocean views.

Thought Napa/Sonoma were the only wine countries in California? Winos – you’re in luck.  This part of your California coast road trip (in Paso Robles ) features over 100 wineries, and deciding which to visit is the hardest part! 

The DAOU Vineyards gets constant praise, and with it’s wonderful wine, olive oil, and views, it’s hard to beat!

Want someone else to take you around? Probably a good idea if you’ll be drinking lots of wine! Hop on a full-day hop-on, hop-off wine tasting tour (yes, they exist!) and you can choose your own itinerary in Paso Robles Wine Country.

Or take the easy way out and let someone else decide for you on this  Ultimate Wine Experience in San Luis Obispo (foodie lunch and 3-5 wineries included!).

You need to include a dune buggy ride on Pismo Beach on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip ! One of the most epic things to do in this area! More info on that here . Nowhere else in California can you drive a vehicle on a public beach!

Before getting to SLO, you may as well make a pit stop in Moro Bay. If the weather cooperates (always a gamble over here), you’ll be rewarded with views of the giant monolith. Be sure to walk around the nearby beach to find sand dollars, and grab a cinnamon bun from one of the local bakeries.

If you’re thinking of stopping here for the night (or have had too much to drink…), consider staying at no other than the wildly famous Madonna Inn .  But be sure to save your breakfast appetite for SLO’s legendary Big Sky Café.  Oh, and there’s always beach time as well if the weather cooperates.

8) Solvang (1 hour from San Luis Obispo)

A bit in-land, but well worth the few miles off the highway.  This cute little area will feel as if you’ve been transplanted to a Danish village, with authentic Dutch bakeries and international cuisine.  Worth a quick pit stop, for the pastries alone (try the aebleskiver – pancake puffs). 🙂  

Stroll the village to spot Danish icons including the Little Mermaid Fountain, a handful of historic windmills, the giant red clog, and Round Tower.  There’s also two historic churches to check out, Old Mission Santa Ines and Bethania Lutheran.

Looking for something a bit more active? See the unique architecture of the only Danish city in The West via segway tour ! They are so much fun and an easy way to get around!

9) Santa Barbara (45 minutes from Solvang)

An absolute must-stop on any Pacific Coast Highway road trip !  Here in Santa Barbara – dubbed the American Riviera – you’ll find widespread beaches and a truly relaxed atmosphere. 

Downtown you’ll find Mediterranean-style white stucco buildings with red-tile roofs, which accurately reflect the city’s Spanish colonial heritage.

And the food! Oh, the food here! Consider joining a historic Santa Barbara Food Tasting Tour  to get a true feel for what the locals love here (hint hint: includes Northern Italian dishes, gourmet cheese, local wine and handcrafted chocolates… yum).

Rather take a beer tour? Sign up for the  Self-Guided Santa Barbara Lagoon Loop Craft Beer Trail  (yes, it’s a thing down here).

Don’t miss Old Mission Santa Barbara, a historic church known for its beauty, a panoramic view of the city from the Clock Tower observation deck of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, and the Santa Barbara Public Market. 

Save some time for Stearn’s Wharf and then beach it up, you deserve it!  If you haven’t noticed by now, I’m all about that ice cream – satisfy your sweet tooth at McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams (worth the wait and then some).

And whatever you do, don’t leave Santa Barbara without taking a surf lesson  (<– reserve your spot now, as they can fill up pretty quickly during the warmer months).

Where to Stay in Santa Barbara:

• Inn by the Harbor (romantic and Mediterranean two blocks from the waterfront)

Recommended Tours in Santa Barbara:

• El Paseo Wine and Photo Tour
• Santa Barbara Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure
• Santa Barbara Funk Zone: Food and Photo Tour

10) Ventura for Channel Islands National Park (40 minutes from Santa Barbara)

Usually not very common on a ‘traditional’ California coast road trip, but I couldn’t leave this destination off the list.  In Ventura, be sure to check out Mission San Buenaventura, Olivas Adoble, and Oxnard Beach Part. 

This vibrant town is the unexpected spot to make your way to Channel Islands National Park, located just off the coast via ferry, plane, or private boat.

Take a break from the crazy urban life and go for a hike on the Channel Islands, literally!  The park is comprised of 5 islands and their surrounding mile of ocean, so it’s best to decide beforehand where and what to go/do. 

Head to Inspiration Point on Anacapa Island for some of the best views of the National Park, and/or you can snorkel/dive/kayak in Landing Cove (Anacapa Island) or at Scorpion Anchorage (Santa Cruz Island).  If you’re on Santa Cruz Island, be sure to check out Cavern Point, which provides a spectacular view after a short hike.  You can even go whale watching around here!

FYI – there is NO transportation available on the islands – you have to either walk, kayak, or cruise around via private boat.  Bicycles are not allowed.  Plan a day trip here from Ventura to get your nature fix.

Recommended Channel Islands Tours

• Channel Islands Full-Day Private Sailing Trip

11) Malibu (50 minutes from Ventura)

Just the name “Malibu” sounds exotic and beachy to me.  Here on your California coast road trip you’ll find wide stretches of beaches, celebrity homes, and The Getty Villa (which is said to be absolutely stunning). 

But Malibu is more than just that, including stunning canyons, horse ranches, waterfront restaurants, acres of land, and lots and lots of hiking trails. You can also take a private surf lesson if you missed out in Santa Barbara!

A few spots not to miss: Paradise Cove (the only restaurant you can actually drink on the beach), Geoffrey’s Malibu for a wonderful lunch view (get some fresh seafood here!), Point Dume Beach (you’ll always see dolphins!), Malibu Pier, a tour of celebrity homes , and wide and sandy Zuma Beach, known for its excellent surf. 

Don’t leave without some gelato from Grom Gelateria, the absolute best of the best! And if you’re a sucker for fantastic views like me, don’t miss out on a Malibu scenic airplane tour ! Your pictures will be epic, I promise!

12) Los Angeles/ Santa Monica (50 minutes from Malibu)

I highly suggest you spend at least 2-3 days here as there is just SO much to do .  You’ll want to divide your time between Downtown LA (DTLA) and Santa Monica/Venice Beach, with possible other stops to make as well.  

After checking out all the necessary tourist hot spots , you’ll have more time to envelope yourself in the “true” feeling of Los Angeles. Promise me you won’t miss a Warner Brothers Hollywood Studio Tour !

In DTLA , I highly suggest the Broad Museum (FREE, but usually a long wait time), getting an egg sandwich at Eggslut, The Last Bookstore, macaroons at Bouttega Louie, and culture and snacks in Little Tokyo.

Don’t feel like walking? Take a segway tour of DTLA ! Don’t feel like figuring out public transportation? A hop-on, hop-off bus of the LA area is always the way to go!

In Santa Monica and Venice , be sure to check out the Santa Monica Boardwalk (ride the ferris wheel and/or the coaster during sunset), Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice Canals, and the Venice Beach Boardwalk. 

In addition, you can’t miss the Urban Lights exhibit at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)!  You’ll find pretty cool murals all around the area as well if that’s your type of thing (it most definitely is mine)!

Hike in the Hollywood Hills , take an airplane tour of Santa Monica and the coastline , go on a tour of some movie stars’ homes ,

Read More about Los Angeles/Santa Monica:

• The Ultimate SoCal Guide: 25 “Very LA” Things to do in Los Angeles, California
• The Perfect Way to Spend A Day (or Two) in LA
• The Cool Girl’s Guide to LA: What to See, Do, Eat, and Enjoy

Where to Stay in Los Angeles/Santa Monica

• The Orlando Hotel (middle of West Hollywood and lots of great Mexican nearby!)
• HI Hostel (perfect for solo travelers, and around the block from the beach)

13) Anaheim for Disneyland (45 minutes from LA)

Disney lovers will enjoy this spot for sure, but just for the record, Disneyland is not as large and/or “wow!!!!” as Disney World.  I had a Disney-fanatic-friend visit Disneyland a few months back and she was not impressed to say the least. 

Save this stop if you’ve never been to the location in Florida, or if you can’t stand not to check it out for yourself.  Regardless, you’ll have a grand ol’ time on the rollercoasters and indulging in all things Mickey.

A few parks to check out (click to buy tickets): Universal Studios Hollywood , Disneyland Park , Adventure City, and Disney California Adventure Park.

I highly recommend getting these theme park tickets in advance to by-pass any super-long lines and spend more time in the parks. You’ll save yourself lots of time, that’s for sure!

• Universal Studios Hollywood 1-Day Ticket with Options
• Anaheim: Disneyland Resort 1-Day Entrance Ticket

14) Orange County: Huntington Beach/Newport Beach/Laguna Beach (35 minutes from Anaheim)

This stretch of coast is absolutely BEAUTIFUL and should not be missed if your itinerary has you driving down to San Diego (or even as an extra stop from the LA/Ahaheim area). 

Here you’ll find manicured beach towns, a hell of a lot of beautiful people, and even more beautiful stretches of sand with mesmerizing sunsets. 

The beaches are plentiful, but my favorites include Huntington Beach , Newport Beach, and Laguna Beach, all within a few miles of each other.  We recently spent a bit of time in San Clemente , and fell in love with the town! Don’t miss gelato at Gelato Paradiso and the views from Heisler Park and Dana Point.

You won’t want to skip “The OC” on your California coast road trip – I can promise you that!

Read More about Orange County/Southern California

• My Birthday in Sunny Southern California
• 4 Days in Huntington Beach: Everything You Need to Know
• The Complete Guide to San Clemente

Want to extend your PCH road trip?!

1) GO FURTHER SOUTH! You could choose to venture even further south to San Diego, as there’s lots and lots to do! Watch this space for updates and more information on California, including best things to do in San Diego as well!

2) START UP NORTH! Interested in starting this Pacific Coast Highway road trip a bit north of San Francisco? Check out the drive from San Francisco to Mendocino , highly recommended in my opinion if you’ve got a few more days to explore! A weekend in Mendocino is the perfect way to start your trip! And if you’re looking for some redwoods, you’ll find lots around here !

3) HEAD ALL THE WAY TO SEATTLE! Yes, it’s possible! If you have ample extra time, say another week (or more), check all these stops on a San Francisco to Seattle road trip ! Crater Lake and donuts, anyone?!

Have you ever take a California coast road trip?!  Is taking a road trip down the Pacific Coast Highway on your bucket list?!

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July 30, 2020 at 5:32 pm

Totally agree! I added Santa Barbara last minute to my road trip and you are so right – you don’t want to miss out on this city. The weather was as close to perfect as you can get. It really makes you want to spend as much time outside as possible.

If you are looking for bike rentals I would suggest Cal Coast Adventures as they offer tons of biking options. Beach cruisers to mountain bikes – they really have it all!

Another bucket list item I was able to check off was learning to surf with Santa Barbara Surf School. The instructors were so knowledgeable about ocean life and safety and I stood up on my first wave.

It was an experience I’ll never forget. Can’t wait to make my way back to Santa Barbara!

October 20, 2020 at 8:22 am

I wanted to thank you for all your great advice and suggestions. My husband and I decided to take a spontaneous 4-day weekend road trip down the PCH. We flew in to San Francisco from Minneapolis and, thanks to your posts, were able to experience some amazing sights. We flew in later in the day, so we stayed in Pacifica for the night. We were right on the beach and saw our first California sunset there! I rolled my eyes at your Taco Bell suggestion (in a another post), but we decided to try it (as my husband is a Mt. Dew lover!). What a fun experience … a Mt. Dew margarita, a Grande Burrito and an awesome ocean view!!

The next day we started our journey down 1 and made it from Half Moon Bay down to Santa Barbara and then back up to San Francisco. We had a fabulous experience, thanks to both beautifully sunny, warm October weather and your insight and suggestions (on this post and several others). We packed in a lot, but it was a trip of a lifetime and made more special with your help!

November 15, 2020 at 7:04 pm

Hi Alison – so glad you had such a special trip! I absolutely LOVE the PCH and California in general so I'm so happy my posts were helpful! Hope you get back to CA sooner than later! And yes – we love that Mountain Dew marg, haha!

December 22, 2020 at 12:11 am

Great itinerary and very nice hotel recommendations. I really enjoyed reading this. On stop #10, Ventura, consider stopping by the Hollywood Beach Salon – Spa – Boutique for some relaxation overlooking the beautiful Channel Islands Harbor!

January 18, 2021 at 1:05 pm

I also want to golf at Pebble

January 19, 2021 at 10:23 am

That would be such an experience! It's on my husband's bucket list for sure!

January 22, 2021 at 7:15 am

Hi, I live in Westminster near Anaheim and am going to visit my daughter in Monterey from 2/5-2/7. This is a short trip. I am thinking take the fastest route there and on the way back make short stops at some of the places you recommended. I will have my 3 kids with me in their 20s and possibly my Australian Shepherd. I was wondering what you recommend? The trip back has to be done in one day. I'm a little nervous about driving to since I tend to get lost lol. Thank you

January 22, 2021 at 1:52 pm

Hi Mary! I recommend stopping in Paso Robles, Morro Bay, and San Luis Obispo. These 3 spots are all so different from each other and aren't too far apart. Morro Bay is on the coast (look out for adorable sea otters), Paso has delicious wines (just make sure they aren't take out only right now), and SLO is a fun town to walk around (don't miss the bubble gum wall!).

Also, I'd opt to take the 101 (and NOT highway 1) driving down from Monterey to Paso since the drive from Monterey through Big Sur to Cambria is literally on the side of a cliff and takes forever.

Have fun!!!

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California Coast RV Road Trip

November 30, 2019 California , Camping , Central Coast , Central Valley , Family , Hotels & Resorts , National Parks , North America , Northern California , Road Trips , Sacramento , San Diego , San Francisco Bay Area , South Lake Tahoe , Southern California , The Great Outdoors , Travel , United States

Fall is the perfect time to plan a California Coast RV road trip. Not only is the weather still beautiful (hello 85 degree days!) but you can book an RV with Cruise America RV for a fraction of the cost. They run annual fall promotions at 50% off their summer rates! Once Labor Day passes, the crowds and summer rush to the coast disappear and the kids are all back in school.

One of the most popular questions I get when sharing these trips on social media is, “Jessica, where do I even begin planning?!” So in today’s post, I am going to share with you how to plan your California Coast RV road trip, where we stayed, and what attractions we visited at each location.

Keep in mind that as a Californian family, we have been blessed with many opportunities and trips down the California coast. Use this post as a guide and a jump start for places to go and things to do, but remember that there is SO MUCH to see and do along the California coast.

If you have any questions with your planning, or just want more specifics, please send me an email , or a DM on Instagram . I will happily help you however I can!

We would like to thank Cruise America for partnering with us for this incredible California Coast RV trip. Although this was a sponsored trip, all thoughts and opinions of this trip are my own.

HOW TO PLAN YOUR CALIFORNIA COAST RV ROAD TRIP

Time needed for your california coast trip.

You could easily spend months traveling down the California coast, but we were able to get down the coast in 10 days. Ideally, for a slower pace and to allow more time for hikes, nature and free time, I would recommend a minimum of 2 weeks.

