Stretching 501 miles along the California coastline, the Pacific Coast Highway, or California State Route 1, is known for its winding byways of dramatic coastlines, stunning beaches, and quirky stop-offs. A portion of this all-American route (from Monterey to Morrow Bay) is one of <a href="http://http//shop.nationalgeographic.com/ngs/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=6200677&code=NG90350"> National Geographic’s Drives of a Lifetime</a>.
Starting in San Francisco and heading south to San Diego, the PCH runs through the quaint town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, along Big Sur’s precipitous coastline of Redwoods and into the seaside fishing village of Morro Bay. The route then goes through elegant Santa Barbara and ends at the southern tip of the state. When making this trip, give yourself the flexibility to explore the grandeur the West Coast has to offer. Here are a few suggested stops along the way.
Start your journey by spending a day or two getting to know the <a href="http://www.sanfrancisco.travel/">“City by the Bay.”</a> Explore on foot by meandering through Fisherman’s Wharf, pedaling across the Golden Gate Bridge and hopping on a cable car. Live the SF nightlife with a stroll along Valencia Street in the Mission — a trendy hotbed of restaurants.
Head south to NorCal’s boho beachfront town, <a href="http://www.santacruz.org/">Santa Cruz</a>. Find family-friendly fun on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, lined with classic arcade games, a historical carousel, corn dogs and coasters. In addition, check out the local downtown scene with relaxed farm-to-table restaurants and vintage shops.
Next stop on the PCH is <a href="http://www.seemonterey.com/regions/monterey/">Monterey County</a>, a waterfront community home to some of the most spectacular coastline. It's home to Pebble Beach, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, Fisherman’s Wharf and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Don’t miss Carmel-by-the-Sea, a square mile of artsy European-style charm that offers attractions including art galleries, boutiques, culinary delights, wine rooms and Carmel Beach. Eat at <a href="http://www.seemonterey.com/listings/flahertys-seafood-grill-%26-oyster-bar/1765/">Flaherty’s Seafood Grill and Oyster Bar</a> to experience the award-winning lobster bisque.
Big Sur, California, United States
The road from Carmel to Big Sur is slow moving due to the windy roads that lie high on the cliffs. Experience bluffs, sea, and sky as your journey continues along the PCH on the central coast of Big Sur. Highlights include:
Bixby Bridge Vista: A stopping point to photograph the single-span concrete arch that stands 260 feet high and 700 feet long
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park: Home to an 80-foot cascading waterfall
Nepenthe Restaurant: Perched high on a cliff among the redwoods, a perfect place to stop for lunch (or sip on a glass of wine)
<a href="http://www.postranchinn.com/">Post Ranch Inn</a>: One of the most acclaimed resorts in the world. Its cliff-hugging rooms offer panoramic views of the ocean.
Hearst Castle
High on the coastal hilltop lies a castle of ornately embellished towers that once belonged to publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst. It’s one of California’s most visited state parks for good reason — the castle is an extraordinary temple of opulence, featuring 165 rooms on 127 acres of gardens, fountains, and pools.
<a href="http://www.visitcalifornia.com/trip/highway-one-classic">VisitCalifornia.com</a> deems this seaside city as the American Riviera due to its Spanish architecture and sun-washed European feel. Take this inland route (Route 101) that winds through the Santa Ynez Valley’s wine region and through Solvang, a charming Danish-style town.
The beach culture is strong in this landmark town, where you can visit the pier, walk Main Street’s stylish boutiques and eat at one of the many outdoor cafes. Get your surf vibe on in <a href="http://www.surfcityusa.com/">Huntington Beach</a>.
There might not be a better end destination to your PCH road trip than the southernmost tip of Cali. <a href="http://www.sandiego.org/">San Diego’s</a> sunny attitude has the ultimate in outdoor recreation, diverse neighborhoods, a progressive art scene, craft beer boom and vast gardens to explore. Visit Balboa Park, the lively Gaslamp Quarter and Coronado Island.
Road Rules
Some California traffic laws may be unfamiliar to tourists. For example, new laws have been put in place prohibiting the use of your smartphone while driving. Familiarize yourself with the latest <a href="http://driving-tests.org/california/">California road rules</a> before starting your trip.
Look out for fog — it can cause hazardous road conditions.
The PCH can be crowded, depending on the day and time you are traveling. Drivers should be aware and not lose themselves in the scenery.
Experience the magnificent Pacific Coast Highway by planning a flexible journey that allows you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Let the adventure begin!
Anne-Marie Pritchett
Anne-Marie Pritchett: writer, editor, visionary, world traveler, outdoor enthusiast, urban bohemian, music freak, sports addict.