Road Tripping Down the Pacific Coast Highway: From LA to San Francisco
The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as California State Route 1 or Highway 1, is one of the most iconic drives in the United States. Stretching nearly 700 miles along the California coast from Dana Point in Orange County to Leggett in Mendocino County, the PCH offers unparalleled ocean views, quaint beach towns, and plenty of incredible stops along the way.
If you're looking to take a California road trip, driving the PCH is an absolute must. A popular route is to drive it from end to end, starting in Los Angeles and ending in San Francisco. This allows you to experience the diverse landscapes of Southern and Northern California, from palm tree-lined beaches to giant redwood forests.
I recently took a 5 day trip driving the PCH from LA up to SF. It was an amazing experience and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an unforgettable West Coast adventure. Here are some highlights from my journey, along with tips on where to stop, what to see, where to eat, and the best places to spend the night.
Day 1: Los Angeles to Santa Barbara
I started my drive in Los Angeles, where the official southern end of the PCH begins in Orange County. From LA, it's just about 100 miles up the coast to Santa Barbara. With no shortage of beaches, state parks, and funky beach towns along the way, you could easily spend an entire day making this short stretch of the drive.
Must see stops between LA and Santa Barbara:
- Manhattan Beach Pier- Park and walk out on this classic California pier for views up and down the coast. Grab breakfast or coffee at one of the nearby cafes.
- Paradise Cove- Stop to take pics at this iconic beachfront restaurant and cafe that's been featured in films and TV shows.
- Point Dume State Beach- Trek out on the headlands for stunning cliffside vistas. Spot whales in winter.
- Malibu Pier- Iconic California pier with surfers, seafood shacks and boutiques along the Malibu coast.
I ended my first day road tripping the PCH with an overnight stay in beautiful Santa Barbara. It's nicknamed the "American Riviera" for its idyllic Mediterranean vibe, palm-lined coast, Spanish architecture, and amazing wine country. Wander State Street and dine al fresco before turning in for the night at a cozy Santa Barbara hotel.
Day 2: Santa Barbara to Big Sur
On the second day, I continued my drive up the PCH from Santa Barbara to the famed Big Sur region, about 140 miles north. Along the way, breathtaking state beaches, parks, and stops I'd recommend include:
- Refugio State Beach- Picnic and camp or hike along trails dotted with wildflowers.
- El Capitan State Beach- Rugged beach surrounded by cliffs popular with surfers and campers.
- Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes- Stretch your legs on short hikes in the largest coastal dune system in California.
- Pismo Beach- Grab clam chowder bread bowls, shop colorful boutiques, and stroll the classic pier.
Once you reach Big Sur, be sure to drive the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. With sweeping 180 degree views up and down the coastline, it's one of the most photographed bridges in the world!
I spent the night at a rustic Big Sur cabin where I could hear the sound of the ocean waves right outside my window. Falling asleep under the stars and winding redwoods was unforgettable.
Day 3: Big Sur to Monterey
After fully exploring Big Sur, I continued my PCH road trip to Monterey, about an hour's drive north. Along the way, I stopped for photo ops and short hikes at iconic spots like:
- Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park- Walk the Overlook Trail for mindblowing views of an offshore waterfall plunging into the Pacific.
- Nepenthe Restaurant- Soak in epic cliffside views over lunch or dinner at this Big Sur landmark. Try their signature Ambrosia burger and fruit salad!
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve- Hike out to breathtaking headlands and coves on the "greatest meeting of land and sea."
- 17 Mile Drive- Cruise along this scenic coastal route dotted with Lookout points, Pebble Beach golf course, and hidden coves.
In Monterey, I walked along the bustling old Fisherman's Wharf, soaking in the sights, sounds, and smells of barking sea lions and squawking seagulls. No trip here is complete without enjoying ultra-fresh seafood!
Monterey offers a wide range of lodging options. I opted to stay at a charming Monterey boutique hotel just steps from Cannery Row. Other great places to stay include waterfront motels and inns for oceanfront views on a budget or cozy bed and breakfasts in renovated Victorian homes.