When my husband and I begin planning trips, one of the first things we do is consider how much time we actually have for the trip. We factor in our work schedule’s and our children’s schedules. Once we have dates solidified, then we can plan from there.

However, even once we have chosen dates for our trip, I still try to allow flexibility in our scheduling and allow room for moving the dates by 1 or 2 days. Sometimes, this requires us to pull our kids out of school. Since our children are still in the elementary grades, I have no problem with them missing a few days of class to go on family trips.

Keep in mind that before you pull your child out of school for a California Coast RV road trip (or any trip for that matter) there are steps you should take to ensure your child is prepared for missing class. As an elementary school teacher for the past 13 years, I want to share with you some tips to help prepare your child and YOU before missing school for a trip.

CLICK HERE to READ things you should do before taking your child out of school for trips.

Choosing the Right Destinations for your California Coast Trip

Before researching anything on the computer (there is SO MUCH information!!!!) we actually go to our friends and family first. We try to connect with anyone who has gone to the places we are planning on visiting, or if they know someone who experienced a similar trip.

Next, we scour the internet for HOURS on end. I particularly like to use PINTEREST as a guide to lead me to blogs about the places we want to explore. Based on that we make a “bucket list” of all the wants and wishes for the trip. We know that we are likely not going to be able to get to everything and see it all. BUT, it is nice to have a huge list to choose from.

RELATED POST: PLANNING YOUR NEXT FAMILY GETAWAY

Booking availability and reservations for sites along the california coast.

So now we have our time frame, our list of destinations and things that we want to see. Up next is checking booking availabilities and reservations for sites to stay at.

When booking our RV site accommodations we went through the Reserve California website. Reserve California is the California State Park reservation system for camping sites and tour ticketing opportunities.

Looking to make reservations at a California State Park? Click here to go directly to the Reserve California website.

If accommodations are not available at our desired locations through Reserve California, then we just did a simple Google search to find other private RV accommodations in the area. Prices were more expensive through private RV accommodations, but we needed a place to stay in those areas and we weren’t as flexible because of our short planning time.

For this particular trip we were able to book all of our RV sites for this specific trip less than 48 hours before leaving. (this last minute booking is not for me!)

Is this ideal? No. And I will tell you that the only reason we were able to get away with this is because we were traveling during the fall, we were booking most stays during the week (not weekends or holidays), and we were pretty flexible about where we ended up. I would recommend booking accommodations as soon as you solidify your travel dates.

Highlight Video of our Cruise America California Coast RV Trip

This trip was definitely all about making memories with our kids, and spending intentional and meaningful time as a family.

Capturing Our Memories from the Trip – One Scrapbook Page at a Time

Looking for a fun way to capture all of your memories from a trip like this one? Click on this post for a fun, engaging way to create a vacation memory book with your kids while you are on your next trip.

How to Create a Vacation Scrapbook

LIST OF SUGGESTED STOPS DOWN THE CALIFORNIA COAST

Since we are Californians we are fortunate that this is not our first, nor or last trip down the California coast. Had it been my first time down the coast I would have started my trip with a few days visiting the San Francisco area.

We were able to grab our RV from the Cruise America in Newark, California. Conveniently located 35 minutes from the San Francisco airport. So if you were coming from out of state you could fly in to any of the Bay Area airports (Oakland, San Jose, San Francisco, or even Sacramento) and grab your Cruise America RV rental from one of there many locations.

As a San Francisco Bay Area family our starting point is Santa Cruz, but I would suggest if you are from out of state or a first time visitor to California, that you should most definitely start your trip in San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area.

Santa Cruz, California

Day one of our trip included our first stop at Santa Cruz, California. We headed immediately to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk where we spent the day. You can’t go wrong with a beach front amusement park. Our children had never been, and Dave and I had not been since we were kids.

I was pleasantly surprised with how clean and safe I felt at the Boardwalk. Plan ahead if you are looking for ways to save money, and google search discount Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk tickets.

RV tip: although there is metered parking throughout Santa Cruz and around the Boardwalk area, rest assured that there is a PAID parking lot for cars and RVs located at the Boardwalk itself. As of October 2019, here are the rates for cars/RVs dependent on if rides are open or closed that particular day.

Limited Ride Days: $10, RV $10 Full Ride Days: $15, RV $30 Rides Closed: $5

Looking for more details about Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk?

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jessica | Family Lifestyle (@flyingwithfour) on Oct 23, 2019 at 5:19pm PDT

RELATED POST: ADJUSTING YOUR EXPECTATIONS WHEN TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN

Monterey, california, rv site: monterey county fair rv.

After spending a full day of fun at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, we headed South to Monterey. Monterey is 43 miles from Santa Cruz on Highway 1. Approximate drive time is 45 minutes. We were able to get to our RV site , make dinner, and ride bikes before the sun set.

For our first two nights we stayed at the Monterey County Fairgrounds RV Park . The facilities were gated, clean, and quiet. I almost felt guilty letting my kids ride their bikes around the loop where our RV was parked because it was so quiet. I am not sure if it was the time of year (mid-October), but they were the only children there.

We spent the following day in Monterey down on Cannery Row. One of the main attractions in Monterey, besides the awesome fresh seafood, is the Monterey Bay Aquarium . At first glance, the Monterey Bay Aquarium tickets are PRICEY! But I can say that it is the best aquarium we have ever visited. We never leave disappointed.

If you are taken back by the price of the tickets for the aquarium, or you would just rather do other things in Monterey with your family there is a ton to do! You can walk and shop along Cannery Row, visit the Wharf, kayak, or even rent a surrey for your whole family! Check out all of the adventures to be had in Monterey area with Cannery Row| Adventures by The Sea .

After a full day at Cannery Row and the Wharf, we made plans to have dinner at The Monterey Fish House. Dave has been wanting to visit this restaurant since he saw it on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. Let me tell you. It. Did. Not. Disappoint! Check the hours, and if possible make reservations. This place literally had a line to the street for people waiting to get a table an hour before it even opened! The seafood and pasta was fresh and kid approved!

San Simeon, California

Rv site: hearst san simeon state beach.

Rise and shine! It’s time to leave Monterey and head to our third stop on our California Coast RV trip was San Simeon. San Simeon is 96 miles from Monterey on Highway 1. Approximate drive time is 2.5 hours. Alternate route is 147 miles on Highway 101 South. Approximate drive time is 2.5 hours. When you see photos of highway 1 in a magazine, this is the stretch of coastal views that you are seeing.

Mom Tip : if your children are susceptible to motion sickness, now would be the time to give them Dramamine. This is not a forgiving stretch of drive. There are a lot of switch backs hugging the coast line. But the views are incredible and worth the nausea!

There are so many beautiful stops between Monterey and San Simeon. If you are looking for more places to add to your trip, I would recommend: Carmel and the 17 mile drive, as well as Big Sur. There are so many wonderful hikes, waterfalls, and nature trails along this stretch of the coast.

Our family decided to spend our time in San Simeon exploring Hearst Castle . Dave and I visited over 12 years ago and each time we come back, I am reminded why. I would recommend making reservations for tours in ADVANCE for Hearst Castle. You can get tickets the day of, but you may not be able to get tickets for the particular tour you want.

Mom tip: Strollers are not allowed in Hearst Castle. Plan ahead and bring a baby carrier for your little ones. Like many other guided tours, these tours are designed for adults. Snacks and drinks are also not allowed inside Hearst Castle – so make sure you have your plan on how to keep your little one busy while on the tour.

Looking for more details on Hearst Castle?

Pismo Beach, California

Rv site: pismo state beach.

Pismo Beach is 48 miles from San Simeon on Highway 1. Approximate drive time is 1 hour. Alternate route is 61 miles on Highway 101 South. Approximate drive time is 1 hour. Pismo Beach itself is best known for its sand dunes and ATV fun. There are plenty of local companies where you can rent ATVs by the hour, half day or full day.

Our favorite thing to do while visiting this area is relaxing at Avila Beach. Approximately a 12 minute drive from Pismo Beach, Avila Beach is a charming beach town with small shops and a few restaurants. With our RV trip as jammed packed as it is, it is nice having a day of just doing nothing but relaxing.

Once we finished our day at Avila Beach we headed to our campsite for the evening. Pismo State Beach Campground which we booked on Reserve California.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jessica | Family Lifestyle (@flyingwithfour) on Nov 8, 2019 at 4:48pm PST

Santa Barbara, California

Rv site: carpinteria state beach campground.

Santa Barbara is 82 miles from Pismo Beach on Highway 1. Approximate drive time is 1.5 hour. Alternate route is 94 miles on Highway 101 South. Approximate drive time is 1.5 hour.

There are so many things to see and do in Santa Barbara. Our favorite is taking the bikes along the beach to cruise along Shoreline Drive and West Cabrillo Blvd. There is a lot of action along the beach line, including restaurants, street vendors selling trinkets and jewelry, and plenty of opportunities for people watching.

Two kid friendly spots along this bike path, include the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum and the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center .

Santa Monica, California

Rv site: crystal cove state park.

Santa Monica is 92 miles from Santa Barbara on Highway 1. Approximate drive time is 1.75 hour. Alternate route is 104 miles on Highway 101 South. Approximate drive time is 2 hours. Although California natives, Dave and I both had never experienced Santa Monica and we wanted to check out the infamous Santa Monica Pier and thought this California coast RV road trip was the perfect opportunity to check it out.

To be completely honest, I was not impressed with Santa Monica Pier. It was an overcrowded, overpriced tourist trap, and one that I probably won’t return to. The kids weren’t all that impressed either. Especially after we had just spent an earlier part in our trip at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. As we said that afternoon as we drove away, “We came. We saw. We Santa Monica’d.”

Traffic to get from Santa Monica to our campsite was a NIGHTMARE! Keep in mind when planning your drive times to and from destinations that California traffic (especially Southern California) can get exceptionally congested during peak commuter hours.

Our campsite for the night was at Crystal Cove State beach. I will not lie. This was my FAVORITE RV overnight location of the entire trip. My husband and I are planning on going back to just this RV park because of its high level of cleanliness, ocean views, and location. I could have posted up and stayed here for a week.

Carlsbad, California

Rv site: south carlsbad state beach.

Carlsbad is 101 miles from Santa Monica on Interstate 405 South. Approximate drive time is 1.75 hour. Alternate route is 103 miles on Interstate 5 South. Approximate drive time is 2 hours. We had a very specific kid friendly destination in mind when we chose Carlsbad as one of our stops.

We spent the majority of our time in Carlsbad at the Legoland California Park . In the words of my 7 year old son as we left the park at closing, “Mom, this was the best day of my entire life.” He is a die-hard Lego fan, and we knew we would have to get him to the park someday. We are so happy that we made this stop for our kids.

I am currently working on a blog post for how to maximize your day at the Legoland California Park. Once I have that published I will link it back to this post as well.

Our RV site at South Carlsbad State Beach was also on my “MUST RETURN TO SOMEDAY” list. We were so close to the ocean that we could hear the waves crashing at night while we slept in the RV. When we woke up in the morning we ate breakfast at the picnic table in our site and watched about 3 dozen surfers hitting the waves. It was pretty awesome.

San Diego, California

Rv site: campland on the bay.

San Diego is 34 miles from Carlsbad on Interstate 5 South. Approximate drive time 45 minutes. Alternate route is 35 miles on Interstate 805 South. Approximate drive time is 45 minutes. When planning your California coast RV road trip, you can’t miss San Diego.

San Diego is truly a wonderful place to visit time and time again. It’s family friendly, has beautiful weather year round, and has something for everyone. I found this great list from LaJolla Mom of the best things to do with your kids in San Diego .

At this point in the journey you basically have two choices. You can return your RV at a San Diego location (additional fees do apply for one way rentals) OR you can spend a day on highway 5 cruising back north. We of course spent the day cruising up the 5 with very little stops.

FUN THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS ON YOUR ROAD TRIP

Looking for a fun, NO COST game to bring along on your next ROAD TRIP? Click on the SPOT IT! game board below to print out this FREE PRINTABLE 50 States License Plate Game . We originally had printed out one per person and were all trying to see who could get the most, but we eventually realized we loved working off on sheet and finding the license plates together.

By the end of our 10 day California Coast RV road trip we had found 43 of the 50 USA license plates along the journey. Click on the image to take you to the FREE PDF printable.

I hope that this California Coast RV road trip planning guide is helpful to you and your family as you enjoy the beauty of the California Coast. If you have any specific questions, or you are looking for an answer that you just don’t see please leave a comment on my page or send me an email . I would love to help you plan your California Coast RV trip. 

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The Perfect 2022 Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary

01/11/2022 by Kristin Addis 39 Comments

Tell me, what did your family vacations look like when you were growing up? Mine consisted of beaches, hiking, and Yosemite. I grew up in a utopia also known as California, where the weather is fine nearly all of the time, the coast stretches for 16 hours by car from the border of Mexico to the border of Oregon, constantly changing along the way. The mountains came along to play too, just to round things out as the most perfect place to grow up. I have a bit of hometown pride, can you tell? That’s why I put together this Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary, so you can see California’s beauty too.

More of California’s secret places here:

California has inspired countless poets, musicians, and writers. One of my favorites is Jack Kerouac, particularly in Dharma Bums . He spoke of California in the most enchanting run-on sentences I’ve ever read as he vagabonded across the state. Quotes from his books perfectly illustrate the quintessential California road trip:

*Note: it’s more popular to go from north to south on this route. You’ll be in the lane directly next to the coast and have better views, so if you’re able, reverse this trip. If you live in SoCal like I do, then this direction is great, too.

Table of Contents

My Favorite Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary

Pacific coast highway road trip checklist:.

Make sure not to start your trip before you:

• Get the best-priced rental car
• Do you have an extra charger?
• 4-person tent
• A couple of  twin air mattresses
• And  thick sleeping bags
• Plus, a head lamp

Ready? Let’s go:

Start in Los Angeles

Dean’s California–wild, sweaty, important, the land of lonely and exiled and eccentric lovers come to forgather like birds, and the land where everybody somehow looked like broken-down, handsome, decadent movie actors. – On the Road

Here’s a travesty – I had never done a road trip up California’s Pacific Coast Highway (AKA Highway 1, but locals call it PCH). I’ve lived along bits of it for most of my adulthood and as a young child, but never actually drove it up to San Francisco. Mom and I decided to change that this summer when I came back for a visit. The starting point was L.A. (though you could start in sunny San Diego which is about two hours south), with plans to make it to Santa Barbara, where I went to college, by mid-afternoon.

El Capitan Campgrounds, Santa Barbara

Happy. Just in my swim shorts, barefooted, wild-haired, in the red fire dark, singing, swigging wine, spitting, jumping, running—that’s the way to live. All alone and free in the soft sands of the beach by the sigh of the sea out there –  Dharma Bums 

I got goosebumps when I read this quote about the Santa Barbara coast while sitting half a world away on Tonsai beach in Thailand. I felt exactly what Jack was talking about as he referenced the place where I went to university, came into my own, and realized what I wanted out of life. It was never clearer to me than when I was sitting on those quiet beaches outside of Santa Barbara, looking up at the stars, listening to the gentle roll of the waves, and thanking the universe for creating such a beautiful place.

