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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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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

15 Most Scenic (and EPIC) West Coast Road Trips 1

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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The Ultimate California Coast Road Trip: Camping Edition

We’ve mapped out the must-see spots and the most unique camp spots, cabins, treehouses along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Now it’s time to choose your own adventure—follow our road trip itinerary from Southern California to the north, flip it in reverse, choose just one or two, or even extend your California road trip by continuing on.

Start your Highway 1 journey in Dana Point just south of Los Angeles after an overnight getaway at one of these sweet spots:

Hidden Hill Ranch
Stonehenge Camp
Sweet Oaks Winery

Hit Stacks Pancake House for breakfast and Harpoon Henry’s Seafood for dinner. And while you’re here, stop at Salt Creek Beach, Dana Point Harbor, or The Ocean Institute.

Next we’re headed to Pismo Beach, a 5-hour drive from Dana Point up past Malibu—so cue up some tunes or podcasts. Be sure to check out Santa Barbara’s Spanish architecture on the way, then grab dinner at Ventana Grill in Pismo.

Settle in for the night at Camp Arroyo Grande or See Canyon Fruit Ranch , then treat yourself to Honeymoon Cafe at sun-up.

We’re on the move to Big Sur, one of the very best spots on the California Coast. It’s a good idea to pull off in Central Coast beach towns like San Simeon to cross Hearst Castle off your bucket list, in Morro Bay for elephant seals and shopping, or in Cambria for sightseeing on the way.

This evening, stay overnight at the Redwood Room or Charan Springs Farm . Grab dinner at the Big Sur Roadhouse, and in the morning, head to the charming Big Sur Bakery for some breakfast.

Today we’re officially in Northern California and hitting the Bay Area. Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey, and Santa Cruz offer must-see ocean views along the way (try the 17-Mile Drive), while San Luis Obispo is a favorite inland adventure. And San Francisco, of course, has more than enough to keep you busy for a day trip.

This evening, consider having dinner at Sotto Mare in North Beach, and then rest your head at Terminal 4 just outside the city to stay close to the Pacific Ocean.

Once you’ve got your fill of the city, take a meandering coastal drive over the Golden Gate Bridge to see the Marin Headlands and Point Reyes on your way to Bodega Bay. Try Spud Creek Crab Co. for some energy on the way up.

Tonight, take your pick between campsites and a treehouse at Finley Camp or Salmon Creek Ranch , then splurge for breakfast at Drakes Sonoma Coast.

Now we’re headed to Mendocino for its redwood forests and local boutiques. Take your pick from these Hipcamps for a magical night’s stay:

Jug Handle Creek Farm
Fortunate Farm on the Coast

Catch supper at Trillium Cafe, then in the morning, get a fresh start with a stop at Goodlife Cafe and Bakery. We’ve saved the best for last—today is all about Humboldt Redwoods State Park . Notable stops on the way include Fort Bragg, Richardson Grove State Park, and Sinkyone Wilderness State Park.

Tonight, stay at Lost Coast Retreats and get your fix of microbrews and grub at Eel River Brewing. In the morning, swing by Hot Brew Bistro for breakfast and coffee.

From here, the coast is yours to continue conquering, up to Redwood National Park and beyond for the ultimate Pacific Coast Highway road trip, known as one of the best road trip routes in the USA. And if you need to borrow some wheels for the journey. check out RVshare’s California RV rentals .

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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.

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

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.

Did you love this post? Help me share the word of my blog www.flyingwithfour.com by pinning these pins to your PINTEREST page! I appreciate your support as I help to grow my online business and continue to provide the latest tips, tricks for travel with kids.

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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.

California Coastal Highway Road Trip - All the Best Places to Stops on the Pacific Coast Highway - from San Diego to Crescent City including stops in Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Big Sur, Monterey, San Francisco, Mendocino and more // localadventurer.com

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

La Jolla Trail aka Ho Chi Minh Trail in San Diego

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

Carlsbad Flower Fields + All the Best Places to Stop on the Pacific Coast Highway California // localadventurer.com

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

Surfing Pismo Beach + 15 Best 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

san luis obispo slo california pacific coast highway

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

Pfeiffer Beach Big Sur California - famously known for its purple sand beach // localadventurer.com

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

The 17 Mile Drive in Monterey California - Your Essential Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Guide // Local Adventurer

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

Listening to (and smelling) the Sea Lions at Pier 39 + 25 Fun Free Things to Do in San Francisco // Local Adventurer #sf #bayarea #california

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

The Ultimate California Coast Road Trip - All the Best Stops along the Pacific Coast Highway

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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!

