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The Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

The Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

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

Rachael Medina

February 16, 2024

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

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

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

road trip california coast

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

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary: Day 1

road trip california coast

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

Huntington Beach

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

road trip california coast

Venice Beach

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

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

Santa Monica

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

Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary: Day 2

road trip california coast

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

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

road trip california coast

Santa Barbara

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

San Luis Obispo

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

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

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary: Day 3

road trip california coast

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

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

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

road trip california coast

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

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

road trip california coast

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

Half Moon Bay

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

Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary: Day 4

road trip california coast

San Francisco

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

Point Reyes

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

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

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

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary: Day 5

road trip california coast

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

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

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

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The Ultimate California Coast Road Trip Itinerary

last Updated: September 12, 2023 big sur california carmel central coast half moon bay highway 1 Los Angeles monterey orange county pismo beach road trip san francisco santa barbara santa cruz santa monica solvang

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Griffith Observatory in LA, California

Recommended Route down the California Coast

  • Stop 1:  San Francisco, California
  • Stop 2:  Half Moon Bay
  • Stop 3:  Santa Cruz
  • Stop 4:  Monterey/Carmel-by-the-Sea
  • Stop 5:  Big Sur
  • Stop 6:  San Simeon
  • Stop 7:  San Luis Obispo/Pismo Beach
  • Stop 8:  Solvang
  • Stop 9:  Santa Barbara
  • Stop 10:  Ventura  → Channel Islands
  • Stop 11:  Malibu
  • Stop 12:  Los Angeles/Santa Monica
  • Stop 13:  Anaheim
  • Stop 14:  Orange County
  • Stop 15:  San Diego
ALL 75 of my favorite PCH stops RIGHT over here ! There’s tons of ideas in this California coast road trip itinerary, but those are my absolute favorites.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Search for the cheapest car rentals over here !

lands end hike san francisco

WHERE TO GET THE BEST FLIGHT DEALS TO CALIFORNIA:

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

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

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

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

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

When to Drive Down the California Coast

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

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

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

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

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

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

California Coast Road Trip Itinerary:

1) start in san francisco.

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

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

road trip california coast

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

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

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

road trip california coast

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

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

sea cliff san francisco

Read More about San Francisco:

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

Where to Stay in San Francisco

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

2) Half Moon Bay (45 minutes from SF)

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

ritz carlton half moon bay

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

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

ritz carlton half moon bay

Read More about Half Moon Bay:

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

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

road trip california coast

Drive a bit further on Highway 1 and you’ll reach Santa Cruz, where I suggest stopping for a few hours .  Walk on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, ride the Giant Dipper and/or the Ferris Wheel right on the beach, and stop for a snack or two (churros and funnel cake are my favorites). 

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

road trip california coast

Read More about Santa Cruz:

15+ Things to do in Santa Cruz

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

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

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

Carmel California Coast Road Trip

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

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

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

Read More about Monterey/Carmel:

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

Where to Stay in Monterey:

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

5) Big Sur (50 minutes from Monterey)

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

road trip california coast

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

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

Heading to California and wondering what to do in Big Sur? Read on for my favorite Big Sur activities, where to stay, and (most importantly), what and where to eat! This Big Sur road trip itinerary will have you booking flights to California ASAP, promise!

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

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

Read More on Big Sur

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

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

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

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

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

California Coast Road Trip Itinerary! Everything you could ever wonder! Super informative post! Re-pinning for later - hope to get to California this summer!

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

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

California Coast Road Trip Itinerary! Everything you could ever wonder! Super informative post! Re-pinning for later - hope to get to California this summer!

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

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

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

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

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

road trip california coast

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

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

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

2019 Year in Review - SLO

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

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

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

road trip california coast

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

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

8) Solvang (1 hour from San Luis Obispo)

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

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

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

9) Santa Barbara (45 minutes from Solvang)

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

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

California Coast Road Trip Itinerary! Everything you could ever wonder! Super informative post! Re-pinning for later - hope to get to California this summer!

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

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

California Coast Road Trip Itinerary! Everything you could ever wonder! Super informative post! Re-pinning for later - hope to get to California this summer!

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

California Coast Road Trip Itinerary! Everything you could ever wonder! Super informative post! Re-pinning for later - hope to get to California this summer!

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

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

Where to Stay in Santa Barbara:

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

Recommended Tours in Santa Barbara:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recommended Channel Islands Tours

  • Channel Islands Full-Day Private Sailing Trip

11) Malibu (50 minutes from Ventura)

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

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

Looking for the best road trips in California? Whether you’ve got a long weekend or a full 2 weeks to explore, look no further - this huge post covers over 15 of the best California road trips!

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

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

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

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

Heading to Southern California soon? Make sure to check out these hot spots in LA, Santa Monica, and Venice, including the best food, murals, and museums! LA and Santa Monica are full of character and are super trendy!

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

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

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

Heading to Southern California soon? Make sure to check out these hot spots in LA, Santa Monica, and Venice, including the best food, murals, and museums! LA and Santa Monica are full of character and are super trendy!

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

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

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

Heading to Southern California soon? Make sure to check out these hot spots in LA, Santa Monica, and Venice, including the best food, murals, and museums! LA and Santa Monica are full of character and are super trendy!

Read More about Los Angeles/Santa Monica:

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

Where to Stay in Los Angeles/Santa Monica

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

13) Anaheim for Disneyland (45 minutes from LA)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

laguna beach in february

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

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

laguna beach pier

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

Read More about Orange County/Southern California

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

Want to extend your PCH road trip?!

15 Best Places to See Redwoods Near San Francisco - all the popular spots plus a few others!

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

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

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

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

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July 30, 2020 at 5:32 pm

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

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

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

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

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October 20, 2020 at 8:22 am

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

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

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November 15, 2020 at 7:04 pm

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

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December 22, 2020 at 12:11 am

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

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January 18, 2021 at 1:05 pm

I also want to golf at Pebble

January 19, 2021 at 10:23 am

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

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January 22, 2021 at 7:15 am

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

January 22, 2021 at 1:52 pm

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

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

Have fun!!!

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Home > Road Trip Itineraries > West Coast > California Road Trip Itineraries > California Coast Road Trip

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California Coast Road Trip Itineraries: Map, Routes and Ideas

California has one of the most spectacular coastlines in the country. It is the perfect place for an unforgettable road trip. Along the coast, there are beautiful cities, such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, and stunning landscapes like those of Big Sur, and fascinating historic settlements. Here are some itineraries and ideas that will make your California coast road trip truly unforgettable.

Pacific Coast Highway: The Road of the American Dream

Visit the most beautiful beaches in california, el camino real – itinerary of the spanish missions in california, whale watching in california: tours and best spots along the coast, best california lighthouses to visit from san diego to crescent city, the best things to do in santa barbara: top 10 attractions and places to visit, big sur road trip: a thousand wonders on california’s central coast, hearst castle: the castle on the enchanted coast of california, a guide to monterey and the monterey peninsula, los angeles to san francisco drive: all possible road trip routes, point lobos state natural reserve: a natural wonder on the california coast, visit solvang, a slice of denmark in california, morro bay: the californian city in the shadow of morro rock, visit san luis obispo, a pleasant city on the pacific coast highway, where to stay between los angeles and san francisco: best stops along highway 1, santa cruz: beaches and picturesque views along the california coast, pfeiffer beach: enchanting sunsets in the heart of big sur, best things to do in pacific grove, the “butterfly town” in california, 17-mile drive: pebble beach’s scenic road in california, laguna beach: visit the most beautiful beaches in california, best 9 things to do in orange county for a day trip, from los angeles to san diego: drive time, best route and stops, discover the main filming locations of top gun and maverick, redwood parks in california: the tallest trees in the world, star wars in california: visit the locations where the star wars saga was filmed, visit mendocino: jessica fletcher’s cabot cove in… california, point reyes national seashore and lighthouse: breathtaking views on the california coast, bowling ball beach: discover the beach in california covered with “bowling balls”, how to plan a visit to the historic point arena lighthouse in mendocino, california, pigeon point light station state park, a fascinating lighthouse on the california coast, napa valley and sonoma valley wineries: best places to visit on a wine tour, silicon valley in california: tour of the headquarters of major high-tech companies, best things to do in oakland and how to get to san francisco, best places to visit in san jose, the gateway to silicon valley, san francisco travel guide: tips for planning a vacation, los angeles travel guide: tips for planning a vacation, san diego travel guide, california coast road trip map, destinations all along the california coast.

pacific coast highway road trip

Central California Coast Road Trip Itineraries

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Southern California Coast Road Trip Itineraries

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Northern California Coast Road Trip Itineraries

When talking about Redwood National Park it would be more correct to say “parks”, because in northern California, a few miles from the Oregon border, the Redwood National and State Parks system includes four national and state parks that make giant redwood forests their undoubted strength. Organizing an on the road trip to this part of California is not for …

Star Wars filming locations California

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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.

road trip california coast

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!

road trip california coast

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)

road trip california coast

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!

Cities in Washington State - Seattle, Washington - TheMandagies.com

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

Girl overlooking Mount Storm King

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.

road trip california coast

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!

Emily Mandagie standing at Cape Flattery, Makah Land - TheMandagies.com

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

road trip california coast

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)

road trip california coast

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

Mount Rainier National Park - On The Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

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

road trip california coast

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

Emily sitting at Cannon Beach, Oregon - TheMandagies.com

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

road trip california coast

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

road trip california coast

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

road trip california coast

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

road trip california coast

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

road trip california coast

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

road trip california coast

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

Samuel H Boardman Scenic Corridor - Oregon Coast Road Trip Route

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

road trip california coast

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

Emily Mandagie in Fern Canyon Trail, Redwoods California

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

road trip california coast

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

road trip california coast

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

road trip california coast

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

road trip california coast

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

road trip california coast

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

road trip california coast

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

road trip california coast

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

road trip california coast

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

road trip california coast

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

2o Energizing Hikes In The PN W

The Essential 2017 PNW Bucket List

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

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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20 'Secret' Spots Along California's Pacific Coast Highway

A local's twist on the classic coastal road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

Mimi Slawoff is a former Los Angeles Daily News reporter who covers travel and parenting. She has contributed to L.A. Parent for three decades and also writes for Westways magazine, Colorado Parent , FamilyFun magazine, Travel + Leisure , and more.

road trip california coast

California's iconic Highway 1 has many natural and historic attractions along the Central Coast, famous for its beaches and migrating whales. But there are also numerous "secret" spots along the approximately 440-mile coastal drive between San Francisco to the north and Los Angeles to the south (where Highway 1 becomes Pacific Coast Highway).

Have grippy shoes and cameras ready for a new perspective on a classic road trip.

Stow Lake, San Francisco

Paddle on a manmade lake dating to 1893 in Golden Gate Park. Stow Lake Boathouse rents rowboats and pedal boats ideal for cruising by the lake's stone bridge, waterfall, and Chinese pavilion. See ducks, turtles, birds, and other wildlife.

Batteries to Bluffs Trail, San Francisco

Leave the city behind for a short hike that follows the Presidio's wild western shoreline . Seasonal native dune plants and wildflowers attract butterflies and birds. Consider a sunset hike for majestic views.

Devil's Slide Trail, Pacifica

Walk on the only stretch of Highway 1 closed to cars. The easy 1.3-mile paved trail has signage, benches, and ocean views. Devil's Slide was part of Highway 1 for many years but was dangerous because of falling boulders. In 2014 a tunnel was built for cars and this portion of Highway 1 was transformed into a pedestrian trail. Look closely to see a railroad bed in the hilly terrain, the only remnants of an ill-fated railway.

Sea Horse Ranch, Half Moon Bay

Horseback riding on the beach is sure to be a trip highlight. The one-hour scenic Equestrian Trail ride ($100) has beach and ocean views but skips the sand. Book the 90-minute Trail and Beach tour ($110) to ride on Poplar Beach. The Early Bird Special offers a two-hour trail and beach ride for $85.

Shakespeare Society of America Headquarters, Moss Landing

To stop or not to stop? That is the question — and the answer is yes. Moss Landing, a tiny fishing port best known for its catch, is also home to the Shakespeare Society of America headquarters containing thousands of artifacts, some dating back 500 years. Peruse the rare book and reference collection, museum and memorabilia, visual art, and theater arts archive.

Public Art Walk, Sand City

Grab a coffee at a local bakery and download this map to find murals, a dino sculpture, and painted bee boxes on a self-guided public art walk in Sand City, a 2.9-square-mile town on the Monterey Peninsula. The quirky, Instagram-worthy public art and murals in the West End are created by local and visiting artists.

Hidden Beach and Waterfall, Ragged Point

McWay Falls may be the most photographed waterfall on the Central Coast, but it's not the only one. At Ragged Point , the steep, half-mile Black Swift Trail leads to a tiny black sand beach with a waterfall. Heads up: the trail can be slippery.

Piedras Blancas Light Station, San Simeon

Built in 1875, the still operating light station is named for the unique white rocks offshore, home to seabirds, sea lions, and elephant seals. Soak up lighthouse history on a two-hour tour to the Fog Signal Building and the bottom level of the lighthouse. Bring binoculars for wildlife sightings. Reservations are necessary.

Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, Cambria

Take a walk on the wild side at the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve , a protected open space with over 150 different native plants and 430 birds. Miles of hiking trails and a coastal bluff with views of migrating whales and birds make this a must stop — and it's free.

Marley Family Seaweeds, Cayucos

Hunt vegetarian style and munch on kelp (it's nutritious!) on a private seaweed foraging tour with the Marley family. Learn about sustainable and respectful harvesting and how to forage edible seaweed. Then enjoy a seaweed ramen treat on the beach.

Cayucos Tide Pools, Cayucos

There are many turnouts between Estero Bluffs (shortest walk to shore) and Harmony Headlands for easy access to tide pools brimming with sea stars, anemones, spiny urchins, purple shore crabs, and more. Plan your visit for low tide when marine life is more visible. Find more marine life at a beached boat in Point Estero .

Morro Bay National Estuary, Morro Bay

Daniel Gorostieta/Travel + Leisure

You may have seen huge Morro Rock (it's hard to miss!) but check out the secluded estuary and wetland inhabited by hundreds of animals and plants. Hike coastal trails or rent a kayak (from A Kayak Shack ) and paddle in calm water to Sandspit Beach.

Swinging Bridge, Arroyo Grande

Balance on a swinging bridge 40 feet above the Arroyo Grande Creek, and 171 feet across. It was built in early 1875 by the Short family, whose land was divided by the Arroyo Grande Creek.

Dunes Center, Guadalupe

For nearly a century, the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes held a secret about the 1923 film "The Ten Commandments." After filming, director Cecil B. DeMille had the set buried in the dunes. There it sat until archaeologists excavated it in 2017. See the huge sphinx head, prohibition-era liquor bottles, makeup, and tobacco tins at the Dunes Center .

Llama Farm, Santa Barbara

Spend a night "glamping" in El Capitan Canyon , where resort guests can hike to a nearby llama farm, interact with animals, and chat with farmers. You can also see llamas by the side of the road just south of the campground. Park at the El Capitan surf spot overlook.

Rancho La Patera and Stow House, Goleta

Learn about California's railroad and lemon history at this historic site and ride a miniature train at the adjacent South Coast Railroad Museum (open weekends). Plus, enjoy lush Victorian gardens and free concerts (the first Sunday of each month).

Ventura Botanical Gardens, Ventura

A fire that scorched the ocean-view Ventura Botanical Gardens in 2017 revealed a secret: hidden terraces and long stone walls from the late 1700s. They're now an integral part of the 107-acre Mediterranean-themed gardens, which have since grown back.

Self-realization Fellowship Lake Shrine, Pacific Palisades

Find your zen at the hilltop nature and spirituality sanctuary , housing a temple, a meditation garden, and a lake with duck, swans, fish, and turtles. Founded by Paramahansa Yogananda, the facility's Gandhi World Peace Memorial contains a portion of Gandhi's ashes sent from India.

Annenberg Community Beach House, Santa Monica

Christian Hundley/Travel + Leisure

Hang out at the public beach house featuring the Marion Davies Guest House, a historic swimming pool with marble decking, volleyball courts, and more. Built in the 1920s by William Randolph Hearst for actress Marion Davies, the property was sold to the state of California in 1959. It's operated by the City of Santa Monica.

Venice Canals, Venice Beach

Adrian Rudd/Travel + Leisure

Tucked away in a residential neighborhood, the Venice Canals (built in 1905 by Abbot Kinney to resemble Venice, Italy) are surrounded by lovely homes with private docks for non-motorized boats. Stroll along sidewalks and bridges to photograph the pretty canals.

Bobo and ChiChi

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30 STUNNING & Best Stops On A California Coast Road Trip

road trip california coast

Looking to enjoy one of the most scenic drives in the world? A California coast road trip is without a doubt one of the most gorgeous places to take as little or as long of a road trip as you can! With a diverse and dramatic coastline, the stops we suggest fitting in your California coast road trip range from cool coastal cities, scenic parks, small beach towns, and incredible natural wonders of the Golden State, plus highlights at each of the stops!

And better yet, because California has such a comfortable climate, this road trip can be done any time of the year. Northern California, being a bit colder on average than Southern California, still be mild and temperate even in the winter.

The Pacific Coast Highway in California technically starts in Legget in Mendocino County and ends at Capistrano Beach in Dana Point in Orange County. This guide includes stops further south than Dana Point, making it more of an epic California coast drive vs only specifically the California Pacific Coast Highway drive stops, which is noted below. 

For the purposes of this guide, we are going to organize these California coast drive and California Pacific Coast Highway drive stops from North to South.

It would take a month to complete this California coast road trip if you were to make every stop suggested in this guide, so use this to either go all out and plan a month or use this for inspiration to customize and curate your own Highway 1 road trip using our suggestions.

Scott grew up in California and I lived there for a decade! We spent a considerable amount of time traveling along the California coast and it’s just impossible to do it all in one trip. So just know that you will likely want to see more places than you can on this road trip (it’s just a good excuse to come back again!).

We also give options for where to stay along the California coast too. Alternatively, it might be worth renting an RV with a company like RVshare using sites like Hipcamp to find cool RV spots , the California Department of Parks and Recreation to book RV spots at State Parks , or apps like iOverlander which is a great resource for free spots along your road trip too!

Disclaimer: This post contains commissionable links.

Awesome California Pacific Coast Highway Drive Stops

Crescent city.

Battery-Point-Lighthouse-off-the-coast-of-Crescent-City-in-Northern-California

Starting off the California Pacific Coast Highway drive in the northern part of the state, Crescent City is known for being the place where the redwoods meet the Pacific Ocean. Rocky bluffs with softly crashing waves, traditional lighthouses, and dense forests are what you can expect to see when you stop here.

A few of the best spots to see the giant redwood trees include driving along Howland Hill Road, hike the Boy Scout Tree Trail, and Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park.

One of the best parts about visiting Crescent City is that it’s home to one of the most beautiful lighthouses in California at Battery Point Lighthouse. This picturesque destination is perched on an island slightly offshore of Crescent City. Visitors can make their way over to the island during low tide, and if you happen to be visiting when tours are offered, you can get a guided journey through the lighthouse and up to the lamp room in the tower.

Another cool destination here is the Northcoast Marine Mammal Center, where you can see seals and sea lions that are being cared for by the staff before being released back into the ocean.

Hanging out in Crescent City for a little bit on your Highway 1 road trip is a great way to begin your adventure!

Where to Stay: One of the most iconic places to stay in Crescent City on your California coast road trip is Curly Redwood Lodge , which was constructed from one curly redwood tree! Plus you’re less than a 5-minute drive from Redwood State and National Parks. Book here.

Redwood National Park

trail-along-redwood-trees-in-Crescent-City-California-along-the-PCH

Among the top natural wonders in this part of the country are the enchanting redwood trees in the Redwood National Park . Redwoods are known to be some of the most mature and colossal trees in the world. They look almost…otherworldly.

Just about half of the redwood population in the world is located here which is why this is one of the best places to visit in Northern California . The park encompasses Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, meaning there are 200 miles of paths to explore.

So, what can you do at Redwood National Park? You can hike or bike on dozens of paths that will get you up close and personal with the natural beauty of Redwood National Park. You can take a scenic drive through the stunning landscape.

There are several roads, either paved or unpaved, that will give you incredible views of the forest and coastline. Redwood National Park is one of the California Pacific Coast Highway drive stops that you won’t want to miss!

Where to Stay: One of the most iconic places to stay, mentioned above just a 5-minute drive from Redwood State and National Parks is is Curly Redwood Lodge , which was constructed from one curly redwood tree! Book here.

coastal-view-of-the-Pacific-Ocean-from-Mendocino-California

The charming community of Mendocino is known to attract artists and other creative people for its idyllic landscape and pleasant small-town vibe. It’s the kind of place you would expect to see in a romantic comedy, with beautiful scenery, cute cottages, and a perfectly manicured downtown with shops and restaurants.

While you’re here, be sure to traverse the trails, coast, and beaches at Mendocino Headlands State Park. Artists who work with photography or paint have been known to come here due to the beautiful features of the area.

A great place you won’t want to miss is the Historic Ford House , which not only serves as the Visitor’s Center for the park, but it is also a dedicated little museum about the history of the area.

The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens are nestled right by the ocean and offer a unique and stunning view for a botanical garden. The views of the bright, cheerful flowers are accompanied by the sound and views of the ocean in the background.

Additionally, there are great restaurants in Mendocino, including some wineries and breweries. Make sure to include this city on your list of California Pacific Coast Highway drive stops.

Where to Stay: A gorgeous, coastal stay on your Highway 1 road trip in Mendocino is  Agate Cove Inn , a beautiful B&B perched on a botanical bluff above the Pacific Ocean with access to Agate Beach. Book here.

Point Reyes

Cypress-Tree-Tunnel-at-Point-Reyes-National-Seashore-in-California

Continuing south on your PCH drive is Point Reyes, a stunning spot by the coast. Located in Marin County, a handful of towns comprise the area known as Point Reyes. This is a popular destination, especially for the nearby San Francisco Bay area.

People come here to hike and take in the gorgeous views, as well as kayak near Tomales Bay. One of the popular hiking trails is the Bear Valley Trail, which you can explore by hiking, biking, or horseback riding.

Additionally, Alamere Falls is a breathtaking waterfall right by the ocean, which is quite a sight. But, prepare for quite a trek to get to Alamere Falls, as it is a 13 mile round trip excursion.

With all that being said, the true gem here is the Point Reyes National Seashore. Spanning over 70,000 acres on the Point Reyes Peninsula, this park is a naturally beautiful landmark of the area. At Point Reyes National Seashore, you can go hiking, catch a glimpse of whales off the coast, watch the northern elephant seals during the cold months, and enjoy incredible birdwatching. And don’t miss the insanely beautiful Cypress tree tunnel while you’re here!

Where to Stay: A gorgeous stay on your PCH drive in Point Reyes is  Olema House , a boutique property nestled in the gardens with pet-friendly options, charming cottages, and cozy stays that feel like home away from home with a historic tavern on site. Book here.

San Francisco

The famous Painted Ladies view with the San Francisco skyline from Alamo Square Park

One of the most famous cities in California is San Francisco, and it’s known for the Golden Gate Bridge, steep streets, and Alcatraz to name a few of the many remarkable landmarks!

On your Highway 1 road trip, you’ll cut right through the Golden Gate Bridge, arguably San Francisco’s most iconic feature. Golden Gate Park is a great place to cruise around and explore the green surroundings, and visit attractions like the Japanese Tea Garden, the San Francisco Botanical Garden, and the California Academy of Sciences.

Lombard Street is a twisty, turny road that almost has to be seen to be believed, and always one of my personal favorite spots and things to do in San Francisco .

Alcatraz Island is a notable attraction, with this lighthouse site-turned-famous penitentiary offering tours to see where well-known criminals were once held, which is a popular place to take a tour .

And to explore the city’s culturally rich environment, make a visit to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) to see modern and contemporary art. This incredible city is among the best stops on the Pacific Coast Highway in California.

This is where many people kick off a California coast drive, often driving from San Francisco to San Diego , which is an option. With bigger cities like this though, you’ll want more than just a quick stop, we recommend checking out our 3 days in San Francisco itinerary to plan a proper visit!

Where to Stay: With a city like San Francisco, there are endless options for where to stay. We recommend Omni San Francisco Hotel located in the Financial District, which is a great base for exploring the city and is pet-friendly if you’re doing your California coast road trip with a furry friend in tow. Book here.

Half Moon Bay

Pigeon-Point-Lighthouse-at-Half-Moon-Bay-in-California

Next up on your California coast road trip is Half Moon Bay, a peaceful and stunning little city. The crescent shape of the area gives the city its name. It’s known for Mavericks, a surfing destination that offers up big waves. In fact, surfers from across the world come here to catch towering waves.

One of the highlights here is Pillar Point Harbor, which looks a whole lot like a coastal New England town. There are restaurants and shops here, and it’s a fun walkable area.

Half Moon Bay’s Main Street has fantastic places to grab some food and do a little shopping, as well as explore some historical spots on the street.

A standout attraction is the Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park , which has one of the tallest lighthouses in the country. It’s near Half Moon Bay, and the lighthouse is still active. Depending on when you visit, you may be able to catch a tour. The surrounding grounds are quietly beautiful, and you can enjoy a brisk breeze while watching seals and whales offshore.

Where to Stay: There are plenty of great hotels around Half Moon Bay including Beach House Hotel on the waterfront of El Granada in Half Moon Bay. The best part, most of the rooms have ocean views and it’s easy to walk along the beach here. Book here.

Santa Cruz Beach & Boardwalk

colorful-homes-of-Capitola-Village-in-Santa-Cruz-California

Keep heading south on your Highway 1 road trip, and you’ll encounter the charming city of Santa Cruz. Dotted with colorful buildings and homes in Capitola Village and all the entertainment on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a seaside park that dates back over 100 years.

The park itself is a State Historic Landmark, and it contains two National Historic Landmarks, the 1911 Looff Carousel and 1924 Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster. There are almost a dozen thrill rides that will get you up in the air for amazing views of the surrounding area, as well as mini golf, arcades, laser tag, and bowling.

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has free admission, but there is a fee for ride tickets. Additionally, this attraction has classic theme park food, so come prepared to chow down!

Other highlights include the Santa Cruz Wharf, which juts out into Monterey Bay, and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, where you might see dolphins, otters, sea lions, and whales swimming off the coast. Not to mention the beautiful Walton Lighthouse.

Where to Stay: There are plenty of great options for where to stay overnight in Santa Cruz on your California coast road trip including Sea & Sand Inn which overlooks Monterey Bay Beach atop of a bluff. You’re also just a short walk to the Santa Cruz Wharf here too. Book here.

Monterey & Carmel-by-the-Sea

charming-cottage-style-shop-in-Carmel-byy-the-sea-California-a-storybook-coastal-town

Two incredible California beach towns that make for a couple of the best stops on the Pacific Coast Highway in California are Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea. They are very close together, and each is interesting in its own right.

Monterey is known for its fishing history, and has several attractions that pay homage to that pastime. Cannery Row used to be a hub for the sardine canning industry, and now it’s a waterfront street where these canning factories used to be. Old buildings have been converted into shops, galleries, and restaurants.

Fisherman’s Wharf used to be a wholesale fish market until the 1960s, and today there are eateries, stores, and there’s still marine activity. As far as attractions go, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a terrific spot to check out. It used to be a sardine cannery, and now it is home to more than 35,000 marine animals.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for attracting artists and other creatives for its aesthetic setting, but it may be more well known for having Clint Eastwood as mayor from 1986 to 1988. A bit of trivia about this city is that they have some interesting laws. There are no chain restaurants allowed, and a permit is required to wear high heels with a heel height of more than 2 inches.

Some of the highlights here include Carmel River State Beach, which is a popular place for divers and bird watchers, and Point Lobo State Reserve, which is a great scenic location for hiking and picnicking.

Where to Stay: Many of the lodging options in Carmel-by-the-Sea are set in historic buildings that look straight out of a storybook like the Vagabond House Inn which is in the heart of this seaside town and a great base during stop on your California PCH road trip. Book here.

McWay-Falls-in-Big-Sur-California-one-of-the-best-stops-on-a-California-Coast-Drive

The next destination on your California coast drive is a well known treasure on the west coast. Big Sur is known for its breathtaking scenery, wildflowers, and exaggerated and staggeringly beautiful landscape. Highway 1 goes right through Big Sur, so as you’re traveling on the Pacific Coast Highway, you will be led right to this attraction.

The Bixby Bridge is an iconic part of this area. It’s over 260 feet high, and over 700 feet long, and construction on this bridge dates back to 1932. The Bixby Creek Bridge View Point gives you a straight-on view of Bixby Bridge, and you’ll want to have your camera ready to snap some photos.

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is another place to check out. It’s a great place to get out and stretch your legs, as this is a great place to go hiking. In particular, the Overlook Trail is fantastic for exploring and getting great views of Big Sur. You won’t want to miss McWay Falls while you’re here, it’s a dramatic 80-foot waterfall that flows into the ocean on the beach! This is one of the things to do on the Pacific Coast Highway in California that is a can’t-miss destination.

Where to Stay: One of the coolest stays on this guide has to be Glen Oaks Lodge which is a converted mid-century motor lodge that’s been modernized with amenities but still has all the charm and character of the original property. This rustic stay offers cozy cabins and cottage-style rooms with fireplaces and streamside seating.  Book here.

Pfeiffer Beach

Keyhole-Rock-at-Pfeiffer-Beach-in-Big-Sur-California

After exploring Big Sur, the next California Pacific Coast Highway drive stop is Pfeiffer Beach. It is actually situated in Big Sur, and reflects the beauty of its surroundings. Two prominent features that Pfeiffer Beach is known for is Keyhole Rock and purple sand.

Keyhole Rock has a “keyhole” arched opening that waves and rays of sunshine burst through, and it’s a popular spot for photographers to shoot.

The purple sand found on certain parts of the beach is produced from manganese garnet rocks in the cliffs. Other activities you can partake in include photography, walking the beach, and exploring the tide pools and dunes.

Be sure to check out the sub-alpine forests, chaparral, desert badlands, and riparian areas in the Los Padres National Forest. Pfeiffer Beach is located within the forest, and it is the third largest national forest in the state.

You can go camping, hiking, take a scenic drive, go OHV riding and camping, do some horseback riding, go on a beach walk, see the wildflowers, and have a picnic.

Where to Stay: Since this is so close to Big Sur, we are still recommending Glen Oaks Lodge for exploring this part of your Highway 1 road trip in California. Book here.

San Luis Obispo

best of san luis obispo

Continuing on your PCH drive, you’ll come across the delightful community of San Luis Obispo. Known for historic architecture and vineyards, this tourist destination has great places to explore.

Bubblegum alley is a street in the downtown part of the city where people place their chewed gum on the walls. Dallidet Adobe & Gardens dates back to the mid-nineteenth century, and was constructed by the first commercial vintner in the county. It is a great place to walk the paths and enjoy the plants and greenery.

The San Luis Obispo Museum of Art displays pieces from California artists, and is a lovely way to immerse yourself in the city’s culture. There are also a good selection of restaurants where you can enjoy a glass of local wine.

Make sure to check out Morro Bay, a city by the coast near San Luis Obispo. It’s known for Morro Rock, an enormous old volcanic heap at the end of the beach.

Another cool attraction and one of the best things to do in San Luis Obispo is visit Hearst Castle at San Simeon. Publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst had a hand in designing the estate, and it dates back to the early to mid twentieth century.

Today, you can visit the castle and get tours of this magnificent property. San Luis Obispo is a great addition to the itinerary on your California coast drive!

Where to Stay: When you’re on the central section of your California Pacific Coast Highway drive there is no way you can pass through this area without at least stopping, if not staying at the iconic and historic Madonna Inn . This historic-themed hotel has unique rooms, some are covered ceiling to floor in pink, blue, or green to rooms are built into rocks and look like caves! Plus you’ll want to dine in their over-the-top pink dining room and save some room for one of their world-famous cakes! Book here.

Pismo Beach

Dinosaur-Caves-Park-Seastack-rocks-in-Pismo-Beach-California

For unique things to do on the Pacific Coast Highway in California, head to Pismo Beach. Known for wineries, beaches, and the Monarch butterflies that migrate to Pismo Beach during the fall and winter, this is a mellow stop off the PCH where you can get into interesting activities.

There is Dinosaur Caves Park, which has trails, coastal overlooks, and open grassy areas. People come here to walk, take photos, or go fishing, and you can also watch birds, seals, and sea lions. There’s the Monarch Butterfly Grove, where you can view the migrating Monarch butterflies, which is quite a sight.

And for the wine aficionados, there are regions just half an hour outside of Pismo Beach where wine is made, and restaurants in the city carry these local varieties. So, be sure to grab a glass or two of wine while you’re here!

Where to Stay: Spending the night in a hotel with ocean views is a must during your Highway 1 road trip and a great spot to do that in Pismo Beach is at the Shore Cliff Hotel . This is a great base for wine tasting, relaxing in your room witih ocean views, and enjoying their beautiful pool with ocean views. Book here.

windmill in Solvang California

One of the more unique California Pacific Coast Highway drive stops is Solvang, otherwise known as “The Danish Capital of America”. It’s visually interesting, with Danish-style architecture, as well as a good number of wineries.

There are terrific eateries in the village, where you can indulge in some delicious Danish pastries and interesting shops that you can pop in and browse.

The Elverhoj Museum of History & Art showcases the history of the city, and contains national and international pieces of art. The Old Mission Santa Ines is aesthetically quite beautiful. And taking a ride on the trolley is a fun way to experience this city.

Solvang is on the more unique side of things to do on the Pacific Coast Highway in California, and certainly worth a visit! And if you happen to be here around the winter holidays you’ll love how charming the town is this festive time of year. Just make sure you watch Sideways again before stopping on your PCH road trip!

Where to Stay: When stopping in Solvang on your Highway 1 road trip you’ll want to stay in a hotel that fits the entire Danish town! The Mirabelle Inn is an elegant European-style stay (with a half-timbered style building) complete with its own private winery on site. Not to mention, it’s in a great location in Solvang! Book here.

Santa Barbara

aerial-view-of-Santa-Barbara-in-California

Some of the best things to do on the Pacific Coast Highway in California can be found in Santa Barbara. Known as “The American Riviera”, this tourist and resort city features Mediterranean architecture and serene energy.