Jack was speaking of Gaviota State Beach, which is just a few campsites over from El Capitan . This is a favorite of mine located just north of Santa Barbara on PCH. The campgrounds are located directly on cliffs overlooking the ocean. Every single time I’ve looked out at the horizon, I’ve seen dolphins within minutes. That is not hyperbole. Every single time!

Once you leave El Capitan for the next day’s drive, there are tons of places worth stopping by on the way up to Big Sur. The best part is they only get more spectacular as you make your way north. The Morro Bay rock is one, and as you make your way up through San Simeon you’ll see more and more lovely views which almost always have space for pulling off the road for a quick photo:

You can’t really go wrong with which beach you choose to stop for lunch at – though Pismo Beach is a popular spot if you need suggestions. We elected to stop a bit before that in San Louis Obispo (at  Old San Luis BBQ Company ). They have been open for outdoor dining during much of the pandemic and have just opened indoor dining as well.

2022 Update : As you head north, you may have to take a detour along Highway 101 because of the road collapse near Rat Creek. Keep up to date on road closures here .

On soft Spring nights I’ll stand in the yard under the stars – Something good will come out of all things yet – And it will be golden and eternal just like that – There’s no need to say another word. –  Big Sur

Jack’s work, Big Sur , spoke of his battle with alcohol addiction and finally succumbing to its grasp. His words in this quote remind me of the way I often feel when staring off into the distance. Things finally start to align when I’m given the time and space to think close to nature’s heart, far from big cities, crowds, and skyscrapers.

There’s something about staring at the California coastal horizon and imagining the possibilities that exist out there that result in the kind of clarity I can’t find elsewhere. I imagine he might have felt the same.

Big Sur is one of California’s most famous parks, and usually books up well in advance, yet I got lucky by finding  Ventana Campground (location noted in the map at the bottom of the post), which is a tranquil, tents-only campground in the middle of a patch of Redwood trees. It’s been open during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to implement health and safety precautions.

If you’ve never seen them before, prepare to be wowed.

The Redwood tree only exists in California, Oregon, and China’s Hubei province. The first spot you’ll see them driving up the coast from Southern California is in Big Sur. My, what a sight they are.

The world’s tallest known living tree, named the Hyperion in Northern California, is of the Redwood variety and stands at 115.61 m (379.3 ft). It’s incredible to imagine how resilient these trees are. The average age of Redwoods is 500-700 years, with some living as much as 2000-2500 years!

Their fire-retardant bark and the way it splinters into tiny pieces when it hits the ground have helped them survive fires and logging. They still are victim to both, though. Thankfully, conservation efforts in California have protected some of the areas where they grow.

McWay Falls has a beautiful history. It’s right outside of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park (park on the right side of the road if coming from the north in order to avoid paying park entrance fees if all you want to do is quickly see the falls).

The land where the park now sits was owned by an heiress Helen Chamblet Hooper, who married Lathrop Brown, a one term Congressman. McWay Falls is named after McWay Canyon, which was named for the first homesteader Christopher McWay who settled there in 1887.

Upon leaving Big Sur to head north keep your eyes open for the famous Bixby Bridge. It will be easy to spot as it’s a favorite amongst tourists for a quick photo.

Keep an eye on maps, as just south of Carmel-By-The-Sea, you’ll see a bunch of old trees lining the road and a few more cars pulled over. Stop to see if you can spot some whales from the shore. Much like the density of dolphins around El Capitan, spending some time scanning the water for clouds of mist from a blowhole may pay off. Mom and I saw two without binoculars.

If you’ve got time, the 17 Mile Drive between Carmel and Monterrey is a famous and beautiful one. It will set you back $15, though.

First Name:

San Francisco

It seemed like a matter of minutes when we began rolling in the foothills before Oakland and suddenly reached a height and saw stretched out ahead of us the fabulous white city of San Francisco on her eleven mystic hills with the blue Pacific and its advancing wall of potato-patch fog beyond, and smoke and goldenness in the late afternoon of time. –  On the Road

There’s one spot in San Francisco where you can actually camp – Kirby Cove – and it has a view of the iconic Golden Gate bridge. Just like Ventana, Kirby Cove is open during the pandemic and following CDC health and safety guidelines.

SF, as we Californians call it, is always a favorite of mine not because I go sight seeing at Fisherman’s Wharf, California’s old prison at Alcatraz Island, hang from cable cars or even wine taste. Alcatraz is now reopened and has limited capacity, so make sure to make a reservation before you visit.

It’s where nearly all of my best friends live now. Every time I go back, I’m reminded who my family away from my family is, and it’s a beautiful feeling.

San Francisco has a great vibe with a great many cultures coming together. I personally love poking around Haight and Ashbury, or lounging in one of the parks. If you want to go for a walk and catch some nature and coastal views, go for a walk along the Presidio.

South Lake Tahoe

I felt like lying down by the side of the trail and remembering it all. The woods do that to you, they always look familiar, long lost, like the face of a long-dead relative, like an old dream, like a piece of forgotten song drifting across the water, most of all like golden eternities of past childhood or past manhood and all the living and the dying and the heartbreak that went on a million years ago and the clouds as they pass overhead seem to testify (by their own lonesome familiarity) to this feeling. – Dharma Bums

I know it’s a deviation from the coastal road trip to hit up Lake Tahoe, but it’s so worth it. I couldn’t believe I’d never seen it before having grown up in this state. As I’ve come to find, there’s a lot worth seeing in my own backyard.

Though I didn’t hit South Lake Tahoe on the same road trip, it’s easy enough to make the jaunt over if you have the time. I drove up there several weeks later en route to Burning Man with a few friend. This time we took an RV, which was a game-changer.

It’s certainly different camping with an RV, and I love it for the convenience. Once you get over the initial, omigod this is huge how do I even drive this boat?! it’s not so bad, and can even be kind of fun to drive.

We camped at Fallen Leaf Campground in South Lake Tahoe. At the time it was not permitting fires due to the dryness induced by California’s current 4-year drought. No matter, because we had a stove, and even an oven, right inside the RV. Like the other campgrounds, Fallen Leaf is open and following health and safety protocol.

One big reason we had the RV was for Burning Man (covered in The Day I Finally Became Enough , if you’re curious about the desert festival). I would honestly never go to Burning Man without an RV. I sleep at odd times during the festival and tents turn into ovens during the day. Sleep is too important during a week-long festival, as are showers. It also provides good shelter from the crazy dust storms and a place to hang out, store costumes and get ready for the day, and to cook easily. I normally don’t mind roughing it, but during Burning Man is one time that I’m just not willing to.

In the past we had rented from someone off of Craigslist, and this year, went with Apollo RVs instead. I didn’t realize what I had been missing. The old RV leaked water constantly and we had a crisis almost every year. This is very bad news when you’re at a festival in the desert where you can’t refill. It also had nice hard floors rather than the ridiculous carpet in the last one, and looked pretty classy inside with all the dark wood. I’ve learned my lesson here – go for the newer models that aren’t going to break super easily.

Camper van photos thanks to my lovely partner in crime, Yvonne. If you speak Deutsch check out her road trip tips .

Soon it got dusk, a grapy dusk, a purple dusk over tangerine groves and long melon fields; the sun the color of pressed grapes, slashed with burgandy red, the fields the color of love and Spanish mysteries. –  On the Road

  Most people don’t go all the way to the far north of California on their road trips, but it’s actually my favorite spot. I love Humboldt county so much that I’ve returned four times.

It’s nicknamed the Lost Coast since it’s so sparsely populated and receives way less tourism and attention than the rest of the state. I imagine that has been its saving grace. Take a walk along any of the beaches, especially at sunset, and you’ll feel a profound connection to the coast in a way you haven’t felt at any other spot – that’s a promise. If you find yourself in this area, definitely head to Fort Bragg and Mendocino if you can.

The California road trip is one I’ve wanted to do my whole life. I can’t believe it took me traveling to the ends of the world to finally make the time for my home state.

I can only close with gratitude, and with yet another passage from Jack Kerouac:

And I said, “God, I love you” and looked to the sky and really meant it. “I have fallen in love with you, God. Take care of us all, one way or the other.” To the children and the innocent it’s all the same. –  Dharma Bums

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Camping Tips

Directions:   Click here for a map with all of the destinations plotted out for an easier journey.

• Camp food : For easy eating, I suggest hobo stew, which is a mix of veggies (I like to put squash, zucchini, broccoli and/or cauliflower, and tomato in mine, layered in that order), plus ground turkey, beef, chicken, or pork, BBQ sauce on a large square of tin foil. Scrunch it up around the sides and pour in a bit of whiskey. Then throw it on the grill and, depending on how big the fire is and how quickly the veggies cook, you’ll have an easy meal within 30 minutes to an hour.

All you really need to make this is a cutting board, decent knife, and a campground that will allow camp fires. Sometimes, especially due to the recent drought, they’re not allowed, so look on the campground’s website to be sure.

• Fill up on gas before getting near Big Sur. It gets hideously expensive in national parks
• Book ahead: Camp slots in California, especially in the summer, book up way ahead of time. Get your spot early! This is especially necessary during the pandemic as there is even more limited capacity at the campgrounds.
• Get an awesome tent for tent-only campgrounds . Mom did a great job of making our 4-person tent (for two people, naturally) feel like a palace. We each had our own twin air mattresses. I suggest these over one queen because if one person moves the other feels it too much on a queen. Also bring thick sleeping bags (it gets cold at night, especially on the coast, at any time of year), and a nice big tent that is easy to put up. I slept like a baby.
• For the comforts of home, get an RV . Most of the time, I’d much rather have an RV if possible for long road trips like these. Setting up camp takes up a lot of time, especially when moving quickly. In an RV, not only do you have more people and more potential drivers, but there’s a spot for cooking if campfires are not allowed, an oven, showers, a toilet, and an essential for Burning Man – air conditioning.

*Apollo and I collaborated to bring you this post (Two other bloggers and I provided them with photos of the RV for their marketing purposes). I genuinely loved the RV and am serious that I would never go to Burning Man without one. Opinions expressed in this article are genuine. Please also note that there are some affiliate links in this article. Anything you purchase through them helps keep the content on this blog coming at no extra cost to you.

California’s Lost Coast in Photos

About kristin addis.

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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Kristin says

11/12/2015 at 9:48 pm

Loved all those spots as a kid! Mainly loved Solvang for the bakeries.

11/15/2015 at 10:08 pm

Ah the PCH! Loved driving up it to Santa Monica when I did a few years back, and I’ve taken the train down the coast a few times, but damn I need an RV! Plus, I’ve never stopped north of Santa Monica so I need to do that. Big Sur, WOW. Looks amazing, and I want to finally see the Redwoods.

12/27/2015 at 11:39 pm

AND SANTA BARBARA! There’s so much worth seeing north of SM man!

Cherie Westover says

01/09/2016 at 5:35 am

We drove the PCH from San Francisco to LA for my 65th birthday in November. .it’s been in my bucket list for years! I have to say it was the best trip I’ve ever taken! The beauty is almost too much to describe! I’d go back in a heartbeat!

01/12/2016 at 11:57 pm

What a nice way to celebrate a birthday!

Ashley says

01/28/2016 at 3:21 pm

Ok, I HAVE to do this road trip! As a native Californian and a Santa Barbara grad as well, I’ve driven sections but not the whole thing. Plus now I am inspired to reread all my favorite Kerouac novels as well. This will be a must when Alex and I return to California!

01/29/2016 at 2:34 am

You have to read Dharma Bums while you do it if you haven’t already! He writes so much about California in that one.

05/01/2016 at 3:54 am

Great photos from California. Kudos on that hometown pride! We are from SoCal and we love going to Santa Barbara. I love those coastal cities/towns like San Diego, Ventura, Santa Barbara and the list goes on. In two weeks, we are going to drive from Orange County to San Jose and San Francisco via PCH. Your photos make us so excited to take the trip. I wish we could go up to further towns, past San Francisco.

Great post!

05/02/2016 at 4:54 am

So glad you’re feeling inspired! LOVE Santa Barbara so much. Enjoy it.

06/07/2016 at 8:10 am

Great blog – I can’t wait to do this. I’ll be road-tripping in August! 🙂 Thanks for all the tips. Sarah, from: http://thetwoscoops.com/

Anonymous says

01/02/2017 at 5:41 pm

Hi Kristin, My wife and I found your itinerary for the PCH very helpful for planning our trip from LA-> SF. First, we wanted to thank you. Your pictures of McWay Falls and Bixby Bridge convinced us that we had to do the trip! If your readers have time to spare while they are doing this trip and are looking for a slight variation, another possibility would be to spend a day or two in Santa Barbara before heading to all the adventures in Big Sur. We spent two days in Santa Barbara (SB) in March and did the Urban Wine Trail in SB which allows you to walk from different brick-and-mortar stores that own vineyards in the neighboring Santa Ynez wine region. You can sample wine without having to drive which is always a plus 😉 We also loved the food in SB, especially the Mexican food like at Mony’s Taqueria. If your readers are doing the PCH during a warmer period they could also use SB as a homebase to explore the Channel Islands to see some great marine life (something we hope to do in the future but didn’t get to because of cold weather).

We one day hope to travel as much as you Kristin. That is the dream! Your blog is so great. Wishing you and your readers a Happy New Year!

01/03/2017 at 10:43 am

Glad you liked it! I went to university at UCSB so I definitely agree that spending some time in Santa Barbara is a great call. I should just do a guide specifically on that sometime soon – my heart is still there!

01/21/2017 at 4:35 am

I love this post! I’m currently planning a road trip along the coast. One question for you, did you find it difficult to drive the RV along highway 1? I’m contemplating either renting an RV, or a convertible 🙂 Thanks for the great post!

01/23/2017 at 10:30 am

It’s not easy to drive anywhere until you get the hang of it. Then once you do, it’s just about taking it slow and making sure you take the turns very easy.

jim Bose says

02/01/2017 at 6:37 am

wow so cool I live in Vermont and I am getting a little older and really want to come to California to LA so I can travel the PCH. Your photos and places you have been to are breath taking, Thanks for sharing. Now I am planning my first ever west coast trip.

02/01/2017 at 7:54 am

Awesome! Have a great time Jim.

02/12/2017 at 6:13 pm

Thank you for this lovely detailed post! We just moved to Sacramento last October and we take a big vacation every year and this year we’re going to be driving down the coast and back. I didn’t really think about camping but it’ll probably be much cheaper and easier with dogs. i’ll be bookmarking for future reference!

02/13/2017 at 2:39 am

Much cheaper, but make sure you book ahead!

03/08/2017 at 10:02 am

Hey Kristen i am planning a family trip for 4 on a budget. , & was hoping to get your advice. We flight into LA on the 8th June and out again on the 16th, we would like to do this road trip to -SF. but we need motel /hotel rooms since we have to travel light, Do you have any recommendations?

03/09/2017 at 2:21 am

I think Airbnb might be a good option for you price-wise if you don’t plan to camp.