Pacific Coast Highway: oceans, mountains, and beaches, oh my!

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The ultimate California RV road trip

A California RV road trip means ocean and mountains, discovering desert landscapes, walking through forests that are home to the biggest trees in the world.

It's a chance to sleep in the most beautiful parks in the American West without missing out on the iconic cities of the California Coast.

Make yourself comfortable, put on your favourite Bob Dylan music, and get ready to take notes: here is a detailed 10-day itinerary for the ultimate California RV road trip .

Map of California RV road trip

Road trip summary, day 1 : los angeles .

The adventure begins in Los Angeles . But before taking possession of your rental RV , spend some time exploring the city.

Just be careful not to overdo it on your first day.

Firstly, because after your long trip, you'll probably appreciate a rest.

Secondly, as the L.A. public transit system isn't particularly efficient , I suggest you focus on an area located close to your accommodation and to the pick-up point for your RV, which will be the next day. That way you will avoid spending too much time in transit.

Why not soak up the eclectic and somewhat eccentric ambiance of Santa Monica and Venice Beach? You can easily walk between these two iconic Los Angeles neighbourhoods.

If you're not too tired, be sure to catch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

What a great way to start your California trip!

California Escapade

Day 2 : sequoia (330 km / 3:30).

Let your 10-day California RV road trip begin: the great outdoors awaits you as you set a course for Sequoia National Park !

I just love the change of scenery as we leave the urban jungle of Los Angeles behind for the desert landscapes of the classic American road trips that have stirred our imaginations since childhood!

It's time to embrace "California road trip" mode, hair blowing in the wind and music blasting!

After a 3.5-hour drive, you find yourself in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, in a spectacular park where you will discover some of the largest living organisms on the planet .

Begin with the Giant Forest Museum, an interesting starting point where you will learn more about the park's history and giant sequoias.

From there, don't miss the Big Trees Trail, an easy 2.4 km hike. Allow an hour to complete the loop around a lush meadow where you will see many sequoias.

BIG TREES TRAIL

Distance: 2.4 km round-trip
Time: 1 hour
Level: Easy

At the end of the day, head to Moro Rock for a spectacular view of the Sierra Nevada. Moro Rock is a bald granite dome with a carved 400-step staircase leading to the top, where you will enjoy breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding 4,000-metre peaks.

You can also save this little climb for the following morning. I did it at dawn, and I promise you that the light of the rising sun, the serenity of the moment (and my thermos of coffee) are among my fondest memories.

Distance: 1.8 km round-trip / 400 steps to climb
Level: Intermediate

Please note that this section is not accessible for RVs over 22 feet.

Restrictions for RVs over 22 feet

Because of the steep and winding mountain roads, if your RV is over 22 long, you will not be allowed to use the south entrance to Sequoia Park near the Foothills Visitor Center.

Shuttle service:

From late May until early September, you can take the Sequoia Shuttle on Highway 198, from Visalia and Three Rivers to Giant Forest Museum in the heart of the park.

A round-trip ticket costs about $20 per person, including the park entry fee and unlimited access to the shuttle service within the park.
Reserve online at least 24 hours in advance.
You will need to stay at a campground outside the park.

If you are travelling at a time when the shuttle service is not in operation, you must use the north entrance on Highway 180, and will not be able to drive further south than Giant Forest Museum.

There is a free shuttle service inside the park with buses that stop at the Visitor Centers and the park's major attractions.

1- Giant Forest

2- Moro Rock / Crescent Meadow

3- Lodgepole / Wuksachi

4- General Sherman Tree Trails

Visit the website for more details on shuttle routes and schedules.

RV RENTAL PRICE COMPARISON TOOL

Day 3 : sequoia .

Today, spend the day exploring this magnificent park.

Start with a visit to the General Sherman Tree , which is at the top of our list of things to see in Sequoia National Park.

This more than 2,200-year-old tree is the largest living organism on Earth. You will be amazed by its 84-metre height and imposing 31-metre girth.

A short 800-metre round-trip trail leads to the tree, an easy hike that is very popular with families. You will need a wide-angle lens to capture a worthy photo to remember it by!

Next, continue on to Congress trail , which begins near the General Sherman Tree.