Casa Del Herrero is a National Historic Landmark and showcases Spanish Colonial Revival Style architecture and flourishing gardens. The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center is an interactive aquarium where you can explore multiple exhibits.

And to take advantage of Santa Barbara’s gorgeous scenery, get outside! Popular outdoor activities at the city’s beaches and parks include hiking, biking, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, fishing, horseback riding, and sailing.

Oh, and don’t forget the incredible wine-tasting scene around here whether you’re visiting the tasting rooms in the Presidio District or the Funk Zone, or you can explore out and beyond the city center to wineries in the Santa Ynez Valley. Stop and explore Santa Barbara on your PCH drive!

Where to Stay: There are plenty of amazing hotels in Santa Barbara whether you stay for one night or use this as a base to explore Central California on your California Pacific Coast Highway road trip. For a more quaint stay, check out Hotel Milo Santa Barbara which has beach access, a pool, and a hot tub for guests! For a bit more of a splurge, check out the 5-star stay at Hotel Californian , a luxury stay with a rooftop terrace, a poolside bar, and gorgeous rooms.

Downtown Ventura California

Cruising along on your Highway 1 road trip, a stop in Ventura is well worth your time. Known for its beaches, Ventura has several spots that are terrific for enjoying a little time by the ocean.

Ventura State Beach at Ventura Pier is appropriately nestled right by the pier and promenade. At Pierpoint Beach at South Seaward Avenue, it’s close enough to restaurants that you can walk and grab a bite after being out in the sun. And saving the coolest for last, Marina Beach has a pirate ship!

There are plenty of incredible things to do in Ventura , you can easily spend a few nights here exploring the area and using it as a base to visit the Channel Islands National Park too.

There are also great hiking and biking trails. Rincon Bike Trail goes twelve miles from Ventura to Carpinteria, and the Ojai Valley Trail is 19 miles one way and leads to downtown Ojai.

Additionally, the Working Artists of Ventura (WAV) is a place where artists live and work, and is a cool place for the community to visit. Ventura is one of the coolest places to wander around on your California Pacific Coast Highway drive.

Where to Stay: For a really unique stay on your PCH road trip, check out Waypoint Ventura , an entire ‘hotel’ made up of restored vintage campers! They have an entire fleet with a cliffside location complete with views of the ocean and Ventura Pier, firepits, corn hole, bikes, and BBQ areas! Each trailer is unique, so it will be tough to pick which one to stay in! Book here.

Point-Dume-Beach-in-Malibu-in-Los-Angeles-California

Often referenced in pop culture is Malibu, the coastal city known for celebrity homes and idyllic Los Angeles beaches . One of the highlights is the Getty Villa, one of the best museums in Los Angeles that resembles a Roman country home. It has Greek and Roman art, as well as stunning outdoor gardens.

A fun attraction for wine lovers is Saddlerock Ranch, which has vineyards with caves, and they offer Malibu Wine Hikes. Malibu Pier is the spot for restaurants, shops, fishing, and boat excursions.

And to get a beach fix and put your toes in the sand, hit up one of Malibu’s several beaches. Some of the best ones include El Matador State Beach, Leo Carrillo State Beach, Malibu Surfrider Beach, Las Tunas Beach, and Zuma Beach & Point Dume.

Malibu has some great options for things to do on the Pacific Coast Highway in California, be sure to read our full guide to best things to do in Malibu for more ideas.

Where to Stay: One of the most beautiful hotels to stay at in Malibu is the Surfrider Hotel located directly across from the Malibu Pier, so you can’t beat the location or the views. Not to mention the rooms are absolutely stunning at this luxury stay. Book here.

Santa Monica

Sunset-in-Santa-Monica-along-the-California-coast-in-Los-Angeles

One of the more recognizable city names in SoCal, Santa Monica is one of the best stops on the Pacific Coast Highway in California. This beachy city has a lot going on! And the heart of the action is at the Santa Monica Pier, which is probably what the city is most known for. It has an amusement park with rides, an arcade, street performers, stores, and restaurants. There are always lots of people, lots of lights, and lots of activity.

The Santa Monica Pier also has the End of Route 66 sign, whose original purpose was to signal that Route 66 ended at that point, otherwise you would keep going into the Pacific Ocean.

Palisades Park is another one of the best things to do in Santa Monica and a fun place to go, with art installments to check out, views of the Santa Monica Bay, and the famous Camera Obscura attraction.

And the Original Muscle Beach is a unique attraction since onlookers look on as bodybuilders use the outdoor equipment and flex their athletic skills. Be sure to also take the beach bike and walking path down to Venice Beach while you’re here too!

Where to Stay:   The Georgian Hotel is one of the more charming accommodation options in the area, it’s a historic 4-star beach hotel dates back to 1933 and was dubbed Santa Monica’s First Lady built in a beautiful combination of Romanesque Revival and Art Deco aesthetics. Book here.

road trip california coast

After leaving the Los Angeles area, continue on your PCH drive to the coastal city of Long Beach. Waterfront attractions reign supreme here, like the Queen Mary and the Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach is a fantastic destination to explore.

The Aquarium of the Pacific is the largest aquarium in southern California. It has more than 100 exhibits, and focuses on the Pacific Ocean, Northern Pacific, Southern California/Baja region, and Tropical Pacific.

The Queen Mary is a retired ocean liner and museum ship, and it’s a super fun spot to check out. There are tours, including haunted excursions around the ship, and you can also enjoy a meal onboard.

The Long Beach Museum of art is another great place to check out. They have American and European Art, as well as permanent and rotating exhibits. The East Village Arts District in downtown Long Beach is a cool place to explore, with Art Deco architecture and an array of independent shops and restaurants. Your California Pacific Coast Highway drive should definitely include a tour of Long Beach!

Where to Stay: Speaking of the Queen Mary , you can actually stay aboard this historic vessel! We highly recommend booking a night here during your epic PCH drive! Book here.

Huntington Beach

drone view of Huntington Beach Pier in Huntington Beach California

The next city on your Highway 1 road trip is known as “Surf City USA”. Huntington Beach is the quintessential southern California community with aa famous surfing culture. It’s also where Scott was born and raised (and we both lived here before moving to New York City).

At Huntington City Beach and Huntington State Beach, you can watch experienced surfers ride the waves. Huntington City Beach is where the annual US Open of Surfing is held. For a lazy beach day, pack your towels and sunscreen and head over to Huntington State Beach.

Huntington Beach Pier is one of the longest piers on the West Coast. On a clear day, you can see Catalina Island, Newport Beach, Long Beach, and San Pedro from the pier, and you can even fish off the dock.

Another great spot is Bolsa Chica State Beach, which is near Huntington Beach and you can walk over to the preserve and bird watch. You can surf, play volleyball, get into watersports, surf fish, lay out in the sun, and watch the wildlife.

An 8.5 mile paved trail connects Bolsa Chica State Beach and Huntington State Beach, so you can easily get to two attractions in the area. This is one of the best California Pacific Coast Highway drive stops to explore SoCal’s surfing culture, check out more of our picks for the best things to do in Huntington Beach to plan your stay.

Where to Stay: In the heart of Huntington Beach,  The Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort is a great option for where to stay on this leg of your California Pacific Coast Highway road trip. With oceanview options and a daily complimentary wine happy hour, you can’t beat this location. Plus they allow guests to use all their loaner beach gear!  Book here.

Newport Beach

cool beach houses along Newport Beach in California

As you’re cruising along on your PCH drive further south, make sure to peel off at picturesque Newport Beach. Known in particular for its idyllic harbor, where you can see rows of boats and sea lions frolicking, this community is perfect for a fun and relaxing time.

Aside from Newport Harbor, one of the best things to do in Newport Beach is make a visit to Balboa Island. It’s a scenic community by the water, and you get there by riding the Balboa Island Ferry. If you’re familiar with the television show Arrested Development and know its lore, the frozen bananas made famous by the show are sold at a shop on Balboa Island.

Then, wander around Marine Avenue, which is filled with cute shops and restaurants. Other Newport Beach highlights include whale-watching tours, where you have the possibility of seeing gray whales, humpback whales, finback whales, and giant blue whales.

Fashion Island is a well-known shopping destination in the region, and it has an assortment of shops, dining, and a movie theater. Newport Beach is a fabulous place to peel off for a bit on your California Pacific Coast Highway drive.

Be sure to hit up the beaches too, Newport Beach is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Orange County along with gorgeous multi-million dollar homes right on the sand. 

Where to Stay: Newport Beach Hotel is a great boutique hotel property located steps away from the sand and Newport Pier on Balboa Peninsula with complimentary bicycle use to cruise the beach bike path on for guests!  Book here.

Crystal Cove State Park

Crystal Cove State Beach and green shack near Newport Beach in Orange County California

You won’t have to travel too far to get to another one of the best stops on the Pacific Coast Highway in California, Crystal Cove State Park. Located in Newport Beach, this state park includes over 3 miles of coastline, canyons, and beach houses.

It’s situated off the Pacific Coast Highway, between Corona Del Mar and Laguna Beach. So, what kinds of activities can you get into at Crystal Cove State Park? Hike the bluffs, enjoy a beach day, and check out tide pools. The inland portion of the park has 15 miles of trails, 2,400 undeveloped acres, and you can explore the area by hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The coastal portion has a 2.5 mile paved trail along the top of the bluffs where you can walk and bike.

At the beach here, you can go swimming and surfing, and enjoy the seclusion and peacefulness of the surroundings.

And don’t miss dining at the Beachcomber restaurant right on the sand here. Come for lunch or enjoy a fancier dinner. There’s also a bar here and if you eat at the restaurant you can validate your parking at the lot above.

Laguna Beach

Victoria Beach Pirate Tower in Laguna Beach in Orange County California

If Laguna Beach isn’t best known for the early aughts show of the same name, it’s known for being one of the most famous communities in Orange County. It’s got all the quintessential SoCal features, like palm trees, constant sunshine, and social activities centered around the beach.

And, unlike larger cities in Orange County that have a lot of hustle and bustle, Laguna Beach just has a slower and calmer pace, which is why I loved living here so much when I did.

Other than being known for its namesake show, Laguna Beach has quite the art scene. Laguna Beach prides itself on being an artist colony, and you will find art classes, public art, galleries, and art festivals to dive into.

Additionally, outdoor adventures include hiking and biking the picturesque city, and exploring the coves and tidepools. Laguna Beach is the perfect spot to spend an ideal day in Southern California, so this should definitely be on your itinerary of best stops on the Pacific Coast Highway in California. Don’t miss our picks for the best beaches in Laguna Beach either!

There are also some stunning beaches in Laguna Beach as well as tons of awesome things to do in Laguna Beach you’ll want to read up on!

Where to Stay: For a great place to stay check out La Casa del Camino is located right on the PCH. You not only have access to a small beach but you’re easily able to walk downtown, to more beaches, and tons of restaurants and shops. Book here.

Dana-Point-Top-of-the-Bluff-Trail-in-California

One of the more lavish beach towns you will encounter on your California Pacific Coast Highway drive is Dana Point. Known for luxury resorts and spas, fishing, and pristine beaches, this is the place to enjoy a lush experience.

Dana Point has the title of the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World, so it figures that whale-watching tours and this Whale Watching Excursion are a big deal here. Embarking on such an excursion means you may get to see dolphins, whales, and sea lions!

Another one of the most popular things to do in Dana Point and water activity is sportfishing, where you will have the opportunity to catch tuna, halibut, seabass, corbina, mackerel, and rockfish close to shore. Or, farther out from the shore, there is yellowtail, bluefin tuna, dorado, bonito, and sand bass. Fishing charters are the best way to go sportfishing.

To get out and enjoy the scenery, the Dana Point Headlands Trail and Conservation Area is a 3 mile path that connects several conservation parks in the area. Some of the best features here are the overlooks that have views of the Pacific Ocean. And lastly, since Dana Point is known for their luxury resorts, book a spa treatment to really pamper and treat yourself!

Where to Stay: Known for its luxury resorts, a great place to pamper yourself and get a bit of well-deserved R&R on your PCH road trip is by staying at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort, a AAA Five-Diamond status resort. Just about anything you could ask for in a luxury resort, you will find here; a deluxe spa, wellness activities like aerial yoga and floating meditation, a challenging golf course, picturesque pools, pristine tennis courts, and incredible restaurants. Book here.

Technically this is where the Pacific Coast Highway in California ends, at Interstate 5 in Dana Point. So beyond this stop heading south, these are just cool California coast road trip stops down to the last 65 or so miles to San Diego.

Additional Southern California Coast Drive Stops

San clemente.

view-of-San-Clemente-California-and-the-coastline

Heading southbound on your California coast road trip, you’ll come across a welcoming coastal city with Spanish colonial-style architecture. San Clemente, known as the “Spanish Village by the Sea, has ocean and mountain views, and a pleasant climate.

It’s a beautiful place to roam around and enjoy a peaceful day and there are quite a few cool things to do in San Clemente that make it worthy of an overnight stay. Especially if you’re wanting to explore Orange County and don’t want to stay at an $$$$ luxury hotel just a further north in Dana Point.

The San Clemente Pier is a great place near all the action. It’s right by the entrance to San Clemente Pier Beach, so after you’re done checking out the pier, you can head down to the sand. And there’s several dining options on the San Clemente Pier, so if you get hungry, there are great restaurants to grab some fresh food.

The San Clemente Beach Trail takes you by beautiful natural landscapes, as well as populated areas with shops. Take in gorgeous views of the surroundings, feeling the ocean breeze, while walking on this path. And if you’re in the mood to do check out some local stores, Avenida Del Mar is a shopping hotspot. Browse the various shops, and enjoy a drink and a meal at one of the local restaurants here.

Where to Stay: The Sea Horse Resort with an ocean-view room located right along the beach in San Clemente. What’s nice about this stay is that you’re walking distance to downtown and the beach and the rooms are incredibly spacious. Guests can enjoy the garden terrace that overlooks the ocean too. Book here.

Terramar-Beach-at-Carlsbad-State-Beach-in-California

Continuing on your California coast drive, pull off at one of the most underrated places to go in Southern California in Carlsbad. Known for beaches and attractions, Carlsbad is the place to visit for fun and sun. In particular, it is a fantastic family-friendly city.

Legoland California Resort has over 60 rides, plus shows and other attractions. There is also an adjoining waterpark and aquarium. If you have kids traveling with you, this is a must-do activity. Be sure to  book your Legoland California theme park tickets  in advance!

Around the city, you’ll find standup paddleboarding, surfing, golfing, go-karts, and skating. When you’re ready to hit the sand, there are several beaches to choose from. Tamarack State Beach is great for swimming, surfing, scuba diving, kayaking, windsurfing, fishing, and beachcombing.

It’s also known for incredible sunsets, and is known to draw crowds to watch the sunset. South Ponto Beach is one of the widest beaches in Carlsbad, and it’s in an undeveloped area, making you feel like you’re in a more secluded spot.

Colorful doesn’t even begin to describe the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, another one of the best things to do in Carlsbad . Spanning 50 acres, you will see vibrant hues of ranunculus flowers, and get to partake in wagon rides, get lost in a maze, and explore the greenhouses and themed gardens.

Where to Stay:   Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach is a gorgeous 4-star resort located right by the beach with rooms featuring a balcony overlooking the ocean, and enjoy their loaner bicycles, and beach accessories like chairs, umbrellas, and towels. Book here.

San-Elijo-State-Beach-in-Encinitas-California

Getting deeper into southern California on your California coast road trip, the city of Encinitas really embodies the SoCal lifestyle. Beaches and surfing are what this community is known for. So of course, you have to hit up the beaches when you’re here!

Moonlight State Beach is named after a local favorite activity of having midnight picnics in the early 1900s. This beach has fire rings, which is exactly what you would want to have to grill food for a barbecue and heat up some s’mores. Another great beach is Swami’s, which is an internationally known surfing spot. And, it is ingrained in music history, as it was mentioned in “Surfin’ USA” by the Beach Boys.

Switching from beach activity, the San Diego Botanic Garden has almost 4,000 types of plants. The exhibits you can explore include rare bamboo groves, an undersea succulent garden, and a subtropical fruit garden. And a bit of trivia about Encinitas is that they are the world’s leading grower of the poinsettia! Be sure to check out all the amazing things to do in Encinitas .

Where to Stay:

The  Surfhouse Boutique Hotel  is a cute independent property that offers different sizes of rooms if you’re traveling with family or a group located steps away from Leucadia Beach in Encinitas. This laid-back modern beachy hotel also lets guests borrow loaner beach cruiser bikes so getting around is a breeze!  Book here.

Solana Beach

a-fun-neon-sign-at-Solana-Beach-in-California-at-sunset

The beachy vibes should be getting really strong at this point in your California coast drive, and the perfect city to stop at is Solana Beach.

Sun, surf, and being a generally walkable coastal city are what Solana Beach is known for. Fletcher Cove is the main beach here, and it feels like a secluded getaway. This is a great beach for swimming, surfing, and kayaking, and there is also a park on site with lawn areas to sprawl out.

Pertaining to the walkability of the city, most shops and restaurants are within a 30-minute walk from Fletcher Cove Beach. Tide Beach Park is another fantastic spot to check out. Here, you can partake in surf fishing, go snorkeling over the reef, and explore the tide pools.

When you need a break from the sun, head over to the Cedros Design District. It’s a shopping destination that features acclaimed designers, restaurants, and boutique agencies. From art and interior design to fashion and beauty, and specialty gifts, there are all kinds of stores to scope out.

Where to Stay: Technically located in Del Mar, near the famous racetrack, Del Mar Beach Hotel is a great option if you’re wanting to stay right on the beach and close to dining! Book here.

coastal cliffside view from La Jolla in San Diego a small coastal town in California

As you near the final stop on your California coast road trip, make sure to stop at the coastal city of La Jolla. Known for beaches, and beach-centered activities, this is the place to break out the swimsuit and sunscreen.

At La Jolla Cove, the waters are protected, and you will find vibrant garibaldi, yellowtail, rays, and leopard sharks underneath the surface. So, you can get in and swim with them, or grab your snorkeling gear and watch them swim by. Diving is also a popular activity here. La Jolla Shores is a calm, wide beach that is perfect for an easy day of enjoying the sun and sand.

Either beach is great to visit, but if you’d like to see both, you can take the La Jolla Walking Trail. It connects La Jolla Cove to La Jolla Shores, and makes for a pleasant and scenic walk.

Getting away from the beaches, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a gorgeous swath of land that has incredible views of the Pacific Ocean. There are many easy walking paths, so you don’t need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy this spot. You will be treated to views of sandstone, succulent plants, and wildflowers as you traverse the terrain. Torrey Pines is a great, scenic way to connect with the city.

Where to Stay: One of our favorite hotels we’ve ever stayed at in Southern California is in La Jolla! The Pantai Inn is located steps away from the views at Rocky Point and less than a 5-minute walk to many of the beaches and main attractions and things to do in La Jolla . Book here.

Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego

The last stop on your California coast drive is the warm and welcoming city of San Diego. Fantastic weather, sunny beaches, and fun activities are what this city has in store for you.

San Diego’s most famous beach, and perhaps one of the best beaches in the country, is Coronado. This sparkly, pristine beach is accompanied by charming shops and scenic restaurants. This is also where you can stay at the historic and iconic Hotel del Coronado .

Old Town San Diego is basically a one stop shop for dining, parks, historical attractions, and nightlife. You could easily spend hours here checking out everything Old Town has to offer.

The Gaslamp Quarter is the place to come for dinner and entertainment. Get some cocktails and appetizers, then walk to a nearby venue for live music or a comedy show.

Don’t miss all the fun things to do at Balboa Park either including the world-famous San Diego Zoo, museums, shops, hiking trails, and more! 

And with like any larger city, there’s so much to do and see here, we recommend spending a few days around the city and using our 3 days in San Diego itinerary to help you plan your trip as well as our guide to the best things to do in San Diego . And now you’ve hit all the best stops on your California coast road trip!

Where to Stay: There are so many cool places to pick for where to stay in San Diego , but if you’re looking for an iconic stay we still recommend the historic Hotel del Coronado.

Bookmark this guide to the California PCH and the best California coast drive stops for later or share below on Pinterest!

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PCH1 Road Trip

10 Days California Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Welcome to our California Coast Road Trip Planner! You will find this itinerary useful if you are planning 10 Days in California road trip. 

Planning a road trip along the Pacific Coast of California from Los Angeles to the redwoods in Northern California? This Highway 1 road trip planner will guide you in planning a spectacular road trip through the coastal attractions. 

California Coast Road Trip along Highway 1 or the Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most thrilling, memorable, and beautiful road trips in the world. 

The road trip has panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the rocky cliffs of the central coast. Route 1 passes through some of the most gorgeous natural areas including Big Sur, Point Reyes, foggy redwood state and national parks, and charming laid-back towns. 

For the most part of the trip, you have the mountains on one side and the sparkling blue water of the Pacific Ocean on the other side. And if you are lucky to drive during the off-season, you will have the road all to yourself!

The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the reasons California is a top bucket list destination the world over. And there is no better way to experience the coast than on a road trip along the most scenic part of the coast. 

Highway 1 takes many forms in coastal California: near Malibu, you have sandy beaches and luxurious villas, in Big Sur, you have the rocky coastal cliffs and tidepools, in Monterey, you have multi-colored canning factories and sea lions, in San Francisco, you will find yourself driving amid skyscrapers! At the northern end, you will find the coastal redwoods – among the oldest trees in the world, these trees have been around since the times of the dinosaurs. 

A road trip along the California Coast is made for falling in love. With each other, with the road, with the journey, with the destination, with nature, with driving, and with life itself! This is truly the best road trip that California and the West Coast have to offer and it’s up for grabs for anyone who has a car! 

This California coast road trip itinerary will take you up the coast, exploring hidden gems and underrated attractions along the way. It will show you historic lighthouses and tell you bits of forgotten history such as Henry Miller’s eternal connection with Big Sur! 

While the itinerary follows the California Coast from south to the north, you can also use it to drive north to south. Here is a sample itinerary for a 10 Day California Coast drive. 

Day 1 – Los Angeles

Welcome to Los Angeles, one of our favorite cities to start a Pacific Coast Highway road trip. The city is everything you have heard of and much more! Here’s where Hollywood dreams come true. The city is truly the melting pot of the West and is the ultimate land of opportunity on the Pacific Coast. The city has many incredible attractions for everyone. 

The city makes the best of the famous SoCal sunshine by hosting a variety of outdoor events and celebrations. From sports and famous teams (Lakers, Angels, Trojans) to celebs walking down the road, you will have dozens of unique experiences in Los Angeles. Add in the beaches, boardwalks, and piers, and you are bound to have a mighty good time. LA’s beach lifestyle is certainly to be envied! 

Head to Downtown LA and Hollywood Blvd to enjoy the city’s most famous attractions including the Walk of Fame, Chinese Theater, movie studios, the Museum Row on Miracle Mile, and the Griffith Observatory. Read our post on the Best Things to do in Los Angeles to plan your day in the city. 

From finger-licking good Mexican food to a thriving nightlife scene, the list of attractions in Los Angeles never seems to end! Enjoy a California style burrito that reflects the city’s blended Hispanic heritage. Try vegan foods, fresh farm to table cuisines, and a bevy of health-conscious options. Sip on smoothies and cocktails. End the night at a dive bar or enjoy a world-class cultural event at the city’s famous venues on your California Coast Trip. 

Day 2 – Santa Barbara and Ventura

After having fun exploring Los Angeles, head up the coast to charming Ventura and sunny Santa Barbara. On the way north, you will pass through Malibu and Santa Monica. This is where Highway 1 starts getting really pretty. 

California Route 1 attractions in Santa Monica include the Pier. While you are here, see the canals of Venice. Then make your way past the celebrity beach homes in Malibu and maybe, make a surfing pit stop at Zuma Beach! Even if you don’t want to get into the water, you can just observe the surfers taking advantage of the excellent wave action. Drive past Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area and Oxnard to reach Ventura. 

Ventura, California is a charming beach town that is both arty and expensive to live in! Most of the city attractions are centered around the Ventura Pier. From here you can take cruises to the Channel Islands National Park or just walk along the wooden pier to see more of the city. Visit Surfer’s Point to see surfers riding the waves. Visit the beaches or the Mission in downtown Ventura. 

After exploring the streets of Ventura, continue to Santa Barbara on your California road trip itinerary of 10 days. This city is popularly called the American Riviera and has a very relaxed vibe. 

Santa Barbara is a quintessentially Southern California city. Here you will find a gentle ocean breeze, pretty beaches, white Spanish colonial architecture, and lots of water activities. There are a lot of things to do in Santa Barbara. Take a beachside stroll on the famous East Beach. This lovely beach has fewer crowds and great views of the Pacific. It is also very clean and a favorite with families. 

Adjacent to East Beach, you will find Stearns Wharf. This is the best place in the city to enjoy the coastal atmosphere of the city. Here you will find an impossibly long boardwalk that extends deep into the Pacific Ocean. Along the wharf, there are several excellent seafood restaurants, ice cream shops, and souvenir stores. This is also the place to take boat rides around the harbor, go whale watching, or fishing. 

You must also visit the Historic downtown. The Old Mission Santa Barbara is located here. The historic buildings around the mission are built in a similar style of architecture and look very pretty. Another must-visit attraction is the courthouse and clock tower. The view from the top of the tower is just stunning. 

Spend the night in Santa Barbara and enjoy the charms of the Pacific Ocean by the night on your California Coast Road Trip Itinerary. 

Day 3 – Solvang and San Luis Obispo

Early the next morning, take the PCH north up to the exit for Solvang. This pretty Danish town is not on the Pacific Coast Highway but it is absolutely worth the detour. Solvang was founded in the late 19th century by Danish people who moved to California. They built in the traditional style of architecture and even raised monuments iconic to Denmark including windmills, chalet-style buildings, etc. Here, you will find lots of eclectic shopping and Danish restaurants. 

You can either spend the whole day in Solvang or take the time to explore the pretty coastal cities of Pismo Beach and Morro Bay. 

Pismo Beach is a great place to stop for an hour or so on California Coastal Road Trip. You can take a romantic stroll through the quaint downtown or go ATV riding on the Oceano Dunes. Munch on fish and chips by the beach or go surfboarding if the weather is good. 

Morro Bay might seem familiar to some of you! Its name was featured in the movie Finding Dory. This cute PCH pitstop is most famous for the volcanic Morro Rock that juts out from the ocean. The rock and surrounding coastal wilderness are part of the Morro Bay State Park. Here you will find hiking trails, a museum, tide pools, and excellent birding. 

Follow California Pacific Coast Highway 1 further inland and end your day in San Luis Obispo. This college town is trendy and has great nightlife. The city also has cultural attractions, you can read about them in our post Things to do in San Luis Obispo . 

Day 4 & 5 – Big Sur

The next day, head up to Big Sur from San Luis Obispo. This is where the road opens up to most iconic sights and attractions along the West Coast. The nature in Big Sur is unspoiled, dramatic, and spectacular. In fact, it is really amazing that this 90 mile stretch of the coast was saved from development and left undisturbed to be the paradise that it is. 

Big Sur is the best pit stop on a Pacific Coast Highway road trip. It is home to many natural attractions, hiking trails, wildlife encounters, campgrounds, state parks and federal lands, incredible photo ops, and amazing adventures. Trust us, the two days spent in Big Sur are going to be a pretty memorable part of your Coastal California road trip. 

Some of the essential stops in Big Sur include the San Simeon Elephant Seal Rookery, the McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Point Sur Lighthouse, Point Lobos , and Bixby Creek Bridge. To plan your time in Big Sur and decide where to stay, read our post on Best Things to do in Big Sur . 

While you can certainly spend both days exploring Big Sur, here are some options if you want to see other parts of the coast. Wine lovers can go wine tasting and tour the wineries in Paso Robles. Couples can spend a quiet evening enjoying the sunset in Cayucos. See the mission and bears statue in Los Osos. Visit Hearst Castle in San Simeon. Explore the fog-covered town of Cambria and hike among the coastal pines. 

Day 6 – Monterey and Half Moon Bay

After you say goodbye to Big Sur and promise to come again soon – no, really, because no one can visit Big Sur just once – drive along the Pacific Coast Highway to Monterey, Santa Cruz, and Half Moon Bay. That’s right, you are slowly inching closer to our favorite California city of San Francisco but you won’t arrive yet another day! 

Your first stop after Big Sur will be charming Carmel-by-the-Sea. It has beginnings as an art community and has a hipster vibe, but don’t be fooled! 

The fairytale-like cottages and wide open pristine coast may seem alluring, but Carmel is one of the most expensive places to live in California. Houses here average around 1.5 to 2 million and facilities like the world-famous Pebble Beach Golf Course can run you into thousands! 

But Carmel is absolutely beautiful to explore. Wander into the art galleries, dine in the cafes, visit Carmel Beach, and go birding along the Carmel River. It is fun to spend an hour or two in the town. 

Next, pull yourself away from the ridiculously beautiful and charming coastal town and drive north on Route 1 towards Monterey. The city is most popular for the Monterey Aquarium located on Cannery Row. This is quite popular with the kids and a great place to see West Coast marine life at close quarters. Monterey also has great restaurants, museums, and is great to stop by for lunch. You can also visit the nearby city of Pacific Grove or take the highly scenic 17 Mile Drive. Read our post on Things to do in Monterey to plan your trip. 

Next, follow Highway 1 north. You can either continue all the way to Monterey and make a short pit stop in Santa Cruz. Take a stroll along the wharf, explore the eateries and shops, and ride the vintage carousel and coaster at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. 

Then it’s time to visit Half Moon Bay. Here also you will find a historic downtown that is perfect for antiquing. If you have the time, explore the tide pools at Scott Fitzgerald Marine Reserve and see the sunset by Pigeon Point Lighthouse in Pescadero. Visit Half Moon Bay State Beach and admire the Pacific Ocean. Read our post on Things to do in Half Moon Bay for more information. 

Day 7 – San Francisco

And finally, it’s time to explore this big and beautiful city of San Francisco. The city has felt like home since I lived in the Bay area a couple of years ago. 

The most iconic attraction of San Francisco is of course the Golden Gate Bridge. You would be surprised to know that the bridge is right on Highway 1! Walk, bike, or drive the bridge and admire the view of San Francisco from the Marin Headlands. See the city’s other popular attractions including the Palace of Fine Arts, Chinatown, Lombard Street, and Fisherman’s Wharf. There are so many amazing things to do in San Francisco , that spending just one day here is not enough! 

If you have the time, we suggest keeping a couple of days to explore San Francisco after you end your California Coast Drive along the Pacific Coast Highway. 

Day 8 – Point Reyes

Follow the Pacific Coast Highway over the Golden Gate Bridge and across the Golden Gate Strait to the Marin Headlands. On the way, you can stop at Muir Woods, the largest coastal redwood forest near San Francisco. 

Then head north towards Point Reyes National Seashore. This is the windiest place on the continent! Hike to the beach or the lighthouse, go through the Cypress tunnel and admire the wildlife at Point Reyes. You might spot migrating whales, sea otters, seals, nesting seabirds, land birds, and more in Point Reyes. 

For seafood lovers, your next perfect PCH pitstop is Tomales Bay. This area is known for its oyster farms and oyster companies. Here you can eat freshly shucked oysters to your heart’s content. Spend the night in the vicinity of Point Reyes or reach Mendocino and call it a day. 

Day 9 – Mendocino and Fort Bragg

While southern California is sunny and warm, Central California is beautiful and charming. But none of them can quite compare to the fog covered mystery and allure of northern California. Here you will find beautiful coastal cities like Mendocino and Fort Bragg. 

Mendocino is one of the best places to stop on a Pacific Coast Highway road trip. The pretty whitewashed architecture reminds visitors more of New England than California! It is really pretty to take a stroll but Mendocino’s main attractions are all found outside the city limits. Here you will find three state parks with miles and miles of hiking trails. Read our post on the Best Things to do in Mendocino to plan your trip here. 

After seeing Mendocino, visit Fort Bragg. The main attraction of Fort Bragg is its world-famous Glass Beach. The sea glass here is really pretty and makes the beaches one of the unique attractions in California. Visit Mackerricher State Park to see Glass Beach. 

Day 10 – Avenue of the Giants

From Fort Bragg, make your way north up to the northern end of California’s Pacific Coast Highway 1 in Leggett. Here you will find the Chandelier Drive-Through Tree, an iconic PCH attraction. 

While Highway 1 ends here, the Pacific Coast Highway doesn’t! It simply becomes Highway 101 and meanders all the way north up to Seattle along the Pacific Coast. But don’t worry, you will be following it only as far as the Avenue of the Giants. 

Avenue of the Giants is this gorgeous, dark, dreamy, foggy scenic drive through some of the tallest coastal redwoods on the West Coast. The trees here are quite tall and craning your neck that far up is tricky! The road parallels Highway 101 and is worth the exciting trip. 

The Avenue of the Giants is 31 miles long but takes about two to three hours to drive because of scenic spots and hiking trails. You can park and walk to see the redwood groves up close. We recommend keeping your camera ready as there are incredible views at every turn of the road.

That’s it! You have completed an amazing California Coast Road Trip all the way from Los Angeles to the north of Mendocino.

Other useful posts to plan your Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Planner Pacific Coast Highway 4 day Itinerary Pacific Coast Highway 5 day itinerary Pacific Coast Highway 7 day itinerary Pacific Coast Highway 10 Day itinerary All PCH Itineraries Best Places to Stay along the Pacific Coast Highway Best Pacific Coast Highway Stops

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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: November 8, 2023

− − 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

tongva park santa monica

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 .

Channel Islands Kayaking

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

bowling ball beach california

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

Point Arena Lighthouse PCH Road Trip

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

redwood sky walk eureka

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

road trip california coast

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 and Jacob

Esther + Jacob

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

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

This Post Has 7 Comments

So detailed – thanks for putting in so much effort!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

California252520Beach_by_Laurence252520Norah25255B425255D

A Two Week California Road Trip Itinerary

Last updated: June 3, 2022 . Written by Laurence Norah - 114 Comments

The United States is pretty much the perfect country to road trip in, with great roads, cheap gas and hundreds of gorgeous destinations to choose from. It’s no wonder that a California road trip is on many visitors to-do lists!

