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.
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Last Updated: October 10, 2024
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. Its chill vibe, surfing culture, and beautiful beaches 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 the Children’s Pool. You can also test your skills and become a whiskey diver.
- Cabrillo National Monument Tide Pools – Visit the lighthouse, and go tide-pooling with your whole family. There are tons of sea critters to find.
Where to Stay: Search for San Diego hotel deals
See More: The Ultimate San Diego Bucket List
Carlsbad – Mile 35 →
- Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch – although it may change each season, it’s generally from March 1 to May 8. Check their Instagram page and website for the most up-to-date conditions.
- Legoland California Resort – for the little ones, but we enjoyed the miniature Lego world.
- Blue Ocean Robata & Sushi Bar – delicious omakase.
See More: When and Where to See The Best California Wildflowers
Dana Point – Mile 64.5
- Ocean Institute/Pilgrim Boat – a Family-friendly spot where you can interact with sea life or take 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
See More: 9 Fun Things to Do in Long Beach for First Timers
La to San Luis Obispo (SLO)
Distance: 219 Miles / 4 hr 15 min
Los Angeles – Mile 132 →
We’ll end day 1 in Los Angeles, another spot where you can spend all week, but a convenient stop since you’ll have everything you need nearby.
- Santa Monica Pier – classic west coast pier
- Venice Beach – a great place to people-watch
- Griffith Park – Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood Sign Hike
Where to Stay: Search LA hotels
See More: 7 Things You Need to Do in Santa Monica On Your First Visit
Malibu – Mile 150.4
- The Getty Villa is a beautiful museum focused on Greece and Rome.
- El Matador State Beach – 3 small beaches surrounded by cliffs.
- Zuma Beach – a quiet beach that’s popular with the locals.
- Leo Carillo State Park – check out coastal caves, tidepools, or watch surfers and windsurfers.
- Point Dume – climb to an amazing view.
See More: Most Instagrammable Places in LA
Point Mugu / Oxnard – Mile 176.9
- Point Mugu State Park Hike – beautiful hike to great views of the surrounding hills and ocean
- Channel Island Maritime Museum – a great collection of maritime paintings, models, and artifacts
- Channel Islands Harbor – if you want to extend your trip, take a ferry to Channel Islands National Park.
See More: Kayaking in Channel Islands National Park
Santa Barbara – Mile 217.3
- Rincon Beach – a popular beach for surfing just south of Santa Barbara.
- Shoreline Park – oceanside park atop a mesa.
- State Street – a historic area with shops and restaurants.
- Santa Barbara Maritime Museum – fun, interactive museum with a permanent exhibit on surfing and maritime culture.
- Sunset Sail with the Santa Barbara Sailing Center – the perfect way to relax and enjoy the evening.
Where to Stay: Blue Sands Inn – cute property in a great location and features local art || Search all Santa Barbara hotels
Lompoc – Mile 289.9
- La Purisima State Historical Park – the most completely restored Mission of California
- Wine Ghetto – collection of 50 wineries
- The Murals of Lompoc – check out the murals in downtown
Pismo Beach – Mile 337.8
- Monarch Butterfly Grove – if you are visiting between late October and February, stop by to see the thousands of monarch butterflies that fill the Eucalyptus trees
- Pismo Beach Pier – 1,200-foot pier great for watching surfers and kite surfers.
- Pismo Beach Surf Shop – Eccentric surf shop that can outfit you for any beach activity.
Where to Eat:
- Surfside Donuts – try the donut breakfast sandwich.
- Splash Cafe – one of the oldest Pismo Beach restaurants with delicious award-winning clam chowder.
Where to Stay: Cliff’s Hotel and Spa – amazing oceanside views and one of our favorite hotels we’ve stayed at on the coast.
See More: 15 Absolutely Amazing Surfing Beaches in California
Slo to Monterey
Distance: 146 Miles / 4 hr 20 min
After leaving SLO, there are fewer major stops and amenities on this route until you reach Big Sur, but the coastline is incredible.
San Luis Obispo – Mile 351
- Bubblegum Alley – take photos in an alleyway covered in gum (pick up some gum at Rocket Fizz just around the corner if you want to add your own).
- Bishop Peak – hike to a stunning view of the city and valley around
- Avila Valley Barn – pick up some fresh fruits or snacks at their sweet shop, u-pick fruits during certain seasons, and stop by to see their farm animals.
- Morro Rock – This is technically north of SLO in Morro Bay. Stop by to see this behemoth rock sitting in the cove.
- Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa – founded in 1772, the stunning Mission has gardens with cacti, succulents, roses, and more.
- Kynsi Winery – Edna Valley is full of wineries, and we enjoyed relaxing and doing a tasting flight at Kynsi.