This easy 3.2-km loop leads through the heart of the spectacular forest , allowing you to capture the essence of a giant sequoia grove. You will certainly feel very small, surrounded by all these incredible natural giants!

CONGRESS TRAIL

Distance: 3.2 km round-trip
Level: Easy

Now, how about exploring the underground world of Sequoia National Park? I highly recommend the 45-minute guided tour of Crystal Cave, a majestic marble cavern containing magnificent formations and rare minerals.

Day 4 : Yosemite (268 km / 3:30)

A California road trip would not be complete without a visit to Yosemite , one of the most spectacular parks in the American West.

And as luck would have it, it's your destination for Day 4 of your tour!

Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite is the third largest park in all of California, covering 3,079 km2, and was the first area of land to be protected by the U.S. government.

Boasting rich biodiversity, massive granite cliffs, powerful waterfalls and giant sequoias, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is sure to be one of the highlights of your California road trip.

Start your visit with Yosemite Valley, home to the park's most spectacular waterfalls .

An easy 30-minute round-trip walk leading to the base of Yosemite Falls offers picture-perfect scenery.

This series of three falls together form the third highest waterfall in North America, with a height of 739 metres; it is also one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the western US.

The spectacle is most dramatic in spring, when the falls are fed by the melting snow and glaciers of the Sierra Nevada.

It's a beautiful sight!

Day 5 : Yosemite

10 days in California go by quickly: you're already halfway through your road trip!

This morning, go back to the Yosemite Valley sector and stop at Tunnel View, one of the must beautiful panoramas in the American West. You will have a magnificent view of Bridalveil Falls, Half Dome and El Capitan.

For an easy hike, I suggest Mirror Lake Trail . In spring and early summer, the water level is at its highest and the lake offers beautiful reflections of the surrounding cliffs . Along the trail, interpretive signage presents the cultural history of the region.

Mirror Lake Trail

Distance: 3.2 kilometres (round-trip)
Elevation gain: None

The more athletic may wish to tackle the Yosemite Falls Trail, which leads to the top of the tallest waterfall in North America , plunging 739 metres into the valley below.

Yosemite Falls Trail

Distance: 11.6 kilometres (round-trip)
Time: 6 to 8 hrs.
Elevation gain: 823 m
Level: Difficult

At the end of the day, head for Glacier Point, the most spectacular viewpoint in the park . You will have an unobstructed view of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome and Yosemite Falls.

If this applies to you, you will have to take the Glacier Point Tour bus ($) or one of two hiking trails, the Four Mile Trail (difficult, 6 hrs. round-trip) or the Panorama Trail (less steep, 10 hrs. return-trip).

Ask at the Visitor Center when you arrive in order to plan your visit to best suit your desires and your RV.

Day 6 : San Francisco (326 km / 4:02)

Your California road trip continues with a visit to San Francisco, widely considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

48 hours in San Francisco is enough to see the best of what the city has to offer , but you will need to be organized and efficient in getting around: don't hesitate to refer to our article “ Visit San Francisco in 2 days ”.

How about starting with a great view of the city? Make your way to Telegraph Hill neighbourhood, where the top of the 65-metre Coit Tower offers spectacular panoramic views.

End your day with the emblem of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge . You can either walk or cycle across the 2.6 km bridge (there are several bicycle rental companies nearby). If you cross on foot, you can take the bus back into the city (don't forget to check the bus schedule).

For an unforgettable experience, cross the bridge at sunset.

Day 7 : San Francisco

When I visit a big city, I love to get up very early to soak in the morning atmosphere. You can experience scenes of everyday life that you won't see later when the city is bustling with life in the middle of the afternoon.

For example, the morning is the best time to hop on a cable car and rub shoulders with the locals who use it every day to get to work.

Today's program includes:

A visit to Chinatown, the oldest in North America.
Alamo Square with its Painted Ladies, a famous row of colourful Victorian houses.
A quick look at Maxime Leforestier's Blue House at 3841 18th Street.
Lombard Street in the Russian Hill neighbourhood, known for its 8 tight hairpin turns between Hyde Street and Leavenworth Street. It's a must-see San Francisco photo spot.
Fisherman’s Wharf , a very touristy spot but fun to visit. Go to Pier 39 to see the famous sea lions.

At the end of the day, treat yourself to a memorable experience with a nighttime tour of Alcatraz, the most mysterious and famous prison in the world. Be sure to book your tour well in advance.