We’ve taken a number of fantastic US road trips , including Route 66 , the Pacific Coast Highway , the Oregon Trail and a route through the Deep South , and have never failed to have an amazing time.

One of our favourite states to explore though has to be California. With a mix of an excellent climate, some of the best National Parks in the country, and world-famous cities to explore, you’re never going to run short of things to do in California.

With this in mind, I wanted to put together a classic two week California road trip itinerary, taking in some of the best that the sunshine state has to offer. I did a trip almost exactly the same as this a few years back, so I know that it’s a good one.

California Road Trip

Two weeks is also a good amount of time for a trip like this, although you could of course extend it by a few days if you wanted to see a bit more, or wanted to go a bit slower.

California Road Trip Itinerary

This California road trip itinerary has you starting and finishing in San Francisco. As it’s a loop, you could also start and finish at any other point. If you would prefer another starting location, LA would be the most logical.

The route runs anti-clockwise, but you are welcome to drive it in whichever direction you prefer!

San Francisco – 3 Days

We’re going to start our California road trip with three days in San Francisco. San Francisco is home to the second largest airport in California, so there are plenty of opportunities for getting here for both domestic and international travellers.

Tram in San Francisco streets

San Francisco, and the surrounding San Francisco Bay Area is also an excellent city to base yourself for your first three days.

If you’re arriving internationally, you’re going to want a few days to adjust to the time zone difference before hopping into a car. For this reason, I’m going to recommend spending three nights in San Francisco, and picking up your hire car as you leave. You won’t want (or need!) a car while you’re in the city – parking is expensive and there are plenty of other options to get around.

You won’t be short on things to do in San Francisco, and in fact, might feel a little overwhelmed by all the choices!

Our suggestions would be to take in the Golden Gate bridge (hire a bike to get here easily), explore Chinatown, pop across to Alcatraz , revel in the tourist trap that is Fisherman’s Wharf, don’t miss golden gate park , head to the top of Nob Hill for cocktails at The Mark, hop on a cable car and, if you still have time, take a stroll at Lands End.

San Francisco Sunset

To get yourself oriented, we can also recommend taking a walking tour with the excellent SFNative folks, they know the city backwards. Finally, if you’re looking for some great photo opportunities, check out our guide to the best photography locations in San Francisco .

Accommodation wise, there are plenty of options in San Francisco. Here are some of our favourite picks for your stay, across a range of budgets.

  • HI San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf Hotel – found right on Fisherman’s Wharf, this budget hostel offers both dormitory and private accommodation options. There’s free breakfast and free parking, making this an excellent option for the location.
  • Marines’ Memorial Club & Hotel – found in the popular Union Square district, this great value 3-star hotel has a rooftop restaurant, library, and on-site theatre. Rooms have private bathrooms and coffee makers, and breakfast is included. A paid parking garage is available nearby.
  • Parker Guest House – found in the old Mission district just behind the San Francisco mission building, this is a well reviewed and good value guesthouse offering private rooms. Free breakfast is available, and parking is available on site for a reasonable (by San Francisco standards) fee.
  • Columbus Inn – Just a few hundred yards from Lombardy Street and Fisherman’s Wharf in the North Beach district,  this 3* inn offers great value for the location. Private rooms offer en-suite and tea/coffee making facilities. There’s also free parking on site.
  • Golden Gate Hotel – a very well reviewed 3* hotel just minutes from Union Square. Continental breakfast and afternoon tea are included. Rooms are definitely on the cosy side, and some have shared bathrooms, but the price is great for the location. Paid parking available nearby.
  • Staypineapple Union Square – we stayed at this restored historic 4* 1913 hotel on a recent trip to San Francisco, and loved the mix of the old and the new. We loved the rooms, the colorful pineapple theme, and the free pineapple flavoured cupcakes certainly helped! Parking is available nearby for a fee.
  • Four Seasons Hotel – if you are after five star luxury, then consider the Four Seasons hotel. Also found in Union Square, rooms are huge, there’s an on-site restaurant, fitness centre, and many rooms have city views.

See more options for hotels in San Francisco here, as well vacation rentals on Plum Guide here and Vrbo here .

Pacific Coast Highway – 2 Days

The drive down the section of the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to Los Angeles is definitely one of the best road trips in the world. So it’s really a no-brainer that this would be your first destination after you pick up your hire car and head out of the city.

Pacific Coast Highway California

There are numerous highlights along the way, from cute seaside towns to gorgeous wilderness areas. Don’t miss Santa Cruz , Monterey , Big Sur and the Julia Pfeffer Burns State Park (camp here if you can!).

The latter is particularly famous for the waterfall that cascades onto the beach, a gorgeous photo opportunity.

From Big Sur head further south and take in highlights like the seals at Cambria , tasty food at San Luis Obispo, the gorgeous Pismo beach, Hearst Castle and more.

For loads more information on this stretch of highway and to help you plan the perfect coastal road trip, check out our super detailed guide to planning a  Pacific Coast Highway road trip .

California road trip - Waterfall onto beach Juiia Pfieffer Burns State Park California Big Sur

For the 2 days you’ll spend on this part of your California road trip, we recommend stopping overnight around Monterey or Carmel on your first night, and San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay or Cambria on your second night.

There are plenty of accommodation options all the way down this stretch of highway, from campsites and B&B’s to luxury hotels – it all depends on your budget and what you’re aiming for. Here are a few options to consider in our recommended towns along the way.

For your first night, we recommend one of the following:

  • If you like to camp, then there are camping options in the national parks along the route here, including the Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground . I’ve camped here and it’s lovely to be surrounded by the massive redwoods. Just be aware that it is popular, and booking in advance is a must.
  • Sandpiper Inn , Carmel – we stayed here when we visited Carmel. We enjoyed the comfortable rooms, inclusive breakfast, and proximity to the beach. Free parking is available.
  • Coachman’s Inn , Carmel – we’ve stayed at a number of the boutique hotels which are in the Four Sisters Inn collection, and they’ve all been excellent. This inn, found in the heart of Carmel Village, gets good reviews. Rooms include coffee makers and free popcorn, wine with hors d’oeuvres is served in the evenings, and breakfast is included.
  • The Inn at 1252 , Monterey – a good value inn on the way into Monterey. Rooms feature coffee makers, and a heated pool is available year round. There’s also a fitness room, free parking and free coffee.
  • The Jabberwock B&B , Monterey – just a few blocks from Cannery Row, this very well reviewed B&B offers seven lovely guest rooms, some of which have fireplaces and hot tubs. Free parking, and breakfast is included.

For your second night, we recommend one of the following:

  • Apple Farm Inn , San Luis Obispo – we really enjoyed our stay here on one of our Pacific Coast Highway road trips. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, the breakfast was fantastic, and the on-site bakery has some delicious food. There are also two pools on site, and free parking.
  • Madonna Inn , San Luis Obispo – this four star family-owned motel just to the south of SLO is a truly quirky destination, and a landmark of the central coast. Each of the 110 rooms is uniquely decorated, with pink being a key theme throughout. We didn’t stay here, but we did have dinner at the Gold Rush steak house on-site, which was fantastic.
  • Seaside Inn , Morro Bay – this 2* budget inn is one block from the waterfront. Rooms have a microwave and refrigerator, and there’s free on site parking and coffee.
  • Beach Bungalow Inn and Suites , Morro Bay – five minutes walk from the aquarium, this three star inn is very well reviewed. Comfortable rooms have fireplaces, refrigerators and coffee machines, and a hot breakfast is included as is parking.
  • Cambria Palms Motel , Cambria – this 2* motel is a couple of blocks from downtown, and offers comfortable rooms at a good price. Rooms have refrigerator and coffee machine, and free parking is available on site.
  • El Colibri Hotel & Spa , Cambria – on one of our visits to Cambria we stayed here for a couple of nights and really enjoyed it. The rooms are lovely, with fireplaces, and some have spa tubs. There’s an on-site spa, outdoor hot tub, and breakfast is available. Free parking on-site.
  • J Patrick House B&B , Cambria – this five star Irish themed inn was Cambria’s first B&B. There’s a a free wine hour, evening cookies and a full breakfast included with your stay. Each room is individually designed, and there’s free parking on site. A great pick in Cambria.

Santa Monica, LA – 2 Days

Los Angeles can be a big, confusing place, particularly after your trip down the Pacific Coast Highway. That’s why I suggest you head to Santa Monica and make that your LA base.

On the coast, and technically a separate city (it’s kind of hard to tell as LA and its surrounds are part of a fairly vast urban sprawl), you’ll have access to the wonderful beach and pier, as well as nearby Venice, most famous for its beach and people watching opportunities.

santa monica sunset

Again, there’s no shortage of things to do in LA. If you’re interested in film, you can visit the Hollywood sign, walk the Hollywood walk of fame or go on a tour of the backlot at Universal Studios .

Art lovers will find their thrills at the Getty Center , which also offers gorgeous panoramic views of the surrounding city. Other highlights include Sunset Boulevard, and of course, you can hop on one of those tours of the stars homes if you’re so inclined.

LA also has plentiful accommodation options to suit all budget. Here are some of our recommended options:

  • Santa Monica Motel – we enjoyed our stay at this basic 2* motel, which is around a 10 minute walk from Santa Monica Pier. There’s free morning coffee and free parking, and rooms come with coffee makers and in-room refrigerators. It’s definitely a value option.
  • Banana Bungalow – this hostel offers shared and private accommodation, around a mile from the downtown Hollywood area. There’s free parking on-site, and reviews are positive.
  • Magic Castle Hotel – this 3* hotel is a short walk from the Hollywood walk of fame, and you get a pool, unlimited free snacks, free continental breakfast and reasonably priced parking. It’s also a short walk to the Hollywood Bowl, and only three miles from Universal Studios. We really enjoyed staying here.
  • Villa Delle Stelle – this boutique hotel in central Hollywood gets excellent reviews and will make you feel like a celebrity. Each suite is designed after a specific old Hollywood Celebrity, and guests can avail of celebrity style services such as in-room massages, private chefs and a personal trainer. Free parking is also included.
  • The Georgian Hotel – this beautiful 1933 4* Art Deco hotel is a short walk from Santa Monica pier, and offers ocean views and on-site dining. Breakfast is available, and parking is available on-site for a fee.

See more LA listings here for inspiration , as well as LA listings on Vrbo here . For a more curated apartment rental option, check out Plum Guide. You can see their LA listings here .

If you’re not excited about Los Angeles, you could also choose to skip it and head down the coast to San Diego County and the city of San Diego itself. This is a more laid back (and easily navigable!) experience compared to LA, and there’s a great deal to do here as well.

For more reading on San Diego, check out this guide to things to do in San Diego we put together.

Joshua Tree National Park – 1 Day

Time to head out of the city, and the remainder of this itinerary is going to focus on exploring some of California’s unbelievable wilderness areas and National Parks. We’re going to start this off with a trip to the Joshua Tree National Park , home to those iconic shaped trees that the park is named for.

Joshua Tree

It’s a wonderful place, the meeting point of two deserts, and offers good opportunities for camping, hiking and star-gazing.

The best way to experience the park is to camp overnight in one of its many campgrounds (you should definitely reserve a spot well in advance if this is your plan), otherwise, there are various lodging opportunities outside the park if you’re not big into camping. You should also be aware that there is very limited water availability in the park (and no hookups for RV’s), so make sure you bring plenty of water and food – this is a remote desert environment after all!

Here are some suggested accommodation options in nearby Twentynine Palms.

  • 9 Palms Inn – this budget 2* property gets good reviews, and rooms come with a coffee machine, microwave and refrigerator. There’s also free parking on site.
  • El Rancho Dolores – this is a great value 3* property with a seasonal pool. Rooms have microwaves and refrigerator, and free parking is included.
  • Sunnyvale Garden Suites – a very well rated 2* hotel offering a range of suites, each of which comes with a BBQ as well as a full kitchen. There’s a hot tub and gym on site, and free parking is available.
  • Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites – this 3* chain hotel offers comfortable and well reviewed accommodation, with an outdoor heated pool and fitness centre. Rooms have coffee making facilities, microwave and small fridge, and there are BBQ facilities available for guest use.
  • Flying Point Homestead – if you want something a little bit different, check out this property. It’s actually a holiday home rather than a hotel, but one of the options is a beautiful silver streak trailer!

See more listings for Twentynine Palms and this general region on  Plum Guide here .

Note, if you want to include a detour to Las Vegas, this would be the moment to do just that. We’d suggest adding a couple of days to your trip if you want to experience the city and its surrounds as there’s a lot to see and do here. Then you can rejoin the trip at the next stop.

For more on that sort of trip, check out our two week USA road trip itinerary , which include Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon.

Death Valley National Park – 1 Day

Moving on from one desert environment to another desert environment – and the largest national park in the contiguous United States. Death Valley (the name was given by gold rush travellers who nearly perished here) is the hottest and driest place in North America, and has recorded the hottest ambient air temperature in the world.

Badwater basin

So, overall, a hot place.

Other than making you want to crank up the AC then, what does Death Valley offer? Well, there’s that sense of remoteness. The vast, unforgiving wilderness. The knowledge that you’d probably die fairly quickly if you happen to wander off and get lost (don’t wander off and get lost folks).

Death Valley

Truth be told, there’s plenty to do here. You can visit Badwater Basin, the lowest point in the entire North America, which actually sits 86 metres below sea level. Then there are sand dunes, salt flats, craters, colourful canyons and hiking opportunities galore.

Just be aware that this is a seriously inhospitable, and, in the summer months, unbearably hot, destination, so plan and pack accordingly . If you’re looking for more ideas on spending a day in Death Valley, check out this excellent post .

Mammoth Lakes – 1 Day

From Death Valley we’re going to head further north, up to Mammoth Lakes . This drive is quite incredible, along the Sierra Nevada mountains, and the scenery (and temperatures) will change dramatically as you ascend into this gorgeous part of the world.

Mammoth Lakes are an adventure lovers playground. You can go hiking, camping, cycling, rock climbing, horseback riding, fishing – the list goes on! There’s also a ghost town , craft beer companies, shopping opportunities – basically, pretty much everything you could imagine.

lake mono

Whilst you’re here, you should also take the opportunity to visit Lake Mono . Now a state nature reserve, Lake Mono is a million year old lake notable for the “tufa” towers, calcium carbonate structures that stand above the lake like strange modern art installations. Definitely worth a visit, and particularly photogenic at sunrise and sunset.

Yosemite National Park – 3 Days

Finally on our awesome California road trip, I’m going to suggest you spend three days exploring Yosemite National Park before heading back to San Francisco to return your hire vehicle and head home.

Vernal falls Yosemite

Yosemite is without doubt one of my favourite places in the entire United States. It’s a wonder of nature, a photographer’s paradise, and somewhere I dare anyone to visit without falling instantly in love.

There’s a lot to see and do here, which is why I’m going to suggest taking three days to get the most out of your visit. This will let you see all the highlights, as well as go for some longer hikes (or drives), and not feel too rushed.

Glacier point view Yosemite

I’ve got a full guide to the best photography locations in Yosemite , but in brief, don’t miss Yosemite Falls, the hike up to Nevada and Vernal Falls, the drive (or hike) to Glacier Point, Tunnel View, Valley View and Bridalveil Falls.

If you love longer, more challenging day hikes, then Half Dome is a seriously challenging walk (permit required), as is the walk up to the top of Yosemite Falls .

There are a range of accommodation options in Yosemite National Park, ranging from campsites to canvas-sided tent cabins, through to luxury hotels.

There are 13 campsites available in the park , with a number of these available for reservation, and the rest operated on a first come first serve basis. If you want to camp, we highly recommend booking well in advance, which you can do here .

There are also nine lodging options operated by Yosemite Hospitality inside the park, which are the only other accommodation options available in the park itself. These can be reserved up to a year in advance, and range from simple canvas cabins through to a high-end luxury hotel. These can all be reserved online in advance here .

Important –  As of 2022, Yosemite has introduced a reservation system for park entry. If you are visiting between late May and the end of September and planning on driving into or through the park between 6am and 4pm you will need to have a reservation. You can find out more and make your reservations online here .

Yosemite view of El Capitan

California Road Trip Map

We’ve put together a map of our suggested California road trip itinerary, which you can see below, and also on Google Maps here . Note that depending on the time of year, access to Yosemite can be restricted due to snow, so you have to take the longer way round.

In addition, parts of the Pacific Coast Highway are often closed due to damage caused by landslides. As such, the map should be seen as an overview rather than a definitive route. You’ll want to plan your own California road trip route that matches any current road conditions and closures.

You can check the status of the coast route (state highway 1), as well as all the other roads in the state, on the Caltrans website here .

California Road Trip Itinerary Map

California Road Trip Itinerary Overview

  • Days 1 – 3: San Francisco
  • Days 4 – 5: Pacific Coast Highway
  • Days 6 & 7: Los Angeles
  • Day 8: Joshua Tree
  • Day 9: Death Valley
  • Day 10: Mammoth Lakes
  • Days 11 – 13: Yosemite National Park
  • Day 14: Return to San Francisco

When to Take a California Road Trip

California is a fairly good year round destination, but there are a few things to be aware of when planning your trip. In the Winter months, places like Yosemite can become accessible particularly from the east side, due to snow, as you can see in the map above.

The main road in to Yosemite is the Tioga Road, and this is usually closed from November through to May or even June. In addition, parts of the park, including Glacier Point road, are often closed for a similar timeframe.

If this happens to you, you’ll have to take a serious detour to get in based on this itinerary. A better option might be to embrace the snow, and head up to Lake Tahoe for some fantastic skiing opportunities. Or, you can head east, out to Nevada and the pleasure city of Las Vegas.

big sur coastline

In summertime, the heat can be quite intense, in particular in places like Death Valley, where in the summer months temperatures can exceed 100F, and it’s not recommended to spend much time outside.

Where to Stay in California

California has a serious range of accommodation options to meet pretty much every budget, although larger cities and busier months do tend to increase the prices. We’d always recommend booking in advance for your trip if possible – in particular for national park campsites and hotels, and to get the best deals on city centre hotels.

For two people travelling together, you’re looking at a budget range of $60 – $150 per night for comfortable private en-suite accommodation, although you can obviously spend far more than that!

Our preferred option for hotel booking is booking.com, as they usually have the best prices, regularly run deals, and many properties offer good last minute cancellation policies. See their listings for California , San Francisco and Los Angeles to get you started.

We also use and recommend Plum Guide and Vrbo for vacation rentals.

For more ideas, take a look at our travel resources page for helpful hints and tips on getting the best deal on accommodation when you travel.

How to Get Around California

This is a road trip, so obviously you’re going to want a hire a car! We nearly always hire cars for our US road trips through Enterprise . We generally find they have the most competitive prices and widest choice of locations, plus if you’re thinking of a one way trip they have reasonable fees for doing that.

If you’d prefer to compare prices across a range of providers, then we recommend Rentalcars.com .

Drivers with foreign licenses are allowed to drive, if your license is in a language other than English then you would be best with either an international drivers license, or a certified translation.

Another option of course is to hire a camper van or RV, which will let you stay in campgrounds and other, more out of the way areas. This can be a fun way to travel in a more self sufficient style. If this sounds like you, we recommend comparing RV rental prices at Motorhome Republic . They list all RVs from many of the major suppliers to help you find the right one for you. See their USA listings here .

We can also recommend checking out  RVShare , who offer peer to peer campervan rental – a bit like the AirBnB of RV rental! Similar options include Outdoorsy and RVEzy .

If this is your first time in the USA, or you just want a reminder of what it’s like to drive in the USA, check out our guide to driving in the USA for lots of tips!

Practicalities for a California Road trip

Travelling in the USA is relatively easy, but we wanted to share a few things to help make planning your California road trip a little easier.

Electricity

The USA uses a 110v electrical system, with plugs that are either two pin or three pin. The holes are flat, and sometimes the two pin plug holes will be different sizes, so the plug will only go in one way.

If you’re coming from much of the rest of the world, including Europe, the UK or Asia, you will definitely need a travel adaptor like this . You will also need to check that your equipment supports the 110v supply, as much of the rest of the world uses a 220v supply.

In our experience, most electronics like laptops and phone chargers accept a universal voltage, whilst higher power devices like hairdryers do not. Always check the device itself, the voltage rating should be on your plug or adaptor somewhere.

Internet Access

Internet access is widely available across the USA in the form of WiFi, which can be found for free at most hotels, cafes, bars and restaurants. There are also a number of free WiFi hotspots in some of the cities on our list.

If your phone is unlocked you can pick up a pay as you go SIM in the USA. One of the better options is from Straight Talk , which you can buy in Walmart stores.

For more options on getting online when travelling, check out our guide to getting online when travelling to help you figure out the best options.

The USA uses the US dollar, and there are ATM’s available throughout. In our experience though, you can pay for nearly everything with a credit card, so you will rarely need cash. Whilst it is worth having a few bills on you, for the most part you won’t need them.

Instead, just make sure you have a credit or debit card that doesn’t charge you any foreign transaction fees and uses a fair price for currency conversions, and you should be good to go.

Water across the USA is safe to drink, unless otherwise indicated. There are drinking fountains in the majority of public locations, and we recommend you travel with a re-usable water bottle so you can just fill it up as you go.

One thing we always love about travelling in the USA is how drinking water is always brought to your table at a restaurant – something we wish was standard around the world!

For the most part, the USA is a safe destination to travel in, and we have never had any problems. Of course, every country has crime, and areas where you would be wiser to avoid, however if you practice basic safety precautions, keep your valuables out of sight and behave as you would at home, you should be fine!

Further Reading and Resources for a California Road Trip

California is a very popular destination, so there’s no shortage of research material to help you plan your trip! Here are some of my favourite resources:

  • We have a guide to things to do in San Diego
  • I’ve written a guide featuring some of my top tips for driving in the USA to help get you going on the road!
  • Wondering how much a California road trip will cost? Check out our  guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA to help you plan your trip budget.
  • Jess has a guide to driving the Pacific Coast Highway , which will give you lots of ideas for that section of the road
  • If you’re interested in California’s wine country, see our guide to visiting Napa Valley
  • Route 66 ends in California, so take a look at our guide to planning a route 66 trip , as well as our detailed 2 week Route 66 itinerary and 1 week Route 66 itinerary
  • Fodor’s Guide to California , which also includes details on a number of fantastic road trips
  • The Lonely Planet California Guide , which is great for finding things to do, places to eat and places to stay
  • A US road atlas , because sometimes you don’t want to rely on GPS!
  • If you’re planning on hiring an RV or camping, this guide to free and super cheap campgrounds will quickly pay for itself
  • The official Visit California page, which will give you more advice on what to see and when to visit
  • For more in California, see this awesome guide to places to visit in California , from fellow bloggers at yTravelBlog
  • My guide to things to do in Redding California , if you decide to head to northern California
  • Getting online when travelling in a foreign country can be daunting – check out our guide to getting online when travelling to help you figure out the best options for your trip
  • And if you’re looking for inspiration for the rest of the USA, check out our USA section , which includes a Deep south itinerary , tips for New Orleans during Mardi Gras – and lots more!

Detailed itinerary and trip planning advice for the ultimate California two week road trip, including San Francisco, LA, the Pacific Coast Highway, Death Valley, Yosemite and more!

And that sums up my perfect two week California road trip itinerary! If you’ve got any comments, suggestions or additions, do pop them in the comments below. Plus, if you liked this post, do check out the rest of my itinerary series , which will help you plan the perfect trips all around the world!

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robert feinberg says

16th December 2023 at 4:48 pm

Hello, we are planning a road trip to California in July, and using your template, but adding a few different options. we are traveling with 2 15 year olds, and they want to surf. any recommendations you can make on that, as well as stops that will be good for them? much appreciated.

Laurence Norah says

16th December 2023 at 8:26 pm

So there are a lot of surfing options all along the coast from San Francisco to San Diego. A lot will depend on the experience of your children and whether or not they are experienced surfers or are looking to learn. Also, some locations will have surfboard rentals wheras others are more remote. So it will depend what you need in that regard. However, there are good options all along the California coast, including Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz, Pismo, Morro Bay, Ricon Point and Surfrider beach (Malibu). I’d just recommend doing some research to ensure you match the breaks to the skill level required 🙂

Have an awesome trip!

Kim Dawtrey says

7th October 2023 at 9:39 pm

Hi Lawrence We are just home after nearly three weeks in the US on a route based on your California Road Trip, although we also went to the a Grand Canyon and Las Vegas. The information within your blog was a great help in planning our trip. Unfortunately we were unable to drive down the whole Pacific Highway due to landslide near Big Sur, but we loved the 17 mile drive and would recommend staying in Pacific Grove (we stayed in Bide-A-Wee hotel which was great). We were also unable to drive across Death Valley as the NP was closed due to the damage to the roads, we did however visit Death Valley Junction and throughly recommend a visit to Amargosa Opera House. The board outside says tours at 9.00am and 6.00pm, but the young lady in the hotel reception was more than happy to give us a tour for a donation, fascinating place and history. If you haven’t visited I can send you some photos. Another side trip we did was to Bristlecone Ancient Pine Forest, amazing place, great drive up to 10,000 feet, with fresh snow at the top! The Grand Canyon and Yosemite were certainly the highlights for us. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip, thank you for all your valuable information, if we were 40 years younger, we would love to be doing what you and Jess are doing!

8th October 2023 at 12:33 pm

Thank you so much, I’m happy to hear you had a great trip in California and beyond! Unfortunately the Pacific Coast Highway does get blocked quite regularly due to landslides, and it also sounds like unfortunate timing with Death Valley. However I am glad to hear you still had a good time overall! We haven’t visited the Amargosa Opera House, we will definitely have to add that to the list!

Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences, and safe onward travels 🙂 Jess and I love to hear from fellow adventurers who have been out exploring!

All the best,

erika liaci says

3rd July 2023 at 2:54 pm

Hi we are finalising our US Road trip to/from LAX in mid August. Would you recommend still going to the Death valley? I am a bit scared of the temperature which might be 50C? Thanks erika

4th July 2023 at 9:26 am

So I would personally probably skip Death Valley in August. It’s going to be too hot to do very much, and you would likely be able to better spend your time elsewhere. An extra day in Yosemite for example!

Have a great trip!

17th April 2023 at 11:43 am

Hi – this 2 week California road trip looks amazing. Your blog is really helpful for planning our own trip. Would it be possible to know the driving distances between each of the places please. Thanks Sam

18th April 2023 at 8:09 am

Hi Sam, thanks very much! So I didn’t put distances because in my experience they tend to change with side trips etc. Also, the Pacific Coast Highway is regularly affected by landslips so stretches of the route can be closed.

That said, as a rough guide:

From San Francisco to Santa Monica is around 500 miles From Santa Monica to Joshua Tree is around 150 miles From Joshua Tree to Death Valley is around 260 miles From Death Valley to Mammoth Lakes is around 200 miles From Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite is normally around 75 miles but this depends on the pass being open From Yosemite back to San Francisco is around 170 miles.

I hope this helps! Have a great time in California 🙂

28th January 2023 at 2:46 pm

Hi. Would you recommend Zion National Park or Bryce Canyon? We will be driving back from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas and are thinking of an extended detour north rather than going back via Kingman. Thanks

29th January 2023 at 9:07 am

It is with some dismay that I’m not able to accurately answer your question as both parks are still on my to-do list and I haven’t visited either. So rather than inaccurately answer your question I would have to say I don’t know. I definitely want to visit them both, and from the photos I have seen I don’t think you would be disappointed with either, but that’s about as much as I can say for now until I have visited both!

Sorry not to be of more help but I hope you have an amazing trip nonetheless!

Maxine says

4th August 2022 at 8:16 am

This post has been super helpful and given us great ideas for a trip we are planning with our two teenagers next summer. We want to include vegas, therefore, would you recommend that we head there after San Diego before heading back to Yosemite? Thank you

4th August 2022 at 6:06 pm

Thanks very much, glad you found the post useful! So yes, heading from San Diego or Death Valley to Las Vegas would make the most sense. I’ve actually written a trip out that is similar to this one but include Vegas (and the Grand Canyon if you wanted to also include that). That’s here:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/2-week-usa-road-trip-itinerary/

You can save time of course by skipping the Grand Canyon 🙂 Let me know if you have any more questions, I’m happy to help. Otherwise, have a great trip!

William D Villont says

6th January 2022 at 9:03 pm

My wife and I took a California trip similar to this one except we went south to San Diego as our final destination. I really enjoyed the trip and can fully understand why you highlight this trip as one someone should surely take. We agree. My only disappointment of the trip is that, at the time, I was doing videography and that is all I took on the trip, my video camera. Now that I have gotten back into photography I wish I had taken my camera as well. We rarely get out the old video (VHS tape) and watch and I have not taken the time to transfer the VHS to DVD yet. I just gave it away, that this trip was sometime ago because I was shooting VHS. Anyway I would love to take this trip again and if this Covid thing ever goes away, maybe I will. Thanks for sharing this trip.

7th January 2022 at 11:29 am

Hi William,

I’m glad to bring back positive memories of your California trip! Interesting to hear you mostly took video. I have a similar reverse quandry when I travel, I usually only find myself able to concentrate on one medium of story telling as we go, so I focus on photos. But I often think it might be nice to have more videos. I hope you get to watch your video soon and also to take the trip again one day!

Have a lovely and safe 2022,

Delaney Blute says

1st July 2021 at 3:18 am

Hi! Thank you so much for the wonderful travel recommendations. I’m planning on taking this trip with my mother and sister, possibly leaving next late summer. Do you have a ball park recommendation for price for the entire trip for 3 people? We plan on budgeting it, but just wanted to know if you had any estimate of what this trip would cost for 3 people. Thanks so much!

1st July 2021 at 12:47 pm

Hi Delaney,

This is a great question. So it’s really hard to give a price estimate because everyone has a different travel style, and it will depend on what type of accommodation you are thinking of booking, whether you are happy to share a room for the three of you vs have individual rooms, whether you are ok with budget dining vs more expensive options and so on. I’m also not sure if you’re from the US or not, so car rental if you need to rent a car would also be a cost to consider.

I do have a guide which has a ballpark idea of costs for travel in the UK, which you can see here: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-travel-in-usa/

That should give you an idea of how much each element of the trip should cost you, to help you come up with a rough figure. The main costs are going to be your accommodation, gas / car rental / car parking in cities, food, and any attraction entry.

I hope this helps! Let me know if I can provide any further input, and have a great trip 🙂

Chantelle says

7th March 2020 at 2:06 pm

We have a trip booked for just short of a month in September! Your blog was really helpful, thank you!

I was wondering if you had some advice on Car vrs Camper. Is it easy to find places to stay in a camper or would you recommend a car and motels. We are happy either way just want our trip to be as stress free as possible!

7th March 2020 at 5:07 pm

Hi Chantelle!

So we have done both, and honestly, we prefer motels / B&Bs to campsites.

In the USA, campsites are a bit different to the UK in my experience. They tend to have more formal “sites” for each visitor, which means they can’t just squeeze another person in. When they are full they’re full. For National Parks especially, this means that they can book out and then you can be stuck trying to find somewhere to stay. You can of course book them in advance, so that’s an option. The other good news is that if you have a campervan all is not lost as there are places you can camp for free. However these tend not to be totally exciting, Walmart carparks for example let folks stay overnight, but this might not be the dream option.

The other thing is that if you do the math, you will find that the cost of renting a campervan + the cost of paying campsite fees will probably be a lot more than the cost of a cheap car and economy lodging. Plus if you plan on visiting a few of the cities in this itinerary a camper will be more effort than it’s worth. You didn’t mention budget so this might not be a huge factor, but I just wanted to highlight it.

I think you can see where my preference lies for this itinerary. Obviously if you love camping and want to spend more time out in the backcountry and national parks, it’s a great option. But you might find that buying a cheap tent and a couple of sleeping bags for a few nights is a better option than renting a camper 🙂

Have a great trip – let me know how it goes and what you decide to do! We have a facebook group you’re welcome to share your experiences in here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelloversandphotography/

chantelle sims says

14th March 2020 at 2:44 pm

This has been so incredibly helpful thankyou!!

My pleasure Chantelle – have a great trip!

Sharon says

16th February 2020 at 7:40 pm

Great inspiration and ideas, thanks

16th February 2020 at 9:34 pm

Our pleasure Sharon, thanks for stopping by and commenting!

Thiago says

12th February 2020 at 7:45 pm

Just want to thank you for these super detailed guides, guys;

13th February 2020 at 10:48 am

Our pleasure Thiago, if you have any questions we’re happy to help 🙂 Safe travels!

Kathy Reed says

26th January 2020 at 5:51 pm

Hi – this was an amazing find! Loved all of your recommendations. Do you have any recommendations for anything just a little further north into the Redwoods. Perhaps starting in Santa Monica and going north? Though i do love the loop feature of this itinerary. Makes it so hard to decide. Thanks!

28th January 2020 at 9:19 am

We have travelled north of this itinerary as well, with our highlights including Napa Valley, Point Reyes National Park and Redding, however we’ve not put together a detailed itinerary for this sort of trip as we’ve not covered the area in enough detail. If redwoods are what you are after particularly, then on this itinerary you can see them near Santa Cruz, if you did want to follow it.

Let me know if I can offer any more advice for your trip!

4th January 2020 at 4:39 pm

Hi Great site for info ? Just would like to know what time of year would you recommend doing this road trip ive just read on here ,we’re coming from the UK so any info will help us plan Many thanks Barry

5th January 2020 at 11:25 am

It can definitely be done at any time of year, but I might avoid the depths of winter as snow can make the roads into Yosemite a challenge, plus it will be quite cold. So if you are looking for more of a summery California road trip, I might suggest May through September. We just toured California in August, and it was definitely very hot inland, as well as being busy so perhaps May/June or September would be the best time for a good combination of weather and fewer people 🙂

Debbie says

4th January 2020 at 3:03 pm

Hi We are planning this trip in April 2020! We will skip LA (Not interested) & Yosemite (We’ve already been) & we will only spend 1 day in San Francisco (we’ve already been) my question is do you think we can do the rest in 7 days?? We definitely want to do the scenic drive from San Francisco to San Diego & back to San Fran an thank you for all the wonderful information!!

5th January 2020 at 11:32 am

Hey Debbie!

