The Ultimate Road Trip Guide to California’s PCH: Stops, Scenic Views & Where to Stay
California’s iconic Highway 1—also known as the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)—is more than just a drive. It’s a bucket-list road trip filled with jaw-dropping coastal cliffs, charming beach towns, dramatic ocean views, and unforgettable pit stops. Whether you’re doing it solo, with friends, or as a romantic getaway, this ultimate guide helps you plan the perfect Highway 1 adventure from San Francisco to Los Angeles.
What to Expect on California’s Highway 1
Distance: ~500 miles
Recommended Trip Length: 5 to 7 days
Ideal Direction: North to South (San Francisco to Los Angeles) for better views on the ocean side of the road
Best Time to Go: Late spring through early fall for clear skies, wildflowers, and ideal temperatures
Day-by-Day Itinerary & Best Stops
San Francisco (Start Here)
Kick off your trip in the City by the Bay. Before hitting the highway, spend a day or two exploring:
Walk the Golden Gate Bridge or head to Battery Spencer for that postcard-perfect view.
Stroll through the Mission District for murals and artisanal coffee.
Eat seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf or explore Chinatown.
Pro Tip: Grab snacks and fill up on gas before leaving—services get sparse once you're further south.
Half Moon Bay & Santa Cruz
As you begin heading south on Highway 1, you'll hug the coast almost immediately.
Highlights:
Half Moon Bay: Stop at Mavericks Beach, known for world-class surfing.
Santa Cruz: Home to a vintage boardwalk, colorful beach shacks, and the laid-back vibe of California surf culture. Explore the redwood forests in Henry Cowell State Park or go whale-watching.
Where to Eat:
Sam’s Chowder House in Half Moon Bay
The Picnic Basket in Santa Cruz for gourmet beachside sandwiches
Monterey & Carmel-by-the-Sea
These towns are small but bursting with coastal elegance and family-friendly activities.
What to Do:
Visit Monterey Bay Aquarium, consistently ranked among the best in the world.
Drive the famous 17-Mile Drive (a slight detour but worth it).
Explore Carmel’s fairytale cottages, art galleries, and white-sand beach.
Where to Stay:
Carmel Valley Ranch for luxe amenities
Spindrift Inn in Monterey for oceanfront charm
Big Sur: The Crown Jewel of Highway 1
This is the stretch of road you’ve seen in movies and car commercials—towering cliffs, crashing waves, and winding asphalt with no shoulder in sight.
Top Stops:
Bixby Creek Bridge: A must for photos.
McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park: An 80-foot waterfall that drops directly onto the beach.
Pfeiffer Beach: Known for its purple sand and dramatic sea arch.
Nepenthe Restaurant: Dine with panoramic cliffside views.
Where to Stay:
Post Ranch Inn: Ultra-luxurious and adults-only
Big Sur River Inn: Quaint, cozy, and more budget-friendly
Note: Cell service is extremely limited—download your maps ahead of time and double-check gas.
The Ultimate Road Trip Guide to California’s PCH: Stops, Scenic Views & Where to Stay
San Simeon, Cambria & Morro Bay
These coastal gems offer a slower pace and fewer tourists.
Highlights:
Tour Hearst Castle, the opulent hilltop estate of media tycoon William Randolph Hearst.
Visit the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery.
Stroll through Cambria’s Moonstone Beach Boardwalk or hunt for antiques in its charming village.
See the surreal Morro Rock, rising from the sea like a monolith.
Where to Stay:
El Colibri Hotel & Spa in Cambria
Blue Sail Inn in Morro Bay
Pismo Beach & San Luis Obispo
Ideal for beach walks and laid-back vibes, these towns mark the transition between Central and Southern California.
What to Do:
Watch the sunset from the Pismo Pier.
Try the local wine in nearby Edna Valley.
In San Luis Obispo, explore Bubblegum Alley or hike Bishop Peak.
Food Stop:
Splash Café in Pismo Beach for legendary clam chowder
High Street Deli in SLO for the best sandwiches on the coast
Santa Barbara
This sun-soaked coastal city oozes Mediterranean charm.
What to See:
Walk along State Street for shopping, bars, and food.
Visit the Old Mission Santa Barbara, founded in 1786.
Relax at East Beach or rent bikes and cruise the beachfront.
Where to Stay:
Hotel Californian for upscale coastal elegance
The Wayfarer for a hip, affordable boutique option
Malibu & Final Stretch into Los Angeles
As you near the end of your road trip, the coastline begins to feel more like a movie set—which it often is.
Top Malibu Stops:
El Matador State Beach: A romantic cove with dramatic sea caves.
Malibu Pier and Nobu Malibu if you want celeb-spotting over sushi.
Welcome to L.A.:
Wrap up your trip with a photo op at the Santa Monica Pier, dinner in Venice Beach, or cocktails in West Hollywood.
Road Trip Tips & Essentials
Book Accommodations Early, especially in Big Sur and Carmel—they fill up fast.
Pack Layers: Weather shifts from foggy to warm and sunny quickly.
Fuel Up Regularly: Especially before Big Sur.
Download Offline Maps & Music.
Don’t Rush: The slower you go, the better the experience.
Driving California’s Highway 1 is an unforgettable journey—equal parts meditative and exhilarating. From craggy cliffs to serene coves and art-filled towns, every mile offers something beautiful. If you want a trip that combines nature, culture, and freedom, this is your coastal dream drive.