- Arroyo Grande – a small historic village with wild roosters and antique shops to explore. They also have a swinging bridge that is one of a kind in California.
Where to Eat:
- TASTE! Craft Eatery – fun menu giving you plenty of options to create your perfect meal.
- Copper Cafe at Madonna Inn – a very instagrammable restaurant with delicious pink champagne cake.
- Mason Bar & Kitchen – try their lobster corn dogs.
- Brown Butter Cookie Company – north of SLO in Cayucos, known for their brown butter cookies. Our favorite was the honey one!
Where to Stay: Search San Luis Obispo hotels and rentals
Cambria – Mile 384.3
- Harmony – just south of Cambria, the town of Harmony has a population of 18. Check out Harmony Glassword, Harmony Valley Creamery, and you can even rent the entire town for your next event. You may recognize this town from the K-Drama Heirs.
- Moonstone Beach/Leffingwell Landing – a serene spot with an overlook of Leffingwell Cove
- Nitt Witt Ridge – a crazy collection of art
- Hearst Castle (San Simeon) – a spectacular estate overlooking San Simeon
Big Sur – Mile 473.5 →
Our favorite place along the California coast (and top 10 in the United States). We could spend an entire week enjoying the views here, but here are a few highlights.
- McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – famous waterfall that goes into the ocean
- Pfeiffer Beach – a beach with purple sand and “the window”
- Bixby Bridge – It’s one of the most iconic bridges on the west coast.
Where to Stay: Find hotel deals in Big Sur
See More: 11 Things You Can’t Miss in Big Sur
Monterey to San Francisco
Distance: 118 Miles / 2 hr 45 min
You can spend the morning exploring Monterey before heading up to San Francisco. There are a lot of great quick photo stops along the way, or you can spend more time at each spot doing hikes.
Monterey – Mile 497 →
- Carmel-by-the-Sea – cute town south of Monterey with lots of shops and wineries to check out
- Monterey Bay Aquarium – one of our favorite aquariums located right on the ocean
- 17-Mile Drive – iconic drive with the famous lone cypress tree
- Kayak Monterey Bay – experience Monterey from the water
See More: 15 Amazing Things to Do in Monterey
Santa Cruz – Mile 540.6
- Seacliff State Beach – pier with a sunken ship at the end
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk – great for the family with lots of games and rides
- Mystery Spot – if you like those weird and gimmicky touristy spots
- Natural Bridges State Park – beautiful beach with natural bridges and also a hotspot to see monarch butterfly migrate
- Seymour Marine Discovery Center – interactive marine science museum and aquarium
Davenport – Mile 550.7
- Swanton Berry Farm – farm stand with fresh berry pies, strawberry shortcakes, and hot soup
- Shark Fin Cove – cove with a giant rock shark fin formation
Pescadero – Mile 562.1
- Pigeon Point Lighthouse – built in 1871, it is the tallest lighthouse on the West Coast
- Ano Nuevo State Reserve – home to tons of sea lions with a 3-mile trail that takes you close to them
Pacifica – Mile 602.6 →
- Devil’s Slide Trail – used to be the most dangerous portion of PCH, but is now a trail for hiking and biking
- Pacifica State Beach – beautiful beach popular among surfers, plus you can eat at the most picturesque Taco Bell in the country – seriously!
- Mori Point – 110-acre park located on a bluff giving you great views of the coastline
San Francisco to Mendocino
Distance: 170 Miles / 4 hr 20 min
I recommend spending a couple days exploring SF and the surrounding area. If you are, go ahead and drive up to Point Reyes Station as well. Otherwise, when you’re ready to leave, continue heading north.
San Francisco – Mile 615 →
- Fisherman’s Wharf / Pier 39 – tourist spot in SF with stores, restaurants, and sea lions
- Golden Gate Bridge – can’t visit SF without seeing the Golden Gate
- Palace of Fine Arts – beautiful monumental structure and park that houses art exhibits as well
- Muir Woods National Monument – walk among massive trees
Where to Stay: Find hotel deals in San Francisco
See More: 101 Things to Do in San Francisco
Point Reyes Station – Mile 655.8
- Point Reyes National Seashore – need more time to explore it fully but you can schedule safaris, explore by kayak, or hike
- Cypress Tree Tunnel – super popular photo spot located in Point Reyes National Seashore
- Tomales Point Trail – 9.4-mile hike that gives amazing views from both sides
Bodega Bay – Mile 687.8
- Bodega Head – nice quick stop with views of the ocean and cliffs
- Potter Schoolhouse – where The Birds was filmed
Jenner – Mile 698.4
- Fort Ross State Historic Park – former Russian fur trading outpost and native redwood forest
- Salt Point State Park – tons of trails that take you to a beautiful bluff and beach
Point Arena – Mile 750
- Point Arena Lighthouse – beautiful lighthouse popular amongst photographers
- Bowling Ball Beach – located just north of Schooner Gulch State Beach with bowling ball-like rock formations that appear only at low tide. Don’t forget to check the tide tables. We had to come back twice!