Awesome 😀 So you can do the Pacific Coast Highway from SF to San Diego in a couple of days if you don’t mind going at a bit of a pace. I’d probably slow it down to 3 days though. I’m not sure if you still plan on seeing Joshua Tree and Death Valley – if you plan on going up and down the Pacific Coast Highway both ways, then you’re actually going to end up driving much more than this itinerary if you do visit Death Valley, as you’ll do about 2/3rds of the route and then turn around.

I’m not sure if you wanted to go to Las Vegas instead, but what you could do instead of going all the way back is finish in Vegas. I have noticed that many car hire firms don’t charge one way fees for trips between SF and Las Vegas, and flights out of Las Vegas are also very inexpensive. Even if you don’t want to do the whole Las Vegas thing, there are some lovely outdoor attractions in the area including the Hoover Dam and the spectacular valley of fire state park.

Anyway, just a thought. To answer your question – yes, you could do the rest in 7 days but I fear it might be a bit rushed,

30th December 2019 at 1:24 am

How many miles is this trip in total?

30th December 2019 at 3:28 pm

Around 1400 miles, but you’ll want to add on detours, side trips etc. So I’d say 1500 – 2000 to be on the safe side 🙂

Mallikarjun says

19th December 2019 at 8:51 pm

Can you please let me know the “Public Transport” options, it may be Bus, Metro or any other services in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego. I am planning for a trip in end of Jan 2020 for about 6 to 7 days to cover these cities. Or is there any travel packages you suggest for these cities. Please let me know.

Thanks, Malli

22nd December 2019 at 5:29 pm

My pleasure, and apologies for the slow response, I’ve had some site issues I’ve been working on.

For your question, are you looking for public transport between the cities, or in the cities? If the former, then I’d generally recommend the long distance bus as the best way to get between the cities in California, although you will struggle to get to more remote locations this way.

For each city you mention, there are different options. San Francisco is the easiest to get around, as there’s a great bus system as well as bikes, e-bikes and scooters. LA is a bit trickier – there are both buses and a metro, but just be aware that the distances can be quite far as the city is very spread out. So the best option is to figure out what you want to see and make sure the accommodation you pick is as close to the sights as possible.

San Diego is also easy to get around for the most part, with buses, trolleys and trains.

I hope this helps 🙂

Samantha says

28th October 2019 at 1:20 pm

Hi! this sounds amazing and I am literally looking at booking this for June next year! From looking about the only area that I am a bit unsure of is Death Valley – where is best to stay around there and if only doing a day – what would be the best suggestion of something to do? I am also thinking that we will add 1 day on to do a Vegas stay since its so close!

29th October 2019 at 8:31 am

Hi Samantha,

So when we visited we stayed just outside the valley at Panamint Springs – specifically we stayed here .

A day is enough to see the highlights of Death Valley. You’ll want to visit Badwater Basin of course, the lowest point in North America. Other highlights including the Mesquite Sand dunes, Zabriskie Point, the Devil’s Golf Course, the Artists Drive and Palette and Mosaic Canyon.

We can definitely recommend tacking on a trip to Vegas as well. We’re actually thinking of publishing a new itinerary in the coming months which includes Vegas, as it’s a popular addition 🙂

Gisele leduc says

13th October 2019 at 3:38 pm

Would like to know w ymt is there a bus trip to 14 days in calif. Where does the bus leave from in the US. And approx how much is the cost

14th October 2019 at 8:36 pm

Sorry, could you clarify? Are you looking for a tour of California?

15th October 2019 at 3:32 pm

Looking for next year we live in Ottawa Canada and would like to take a 14 day bus tour especially san Francesco and pacific route. Are there bus tours leaving let’s say from Buffalo, New York we can easily drive to these destinations. I meant leaving from New York City and Buffalo. What would be the cost and does it include meals. Thank u

Gisele Leduv says

15th October 2019 at 7:37 pm

Hi I would like to know if there are Any bus tours leaving from New York City or buffalo 14 day road trip to California especially the pacific coastland. What would be the cost for such a trip.

16th October 2019 at 8:08 pm

Hey Gisele,

I have looked but most tours that depart from New York and go to California are much longer, because the distance is so great from the east coast to the west coast. If you want a tour that focuses more on California, it would definitely be easier to get one that departs from San Francisco or Las Vegas rather than New York – is that a possibility?

vivianchoo says

5th October 2019 at 4:44 am

Good articles and good photos, Helps a lot. Thank you!

5th October 2019 at 10:16 am

My pleasure – have a great trip!

Jason Parsons says

19th August 2019 at 3:23 pm

This is a super inspiring blog. Which area did you stay in Yosemite? We are planning to complete our road trip with 3 nights in Yosemite. We will have a car and plan on day trip walks within the park.using a hotel or lodge as our base.

19th August 2019 at 4:09 pm

Thanks very much! In Yosemite we’ve stayed in a few places. On the trip with the photos in this post, we stayed in Curry Village, which were canvas tents ( https://www.nationalparkreservations.com/lodge/yosemite-curry-village/ ).

Jess has also stayed at the Wawona hotel, and the other lodge options are The Ahwahnee Hotel and the Yosemite Valley Lodge. I would definitely recommend staying with the park if you can as it makes it a lot easier to see everything within a short distance. The various options are at different price points though, so you’ll have to figure out which is best for you 🙂

Have an amazing trip!

julie morton says

15th June 2019 at 4:36 pm

Great article, thank you. I will be doing a similar route with my husband in September. Do you have any further guides on the Mammoth Lakes area or could you suggest somewhere to base ourselves there for a couple of nights please? We will be coming from Death Valley and then heading on to Yosemite.

15th June 2019 at 8:31 pm

Hi Julie! We don’t have anything else about Mammoth Lakes unfortunately on our blogs. We have guides to other parts of California, including Yosemite, but Mammoth Lakes is still on the to do list.

Have a great trip, sorry we couldn’t help this time!

Tara West says

2nd June 2019 at 6:30 pm

Hi there, Just found your blog. Really helpful. Thank you. We are thinking of doing a Californian road trip with our 5 month old baby in Sept. How long are the drives between the places you mention? I wouldnt want to do LA so would probably do San Diego instead. Is there anywhere you advise missing out with a baby? Thanks so much. Tara

3rd June 2019 at 6:26 pm

Our pleasure, we’re delighted to be able to help 🙂

So the drives will obviously vary depending on what you stop and see, but none of the days on the itinerary should have more than four hours driving. We’ve also not got any personal experience with traveling with a baby, however, just bear in mind that even in September Death Valley is going to be very hot. Other than that I don’t see a reason not to go to any of the locations on the list, and Death Valley will be manageable, just take care with the heat 🙂

Priya Singh says

30th April 2019 at 6:40 am

I really appreciate the work you have done, you explained everything in such an amazing and simple way.Good post. I was searched for this topic. Finally, I got the information on this blog. Thanks for the effective information.

30th April 2019 at 5:38 pm

Thanks Priya – pleased we were able to help! Have a great trip 🙂

Rafael says

5th March 2019 at 1:45 pm

Hi guys, great post. I found it really handy now as i’m planning a 3 week road trip through California (and Nevada) in a month (apr 6 to 27). We are starting in LA, just a few days and then planning to go to Joshua Tree (Mojave, is it worth it?), Las vegas, Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Yosemite, San Francisco, and Route 1 back to LA. It’s quite a lot of days, and i find hard to plan where to sleep every night, as i’m not sure how long would it take me to visit every national park, and even cities. So my question is, should i book in advance all different accomodation? In that case how many days should we give to the different national parks and places. As the trip gets so long, we are being really careful with our budget, and that takes me to the second question, what are the best places to stay on a budget in the different stops?

By the way, we are a group of four, planning to rent a car.

Thanks again for your post. Looking forward to read your answer!

Rafael from Uruguay

5th March 2019 at 2:50 pm

Thanks very much 🙂

So to answer your questions. I think Mojave is worth it if you like deserts and wide open spaces.

In terms of accommodation, you are not travelling at a very busy time of year, although it is easter towards the end of April. However there are no Federal holiday, so it should not be too busy. So this means you should be able to book quite last minute. The only places I would advise maybe booking in advance would be any national parks you want to stay in, which can be busy year round. So Yosemite, Grand Canyon and Death Valley, if you plan on staying inside the park, you will want to plan your accommodation in advance.

In terms of budget accommodation, the parks all have campsites, so that would likely be the cheapest option if you don’t mind camping. Some have existing tents you can hire if you don’t want to bring your own tent – Yosemite for example has some nice fixed tents which are not too expensive. For other cities, I’d advise looking at the budget motel chains like Motel 6, Red Roof Inn and so on. These can be very cheap, but do be aware they are not always very central. So you might find something like AirBnB to be more cost effective.

As you are visiting a number of parks you will probably want to buy a national parks pass, which will save you money on parks entry.

I’d also advise taking a look at my guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA, which should give you some more budgeting ideas 🙂

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-travel-in-usa/

Let me know if you have any more questions!

c. m. crawford says

17th February 2019 at 3:22 pm

I would take extra care with possessions in the big cities in California. I left my purse in the back of my rental car, parked in a highly visible location on a beach in San Francisco, and even though there were people walking up and down the beach, the window was smashed and the purse stolen. Luckily wallet & phone were on me and the purse was even found and turned in to the police, but I had to exchange the rental car. Other than that California is awesome.

17th February 2019 at 4:34 pm

Sorry to hear that Cris! This is definitely an issue around the world, we always recommend not leaving any valuables in sight in a car as it makes for a tempting option for a thief 🙁 Glad to hear you got your purse back though!

Matthias says

9th February 2019 at 6:57 pm

Hey you guys! You have a great blog and this post inspired the route for my first trip to California with a buddy (we’re planning on doing pretty much the same route). But our plan is doing it the other way around: Also starting end ending in SF but heading to Yosemite from there and doing the trip clockwise. Would love to hear your thoughts on that idea 🙂

10th February 2019 at 6:06 pm

Hi Matthias!

The route would work either way. The only thing is that many people prefer to drive the PCH from north to south as you are on the right hand side of the road, so you get clearer views. But it’s stunning either way to be honest 🙂

Catherine Smithfield says

18th January 2019 at 4:12 pm

Hi Laurence,

Fabulous site guys… I would love some tips please my husband and I are planning a once in a lifetime trip to the USA, we fly into and out of Los Angeles , arriving 16th October and leaving 5th December. We will be spending thanksgiving with friends in Washington state . We would like to drive the Pacific highway, see some of LA, San Fran , Yosemite,Death Valley Las Vegas,- just very quick as we feel we should see it and the Grand Canyon . We love nature, beautiful landscapes, we are also foodies . Any suggestions would be very welcome , hire car v Rv , obviously due to the length of our trip I would like to be sensible on accommodation costs…is there a reliable decent hotel/motel chain you would recommend, or Airbnb. I have also been looking a5 the trusted Housesitters website but have recently come across a few very negative reviews . Many thanks catherine(UK)

18th January 2019 at 6:33 pm

Hi Catherine!

Thanks so much! We’ll do our best to help out.

So first of all, if you haven’t already, we can definitely recommend checking out the USA sections of both our websites:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/category/destinations/north-america/usa/ https://independenttravelcats.com/category/travel-destinations/united-states/

Where we have loads of posts that you will find useful. Most particularly, I’d advise reading our driving in the USA , and our guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA . That latter one in particular will help you in terms of costing out the trip.

For a hire car, a normal car rental is going to be a lot cheaper than an RV, especially as you will most likely still have to rent campsite space to stay at. A standard hire car in the US will usually start at around $200 a week. Our US travel budget post has a lot more on how to find the best deal and things to watch out for.

In terms of accommodation, the US has a wide range of options. The cheaper chains include: Red Roof Inn, Motel 6, Super 8, America’s Best Value Inn, Travelodge. The next step up would be Comfort Inn and Holiday Inn.

Note that the cheaper hotels are often found a little way outside of towns, often at interstate exit ramps. It’s also worth being aware that they are nearly all franchises, and so as a result the quality can vary dramatically, so it’s always worth reading reviews before visiting.

For booking and reviews, we highly recommend Booking.com . We have nearly always found this to be the cheapest option, even compared to turning up at the property, and the reviews can be a helpful guide. However, just bear in mind that cheaper hotels tend to rate worse, as folks can have high expectations!

Hopefully all this helps, let us know if you have any more specific questions we can help with!

Natasha says

9th January 2019 at 10:22 am

PS We are also planning to visit family in LA and have possible access to accommodation in Pacific Grove so should we be considering finding snow at Big Sur instead of north of San Fran? PPS Budget is going to be very tight!

9th January 2019 at 10:38 am

Hey Natasha!

So I’ll answer the Big Sur question first 🙂 Snow isn’t very common at Big Sur as it’s right by the sea, and it doesn’t usually get much except at higher elevations. The most reliable option is to head east to Tahoe or Yosemite, although that is going to be quite a drive and won’t fall into the definition of a short drive I’m afraid 🙁 The other option is to head up towards Auburn, as you get closer to the Sierra Nevada Mountains you will definitely find snow, but again, this isn’t going to be a short drive.

Whilst there is always a possibility of snow elsewhere, I wouldn’t want to guarantee it!

In terms of house swaps, the closest option we have for you is TrustedHousesitters , but that’s more of a house sitting opportunity than a home swap. I know there are home swapping platforms, but we’re not familiar with them, so I wouldn’t want to give a recommendation!

I hope you have a wonderful trip!

9th January 2019 at 2:44 pm

Thanks for the super-prompt response! Very helpful to know Big Sur is unlikely to tick the box and we hadn’t considered Auburn so I’ll find out more about that instead. Otherwise we’ll stick to Yosemite or Tahoe, which we’ve heard lots about.

9th January 2019 at 2:50 pm

My pleasure! Those two will definitely be fantastic, Yosemite in winter in particular is stunning. We have a guide to visiting Yosemite here 🙂

Also, I know real snow is ideally preferable, but there are a number of locations that generate snow that are going to be closer to San Francisco. If you google “snow in san francisco” or something similar, you should find some options!

9th January 2019 at 10:17 am

Thrilled to find your fascinating and helpful site! We live in Cape Town, and are planning a month in California between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, focussed around spending time with family in San Fran.

But my 14- and 16-year-olds have never experienced snow so we’re looking for guaranteed on-the-ground snow in early/mid December, as short a drive from SF as possible. Skiing not required, but snowman-building and perhaps some sledging would be great.

Also, can you recommend a site we might arrange a house swap through?

20th November 2018 at 8:30 pm

Hi, I’d like to know if February os a good time to make this travel. And what do you think about Sequoia National park?

27th November 2018 at 11:22 am

February would be good, just be aware that there might still be snow in Yosemite and so you’ll need to keep an eye on road closures around that area. We haven’t visited Sequoia National Park, but we have heard it is a great park, well worth visiting 🙂

12th November 2018 at 10:53 am

Hi there! This post has been really helpful as my partner and I are planning our honeymoon for April 2019 and we would love to roadtrip in the US. We have about 12 nights and would love to spend good chunks of time in San Francisco, LA or Santa Monica and some national parks. We would also love to do the Pacific Coast. We were originally thinking of flying into San Francisco and out of LA, but your post has me wondering if a roundtrip is better. Would you suggest we amend your suggested route? Which of the the national parks would be the best to visit?

12th November 2018 at 4:15 pm

Hey Neely! There are so many great National Parks, but Yosemite is definitely up there as one of my favourites. I would say a round trip is better – the route I have outlined makes a nice loop, and car hire is nearly always better value if you return the car where you picked it up 🙂

Chiara says

2nd October 2018 at 5:21 pm

Hi! I love your blog guys! We are thinking about a road trip in California next summer, and this post is a perfect inspiration! We will travel with our kids, they will be 3 and 6 and we have 3 weeks instead of 2. Do you have suggestions on how/where to use the extra days? Considering we can’t plan super long tiring car journeys and have to incorporate some activities they would enjoy too like some beach life, aquariums… Any suggestion is very welcomed! Thank you very much in advance!

4th October 2018 at 4:20 am

Hey Chiara!

So my suggestion would be to follow this itinerary, but just to go a bit slower and spend a bit more time in each place. I’d definitely suggest the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the San Diego Zoo as two great options along the way, and Universal Studios in LA is also sure to be a hit 🙂 Along the PCH you’ll also find loads of lovely beaches, so I think you’ll easily be able to stretch this two week road trip into a three week California itinerary! Have an awesome time!

4th October 2018 at 2:09 pm

Thank you very much!

ANGELINE MONTIJO says

19th August 2018 at 3:48 pm

Hi Im planning a road trip with my family to California from Orlando,Fl on June 2019. I want some advice where should we start.

19th August 2018 at 5:41 pm

Hi Angeline! Do you mean where to start in terms of planning? If you could let me know how long you are travelling for and what your interests are, then we can try to help. In the meantime, we can help out with some tips on driving in the USA:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/tips-for-driving-in-usa/

And some tips on budgeting for your trip:

The overall route you take will also take you through part of our Deep South USA itinerary:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/usa-deep-south-road-trip-itinerary/

As well as parts of our Route 66 itinerary:

https://independenttravelcats.com/2-week-route-66-itinerary-ultimate-american-road-trip/

Which should both serve to help inform your planning on your route 🙂

Lisa Stark says

16th August 2018 at 1:20 pm

Hi, my partner and me are planning to do a road trip next September 2019, starting from San Fran and heading south, eventually arriving in San Diego over a 2 week period. Can you recommend a good car hire company, how long before we should book and some nice places to stop with boutique hotels, This will be out first time in America and I’m completely at a loss where to start planning. Many thanks. Lisa

16th August 2018 at 7:05 pm

Hey Lisa! Well, that’s a great question. There are a number of hire car companies that we recommend, you can see our list here: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/travel-resources/#Car-Rental

It looks like you are doing a one-way trip, so just bear in mind that sometimes the “meta-search” tools that search a variety of providers don’t always account for that. So it might be easier to go direct. We’ve found that it really varies, but we’ve often had success with Enterprise and Hertz. It’s also worth bearing in mind that pick up from an airport location is nearly always more expensive than a city location, so if you can be flexible in that regard you will likely save a bit of money. Especially somewhere like San Francisco, as you don’t really need the car for the city and it will just end up costing you in car parking fees and wasted rental fees for a car you aren’t using.

For hotel and car bookings, I’d usually say the further in advance the better so you have everything sorted and don’t have to worry about it. In terms of stops, your route pretty much follows the Pacific Coast Highway, and we have a super comprehensive guide to all the towns along the route which you can see here:

https://independenttravelcats.com/planning-a-california-pacific-coast-highway-road-trip-from-san-francisco-to-los-angeles/

That also has planning tips and suggestions. I’d also advise reading our tips for driving in the USA: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/tips-for-driving-in-usa/

And our guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-travel-in-usa/

In terms of other things to think about, I’m not sure which country you are coming from, but definitely consider getting a travel credit card that won’t charge you for foreign transaction fees, and maybe a SIM card that offers roaming in the USA. Three in the UK has a pretty good deal for SIM cards that offer free data in the USA.

Hopefully this helps a bit, let me know if you have other questions. It gives me an idea to put together a first timers guide to travelling in the USA 🙂

6th August 2018 at 12:24 pm

This is a great read, thank you for sharing. My partner and I are looking to do a similar trip in October this year. However, we are slightly confused on the route (and in what order) to do it all in. We want to do 14 nights and start in San Francisco and either end in San Diego or Vegas. (Everyone says Vegas is a must see at least once and although not on the top of our list, we thought we could add it on the end).

Our initial thoughts are 3 nights in San Fran, 2 in Yosemite, 1 in Monterey, 1 in Santa Barbara. 3 in la, 2 in San Diego and 2 in Vegas. Does this sound too ambitious? And any thoughts on in what order we would do this? I would appreciate anyones input on this. Thank you in advance!

6th August 2018 at 12:58 pm

My pleasure. So the only slight niggle in your itinerary is that Yosemite is the opposite direction to the Pacific Coast Highway, so that will add a bit of driving time to your route (it’s about 3 – 4 hours each way from San Francisco). I definitely recommend Yosemite, it’s just going to take a bit of time to do it on this trip. Overall your route is certainly do-able, as long as you don’t mind a fair bit of driving. I like that you are scheduling multiple nights in the various locations, that will give you more time to enjoy without rushing. I’d say that your order is pretty good, I can’t think of a better way to do it.

6th August 2018 at 1:27 pm

Thank you for taking the time reply! I am glad it sounds doable. I think the multiple stops should help to break up the drive (I won’t be doing it my other half has that pleasurable job =) ). Yes Yosemite is the one we are are a bit confused about as when to add it. Before or after San Fran and at what point as you say it is out of the way, but is a must for us, and we don’t want to miss anything on the drive down from San Fran to La, so a tricky one. Thank you for your input, much appreciated!

Tim Shakespeare says

24th July 2018 at 9:42 am

Hi there, my wife and I are coming mid October to California for a road trip celebrating my 50th. We start in SF, only for 2 days, then have 3 days before we get to Yosemite. Have you any recommendations of where to visit in that time, we don’t mind going in any direction before heading towards Yosemite? We then head to Las Vegas for my actual birthday for 3 days then onto LA for a further 4 days, any suggestions of where to spend time between the cities?

24th July 2018 at 9:42 pm

Hey Tim! Well, it really depends on what you are interested in! Obviously you’re not too far from Napa Valley if it’s wine you’re after, or you could head north to Redding, where there’s some beautiful scenery. A sojourn along the Pacific Coast Highway, or at least part of it, is also an option – there are so many cute towns along that route to check out (see our guide here: https://independenttravelcats.com/planning-a-california-pacific-coast-highway-road-trip-from-san-francisco-to-los-angeles/

Between Vegas and LA, the obvious choices are Joshua Tree National Park, and the whole Mojave Desert is pretty impressive. I’m assuming you’ll stop at Death Valley from Yosemite, but if not, you could head up that way. Another option is to head south from Vegas and find Route 66, and follow then into LA, which is a fun option. You can see more on Route 66 here: https://independenttravelcats.com/2-week-route-66-itinerary-ultimate-american-road-trip/

Hope this helps a bit! Have a great trip and happy birthday!

tim shakespeare says

27th July 2018 at 2:56 pm

Thanks Laurance, that info is really useful

28th July 2018 at 4:08 pm

My pleasure 🙂

Paula Lambie says

20th July 2018 at 2:35 pm

Hi Laurence, Absolutely loved your article. We are a group of 6 friends that are coming from Trinidad and want to stay about 7-8 days on a road trip starting in LA and possibly leaving from San Fran. We are coming around the end of Feb 2019 and leaving around March 6 or 7th. Still in the planning stages and would appreciate any advice or recommendations. I want to include Yosemite and Sequoia but don”t know if it is feasible with the time period we are looking at. Any advice would greatly be appreciated. Take care.

22nd July 2018 at 9:09 pm

Thanks very much. So Yosemite would be feasible, but you have to bear in mind that in February and March it can still be quite snowy in the park, and it’s also a four hour drive each way from San Francisco, so that’s going to eat up a lot of your time. My suggestion would be to definitely do the Pacific Coast Highway over two or three days, and then depending on your interests, either some time in places like the Joshua Tree, or the cities like LA, San Francisco or San Diego. Another option is to go further north of San Francisco, although Yosemite is a really incredible place and well worth the effort to get out there!

Hope this helps, have a great trip!

Louisa says

12th June 2018 at 6:03 pm

Hi Laurence, We are a family of 5 holidaying in California in August and staying San Francisco (3 nights) -Yosemite (3 nights)-Monterey (2 nights)-Santa Barbara (1 night) and at the moment San Diego (2 nights) and LA (3 nights). I am wondering if we are being over ambitious at the end of the holiday and should just stay in LA rather than driving down to San Diego and back to LA for our flight back? Is San Diego a must see? I am torn between wanting to see it all while we are in California but not overdoing it and rushing too much. What are the travel times likely to be realistically between Santa Barbara, LA and San Diego at that time of year? Thank you for any advice.

13th June 2018 at 11:07 am

Hey Louisa!

I think San Diego is worth visiting, and as you have 3 nights already in LA I don’t think you’ll have too much rush. I will be honest and say that I don’t know exactly what the travel times at that time of year will be, but I find that Google usually estimates travel times pretty well – just avoid the peak rush hours and you should generally be fine 🙂

Shelley says

14th May 2018 at 9:00 am

Hi Laurence, Great website! We are booking a 3 week trip over Christmas. LA to San Francisco, via Vegas/Death Valley etc. Weather wise, what should we expect, particularly with Yosemite? Is there anywhere along the coast which is worth stopping off between LA and San Francisco for a night? Many thanks Shelley from Sydney

14th May 2018 at 2:53 pm

Hi Shelley!

Thanks for your comment – sounds like you have a wonderful trip planned. So, Yosemite in particular can be tricky in winter. It can be accessed, but you need to be aware that it will obviously be quite snowy, and access isn’t possible from all sides – the route I have laid out for example you would have to alter a bit in order to access Yosemite in winter, as the Tioga Road is closed. You also usually can’t get up to Glacier point in winter. But the major attractions in the valley are accessible. For more on visiting Yosemite in Winter, you can check out this guide to Yosemite in a day that Jess wrote: https://independenttravelcats.com/planning-day-yosemite-national-park-introduction-yosemite-valley/

There is a lot to see and do on the Pacific Coast Highway, certainly enough to fill a day or two. There are lots of towns to stop at, and which you choose really depends what you are into. Cambria is a favourite of ours, but there’s a lot to see and do. This post breaks down all the highlights, so you can make an informed decision 🙂

Have a fabulous trip!

Lis Brown says

1st May 2018 at 11:15 pm

Hi Laurence, great post and photos! My husband and I are planing to do 2 weeks driving trip in California, i love all your suggested destinations, I may do the same trip as yours. However, I will be 4 months pregnant (planning to go in May) during the trip, may I know if the in-land route/parks and lake visits are suitable for me and accessible by car or light walking/ light hiking? your trip is start from san francisco and end there too, am i right? thanks in advance!

2nd May 2018 at 8:24 pm

Hi Lis! Thanks very much 😀 The trip does start and end in San Francisco yep.

For your question – I have to admit to not being an expert as we’ve not had any kids, however there is definitely light hiking in the majority of places. Just be aware it can get very hot in some parts of California, so do take plenty of water along. My advice would be to check the websites for the national parks you want to visit and see what hiking routes they have – I think you should be fine, but it’s always best to check as one persons “light hike” is another persons marathon 😉

Theresa says

10th April 2018 at 1:59 am

This looks like a great route, but I was really hoping to see Sequoia National Park. Any advice?

13th April 2018 at 6:16 pm

Hi Theresa! Thanks very much! As that’s in the north, you’d want to add it on near San Francisco. So you could either spend less time in the city, or lose a day somewhere else on the route. It’s hard to give specific advice without knowing your exact interests, but as you sound like you prefer nature to cities, perhaps spending less time in the cities might work better for you? Have a great trip!

15th April 2018 at 5:51 pm

Thanks for your reply. Sequoia National Park is south of Yosemite on the map (Redwood National Park is north of San Francisco). It doesn’t appear that there is road access to Sequoia NP on your route which heads north on 395. I did more research and verified that is the case.

18th April 2018 at 6:22 am

Hi! My apologies, I was thinking of the redwoods to the north of San Francisco and got a bit confused – but that is another option if you can’t make it to Sequoia. Road access can be a challenge due the mountains, and also in winter some of the roads into Yosemite are closed due to snow. So you might have to alter the route a fair bit to make it to Sequoia if that’s a priority 🙂

Jacques says

5th April 2018 at 10:41 pm

Hi Lawrence , we are also considering tyis roadtrip this month. Were from Canada. Assuming we are on the road a giving day with no reservations for a room the same night , by what time do we need to confirm a room or is there plenty of options once arriving early evening. Thank for everything.

6th April 2018 at 5:09 pm

Hi Jacques! At this time of year for the most part you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a room at the last minute. It does depend a little on what level of accommodation you are after, but for quick and easy motels we found they had lots of availability in general. We do definitely advise always checking prices online somewhere like booking.com though, as we nearly always got better deals that way compared to turning up – often the person at the desk didn’t have the power to actually match a price. So do keep that in mind 🙂 Have a great trip, and let me know how it goes!

Jacques Gauthier says

20th May 2018 at 1:13 am

Hi Lawrence ! We decided to take two weeks to travel from San Francisco to LA (Manhattan Beach) . We travel along the coast for these 14 days and enjoyed it tremendously. Next trip will be the National Parks .

Thank you .

20th May 2018 at 2:36 pm

13th March 2018 at 1:27 pm

We are hoping to do everything in your itinerary plus San Diego, we will only have 15 nights and would like to spend at least 2 full days in San Diego and 2 full days in SF, do you think this is reasonable without spending too long out of the 15 days in the car?

13th March 2018 at 8:34 pm

I think that should be do-able yes, if you are focused and don’t get too distracted 😉 Have an awesome trip!

Jacqueline says

19th February 2018 at 4:25 pm

Hi! I am planning a trip with my 10 year old son and love the looks of your itinerary. What would you suggest budget wise for this trip (minus flights) for the two of us?

Thanks, Jacqueline

19th February 2018 at 6:03 pm

Hi Jacqueline! It’s quite tricky to put a budget together on a case by case basis because everyone has different styles and standards of travelling. I’d suggest taking a look at my guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA, which covers pretty much all the areas you need to consider, and should give you some ballpark figures 🙂

Let me know if you still have questions after checking that out 😀

Gai Pendlebury says

12th October 2017 at 11:04 pm

Thank you — what a great and helpful site you have made.We are flying into San francisco from Australia in April.We only have 10 nights.Your suggestions are great — we will miss the LA part.Happy for anyone hear to put in their opinions for an itinerary!We will spent 4 or 5 nights in San fran and 3 in yosemite but the 3 nights are up for grabs –we have done Big Sir before so probs wont go south on the coast.I am thinking maybe Lake tahoe,gold rush towns …love to walk,history, beautiful scenery and quaint American towns.Happy to drive long distances– thank you –your photos are wonderful!

Laurence says

13th October 2017 at 10:33 am

Our pleasure – thanks for commenting to let us know, it’s always appreciated. Sounds like you have some good plans already – one idea might be to head north for Shasta Cascade region and see the caves / redwoods. I have a post about that region on the site too 🙂 Have a fabulous trip!

14th October 2017 at 5:09 am

Thank for that .I will look into it a bit more — I am really impressed with your links for such like 12 best spots for photographing San Fran or Yosemite. So helpful to know where to go to get those great shots!

Jules Selby says

28th August 2017 at 10:24 pm

We are planning two weeks but thinking of hiring an RV instead of hotels, what do you think?

28th August 2017 at 10:43 pm

An RV is definitely a good idea, but do be aware that they can be pricey, and you often have to pay for camping on top of that as well – although there are a lot of places you can camp for free in the US! So really it’s up to you – we’ve done both, and RV’ing is definitely a lot of fun!

Bob Steiner, Jr says

25th June 2017 at 4:07 am

You can’t drive a highway 1 through Big Sur. The highest us closed and detours long and winding over dirt roads

25th June 2017 at 1:32 pm

Thanks for pointing this out. Do you know how long the road will be closed? I’ll put a note in the post.

Erica Landry Napolitano says

16th April 2017 at 7:52 pm

This is some great advice for our upcoming trip. We have almost three weeks out in CA and these will be some great spots! Traveling with an 8 and 10 year old this still seems doable! Thanks.

16th April 2017 at 7:54 pm

My pleasure, have an awesome trip!

Jenna Francisco says

17th September 2016 at 5:18 am

So many good ideas here, and I agree that visitors should plan at least 3 days in San Francisco and Yosemite. One suggestion I’d make related to the “when to visit CA” section–SF and much of the coast are cold and foggy in the summer, so it’s a good idea for visitors to dress in layers and expect lots of fog in summer, that way they won’t be disappointed!

Sarah @ Endless Distances says

14th August 2016 at 1:16 pm

Wow this is so exhaustive!! I’ve don’t the pch before and it’s a dream. I would also definitely recommend staying in Santa Barbara – and the Mexican street food!!!

20th August 2016 at 8:28 pm

Thanks Sarah! It’s a fun place to road trip for sure – thanks for the recommendation!

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California is our favorite destination ever.

I have been enamored with California long before I visited it.

California, San Jose, and the West coast are randomly thrown around in conversations in India – because everyone knows someone working in Silicon Valley – and you can’t help but know about this slice of America.

Growing up, I knew more about Cisco, Apple, Google, and Yahoo (remember when everyone used Yahoo?!) than San Francisco, Yosemite, and Big Sur.

And Disney – because everyone knows Disney!

road trip california coast

California has such a unique history.

The oldest, tallest, and widest trees live here and guess what, they have been around since prehistoric times – yes, even dinosaurs lived among the redwood trees!

One of the lowest, aridest, and hottest places on earth is right here in California in Badwater Basin.

And as for scenic places: California has so many of them!

We love Big Sur and its rocky coast, the wildflower super blooms, blue Lake Tahoe, Mono Lake and its tufas, unique shapes of Joshua trees!

There are so many things to see in California road trip that the list just goes on!

General Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park during the winter

Also Read: 24 Best Places to Visit in California in winter

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And that’s why in our California road trip itinerary of 10 days, we take you around all these unique and beautiful places in the Golden State.

Our California 10 day road trip itinerary is perfect for driving around dreamy landscapes of yellow poppies, orange orchards, purple foliage, and lush green vineyards.

We have divided this California roadtrip itinerary into 4 essential stretches as per the geographic features of the state – yepp, we are that geeky – and you can customize it as you want. 

Best waterproof walking shoes for California beaches

If you are a beach person like me, then extend the Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary to 10 days.

If you are a mountain lover like my hubby, then take a 10 day road trip from San Francisco to Yosemite.

Yosemite Valley Tunnel View in the winter

Pick your favorite area and stay there as long as you want. Or follow our California in 10 days itinerary exactly as described!

As always, we have also included suggestions for if you have more or less time.

Whatever you chose, you are going to have the time of your lives – because this is California!

Balboa Park's Casa de Balboa Building in San Diego, California

“Every time I come, I’m still amazed at the breadth California has. Big Sur, Yosemite, the desert… I love it.” – Theo James, the English actor

Best of California Road Trip 10 Days Itinerary

We, like most people, have seen California in bits and pieces rather than in one go.

We first visited California almost a decade ago and did San Francisco, Los Angeles, and the theme parks.

Second time around, we visited Death Valley National Park on a road trip from Vegas.