Day 4: Monterey to Santa Cruz
After time in Monterey, I resumed my journey up the coast to Santa Cruz, about 45 miles north of Monterey along a particularly scenic stretch of the PCH. Along the way, I recommend stopping at:
- Andrew Molera State Park- Enjoy miles of rugged undeveloped coastline on scenic hiking trails.
- Point Sur Lighthouse State Historic Park- Take a tour and learn the history of this picturesque 19th century lighthouse perched dramatically on an oceanfront rock.
- Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park- Take a peaceful stroll through towering old growth redwood groves.
In Santa Cruz, I walked the bustling Beach Boardwalk amusement park and historic pier. If you have kids along for the ride, they'll love the carnival rides and games! Santa Cruz is also renowned for its surf culture, so it's a great place to catch views of surfers riding waves or take a lesson yourself.
I spent the night at a quintessential Santa Cruz beach motel with sunset ocean views right from my balcony. Santa Cruz also offers lots of charming inns and B&Bs if you prefer a cozier vibe.
Day 5: Santa Cruz to San Francisco
On the final stretch from Santa Cruz to SF along the PCH, you'll pass through lush redwood forests and rolling coastal hills dotted with farms, ranches, and wineries. Stops I'd recommend include:
- Natural Bridges State Beach- Admire sea arch formations carved by the crashing surf.
- Waddell Creek Beach- Enjoy expansive stretches of sand beneath rugged cliffs.
- Bean Hollow State Beach- Walk along colorful pebble beaches and search for rare jade formations.
- Pigeon Point Lighthouse- Check out views from the tallest lighthouse on the West Coast.
As you get closer to SF, the PCH turns inland through farmlands to Highway 101 for the final approach into the city. After 5 days of driving nearly 700 miles along the Pacific Coast, I was ready to enjoy some urban energy in San Francisco!
Some top things I'd recommend doing in SF following a drive down the PCH: explore diverse neighborhoods like Chinatown and the Castro, wander across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, take a ferry to Alcatraz, sample chowder in a sourdough bread bowl on Fisherman's Wharf, and admire sweeping city views from a ride on a historic cable car.
After checking into my hotel near Union Square, I celebrated completing my epic PCH road trip with a delicious seafood dinner at the historic Tadich Grill restaurant, San Francisco's oldest eatery. Driving the Pacific Coast Highway from LA to SF over 5 days was an experience I'll never forget!
Tips for Road Tripping the Pacific Coast Highway
If you're planning your own PCH road trip adventure, here are some helpful tips:
Take your time: Don't try to rush this drive. There are too many wonderful pit stops and sights to see along the way. Give yourself at least 5 days to really experience it.
Plan your overnight stops: Book accommodations in advance, especially in peak season. Coastal towns book up quickly!
Pack layers: Bring layers and dress in layers, as the weather can be unpredictable along the coast, even in summer. Temps can drop as fog rolls in.
Fill your tank: Gas stations are spaced far apart in remote areas like Big Sur. Don't let your tank go below half full.
Bring snacks: Stock up on snacks, sandwiches, fruit, and water for scenic coastal picnics. Groceries can be limited along the route.
Watch for wildlife: Keep an eye out for wildlife crossing the road like deer, seals, sea lions and even whales!
Pull off for photo ops: Take advantage of those roadside pull offs to relax, stretch your legs, and enjoy the scenery.
Pick a direction: North to south allows you to stay ocean-side more often, but both directions offer amazing coastal views.
Check road conditions: Call (800) 427-7623 or check online for current PCH/Highway 1 road conditions before your trip, as landslides can cause closures.
Driving the full Pacific Coast Highway is a bucket list road trip for good reason. The diversity of landscapes, scenery, and experiences you'll encounter make it an unforgettable drive with endless things to see and explore along the way. Are you ready to road trip down the PCH?
