Picture it: Driving up the scenic California coast, windows (or top) down, blasting your favorite tunes—sounds like the perfect road trip, right? 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 amazing path that takes you past awe-inspiring attractions and places. Here’s a guide to the must-see spots while roadtripping the PCH.
When you're hungry, grab dinner at Ruby's Diner. This local chain restaurant sits right on the Huntington Beach Pier, which means epic views of the Pacific while you nosh on burgers, milkshakes, and fries in a fun, 1940s-style atmosphere.
The next stop is Rancho Palos Verdes and the Wayfarers Chapel. Built by the son of Frank Lloyd Wright, named Lloyd Wright, this chapel is a great example of the "organic architecture" for which both the Wrights were so well known. It complements the already-stunning landscape of the California coast with the use of wood and glass.
If you're hungry, head to Manhattan Beach's Fishing With Dynamite restaurant. Whether you go for the raw bar, a massive platter, or just something off the regular menu, you're sure to enjoy the fresh seafood here. The menu is divided into "old school" and "new school" dishes, depending on how adventurous you feel. Don’t miss the great cocktails and tasty desserts.
Once you reach Malibu, pull over at Point Dume State Beach. Here you can spot dolphins, explore tidepools, and swim in the relatively calm water—or just sit on the beach and soak it all in.
The next town you'll reach is Oxnard. The harbor at Channel Islands Beach has a marina, shops, attractions, and more. You can just hike along the shore, find a place to rent kayaks, or book a tour out to the stunning Channel Islands National Park.
Nothing says PCH quite like fish tacos. Beach House Tacos in Ventura has a walk-up window by the pier that serves cheap meals and mimosas and beer.
From old ships, the fishing industry, and lighthouses to displays on sailor tattoos, scuba diving, and surf artists, the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum covers every aspect of beach living. Plus, it's right on the marina, so the ambiance is perfect.
Forget In-N-Out. The Habit Burger Grill makes a truly crave-worthy charburger. The toppings are even more unique than the burger. Order yours "Teriyaki Style" with pineapple and grilled onions, or "Santa Barbara Style" with cheese and avocado. Don't forget sweet potato fries, onion rings, and a rich malt to complete the meal.
While in Goleta, visit Gaviota State Park. The consistently mild weather and lovely beach make this park worth a visit. It also offers hiking, boating, camping, and plenty more to see and do. And, it was a filming location for the movie Sideways.
Once you reach Lompoc, prepare for some serious wine tasting. The laid-back vibes at Palmina Wines make the experience of tasting some outstanding varietals (paired with cheese, charcuterie, bread, and olive oils) even more incredible. The winery produces dozens of European (mostly Italian) wines using grapes from vineyards across Santa Barbara County.
You won't find a better place for breakfast/lunch along the route than Kay's Orcutt Country Kitchen in Santa Maria. This quaint cafe serves scrambles and omelettes as well as burgers, sammies, and more, along with alcohol and refreshing beverages.
During the winter, majestic monarch butterflies come to Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove to wait out the cold weather. Scientists aren't sure what keeps the beautiful butterflies returning to this location each year, but between November and February, the place is filled with hibernating monarchs.
If you're not tired of eating fish tacos, make a stop at Firestone Grill in San Luis Obispo, which serves up BBQ ribs, tri-tip sandwiches, burgers—and yes, fish tacos, too.
Next you'll reach Cambria. The PCH bisects the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, which features some of the best hiking in the area. At this hidden gem, you can see wildflowers, forests, and dramatic ocean views from the 400-foot bluff. Several well-maintained and easy trails offer plenty of ways to experience the ranch.
With natural scenery as fabled as the California coast, is it any wonder that one of the richest newspaper moguls in the U.S. chose to build his legendarily opulent estate here? Hearst Castle in San Simeon is actually a collection of luxurious mansions built by William Randolph Hearst—and his architect Julia Morgan—between the 1920s and the 1950s. Here, he entertained the most fabulous movie stars and other members of the social elite at the time. Today, you can tour the buildings, which are kept up by the California State Park Service. Tickets might seem pricey at $25 per person for adults, but once you see the sprawling grounds and the gorgeous pool, you'll realize that it's worth it.
When you need to unwind and unplug, visit Esalen Hot Springs. This retreat has hot springs with incredible views, open to the public between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m.. Book online and make the trip up to soak in the mineral-rich waters with stunning views of the night sky.
One of the most famous views in all of Big Sur is that of McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. You can't get too close to the falls, but they look fabulous even from a distance.
Located below the ritzy restaurant Nepenthe is the casual and more relaxed Cafe Kevah. It's the perfect place to take your time with a cup of coffee and some brioche French toast or a cheese board. Brunch is served all day.
While much is made of how lovely the wild, rugged coast of Big Sur is, the rocky cliffs made it hard for sailors to navigate. Thankfully, a lighthouse was built on this outcropping, now called Point Sur Historic Park, to guide the way. Tour the property to take in the views and learn about the human history of this special landscape.
If all of that fresh ocean air is making you hungry, the Tuck Box Tea Room is the perfect stop for lunch or afternoon tea. Sandwiches, salads, and amazing baked goods, as well as a storybook atmosphere, will add to the effect of this road trip that oftentimes feels right from a fairy tale.
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 roadtrip the PCH. Notably, the summer months can get crowded at many of the attractions along the route. 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).
Wonhee Jung
I love road trip, especially enjoying spectacular sceneries while driving.