Then I lived and worked in the Bay area in tech (oh, the irony!) and that’s when we explored the California National Parks, North Coast, and the Sierra Nevada side of the state.

Our most popular posts: 22 Best City Breaks in the USA The Best Things to do in New York on your first visit Ultimate List of Best Places to visit in the USA

The Napa Valley Sign in Napa California

Most recently, we did the San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip along the gorgeous Pacific Coast Highway – oh and also road-tripped Southern California and Disney with the kids.

On our next trip – we plan to do the North Coast and Redwoods Scenic Highway AGAIN.

Yeah – that’s how much we love California – have been to many destinations several times and still can’t have enough.

The best way to tour California is obviously by driving. The state is beautiful but huge and it’s not easy planning California trip that covers all the major attractions with limited time in hand.

Huntington Beach, California is sunny and warm in winter

And planning a California road trip with kids is even more difficult – how do you prioritize between theme parks and natural attractions?

And that’s where we rush in – your knights in shining armor – delivering the ultimate 10 day California road trip itinerary. 

Our California trip planner is more like going on a series of best California road trips – each more gorgeous than the previous.

Also, we follow this road trip along two of California’s most popular routes: south on the SR1 or Pacific Coast Highway and then back north along the scenic SR 395 through Eastern California .

That’s what makes our itinerary the absolute best California driving trip planner!

You can also call it the California National Parks road trip because we will be visiting the most popular of them on an epic road trip.

We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

road trip california coast

Stretch 1: Down The Pacific Coast – 4 Days

Often enough, when someone talks about a California driving holiday, this stretch along the Pacific Coast Highway is the one they actually mean.

Constantly ranked among the top scenic drives in the world, the coastal drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles is the best of both worlds.

It combines the urban getaways of California’s two largest cities with the natural panoramas of Big Sur and the Pacific. 

If you have limited time, we would recommend spending 3 to 4 days along this route.

If you want to focus only on this coastal road trip, then just drive south on a road trip from San Francisco on SR1.

Take your own time to enjoy roadside stops like Carmel-By-The-Sea, Morro Bay, and the stunning Big Sur.

Hike or camp and explore nature.

Here’s our suggestion for this stretch of 10 day California itinerary planner.

Union Square is the heart of Christmas festivities in San Francisco

San Francisco – 1 Day

Start with our San Francisco road trip planner.

San Francisco is our favorite city to start a 10 day California trip.

The city is quite easy to fly into; the 3 airports of San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland are located close by and many airlines have deals to the Bay area.

We would recommend spending a minimum of one day in San Francisco before picking up your rental car and driving south.

Or you can rent a car before, see SF, and then drive the PCH.

You can also start your 10 day road trip from Los Angeles, in that case, adjust your plans accordingly.

San Francisco street cars look charming during the holidays

Read this now! Whatever you do – don’t casually park your car at an empty garage in San Francisco. Car Break-ins in San Francisco are very common, as we discovered to our ill-fortune . On our latest trip to San Francisco, we had parked in a garage two blocks away from Pier 39 and came back to find the rear glass broken and both our children’s suitcases gone!  We had to spend quite some time to sort the issue and it left a sad memory on an otherwise awesome road trip around California in 10 days. We would recommend parking at your hotel while taking a cab or the tram to explore the city. 

San Francisco has many names – SF, San Fran, Fog City, the City by the Bay, Frisco (though don’t say that in front of locals) or simply, the City – going back to the days of the Wild West when there was nothing much in Northern California but the city.

San Francisco is colorful, vibrant, and bohemian.

It’s amongst our favorite US cities – right there at the top along with New York , Chicago , and New Orleans.

San Francisco City Hall decorated for Christmas

There are quite a few things to do in San Francisco: unsurprisingly most of them begin at or near the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, San Francisco’s gigantic urban park.

Begin your visit at the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center near the southern end of the bridge.

Learn interesting facts and see construction relics from the building of the Golden Gate Bridge before visiting the bridge itself.

Next walk across all 1.7 miles of this engineering marvel and icon of America.

The views of the bay from the bridge are beautiful and you feel an indescribable thrill while walking across it.

Definitely the highlight of your California travel itinerary!

road trip california coast

Up for more adventure?

Bike the Golden Gate!

We have done it twice – most recently with our 3 yrs and 6 months old kids – it is a superb experience.

We love biking across to Sausalito, exploring the quaint town, and taking the ferry back to San Francisco.

You can also bike to the redwoods if you have more time.

Read our ultimate guide to biking the bridge here.

If not biking, then use the rest of your day to explore San Francisco’s highlights: Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39, Lombard Street, and Ghirardelli Square.

If you want to spend more time in San Francisco, see the Painted Ladies – those famous SF houses shown in Full House!

You can also check out the city from the Twin Peaks.

The Golden Gate Park is perfect for a stroll.

Ride the cable car to Chinatown and have some dumplings and noodles for lunch.

Spend an afternoon admiring the beautiful architecture of the Palace of Fine Arts or visit the prison of Alcatraz Island.

Visit the beautiful redwood trees at Muir Woods National Monument or whale watch and hike at Point Reyes.

San Francisco is a beautiful city and you can easily spend a couple of days there as a part of your 10 day trip to California.

Read our San Francisco posts now to plan this part of the trip: San Francisco 3 to 5-day itinerary ideas 17 Best Things to do in San Francisco on your first visit

The area around San Francisco is also full of activities and tourist attractions.

Here are some suggestions if you want to spend a few more days exploring around the Bay Area during your California itinerary of 10 days:

Napa & Sonoma 

Take a day trip from San Francisco to Napa Valley along the Silverado Trail.

Sonoma County is also a great place to visit for wine lovers.

You can tour the many vineyards, taste local wines, dine at Michelin starred restaurants, and visit famous tasting rooms.

If you happen to visit in the fall, you will see beautiful fall colors in the vineyards and be able to attend grape stomping. 

San Jose is popular with millennials and those working in Silicon Valley.

You will find plenty of trendy nightclubs and bars in San Jose.

If you enjoy shopping, check out the high fashion brands on Santana Row.

For outdoor lovers, a hike to Mission Peak is a must while families will love the Winchester Mystery House.

Silicon Valley

If you love tech then you need to visit Silicon Valley.

It boasts the largest concentration of geeks and nerds – and as a fellow geek, I say it quite fondly!

Start your visit at the Computer History Museum to know everything about the machine that changed our lives.

Then see Google’s Android lawn sculptures in Mountain View or the garage where Hewlett Packard began in Palo Alto.

Visit Stanford University’s sprawling campus as well as Facebook and Apple!

McWay Falls, Big Sur, California

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip – 2 Days

On to the next part of the 10 day road trip in California.

After seeing San Francisco, drive south along the SR1 or Pacific Coast Highway.

Over the next 2 days, you will follow the coastal route to Los Angeles while making plenty of stops along the way.

Check the coastal communities of Half Moon Bay and Davenport before reaching Santa Cruz.

If you have kids, spend some time at the Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk.

Next visit Monterey and Carmel by the Sea. Hike in Point Lobos or walk the coastal bluffs at Garrapata State Park.

On the way, you will see secret beaches, hidden coves, and beautiful views. 

Wineries near paso Robles in Central California

As you begin driving PCH1 while following our 10 days in California itinerary, you understand why artists settle here, photographers and writers both wax lyrical about this region, and why the drive is called the most beautiful in the world.

We recommend staying somewhere in the vicinity of Carmel Highlands for the night.

The next day, rise early for the star attraction of the drive: the 90-mile long rugged, wild Big Sur.

Big Sur is 6 hours from Los Angeles and you have a big day ahead.

It is really hard to describe Big Sur.

Rocky cliffs, foaming waves, spring wildflowers, lighthouses, migrating whales, turquoise water, redwood trees: Big Sur has everything.

December in California is the perfect time to go whale watching near Monterey

It is gorgeous in a wild way.

In Big Sur, you will find amazing state parks, some of California’s best hiking trails, iconic beaches, and tons of marine life, including otters, elephant seals, and dolphins.

Some areas of Big Sur can be closed at any given time of the year due to floods or landslides – so we recommend checking out the PCH status before your 10 days road trip California.

Beach hiking trails in Monterey California

Read more about all the attractions including the beautiful McWay Falls in our post One day in Big Sur . 

Other attractions of the Pacific Coast Highway drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles include Monterey’s famous 17-mile drive, the seaside towns of Pismo Beach and Morro Bay, the famous Hearst Castle, Santa Barbara, and the beaches of Malibu.

For the purposes of this California Itinerary of 10 days, we would suggest 2 to 3 days on PCH.

However, if you have more time then the PCH is easily a 4 day to week-long road trip in itself.

To read more about all the awesome stops on PCH and planning a detailed itinerary, check out our article on Planning a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway . 

Also Read: Top 10 Convertible drives in the USA

road trip california coast

Los Angeles – 1 Day

While San Francisco and Silicon Valley are for tech lovers, Los Angeles is for Hollywood fans.

How long to stay in Los Angeles is a tricky question.

If you only have one day in Los Angeles, start by seeing the famous Hollywood sign and then visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame to take selfies with your favorite stars.

Also, see the Kodak Theatre (now Dolby Theatre) which hosts the Oscars and tour the movie star homes on Rodeo Drive.

Venice canals at Christmas in Los Angeles

If you have more time to explore Los Angeles, we suggest starting with lunch at the Santa Monica Pier.

Then visit the Griffith Observatory and see Los Angeles from above.

Or you can take a behind the scenes VIP studio tour at one of your favorite studios: pick from Warner Brothers, Paramount Pictures or Sony!

You can also check out the beautiful exhibits at the Getty Center or the beautiful modern art at the Broad.

LA also has many other top museums and a large number of attractions – read our post on Best Things to do in Los Angeles for more ideas.

For more help in planning your day, read our Los Angeles itinerary for first-time visitors .

road trip california coast

Here are some suggestions to explore the area beyond Downtown Los Angeles:

No California family road trip is complete without a trip to Disney.

Both of California’s Disney Parks are located close to Los Angeles in Anaheim.

On the best California vacation itinerary, you have to meet Mickey, Goofy and other beloved cartoon characters!

Kids also get to meet Disney’s princesses in full attire at the parks.

To plan a California family vacation itinerary including a trip to Disney, read our Disney posts .

Universal Studios

To understand all about movie-making, see movie sets, and enjoy thrilling rides visit Universal Studios.

This theme park has really cool attractions and the Studio Tour will take you through sets based on Shutter Island, Jaws, King Kong, and more.

Harry Potter fans will love visiting Hogwarts and taking thrilling rides based on the books and movies – and is a must-visit if you are spending 10 days in California.

Colorful houses near Santa Cruz, California

Channel Islands National Park

For a unique experience, customize our itinerary for California 10 days and visit the remote Channel Islands.

Comprised of 5 islands, the park has excellent wildlife, sea caves, and lots of natural beauty.

You can take a ferry to the park from Ventura.

Optional: San Diego – 1 Day

From Los Angeles, you can venture on the next part of California 10 day itinerary or extend your trip down the coast by visiting San Diego.

Not many people know that San Diego is the oldest city on the West Coast.

It has beautiful Spanish Colonial architecture and lots of history. 

San Diego, California, downtown skyline

Read our post 22 Best Things to do in San Diego now to know more about this beautiful city.

If you have one day, you can visit the Historic Old Town and understand the Mexican and Wild West roots of the city.

Next, visit the famous Balboa Park with its beautiful architecture, renowned museums, and the San Diego Zoo.

Round off your time in the city by exploring the historic Gaslamp Quarter and its Victorian architecture and trendy eateries, hotels, and pubs.

This area is perfect for ending the day with dinner and drinks.

road trip california coast

If you have more than a day, visit the famous San Diego Sea World and see the dolphins in action.

San Diego is home to many beautiful beaches; the Mission Beach boardwalk is very popular.

Other things to see include Mission San Diego, Sunset Cliffs Park, and the bustling waterfront area of Seaport Village.

If you have more time on 10 day itinerary California, check out the dramatic sculptures in the desert city of Borrego Springs.

Related: For more California road trip ideas, check out our post on 12 Best California road trips

Christmas decorations in Old San Diego Town California

Stretch 2: Through The Arid Californian Desert – 2 Days

Continue on the California road trip route planner through deserts of southern California.

While most people associate California primarily with the coast and then with the dense redwood forests, the state is also renowned for its unique desert landscapes.

Most of these parts of southern California have a desolate beauty.

It is full of desert cities like Palm Springs which offer unique tourist attractions for visitors.

In this post, we focus our California 10 days itinerary on exploring two of the region’s national parks: Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley National Park.

Joshua Tree Landscape

Joshua Tree National Park – 1 Day

Located partly over the Colorado desert and the Mojave desert, Joshua Tree National Park is named after the iconic Joshua tree.

This is a type of Yucca tree that is twisted, scraggly, and found only in the Mojave desert of California.

The easily recognizable tree looks even more dramatic in the desert landscape and bare rock formations of Joshua Tree National Park.

The national park is one of the most underrated California road trip destinations.

Its unique vistas have drawn photographers and artists to the park for decades.

Read our post on One Day in Joshua Tree to plan your trip.

road trip california coast

There are many things to do in Joshua Tree and its otherworldly landscape.

One of the best ways to see Joshua Tree is by driving around the paved road in the park.

Campsites in Joshua Tree are spectacular and hikes through Yucca trees and cacti adventurous.

The Hidden Valley Trail is a short mile-long trail that offers great desert landscape views.

The park has many popular geological rock formations that are used for rock climbing.

The park also has a dark night sky and is good for stargazers, astronomy enthusiasts, and night sky photographers.

Wildlife and birding opportunities around the park are also numerous.

Barker Dam in Joshua Tree National Park at sunrise

Read more in our post 24 Best Things to do in Joshua Tree National Park .

While deciding how to plan a trip to California, we recommend keeping more time aside to explore the many attractions surrounding Joshua Tree.

You can easily include them on a South California road trip from San Diego to Joshua Tree in this order: San Diego – Anza Borrego – Galleta Meadows – Salton Sea – Palm Springs – Joshua Tree.

Here’s some more information about these desert experiences that are worth adding to your itinerary if you have the time.

Salton Sea 

The Salton Sea is an inland lake created by flooding from an irrigation canal of the Colorado River that carries water to the Imperial Valley in 1905.

Several resort communities were built along the new lake.

However, the lake has no discharge and as a result, the water became unusually saline causing the death of marine life.

As a result, the communities were abandoned and are extremely popular with ruin photographers.

If you have teens, then definitely include Bombay Beach ruins in your California vacation itinerary – they will love to see random objects lying on the beach.

Today, the Salton Sea shoreline is filled with deteriorating structures and RV communities.

The Salton Sea is also located directly on top of the San Andreas fault and geothermal activity including mud pools are present along the coast.

The Salton Sea State Recreation Area is popular for birding, boating, picnicking, and camping. 

Beautiful interior of the church at the Santa Barbara Mission in California near Christmas

Palm Springs

Palm Springs, located in the Colorado desert region, is one of the biggest Californian desert cities.

If you want a relaxing vacation, then Palm Springs is one of the best California ideas.

One of its main attractions is the Palm Springs aerial tramway which takes you up Mount San Jacinto and offers great views of the surrounding area.

Palm Springs also has many great museums, boutique stores, restaurants, and resorts.

It is one of the most popular winter vacation destinations in the USA.

If you plan to visit Palm Springs, then check out our post on 30 Best Things to do in Palm Springs, California.

Palm Springs California in amazing to visit in December

Anza Borrego and Galleta Meadows Sculptures in Borrego Springs

While California has many beautiful state parks, few know about its largest – Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

This park is at its most beautiful in the spring when the cacti flower and the desert landscape comes alive with colors.

Anza Borrego Desert State Park is just two hours away from San Diego and can be seen on a San Diego Joshua Valley road trip.

In nearby Borrego Springs, you can see the unusual Galleta Meadows Estate sculptures.

These sculptures created by artist Ricardo Breceda are free to visit and beautiful works of art.

By driving all over the land you can spot dragons, serpents, wooly mammoths, and other fantastic creatures.  

Also, read our post on Planning the ultimate Southern California itinerary.

road trip california coast

Coachella Valley Preserve 

Coachella’s Thousand Palms Oasis is a unique chance to see the oasis environment in the middle of the desert.

The oases directly sit on fault lines and the water seeping through the faults has given life to California Fan Palms and other big palms in the arid desert.

Wildlife including sheep, goats, bobcats, etc, also can be spotted at the oasis.

Entry to the reserve is free and it has many hiking trails plus offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

There are also other hiking areas close to Coachella Valley Preserve including Indian Canyons where you can hike through slot canyons. 

Scenic road to Death Valley National park, California

Death Valley National Park – 1 Day

Comprising of areas of the Mojave desert and the Great Basin desert, Death Valley is vastly different than Joshua Tree National Park.

For the most part, Death Valley is devoid of vegetation and is home to a variety of geological formations including the badlands, sand dunes, and the famous salt flats.

Death Valley also has the distinction of being the lowest point in North America and is also one of the hottest and driest places in the country.

road trip california coast

No trip to Death Valley National Park is complete without visiting the Badwater Basin salt flats.

The salt flats, at 282 feet below sea level, are the lowest place in North America.

Death Valley National Park has many scenic drives that are perfect for exploring around the park.

Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes are good for taking a stroll, exploring the desert plants, viewing animal tracks, and sunrise/sunset photography.

The park has many interesting geological formations.

Death Valley also has a dark night sky and is great for stargazing and photographing the Milky Way.

Read our post on 14 Best Things to do in Death Valley National Park for more information.

Badlands view from Zabriskie Point in Death Valley National Park at Dusk, California

We know you are planning to roadtrip California, but we can’t talk about Death Valley without mentioning Las Vegas.

Las Vegas is also a great city to begin your road trip to California.

The distance between Vegas and Death Valley is just over 2 hours and the route is quite scenic.

In fact, it is one of our favorite road trips from Las Vegas.

You can see the Sin City and then go on a road trip through California – an epic Las Vegas Los Angeles San Francisco trip, if you will!

Or you can also go on a memorable Las Vegas Grand Canyon road trip from California.

For Las Vegas travel inspiration, read our post on 52 Best Things to do in Las Vegas .

Frozen Convict Lake surrounded by mountains on a winter day;

Stretch 3: Up Through The Sierra Nevada – 4 Days

After seeing Death Valley, take a road trip on California’s Scenic Highway 395.

This road trip is scenic whether you do it from north to south or like we recommend here, from south to north.

The best time to see the aspens turn yellow here is in fall.

The total distance from Death Valley to your final destination of Yosemite is 4 hours when the Lee Vining road to Yosemite is open in the summer.

However, we recommend keeping aside 4 days for this road trip as it has some of the most underrated road trip destinations in California including the Manzanar National Historic Site, Alabama Hills, Ancient Bristlecone pine forest, Bodie Ghost Town, etc.

For more information on these Route 395 stops, see this article .

Roads in Kings Canyon National Park in winter

For the purposes of this itinerary, we focus on the popular attractions of Mammoth Lakes, Yosemite, and Lake Tahoe. 

Route 395 will take you high up into the Sierra Nevada mountains, known for their spectacular beauty.

The Sierra Nevadas are home to many national and state parks including the mighty Yosemite and crystal clear high mountain lakes.

For the rest of your Californian road trip, you will be exploring the High Sierras and its many breathtaking attractions.

This is a welcome respite after the desert landscapes of Death Valley and Joshua Tree and depending on when you visit you will be able to see beautiful meadows, wildflowers, fall foliage, and even snow!

Lake Tahoe looks spectacular even in the winter

Mammoth Lakes And Mono Lake – 1 Day

Contrary to their name, Mammoth Lakes is not a lake but a winter ski town in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Mammoth Mountain is the main winter skiing area with a variety of ski runs.

In summer, it is a favorite with mountain bikers and hikers.

The town does have several beautiful lakes that are accessible only in the summer but none of them are named Mammoth.

The area has beautiful alpine meadows with wildflowers in spring and natural hot springs for some R&R.

In one day, we recommend taking the roughly one hour drive around the Lakes Basin and visiting all the lakes.

You can hike, picnic, kayak, and fish in whichever lake you like.

Or maybe just hang up a hammock and read a book by the lake.

road trip california coast

Nearby Mono Lake is a saltwater lake surrounded by unique towering limestone formations called the tufa.

The lake visitor center has great information about the formation of the lake and the tufa while the short South Tufa trail is great for exploring the surrounding area.

The trail takes you along the lakeshore and among the tufas.

We suggest stopping here for an hour or so; Mono Lake accepts National Park Pass for entry.

On the way from Mammoth Lakes to Mono Lake, you will pass by June Lake and Devils Postpile Monument.

Enjoy snowshoeing on Lake Tahoe in winter

June Lake Loop Road is a great place to see the fall colors while the Devils Postpile National Monument is a unique geological formation of basalt columns.

Rainbow Falls, a 31m plunging waterfall, is another popular attraction of the monument.

Past Mono Lake, take the Lee Vining Road into Yosemite.

The official name of the road is Tioga Pass Road and it is closed in winter and spring (usually November to May) due to snow.

In that case, you can’t really visit Yosemite from the eastern side.

To know alternative routes in winter, check here . 

road trip california coast

Yosemite National Park – 2 Days

Best known for its giant sequoia trees, bald granite cliffs, and spectacular waterfalls, Yosemite National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Yosemite along with Yellowstone National Park and Grand Canyon National Park is known as the ‘Big Three’ and receives over 4 million visitors each year.

Yosemite is a must-stop on any Ca road trip itinerary.

The best time to visit Yosemite National Park is from the summer to fall when Tioga Pass Road is open.

Beautiful winter scenery in Yosemite National Park, California

We suggest spending 2 days in Yosemite National Park to hike, drive along scenic roads, and see the major attractions. 

On your first day, start by taking a Yosemite Valley Tour.

The Yosemite Valley is surrounded by the bald granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome.

Most of the waterfalls including Yosemite Falls are also located in the valley.

The Valley is also where most of the park services including accommodations, shuttle buses, etc are located.

The Valley has hiking trails for all difficulty levels that lead to stunning views of Yosemite.

Lower Yosemite Falls hike is a short and easy trail that goes to the base of the falls.

road trip california coast

Touring the Yosemite Valley via the free shuttle bus is the easiest way to see the national park.

However, if you are visiting in summer (especially long weekends) it can get very crowded – so plan to start early in the morning.

The Valley Visitor Center has great information and exhibits about the history and geology of Yosemite, plus it is a good place to get souvenirs, postcards, and magnets.

The aptly-named Mirror Lake reflects Half Dome peak and is beautiful to visit.

However, it dries up towards the end of summer and is best seen in spring/summer. 

Another must in the Valley if you’re visiting in summer is Glacier Point.

Located along the valley rim, it can be reached only by car or private tour.

The views from Glacier Point are stellar. It is also the base for many of Yosemite’s rim hikes.

We suggest spending one day exploring the valley. Yosemite also offers paid guided tours if you prefer them.

road trip california coast

On the next day, you can go up the Tioga Pass road if it is clear of snow.

This is your chance to experience Yosemite devoid of the crowds.

The shuttle bus will take you up the Tioga Pass road to Tuolumne Meadows.

To see Yosemite’s giant sequoia trees, visit the Mariposa Grove.

This area is also accessible by the park shuttle.

End your day by visiting Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite Village.

Photographer Ansel Adams’s stunning black and white photos of Yosemite are a great reminder of how Yosemite looked over half a century ago.

Lake Tahoe And Emerald Bay – 1 Day

If you continue along Route 395 from Yosemite, you will reach lake Tahoe.

Note: Route 395 itself does not reach Lake Tahoe, so you will be following 207 from the Nevada side. 

The deep blue water of Lake Tahoe surrounded by snow-clad mountain peaks of the Sierra Nevadas is one of California’s iconic images.

Located on the California-Nevada border, Lake Tahoe is a popular travel destination for Californians throughout the year.

In winter it is popular for snowshoeing, skiing, and sledding.

Summer in Lake Tahoe is made for biking and camping.

In fall, the area around Lake Tahoe comes alive with spectacular fall foliage and is one of the top fall drives in the country .

South Lake Tahoe or the California side is best for enjoying the outdoors and nature with family while the Nevada side has lots of casinos and is more touristy.

road trip california coast

Crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe (CC 2.0 – Christian Abend )

The drive around Lake Tahoe is 72 miles long and takes about three hours.

It is highly scenic and one of the best road trips in California.

Much of the shoreline of Lake Tahoe is public and the views of the lake from the drive are stunning.

The lake looks a pretty shade of blue during the day and taking a beautiful picture of the water is a highlight of your visit.

An essential stop along the drive is the Emerald Bay State Park.

The drive here is spectacular and the views of the turquoise lake are lovely.

There are many other ways to enjoy Lake Tahoe.

You can take a helicopter tour or enjoy watersports on the lake.

The Sierra Nevada mountain ranges are an absolute delight for outdoor and nature lovers.

What you will see in these 4 days is just the tip of the iceberg.

The High Sierras have many beautiful alpine valleys, lakes, ghost towns, waterfalls, and hiking trails worth exploring.

If you can spend more time in the Sierra Nevada, then here are some other must attractions:

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks 

These are the two other national parks located in the High Sierras.

The giant sequoias surround you as you drive the park roads creating a surreal and unique experience.

The twisting and turning roads here are not for the faint-hearted (hint: carry some Dramamine!).

Both national parks have great hiking trails and lots of wildlife.

John Muir Trail

While it is not possible to hike in a short time, John Muir Trail deserves a special mention.

This is a long-distance trail in the Sierra Nevada and passes through Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks.

It is as renowned as the Appalachian or the Pacific Crest Trail. 

Bodie Ghost Town

The old mining ghost town of Bodie is an hour away from Mammoth Lakes.

Preserved as a state park, the town is full of historic saloons and deserted buildings.

While Sacramento is not in the Sierra Nevada mountain ranges, the city is on the way while returning to San Francisco from Lake Tahoe and makes for a great addition to our California road trip itinerary recommendations.

One of the top attractions in Sacramento is the California State Railroad Museum.

road trip california coast

Stretch 4: Along The Wild North Coast

There are many things to do in Northern California including national parks, scenic drives, beautiful coastal towns, and more.

You will need another 5 days minimum to fully explore the Northern part of the state.

Hence, we do not recommend covering the North Coast if you are following this California Road Trip Itinerary for 10 Days – you simply won’t have time.

The best way to explore this region is to plan a separate road trip in the northern part of the state, the details of which you can read here in our post, Ultimate Northern California road trip itinerary .

California’s North Coast is less visited, unspoiled, and partially unexplored compared to the famous central Coast and the crowded southern coast.

The prehistoric coastal redwood trees grow in groves along the road all the way up to Oregon.

Hwy 1 ends at Leggett where it joins Hwy 101.

While the road follows the coast, for the most part, it turns inward in the area of the Lost Coast.

The remote Lost Coast as the name suggests is devoid of major highways and remains the ultimate adventure for a 10 day trip to California.

road trip california coast

However, the coast is not the only unique thing about Northern California.

The northern part of the state is also home to geothermal activity.

You can climb lava tunnels at Lava Beds National Monument and see volcanic craters, domes, mud pools, etc at Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Here are a few attractions of the region:

Redwoods National and State Park

The Redwoods National and State Parks were created to preserve the old-growth redwood forests.

The Redwoods are the tallest living trees on Earth and also among the oldest.

The National Park and state parks are also home to a number of endangered animals including spotted owl, species of sea lions, etc.

The unique environment of the dense redwood forests by the coast has resulted in the park being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Seeing the Redwoods covered in fog during winter or spring is a surreal experience.

Point Reyes

Point Reyes National Seashore, located in Marin County, preserves a large swath of northern California’s coastal wilderness.

Most popular attractions at Point Reyes include Alamere Falls on Wildcat Beach and Point Reyes Lighthouse.

Other attractions include the endangered tule elk herd that can be seen around Tomales Point, Native American redwood houses, earthquake trail, and dramatic cliffside beaches.

road trip california coast

Avenue of the Giants

Avenue of the Giants is an over 30 miles long scenic highway that passes through the Humboldt Redwoods State Park and its mighty coastal redwood trees.

Roadside attractions include tunnels cut into redwood trees, giant groves, and unique roadside attractions like a house created from a single redwood log and a Redwood RV.

We suggest hiking in the Redwood groves to experience the truly gigantic trees.

The quaint seaside town of Mendocino is quite different from the coastal towns on the Central Coast.

It reminded me of Maine and the coastal upper East coast due to its Victorian mansions painted in pretty pastel colors.

The town is a historical landmark and very pretty to wander and explore.

Nearby Mendocino Headlands State Park and Russian Gulch State Park are worth a visit.

Nearby Fort Bragg is no fort but a lumber town on the North Coast.

The famous ‘Glass Beach’ of which I’m sure you have seen pics floating around on social media is in Fort Bragg.

The beach is a part of MacKerricher State Park, a state park with amazing views of the undeveloped headlands, beaches, and tide pools.

Another popular attraction in Fort Bragg is the Skunk Train – a railroad built to haul timber logs from the redwood forests.

Other attractions on the North Coast include the pretty Victorian towns of Ferndale and Eureka, Del Norte Redwood State Park, and the seaport community of Crescent City.

More 10 Day California itinerary ideas for slow travelers

You can use our California road trip planner to customize your itinerary based on your interests. 

If you can only spend 10 days in California, then seeing all the above attractions can be overwhelming; here are a few suggestions for those who like slow travel.

California coast road trip itinerary

One great option is to go on a 10 day pacific coast highway trip or 10 day west coast road trip.

That way you can spend more time in the cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles while seeing Big Sur at a leisurely pace. 

On this San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip in 10 days, you can tour the lighthouses, hike the trails, picnic on the beach, visit the wineries of the Central Coast, and enjoy nature – seriously the best road trip in California. 

You can even do the San Francisco to San Diego road trip in 10 days.

In that case, we would recommend keeping aside 2 days each for the 3 major cities and spending the rest of the time in the Big Sur region. 

This San Francisco 10 days trip lets you enjoy the beauty of the coast while visiting the Sierra Nevadas and the desert later.

California National Parks itinerary

California has 9 national parks – all of them are unique and make for an exciting California National park road trip. 

You can visit either the most popular ones or all of them, depending on how much time you want to spend in each park. 

We would suggest starting from Los Angeles, then seeing Joshua Tree and Death Valley before visiting Kings Canyon and Sequoia. 

Then see the beautiful Yosemite Valley. From Yosemite, head north to Lassen and then finally see Redwoods parks before returning to San Francisco. 

You can also see Pinnacles and Channel Islands if you have the time, to complete the national parks in California road trip. 

You can also use this route for creating your own California RV trip itinerary, since most national parks have RV campgrounds. 

Northern California road trip itinerary

Another great option for those who like slow travel is to plan a Northern California itinerary for 10 days. 

Start your road trip from San Francisco and drive along the less visited North Coast and see the majestic redwood trees. 

Drive along the Redwoods Scenic Byway before turning towards the mountains and exploring the caves at Lava Tubes National Monument. 

Visit Mount Shasta on your way to Lassen Volcanic National Park and end your trip in Sacramento, a couple of hours away from San Francisco. 

For more information on how to plan a California road trip focusing on the northern part of the state, read our in-depth post on Northern California road trip .

If you have less time: California itinerary 7 days

If you can’t spare 10 days, then we also have suggestions for 7 day California road trip routes. 

With only 7 days in california, we would recommend focusing on one region and exploring it at a leisurely pace. 

Of course, you can opt for a 7 day southern California itinerary or a 7 day California coast road trip along the PCH, but you can also consider some unique road trip ideas in California which explore its most popular attractions. 

Here are our favorites if you want to see the best of California in a week:

7 day road trip from San Francisco to Yosemite

If you are wondering how to spend a week in California but still see the most popular attractions, then this itinerary is for you. 

Start your road trip in San Francisco, see the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, Mission District, Fisherman’s Wharf etc in two days. 

Then spend a day in Napa Valley and nearby Calistoga before seeing Sacramento.

In Sacramento, see the state capitol and the railroad museum then make your way to Yosemite National Park. 

Take a tour of the Yosemite Valley and see the famous El Capitan as well as the many waterfalls.

Enjoy the panoramic view from the Tunnel View Outlook. 

Then depending on the season, visit the Tuolumne Meadows area.

Return to San Francisco to complete 7 day road trip in California.

North California coast road trip

This California 1 week itinerary is perfect for slow travel. 

Land in San Francisco and take a day or two to explore it’s many attractions.

Then rent a car and drive north. 

Part of this road trip is on the Pacific Coast Highway 1 till Legett, after which you will be driving along the famous Redwood scenic byway. 

For your first stop, explore the beautiful Point Reyes.

See the lighthouse and the shipwreck, then eat oysters in Tomales Bay. 

Drive along the Avenue of the Giants and pass through the Redwood tunnels. 

Hike in the prehistoric Fern Canyon and visit the glass beach at Fort Bragg, then last stop at Eureka or Crescent City to finish the California coast 7 day itinerary.

7 Day Southern California trip itinerary

For this ca road trip planner, begin your trip with a day or two in San Diego or Los Angeles and then wind your way around Southern California’s desert attractions. 

See famous Joshua Tree and Palm Springs.

Enjoy the fantastic landscape of the Mojave desert and drink a delicious date shake.

See the sculptures in Borrego Springs. 

Then visit Anaheim and enjoy the theme parks.

There are also many things to do in Anaheim besides Disney. 

7 Day California Coast Road Trip

This is one of the most popular california driving holidays itineraries.

Follow this California road trip itinerary 7 days along the world famous Pacific Coast Highway. 

See the major cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Explore the charming mountain side towns of Pismo Beach and Morro Bay. Learn to surf and spot the elephant seals. 

Spend some time hiking and enjoying the wild, rugged vibe of Big Sur.

Take a tour of the Point Sur Lighthouse and hike down to Keyhole Rock. Go whale watching. 

If you have more time: California road trip itinerary 14 days

This two week california driving itinerary is perfect for long summer vacations, when most parts of the state including the High Sierras are completely accessible. 

Just use our main California trip planner, but add in all optional ideas including San Diego and the beautiful northern coast. 

Then see the Lassen Volcanic National Park area and visit the beautiful Burney Falls from Redding.