Sheree Newman says

04/20/2017 at 7:41 am

Hi~ We are planning a trip this summer SF-LA but hear the PCH is in bad shape in Big Sur. Is this true? wondering if we should postpone until next summer?

04/24/2017 at 11:18 am

So, I know I’ve seen this post before, and commented, but I recently got a taste of some of the places you went. Just did a road trip to some National Parks, but went down the coast from San Fran to Santa Cruz…and before that did a ton of the National Parks in Cali, Nevada, and Arizona. Mainly, I read Dharma Bums last year, and On the Road again on this trip. The quotes you listed are the ones I loved too, and how I felt exploring it. Will be tagging this in my article if you don’t mind =)

08/13/2017 at 2:47 pm

Hi Kristin, 8/13/’17 My wife and I are from San Jose and have traveled many portions of the PCH over our years together. We started with an old pickup staying in Big Sur for $8 a nite but have graduated to being RV’ers and have a mid size Itasca Winnebago tricked out for comfort. My wife just said let’s do a coastal trip soon. So I jumped on the net and saw your info. So after reading your notes I am inspired to drive HWY 5 to San Diego and start our coastal tour from that point. I do know that HWY 1 is closed for repairs just south of Big Sur so that’s needs to be addressed in our itinerary. Thanks for all your great points of interest we plan to include on our trip.

08/21/2017 at 1:09 am

This is true. We miss you Big Sur!

12/14/2017 at 1:16 pm

Awesome itinerary, you hit many of the most beautiful places along the coast! Next time you should head a bit inland and check out what Costa Mesa has to offer!

12/15/2017 at 1:22 am

You mean Costa Misery? Lol I used to live pretty close it’s not my favorite place

Garren Pryor says

03/14/2018 at 7:37 pm

3/14/2018 Hi! My husband and I are planning our first road trip for my birthday this year. I found this very helpful. I missed how many days this trip was. I will read again. Do you mind sharing? Thank you!

03/15/2018 at 5:53 pm

I’d give it at least a week and a half but that would be quite rushed.

07/19/2018 at 3:28 pm

Hey thanks for documenting your California road trip. We are planning to do a road trip like this from SF to Santa Barbara. My wife and I are bringing our 2 year old and her parents and so far have Santa Cruz, Monterey, the Bixby Bridge, Solvang, and Santa Barbara on the list of places to visit. And after reading this, I think some of your suggestions will fill out the rest of our trip. McWay Falls, Morro Bay and random beach stops along highway 1 should be great sites for us to check out. Thanks for this Kristin!

07/20/2018 at 11:21 am

09/05/2018 at 8:31 pm

Thank you for the road trip info. It is something I have wanted to do for a long time. I want to drive the coast, camp along the way, and also ride my bike for day trips. Any other recommendations you can provide would be helpful.

Enjoy! Judy

08/14/2020 at 2:32 pm

Hello! I wanted to thank you for providing such an amazing itinerary for traveling and camping along the PCH! Couple questions. I’m from Seattle, so we’d be doing the trip north to south, so would it just be as easy as basically flipping your itinerary to where you ended as our starting point?

Also, because of COVID we’d really like to avoid staying in hotels and the idea of camping in a tent or tear drop camper, is something we’re seriously considering. My concern though is, we’d head out in about 1.5 weeks, do we have to reserve ahead a time for camping sites even if they are tent only?

Again, thank you immensely for this itinerary and explanation of what to do along the way!

08/16/2020 at 9:41 am

Hi Josh, Thanks for reaching out! Yes you can just reverse the route 🙂

I would be a bit concerned about finding camping at this point. It’s not impossible, but it’s what a lot people are turning to this summer and many of the campsites are only operating at half capacity, or are closed for the season. Look into it now! You can also probably find a few first-come, first-served campsites – this is common on some state parks. Just make sure you get there as close to check out (usually 11 or noon) as possible.

All that said a lot of kiddos are back in school starting this week so that should help a lot!

sara andres says

11/29/2022 at 10:35 am

i looovee this!! i have lived in both southern & northern California, at different points in my life. this is something i have ALWAYS dreamed of doing…first with friends, or on my own at any time, then with my children, and now I’ve got renewed excitement all over again!! if i could drag one or both of my adult kids along with I would be oh-so-thrilled BUT, truth is i want to do this either way! my life is flying by me and I’ve suffered many losses in the past 2 years and it is just high time to shake off the depression and start living again! thank you oh so much for the gorgeous photos, quotes and sharing your experience…you have no idea how much i did need this right now. peace – sag

12/04/2022 at 10:32 am

Have the best time! Whether solo or with others, it’s a wonderful road trip!

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If you’re up for it, California boasts 840 miles of coast for you and your RV to explore. In the far north, Redwood forests stretch down through Eureka , Mendocino , San Francisco , and into Big Sur , where these majestic trees compete for attention with the stunningly dramatic coastline. Don’t forget to stop for a surf break in Santa Cruz or a whale-watching tour in Monterey . As you move south, lovely seaside towns such as Cambria offer a chance to relax on the beach, while wineries can be found just inland around San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara . The Santa Monica Mountains meet the beach in Malibu , offering a beautiful introduction to Los Angeles . South of LA, surfing reigns supreme in Huntington Beach . Once you get to sunny, sublime San Diego , you’ll be making your plans to move here. RV options run the gamut from fully equipped RV resorts to coveted state park campgrounds with no hookups.

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15 Most Scenic (and EPIC) West Coast Road Trips

The gorgeous pacific and beautiful mountains lead to amazing west coast road trips.

• 1 The gorgeous Pacific and beautiful mountains lead to amazing West Coast road trips!
• 2 15 Most Scenic West Coast Road Trips & Destinations
• 3.1 Highway 1
• 3.2 Ventura/Santa Barbara/Solvang
• 3.3 Big Sur
• 3.4 Fort Bragg
• 4.2 Klamath
• 4.3 Crescent City
• 4.4 Mt. Shasta
• 5.1 Crater Lake
• 5.2 Oregon Coast
• 5.4 Oregon Dunes
• 5.5 Tillamook
• 5.6 Astoria
• 6.1 Unique Volcanoes
• 6.2 Orcas Island
• 7 Share Your Favorite West Coast Road Trips

From bustling sunny beaches, lush forests, and sand dunes to gorgeous rocky shores, the west coast offers something for everyone to enjoy. Read on for some beautiful places to put on your travel plans in California, Oregon, and Washington.

You can also find some of the best food and museums the west coast has to offer!

15 Most Scenic West Coast Road Trips & Destinations

Perhaps it's your dream to take a long, meandering RV trip up the entire west coast. Or, if you are not in a position to do that, you might be thinking about visiting different sections at different times.

Whatever you want to do, we have compiled a list of the 15 most scenic west coast road trips. 

West Coast Road Trips: California

From the bustling beaches in the south to the cooler, rockier coastline in the north, and worthy road trip stops in between, California has something to offer everyone.

Here's our compilation of the best west coast road trips in California:

Starting in Dana Point, just south of Los Angeles, Highway 1 hugs the coastline for more than 655 miles, offering views and interesting stops all along the way.

I have outlined some of the best stops you might want to consider if driving this stretch of California highway:

Ventura/Santa Barbara/Solvang

Between the major metropolises of Los Angeles and San Francisco, lies Ventura and Santa Barbara.  While Ventura has a more laid-back surfer vibe, Santa Barbara is a bit more formal. These two cities are uniquely different but offer many activities to keep visitors busy.

For beachfront RV camping in Ventura, try Faria Beach Park , which offers stunning views of the Channel Islands.

If stunning mountain views, horseback riding, and closer access to museums like the Santa Barbara Museum Sea Center are more your speed, look into Rancho Oso RV & Camping Resort . 

If you decide to stay put in this area for a few days, think about taking a day trip over to Solvang . This “little slice of Denmark” has a lot to offer from wine tasting to delicious Danish bakeries. 

Further up Highway 1, you will find Big Sur, a rugged coastline with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.  Known as “mini Yosemite” and situated on Big Sur River, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park offers 1,000 acres of hiking and wildlife beneath the breathtaking Coastal Redwood trees. These trees are only found on the west coast, from Big Sur to southern Oregon.

While in the area, you might want to consider a visit to Hearst Castle to see the late William Randolph Hearst’s incredible estate, featuring amazing pools and unparalleled views of the San Simeon area. After the tour, take a break at the Hearst Ranch Winery to taste some local wine, located just minutes from the museum entrance.

As you travel further north, you will enter the Fort Bragg area where you won’t want to miss the southern beach of MacKerricher State Park called Glass Beach . It gets its name from smooth colorful glass pieces that are mixed into the pebbly beach from a long-gone trash dump that transformed broken bottles into beach treasure. 

The Giant Redwoods

When traveling through northern California, it would be difficult to miss the towering Coastal Redwoods, native to this area. Growing on the coast only from Big Sur in the south to southern Oregon in the north, these gorgeous trees grow to heights of 300-350 feet. 

Here are some of the best spots to experience the giant Redwoods of California:

Take a drive on the 31-mile Avenue of the Giants , called the “finest forest drive in the world.”

Stop and stretch your legs at the unique Trees of Mystery , which features a gondola SkyTrail that glides you through the forest canopy and the Redwood Canopy Trail made from aerial netted suspension bridges connecting the majestic Redwoods. 

Crescent City

From Crescent City, head inland on the 199 for about nine miles. There, you will find the breathtaking Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park .

Take a hike through the redwoods, a scenic drive on Howland Hill Road, or fish, snorkel, or kayak in the Smith River. 

About four and a half hours northeast of Eureka is Mt. Shasta, a town just outside of Redding named after its central feature, an awe-inspiring mountain over 14,000 feet tall.

Known for its outdoor activities like fishing, cycling, skiing, and wildlife watching, consider staying at the quiet and quaint McBride Springs Campground situated on the lower slopes of Mt. Shasta. 

Or, you might want to stay just south of Mt. Shasta in the small town of Castle Crags. Castle Crags State Park features incredible 6,000-foot tall granite spires, while just outside the park is the Railroad Park Resort where you can dine in a train car. 

You may also want to check out this article: Five Top California National Parks for your Bucket List

West Coast Road Trips: Oregon

While California has beautiful spots, it's not the only western state that does. Oregon has gorgeous and unique coastlines, and several worthy inland road trips to take.

Check out these noteworthy West Coast road trips:

Crater Lake

Head inland to Oregon’s Crater Lake National Park , featuring a deep water lake inside of a sleeping volcano. The clear, deep-blue lake was formed 7,700 years ago after a violent volcanic eruption. It’s awe-inspiring, to say the least!

Oregon Coast

Marked with rock spires and formations, dunes and lush forests, Oregon’s coast is unique and beautiful. You can expect lots of greenery and lush forests in these West Coast road trips.

Known not only for its rocky spires and offshore rock formations, Bandon is a beautiful stretch of Oregon coastline that is home to abundant sea birdlife.

You might want to consider staying at Bullards Beach State Park which offers ample hiking and houses a lighthouse at the end of its beach. 

Oregon Dunes

Don’t miss the Oregon Dunes , which dominate the coastline for over forty miles.

Great day use areas include Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park and the Oregon Dunes Overlook situated just south of Florence. 

Do you love ice cream? Or is cheese-tasting more up your alley? Stop for lunch at the Tillamook Creamery and to take a look behind the scenes at their factory.

If dairy does not satisfy your food craving, try fresh seafood or a craft beer from the North Coast Food Trail , featuring places from the entire North Coast of Oregon.

Then take in “Terrible Tilly,” the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse before driving further north. 

Are you a fan of the Goonies? Check out the filming locations in this most northern coastal town.

Gritty and edgy, this town also features many historical attractions including the 1906 shipwreck of the Peter Iredale on the beach at Fort Stevens State Park . 

West Coast Road Trips: Washington

Home to mysterious volcanoes and lush green forests, Washington state has many interesting places to explore. 

Here are two of our favorite west coast road trips in Washington state:

Unique Volcanoes

Both beautiful in their own ways, Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens are sights to see.

Mt. Rainier , towering over 14,000 feet above sea level offers gorgeous views and outdoor activities, while Mt. St. Helens is home to a museum overlooking and memorializing the site of the incredible 1980 eruption. 

Orcas Island

Set in the majestic San Juan islands, horseshoe-shaped Orcas Island is not to be missed.  This green paradise offers art and culture, pristine lakes, lush forests, and endless outdoor adventure.

Other must-see spots include Moran State Park , Mount Constitution , and the myriad farms around the island. And don’t miss this incredible driving tour around the island. 

If you want to take a break from your west coast road trips, you can try out Oceanfront Camping at Quinault Casino in Washington .

Share Your Favorite West Coast Road Trips

Whether you have a weekend or months to travel, there is no shortage of gorgeous and interesting west coast road trips to take throughout California, Oregon, and Washington. Please share your favorite experiences on the West Coast in the comments below.

Published on 2021-02-18

Mike Wendland is a multiple Emmy-award-winning Journalist, Podcaster, YouTuber, and Blogger, who has traveled with his wife, Jennifer, all over North America in an RV, sharing adventures and reviewing RV, Camping, Outdoor, Travel and Tech Gear for the past 12 years. They are leading industry experts in RV living and have written 18 travel books.

One Response to “15 Most Scenic (and EPIC) West Coast Road Trips”

February 18, 2021at10:30 am , James said:

Regarding Big Sur, note that Highway 1 is closed, and will be for some time due to the Rat Creek slide, north of Hearst Castle before Pfeiffer.

Comments are closed.

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How to Take the Ultimate California RV Road Trip

As a family that loves to explore the world whenever possible, we have enjoyed some great travel adventures with our daughter, Kitty, over the last eight years, with the hope we are instilling a sense of wanderlust in her too.

For one of our favorite trips, we set aside three weeks in late March to take in the stunning California coastline starting in Los Angeles and finishing in San Francisco. We mapped out an ambitious and fast-paced route taking in the cities of LA, San Diego and San Francisco, as well as the Californian desert, mountains and countryside and of course, the not-to-be-missed and legendary coastline.

An RV trip is perfect for families with a sense of adventure and those who want to explore. The beauty of this type of trip is that you can choose to see and do exactly what appeals to you, since you have the luxury of building your own schedule and driving to any and all of the sites that most interest you.

Settling in

Picking up the RV from Cruise America we were shown around our 24 foot-long home on wheels and talked through the essentials, such as how to fill water and gas and how to empty the tanks. Our RV was perfect for our family of three, with a double bed in the back, kitchen and dining areas, a toilet and a shower. Kitty especially loved having her own bed and den above the driving cab. As soon as we were satisfied we had asked all the right questions we were on the road and heading south to our first stop – San Diego.

The first day in the RV was all about finding our feet – getting confident on the road with the size of the vehicle, driving to the first site, unpacking and shopping for supplies.  It was fun and exciting and felt almost like we were playing house. By the first evening we were fully settled, happily toasting marshmallows on a campfire and enjoying being in the great outdoors.

After time in San Diego and visiting the impressive collection of museums of Balboa Park our route then took us inland and driving through the stunning landscapes of the Californian desert, brand new and very exciting territory for us.