Day 8 : Monterey (127 km / 1:26)

Today, head for Monterey along Highway 1 , one of the most beautiful scenic roads in the American West.

You will drive for miles along the coast, enjoying magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean .

Monterey is a pleasant town with a charming fishing port atmosphere.

Take a walk along historic Fisherman's Wharf, an integral part of Monterey's history located close to the spot where the first European explorers came ashore almost four centuries ago. Today it is home to many tourist attractions and gift shops.

If you're still in the mood for driving, you might enjoy 17-Mile Drive, a private, paid scenic route that winds through the heart of the cypress forest and passes through one of California's most exclusive neighbourhoods.

There are some lovely photo stops along the way such as Cypress Point and the Lone Cypress , a famous 250-year-old cypress tree clinging atop its rocky perch overlooking the ocean.

Day 9 : Santa Barbara (383 km / 3:56)

On the road again!

Your California road trip is coming to an end, but it's safe to say you're ending on a high note with the most scenic stretch of Highway 1.

You'll be making several stops today. Some of the must-sees include:

Bixby Bridge , an icon of the Pacific Coast Highway. Stop on the north side for the best photos.
Pfeiffer Beach (only if your RV is less than 30 feet long). This is one of the most beautiful beaches in California, known for its massive natural rock arch.
Nepenthe Cafe for a lunch break with a stunning ocean view.
McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. The short McWay Falls Waterfall Overlook Trail leads to an observation deck with a view of the falls.

Aim to reach Santa Barbara in the middle of the afternoon so you can spend some time on its white sandy beach.

A sunset stroll along East Beach will make for a memorable last evening.

Day 10 : Los Angeles (190 km / 2:03)

10 days in California go by awfully fast!

Get up early to leave Santa Barbara and reach L.A. in time to return your RV, generally before 11 a.m.

It's time to leave the Golden State with lasting memories and a burning desire to come back soon... Why not take a longer Western US road trip next time?

This concludes the best 10-day California road trip.

If you have any questions or comments about this trip, feel free to add them in the comments section below .

An enthusiast of both our vibrant cities & great oudoors, my life revolves around travel & adventure. It's a no brainer that I have to share the wonders & secrets of my neck of the woods with other travelling souls. Enjoy the journey!

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Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip - Big Sur

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let’s get planning!

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

Where is the pacific coast highway how long is it.

The Pacific Coast Highway has many names.

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

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

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

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

Pacific Coast Highway Map, Directions, & Best Times

Which direction to drive the pacific coast highway.

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

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

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

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

The Hoh Rainforest - Twilight Tour in Forks

Pacific Coast Highway Start and End Points

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

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

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

When To Drive The Pacific Coast Highway

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

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

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

Pacific Coast Highway Map

Top Tips For Driving The Pacific Coast Highway

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

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

Cape Kiwanda Oregon, Pacific Coast Road Trip Stops

How To Choose a Car For The Pacific Coast Highway

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

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

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

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

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

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip On A Budget

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

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

Grab your gear and let's go! If you are like us and love to be outside, we've written this comprehensive post about the best winter coats & jackets to wear in the Pacific Northwest this season. We're covering everything from rain gear, parkas, to puffers, even utility jackets! TheMandagies.com

What To Pack For A Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

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

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

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

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

The Best Pacific Coast Highway Stops (State By State)

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

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

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

Cape Flattery - Pacific Coast Road Trip Stops

Pacific Coast Highway Stops In Washington

Washington is not all rain and gloom!

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

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

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

Seattle, Washington

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

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

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

Fun things to do in Seattle, Washington:

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

Read More: What To Pack For The Pacific Northwest

Port Angeles

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

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

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

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

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

Sol Duc Falls

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

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

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

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

Cape Flattery

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

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

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

Forks, Washington

Emily at La Push Second Beach - Pacific Coast Road Trip Stops

La Push Beaches (First, Second, and Third)

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

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

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

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

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

Read More: La Push Beach + and Beach Camping Tips

Ocean Shores, Washington

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

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

Restaurants to try in Ocean Shores:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mount Rainier National Park

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

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

Most Popular Activities To Do At Mount Rainier:

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

Cape Disappointment State Park

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

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

Read More: Cape Disappointment + Deadman’s Cove

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Stops In Oregon

Emily Mandagie at Secret Beach on the Oregon Coast

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

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

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

Cannon Beach

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

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

Read More: Spending The Day At Cannon Beach

Cape Kiwanda

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

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

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

Read More: 10 Epic Adventures To Take Aroun Cape Kiwanda

God’s Thumb Hike, Lincoln City

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

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

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

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

Devil’s Punchbowl

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

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

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

Thor’s Well

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

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

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

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

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area

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

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

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

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

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

Got an extra day to spare?