- B Bryan Preserve – preserve focused on African hoof animals
Mendocino – Mile 785
- Van Damme State Park – great short hiking options
- Jug Handle State Reserve – 2.5-mile staircase trail exploring wave-cut terraces
Where to Stay: Search for hotels in Mendocino
Mendocino to Crescent City
Distance: 229 Miles / 4 hr 45 min
The rest of California feels different. There are some great kitschy touristy stops, lots of hiking, and beautiful scenery. You’re technically off the PCH by this point, but it’s still worth seeing how the scenery changes as you are surrounded by massive redwoods.
Fort Bragg – Mile 795
- Glass Beach (photo above) – a colorful beach with colorful glass along the beach
- MacKerricher State Park – trails with beautiful tree tunnels
- Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens – for the flower and plant lovers
- Pudding Creek Trestle – unique wooden bridge great for photos
Where to Stay: Look for hotels and rentals in Fort Bragg
Leggett – mile 838.4
- Chandelier Drive-Through Tree – a fun drive-through tree
- Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area – check out a river canyon with year-round camping, hiking, and swimming
Garberville – Mile 861.4
- Richardson Grove State Park – walk amongst redwoods on one of the hikes
- One Log House – see a house made in one log
Myers Flat – Mile 877.8
- Shrine Drive-Through Tree – another drive-through tree. They also have a drive-on tree and some other photo ops.
- Humboldt Redwoods State Park (Weott) – an amazing park where you can see massive trees – drive through the Avenue of Giants and check out Founders Grove.
Eureka – Mile 928.8
- Sequoia Park Zoo – oldest zoo in California. The Redwood Sky Walk just opened here.
- Carson Mansion – large Victorian home (considered the grandest in America)
- Pink Lady – pink Victorian home
- Humboldt Bay – second largest enclosed bay in California
See More: 15 Epic Things to Do in Redwood National Park and State Parks
Klamath – Mile 992.4
- Trees of Mystery – unusual tree formations and a giant Paul Bunyan & Babe out front
- Tour-Thru Tree – another chance to drive through a tree
- High Bluff Overlook – beautiful overlook
Crescent City – Mile 1014
- Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park – another chance to walk amongst giants
- Battery Point Lighthouse – quick stop for lighthouse chasers
Where to Stay: Ocean View Inn & Suites (mid-range) || Search all hotels in Crescent City
Continue to the Oregon Coast Highway
From Crescent City, you’re only 20 miles away from the Oregon State line and more amazing coast to explore. Check out our Ultimate Oregon Coast Road Trip guide.
Map of the California coast
Essential Tips for First Timers
- When to Go: Spring and Fall will have the fewest crowds and great weather. If you go during the winter, SoCal will stay warm but will be colder as you go north. The popular spots will bring in tons of tourists in the summer.
- Be Flexible: You never know what area you’ll discover and love. Make a plan on how many days you want to spend on the road, but give yourself flexibility in case you want to spend more time in a specific area. If you have more time, we highly recommend staying more than a day in San Diego, LA, Santa Barbara, SLO, Big Sur, and SF. Other spots you can more or less get the gist of the area in one day.
- Consider Driving North to South: That will keep you on the side of the coast and makes it easy to take advantage of pullouts.
- Clothes to Wear: Dress in layers. It can get windy on the coast and it also helps to have waterproof layers in case it rains.
- Park Passes to Pick Up: Pick up a California Parks Pass and an America the Beautiful Pass to save money on the parks. America the Beautiful Pass covers National Parks, BLM, National Forests, and National Wildlife Refuges.
Best Places to Stay in California
We’ve done SD to LA and LA to SF countless times but mostly stayed with friends. When we did it in its entirety, we were in an Airstream, which means most of our accommodations were campgrounds and RV sites. We’ll continue to add in more recommendations for hotels and Airbnbs once we get a chance to check more out.
- San Diego: Search San Diego hotels
- Los Angeles: Search LA hotels
- Santa Barbara: Blue Sands Inn || Search all Santa Barbara hotels
- SLO: Search San Luis Obispo hotels and rentals
- Big Sur: Find hotel deals in Big Sur
- San Francisco: Find hotel deals in San Francisco
- Mendocino: Search for hotels in Mendocino
- Fort Bragg: Look for hotels and rentals in Fort Bragg
- Crescent City: Ocean View Inn & Suites || Search all hotels in Crescent City
Planning Checklist
- 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.
Have you driven the California Coast? Which parts were your favorite? Anything else we’re missing?
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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust
Esther + Jacob
Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.
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