Californian desert

With temperatures soaring to 100 degrees when we visited in March, the climate here needs to be carefully considered when planning a trip. We managed the heat by exploring Joshua Tree National Park first thing in the morning and venturing out to walk in the wilderness at sunset, with the pool at the campsite providing the perfect place to cool down in between. The desolate beauty and vastness of the desert was spectacularly topped off each night with clear skies and we were rewarded with the best stargazing we had ever witnessed.

During our adventure we stayed in the lush forest of the Mount Jacinto National Park at Idyllwild, a picture perfect town we fell in love with that boasts log cabins, cute shops full of local produce, friendly faces and plenty of excellent places to eat and drink. We also had another great stay at a national park camp ground literally on the beach at Carpinteria.

Disney magic

We managed to squeeze in some time for a day trip to Disney. In terms of ticket prices, this isn’t the most cost effective way to visit the park and doesn’t give you enough time to do it all, if that’s your goal, but it worked for us. To make the most of our day we headed to the park around midday and stayed until the very end, leaving at midnight, exhausted but with big smiles and lots of exceptional memories.

After a long day at Disneyland, we took the pace down a notch and headed back to the coast joining it north of LA.  Over the course of a week we gradually headed north on the legendary Route 1, hugging the Californian coast and stopping off at some beautiful places along the way to take in the stunning scenery.

At the end of our 3 week adventure, we sadly said goodbye to our amazing voyage with plans to return and a lifetime of memories.

During our trip we exclusively stayed at two different types of campground – fully equipped resorts which included pools, shops, laundries and play areas and The National Parks which usually just had toilet and shower facilities but were in more scenic locations.

Research and book all campgrounds at home before starting your trip so you have a smooth journey and can ensure you avoid getting lost along the way. It also helps to secure some of the most spectacular National Park sites as soon as you start planning your trip since they get booked up early.

The lowdown

Price: Drive in fees start at $20 per night

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Touring the California Coastline Road Trip on an RV – 7 Stops Worth to Make

Have you decided that this year’s vacation will be an epic RV trip along the Pacific Coast Highway? Touring California’s coastline is not only a beautiful way to spend your holidays, but also one of those bucket list trips for many, since it’s one of the best road trips in RV to do in the US . The route will take you along some of the most stunning coastal and mountain scenery you can experience, and there are so many incredible attractions and stops along the way, so, pack whatever you want to bring on an RV trip and hit the road!

Outside of the dining, shopping, festivals, museums, and events that you can experience, there are some must-see locations that should simply be on everyone’s itinerary. Here we’ll take a look at seven of them.

Related Read: Tip for Planning a Cross Country Road Trip

Table of Contents

7 Stops you should do while road tripping the California Coastline on an RV

San francisco.

San Francisco is easily one of California’s most well-known cities , and for good reason. From the architecture to Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz Island, and of course the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, this is a stop you simply cannot miss. Just be sure to give yourself a little extra time to explore, as usually, one day isn’t nearly enough to take in all the sights of the city and surrounding area.

Related Read: Can you hook up your RV to a Septic Tank?

Carmel-by-the-Sea

If you’re looking for a more laidback stop, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a must-see. The architecture is European-style so you may even feel as though you’re in a whole other country. Experience the lovely gardens, small quaint cottages, and cobblestone courtyards in this village. For those with an interest in the art scene, you’ll find a wide selection of artists selling their creations. Boutique shopping and local wine are also very popular here.

It should also be mentioned that the coastal views are nothing short of spectacular, so you’re in for a real treat on this stop.

For those who are enjoying the HBO series Big Little Lies, a stop in Monterey is the ultimate fan dream. The show is filmed and takes place in this stunning town, so you may even recognize some of the sights. Points of interest include Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Monterey Bay, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a drive on “17 Mile Drive” known for its epic scenery, Old Fisherman’s Wharf, the local shops and cafes, and shopping at Cannery Row.

If you’ve got a little extra time to stay, you can also take in the many recreational sports that are popular here such as biking, golfing, kayaking, sailing, and even whale watching when in season, also, it’s one of the best places in the United States to do scuba diving .

Related Read: Best RV Parks in The United States

Hearst Castle

If architecture is your thing, then Hearst Castle is a must-see. Built in 1865 by George Hearst, a miner, rancher, and then US Senator, the castle sits on 40,000 acres of ranch land, offering absolutely stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Heart’s son bought additional land and started to build what is known as the Enchanted Hill, which is now one of the biggest tourist attractions in the area. It is open for tours and dining and acts as an art museum.

Of course, you can’t tour California without making a stop in Malibu, one of the state’s most beautiful stretches of beach. The area is very upscale and is home to a number of A-list celebrities, so be prepared to get a look at some massive mansions and estates. Besides the sandy beaches, you’ll also find rocky coves, cliffs, and headlands.

Related Read: Most Beautiful Places in the United States

Santa Barbara

Another upscale must-see is Santa Barbara which has been coined “The American Riviera.” Located on the coast, you get stunning views of the Pacific Ocean as well as the mountains rising behind the town. The area is well known for its white stucco buildings with red tile roofs that help create that Mediterranean vibe.

Besides sightseeing, the area is also known for its local wineries, upscale shopping, and local art galleries, as well as more than 160 restaurants to sample. Taking a walk along State Street in the heart of Santa Barbara is a great way to get a feel for this stunning destination.

Los Angeles

Then we have Los Angeles, which can act as the perfect starting point as you head north on the Pacific Coast Highway, or your ending point if you don’t want to continue south to San Diego. Los Angeles, or the “City of Angels,” is ideal for movie and television buffs. You never know what stars you may see out and about, and you can even take part in tours that drive you past the stars’ homes.

Some of the highlights worth checking out in Los Angeles include the Santa Monica Pier, a stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Kodak Theatre, Rodeo Drive, and of course Sunset Boulevard.

If you have dreams of seeing the “Hollywood” sign in real life, then you need to head to Griffith Observatory for the perfect view. If you can’t seem to get enough in terms of stars and film, then a visit to Universal Studios is also a great way to spend an action-packed day.

New to RVing?

For those who are new to RVing and haven’t yet experienced this mode of travel, you’re in for a huge treat. Using an RV to travel means you don’t have to worry about booking hotels and inns along the way, and you get to travel with all the conveniences of home.

This is where you want to be sure you take the time to look into various rv rentals in terms of how many they sleep, the size of the RV itself (smaller ones will be easier for newbies to navigate), the layout, and of course the budget. Being picky about what it is you want and need will help ensure the trip is a huge success.

A Trip to Remember

By adding these stops to your itinerary, you’ll be sure to have a trip to remember that introduces you to all kinds of stunning and beautiful places along the world-famous Pacific Coast Highway. It’s the kind of trip that you will want to repeat a few times since there are just so many stops along the way.

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One thought on “Touring the California Coastline Road Trip on an RV – 7 Stops Worth to Make”

I’ve been living in a small RV and traveling around the U.S. West during winter with other like-minded RVers. I’ve done the California Coast, which is the tourists’ favorite, but there are so many other beautiful places to see in California and if you have some more time… I would highly recommend the Redwood Forest on the coast, Napa the wine country, Death Valley and the Yosemite Park. If you have a chance, drive down on 395, that’s another beautiful drive. It’s hard to find free spots near the coastlines, but if you go more inland, there are many BLM (public) lands where you can even stay for free!

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Northern California Coast Road Trip: Driving the Pacific Coast Highway

I’ve always been intrigued with the Pacific Coast Highway. Hugging the shoreline from Los Angeles to Leggett, Highway 1 is famous for spectacular views as well as legendary twists and turns. Driving at least part of the route has long been a dream of mine, and last month my husband Daniel and I decided to make that dream a reality. After a journey across the southwest, we headed to San Francisco for a Northern California coast road trip.

For this adventure, we spent 3 days driving from Muir Woods to the Avenue of the Giants in our 2000 VW Rialta motorhome named Appa. Built on a Eurovan chassis with a Winnebago interior, Appa is a 21-foot long gutless wonder with fabulous gas mileage and a touchy transmission. She doesn’t do well on hills and we have to constantly watch our gauges to ensure she doesn’t overheat.

We were both curious to see how she’d handle Highway 1’s famous curves and hills on a Northern California road trip. As it turns out, not so well.

Table of Contents

Northern California Coast Road Trip Itinerary At-A-Glance

Here’s a snapshot of our Northern California coast road trip itinerary from Muir Woods to Garberville, which is at the southern entrance to the Avenue of the Giants. We gave ourselves three days to drive 230 miles so we had plenty of time for sightseeing and because our RV isn’t particularly fast.

• 12:30 pm – Explore Muir Woods (arrival time dependent on parking reservation)
• 3:00 pm – Visit Muir Beach Overlook
• Optional – Drive to Point Reyes Lighthouse which adds at least 1.5 hours to the driving time
• Optional – Stop in the town of Bodega which is 10 minutes inland from Bodega Bay along Highway 1
• 10:30 am – Explore Bodega Head
• 11:30 am – Eat Lunch at Fisherman’s Cove
• 1:00 pm – Visit Carmel Beach
• 2:30 pm – Hike Vista Trail
• 5:00 pm – Take photos at Point Arena Lighthouse
• 6:30 pm – Stop in Mendocino
• 10:30 am – Visit Mendocino Headlands State Park
• 12:00 pm – Eat lunch in Mendocino and explore the town
• 3:00 pm – Arrive at Leggett, the official end to the Pacific Coast Highway (we arrived later due to car troubles)
• 3:30 pm – Visit Redwoods attractions such as Legend of BigFoot
• 5:00 pm – Arrive in Garberville

Northern California Coast Road Trip Day 1: Muir Woods to Bodega Bay

On the first day of our Northern California Coast road trip, Daniel and I drove 57 miles from Muir Woods National Monument to Bodega Bay. Wanting to avoid the big city in our RV, we had camped the previous evening at the KOA Campground in Petaluma . The drive to Muir Woods took us over some big hills in Mill Valley that we hadn’t anticipated. We almost had stop and let the transmission cool down before we even made it to Muir Woods.

The rest of the day’s driving was equally difficult. I knew that Highway 1 was a curvy road, but I hadn’t anticipated the number of hills along the route as well. We’ve never driven this kind of terrain in our RV before and it was rough. Driving around all the twists and turns felt like a whole body workout. Our RV had a hard time making it up the hills and we had to pull over more than once to let the transmission cool off.

Fortunately, the views were incredible so it was a great excuse to stop for awhile and take photos.

The Pacific Coast Highway

Entrance Fee: $15 (Children 15 and under are free) Parking Fee: $8.50 for standard vehicles

One of the last stands of old growth coastal redwoods in the San Francisco Bay Area, Muir Woods National Monument encompasses 554 acres of towering trees and dripping green moss. Established as a National Monument in 1908 by Theodore Roosevelt, Muir Woods is named for legendary naturalist John Muir. I’m a big fan of John Muir, so Daniel and I thought that Muir Woods would be a great place to start our Northern California coast road trip.

While not technically on Highway 1, Muir Woods is located off of the Panoramic Highway near the junction of Highway 1 and Highway 101. Due to its proximity to San Francisco, Muir Woods is a popular place. Permits are required to park at Muir Woods which can be purchased in advance online. The National Park Service also usually offers a shuttle service to the park, but this was not running during our visit due to the Coronavirus. I learned about the parking situation on the morning of our visit and luckily was able to reserve a spot for later that same afternoon.

I recommend visiting on a weekday if possible to avoid the crowds. Even with the parking enforcement, the crowds are a bit overwhelming on the weekends.

Daniel is dwarfed by Redwood Trees

A nice spot to take a break

Muir Beach Overlook

After concluding our visit to Muir Woods, Daniel and I headed west and rejoined the Pacific Coast Highway at Muir Beach. Tucked away in a sheltered cove with gorgeous sandy beaches, Muir Beach is a popular swimming and sunbathing destination. The Muir Beach Overlook is just up the road and provides amazing views of the Pacific Ocean.

Unfortunately, we weren’t able to stop at Muir Beach or the Muir Overlook because our vehicle is too big. Since it was a Sunday, the parking lots were packed and hard to maneuver. We were able to find a pull-out just up the road from Muir Beach Overlook, however, where we finally got to see our first views of the incredible Northern California Coast.

Owl Trail near the Muir Beach Overlook

There are lots of places to stop and take photos along the Pacific Coast Highway. Here you can almost see all the way south to San Francisco.

Point Reyes National Seashore

The next stop on our Northern California coast road trip was Point Reyes National Seashore. Or at least, that was the original plan anyway. The park is supposed to have amazing hiking trails and incredible ocean views, along with a historic lighthouse. What I was really excited about, though, was the drive to the lighthouse. The road is lined with gnarled and twisty Monterey cypress trees, creating a picturesque tunnel.

We ultimately skipped this stop when we learned that the roads near the lighthouse were closed on weekends to prevent overcrowding. This is now firmly on my bucket list for the next time we are in the area. In the meantime, I found this photo online to give you an idea of what the cypress tree tunnel looks like.

I really wish I could’ve seen this amazing Cypress Tunnel at Point Reyes National Seashore (Photo is not mine).

Photo by Casey Horner on Unsplash

Daniel and I ended the first day of our Northern California coast road trip at beautiful Bodega Bay. There are several campgrounds in the area at various county and regional parks, although most did not have availability. We chose Westside Regional Park Campground because it is located right on the bay (and because it was one of the few places that had any openings and took online reservations).

I was surprised at how tired I felt. We had planned to visit the nearby town of Bodega to see shooting locations from Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds , but had to strike that off our list too. We hadn’t driven *that* many miles, but we weren’t used to driving such winding and hilly roads. It was exhausting.

Bodega Bay is lovely, however, and we enjoyed staying at our campsite and walking along the beach.

We are happy to be done with traveling for the day!

Northern California Coast Road Trip Day 2: Bodega Bay to Mendocino

On the second day of our Northern California Coast road trip, Daniel and I drove from Bodega Bay to Mendocino for a total of 97 miles. After our experience the previous day, we had a better idea of what to expect and found the drive easier to manage. We started earlier and drove slower and paced ourselves along the way.

This time, we weren’t surprised when we had to pull over and let the transmission cool down.

Sonoma Coast State Park – Bodega Head

The rugged point at the end of Bodega Harbor, Bodega Head is a rocky promontory with stunning views of both the Pacific Ocean and Bodega Bay. About four miles long and one mile wide, this narrow strip of land shelters the harbor from strong ocean winds. Part of Sonoma Coast State Park, Bodega Head has several parking areas with vault toilets next to beaches and hiking trails.

If we had more time during our visit, I would have hiked the 1.7-mile Bodega Bay Trail which loops around the end of the peninsula. We contented ourselves with walking down some steps the beach, however, and marveling at the granite rock formations. As previously mentioned, it was *very* windy. I had to leave my hat in the car so it wouldn’t blow off my head.

View from one of the parking areas at Bodega Head towards the Pacific Ocean

Rugged rocks line the beach along Bodega Head

Lunch at Fisherman’s Cove

Before leaving Bodega Bay, Daniel and I stopped at Fisherman’s Cove for some lunch. We had passed multiple seafood shacks the previous day on our drive along the coast and kept meaning to stop at one. Well, now was the time. We had worked up quite an appetite after exploring Bodega Head and were ready for some food.