Spend some time in Mount Shasta and head back to San Francisco to complete California 2 week itinerary.

We hope you liked our California road trip blog.

Now you have everything ready to plan your perfect California trip itinerary, so make the most of it.

Did we miss any hidden gems in the Golden State?

Which part of the road trip did you enjoy the most? Let us know in the comments!

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road trip california coast

The California coast offers up one of the world’s greatest road trips

Through ancient redwoods, a surfer’s paradise, quaint harbours and endless ocean lookouts, cruising up California’s Highway 1 captures the value of seeing the world from the road

In Big Sur, the narrow pavement cuts through lush forests lined with roadside lodges before snaking along the edge of cliffs that tumble deep into the rocky sea. Heading north, it passes in front of windblown meadows, Carmel’s cliffside estates, miles of undulating dunes and the Santa Cruz wharf, stretching out into the dramatic surf. An hour away in Half Moon Bay, it turns off toward Pillar Point Harbor, packed with fishing boats overflowing with the morning’s catch, before the road climbs again, passing through Montara Mountain and hanging right toward the hills of Pacifica and San Francisco.

Since the Pacific Coast Highway was completed in 1937, the drive along the California coast has been considered one of the world’s great road trips, rivalling the hairpin turns of Italy’s Amalfi Coast and the highland vistas of northern Scotland. It stands out for how quickly the landscape – and the weather – can change around every bend, highlighting the diversity of the state’s climate and natural beauty. While researching the three-hour route between Big Sur and San Francisco, it can be tempting to plan a quick driving getaway along the Pacific. But you quickly learn that the relatively short journey can easily be stretched out to a week or two as you settle into the relaxed energy of each stop along the way.

Waking up in Big Sur at the Ventana resort, before the morning light hits the ocean and the towering trees that surround you, it’s the sweet scent of the forest that puts you immediately at ease. The campus of contemporary wood-clad buildings houses 54 guest rooms and suites with balconies where you can spend the day sprawled out on your hammock. The 160-acre property also includes Japanese-style hot baths, hiking paths through the redwoods and a daily calendar of classes and workshops – Floating Meditation or Intuitive Fermentation? – that pay homage to the area’s history as a spiritual and wellness destination.

Below the hotel, taking Highway 1 south drops you at Nepenthe, a longstanding pit stop that includes an eclectic boutique, café and restaurant in a rustic treehouse with a sprawling outdoor patio. Turning north and crossing over the landmark Bixby Bridge will steer you toward Monterey, passing the Carmel Valley and its detour-worthy tasting rooms. To get close to the vines without going too far off course, Folktale is a winery that grows grapes on its picturesque property for juicy bottles labelled Carbonic Sangiovese.

When you pull into Santa Cruz’s Dream Inn, a lushly-planted mid-century modern hotel among the Victorian villas on palm tree-lined West Cliff Drive, it feels like you’ve taken a wrong turn and ended up in Palm Springs. There’s not a desert outside your window, though, but wetsuit-clad locals running for the waves that have long made the city a centre for surf culture. Further up the coast, at Natural Bridges State Beach, the sea is full of bobbing boards until sunset when a rush of surfers catch their final wave back to shore.

At the Oceano Hotel and Spa in Half Moon Bay, your balcony offers a front row seat to the bustling harbour, where you can get out onto the water on a whale-watching cruise or buy a bag full of Dungeness crabs to boil up for dinner directly off a boat. You’re also walking distance to Jettywave Distillery, with its buzzy weekend patio, and Barbara’s Fishtrap, a Half Moon Bay destination for fish and chips. A dinner at the lively Peruvian restaurant La Costanera will likely earn the top spot on your list of the trip’s most memorable meals.

Toward the end of this journey is Devil’s Slide Trail. A decade ago, this two-kilometre stretch of Highway 1 was converted into a pedestrian and cycling path. Walking along the car-free pavement is a treat for the trip’s designated driver, who can finally gaze out at the ocean panorama without worrying about swerving into oncoming traffic. It’s nice to stretch your legs but the driver’s seat is calling. The next pullout is a few kilometres up the highway, waiting to show you another completely novel view of the California coast.

road trip california coast

Arriving at the Ventana Big Sur, you’re immediately immersed in sea, sky and lush greenery.

Isabel Marant coat, price on request, shorts, $720, boots, $945 through isabelmarant.com. Bag, price on request at Bottega Veneta (bottegaveneta.com). Oakley sunglasses, $274 through oakley.com. Corey Moranis necklace, $155 through coreymoranis.com. 1964 Corvette Stingray provided by Monterey Touring Vehicles (montereytouringvehicles.com).

road trip california coast

LEFT: Shirt, $7,200, shorts, $6,800, sandals, $1,150 at Hermès ( hermes.com ). Socks, price on request at Uniqlo ( uniqlo.com ). Ganni hat, $150 at Ssense ( ssense.com ). (Left) Tekla shirt, $275, trousers, $235, towel, $105 through teklafabrics.com . Michelle Ross earrings, $178 through mnross.com .

RIGHT: Tekla shirt, $275, trousers, $235, towel, $105 through teklafabrics.com . Michelle Ross earrings, $178 through mnross.com .

road trip california coast

LEFT: Miu Miu shirt, $1,590, polo, $1,200, swimsuit bottoms, $1,070 through miumiu.com . Tekla towel, $105 through teklafabrics.com . Socks, price on request at Uniqlo ( uniqlo.com ).

RIGHT: Sweater, top, trousers, all price on request at Bottega Veneta ( bottegaveneta.com ).

road trip california coast

NEW CASUAL. Sophie Buhai’s sculptural belt elevates a checked Oxford, worn here at the Folktale Winery & Vineyards in Carmel.

Vintage Polo Ralph Lauren shirt, $35 at People’s Champ Vintage ( peopleschampvintage.com ). Issey Miyake jacket, $1,645, trousers, $1,465 at Holt Renfrew ( holtrenfrew.com ). Sophie Buhai belt, $2,220 through sophiebuhai.com . Michelle Ross earrings, $178 through mnross.com .

road trip california coast

LEFT: Top, jacket, both price on request at Chanel ( chanel.com ). (Right)

RIGHT: Dress, price on request at Chanel. Sophie Buhai necklace, $450 through sophiebuhai.com .

road trip california coast

LEFT: Rejina Pyo suit jacket, £650, trousers, £495 through rejinapyo.com . Vintage Polo Ralph Lauren sweater, $40 at People’s Champ Vintage ( peopleschampvintage.com ). Keen shoes, $130 through keenfootwear.com .

RIGHT: Sweater, $925, shorts, $565 at Max Mara ( maxmara.com ). Isa Boulder hat, $255 at Ssense ( ssense.com ). Sophie Buhai rings, $550 to $895 through sophiebuhai.com .

road trip california coast

DIVE IN. A gauzy Issey Miyake piece mimics the sleek silhouette of a surfer’s wetsuit.

Issey Miyake dress, $1,395 through isseymiyake.com.

road trip california coast

LEFT: Dress, $24,000, sandals, $1,150 at Hermès ( hermes.com ). Vintage patchwork coat, $100 at People’s Champ Vintage ( peopleschampvintage.com ). Photographed with Riptide Charters ( riptide.net ).

RIGHT: Saks Potts shirt, $370 at Ssense ( ssense.com ). Michelle Ross pearl necklace, $265, tiger’s eye necklace, $315 through mnross.com .

road trip california coast

LEFT: Nanushka shirt, $795 through nanushka.com . Comme Si shorts, $97, socks, $192/set of five through commesi.com . Tilley archival hat ( ca.tilley.com ). G.H. Bass loafers, US$175 through ghbass.com .

RIGHT: Saks Potts sweater, $585 at Ssense ( ssense.com ). Trousers, $195, bags, $265 to $341 at Lacoste ( lacoste.com ). Keen shoes, $140 through keenfootwear.ca .

(Return to top)

ON LOCATION

Big Sur and Carmel-by-the-Sea

Alila Ventana

Originally opened as the Ventana Inn in 1975, this mountainside escape became part of Hyatt’s Alila collection of boutique luxury properties in 2017. At the resort, you’ll also find the Sur House, an all-day dining spot with a spectacular terrace overlooking the Pacific. Stays from US$1,500/night through ventanabigsur.com .

Bixby Bridge

Parking is very limited at the southbound lookout next to this local landmark – made world famous in the opening sequence of the HBO series Big Little Lies – but it’s worth a stop if there’s a safe place to do so. visitcalifornia.com .

Folktale Winery

This Carmel winery is unique for growing grapes on its estate, a Bordeaux-inspired property that also hosts special events and concerts outside of its tasting room. folktalewinery.com .

Monterey Touring Vehicles

From the 1964 Corvette Stingray featured in this story to a VW microbus and Porsche Speedsters, this local outfit can set you up with your dream car for a day of touring the coast. Rentals from US$379/four hours through montereytouringvehicles.com .

Inside this restaurant, which sits atop Café Kevah and the Phoenix Shop, wooden tables and benches upholstered in retro tones of orange, green and blue surround a sculptural circular fireplace. nepenthe.com .

Barceloneta

Proper paella is the star of the meal at this spot in Santa Cruz’s pedestrian-friendly downtown. eatbarceloneta.com .

Op-art wallpaper and mid-century modern lighting accent the Dream Inn’s rooms, which feel like they hover over the Pacific with vistas of the city’s boardwalk and colourful amusement park. Stays from US$239/night through dreaminnsantacruz.com.

Natural Bridges State Beach

Through a grove of eucalyptus trees, this more secluded stretch of sand offers views of a naturally occurring arched rock formation, sea life and surfers. parks.ca.gov .

Half Moon Bay

Barbara’s Fishtrap

If the weekend lineup is too long outside of this local institution, get your fish and chips to go and enjoy it at the outdoor tables overlooking Pillar Point Harbor. barbarasfishtrap.com .

Devil’s Slide Trail

This section of highway-turned pedestrian walkway is part of the ever-expanding California Coastal Trail, which will travel from Oregon down to Mexico. smcgov.org .

Jettywave Distillery

On a Friday evening, locals gather around the fire pits on this distillery’s patio, sampling cocktails, craft spirits and food from a campus of bar and food trucks. jettywave.com .

Oceano Hotel & Spa

This all-suite hotel is the centrepiece of a waterfront complex that also includes Caffé Mezza Luna, Hop Dogma Brewing Co. and a covered arcade where you’ll find the hotel spa. Stays from US$289/night through oceanohalfmoonbay.com .

La Costanera

Toast your trip with a Pisco Sour and a spread of ceviches and bocaditos by Michelin-starred chef Carlos Altamirano. lacostanerarestaurant.com .

Style Advisor travelled to California as a guest of Visit California. The tourism board did not review or approve this article prior to publication.

Makeup and hair by Julie Cusson for Chanel Beauty using the limited-edition Chanel Spring 2024 makeup collection: Les 4 Ombres in 88 Coral Treasure, Baume Essentiel in Mermaid Glow and Rouge Allure Laque in 92 Sea Shell ( chanel.com ). Model: Amber Witcomb at Want Management. Photo assistant: Aljosa Alijagic. Styling assistant: Shae Holt.

For more information on touring the California coast between Big Sur and San Francisco, visit visitcalifornia.com , as well as the local tourism boards including seemonterey.com , santacruz.org and thesanfranciscopeninsula.com .

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2TravelDads

Complete California Coast Road Trip from Tip to Tip

By: Author Rob Taylor

Posted on Published: April 6, 2022  - Last updated: December 16, 2022

Complete California Coast Road Trip from Tip to Tip

There is nothing like a California Coast road trip.   That California life is so awesome with all that nature and sunshine.  What better way to experience it than by doing a California coast road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway?  This California road trip itinerary begins at the northern border, but reverse this travel plan and you’ll have just as amazing of a time by starting in San Diego.

These are our best ideas for a CA coast road trip. Lots of things to do along the coastal drive including California lighthouses, hikes in state parks, beach stops along Highway 1 and even awesome foodie finds along the coast.

So you’ve just crossed the border from Oregon into California on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), aka Highway 1 (and sometimes 101).  Get ready because your California coast road trip is going to be totally different than what you experienced in Washington and Oregon .  This road trip itinerary visits Big Sur and Monterey as you drive from San Francisco to LA. You’ll visit the Redwoods, California missions and more along the PCH.

Complete California Coast road trip plan. From the Oregon border all the way to Tijuana, the best stops and iconic sights not to miss in California. #California #roadtrip

Get my book, The Road Trip Survival Guide , for great tips and tricks for a successful road trip!

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

Is it better to drive up or down the California Coast? Your starting point for a California Coast road trip also determines your ending point. So if you want to do the Pacific Coast Highway from San Diego and enjoy the LA to San Francisco drive, you could do a 7 day trip itinerary and end in SF without doing the northern coast.

If you’re more interested in spending the majority of your time on the Pacific Coast Highway in Monterey and Big Sur, then you could begin in San Francisco for a drive to Los Angeles or San Diego.

As you make your itinerary, at least 7 days is ideal for a California Coast road trip. You’ll have warmer, sunnier weather in SoCal, no doubt, but getting time up on the rugged northern coasts of Sonoma County and Redwoods National Park is amazing. For a 7 day California road trip itinerary split your time like this:

  • 2 days on Northern California Coast
  • 3 days from San Francisco to Los Angeles
  • 2 day from LA to San Diego
  • add single days for extra time in San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, LA or San Diego

So what do we pick? We vote to drive the California Coast from North to South, so that you end in San Diego with a relaxing California coast vacation at the beach.

Northern California Coast Road Trip

The Northern California coast has such wonderful stops to make and roadside attractions.  So does SoCal , but they’re totally different and Northern California embraces their uniqueness.  These stops can easily be added to your itinerary on the drive down the California Coast and don’t require much planning at all.

California Lighthouses not to Miss

There are quite a few lighthouses on the Northern California coast, but your Pacific Coast Highway road trip plan doesn’t need to include all of them.  

The prettiest lighthouse in Northern California is without question the Battery Point Lighthouse in Crescent City.  You’ll need to get your feet wet to get out to it, but it’s worth it.  The view, the lighthouse itself, and the wildlife you’ll see are all amazing! Battery Point is one of the best stops on your California Coast road trip.

Flowers at Battery Point Lighthouse Crescent City 4

If you want a funny lighthouse hunt, be sure to stop into Trinidad, California and find the light…because it’s a hike and is hilariously fun.  A highlight of getting off Highway 1 at Trinidad is to get a mashed potato cone before or after visiting the lighthouse.  It’s too good to not get and you’ll have to drive past the Lighthouse Grill if you’re in Trinidad.

Mashed Potato Cone at Trinidad Lighthouse Cafe 2traveldads.com

The Point Arena Lighthouse is another fun stop on your road trip.  It’s about 8 miles off the beaten path, but it’s worth it.  The Point Arena Lighthouse is very tall and set at the end of a point surrounded by coves and crashing waves.  It’s the perfectly iconic lighthouse.

Note :  the Point Arena Lighthouse does have an admission fee if you want to check out the little museum and climb up the tower.  If you’re into it, totally do it.  Also, lots of great space for kids to run around at Point Arena, but keep an eye that they don’t get near the cliffs.

Point Arena Lighthouse Northern California Coast

Visiting Eureka and California’s Victorian Mansions

The town of Eureka, California is the gateway to Redwoods National and State Parks , but it’s also the home of a beautiful historic neighborhood.  Old Town Eureka is awesome!  

With more than 150 homes and business buildings from the Victorian era, it’s full of color and worth a stop, if for nothing else, to take pictures. If you love Victorian mansions, Eureka is the town for you! It’s more Victorian than Victoria BC !!

Stay :  we loved spending several days at the Carter House Inn in Old Town Eureka.  The accommodations were perfect for a family of four and it had the feel of a genuinely antique hotel.  This is a great home base for exploring the coast and Redwoods National Park. Book the Carter House Inns here!

Victorian mansions in Eureka, California. Great stop to add to your California coast road trip! #roadtrip #California #victorian

Northern California Coast Redwoods

One of the best stops along the Pacific Coast Highway is Redwoods National and State Parks . The Redwoods of Northern California are epic and awesome.  This is where your California coast road trip heads away from the Pacific Ocean for your activities.  

You’ll find that the epicness of these huge trees is very much capitalized on through the many California roadside attractions, but it’s cool.  There are lots of really great conservation efforts at play to counteract the impact tourism may have on the forests.  You choose if you’re going to do a drive-thru tree or not.

Tip :  the Chandelier Tree in Leggett, California is easy to get to and the opening is large enough for most vehicles.  We took our minivan through it just fine.

Taylor family at drive through redwood tree

Redwoods National and State Parks are scattered along the coast of Northern California, so if you miss one entrance, drive another few minutes and find another.  We loved hiking in the Lady Bird Johnson Grove within Redwoods National Park .  It’s perfect to do with kids.

If you’re unable to make time in the Northern forests, stop into Muir Woods National Monument just before you arrive in San Francisco.  You’ll have to drive past them anyway and the Park isn’t huge, so it makes for an easy stop and you’ll still get to enjoy the huge redwoods.

There are a few more state parks on the San Francisco to LA drive where you can find redwoods, but there are other things to see in those areas too, so we recommend making the stop BEFORE you get to SF.

Tip :  in the summer or on a weekend, watch for the signs for the Muir Woods shuttle from overflow parking.   Muir Woods National Monument is very close to San Francisco and the whole Bay Area , so everybody heads there when they can.  If you can plan a stop here mid-week, do it!

The California Redwoods are one of the most iconic sights to see on a California coast road trip. Hiking through epic trees is the perfect addition to a drive down the coast. #roadtrip #california #redwoods

Pacific Coast Highway on the Sonoma Coast

This part of the Pacific Coast Highway is often overlooked in favor of the most direct route down the coast on Highway 101. While it’s nice to go through the California wine countries of Napa and Sonoma, the Sonoma Coast is also beautiful and interesting.

Salt Point State Park and Sonoma Coast State Park both offer gorgeous Northern California views with beaches and even protected sand dune areas. The highlight here is the hiking, one of the best things to do on the north coast.

Continuing south you come to Jenner, a sleepy town on a winding river. Enjoy some kayaking on the river or just chill out before you get to Bodega Bay and Bodega Head for sunset. We enjoyed staying at the Bodega Bay Lodge and sampling Sonoma County wines each night. Perfect last stop before getting to San Francisco.

LittleMan at Bodega Head Bodega Bay 1

Visiting San Francisco: one day itinerary

The City by the Bay, San Francisco, is amazing for more reasons than we can say.  You cannot do a California Coast road trip without driving through SF, so embrace it and fall in love with the city.  If you only have a little time and want a truly unique San Francisco experience, head directly to Telegraph Hill to get a great view of the city, to visit Coit Tower and watch for the flock of urban parrots!

Get the San Francisco Sightseeing Pass here!

Alamo Square at Sunset San Francisco 1

Visiting the Golden Gate Bridge

Do we need to even explain this?  You’re going to have to cross the Golden Gate Bridge on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip, so be sure that you’ve carved out appropriate time to make a stop at either end of the Bridge.  

The south end of the Golden Gate Bridge has the Welcome Center and a fair amount of parking, but the north side offers a totally different view and includes the skyline of San Francisco.  It’s your call, but for sure this is one of the best stops along the California Coast.

Tip :  if you want to breeze through the Bay Area, stop on the north side of the Bridge and maybe do lunch down in Sausalito.  The town is cute, the view of San Francisco is beautiful and you’ll find amazing food. This will also minimize your time in San Francisco traffic.

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the best stops along a California Coast road trip. 1 Day Plan for visiting San Francisco on your drive down the coast.

Ride a San Francisco Cable Car

This is so easy to do with a 1 day itinerary in San Francisco.  Our recommended line is the Powell-Mason Cable Car because there is parking at the Pier 39 end of it.  You get to see the North Beach neighborhood, buzz past Telegraph Hill and through Chinatown and end in Union Square.  It’s perfect.  

The Powell-Hyde cable car line is our second choice simply because parking is a pain.  It starts/ends at Ghirardelli Square, takes you up to the top of Lombard Street, across Nob Hill and down to Union Square.  Both lines are iconic San Francisco and totally worth the wait to do (there’s often a line to board).

Tip :  if you’re comfortable with it, try to be on the outside standing up.  You’ll love the San Francisco experience of it and it’s just like you’re in a movie.  Kids can’t do it, but adults can.  Check out the actual cable car site for details.

Cable Car in San Francisco Chinatown 1

Visit the Castro of San Francisco

Some people don’t know the term “the Castro.”  Well, if you’re a part of the LGBTQ community you probably have heard it.   The Castro neighborhood of San Francisco is where gay rights on the West Coast got a foothold and where Harvey Milk brought the people together.  

Today, there are several memorial sites dedicated to the LGBTQ struggle , to those who have lost their lives in the fight for rights or against AIDS, and to the future of the LGBTQ community.

Taking kids to the Castro is an interesting adventure. If you’re visiting the Castro with kids, be prepared for some interesting questions.  Nothing is off limits in this awesome neighborhood and kids might see some sights that they don’t understand, including very sex-positive imagery. Yes, there are shops with hilarious, stereotypical gay window displays, but what’s so wonderful are the people. In the Castro there are loads of other families like ours . If you’re visiting the Castro with kids maybe it’ll open a conversation about the struggles of the LGBTQ community and how far we’ve come.

Tip :  the Castro is also the primary place to “go out” in San Francisco, so know that if you’re looking for beverages and dancing, this is a great spot to start. This also makes it a busy neighborhood any time of day.

Rainbow Flag at the Castro San Francisco 1

Finding a San Francisco Hotel

San Francisco is a costly city to visit or to live in.  Book your SF hotel as soon as you know you’ll be visiting. Unlike most cities, SF books out far in advance at very high room rates. It’s possible to just drive through or stay south of the city, but due to traffic, if you’re on a California Coast road trip, you probably won’t want to head north to the city again if you’ve already passed through.

AirBNBs and short term vacation rentals are few and far between in SF, so if that’s your travel style, you’ll want to look just north or just south of the city.

Santa Cruz and Driving the Big Sur Coast

From this point in our California coast road trip plan you need to decide what your travel goals are and how much time you want to invest: full coastal experience or just the highlights.  Read up, research, decide. Take the 101 or go the coast the whole way? The Pacific Coast Highway will ALWAYS get out vote.

The San Francisco to Monterey drive is beautiful, and then driving the Big Sur Coast is epic (PCH). If you choose to go via Highway 101 you’ll head inland at Monterey and go past Pinnacles National Park , joining back up with the PCH in San Luis Obispo . So many choices!

Road Trip Stops in Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz and Capitola

When you leave San Francisco, you can head down the Pacific Coast Highway or pop down through San Jose and over the Santa Cruz mountains to the coast.  Either way is fine, but the coastal route will take you by the Pigeon Point Lighthouse .  There are lots of beaches you can visit and great picnic spots near the lighthouse, so enjoy!

Half Moon Bay and Pacifica are great stops for enjoying the cold waters of the Pacific beaches, or if you want to do some coastal hiking, that’s an option here too.

Santa Cruz and Capitola are both adorable towns on the San Francisco to LA drive. You can have an afternoon out on the vintage Santa Cruz boardwalk (complete with roller coaster) as well as beach time.  Even though you could plot a whole trip around lounging on the beach and trying to surf, if you’re on a California coast road trip you’ve got a lot of ground to cover and a few better places to have a home base for a few days.

Pigeon Point Lighthouse Northern California Coast road trip 1

Monterey and the Bay

Continuing south on our Pacific Coast Highway road trip, the city of Monterey is next. Famous for its Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey is full of great road trip stops , especially with kids.

There is so much to do and see in this small and peaceful city, and it is the perfect destination for a relaxing weekend away or a stopping point on your California Coast road trip. The stunning beaches, charming drives, and of course, the enchanting aquarium, make Monterey a true must-visit city in Central California.

Top things to do in the Monterey area include:

  • Pinnacles National Park (#FindYourPark!!) – caves and hiking – PS: adding a visit to Pinnacles is easy on this trip!
  • Cannery Row – truly vintage California coast
  • Monterey Bay Aquarium – one of the largest and most acclaimed for its conservation efforts
  • Beaches – duh.  Actually, Asilomar State Beach and Pacific Park both get high marks

Monterey Cannery Row Passports and Plates 1

Stay :  between Monterey and Carmel you’ll find lots of B&Bs for a fun California coast road trip break… but then camping is an option if you want to head south to Big Sur (reserve in advance anywhere!!) If you choose to stay overnight in Monterey, be sure you book a whale watching tour also . Can’t miss it!

Things to Consider for Driving the Big Sur Coast

This is what California coast road trip dreams are made of…

So here’s a big disclaimer:  this stretch of land will take you the longest of any we’ve covered, so think about if this is right for your West Coast road trip.  It’s INCREDIBLE, but it’s a long winding highway that can be trimmed off by taking Highway 101 instead of Highway 1, the PCH.  Just a thought.

BEFORE YOU PLAN : due to the rugged, coastal nature of the highway along the Big Sur Coast there are frequent wash outs and landslide. During winter and spring it’s not uncommon for parts of the highway to be closed for safety or construction. This can mean either a HUGE detour inland, or being turned around completely to get onto Highway 101. Check road conditions before starting this stretch of the California Coast road trip.

Quick Stop in Carmel , California

If you want to spend some time catching the incredible aquamarine waters and rocks of the Pacific, out of Monterey head to 17 Mile Drive and jaunt down the coast past Pebble Beach to Carmel by the Sea.  Yes, it’s fancy-pants when it comes to restaurants, golf, and expensive houses.  It’s all very beautiful, but not a budget friendly destination and it doesn’t have to be included on your California coast road trip itinerary.  

Tip :  just south of Carmel is a beautiful Carmelite monastery right off the highway.  You can easily stop in or pull over to appreciate the beautiful compound.  Respect the residents… and then think about taking your vows to get to commune in this amazing place.

road trip california coast

Road Trip Stops on the Big Sur Coast

Okay, we’re here now: the Big Sur Coast!  Hiking in the hills, hiking to the beaches, hiking to waterfalls is what you’ll want to do in Big Sur.  From Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park to the south, the coast and mountains make for the most striking sights. And you have to stop for one of the most iconic California Coast sights, the Bixby Bridge.

Great hikes/photo ops (north to south):

  • Bixby Bridge – photo op of one of the most iconic bridges on the west coast, pull over in a designated area
  • Pfeiffer Falls – trailhead on Pfeiffer Big Sur Rd, about 2 miles, forest hiking with waterfalls
  • Big Sur River Gorge – trailhead on Pfeiffer Big Sur Rd – short, river access
  • McWay Falls – trailhead is clearly marked off the highway – short, all about the view
Note :  the State Parks website says in regards to McWay Falls “There is no beach access here. Any attempt to get down to the beach is a citable and arrestable offense.”

The Bixby Bridge is one of the most photographed sites along a California Coast road trip. The winding roads of the central coast make for great photo ops. #California #roadtrip

Of course there are more stops, but these are easy to do and worth the time.  None of these will put a hitch in your driving day. If you want to stop overnight, there are lots of great places to stay in Big Sur .

Wondering about lighthouses on this rocky coast?  Unfortunately the Point Sur Lighthouse suffers from the woes of the coast and may or may not be open for visiting or tours when you’re doing your California coast road trip, but it’s worth a shot.   Check their website for updates, as closures vary due to weather, road conditions and operational issues.

Bonus :  if you didn’t get to see the Point Sur Lighthouse, make a stop at Piedras Blanca Light.  It’s suffered damage over the years, but it’s really cool and odd with its missing lantern room.

Stay:   Julie Pfeiffer Burns State Park has camping, so you’ll be able to do more hikes than the small ones we’ve suggested.  Check out Reserve America for camping availability .

Carmel Coastline crashing waves 1

Visiting Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle is one of the most famous road side attractions in California. It’s phenomenal and is even one of the best things to do on a California coast road trip WITH KIDS! 

Plan your time here accordingly as the last tour each day is around 3:30 pm and you don’t want to miss touring Hearst Castle . We recommend either doing the Grand Rooms or the Upstairs Suites tours.  You’ll get to see many of the common areas with each tour, but the level of detail with each is different.

Tip :  inquire with the visitors center about which is best with kids or for photography (many restrictions)… or for which takes you to the indoor pool (so cool!)

Neptune Pool at Hearst Castle San Simeon California Coast 1

Road Trip Down California’s Central Coast

As you continue south on the California coast road trip, you’ll start to pass through really cool towns along the Pacific Coast Highway.   This is a section of the coast that could be its own destination from San Francisco or Los Angeles because there are so many wonderful things to do and see.

Check out our detailed Central Coast Road Trip!

Peaceful, Quiet Cambria, California

First up is Cambria , which is great for wine, watching elephant seals on the beach or hiking the beaches and bluffs (our favorite beach activity).  There are several wineries in Cambria because you’re in that lovely wine region called the Central Coast .  

If you’ve been doing the California Coast road trip all the way from the Oregon border, no doubt you’re tired and want to relax in one place for a few days. Choose Cambria for a peaceful break in this last stretch of the drive to LA. We LOVED staying at the Cambria Pines Lodge , dining in the cute downtown and walking the boardwalks at Moonstone Beach.

Taylor Family at Moonstone Beach Cambria California Central Coast 9

Visiting Morro Bay

Next stop on the Central Coast is Morro Bay, which has our hearts for a funny reason:  this is where the original Pete’s Dragon was filmed (not in Maine).  The lighthouse from the film is gone, but this was the place with the beautiful coastline and fog. Rent kayaks at Morrow Bay State Park and paddle out to the dunes. Watch for sea otters and seals, as this protect area is teeming with life!

Taylor Family Kayaking in Morro Bay San Luis Obispo 12

Stop in Quirky San Luis Obispo

Next to the south is San Luis Obispo. A college town on the California coast, it’s rather large, so it’s an easy place to find accommodations if you didn’t plan anything.  This is where you hit the coast if you opted to take the 101 instead of Highway 1.

In San Luis Obispo, visit the beautiful mission, walk through the cute downtown area and just enjoy the laid-back California lifestyle. There’s lots to do in San Luis Obispo , including a great children’s museum if you’re visiting with kids.

Stay :  bwah ha ha.   You have to try to stay at the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo .  It’s awesomely hilarious and fun.  Every room is different, the bar/lounge is exceptionally gaudy, and the men’s restroom has a waterfall.  If you want to keep it close to the coast though, Morrow Bay has some camping options and less expensive lodging choices.

Butterflies in Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach really is a beach town. Beachfront parks, kite shops, seafood, you name it. Pismo Beach is a great stop to put on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip, particularly if you’ve got kids with you. The Avila Valley Farm is really fun to visit, as well as Dinosaur Caves on the water.

A highlight in Pismo Beach if you’re visiting October through February, is the Monarch Butterfly Grove . Thousands upon thousands of monarchs take refuge here during the fall and winter, so if you want to be wowed by nature, plan a stop at the butterfly grove.

Santa Maria Valley Wine Country

Continuing on our California coast road trip we head through the Santa Maria Valley (more wine!) , Buellton (small town relaxation) and Las Cruces, which is where we find our next lighthouse at Point Conception.  You cannot go in the old lighthouse, but you can trek to some great views of it. We recommend spending at least two days in the Santa Maria Valley region because there is so much to do, including lots of California agritourism , the adorable town of Guadalupe , and unlimited outdoor experiences.

Some of our favorite wineries in the Santa Maria Valley include Cottonwood Canyon, J Wilkes Wines, C Nagy Winery, Ca Del Grevino… I could go on and on. It’s a wonderful region to enjoy local wine and really explore the outdoors of the Central Coast .

Taylor Family at UPick Blueberries Santa Maria California 1

Visiting Mission Santa Barbara

The city of Santa Barbara comes up quickly as you head down the coast.  Known for its arts and beautiful landscapes, you can make a stop on your drive for lunch or stay overnight.  We recommend a stop as Los Angeles is really close and it’ll be more budget friendly to continue south.  Check out this article for the best things to do in Santa Barbara !  Also, Santa Barbara is along El Camino Real, which is the California missions route . Mission Santa Barbara is a beautiful place to visit as you pass through.

MIssion Santa Barbara is a beautiful stop along a California Coast road trip. Gardens and history add context to the California experience. #california

Road Trip Through Los Angeles to San Diego

We love to visit Los Angeles and Orange County.  Yes, they are two different places and no, Disneyland isn’t in LA. Depending on your time, spending a few days exploring LA and the OC will give you a blast of SoCal culture and fun.

Fun in Santa Monica and Los Angeles

At this point in your epic California coast road trip you’ve seen a lot of small beaches and done some great hiking.  How about you take a day to visit the Santa Monica Pier and beach .  Enjoy the vintage fun of Pacific Park and do some rides.  Bring a towell and lay on the beach and go for a swim.  You’re now truly in Southern California and you need to do the SoCal thing.  If you want to keep driving south, go for it.  You can’t escape the beach though.

Chris Taylor at the Chinese Theater Hollywood Los Angeles 1

It’s always fun to spend a few days in Los Angeles , and you can totally do it on the cheap leveraging all kinds of free activities and touring neighborhoods.  Hollywood is, of course, fun to visit because it’s so family, but break away from Hollywood Blvd for some other fun stuff, like the markets, LACMA and the La Brea Tar Pits, the Getty…  Los Angeles has lots to explore and most for free (except for parking).  Oh, and just for the entertainment factor, visit Venice Beach on your way out of town.  It’s a barrel of laughs.

Stay :  AirBNB or even a standard hotel booking site will do fine for your Los Angeles hotel needs.  If you’ve been camping the whole way, you need to head south to Orange County or San Diego County for some State Park options.

Make time for a stop at the Santa Monica Pier on your California Coast road trip. Complete plan from the Redwoods to San Diego. #California #roadtrip

If the Los Angeles area is what you’ve been looking forward to on your California Coast road trip, spend a few days exploring. There are some great weekend trips from LA or overnights that can be added easily. Top picks include Long Beach, Catalina Island, Joshua Tree National Park and Palm Springs (great hiking in Palm Springs !). Any of these are easy to add onto your road trip and make for a totally different SoCal experience.

Breezing through Orange County

Unfortunately the OC isn’t awesome when you’re away from the beach.  True, Disneyland is more fun than anything ever (totally biased on this) but Seal and Huntington Beaches are where you’ll find relaxation, perfect waves for swimming and bodysurfing, and that awesome SoCal culture you’ve done this whole California coast road trip to get to.

