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.
Cedar Creek, Nebraska, United States
Starting at San Diego in the south, this is classic Southern California. The beaches, the museums, the food scene, and more make it the perfect vacation city. Explore the Gaslamp District for the nightlife and Balboa Park for the culture.
The Children's Pool is the best place on the Pacific Coast to get up close and personal with seals. Back in the 1930s, a seawall was built in the ocean at this beach to make it safer for kids to swim without the danger of strong waves. As it turns out, the beach proved to be even more popular with harbor seals than human kids. Today’s visitors are allowed on the beach, but they are discouraged from getting into the water or from getting too close to the seals. Observing wild seals from this vantage point is an unforgettable experience.
Only in California would you find something like "artisan water" from a historic site. Whether you visit Carlsbad Mineral Water Spa for a soak in the mineral water baths, or you're just picking up some water (it's 70 cents per gallon), it's definitely a unique place to stop. The mineral water is alkaline, and it is said to be the most healthful mineral water in the world (actress Shailene Woodley is a fan).
After getting refreshed, pull over at Laguna Beach's Moro Ridge. This hike along a canyon ridge has picnic areas and epic views of the coast (on a good day, you can see clear to Catalina Island). Plus, the canyon is home to plenty of wildlife.
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.
Finish up your day at the historic Santa Monica Pier. Take a spin on the vintage carousel, sit at the soda fountain, see marine life at the aquarium, or just enjoy the beach and the people-watching. This is one of the most iconic piers along the West Coast. From the roller coaster and Ferris wheel to the arcade, there's tons of old-school fun to be had here. Look around for the signs noting this as the official end of Route 66.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Named after the John Steinbeck novel 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 an enchanting opening sentence, 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 nearby, you’ll find shops, restaurants and bars, and things to see and do.
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."
Who wouldn't want to enjoy freshly-grown produce straight from the farm? If you’re okay with working for your snack, Swanton Berry Farm is a local co-op that has a U-Pick option, and a little farm stand where they sell jams, jellies, fruit, baked goods, and more.
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).