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

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

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

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

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

Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor

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

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

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

Pacific Coast Highway Stops In California

Congratulations! You’ve made it to California!

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

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

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

Redwood National and State Parks

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

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

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

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

Fern Canyon

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

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

Black Sand Beach

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

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

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

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

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

Point Reyes National Seashore

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

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

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

Read More: Spending The Day At Point Reyes National Seashore

Bolinas Ridge

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

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

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

Read More: A Golden Sunset At Bolinas Ridge

Mount Tamalpais

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

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

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

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

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

Golden Gate Bridge

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

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

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

San Francisco, California

Pacific Coast Road Trip Itinerary - San Francisco Stop

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

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

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

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

Shark Fin Cove

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

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

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

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

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

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

Big Sur State Park

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

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

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

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

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

(Detour Off Highway 1) Yosemite National Park

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

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

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

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

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

Los Angeles, California

Pacific Coast Road Trip Stops - Los Angeles

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

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

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

Here are some fun things to do in Los Angeles:

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

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

Orange County, California

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

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

Must-see spots to visit in Orange County:

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

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

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

San Diego, California

You did it!

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

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

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

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary Examples

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

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

Read below to find your perfect one!

5 Day Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary

Five Day Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary

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

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

7 Day Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary

One Week Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary

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

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

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

10 Day Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary

Two-week pacific coast highway road trip itinerary.

Two Week Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary

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

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

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

Some of our Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Inspiration

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

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

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

Pinterest ( Find us at @themandagies )

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

8 Steps For Planning A Flawless Weekend Trip

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The Essential 2017 PNW Bucket List

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

Looking for the best route to take on the Pacific Coast Highway? We're sharing the complete PCH route, including the best stops in Washington, Oregon, and California for the ultimate west coast road trip! #westcoast #PNW #california #oregon #washington #roadtrip #PCH #pacificcoasthighway #Pacificcoastroadtrip

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

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

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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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5 Day California Coast Campervan Road Trip

The quintessential guide to exploring the best spots along California’s stunning west coast, anytime of…

The quintessential guide to exploring the best spots along California’s stunning west coast, anytime of year.

California is considered a campervan paradise for good reason. With warm temps year-round, there’s no shortage of options for surf, camping and everything in between. This itinerary is perfect for those looking to spend a week (more or less) touring up the best of our beloved California coast in a fully outfitted adventure van.

Using VanCraft’s San Diego camper van rental office as your launch point, drive the few hours it takes to get up to scenic Santa Barbara (dubbed as the “American Riviera”) for some sightseeing and a chance to stretch your legs. Take in its sparkling water and clear blue skies while enjoying some food at any one of SB’s numerous seaside eateries.

Then stick around for sunset, while deciding where to sleep for the night. While you can camp for free in the hills of Santa Barbara, there are always places to stay in town, if you’re in the mood for local nightlife. Bonus points for those opting to crash in one of our adventure camper vans, as you won’t have to worry about drinking and driving. Oh, and your memory foam bed is conveniently located in the backseat. It’s a win-win all around.

Should you find yourself with an extra day or two, Los Angeles is only two hours north of San Diego. This an the ideal pit stop for touring any one of LA’s famous neighborhoods or grabbing some real deal tacos (because you can’t leave Southern California without trying our Mexican food). If you’re an avid surfer or rock climber, Malibu and/or Rincon are also worth checking out.

Before making your way to Big Sur, we’d suggest stopping in Morro Bay and Montana del Oro State Park. Catch some heavy waves along Hazards Canyon (though beware of territorial locals…and Great Whites) before fueling up on gas and groceries for the days ahead.

While camping options in Big Sur are typically limited (with summer being its busiest time), the following campsites are optimal for booking in advance: Plaskett Creek, Limekiln, Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground, and Andrew Molera (this last one does not allow for car camping). Though it is illegal to camp anywhere along the 101, there are additional free camping spots if you’re willing to drive a bit inland.