Partners Statue with Cherry Blossoms Disneyland 2020 1

Exploring San Diego County

As a bonus stop, get off the freeway between Orange County and San Diego and hit up the Mission at San Juan Capistrano .  It’s beautiful from the chapel to the bells to the gardens.  And if you’re lucky you’ll get to see some of the famous swallows (birds) in their mud nests. It’s worth the time and will be a nice break from driving.

Gardens at Mission San Juan Capistrano 2

Oceanside is another town worth spending some time in. With an adorable harbor and great restaurants surrounding the waterfront, this is a great place to spend a night. For a really cool experience, check out moonlight kayaking through the City of Oceanside Parks and Rec!

Kayaking in Oceanside Harbor is a nice break from the busy California vacation. Complete plan for a California coast road trip. #kayaking #California

Visiting San Diego: last stop on the California Coast Road Trip

The city of San Diego is a nice one.  It has great neighborhoods, just like Los Angeles or San Francisco.  Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, Ocean Beach, Coronado… no matter where you go  there’s the beach.  Mission Beach is fun for the roller coaster (because why not hit one more on this trip), but Pacific Beach is the best one for having a fun neighborhood to walk through AND plenty of space to play in the sand and surf.

Check out our complete guide to a Budget Savvy San Diego trip!

If you need to get swanky, spend some time on Coronado Island and have drinks at the Hotel Del Coronado… because if you packed fancy pants you should get to wear them at least once.

Surfers at Pacific Beach Pier San Diego California 1

Balboa Park

Balboa Park really is the gem of San Diego though.  It’s where you’ll find the San Diego Zoo (we’re NOT telling you to go there), you’ll find some really cool museums, and our favorite, the Conservatory.  The Balboa Park Conservatory is very different from the one in Seattle or San Francisco.  It’s huge and has a very different, nearly open-air construction.  It’s a must-visit.

Balboa Park is also where the San Diego Pride Festival happens. Holding their Pride events in July, this celebration is the most family friendly of all Pride festivals and parades we’ve been to. Take a look at our complete guide to the San Diego Pride Festival!

Full Taylor Family at Lily Pond Balboa Park San Diego California 2

Cabrillo National Monument

We have to finish off the trip by ending at a National Park of some sort.  The last place we’re going to make you visit is Cabrillo National Monument .  Located at the end of Point Loma (not the naval base), you’ll find bluff for hiking, tide pools for exploring and two lighthouses.  Cabrillo National Monument is a great place for a picnic during your San Diego visit.

Note :  your National Parks Pass can get you into Cabrillo National Monument , so be sure you have it when you start your California coast road trip.

Stay :  northern San Diego county has a few State Park campgrounds that you can enjoy, or seek out cheap lodging in one of the neighborhood.  Hillcrest, the gay-borhood, is a fun place to stay with loads of good food choices.

Cabrillo National Monument offers beautiful views of San Diego and lots of activities in any weather. Complete California Coast road trip plan. #roadtrip #California

Wow!  We made it all of the way down the California coast!  Covering nearly 1000 miles of roads, the California coast road trip is amazing.  Pair it up with our road trip plan for Washington and Oregon and you’ve got the vacation of a lifetime!

The California Coast road trip is essential to visiting the USA or west coast. From tip to tip its cities, coastal towns, and nature are unmatched. 2traveldads.com

If you’d like to do a more detailed trip, check out our other itineraries for specific travel plans focusing on smaller sections of the West Coast states:

  • West Coast Road Trip – Washington and Oregon
  • West Coast National Parks – the mountains
  • West Coast National Parks and lighthouses
  • Puget Sound Family Travel Plan

Do you have a favorite route to travel the coast?  We are always looking for new stops, new towns and new hiking destinations.  Tell us where to go next!

Complete California Coast road trip plan from North to South. 7 Day itinerary for the Pacific Coast Highway drive on Highway 1. Best stops on the California Coast in Big Sur, San Francisco, the Redwoods and more.

Jasmine Katie

Wednesday 10th of April 2019

I also go California, and enjoy my holidays there. That's was the best experience for me.

Thursday 20th of April 2017

You guys had the ultimate road trip all over California! I bet you guys had sooooo much fun! California is definitely a great choice to go for a road trip. I mean it has beautiful and unique cities and coasts. The view from that lighthouse is amazing and of course, Disneyland is the ultimate option when you go with your kids. It feels so warm to see the kids having fun eh? If you guys love the seaside so much then I bet you guys would love Bali. A lot of beautiful beaches here to hang out at. Please do visit our website to see the best villa to accommodate you and your family stay in Bali. See you in Bali!

Sunday 2nd of April 2017

I must say very hard to travel via road trip even more in Northern California, but its seems awesome to see there.

I love a road trip and I love the west coast. What a great itinerary and great things to do.

Kevin Wagar

Tuesday 21st of March 2017

Wow you guys really nailed all the sites on this trip! I've road tripped from San Diego down to LA, but never north from there. I can't wait to go back!

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Home / Pacific Coast

Pacific Coast

The Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

Pacific Coast Highway road trip driving distance map from California to Oregon and Washington

For some reason, when people elsewhere in the country refer to the Pacific Coast, particularly California, it’s apparent that they think it’s a land of kooks, an overbuilt suburban desert supporting only shopping malls, freeways, and body-obsessed airheads. All this may be true in small pockets, but the amazing thing about the Pacific Coast—from the dense green forests of western Washington to the gorgeous beaches of Southern California—is that it is still mostly wild, open, and astoundingly beautiful country, where you can drive for miles and miles and have the scenery all to yourself.

Planning a West Coast Road Trip

Road Trip USA’s Pacific Coast route begins at the northwest tip of the United States at Port Townsend near Olympic National Park, and remains within sight of the ocean almost all the way south to the Mexican border. This 1,650-mile (2,655 km), mostly two-lane route takes in everything from temperate rainforest to near-desert. Most of the Pacific Coast is in the public domain, accessible, and protected from development within national, state, and local parks, which provide habitat for such rare creatures as mountain lions, condors, and gray whales.

A misty day at rocky Cape Flattery on Washington's Olympic Peninsula.

Heading south, after the rough-and-tumble logging and fishing communities of Washington State, you cross the mouth of the Columbia River and follow the comparatively peaceful and quiet Oregon coastline, where recreation has by and large replaced industry, and where dozens of quaint and not-so-quaint communities line the ever-changing shoreline. At the midway point, you pass through the great redwood forests of Northern California, where the tallest and most majestic living things on earth line the Avenue of the Giants, home also to some of the best (meaning gloriously kitsch) remnants of the golden age of car-borne tourism: drive-through trees, drive-on trees, houses carved out of trees, and much more. The phenomenally beautiful coast-line of Northern California is rivaled only by the incredible coast of Big Sur farther south, beyond which stretches the beachfronts of Southern California. The land of palm trees, beach boys, and surfer girls of popular lore really does exist, though only in the southernmost quarter of the state.

Along with the overwhelming scale of its natural beauty, the West Coast is remarkable for the abundance of well-preserved historic sites—most of which haven’t been torn down, built on, or even built around—that stand as vivid evocations of life on what was once the most distant frontier of a new nation. While rarely as old as places on the East Coast, or as impressive as those in Europe, these diverse sites include the Spanish colonial missions of California, Russian and English fur-trading outposts, and the place where Lewis and Clark first sighted the Pacific after their long slog across the continent.

Last but certainly not least are the energizing cities— Seattle and Portland in the north, San Francisco in the middle, and Los Angeles and San Diego to the south—that serve as gateways to (or civilized respites from) the landscapes between them. Add to these the dozens of small and not-so-small towns along the coast, with alternating blue-collar ports and up-scale vacation retreats, and you have a great range of food, drink, and accommodations options. Local cafés, seafood grills, and bijou restaurants abound, as do places to stay—from youth hostels in old lighthouses to roadside motels (including the world’s first, which still stands in lovely San Luis Obispo, California) to homespun B&Bs in old farmhouses.

10 Best Pacific Coast Highway Stops

For more insight into each stop along a West Coast road trip, our content is arranged by state, with California’s coastline broken into its northern, central, and southern sections. Here are ten major sights along the Pacific Coast Highway where travelers aiming to follow only a section of the full cross-country route may wish to use to plan their drive:

Sunset at McWay falls in Big Sur along the Pacific Coast Highway

  • Olympic National Park, Washington – Combines the features of Maine’s rocky coast, the snowy peaks of the Rocky Mountains, and the unique rainforests of the Pacific Northwest
  • Astoria & Fort Clatsop, Oregon – Part of the extensive Lewis and Clark National Historic Park, Fort Clatsop is just outside the oldest American city west of the Rockies
  • “Dune Country,” Oregon – Hop out of the car and into a dune buggy to travel through some of the tallest sand dunes in the world
  • Redwood National Park, California – Stretch your legs with a walk through Lady Bird Johnson Grove
  • Mendocino, California – One of the prettiest towns on the California coast, and extra fun for fans of the TV show Murder, She Wrote
  • San Francisco, California – Easily one of the most enjoyable cities in the US and a great place to start, end, or spend a weekend along the Pacific Coast Highway
  • Monterey, California – Home to the excellent Monterey Bay Aquarium and the internationally famous Monterey Jazz Festival
  • San Simeon, California (Hearst Castle) – One of the truly unique attractions to see on a classic Highway 1 road trip
  • San Luis Obispo, California – A lively college town with a beautiful 18th-century Spanish mission to tour, and the Madonna Inn, one of the quirkiest places to spend a night
  • Los Angeles, California – Hollywood, Sunset Boulevard, and an intersection with another storied road trip: Route 66
  • San Diego, California – Beautiful beaches, grand buildings, and home to the San Diego Zoo, one of the largest and most popular zoos in the world

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The Ultimate Northern California Coast Road Trip Itinerary

50+ Epic Things to Do in California

Creating itineraries has long been a passion of mine. So, I wanted to share my ultimate Northern California road trip itinerary for exploring the coast.

When I think back to my fondest memories from travel these last years, it has certainly been exploring the Northern California coast.

Navigate Northern California Like a Local!

Unlock the best-kept secrets of Northern & Central California with my curated Google Map, showcasing 600+ accommodations, eateries, coffee shops, and unique experiences. Get the map here!

As a Northern California native, I’ve spent most of my life exploring these coastal towns, cities, and outdoor destinations. I feel like I know them better than anywhere else. But with that said, each time I visit, I find something new. Maybe I see it in a new way or the weather is different so the atmosphere feels entirely changed.

It’s these little things that make the coast of Northern California so dynamic and appealing to visit over and over again.

Having lived in San Francisco for almost a decade, the drive up the scenic Highway 1 is one I adore. You can go as far as you like or even just go for an hour or two and still have a wonderful experience. The Pacific Coast Highway goes as far south as San Diego and stretches right through the heart of the Northern California coast.

So I’m taking the best of these California road trips and compiling them into what would be my ultimate Northern California road trip itinerary.

As you read this post, the best part is you can pick and choose from any of these stops . You can spend as little or as much time as you want. It will help you create your ultimate bucket list road trip in Northern California.

Short on Time? Here’s How I Would Spend 1-2 Weeks Roadtripping the Northern California Coast

Stop 1: san francsico — 2-3 nights.

  • San Francisco Proper , for the best overall hotel
  • 1 Hotel , for the best waterfront stay
  • Fairmont San Francisco , for the best luxury hotel
  • Hotel Kabuki , for the best neighborhood hotel

Stop 2: Point Reyes Station — 1-2 nights

  • Olema House , for the best overall hotel
  • Nick’s Cove , for the best waterfront stay

Stop 3: Timber Cove & Jenner — 1-2 nights

  • Timber Cove Resort , for the best overall hotel
  • Jenner Inn , for the best Jenner hotel

Stop 4: Mendocino — 2 nights

  • Heritage House Resort and Spa , for the best oceanfront hotel
  • Brewery Gulch Inn , for the best Mendocino hotel
  • SCP Mendocino Inn & Farm , for the best bed-and-breakfast stay
  • Mendocino Grove , for the best glamping stay

Stop 5: Trinidad — 2-3 nights

  • Whalesong House , for the best home rental stay

What to Know Before Choosing Your Itinerary

Where to start or fly into.

I’d recommend flying into San Francisco Airport or Oakland Airport in the Bay Area — Kayak has great flight deals . Both of these international airports have the best flight itineraries for several domestic destinations.

You’ll most likely want to start your trip in San Francisco as well if you haven’t been there before. Keep in mind that road trips will require a car (which isn’t need in San Francisco). I’d recommend Hertz as a reputable car rental company or searching Discover Cars for the best car rental rate s .

Amount of Time Needed

This is a tricky and frequently asked question. You could spend two weeks and not see it all. I always recommend a minimum of two full days for San Francisco and then a night or two for each major destination after that.

So anywhere from a week to ten days will give you a great experience.

Weather and Time of Year

Weather on the coast of Northern California is tricky — it’s often the opposite of what you’d expect. San Francisco runs the foggiest and coldest from June to August.

The rest of the coast is actually pretty mild year-round with definitive colder temperatures in the winter. I’d recommend reading this in-depth post on the best time to visit Northern California.

If I were to pick my ideal months, it would be April – May, and September – October.

How to Use this Northern California Road Trip Itinerary

You can pick and choose from this itinerary as you like! If there is a stop that may not be of interest, then skip it and spend more time elsewhere. And vice versa, if you’re limited on time, pick what will fit your itinerary.

I have my recommended stops here in a one-way order from San Francisco, heading north. It means that the way back will be longer than the way there so you could consider doing the reverse.

I personally don’t mind doing one long stretch back as often that’s a travel day anyways.

This map below has all of the stops saved with recommendations for restaurants and things to do in each destination.

Stop 1: San Francisco, California

Recommended time, things to do in san francisco.

I suppose I’m biased after living there, but San Francisco is truly a wonderful city. There is so much to do there — everything from a visit to the SF MOMA and the De Young Museum to walking Crissy Field Beach.

Two full days here would definitely give you the right amount of time to explore the city and its wonderful neighborhoods.

I love heading to the Mission to grab a coffee at Ritual and perusing the local boutiques on Valencia Street. Golden Gate Park and Sutro Baths are wonderful green escapes within the city limits if you’re looking for some greenery as well.

One other bucket list item to do is walking over the Golden Gate Bridge!

Don’t forget to watch the sunset from Twin Peaks (my old hood!) and head to the weekend farmer’s market at the Embarcadero.

Helpful San Francisco Guides to Plan Your Trip

  • When it comes to food, here’s my secret list .
  • For coffee, these are my personal selects.
  • And for photography lovers, you’ll love these locations .

San Francisco Hotel Recommendations

With the latest Proper Hotel opening here, this would be my first choice for design and a centralized location. There are wonderful boutique hotels and incredible luxury hotels as well like the 1 Hotel near the Embarcadero, the Fairmont in Nob Hill, and Hotel Kabuki in Japan Town.

Stop 2: Point Reyes, California

Things to do in point reyes.

Point Reyes is a special place for me. I’ve grown up coming to this magical and very intriguing coastal destination for years. The foggy inlets surrounded by towering trees make it mysterious. I feel like it’s one of those “best-kept secrets” in Northern California.

I love coming here for two things: getting outdoors and eating locally.

The pastoral lands here are home to some of the best dairy farms in the state and the local produce and seafood are incredible. I love grabbing oysters at Nick’s Cove or at Hog Island. The farm tours at Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co are also a major win for foodies. The town of Point Reyes Station itself is incredibly charming, great for a bite and stroll.

The nearby outdoor destinations are incredible. Point Reyes National Seashore is home to hiking, wild elk, and the beautiful Cypress Tree Tunnel.

You can rent kayaks for the day on the inlet and explore by water as well. Point Reyes has a truly lovely, slowed-down pace to it.

Helpful Point Reyes Guides to Plan Your Trip

Get my list of recommendations with the weekend guide to Point Reyes .

Point Reyes Hotel Recommendations

I’ve stayed at Nick’s Cove several times and it’s wonderful. These adorable cottages on the water are cozy. Breakfast is served in-room and what better way to start a day than a crackling fire and hot coffee. Read more about my most recent Nick’s Cove stay here .

There are only a few rooms, so if they sell out, many options are available on Airbnb.

Stop 3: Timber Cove + Jenner

Recommended time, things to do in timber cove and jenner.

As you make your way up north, be sure to stop at Bodega Bay along the way — mostly to eat at Spud Point Crab Company for their crab sandwiches.

The coast along this way has the most accessible beaches so if you’re looking to sit out on a beach, this is when to do it. You’ll notice the cliffs getting steeper as you pass into Sonoma County.

Timber Cove is your next destination, a personal favorite for a wild coastline. Anywhere between Jenner and Timber Cove is a great home base as you have access to a few key points of interest nearby. You can hike in Salt Point State Park or take an afternoon to explore the eccentric town of Guerneville.

Kayaking with Watertreks Eco-Tours in Jenner will get you up close with the local wildlife and be sure to go wine tasting at Fort Ross Vineyards for one of the closest wineries to the Pacific Ocean.

There is plenty to do within 20 minutes in every direction from Timber Cove, so it’s my favorite last stop in Sonoma County on the coast before going much further north.

*A little further north is Sea Ranch with the scenic Pebble Beach and Gualala Point for hiking as well.

Timber Cove Hotel Recommendations

Arguably the best and most expensive hotel in Timber Cove is Timber Cove Resort . It’s splurge-worthy and has incredible views. The food here is also great, so you could also pop in for a bite. Since this one is often very expensive, I’d recommend the Jenner Inn as another option or consider staying in Guerneville which is about a 20-minute drive to the coast. There are great rentals there for homes.

Stop 4: Mendocino, California

Things to do in mendocino.

One of the longer stretches of drives up the coast is from Timber Cove to Mendocino. There’s not a ton to do on the way, at least that I found, but you could stop in Sea Ranch if you hadn’t done so already. One other option is the town of Elk which I love for the hotel there , but there is an amazing local store in town that has sandwiches to go.

As you get into Mendocino, you’ll see that it’s the hub of life in this area. There is so much to do in this coastal town. I’ve come here at least a half dozen times and am always excited to return.

Some of my favorite things to do include: renting an outrigger at Catch-a-Canoe , hiking in Russian Gulch State Park , walking the headlands at Van Damme State Park , exploring Fort Bragg (home to Glass Beach ) further north, and more.

The food here is also amazing, so be sure to book a few reservations in advance at restaurants like Café Beaujolais .

Helpful Mendocino Guides to Plan Your Trip

For all of my recommendations, please read the weekend guide to Mendocino.

Mendocino Hotel Recommendations

There are several options for hotels here ranging in different prices. I love the experience of glamping at Mendocino Grove Glamping , the views from Little River Inn , the upscale experience at Brewery Gulch Inn , and the charming stay at SCP Mendocino Inn & Farm .

For those looking for an even more upscale and unique stay, I’d recommend booking a night at the Harbor House Inn that is further south in Elk. Their restaurant has been awarded a Michelin Star and it’s one of the most incredible stays I’ve had on the coast. You’ll have to drive a bit further to get to Mendocino to enjoy the town but still worth it.

Stop 5: Trinidad, California

Things to do in trinidad.

The final stretch of the drive will be the longest in miles, but the rewards at the end are worth it.

You’ll cut back into Highway 101 as you work your way up to Trinidad, where along the way you can stop at the famed Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt Redwoods State Park . The park is home to some of the tallest redwoods in the world.

As you pass further north, you’ll go through the town of Eureka, home to Lost Coast Brewery (great lunch stop) and a historic town. Your final destination and the best place to rent a home for a few nights in Trinidad.

I fell in love with this part of Northern California last year and could have spent a week here. There is so much to do as you’re close to Redwoods National State Parks and the iconic Fern Canyon (a must-visit). Nearby, the scenic beaches of Moonstone Beach or College Cove Beach are great to hang out for a walk or afternoon hang. You can go kayaking with Kayak Trinidad if you want to get out on the ocean.

The local restaurants are good here (a little pricey) but serve fresh seafood — The Larrupin Cafe and Moonstone Grill were my favorite. Be sure to go to Beachcomber Cafe for breakfast as well. This area is a good spot to end a road trip and makes for a great finale to your time in Northern California.

Helpful Trinidad Guides to Plan Your Trip

  • I did a north coast trip last year, this guide talks about the time in Trinidad.
  • For those interested in the Avenue of the Giants, read this post.

Trinidad Hotel Recommendations

When I was there, I stayed in this home rental called the Whalesong House right in the heart of Trinidad. There are several options for home rentals and b&bs in the area.

Other Nearby Destinations to Consider

Yosemite national park.

A lot of trips in Northern California include a few nights in Yosemite. It’s certainly an iconic destination for California road trips but not necessarily in the route of this itinerary. You can go out there for a night from San Francisco if you got an early start. It takes around three hours from San Francisco one-way with no traffic. Read the Ultimate Weekend Guide to Yosemite National Park for all the details.

Sonoma and Napa Valley

If you’re looking for a day in Northern California that is not on the coast, the wine regions of Sonoma and Napa are a great choice. You can easily pop in from San Francisco and could consider going there first before continuing up the coast. Read the The Ultimate Travel Guide to Sonoma, California and A Mid-Week Getaway: Napa Valley Guide for more.

Looking to Explore More of Northern California?

  • The Best Time to Visit Northern California
  • Where to Visit Along the Northern California Coast
  • The Best Hotel Restaurants in Northern California

What to Pack for a Northern California Trip

One thing I learned quickly in Northern California is how fast the weather can change. I really recommend having good layers for any outdoor adventures on the coast. You’ll definitely want to have a good windbreaker as well for any windy days.

Here are some of my favorite outdoor pieces:

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Ps — are you booking a trip soon use my booking checklist.

These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you . If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here .

1. Book Your Flights

Use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.

2. Book Your Accommodations

Use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.

4. Book Your Car

Use Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com to find the best car rental deals. I recommend comparing rental agency reviews on Google to ensure you are booking with the best company in that destination, as the reviews are often more accurate than the car rental search engines.

5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access

Get a Priority Pass membership to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.

My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:

  • World Nomads (best for all-around)
  • Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)

Xx, Jessica

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THANK YOU!! My husband & I celebrate our 25th next July (2022) & we are totally doing your itinerary! you made this so super easy for us to plan…and then enjoy our 2nd trip exploring Cali. Our first (& only) trip was a year before we were married & we made it as far North as San Fran…cannot wait for the 2nd trip! Many thanks+++++

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Love this. So many ideas. Thanks!

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Thanks for sharing your Google MyMaps. That’s very helpful. Is there a way for me to bookmark it to my Google Maps to recall at a later date?

I’m actually highly interested in the area north of Patrick’s Point to Crescent city, which seems beautiful and less populated. Do you have any insight on that section? It seems most Californians stop before that section, likely due to time constraints for their trip, which is why it’s probably less touristy.

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road trip california coast

California Coast Road Trip: 15 Destinations You Don’t Want To Miss

By: Author Robyn Robledo

Posted on Last updated: February 1, 2024

California Coast Road Trip

California coast road trips are so much fun!  From surf towns to city life and from sand dunes to dense forests, driving the coastal Highway 101 and Highway 1 is always an adventure.  This 2 week California coast road trip will take you to great surf spots near Ventura and Santa Cruz, beautiful  hikes  in Mendocino and Point Reyes, and some  rock climbing near Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo.    

Table of Contents

This blog was updated in November of 2019 to improve the content and help you plan a better itinerary.

As adventure travelers, we are always searching out destinations where we can play. Whether it’s surfing, mountain biking, hiking, or rock climbing, this road trip itinerary will appeal to those looking for some physical movement in the outdoors.

However, this California Coast road trip itinerary is not limited just to adventure sports and many of these spots are awesome places to just chill at. Even though I’ve highlighted a lot of great surfing beaches along the way, these same beaches are great for walking at low tide or just relaxing during the day.

If you do plan on surfing or even just playing in the ocean, note that California water temps aren’t as warm as you’d think. In the summer, Oceanside rarely gets to 70 degrees and in the winter it will drop below 60 degrees. As you go further north, it will just get colder. You may want to bring a wetsuit. Check out our favorite women’s wetsuits here .

If you are looking to mostly surf up the California coast, be sure to check out our Complete Guide to Surfing the California Coast

This California Coast road trip ended up being about 1,400 miles round trip from San Diego to Mendocino and took us two weeks.  You could do it faster, but then you wouldn’t get as much time enjoying these great road trip destinations.

I’ve listed everything in this blog in order from South to North, going up the coast on Highway 1 and then back down on Highway 101 .

At the bottom of the post, I put the itinerary we’ve used when driving this so that we hit half the coastal spots on the way up and the other half on the way down, but for planning purposes, I find it easier to have all the destinations listed so that appear on a map starting from San Diego.

Road tripping in an RV is so much fun and every time we’ve taken a Cali coast trip, it’s been in an RV. Check out these RV rentals from popular cities along this itinerary:

  • Rent an RV in San Diego
  • Rent an RV in Los Angeles
  • Rent an RV in San Francisco

1 | Cardiff

San Elijo SB, in Cardiff, is our favorite campground in all of California.  Besides being right on the beach, the surf in front of the campground is some of the best in the world . We camp here all the time and love how easy it is to walk across the street and get delicious, healthy food options such as:  

  • Zumbar , organic coffee
  • The Confessional: Lost Abbey, craft beer
  • Veegee’s Donuts
  • Seaside Market, a health food market
  • Acai Bowls at Sambazon

Surfing Cardiff by the Sea, Surfing the California Coast

For a complete guide on Cardiff including where to stay, click here and read our Ultimate Guide to Cardiff blog (coming soon).

2 | Oceanside

Surfing Oceanside, Surfing the California Coast

Oceanside Harbor is a great place to start your California Coast road trip. We love to camp in Oceanside by the harbor. There are lots of restaurants here, the surf is usually good, there’s a super fun playground for kids right on the sand, and you’re even allowed to overnight park for free here .

To get to the free parking, turn west when you exit the freeway at Oceanside Harbor Drive and take a left on Carmelo Drive. If you want to camp on the beach at the harbor, here is the info . There’s also an RV park in Oceanside called Paradise by the Sea with full RV hookups and a pool and spa.

The area around Oceanside pier is amazing too. The surf is typically a bit faster here and there is also a playground on the beach for the kids to enjoy. There are plenty of great food options here too.

If camping isn’t your thing, check out the great mid-range one-bedroom condos at Southern California Beach Club . This hotel is right by the Oceanside Pier and is perfect for larger families.

Southern California Beach Club in Oceanside, Where to stay on a California Coast Road Trip

For a luxury hotel option near the Oceanside Harbor, check out Endless Summer . These one-bedroom beachfront suites have all the amenities you can want in a hotel like a pool, fitness center, free wifi, and parking, plus the rooms have a full kitchen so you can save a little money by cooking some of your meals. The only negative is that they do require a 3-night stay.

road trip california coast

For a more budget option by Oceanside Harbor, stay at Days Inn by Windham Oceanside or Best Western Plus Oceanside Palms . With both, you are still within a very short walk to both the beach and restaurants.

Oceanside harbor on California coast road trip

Photos shown above via Booking.com

You have a few great options at Los Angeles’s most popular beach town. You can enjoy the sand and sun at Zuma Beach, shred the epic point break at Malibu’s Surfrider Beach, take in the great views, and maybe spot some whales in the winter from the bluffs at Point Dume , get a dose of art and culture at The Getty , or explore the miles of trails, rock pools, and rock walls at Malibu Creek State Park.

If you choose Malibu Creek State Park , it’s a short 30-minute hike to the pools where you can jump off rocks into the water.  There is also fun rock climbing like Planet of the Apes wall, which has an easy approach, you can top rope all the climbs, there is a safe area for kids to play, and the wall itself has huge pockets (making it a very fun climb).

California coast road trip: Malibu Creek

We’ve also stayed at Leo Carrillo State Park before. This is a beautiful campground also with hiking trails and has access to the beach so you can get a little of both.

Leo Carrillo

For luxury accommodations in Malibu, check out the Malibu Beach Inn and fall asleep to the sound of the waves crashing onshore.

Malibu Beach Inn, Where to stay in Malibu

Or for half the price, you can also stay beachfront at The M Malibu . Similarly priced as The M, the Malibu Country Inn is just steps from the bluffs at Point Dume.

4 | Ventura + Carpinteria

Ventura is just as rad as the surf towns in SoCal but with way less crowds. We love surfing C Street in Ventura. You can park at Surfer’s Point at Seaside Park and surf the epic rights that roll through, run, or ride the bike path that takes you up the coast, or just hang out on the beautiful driftwood-filled beach.

2 week California coast road trip itinerary: Surfing Ventura

Just 15 miles north of Ventura is one of my favorite beach towns, Carpinteria. If surfing isn’t top on your list, I’d stop at Seaside Park in Ventura to take some pics and then head to Carpinteria to eat.

I like the kickback vibe at Island Brewing Co and I usually grab coffee in the morning at Lucky Llama Coffee . If you’re a chocolate lover, stop at Chocolats Du Calibressan on the way there.

We love camping on the beach here however, while you can surf here, note that it is a shallow, mediocre beach break (great for learning on a higher tide).  If you want good surf, then drive south ten minutes and surf Rincon AKA “The Queen” (be ready for crowds).  

If you are looking to camp, here are a few options:

  • Ventura Beach RV Park , which is pricey but within walking distance of the C-street surf break.
  • Emma Wood State Beach , which has great views and is affordable, but doesn’t allow tents and is hard to get reservations for.
  • Rincon Parkway , which has a rad vibe, but often fills up fast on the weekends and also doesn’t allow tents.
  • Carpinteria State Beach , which is one of our favorite campgrounds allows tents.
  • If you are discreet, there are also plenty of free camping opportunities around Ventura.

The Crowne Plaza Hotel is an ideal choice for couples or families with two or fewer children seeking accommodation. This oceanfront property has a heated outdoor pool, is within walking distance of Surfing C Street, and is right on the boardwalk.

Ventura hotel

Above photos credit to Booking.com

For the best value at a low price, check out Crystal Lodge Hotel or for affordable accommodation with a kitchen, there is Viking Motel Ventura .

There aren’t a lot of options in Carpinteria, but the Best Western Plus Carpinteria has a central location so you can walk to all the great coffee shops and breweries and can accommodate large families.

5 | Santa Barbara

After you’ve had your fill of surfing and exploring ventura and carpinteria, head to santa barbara..

The most iconic place to go see in Santa Barbara is Stern’s Wharf. It’s your typical touristy boardwalk with food and shopping but it’s all along the pier. I think it is certainly worth stopping for a few hours before exploring some other unique options like:

  • Between November and February, check out the Monarch Butterfly Grove in Goleta
  • Rock climbing Fire Crags off Highway 154. It’s easy climbing with epic views. The only drawback is that I couldn’t get my RV up the steep Painted Cave Road to the climbing area. If you have a smaller car or van, you can drive right up to the car.
  • Take a short detour and go wine tasting in Los Olivos . We loved the rad vibe at Carhart Winery.  You may also want to spend some time exploring Solvang , known for its Danish-inspired architecture featuring windmills.
  • Or sign up for this wine tour that will take you to 4 different wineries in the Santa Ynez Valley.

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For more touristy options near Santa Barbara, you can visit:

  • The Santa Barbara Zoo,
  • Mission Santa Barbara,
  • Santa Barbara Courthouse,
  • Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens,
  • Check out one of the many museums,
  • Or do what Santa Barbara is most known for, shopping at Paseo Nuevo or State Street.

I’m not a big fan of shopping so we typically blow through Santa Barbara and spend more time in the next two spots. If you choose to camp nearby there are two great campgrounds just north of Santa Barbara, Gaviota and El Capitan State Beaches that can be reserved here . Note that both of these fill up way in advance. For hotels in Santa Barbara, check here for the latest deals.

Other fun tours in Santa Barbara include:

  • Downtown Santa Barbara Food Tour : Includes 7 different restaurants + 2 Wine Tasting Rooms
  • Santa Ynez CUPCAKE + Wine Tasting : Wow! Imagine the sugar rush from that one 🙂 There’s also olive oil tasting and a visit to a lavender farm on this one.
  • Santa Barbara Funk Zone Food and Photo Tour : A fun culinary and picture-taking tour in Santa Barbara that goes to three different local eateries, a microbrewery, two wineries, and a distillery in the city’s artsy Funk Zone.
  • Surf Lessons . Enjoy an authentic day/morning in the life of a surfer with Uncle Micah.
  • Kayak Tour . If surfing sounds a bit too adrenaline-packed, take in the views of Santa Barbara in a more chill manner with a kayaking tour.

6 | Pismo + San Luis Obispo

Between the giant dunes in Pismo and the rolling hills of San Luis Obispo, there are so many fun things you can do in this area.

We love stopping in Pismo and SLO. Here are some of our favorite things to do:

  • Camp on the beach at Oceano Dunes .
  • Or if you’d rather have some amenities, camp at North Beach State Campground, which still gives you quick access to fun in the sand and is right next door to another Monarch Butterfly Grove .
  • Walk or fat tire bike Pismo Beach at low tide and explore the shops by the Pismo Pier.
  • Check out the views or go sea kayaking at Dinosaur Caves Park .
  • Rent a quad or buggy and go play at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area.
  • Surf or grab dinner while taking in the sunset at Avila Beach .
  • Run or bike ride the scenic, 3-mile Bob Jones Trail .
  • Soak those sore muscles in the Avila Hot Springs.
  • Hike or Climb Bishop Peak . 
  • Take your picture in downtown SLO at Bubblegum Alley .
  • Sip on delicious coffee at Scout Coffee Co.
  • Grab beer and burgers at SLO Brew.

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If you camp, stay at one of the campgrounds mentioned above. If you need a hotel, I think it is better to stay at the famous Madonna Inn . Each themed guest room is uniquely decorated and the hotel is famous for its Bakery and Pastry Shop, plus they have 3 bedroom suites that sleep up to 9 guests.

There’s a super affordable hostel near downtown called International House SLO. For complete luxury, try Hotel San Luis Obispo. Both Garden Street Inn Downtown SLO and Granada Hotel & Bistro are near downtown, mid-priced, and great for couples. A better choice for families would be the Apple Farm Inn .

Between Santa Barbara and Cambria, you may want to stop in Morro Bay for lunch at one of the many fish-and-chip restaurants along the bay.  Then, hit up The Brown Butter Cookie Co for dessert in Cayucos. 