Fisherman’s Cove is a seafood restaurant and bait shop on Bodega Bay specializing in local fresh oysters. Their indoor seating area was closed during our visit, but they have outdoor seating and were doing a brisk business at the walk-up window when we arrived. We each ordered an oyster po boy ate them in our RV away from the wind.

It was one of the best oyster po boys that I’ve ever had the pleasure of eating, hands down. Yum!

Fisherman’s Cove Restaurant on Bodega Bay

One of the most delicious oyster po boy sandwiches that I have ever eaten

Sonoma Coast State Park – Carmet Beach

Daniel and I continued our exploration of Sonoma Coast State Park with a stop at Carmet Beach. This is just one of many great pullouts and coastal stops in the area that are all managed by Sonoma Coast State Park. Honestly, all of the pullouts looked pretty amazing and I’m pretty sure you can’t go wrong no matter where you stop.

Carmet Beach features a steep set of stairs down a bluff to small sandy beach lined with rugged rocks. There were some particularly nice sea stacks in the beach which we enjoyed photographing.

Welcome to Carmet Beach!

Sea stack at Carmet Beach

Sonoma Coast State Beach – Vista Trail

After driving into a particularly steep ravine and up the other side, we pulled over to let the car cool off at the Vista Trail parking area. Also, the name implied that a vista was involved so we were eager to check it out. While there were no views to speak of near the parking area, we did find some great views once we started walking.

Vista Trail is a one-mile wheelchair accessible loop to an observation point with views of the Pacific Ocean and Sonoma Coast. The trail was in good shape when we hiked it and should be accessible to most wheelchairs and strollers. There are also some wheelchair-accessible picnic tables near the vista point as well.

Wheelchair-accessible path along Vista Trail

Point Arena Lighthouse

We ended the second day of our Northern California coast road trip with a visit to Point Arena Lighthouse. Standing alone at the end of rocky Point Arena, the lighthouse is only a 3-mile drive from Highway 1 and easily accessible by car. The lighthouse and grounds were completely closed off during our visit due to the pandemic so we parked outside the gates.

According to the Point Arena Lighthouse web site the station and museum are open again but the lighthouse tower is still closed to visitors. However, a virtual tour of the tower is now available.

Even from outside the gates, the views of the lighthouse are incredible. It’s a great place to explore and a fun way to end the second day of our road trip before arriving in Mendocino where we spent the night.

Northern California Coast Road Trip Day 3: Mendocino to Garberville

On the third day of our Northern California Coast road trip, Daniel and I drove from Mendocino to Garberville for a total of 76 miles. We expected it to be an easier drive than on previous days because only the first half is along the coast. After that, the road turns inland and rejoins Highway 101 at Leggett. That is the official ending point of the Pacific Coast Highway and the beginning of the Redwoods Highway.

Well, we couldn’t have been more wrong. As it it turns out, the road crosses small mountain range as it heads inland towards Highway 101. This road is steep and curvy and we had a difficult time driving it in our RV. We had to pull over not once but twice and let the transmission cool down.

The road was much easier to drive once we made it to Highway 101 at Leggett. From there on out, it was smooth sailing as we drove through the rest of Northern California.

Appa takes a break in the shade along Highway 1

I hadn’t known that to expect when we arrived in Mendocino, but it ended up being one of my favorite stops on our entire trip. Mendocino is a cute little seaside town located along Big River where it empties into Mendocino Bay. The town is famous for its wooden towers which are seemingly everywhere. Built in the late 1800, the towers were designed to supply Mendocino with water because the city has no central water supply (and some are still in use today!).

During our visit, we booked a room at the Hill House Inn. It’s an old-fashioned bed and breakfast type of a place and reasonably affordable. It was nice to stretch out and take a break from the RV for the night.

Mendocino Volunteer Fire Department

One of the shops along Main Street with a water tower in the background

Mendocino Headlands State Park

No visit to Mendocino is complete without exploring Mendocino Headlands State Park. In fact, the park is rather hard to miss. The city is located on a little peninsula and Mendocino Headlands State Park follows the entire coastline, surrounding the city on three sides. Several hiking trails ramble along the bluffs for those wanting a closer look at the rugged shoreline.

Since we were in a hurry, Daniel and I drove around the peninsula on Hesser Drive to access some of the further viewpoints. There are several small parking areas with access to bluffs along the Mendocino coastline.

Watching the waves crash at Mendocino Headlands State Park

A little promontory off the coast at Mendocino Headlands State Park

Welcome to the Redwoods

After leaving Mendocino, Highway 1 follows the coast for another 30 miles before heading east. Here the road crosses a small mountain range and enters Redwoods country. Leggett also marks the official end of the Pacific Coast Highway and Highway 1. From here, the road joins with Highway 101, which is also called Redwood Highway in this area.

While we had seen some Redwoods prior to this, it wasn’t until we reached Leggett that we really began seeing these magnificent trees everywhere. This is also where we encountered our first drive-thru tree (apparently there are more than one) and other tourist attractions. My favorite stop in this area is Legend of Big Foot, a kitschy shop filled with all kinds of random gifts and quirky things you don’t need (but are compelled to buy anyway).

We ended our Northern California coast road trip at Garberville, where we planned to start the next leg of our adventure… the Avenue of the Giants auto tour !

Welcome to Legend of BigFoot!

Avenue of Giants Map

Planning a Northern California Coast Road Trip

There are lots of cute seaside towns along this 230-mile route with facilities for camping and eating as well as comfortable hotels. While you could just get in your car and wing it, here are a few tips to keep in mind if you’re more of a planny type (like me):

• Advance reservations are recommended at campgrounds near San Francisco. The further we got away from the city, the easier it was to find accommodation. The same goes for the Redwoods.
• While there are plenty of gas stations, they can sometimes be few and far between. Don’t let your gas gauge get too low and know how far the next station is.
• Advance parking reservation (or shuttle reservation) is required for visiting Muir Woods National Monument. Try to visit on the weekday to avoid the crowds.
• The road leading to Point Reyes Lighthouse is sometimes closed on the weekends to prevent overcrowding. Check online before visiting (and go on the weekday if possible).
• Plan for extra driving time on this road trip. Highway 1’s famous twists and turns take longer to drive than you think.
• This is not a great route for anyone prone to car sickness.
• I wouldn’t recommend driving this road in a large RV or for an older vehicle that is prone to overheating. Our RV is only 21 feet long and it had a hard time making the drive (but then again it is rather gutless)

We spotted this handsome fellow among a herd of Highland Cattle off the Pacific Coast Highway as it winds through farm country

Further Reading

If you enjoyed this article, be sure to check out some of my other posts about traveling in California!

Avenue of the Giants Auto Tour: A Scenic Drive among the Redwoods

• Best Hikes in Joshua Tree: The Ultimate Hiking Guide
• Joshua Tree Day Trip: The Ultimate One-Day Joshua Tree Itinerary
• 10 Fun and Quirky Things to Do Near Joshua Tree

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Hi, i'm unicorn.

I am an avid hiker, traveler, and adventurer who is on the mission to explore hiking trails around the world.  I’m also obsessed with National Parks, long-distance trails and other outdoorsy things.

I hope to share this knowledge with you and inspire you to explore new hiking trails too!

You may also like… One Day in Death Valley: How to Plan a Successful Death Valley Day Trip

Kelso Dunes Trail: Hiking the Mojave Desert Sand Dunes

California Riding and Hiking Trail: An Epic Joshua Tree Adventure

21 comments.

Your poor RV! I mean, I guess it worked out for the best as you had to make lots of extra stops to stop it from overheating…it looks like this coastal road trip has spectacular scenery whenever you stopped! I already wanted to visit the redwoods, but it looks like the entire coastline is stunning!

p.s. I had to google oyster po boys as I’ve never had one. It sounds incredible!

Oyster po boys are incredible! The first time I ate one was on New Orleans. I highly recommend if you get a chance someday 🙂

I love kaki fry in Japan, it sounds similar to that, but in a sandwich. Om nom nom. I will totally try it if I can!

The Northern Cali Coast is definitely on my bucket list! Thanks for sharing your awesome experiences! I’d actually never heard of the Avenue of Giants before!

The Avenue of the Giants is incredible! I hope you get to see it someday. I’ll be doing a whole separate post about just that someday ☺️

The road trip must be amazing. So many great places to see. I would love to visit.

It’s an incredible drive. I highly recommend!

The road trip must have been amazingly good. All the photos are incredible.

This is such a great road trip itinerary! I am actually planning on revisiting California this June for my birthday and I cannot wait to see some of these spots. I’ve been to the Redwoods and it’s such a cool area with the tall trees. I really hope to see Point Reyes National Seashore when I go back. 🙂

I hope to see Point Reyes National Seashore on my next visit too. It looks incredible!

I’d love to go on a road trip in California someday, so I loved your post! I’ve only ever been to southern California. It’s such a big state!

It is such a big state isn’t it! I’ve explored all over the state but I still feel like I have only scratched the surface.

Your post reminded me of my visit to these incredible places. Thanks for sharing a great road trip itinerary.

You’re welcome Chirasree!

Omg you are brave souls to take on the roads around Muir Woods in an RV! I’ve been up there twice in a compact car and even that was terrifying. Looks like a gorgeous trip though!

Ha! We had no idea what we were in for or we may have reconsidered LOL! It all worked out ok though.

Perfect timing for reading this post – we’re planning a northern California RV trip this summer and I was just looking for more info on the Mendocino area. Your pics are fantastic!

Awesome! I’m glad you find it helpful! 😊

Looks like such a lovely road trip. I get what you mean about having to strike stuff off your list due to driving fatigue. Roads trips are such fun, but can be tiring too! All in moderation. : )

I always plan way too much when we travel and then reality sets in LOL. Ah well. Such is life.

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East Coast RV Trip Itinerary – 16 Awesome Stops To Make

The east coast is an incredible place to explore, especially when you have the freedom to roam in an RV. This east coast RV trip itinerary will help you discover the very best places to see and things to do as you travel along the coast in your RV.

This post is brought to you by   Good Sam Parks.

Whether you need to know what to do on your east coast RV trips, where to eat, or where to stay, we have you covered in the plan below!

Don’t forget to get your Good Sam RV Roadside Assistance and Good Sam TravelAssist before heading out. If you don’t have an RV yet be sure to check out Good Sam Rentals to find the perfect RV to take on your trip!

Table of Contents

Maps Of Trip

Here are 2 maps of the trip. The 1st one is the 1st half of the trip with a link to the interactive Google Map. The 2nd is the 2nd half of the trip with a link to that interactive Google Map. You would be covering a lot of miles if you did this whole trip (we did almost this exact trip last fall – so it is doable) at one time. Or you could break it into multiple trips.

Interactive Google Map link: https://goo.gl/maps/iAkeKusX8GrX2XVY8

Here is the 2nd half of the trip:

Interactive Google Map link: https://goo.gl/maps/TmhSeyyUZDjYEmsU7

There are so many great family and romantic getaways in the Northeast !! Let’s do this!!

Stowe, VT 

Stowe is a gorgeous place that is perfect for outdoorsy folks. Nestled amongst the trees, you’ll find great hiking, biking, and skiing. Other things to do in the area include exploring quaint towns, checking out museums, eating yummy cheese and maple syrup, enjoying craft brews, and more. 

Why Stop Here?

• Cruise Highway 108
• Moss Glen Falls Hike
• Emily’s Covered Bridge
• Stowe Recreation Path
• Bingham Falls
• Mount Mansfield
• Cabot Cheese Store
• Cold Hollow Cider Press
• Smugglers’ Notch State Park
• Stowe’s Main Street
• Stowe Mountain Resort
• Trapp Family Lodge Outdoor Center
• Laughing Moon Chocolates

Where to Eat

The Backyard  — In the perfect location right by Main Street, The Backyard serves up amazing drinks and delicious food. They even have some vegetarian options!

Where to Stay

Lone Pine Campsites  — A lovely park that puts you right in the middle of Vermont’s incredible greenery, Lone Pine Campsites features full hookups, Wi-Fi, a pool, a playground, and plenty of fun family activities to keep everyone happy. 

Learn more about visiting Stowe here:  20 Fun Things to do in Stowe, Vermont

Lincoln, NH 

Want to put more beautiful places into your east coast RV trip itinerary? Lincoln, New Hampshire is the perfect place for you. This spot features 23 golf courses, an old-fashioned train ride (Hobo Railroad), covered bridges, beautiful mountain views, and an incredible gorge. 

This place is beautiful any time of year but is especially wonderful when the fall foliage appears. The winter activities here are pretty great as well!

• The Flume Gorge
• Cannon Mountain
• Kancamagus Highway
• Golf Courses
• Hobo Railroad
• White Mountain National Forest
• Alpine Adventures
• Franconia Notch State Park
• Seven Birches Winery
• Ice Castles
• Ski Resorts
• Sledventures

The Common Man  — This delicious eatery serves up classic American foods with its own flair. The Nantucket Pie is incredible, and the crab cakes are fantastic. We also really loved the macaroni and cheese made here. 

Crazy Horse Family Campground  — This super fun and family-friendly campground is found about 30 minutes from Lincoln in the town of Littleton. Guests love the engaged and helpful staff and the planned family activities. Everything is well-maintained, and the full-hookup sites ensure you’re comfortable during your stay. 

Learn more about visiting Lincoln here:  14 Best Things to do in Lincoln New Hampshire

Acadia National Park 

No east coast road trip RV itinerary is complete without a stop in Acadia National Park . Set on the Atlantic Ocean, this park boasts beautiful scenery, excellent bike paths, incredible sunsets, lovely lighthouses, and some super fun hikes. 

Our recommendation? Stay in or near Bar Harbor for easy access to all this amazing park has to offer. 

• Schoodic Institute and Ranger Station
• Schoodic Point
• Little Moose Island⁠⁠
• Tidal Falls
• Cadillac Mountain
• Precipices Trail
• Thunder Hole 
• Beehive Trail
• Jordan Pondhouse
• Jordan Pond Trail
• Echo Lake Beach
• Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
• Wonderland Trail
• LuLu Lobster Boat Tour

The Happy Clam Shack  — You can’t go to Acadia without having some seafood, and The Happy Clam Shack is the place to go for that. The lobster bisque is especially good, and you really can’t beat the experience of eating lobster!

Timberland Acres RV Park  — Stay just minutes from Bar Harbor and Acadia when you park your RV at Timberland Acres RV Park. This lovely park offers full hookups and plenty of amenities such as a pool, rec hall, game room, and playground, meaning you’ll have a blast even when you aren’t exploring the national park. 

Learn more about visiting Acadia National Park here:  Acadia National Park Itinerary

Boston is a popular destination for a reason. This beautiful historic city has a lot to offer. Whether you prefer theme park fun, historic sites, hidden Boston or just wandering the city and picking up a bite to eat, you’re sure to have a good time exploring Boston. 