Just a 1-2 hour detour from the 101, camp in the mountains above Big Sur’s coast for some of the best views on the planet (beware of sections with steep dirt roads). Thankfully, both our short and long wheelbase campervans are fully capable of making this drive, just make sure to avoid these roads if it has recently rained or will be raining soon. And for any off grid camping, always be sure to abide by the 7 Leave No Trace Principles .

Today’s the day! Get after all that Big Sur has to offer by checking out any or all of the following highlights:

Sand Dollar Beach (the largest unbroken swathe of sand along the Big Sur coast, making it a great spot to chill, even on the windiest of days)
Mcway Falls (an 80-foot waterfall that flows year round)
Esalen Institute Hot Springs (take advantage of their public night bathing hours from 1-3am with same-day booking…it’s magic)
Bixby Bridge (known for being one of CA’s most photographed bridges)
Point Sur Lighthouse (which stands atop dramatic volcanic rock just off-shore)
Andrew Molera State Park (find epic surfing at its Big Sur Rivermouth)

Since our adventure van rental kitchens come fully stocked with cookware, dishes, utensils, and cleaning supplies, you’re more than able to whip up the breakfast of your choosing before spending another day on the road. Gourmet eggs on toast, anyone?

Next up is driving through Carmel by the Sea , another one of our favorite coastal beach towns. Monterey is your best bet to stop for lunch, a quick refuel and grocery stop before making your way further up the coast. Should you have another few days to spare, continue north on the 101 to the iconic San Francisco. Otherwise, your next stop is to the east at Yosemite National Park.

Some notes worth keeping in mind:

While campgrounds in Yosemite sell out months in advance, there are still several first come first serve options.
Some campgrounds even allow for two vehicles per site.
If you’re up for exiting the park’s main boundary, you’ll find a lot more options for free camping.
You are also permitted to camp for free in national forests as long as you are ¼ mile away from an established campground.

As a reminder, iOverlander is your best bet for locating these free sites while maps.me will get you where you need to go with offline turn by turn navigation. Just make sure to download both apps, and corresponding maps, before losing cell service.

Hooray, you’ve made it to Yosemite, the premier rock climbing destination in the world. Time to get your hands dirty and explore a bit. Here we’ll break down your best options by season.

For Summer:

Half Dome Day-Hike (on the more difficult side; permits required)
Merced River (for floating, swimming, hiking, fishing)
Mist Trail Hike (a personal VanCraft favorite)
Glacier Point (for sunset and impressive views of Half Dome)

For Winter:

Firefall (Big Sur’s famous, fiery light tunnel)
Valley Floor (extra beautiful when covered in snow)
Skiing Badger Pass
Ice Skating

For winter camping, it’s worth highlighting that our adventure vans come with auxillary radiant propane heaters, and for winter ski trips we offer camper van rentals with Espar furnaces to stay extra toasty, as available.

If you’re cutting your trip at six days, now’s the time to start making your way back down. Options include stopping to explore the redwoods in Mariposa Grove, or for something even more off the beaten path, check out Nelder Grove. Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park are similarly on your way south. Just add an extra 1-2 days if you want to have time to explore some of the biggest trees on Earth!

In closing…

Next time you’re looking to soak up all the beauty California has to offer, let this 5-7 day itinerary be your guide. From its cliff-lined beaches, incredible national parks and iconic cities, there’s something for everyone.

And when it comes to living your best van life, VanCraft has you covered. Tag #vancraft during your next trip so we can see everything you get into using our most dependable of Sprinter van build outs. You can receive an instant camper van rental quote for our short wheelbase adventure van and our long wheelbase adventure van here .

Happy road-tripping!

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Planning an RV road trip involves choosing a manageable route, finding the right vehicle and booking the best campsites. On top of that, it takes even more time and research to figure out what to do in each location you’re going to visit. We don’t want you to sacrifice precious vacation time on a poorly planned trip.

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Hi we just got back from a 8 day trip this month from Vegas to Grand Canyon, to Sedona, and stops in between. We stayed at 4 different campsite during our travel and each one was planned out perfect and booked with out a hitch. Our complete intermarry that she put together was flawless. Could not have asked for a better experience. Will be using Tumbleweed Travel in the future. Thank you Brooke!!

Brooke did an EXCELLENT job with our 3.5 week trip around the American Southwest. We always had the most amazing campsite, and she responded really well to our high/low requests, sprinkling in great hotels and activities. She is super organized, responsive and has personally stayed in all the places she sends you. Highly recommend!!!