7 | Cambria

Cambria is another cute coastal town that can be explored in just a few hours.

Be sure to explore Moonstone Beach, which is famous for its brightly polished stones.  In the town of Cambria there is a nice coffee shop, Cambria Coffee Roasting Co , or go beer tasting at Cambria Ale House .  

Just a few miles north of Cambria is the famous Hearst Castl e and Piedras Blancas, home to a huge rookery of elephant seals. When you drive this section of highway, keep your eyes peeled for the herds of zebras roaming outside of Hearst Castle.

Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal near San Luis Obispo on the California Coast

Cambria is a good place to spend the night so that you have a full day to drive up Highway 1 to Big Sur. We camped at San Simeon State Park and loved it. You can check here for hotels in Cambria .

On the way to Big Sur, stop at the beautiful crescent-shaped beach, Sand Dollar Beach, which is also a great surf break. There is also a campground here, Plaskett Creek, that is good for tents and small RVs.

8 | Big Sur

Just before you get to Big Sur is Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.  This is where you want to stop to take the iconic picture of the McWay Waterfall .

Big Sur isn’t exactly a town, it’s more an area so you may not even realize you reach Big Sur when you get there. There also aren’t a ton of food options.

We usually grab coffee and pastries at Big Sur Bakery and it’s fun to eat at the Big Sur Taphouse next door because they have a ton of board games to play while you enjoy your meal.

McWay Falls in Big Sur on the California Coast

Big Sur is great for hiking and there are 3 areas worth exploring.

1) Pfeiffer Big Sur (not to be confused with the Julia Pfeiffer Burns) has a few nice hikes. The one I recommend is called Buzzard’s Roost , which is 2.6 miles round trip and gains 800 feet.

2) Andrew Molera State Park is also a great stop and has a lot of trails overlooking the ocean and some that take you to private beaches.

3) Point Lobos State Natural Reserve , which has trails along the bluff and provides a good viewpoint for spotting wildlife.

We stay at Big Sur Campground and Cabins but that’s because our RV is too long for Julia Pfeiffer campground. If you aren’t camping then stay at The Big Sur Lodge .

On your way to Santa Cruz, spend a few hours in the fairytale town of Carmel-by-the-Sea and walk down to enjoy the gorgeous white sand beach.

We prefer spending a day in Monterey. Our blog How To Spend One Perfect Day In Monterey is also coming soon.

No time to finish this? Save it for later and Pin the image below (on a mobile device, tap on the image and a pin it button will appear)

California Coast Road Trip

9 | Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is an uber-popular surf town and famous for its boardwalk filled with rides, games, and food. The boardwalk is a little too pricey and chaotic for my taste, however, I think The Mystery Spot is one of the coolest places we’ve ever been to.

Just on the border of Santa Cruz is the oh-so-cute surf town of Capitola. It too is one of my favorite places ever.  I liked wine tasting at It’s Wine Tyme and picking up a delicious organic sourdough baguette at Gayle’s Bakery to go with the French cheese we had bought in Point Reyes.

Surfing Santa Cruz, Surfing the California Coast

If you surf, then Steamer Lane is a must.  Even if you don’t, it’s fun to watch the surfers and all the wildlife in the ocean here. You might also want to check out the surfing museum in Santa Cruz.

Driving just a few minutes out of the city of Santa Cruz will bring you to some beautiful hiking trails near Little or Big Basin Redwoods State Park .

There are 2 great camping options in Santa Cruz: Sea Cliffs State Park and New Brighton State Park. Or, if you are a Thousand Trails member, you can stay in nearby Scott’s Valley where there are plenty of hiking and mountain biking options.

For hotel accommodations, I highly recommend staying in Capitola at one of these amazing hotels:

  • Capitola Beach Suites : With ocean views right from your room, this is a perfect romantic getaway for a couple. Plus, the rooms are very affordable
  • Capitola Hotel : Luxury hotel that also has rooms large enough for small families
  • Inn at Depot Hill : This quaint B&B also provides an ideal romantic getaway for couples.

If you have time to spare on your drive towards San Francisco, make a pit stop to check out Half Moon Bay .  The coastline gets even wilder and I love how the state campground sits right on the edge of a beautiful stretch of sandy beach.

10 | Pacifica

I love the surf vibe in Pacifica too and how the backdrop of the forested mountains reminds me of the Basque region of Spain, especially Playa Rodiles.

There are so many cute restaurants here. I always stop in and grab a bottle of wine at Table Wine .

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There are great mountain biking and hiking trails on the coast and it’s usually a great place to learn to surf. You could easily spend a few days enjoying the nature and adventure here.

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Pacifica is one of my favorite places to stay in. There aren’t any campgrounds close by. If you are in an RV, you’ll probably want to stay at the San Francisco RV resort and use that as a jumping-off point for Pacifica and San Francisco.

If you are staying in a hotel, the Pacifica Beach Hotel is awesome. It’s directly across from the beach, within walking distance of all the great restaurants, and is great for couples or small-sized families.

11 | San Francisco

There is so much to explore in San Francisco and it’s easy to hop on busses, and trolleys, or just explore the city by foot. If you choose to brave the narrow streets of San Francisco with an RV, do so early and park down at the Embarcadero. It’s expensive but easy. Or park by the beach or Golden Gate Park and bus in.

Some of our favorite places in San Fran:

  • Chinatown is a must . Go hungry and taste as much as you can.
  • We also loved North Beach and foodies might love taking this culinary walking tour of North Beach.
  • The coffee and desserts at Dandelion Chocolate is also top on our list. Try their amazing sipping chocolate or sign up for a San Francisco chocolate tour .
  • I want to go back and take the kids on a tour of Alcatraz .
  • Take in the views of the city from Coit Tower , which is included in most of the city tours
  • Walk down Lombard Street .
  • And bike or walk across the Golden Gate Bridge .
  • Don’t forget to stop by Fisherman’s Wharf and Ghiradelli
  • Finish the day with a sunset catamaran cruise .

There are many more rad tours and excursions you can do in San Francisco. For a full list, click here .

San Francisco is great for a day, but I love the area just north and west of San Francisco, Marin County . Check out the Marin County farmers market if you can and go explore Mount Tamalpais, Muir Forest, Stinson, and Muir Beach.

To look for accommodation in San Francisco, use the search box below.

12 | Point Reyes

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Point Reyes National Seashore is a hidden gem. It’s filled with great hikes, like Tomales Point , that provide you with epic coastal views and there are usually elk right along the trail. While hiking Tomales Point in Point Reyes, we were treated to an up-close encounter with a Coyote hunting (check out the video ).  

Numerous trails start from the Bear Valley visitor center in Olema and if you head north past all the dairy farms, there are more great hikes down to the beach.

There aren’t many options when it comes to accommodations near Point Reyes Station. There’s a budget hostel that gives you great access to the trails and there are some walk-in camping options in the park.

For RV camping, we usually stay at Olema Campground . It’s a basic campground with showers and full hookups at a reasonable price. There is also The Olema House just a few miles from Point Reyes which offers more of the luxury side of accommodation and a very romantic place to stay for couples.

Just north of Point Reyes, stop at Tomales Bakery and grab delicious pastries to eat on the hike.

13 | Fun Stops On Highway 1 Before Mendocino

There is so much to do along Highway 1. We started by camping at Bodega Dunes Campground .

Fort Ross State Park is cool if you like learning about California’s history and the influence the Russian fur traders had in the area in the early 1800’s.  

Then it was a short hike to explore Bowling Ball Beach , where the kids loved climbing over all the large, round stones that line the shore.

Our last stop before arriving in Mendocino was the Point Arena Lighthouse , which reminded me of being in Ireland .

14 | Mendocino

California coast road trip: Mendocino

Right before you arrive in Mendocino you’ll reach Van Damme State Park . This was an awesome place for us to camp and there were some great hikes right from the campground.

California coast road trip: Mendocino

One thing you have to do in Mendocino is explore the Mendocino Headlands . The kids loved playing on the beach and this would be a great spot to have a picnic or just relax and take in the scenery.  

Mendocino Headlands, Mendocino, California Caost Road Trip: Where to Surf, Hike, and Climb

Just 3 miles north of Mendocino, is the jaw-droopingly beautiful redwood forest of Russian Gulch. I would’ve loved to camp here but they only take RV’s up to 24 feet which means our RV couldn’t even park in the parking lot. Luckily there is a pull-off on the south side of the bridge on Highway 1 where you can park and then take the trail by the headlands into the gulch.

I highly recommend doing the six-mile round trip Fern Canyon trail hike to the 36-foot waterfall that is in the Russian Gulch.  It’s an easy, mostly paved hike, with very little elevation gain (perfect for young kids who aren’t stoked to hike every day like our two youngest).

California coast road trip: Mendocino

The best hotels to stay at in the Mendocino area are Brewery Gulch Inn , MacCallum House Inn , Agate Cove Inn , and Headlands Inn Bed & Breakfast .

15 | Redwoods

Way up at the top of the California Coast is the famous California Redwoods. If you have the opportunity to visit this gorgeous forest, I highly encourage it. I know it’s a little out of the way to get here but the forest just north of Eureka is beautiful.

My favorite part though is driving the Avenue of the Giants . This arrow-windy road weaves inches past the most enormous trees you’ve ever seen. There is some time to stop and admire the trees, take a hike, or have a picnic.

You can camp at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park or stay near the Redwoods at View Crest Lodge .

Score Cheap Flights + Car Rental

Other noteworthy california destinations.

I hope that inspires you to go and explore the California Coast! California is one amazing state.  

If beautiful coastlines and cute surf towns aren’t your thing, head to the mountains and experience the incredible granite rock domes and gorgeous meadows in Yosemite Valley, explore the desert and scramble the giant boulders of Joshua Tree, or hike to waterfalls near Mount Shasta .

Related Blogs:

  • Complete Guide to Surfing the California Coast
  • 3 Epic Waterfalls in Northern California
  • Big Sur Road Trip
  • Weekend Guide to Tuolumne, Yosemite
  • Outdoor Adventure Guide To San Diego
  • Best Women’s Wetsuits

Got questions about hitting the road for an adventurous trip in California?  Let us know in the comments below!

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9 Reasons to Visit Hossegor, France • Nomads With A Purpose

Sunday 28th of May 2017

[…] the different beaches and towns in the area.  Capbreton’s camper stop reminds us a lot of California beaches with its long stretch of beach and many peaks to choose from.  On some days, the baker comes […]

TheTravel

14 Unique Stops To Make On A Road Trip From LA To San Diego

  • Experience the unique beauty and wildlife of Santa Catalina Island on a road trip from LA to San Diego. Take a ferry to the island and explore Two Harbors and Avalon, complete with palm trees, cabanas, and art deco Catalina Casino.
  • Enjoy the surf and vibrant beach town vibes at Huntington Beach, also known as "Surf City." Take a surf lesson or explore lively Main Street with its bars, breweries, shops, and cafes.
  • Explore the scenic beaches and artistic charm of Laguna Beach. From tide pools at Main Beach to hiking trails in the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, this stop offers breathtaking coastal vistas and a chance to see a natural lake.

Driving the California coast is a quintessential American road trip and is something that everyone should experience at some point in their lifetime! Whether driving the whole coastline or just a section, there are so many beautiful places to stop along the way. California has great scenic road trip options with fantastic stops along the way , and the drive from LA to San Diego is no less.

The drive on a road trip from LA to San Diego is only about 120 miles (roughly 2 hours of driving point to point without traffic). But the best parts of any road trip are the stops along the way, and with multiple beaches and dozens of things to do between LA and San Diego, the California coast will not disappoint.

Although the quickest way between these two cities is to take the I-5, the most scenic option is to take the Pacific Coast Highway or Highway 1. This drive is one of the most beautiful in the US, and it becomes even more so if you genuinely know where to stop between San Diego and Los Angeles to enjoy this route.

UPDATE: 2023/11/13 16:42 EST BY SUNIL PURUSHE

Some More Unique Stops Along PCH In Los Angeles And San Diego, California

The route between LA and San Diego and the legendary Pacific Coast Highway has unlimited destinations and attractions that demand attention. There's only one Golden State for a reason, regardless of the time of year. Have fun!

Related: How To Spend 3 Days In LA

Escape To Santa Catalina Island

Two harbors and the city of avalon, with casinos, hiking trails, and wildlife..

For those with plenty of time to enjoy the California coastline, leaving the car behind in Long Beach and catching a ferry over to Santa Catalina Island is an excellent place to start. Among the many things to do between San Diego and Los Angeles, visiting the Santa Catalina Islands is a unique but very fulfilling choice. Just one hour away via high-speed ferry, Santa Catalina is one of California's Channel Islands and lies southwest of LA. The resort town of Two Harbors is on the north of the island, and the city of Avalon is in the south, complete with palm trees, cabanas, and art deco Catalina Casino. There are hiking trails across the island, and it's known for its wildlife and amazing diving opportunities, making it the perfect first stop on any LA to San Diego road trip.

  • Location: Santa Catalina Islands, California 90704
  • Major Attractions: Catalina Island Casino , Two Harbors

Enjoy The Longest Pier At Huntington Beach

The best place to learn surfing.

On a drive from LA to San Diego, just 20 minutes further down the coast from Long Beach and about as far north as you can get in Orange Country, is beautiful Huntington Beach. With one of the longest piers on the California Coast, it is the perfect place to catch a West Coast sunset. Known locally as "Surf City," the beach is a perfect place to take a surf lesson, or lively Main Street has many bars, breweries, shops, and cafes to enjoy.

  • Location: Huntington Beach, California
  • Major Attractions: Huntington Beach Pier , Old World Village

The World Famous And Stunning Laguna Beach

Over 40 miles of trails, spectacular coastal vistas, canyons, and lake barbara..

With some of the most stunning beaches and coastlines along this coastline, Laguna Beach is a must-see beach on any San Diego to LA road trip or the opposite direction along the California Coast. Another significant aspect of Laguna Beach is that it falls in the middle of a route perfect for any California road trip . The town is an eclectic mix of a hippie beach town, boutique shopping, and art galleries. Main Beach has tide pools to explore and a beautiful boardwalk leading to the paths and gardens of nearby Heisler Park. The Laguna Coast Wilderness Park has over 40 miles of trails leading to rocky bluffs, coastal vistas, and canyons. Hiking to Barbara's Lake is a unique opportunity to see a natural lake along this coastal drive.

  • Location: Laguna Beach, California
  • Major Attractions: Heisler Park , Pacific Marine Mammal Center

Related: From Surf To Turf: A Culinary Adventure Through San Diego's Diverse Food Culture

Looking Out For Whales At Dana Point

A beautiful harbor and tours to watch the biggest mammal family on earth..

Dana Point is known as the "Whale Capital of the West," so watch for these majestic animals, whether watching from the harbor or heading further out to sea on a whale-watching tour. The 0.2-mile Bluff Top hiking trail gives visitors a breathtaking panoramic view of the harbor, and the harbor itself has many boutique stores, restaurants, and cafés to enjoy a rest after whale-spotting!

  • Location: Dana Point, California
  • Major Attractions: Dana Point Harbor , Salt Creek Beach

Learning Some History In San Juan Capistrano

Spanish-style architecture and antique stores, along with seeing the oldest buildings in the state..

A visit to San Juan Capistrano involves a little inland detour, but it is one of the most historic destinations in the region, and it's a nice way to break up the beach stops along this coastal drive. Downtown is filled with Spanish-style architecture and antique stores, and one of the highlights is seeing the San Juan Capistrano Mission, one of the oldest buildings in the state. For those staying overnight here, there are plenty of taquerias and old-timey Western bars to enjoy.

  • Location: San Juan Capistrano, California
  • Major Attractions: Mission San Juan Capistrano , Zoomars at River Street Ranch

Visiting The Wine Country In Temecula

See beautiful hillside golf courses and vineyards..

Further inland still is the Southern California city of Temecula. It's famous for the nearby Temecula Valley Wine Country, with stunning hillside vineyards and abundant golf courses. Another beautiful historic town, Temecula, is filled with 1800s buildings and antique stores, making it a unique stop along the way between LA and San Diego.

  • Location: Temecula, California
  • Major Attractions: Old Town Temecula , Wilson Creek Winery

Related: Less Touristy (But Still Fun!) Things To Do In San Diego

Surfing At San Clemente State Beach

Windy, wavy, and perfect for water sports..

San Clemente is a quirky surf town and is the southernmost town in Orange County. It is often windy and wavy, making it the perfect place to try out some water sports, and there are surfing spots here suitable for beginners right up to professionals, making it one of the best surf spots along the California coast. Another unique thing about San Clemente Beach is that visitors can camp right on the mile-long beach !

  • Location: San Clemente, CA 92672
  • Major Attractions: San Clemente Pier , San Clemente Coastal Trail

Stop By The Beach At Oceanside and Visit LEGOLAND In Carlsbad

Home to the longest wooden pier and a chance to be a child again..

Oceanside has over 6 miles of breathtaking beaches, making it one of the best beach-side destinations along this coastline. It is also home to the longest wooden pier on the California coast - roughly 1/3 mile long! The views along the Oceanside coast are truly spectacular, and it is worth taking some time here to soak them up!

A short drive from Oceanside is the small town of Carlsbad, which is often top of tourist's to-see lists because of its many big attractions, including the LEGOLAND California Resort and the impressive Sea Life Aquarium.

  • Location: Oceanside , Carlsbad
  • Drive: Oceanside to Carlsbad (3.3 miles - 8 minutes)
  • Major Attractions: Oceanside Pier , Mission San Luis Rey , LEGOLAND California , Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum (MECM)

Take In The Quaint Seaside Charm Of Encinitas

Enjoy a unique botanical garden and the small-town vibe..

Another stop with unbeatable coastal views is the beautiful Encinitas. This small city is just a little south of Carlsbad, and the streets are packed with quirky stores and relaxed restaurants. It is also home to the San Diego Botanical Garden, filled with various plant species from around the world. For visitors looking for a mellow town with seaside charm, this is the perfect place to stop.

  • Location: Encinitas, California
  • Major Attractions: Moonlight State Beach , Self Realization Fellowship Hermitage & Meditation Gardens

The Calmness Of A Sanctuary At Torrey Pines State Natural Preserve

Witness the unique torrey pine and several migratory birds..

Although technically within San Diego city limits, the Torrey Pines State Natural Preserve is one of the wildest lands found along the Southern California coastline . Here, visitors will find the rare Torrey pine along with a beautiful lagoon, which is still used by several migrating bird species. With deep sandstone canyons and miles of pristine beaches, this is the perfect last stop before hitting San Diego!

  • Location: 12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
  • Major Attractions: Razor Point and Beach Trail Loop , La Jolla Cove

Summer Entertainment At Newport Beach

A beachside destination boasts entertainment, food, and history..

Newport Beach town will be reached on a road trip from LA to San Diego after driving along Highway 1 to the south from Huntington. This iconic town is known as an amazing summer destination and boasts various types of activities for everyone to enjoy. People visiting Newport Beach are recommended to see the Fun Zone and Balboa Pier, where they will witness an amazing seaside amusement park with arcade games, a small Ferris wheel, and traditional carnival food. Multi-million dollar homes and iconic boutiques can be spotted on Balboa Island. The latter can be reached from Balboa Pier in five minutes in a small car ferry.

  • Location: Newport Beach, California
  • Major Attractions: Balboa Island Ferry , Newport Beach

Finding Solitude At Table Rock Beach

Not the easiest to reach, but it's well worth the effort..

People who want to enjoy stunning seaside scenery with fewer tourist crowds will stop at Table Rock Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Orange County. This spot can be located in South Laguna just off of the Pacific Coast Highway, north of Mission Hospital. Although people will have to walk down several stairs to reach the beach, it's still worth witnessing this unique area. The wonderful surf, beautiful rock formations, and solitude Table Rock Beach offers are all worth heading to this difficult-to-reach stop along the road trip from LA to San Diego.

  • Location: 31561 Table Rock Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
  • Major Attractions: Table Rock Beach , Laguna Beach Open Ocean Kayaking Tour with Sea Lion Sightings (Nearby)

Party At The Pacific Beach

Beachfront entertainment and the beautiful californian sunset..

The beachside neighborhood of Pacific Beach near San Diego is known as a party playground or P.B. (as the locals call it). P.B. comes alive at night with the glow of bonfires and the electricity of the region's many clubs. However, with endless stretches of coast, it's also the perfect downtime spot for families. P.B., or Pacific Beach, is also one of California's best beaches in and near San Diego . It has a 3.2-mile-long boardwalk lined with beachfront bars, restaurants, and shops, which is also a great vantage point to watch the beautiful Californian sunset every night. San Diego is known for its beaches and delicious cuisines , and it can all start here at Pacific Beach.

  • Location: Pacific Beach, California
  • Major Attractions: Mission Bay Park , San Diego Zoo

Lifeguard stands are staffed year-round from North Pacific Beach down to Mission Beach. The main lifeguard tower is located at the end of Grand Avenue.

Make A Stop At Santa Ana, The Face Of A New California.

Be surprised by the art, culture, and attractions found in historic santa ana..

The New York Times has characterized approximately four-fifths Latino, Santa Ana, as the "face of a new California , a state where Latinos have more influence in everyday life." Santa Ana is a cultural, entertainment, and culinary center of large and diverse Orange County, rich in authentic heritage and can't-miss gems. Art is everywhere in Santa Ana, from local galleries and studios to museums and alleyways. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the French Park neighborhood adjacent to downtown consists of 20 square blocks lined with stately homes from the 1880s.

  • Location: Santa Ana, California
  • Major Attractions: Lyon Air Museum , Blinking Owl Distillery

14 Unique Stops To Make On A Road Trip From LA To San Diego

These are the best scenic family road trips for families, from a parent and travel expert who's been to all 50 states.

  • I'm a travel expert, and I've been to all 50 states.
  • I love taking road trips with my family. We get to see a lot of different things on one trip.
  • These are my top three favorite routes for families traveling in the United States.

Insider Today

Road trips are the ultimate symbol of freedom, discovery, and the boundless beauty of the US. On many such trips with my family, it has not been just the destinations but also the journey that holds the magic; the open road itself becomes a vehicle for family memories and shared experiences.

Over my life, I've traversed all 50 states , both with my family while growing up and now with my husband and kids, and I've reveled in the splendor of countless scenic highways and breathtaking byways. As a travel expert, I believe these three incredible routes are the best if you're looking to go on an amazing road trip experience with your own family.

Cruise up (or down) California's Pacific Coast Highway

Family travelers looking for a truly magical journey need to look no further than the Pacific Coast Highway or California State Route 1. At about 650 miles, it's the longest route in California and the second longest in the US. Beginning in the charming seaside town of Dana Point, just outside Los Angeles, and winding up to San Francisco (or vice versa), this spectacular drive offers an endless array of jaw-dropping coastal vistas, sun-soaked beaches, and must-see stops.

As you travel north to Santa Barbara, stop at the Santa Barbara Zoo and take in unobstructed sunset vistas at Ellwood Mesa. Continue to San Luis Obispo, where you can choose from 65 hiking trails, explore the children's museum, or stroll through the infamous Bubblegum Alley. And don't miss out on other notable destinations like Big Sur, the charming seaside town of Carmel-by-the-Sea and its crescent-shaped beaches and storybook-like architecture, or Monterey, home to the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium .

Once you reach San Francisco, take an exciting ride on the city's famous cable cars. Then visit the California Academy of Sciences, an all-in-one planetarium, aquarium, and natural history museum in Golden Gate Park. And no matter how often you visit San Francisco , you must visit the Golden Gate Bridge, on foot or at vantage points like Battery Spencer or Fort Point.

Travel the Blue Ridge Parkway from Virginia to North Carolina

The Blue Ridge Parkway, affectionately known as "America's Favorite Drive," meanders nearly 500 miles through Virginia and North Carolina. Connecting Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this scenic route boasts 272 magnificent overlooks and more than 100 hiking trails , including the famed Crabtree Falls.

Roanoke, the largest city along the Parkway, offers families a multitude of outdoorsy activities, like mountain biking at Explore Park and hiking to the famous Roanoke Star in Mill Mountain Park. A bit farther south, near Meadows of Dan, VA, my family had a wonderful time at Primland Resort. We stayed in one of its 22 spacious lodge suites; they also offer unique treehouses and villas, an observatory for stargazing, guided nature walks, thrilling ATV rides, and a fun-filled game room .

Near the end of the Parkway lies the mountain town of Asheville, which is close to several family-friendly hiking trails , including Graveyard Fields. There, my family enjoyed panoramic viewpoints, toured the iconic Biltmore Estate, and visited the River Arts District, Asheville Museum of Science, and North Carolina Arboretum.

The centrally located Grand Bohemian Asheville, located next to the Biltmore Estate, is ideal for exploring the city's bustling downtown area, which is known for its arts, crafts, and delicious local cuisine. The region also has several excellent glamping options, including the cabins at Asheville Glamping.

Take a road trip through Arizona

From majestic mountains to captivating canyons, Arizona's glorious scenery cannot be fully realized by visiting just one destination. You must explore it through the open road. Start your journey in the Phoenix area, which has an abundance of kid-friendly attractions, like Legoland Discovery Center, Butterfly Wonderland, and the i.d.e.a. Museum.

As you venture just two hours north, stop in Sedona to explore the vibrant art scene and mesmerizing red rock formations. Admire the area's stunning beauty on a thrilling Pink Jeep Tour , and retire to campgrounds like Chavez Crossing RV Park and Rancho Sedona RV Park. Another economical accommodation option is the two-bedroom suites at Los Abrigados Resort and Spa. Families looking to splurge should stay at the Enchantment Resort in Boynton Canyon for relaxation and endless family-friendly activities, including hiking, stargazing, and cultural activities at Camp Coyote.

Spend several days exploring the west, north, and south rims of the Grand Canyon, marveling at panoramic vistas at the Skywalk at Grand Canyon West, and kid-friendly hiking trails, like the 1.8-mile South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point. For a rush of adrenaline, set out on a whitewater rafting excursion with companies like Advantage Grand Canyon.

To make the most of your time, pitch a tent at one of six campgrounds within Grand Canyon National Park, reserve an RV spot at Trailer Village, or stay at one of the nearby hotels like El Tovar Hotel, Under Canvas Grand Canyon, and the historic Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams, where you can take a fabulous train ride to the canyon's South Rim.

Last but certainly not least is a trip to Page, where short hikes lead to the marvelous Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. Families can also take a boat cruise on Lake Powell and visit the Glen Canyon Dam.

Watch: THE TESLA ROAD TRIP — We try to see the Grand Canyon but there's not a Supercharger station in sight

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  4. The ultimate California coast road trip, all the way from Crescent City in the north to San

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COMMENTS

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

    Bodega Bay. Just north of San Francisco, Bodega Bay is a must-see stop on your California coast road trip. Known for its hiking around Bodega Head -which also has epic whale watching-and easy access to the beachside Doran Regional Park, this area is perfect for nature-lovers and outdoor adventurers.

  2. The Ultimate 10-Day California Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary

    Today, you'll be driving from Los Angeles up to Solvang, with a stop in sunny Santa Barbara. Drive Time: About 3.5 Hours. The majority of this California road trip will take place on Highway 1, AKA the Pacific Coast Highway, AKA the PCH, AKA Cabrillo Highway, AKA Shoreline Highway, AKA The Prettiest Highway in the World.

  3. The Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

    Cruise down the iconic Highway 1 for a scenic and unforgettable California road trip. Known as one of the most scenic drives in the country, the PCH—also called Highway 1—runs next to the ocean's crashing waves, from Leggett in Mendocino County all the way down to Dana Point in Orange County. With so many miles to cover, considering all ...

  4. The Ultimate California Coast Road Trip Itinerary

    Now let's get this California coast road trip planning on it's way! California Coast Road Trip Itinerary: 1) Start in San Francisco. Ahhh, SF, my favorite city; although technically I'm biased because I chose to move to the city by the bay from NYC a few years ago. 😉 . A few San Francisco must do's include either walking or driving over the Golden Gate Bridge, wandering around ...

  5. California Coast Road Trip: Map, itineraries, ideas and tips

    Find the best road trip itineraries for the California coast, from central to northern and southern California. Explore the scenic routes, attractions, cities, and historic sites along the way. Discover the most beautiful beaches, lighthouses, whales, and landmarks in the Golden State.

  6. A California Coast Road Trip: San Francisco to San Diego Drive

    A 10-day itinerary for driving from San Francisco to San Diego along the California coast, stopping at scenic spots and attractions along the way. Learn tips on when to plan, where to stay, what to see, and how to enjoy the best of the Golden State.

  7. Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary: 7 Day California Coast Road Trip

    This Pacific Coast Highway itinerary takes 7 days and starts in San Francisco, loops up a bit North to see some of the best sights north of San Francisco, then spends the rest of the time heading south and ends in San Diego. This means this PCH itinerary moves at a fairly quick clip, with one-night stays rather than two-night stays where you ...

  8. The ultimate 2-week Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary

    We also have a huge California road trip itinerary post that covers the whole state, going inland as well as along Highway 1. And that's also where you'll find all our general California road trip tips, such as budget, planning and packing advice. And we have plenty more posts on individual California destinations.

  9. The Perfect Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary (25 Stops + 3

    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.

  10. 10 Day California Coast Road Trip Itinerary • The Blonde Abroad

    Take the CA-154 E/San Marcos Pass Rd to the US-101 S for 1.5 hours. On your way to Santa Barbara, stop in California's Little Denmark (AKA Solvang). This quaint European-style town will transport you to the other side of the world. Wander around with your camera, then stop by one of their many wine-tasting rooms.

  11. California's Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip: A Local's Secret Stops

    A local's twist on the classic coastal road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles. California's iconic Highway 1 has many natural and historic attractions along the Central Coast, famous for its ...

  12. 30 Best Stops On A California Coast Road Trip

    Technically this is where the Pacific Coast Highway in California ends, at Interstate 5 in Dana Point. So beyond this stop heading south, these are just cool California coast road trip stops down to the last 65 or so miles to San Diego. Additional Southern California Coast Drive Stops San Clemente

  13. 10 Days California Coast Road Trip Itinerary

    This Highway 1 road trip planner will guide you in planning a spectacular road trip through the coastal attractions. California Coast Road Trip along Highway 1 or the Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most thrilling, memorable, and beautiful road trips in the world. The road trip has panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the rocky cliffs ...

  14. California Coast Road Trip

    The legendary Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) was first started in the 1930s, and remains a marvel of human effort that hugs over 900 kilometers (600 miles) of California's rugged and beautiful coastlines. It is one of the most astoundingly scenic roads in the world, meant to be traversed slowly, while gasping at the mountains, towering trees ...

  15. 3-Day California Coast Road Trip • The Blonde Abroad

    A visit to California wouldn't be complete without a road trip on the Pacific Coast Highway. This iconic highway continues along most of the California coast and can be enjoyed at any pace… whether it's over the course of 1 day or a 2-week road trip.. For the perfect "sampler platter" of sights and activities along this scenic drive, I recommend planning 3 days from Los Angeles to ...

  16. The Ultimate California Coast Road Trip

    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 ...

  17. A Two Week California Road Trip Itinerary

    Route 66 ends in California, so take a look at our guide to planning a route 66 trip, as well as our detailed 2 week Route 66 itinerary and 1 week Route 66 itinerary. Fodor's Guide to California, which also includes details on a number of fantastic road trips. The Lonely Planet California Guide, which is great for finding things to do, places ...

  18. Ultimate California Road Trip: Ideas for 7, 10 & 15 Days Itineraries

    The perfect 10 Day California Road Trip itinerary for must-visit places to see in California including San Francisco, Los Angeles, things to do along the Pacific Coast Highway and Big Sur, San Deigo, the Californian desert - Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley, the Sierra Nevada mountain ranges, Lake Tahoe, etc.

  19. The Ultimate Central California Coast Road Trip Itinerary

    Stop 2: Big Sur, California Recommended Time: 1-2 nights Things to Do in Big Sur. Big Sur might just be the star of your Central Coast road trip. It's all about nature here, and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park—referred to as a "mini Yosemite"—is one of my favorite places to experience it, with ample redwoods and creeks to explore. Andrew Molera State Park and Garrapata State Park are two ...

  20. The California coast offers up one of the world's greatest road trips

    Since the Pacific Coast Highway was completed in 1937, the drive along the California coast has been considered one of the world's great road trips, rivalling the hairpin turns of Italy's ...

  21. Complete California Coast Road Trip from Tip to Tip

    You'll have warmer, sunnier weather in SoCal, no doubt, but getting time up on the rugged northern coasts of Sonoma County and Redwoods National Park is amazing. For a 7 day California road trip itinerary split your time like this: 2 days on Northern California Coast. 3 days from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

  22. The Classic Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

    The Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip. While many travelers begin in Los Angeles and head north, driving the Pacific Coast Highway from north to south keeps you in the lane closest to the ocean. In Washington, Oregon, and at the northern end of California, the Pacific Coast route follows US Highway 101.

  23. The Ultimate Northern California Coast Road Trip Itinerary

    The Pacific Coast Highway goes as far south as San Diego and stretches right through the heart of the Northern California coast. So I'm taking the best of these California road trips and compiling them into what would be my ultimate Northern California road trip itinerary. As you read this post, the best part is you can pick and choose from ...

  24. California Coast Road Trip- Where to Surf, Climb, & Hike

    From surf towns to city life and from sand dunes to dense forests, driving the coastal Highway 101 and Highway 1 is always an adventure. This 2 week California coast road trip will take you to great surf spots near Ventura and Santa Cruz, beautiful hikes in Mendocino and Point Reyes, and some rock climbing near Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo ...

  25. 14 Unique Stops To Make On A Road Trip From LA To San Diego

    With some of the most stunning beaches and coastlines along this coastline, Laguna Beach is a must-see beach on any San Diego to LA road trip or the opposite direction along the California Coast.

  26. Best Scenic Family Road Trips in the US, From Parent and Travel Expert

    Cruise up (or down) California's Pacific Coast Highway Family travelers looking for a truly magical journey need to look no further than the Pacific Coast Highway or California State Route 1.

  27. What was learned about Warriors during their 4-game East Coast trip?

    TORONTO, CANADA - MARCH 1: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors drives against Ochai Agbaji #30 of the Toronto Raptors in the second half of their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on March 1 ...