• Freedom Trail
• Faneuil Hall Marketplace
• Boston Common
• Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum
• New England Aquarium
• Boston Museum of Science
• Boston Museum of Fine Arts 
• Fenway Park
• Boston Children’s Museum
• Harvard Art Museums
• John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
• The Paul Revere House
• Boston Harbor Islands State Park
• USS Constitution Museum
• Adams National Historical Park

Cusser’s Roast Beef and Seafood  — Roast beef sandwiches and lobster rolls are the name of the game at this favorite restaurant. The roast beef sandwiches are particularly good, and their relatively low price tag makes them even more tempting!

Circle CG Farm Campground  — Located near Cape Cod, Boston,  and  Providence, this campground couldn’t be in a better location. Campers love the peaceful vibe here, and the full hookup sites, Wi-Fi, pool, mini-golf, and nature trails make this an excellent place to stay. 

If you stay here be sure to check out this post: Things To Do On Cape Cod on a Cape Cod vacation ! And all of the best Cape Cod restaurants !

Another fun stop to check out when you are in this area is Nantucket! Check out this awesome 3 Day Nantucket Itinerary.

If you are going around Halloween be sure to check out these to Spooky East Coast Fall Family Getaways!

Newport, RI

Next on our list: Newport, Rhode Island. This adorable east coast town is nicknamed City by the Sea, and the name isn’t the only thing that’s charming about the place. Not only will you find plenty of gorgeous mansions and adorable shops here, but you’ll also get to take in some gorgeous scenery and wonderful attractions.

• Bowens Wharf
• Ocean Drive
• Newport Mansions
• International Tennis Hall of Fame
• The Cliff Walk
• Redwood Library and Athenaeum
• Fort Adams State Park
• Touro Synagogue 
• Brenton Point State Park
• Museum of Newport History
• National Museum of American Illustration 
• Audrain Automobile Museum 
• Rough Point Museum
• Rail Explorers

Corner Cafe  — If breakfast is your jam, you’re going to love the amazing all-day breakfast menu at Corner Cafe. This adorable cafe does an excellent job with all your breakfast favorites. That said, they also have a pretty good selection of specialty pizzas!

Timber Creek RV Resort  — This resort is located about 40 minutes from town. That said, we think it’s worth the drive for the peace and quiet you receive in return. This park has an onsite store, clean restrooms with showers, a swimming pool, a playground, and sports courts. What more could you want?

Learn more about visiting Newport here:  19 Best Things to Do in Newport, RI

Mystic, CT 

If we had to choose one word to describe Mystic, it would have to be “ picturesque .” This seafaring town looks just like something you’d find on a postcard, and we adore it. Ships and water views aren’t hard to come by when in Mystic, and the attractions here are among the best in New England. This is especially true of the Mystic Aquarium (where you can meet beluga whales) and the Mystic Seaport Museum (where you can step back in time).

• Mystic Seaport Museum
• Mystic Aquarium
• Downtown Mystic
• Mystic River Bascule Bridge 
• Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra
• Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
• Denison Homestead
• Barley Head Brewery
• Mystic River Watersports
• Bluff Point State Park
• Seaside Shadows
• Mystic Boat Adventures 
• Argia Sailing Ship Tours

Friar Tuck’s Tavern  — Looking for a place to get a great beer and enjoy a lively atmosphere? Friar Tuck’s is the place for you. Here, you can eat classic Irish, English, and American dishes, wash it down with a craft beer, and sometimes even enjoy some live music!

Hidden Acres Family Campground  — Hidden Acres Family Campground is located about 30 minutes outside of Mystic. It is an absolute gem, and thanks to amenities such as a pool, fishing area, game room, and pickleball court, it is hugely popular with camping families. You’re sure to appreciate the onsite store, clean restrooms, and the option of full hookups. 

Learn more about visiting Mystic, CT here:  21 Best Things to Do in Mystic, CT

New York City, NY

Of course, you have to go into NYC on east coast RV trips. This is known as the “greatest city in the world” for a reason. The hustle and bustle of this place is unlike anything we’ve ever experienced, and the fact that there are so many options of things to see and do means the whole family will be happy while there. 

If you can come in fall and explore more of the state of New York so you can see the amazing New York fall foliage .

• Ellis Island
• Statue of Liberty
• Brooklyn Bridge Park
• Brooklyn Heights Promenade
• Central Park
• 5th Avenue Shopping
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral
• Rockefeller Center
• Times Square
• Broadway Shows
• 9/11 Memorial
• Wall Street and the NYSE
• Little Italy

Juliana’s Pizza  — Need to get your New York pizza fix while you’re in the city? Head to Juliana’s. This place is owned by the legendary Patsy Grimaldi of Grimaldi’s Pizza, and you can definitely tell!

Black Bear Campground  — Okay, so technically this campground is about an hour and a half away from NYC. That said, there is very little camping right outside of the city, and this is a great pick for day tripping to see the sights. The heated pool, game room, and playground keep the kids busy, and parents are happy to have Wi-Fi and full hookups. Of course, everyone loves the opportunity to fish and the many sports courts. 

Learn more about visiting New York City here:  Visiting New York City with Kids

If you are a kayaking fan check out this great post about kayaking in New York State .

Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia might not be as big and bustling as New York City, but it is still an important stop on any east coast trip. Not only does this city have historical significance, but it also has a huge number of amazing museums and some of the best food in the country. It really must be experienced to be appreciated. 

• Independence Hall
• Liberty Bell
• President’s Mansion
• Constitution Center
• The Museum of the American Revolution
• The Franklin Institute of Science
• The Philadelphia Museum of Art
• Spruce Street Harbor Park
• Eastern State Penitentiary
• Elfreth’s Alley

Reading Terminal Market  — If you love food, this place might just be a little slice of heaven for you. Here, you can check out rows upon rows of food stands and enjoy favorites such as the Philadelphia soft pretzel, Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, and of course, water ice. 

Echo Farms RV Resort – This park is not close to Philadelphia but it can be an option if you want to stay at a park in between Philadelphia and New Jersey. The park is actually located in New Jersey.

Cape May, NJ 

Some people may argue that Atlantic City is the place to be in New Jersey, but we happen to prefer the more laid-back and less touristy vibe of Cape May . This area offers traditional boardwalk and beach fun, historic mansions, cool little museums, and one of the cutest zoos we’ve ever seen. Yep, Cape May is a pretty great spot!

• Cape May Beach
• Ellen Physick Estate
• Nature Center of Cape May
• Willow Creek Winery & Farm
• Cape May Point State Park
• Harriet Tubman Museum
• Washington Street
• Historic Cold Spring Village
• Cape May National Wildlife Refuge
• Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum
• Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks
• World War II Lookout Tower
• Cape May County Park & Zoo

Vegas Diner and Restaurant   — One thing we learned during our time in this area is that folks in New Jersey love their diners. We visited this diner on a whim and absolutely loved it! The breakfast food was wonderful, and the boston cream pie was some of the best we’ve ever had. 

Ocean City Campground and Beach Cabins  — A lovely campground with a beautiful pool and mini-golf course that kids just love, Ocean City Campground and Beach Cabins is a super place to stay. This park is only minutes away from all the Jersey shore has to offer, including the many Cape May attractions. 

Wilmington, DE

An absolutely beautiful city, Wilmington might be the biggest city in Delaware, but it really isn’t all that big. Nevertheless, this is a place worth visiting. Not only is it a very green place with an almost magical vibe, but there are also a whole lot of cool things to do here. These include museums, parks, and an awesome riverwalk area that you won’t want to miss. 

• Delaware Art Museum
• Delaware Museum of Nature and Science
• Alapocas Run State Park
• Brandywine Creek State Park
• Hagley Museum and Library
• Brandywine Zoo
• Bellevue State Park
• Delaware Children’s Museum
• DuPont Environmental Education Center
• First State National Historical Park
• The Grand Opera House

El Diablo Burritos  — A build-your-own burrito place, El Diablo Burritos serves up absolutely fantastic creations. While the concept of this local chain is very similar to Chipotle or Qdoba, we thought the food was head and shoulders above both places. Their soda fountain machine also offered an interesting selection of all-natural sodas rather than the usual stuff you find everywhere else.

Sun Outdoors Rehoboth Bay  — Want a taste of the Delaware seashore to go with your time in Wilmington? We recommend staying at Sun Outdoors Rehoboth Bay. This park is the definition of luxury RV resorts. People love the private beach and relaxing atmosphere, and the swim-up bar is a major bonus as well. 

Learn more about visiting Wilmington here:  Top 14 Best Things to do in Wilmington, DE

Washington, D.C.

Why Visit Washington DC ?

• The White House Visitor Center 
• The White House
• Washington Monument
• Lincoln Memorial
• Martin Luther King Monument
• Thomas Jefferson Monument
• Smithsonian Museums
• Shenandoah National Park (75 miles from Washington, but worth a visit if you have the time!)

We The Pizza  — There are actually a few great pizza places in D.C., but this one is probably our favorite. The name is super fun, the service is fast, and best of all, the pizza is really good. We love the crust and the swirl patterns they made with the sauce on top of the pizza made for a pretty presentation. 

Greenville Farm Family Campground  — A simple campground in an awesome location, Greenville Family Farm Campground is a great lodging option for anyone visiting Washington, D.C. Full-hookup sites are available, as are clean restrooms with showers. Of course, the swimming pool and playground are appreciated by kids!

Learn more about visiting Washington DC here:  Washington, D.C.: 8 Monuments, 4 Kids, 5 Miles, 1 Day

Virginia Beach, VA

The ultimate vacation destination, Virginia Beach is the perfect place to soak up some sun by the sea. Not only can you play in the sand and splash in the waves, but the city also has a lot to offer in the way of parks, museums, gardens, and other awesome attractions. Of course, you’ll also want to make sure to drive through the famous Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel that allows you to drive your car  under the water !

• Virginia Beach Boardwalk
• First Landing State Park
• Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
• Norfolk Botanical Garden
• Military Aviation Museum
• False Cape State Park
• Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
• Cape Henry Lighthouse
• Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel
• Virginia Museum of Contemporary Arts
• Mount Trashmore Park
• Ocean Breeze Waterpark
• Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum
• Ferry Plantation House
• Children’s Museum of Virginia
• The Thoroughgood House

Doc Taylor’s Restauran t — Looking for a cheap and tasty meal? Doc Taylor’s Restaurant has you covered! This yummy diner may be a hole in the wall, but they really know how to cook. They are known for their delicious Eggs Benedict, but pretty much anything from the breakfast menu is sure to please. 

Holiday Trav-L-Park  — Your stay at this Virginia Beach park comes with FREE beach parking! You’ll also have a lovely full-hookup site and access to amenities such as an RV wash, dog park, pool, game room, mini-golf course, and more. 

Outer Banks, NC

Obviously, you will need to make a stop in North Carolina when planning east coast RV trips. What better place to do this than a visit to the Outer Banks? The barrier islands in the Outer Banks are the perfect place to escape for a while. The lighthouses, wild horses, and natural beauty of the place can make you feel like you’ve moved to another world entirely, and we’re certain you’ll leave the place feeling rejuvenated and ready for the next stop. 

• Wild Horses
• Lighthouses
• Jockey’s Ridge State Park
• Wright Brothers National Memorial
• North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
• Monument to a Century of Flight
• Sandy Run Park
• Springer’s Point Preserve
• Elizabethan Gardens
• Nags Head Woods Preserve
• The Lost Colony
• Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education

Poor Richard’s Sandwich Shop  — Sometimes a simple sandwich is what you really want. Whenever that craving strikes, Poor Richard’s Sandwich Shop in Manteo is the place for you. Their Italian sub is amazing, and the artichoke pasta salad is some of the best pasta salad out there!

Frisco Woods Campground  —  Located in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Frisco Woods Campground is the perfect place to stay when visiting Outer Banks. Here, you’ll find full-hookup, big-rig-friendly sites and amenities such as Wi-Fi, cable TV, an onsite store, a playground and pool, and more. Of course, the fact that this is a waterfront park makes it even more appealing!

Charleston, SC

An adorable city with a special southern charm, Charleston is an excellent example of what South Carolina has to offer the world. The cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and pastel antebellum houses take you back to a bygone era. Tour one of those historic buildings, explore the historic forts or check out the aquarium. Whatever you do here, you’re sure to have a great time.  

• Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park
• Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site
• Charles Pinckney National Historic Site
• Angel Oak Tree
• Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
• Historic Charleston City Market
• South Carolina Aquarium
• Coyne Hall Plantation and Gardens
• Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum
• Joe Riley Waterfront Park
• Middleton Place
• The Charleston Museum
• Gibbes Museum of Art

Home Team BBQ  — Barbecue is a delicious treat that we like to enjoy once in a while, so when we saw Home Team BBQ right by where we happened to be at dinnertime, we had to give it a try. It was wonderful! We loved everything we tried, but the pulled pork and tots were especially yummy!

Lake Aire RV Park and Campground  — Located just 15 minutes from Charleston, Lake Aire RV Park, and Campground is a fantastic lodging choice. Not only is this park in a great location, but it also offers sites with full hookups, clean bathhouses, and a laundry room. Of course, the amenities such as a pool and playground are also pretty nice! 

Savannah, GA

Like Wilmington, Savannah has an almost magical feeling to it. Like Charleston, it’s a southern city if there ever was one, and the historic charm and Spanish moss found around every corner is just wonderful. On top of all that, the city boasts a variety of excellent tours, attractions, and food stops that simply cannot be missed. Oh, and Tybee Island is the perfect spot for a beach day!

• Old Town Trolley Tour 
• Savannah Belles Ferry
• Tybee Island Segway Tour
• Tybee Island Dolphin Tour
• The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
• Forsyth Park
• River Street
• Georgia State Railroad Museum
• Girl Scout First Headquarters
• Oatland Island Wildlife Center
• Jepson Center
• Savannah Children’s Museum
• Historic Civil War Homes

Maple Street Biscuit Company  — Everyone knows that biscuits are a southern food, so it only makes sense that the best biscuit ever would be found in the southern city of Savannah. That’s right, we think Maple Street Biscuit Company has the best biscuits of all time, and their biscuit sandwiches are to die for. 

Red Gate Campground & RV Park  — A big-rig-friendly park, Red Gate Campground & RV Park is the perfect home base for anyone hoping to explore Savannah. This campground has everything you need to be comfortable, including Wi-Fi, hookups, an RV wash, a swimming pool, and more. 

Learn more about visiting Savannah here:  21 Superb Things to Do in Savannah, GA With Kids

Augustine, FL

Another city with some incredible history behind it and a good amount of that lovely Spanish moss, St. Augustine is the final stop on our itinerary. Considering this is the oldest city in the United States, it should come as no surprise that it’s full of historic landmarks. Not only that, but the place also has a whole lot of tourist attractions that you’re sure to love. 

• Alligator Farm
• Marineland Dolphin Adventure
• The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
• Colonial Quarter
• Castillo De San Marcos National Monument
• St. Augustine Beach
• Old Town Trolley
• Pirate Museum
• Ghost Tours
• History and Architecture

Sunset Grille  — We loved this restaurant for its location right across from St. Augustine Beach. The ocean breeze, while we ate, was amazing, and the chowder fries were absolutely delicious. 

