Picture it: Driving down the scenic California coast, in the awesome car of your choice, windows (or top) down, blasting your favorite tunes…sounds like the perfect road trip, right? Well, the Pacific Coast Highway, formally known as California State Route 1, is the ultimate road trip route. It’s designated an All-American road for its scenic views, and it packs one heck of a path that takes you past some pretty rad attractions and places. Here’s a guide to the must-see spots while road tripping the PCH!
O’Quinn Itenarary: Sunday, June 20th - Fly into SF, Bus tour? Haight/ Ashbury eclectic, Painted Ladies, Lombard Monday, June 21st - Muir Woods and Sauslito
Flight: MX31ML
Sun, June 20 United 470 9:45am - 12:18pm Orlando FL, MCO - San Francisco CA, SFO 5h 33m | Economy Non-Stop
Budget: Confirmation Number 40287590US0 Fullsize Car Chevrolet Tahoe or similar
San Francisco Argonaut Hotel Jun 20–22 (2 Rooms) Address: 495 Jefferson Street, San Francisco, California 94109
Skip The Bus: San Francisco By Luxury Van Tour
Monday, June 21, 2021 at 9:00am
Meet at: Beach St. & Pier 39 - Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA In front of Hardrock Cafe there is a white loading zone for buses and vehicles. Please be there at least 10 mins before tour time.
Tour leaves promptly at designated time. If you arrive earlier we suggest checking out the famous sea lions!
4:00pm - Alcatraz Day Tour Duration: Approximately 2 ½ Hours
Tuesday, June 22nd - Mavericks, Stay in Santa Cruz
Dream Inn Santa Cruz Jun 22–23 (1 Room - $728)
Address: 175 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, California 95060
Surf: Santa Cruze board walk
Wednesday, June 23rd - Monterey, Cannery Row, Aquarium, Pebble Beach 17 mile drive, and stay in Carmel
The Hotel Carmel Jun 23–24 (1 Room)
Address: 4th &, San Carlos Street, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California 93921
Thursday, June 24th - Big Sur
El Colibri Hotel & Spa Jun 24–25 (2 Rooms)
Address: 5620 Moonstone Beach Drive, Cambria, California 93428
Friday, June 25th - Big Sur
Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel Jun 25–27 (1 Room)
Address: 1700 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA
Saturday, June 26th - LA/Hollywood
3 Hours Los Angeles VIP Tour - Jun 26, 2021 2:30 pm
Starting Point: 7001 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA (in
front of the LALA LAND Store (loading zone)
Sunday, June 27th - Oceanside - Visit with Mike Fortin
The Seabird Resort 101 MISSION AVE, Oceanside, CA 6/27-6/28
Monday, June 28th - Beaches Tuesday, June 29th - Beaches Wednesday, June 30th - Thursday, July 1st - Fly Out
Pacifica, California, United States
Pacifica so cute small beach town and coffee shops (Soul Grind- lots of surfers behind building) Tia loved it. They accidently found it when the stopped to pee
A longtime local secret in Half Moon Bay and now the most famous wave anywhere on the mainland, Mavericks comes by its renown honestly. Celebrated in books, documentaries, and the feature film Chasing Mavericks, waves here can rise to 80-foot faces when conditions are right. Jeff Clark pioneered Mavericks (which was named for his dog) and you’ll find hoodies and other cool gear at his Mavericks Surf Company.
Housed in a historic lighthouse, the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum is right at home in this coastal town. Photos, artifacts, and more document the changes in surf culture, "from idyllic summers spent at the beach in the 1930s and 40s, through the hipster beach party 50s, the surf rock 60s, the 'soul surfing' 70s, the neon 80s, and the rebirth of classic long-board riding in the 90s." Rad!
Named after the John Steinbeck novel (also called "Cannery Row") which took place in Monterey, the real-life Cannery Row is a waterfront street that was once home to numerous sardine canneries. In what might be one of the most enchanting opening sentences of any book ever, Steinbeck described it by saying, “Cannery Row in Monterey in California is a poem, a stink, a grating noise, a quality of light, a tone, a habit, a nostalgia, a dream." Today, it's more of a tourist attraction, but there are tons of shops for browsing, restaurants and bars, and things to see and do.
It'll cost you about $10 to take the majestic 17 Mile Drive, but it's worth it-- and it's a lot cheaper than playing a round on what is commonly accepted as one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world: Pebble Beach. Keep a lookout for otters, golfers, the gorgeous mansions, and, of course, the famed Lone Cypress tree, which is begging for a photo op.
The best time to travel the Pacific Coast Highway: It should be noted that June, July and August are particularly foggy months. If you're looking for a time of year with the clearest views and best weather, October is generally the best time to road trip down the PCH. Also, the summer months can get very crowded at many of the attractions along the route, plus since it's high tourist season you'll experience higher rates at hotels and longer waits at restaurants (many of which are also seasonal and closed in winter).