Brooke at Tumbleweed helped us plan a 10-night trip this summer to Jackson Hole, Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone. We were novices to RVing and Brooke took care of planning a great trip – from perfect campsites to amazing activities to side trips along the way. All details were provided well in advance and with a great app that had our trip details and links to all activities and sites. We could not have done this trip without her help. We were a group of 11 – two RVs – and Brooke made very good age-appropriate recommendations. Some or our favorites were whitewater rafting down the Snake River, Horseback Riding in Yellowstone, rodeo in West Yellowstone. If you are looking for a great trip without the headaches and time to plan every detail I’d highly recommend Tumbleweed.

Brooke is an all-star organizational trip planner! We wanted a non-cookie cutter trip and she delivered. She arranged the MIGHTY 5 UTAH RV trip with a pickup in Vegas, drop off in Provo so we could do our loop in the 9 days that we had off from work. A lot of RV rentals won’t do one-way rentals. The trip itself was perfect. THE APP SHE UTILIZES IS AWESOME!! We always knew exactly where we were headed, how long it would take to get there, the check in info, places to eat, and fun side trips along the way if we wanted (and could access the app w/ no cell service). I am a super planner and Brooke was better than me. It’s so comforting to actually relax, not spend hours planning a trip and be able to trust someone else to do the work for you and it turn out better than I could have planned!! Brooke can you teach my husband & employees?! 🤣 I will absolutely use Tumbleweed again. I’m also frugal and she was worth every penny.

Thanks Brooke! From day one you made all the details clear, and all the recommendations were spot on for our trip. We didn't have any issues with reservations and felt that every detail of our adventure was taken care of - so that we can enjoy the family time! I especially loved the app with all our details and points of interest easily accessible, which also made connecting to google maps seamless. I would highly recommend Brooke and Tumbleweed Travel and will look forward to our next adventure with their help!

My wife and I recently did a week-long, bucket-list trip to Zion, Bryce and North Rim Grand Canyon national parks on a rental RV. Hiring Tumbleweed was the smartest thing we did to make the experience so easy and enjoyable. Brooke (the owner) handled all the planning, campsite selections and reservations. This saved us countless hours as well as the rookie mistakes we no doubt would've made on our own. We also loved the detailed itinerary, directions and recommendations packed into an easy-to-use app that works even offline (which is essential in parks without wifi or cell coverage). The overall experience was so great that we've hired Tumbleweed to arrange a second RV trip - to Arches, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef parks.

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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.
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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 ...
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Los Angeles. The last stop on this Pacific Coast Highway road trip is 95 miles south to Los Angeles. This stop could keep you busy for months. Famous for Hollywood, Rodeo Drive, and the Malibu beaches, you are sure to have plenty to do. You will probably even run into one or two of the celebrities that live in the area.
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The Manchester Beach KOA on California's Mendocino Coast is where you can enjoy abalone diving, good fishing, and fantastic local wineries. ... then Joshua Tree National Park is a must on your California RV road trip. You can reach the park from Los Angeles or San Diego with relaxing trips on well-paved roads. The park is home to over 4,500 ...
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RV Road Trip: California's Central Coast. Places to Go & Things to Do. Premium. from the issue. RV Road Trip: California's Central Coast. Avoid the Crowds and Explore Cool Beach Communities, Shopping, Fine Dining, and so Much More. Premium. Julie Perry Nelson. April 6, 2022. Facebook Tweet Email.
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The Pacific Coast Highway Route

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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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An RV Guide to the Ultimate Pacific Coast Road Trip

First Stop: San Diego

Where to Stay in San Diego

What to Do in San Diego

Second Stop: Big Sur, California

What to Do in Big Sur

Third Stop: San Francisco

Where to Stay in San Francisco

What to Do in San Francisco

Fourth Stop: Crescent City, California

Where to Stay in Crescent City

What to Do in Crescent City

Fifth Stop: Port Orford, Oregon

Where to Stay in Port Orford

What to Do in Port Orford

Sixth Stop: Cannon Beach, Oregon

What to Do in Cannon Beach

Seventh Stop: The Seattle Area

What to Do in the Seattle Area

15 Most Scenic (and EPIC) West Coast Road Trips

15 Most Scenic West Coast Road Trips & Destinations

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Crescent City

West Coast Road Trips: Oregon

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Oregon Coast

Oregon Dunes

West Coast Road Trips: Washington

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