St. Augustine RV Resort  — Located just off of I-95, St. Augustine is the perfect place to visit. There are other attractions that are nearby to St. Augustine, such as Daytona Beach. Large full-hookup sites are perfect for any size rig, and the Wi-Fi, cable TV, laundry room, and clean restrooms help ensure you’re comfortable during your stay. 

Learn more about visiting St. Augustine here:  17 Exciting Things to do in St. Augustine with Kids

There you have it, an awesome east coast RV trip itinerary that ensures you see all the best places the east coast has to offer. You can’t go wrong by following this plan for east coast RV trips (and giving it some of your own personal touches). What are you waiting for? Get out there and explore!

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California road Trip - Hotels or Camper Van (Small RV) - California Forum

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7 replies to this topic

There are a variety of state parks to camp at as well as private campgrounds like KOAs.

https://www.parks.ca.gov/

You will need reservations for the most popular such as Half Moon Bay , Morro Bay , Refugio by Santa Barbara , etc. You can make them on-line.

LA has some areas to camp along the ocean and close to Disneyland area,

Will it save you money? it depends on how much the RV costs, if you plan to self cater or not, etc.

to help further what is the price range you are looking for if you did decide to stay in motels?

Will it be less expensive? Not by a lot.

A camper van will cost around $150 a night. Most State Park campgrounds were booked months prior to your trip. State Parks are inexpensive, privately owned campgrounds tend be more expensive, $75 to $150 a night depending on location. Then there’s the extra gasoline cost. Sightseeing in anything bigger than a Sprinter type van is difficult. Sprinter vans are popular and are usually more expensive than a small RV.

If you want to do some research here’s some links:

https://indiecampers.com/rent-an-rv/search?from=los-angeles&to=los-angeles&start=2024-06-01&end=2024-06-22

https://www.outdoorsy.com

https://reservecalifornia.com/Web/

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/camping/campground.htm

https://www.allstays.com/Campgrounds/California-private-campgrounds-map.htm

https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/camping/all

The logistics of renting and picking up RVs can be onerous. For one example (because I don’t know about every city), rental offices for the San Francisco area are in the suburbs, places like Pleasanton or Morgan Hill. If you are staying in a city hotel or coming from one of the major airports, you have to get yourself and your luggage to the office, then receive your orientation on how to drive the RV and use its features. If you will be using it as a sleeping and living accommodation, you’ll need to stock it with food, cleaning supplies, or whatever else you want. Then you’ll need to clean it before checking it back in. The pickup and return can take hours off your useable vacation time.

In many cities, including San Francisco, Oakland , Fresno , and Los Angeles , vehicle burglaries and vandalism are a real problem. Not everyone is victimized, but far too many people are, and the parasites know rental cars when they see one. A camper van or RV is even more obvious. If you have a rental car and you follow the advice that every local will give (see link below), and your car is broken into, you may lose some items. If you have a camper van parked somewhere while you are out exploring, dining, etc., and it gets burglarized, you stand to lose everything that you brought with you or acquired during your trip, because you don’t have a hotel room and/or hotel safe for all your belongings.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g28926-i29-k14681222-Car_break_in_guaranteed-California.html

For San Francisco, you don’t need any vehicle at all unless you plan out-of-town excursions, and rental cars are more of a burden than a blessing. Public transit can take you anywhere, to all the major visitor destinations, at all reasonable hours that most people will be out.

The cities should have availability but depends what you consider expensive. California is an expensive place, the national parks especially and the short notice doesn’t help..

What sort of budget are you hoping for? You may need to adjust your expectations, it’s more expensive than Sydney.

Hotels / motels. Save money by picnicking for breakfast and lunch.

Is your trip coming up this summer?

San Francisco is easily abbreviated SF. There are motels in SF with free parking.

The Hwy 1 coast road has closures.

Having owned an RV and now a truck camper (and just got back a few hours ago from a 4300-mile cross-country trip to see the eclipse), I echo those who advise against an RV for your trip. Frisco's points are accurate. I would not take my camper on the trip you propose and for the reasons Frisco cites.

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Pro-Palestinian protesters paralyse roads in US cities over war on Gaza

Demonstrators block highways and shut down travel in Illinois, California, New York and the Pacific Northwest.

Pro-Palestinian protesters have blocked major roads in the states of Illinois, California, New York and the Pacific Northwest, temporarily preventing travel into some of the United States’s most heavily used airports, onto the Golden Gate and Brooklyn bridges and along a busy West Coast highway.

In Chicago, protesters linked arms and blocked lanes of Interstate 190 leading into O’Hare International Airport at about 7am (12:00 GMT) on Monday in a demonstration they said was part of a global “economic blockade to free Palestine”, according to Rifqa Falaneh, one of the organisers.

Keep reading

Israel’s war on gaza: list of key events, day 192, photos: thousands in gaza head north after ‘open checkpoint’ rumours, palestinians come under israeli fire as they attempt return to north gaza.

Protesters say they chose O’Hare in part because it is one of the largest airports in the US. Dozens were arrested, according to Falaneh. Chicago police said that “multiple people” were taken into custody after a protest where people obstructed traffic but did not provide a detailed count.

In California, demonstrators blocked lanes on the northbound I-880 in Oakland by chaining themselves to barrels, while a separate group of protesters with banners disrupted traffic on the southbound lanes. On the Golden Gate Bridge, protesters impeded traffic in both directions, displaying a banner that read, “Stop the world for Gaza.”

In Eugene, Oregon, protesters blocked Interstate 5, shutting down traffic on the major highway for about 45 minutes.

Meanwhile, on the East Coast, protesters marching into Brooklyn blocked Manhattan-bound traffic on the Brooklyn Bridge.

Antiwar protesters have held demonstrations in Chicago nearly every day since Hamas’s October 7  attack on southern Israel , which killed about 1,200 people, triggered an Israeli assault on Gaza that has killed more than 33,700 Palestinians , according to the Gaza Ministry of Health.

O’Hare warned travellers on social platform X to find alternative ways to get to the airport, with car travel “substantially delayed this morning due to protest activity”.

Some travellers stuck in standstill traffic left their cars and walked the final leg to the airport along the freeway, trailing their luggage behind them.

“This was an inconvenience,” Madeline Hannan from suburban Chicago said in a telephone interview as she was heading to Florida. “But in the grand scheme of things going on overseas, it’s a minor inconvenience.”

Inbound traffic towards O’Hare resumed at about 9am (14:00 GMT).

Arrests and calls for Gaza ceasefire

Near Seattle, the Washington State Department of Transportation said a demonstration closed the main road to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Social media posts showed people holding a banner and waving Palestinian flags while standing on the highway, which reopened about three hours later.

About 20 protesters were arrested at the Golden Gate Bridge demonstration and traffic resumed shortly after noon, according to the California Highway Patrol. The agency said officers were making arrests at two points on the highway, including one spot where roughly 300 protesters refused orders to disperse.

“Attempting to block or shut down a freeway or state highway to protest is unlawful, dangerous, and prevents motorists from safely reaching their destinations,” the agency said in a statement.

Oregon State Police said 52 protesters were arrested for disorderly conduct following the Interstate 5 protest in Eugene, Oregon, about 177km (110 miles) south of Portland. Six vehicles were towed from the scene.

New York Police made numerous arrests, saying 150 protesters were initially involved in the march at about 3:15 pm (19:15 GMT) but that the crowd grew quickly.

In San Antonio, protesters holding Palestinian flags obstructed both sides of the Valero Energy Company headquarters, causing traffic congestion on the city’s northwest side.

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Pro-Palestinian demonstrators shut down airport highways and key bridges in major US cities

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators shut down both directions of the Golden Gate Bridge Monday snarling traffic for hours.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators blocked a freeway leading to three Chicago O’Hare International Airport terminals Monday morning, temporarily stopping traffic into one of the nation’s busiest airports and causing headaches for travelers.

A passenger walks on the highway as he carries his luggage to at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, Monday, April 15, 2024. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators blocked a freeway leading to three Chicago O’Hare International Airport terminals Monday morning, temporarily stopping vehicle traffic into one of the nation’s busiest airports and causing headaches for travelers. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

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Pedestrians and bicyclists wait outside the pedestrian gate on the south side of the Golden Gate Bridge while the bridge is closed due to protesters on Monday, April 15, 2024 in San Francisco, Calif. (Lea Suzuki/San Francisco Chronicle via AP)

Heavy traffic is seen at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, Monday, April 15, 2024. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators blocked a freeway leading to three Chicago O’Hare International Airport terminals Monday morning, temporarily stopping vehicle traffic into one of the nation’s busiest airports and causing headaches for travelers. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Protesters calling for a cease fire in Gaza shut down southbound traffic on Highway 880 in Oakland, Calif. on Monday, April 15, 2024. (Bronte Wittpenn/San Francisco Chronicle via AP)

A passenger talks on the her phone as she walks to Terminal 1 at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, Monday, April 15, 2024. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators blocked a freeway leading to three Chicago O’Hare International Airport terminals Monday morning, temporarily stopping vehicle traffic into one of the nation’s busiest airports and causing headaches for travellers. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Passengers walk to a security checkpoint at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, Monday, April 15, 2024. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators blocked a freeway leading to three Chicago O’Hare International Airport terminals Monday morning, temporarily stopping vehicle traffic into one of the nation’s busiest airports and causing headaches for travelers. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Travellers wait for their ride at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, Monday, April 15, 2024. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators blocked a freeway leading to three Chicago O’Hare International Airport terminals Monday morning, temporarily stopping vehicle traffic into one of the nation’s busiest airports and causing headaches for travelers. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Travellers wait for an airport shuttle bus at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, Monday, April 15, 2024. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators blocked a freeway leading to three Chicago O’Hare International Airport terminals Monday morning, temporarily stopping vehicle traffic into one of the nation’s busiest airports and causing headaches for travelers. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

TravelLers walk to Terminal 1 at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, Monday, April 15, 2024. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators blocked a freeway leading to three Chicago O’Hare International Airport terminals Monday morning, temporarily stopping vehicle traffic into one of the nation’s busiest airports and causing headaches for travelLers. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Travelers wait for an airport shuttle bus at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, Monday, April 15, 2024. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators blocked a freeway leading to three Chicago O’Hare International Airport terminals Monday morning, temporarily stopping vehicle traffic into one of the nation’s busiest airports and causing headaches for travelers. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Traffic is backed up at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, Monday, April 15, 2024. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators blocked a freeway leading to three Chicago O’Hare International Airport terminals Monday morning, temporarily stopping vehicle traffic into one of the nation’s busiest airports and causing headaches for travelers. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Travelers wait for their ride at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, Monday, April 15, 2024. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators blocked a freeway leading to three Chicago O’Hare International Airport terminals Monday morning, temporarily stopping vehicle traffic into one of the nation’s busiest airports and causing headaches for travelers. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Travelers walk through Terminal 1 at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, Monday, April 15, 2024. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators blocked a freeway leading to three Chicago O’Hare International Airport terminals Monday morning, temporarily stopping vehicle traffic into one of the nation’s busiest airports and causing headaches for travelers. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Demonstrators protesting the ongoing war in Gaza, block southbound traffic on Interstate 880 in Oakland, Calif., on Monday, April 15, 2024. Traffic in the San Francisco Bay Area was also snarled for hours Monday morning as pro-Palestinian demonstrators shut down both directions of the Golden Gate Bridge and stalled a 17-mile (27-kilometer) stretch of Interstate 880 in Oakland. (Brontë Wittpenn/San Francisco Chronicle via AP)

CHICAGO (AP) — Pro-Palestinian demonstrators blocked roadways in Illinois, California, New York and the Pacific Northwest on Monday, temporarily shutting down travel into some of the nation’s most heavily used airports, onto the Golden Gate and Brooklyn bridges and on a busy West Coast highway.

In Chicago, protesters linked arms and blocked lanes of Interstate 190 leading into O’Hare International Airport around 7 a.m. in a demonstration they said was part of a global “economic blockade to free Palestine,” according to Rifqa Falaneh, one of the organizers.

Traffic in the San Francisco Bay Area was snarled for hours as demonstrators shut down all vehicle, pedestrian and bike traffic on the Golden Gate Bridge and chained themselves to 55-gallon drums filled with cement across Interstate 880 in Oakland. Protesters marching into Brooklyn blocked Manhattan-bound traffic on the Brooklyn Bridge. In Eugene, Oregon, protesters blocked Interstate 5, shutting down traffic on the major highway for about 45 minutes.

Protesters say they chose O’Hare in part because it is one of the largest airports. Among other things, they’ve called for an immediate cease-fire in the war between Israel and Hamas.

Anti- war protesters have demonstrated in Chicago near daily since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel that killed around 1,200 people. Israeli warplanes and ground troops have since conducted a scorched-earth campaign on the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli offensive has killed more than 33,700 Palestinians, according to the Gaza health ministry. The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants in its count but says women and children make up two-thirds of the dead.

O’Hare warned travelers on the social platform X to take alternative forms of transportation with car travel “substantially delayed this morning due to protest activity.”

Some travelers stuck in standstill traffic left their cars and walked the final leg to the airport along the freeway, trailing their luggage behind them.

Among them was Madeline Hannan from suburban Chicago. She was headed to O’Hare for a work trip to Florida when her and her husband’s car ended up stalled for 20 minutes. She got out and “both ran and speed walked” more than a mile (1.6 kilometers). She said she made it to the gate on time, but barely.

“This was an inconvenience,” she said in a telephone interview from Florida. “But in the grand scheme of things going on overseas, it’s a minor inconvenience.”

While individual travelers may have been affected, operations at the airport appeared near normal with delays of under 15 minutes, according to the Chicago Department of Aviation.

Inbound traffic toward O’Hare resumed around 9 a.m.

Near Seattle, the Washington State Department of Transportation said a demonstration closed the main road to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Social media posts showed people holding a banner and waving Palestinian flags while standing on the highway, which reopened about three hours later.

About 20 protesters were arrested at the Golden Gate Bridge demonstration and traffic resumed shortly after noon, according to the California Highway Patrol. The agency said officers were making arrests at two points on the interstate, including one spot where roughly 300 protesters refused orders to disperse,

“Attempting to block or shut down a freeway or state highway to protest is unlawful, dangerous, and prevents motorists from safely reaching their destinations,” the agency said in a statement.

Oregon State Police said 52 protestors were were arrested for disorderly conduct following the Interstate 5 protest in Eugene, Oregon, about 110 miles (177 kilometers) south of Portland. Six vehicles were towed from the scene.

New York Police made numerous arrests, saying 150 protesters were initially involved in the march around 3:15 p.m., but that number quickly grew. The bridge was fully reopened by 5 p.m.

In Chicago, dozens of protesters were arrested, according to Falaneh. Chicago police said Monday that “multiple people” were taken into custody after a protest where people obstructed traffic, but they did not have a detailed count.

Associated Press writers Janie Har in San Francisco, Claire Rush in Portland, Oregon; Pat Eaton-Robb in Hartford, Connecticut and Audrey McAvoy in Honolulu contributed to this report.