A trip along the shore-hugging, sun-drenched Pacific Coast Highway (also known as California State Route 1) is guaranteed to be the adventure of a lifetime. But, since it covers more than 650 miles of sandy beaches, redwood forests, big cities, and cute towns, planning a trip down the PCH might seem a bit daunting. This list of the top absolute must-see stops along the way and tips for traveling the highway should help make taking the leap from dreaming to doing easy as pie!
6820 Moonstone Beach Drive, Cambria, CA, United States
People aren't the only ones who tend to vacation to California during the winter... butterflies do it, too. The Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove is a hotspot for gorgeous black-and-orange monarch butterflies to spend the winter. Between November and February, you have the chance to see thousands of the delicate creatures hanging out at this grove of eucalyptus trees at the southern edge of Pismo State Beach. The coolest part about the butterflies is that, despite the fact that they only live long enough to make the journey to the grove once in their 6-month lifetimes, their offspring somehow know to come to this specific spot generation after generation. Scientists aren't sure why, but it's definitely a special phenomenon. Even if it isn't butterfly season, Pismo State Beach is a great place to stretch your legs, catch some sun, and enjoy the ocean breeze.
1600 West Struck Avenue, Orange, United States
Santa Barbara, CA, United States
Take a break from nature and visit one of the country's most fabled historic homes: Hearst Castle. Built by newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst, it's a seriously opulent and extravagant estate. Featuring 165 rooms, 3 guest houses, two massive pools, and 127 acres, the Moorish Castle is unlike anything else in America. The rooms are ornately decorated, and the gardens are impeccable, but the absolutely decadent pools are the real stunners.
Tip: Tours sell out fast here, so book yours online in advance. They're the only way to see the castle. Ticket prices start at $25 a person, but trust us... it's worth it.
As you wind your way along the coast on Highway 1, leave yourself time to make unexpected stops and take unplanned detours. There are countless things to see and do along the way, and each stop is its own special experience. Whether it's an iconic stop that you just gotta see, or a hidden gem you've stumbled upon yourself, the Pacific Coast Highway is one incredible route that will be an unforgettable adventure.
