PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY: ONE OF THE BEST ROAD TRIPS IN THE WORLD

There is no better carefree feeling than driving through small coastal towns, smelling of redwood forests, passing lighthouses, Spanish colonial monuments and having the opportunity to observe marine fauna and flora. And I’m not talking about the beautiful views that will make you stop and take impromptu photos. You can experience such an adventure on your drive along the legendary Californian Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), which was built in the 1930s. It stretches along the breathtaking coast of California from San Francisco to Los Angeles. I would even dare to say that this road aspires to be one of the best trips in the world. It rained almost the entire time on the road (you can tell from the photos that they are so cloudy) and it was cold, but it didn’t change the fact that I enjoyed this road a lot. Who wouldn’t want to visit the region where the Seven Sisters lived? 🙂

I would like to share with you some information to help you start planning your dream trip and my favorite places along the way.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DRIVE THE PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY?

It depends on how much time you have and what you want to do and see along the way. Keep in mind that distances in California can be quite a bit longer than many people are used to. Things move more slowly on CA Highway 1, which has lower speed limits than the major interstates.

It is true that you can drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles directly in one day, but why would you? 🙂 There are so many amazing places on the route that it would be a shame. If I do not count these big cities, the route should take you at least 3 to 4 days. Basically, the more time you can set aside, the better you will see all these places. Before your trip, do not forget to check the road conditions so that you can take into account possible detours or various road constructions.

TOP TIPS FOR DRIVING ON THE PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY

1. Drive from north to south

The view of the sea is better if you drive it from north to south, otherwise you will be on the wrong side of the road. That is, from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

2. Where to start?

Make sure you have a travel plan and consider accommodation options in advance. Many places are booked in the spring and summer, so you don’t end up disappointed with nowhere to stay or paying an unnecessarily high price for accommodation.

4. Check for road closures

Unfortunately, Highway 1 is prone to landslides, so check in advance to see if any sections are closed.

5. Fill your tank properly

You also don’t want to drive through Big Sur with an empty tank, so it’s best to fill up in advance, as you don’t want to get stuck without gas on the local switchbacks.

6. Get a playlist

There’s nothing better than creating a playlist of songs that are related to the area. If you’re a fan of the TV series “The Seven Deadly Sins” (their soundtrack is really cool!), which was filmed here, you’re in for a great adventure.

California’s Pacific Coast Highway is a travel nirvana. This famously scenic route, which winds along the coast of the Golden State, boasts some of the best places in California. You’ll find sunny beaches, misty coastlines, palm trees, redwoods, inspiring vistas, and countless stops to fill your itinerary. It gives travelers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in all that California has to offer: surf villages, farm-fresh food, local wine, roadside kitsch, Hollywood glitz, and, I would say, bohemianism.

SANTA CRUZ

If you’re traveling with kids, Santa Cruz should be on your must-see list. While I didn’t particularly like the beaches, I did enjoy walking along the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The Ferris wheel and other rides will have you feeling like you’ve been transported back to 1970s America. You’ll also find the iconic wooden roller coaster, the Giant Dipper, which was built in 1924. It’s the oldest amusement park in the state and still offers plenty of fun.

You can even visit the Surfing Museum here. It’s a laid-back, quirky hippie town.

MONTEREY

Best known for its incredible aquarium and John Steinbeck’s novel “Cannery Row,” Monterey is a celebration of marine life and the beautiful California coastline. You can rent kayaks or just stroll along the shore.

One of the most popular tourist activities is whale watching. Every year, thousands of people take cruises out into the open ocean to observe these majestic creatures. Watching these gentle giants is an unforgettable experience.

And you shouldn’t miss Monterey just because the TV series “The Seven Deadly Sins” was filmed here. You can find the restaurant where they used to sit. Honestly. I wanted to at least have a coffee here, but when I read the menu prices, I decided to skip it. 🙂

BIXBY CREEK BRIDGE

One of the most famous spots on the Pacific Coast Highway is the Bixby Creek Bridge. The bridge is located south of Monterey on the way to Big Sur. Of course, it’s a great place to take photos. There are parking lots on both sides of the bridge, and you don’t have to walk far for the best views.

BIG SUR

Although Big Sur is technically a town, when most people talk about Big Sur, they mean the 90-mile stretch of coastline between Hearst Castle and Carmel. It’s one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. Be prepared to stop many times, as the scenery and views are absolutely breathtaking. Big Sur is simply beautiful, rugged, and isolated. Mountains, redwoods, and valleys tower on one side of the highway, and the ocean on the other.

Arguably the most famous stop on Highway One, Big Sur is known for many things: it’s the oldest and most historic stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway, and its reputation is tied to creatives and artists. People like Jack London, John Steinbeck, Jack Kerouac, Ansel Adams, and many others have either lived or spent time here.

MORRO BAY

Morro Bay is a charming seaside town with a bustling waterfront, a charming old town, numerous antique shops and a huge landmark in the form of Morro Rock, which is located in the harbor. You will probably notice the large, iconic Morro Rock from afar as you approach the town. The rock is actually of volcanic origin and is 576 meters high. However, climbing the rock is prohibited. There is a large amount of loose rock around the rock that is constantly being released from the rock. It is a very nice walk along the waterfront through the center of town, where most of the shops are located, around Main Street and Morro Bay Boulevard. And if you are a fan of vintage clothes, then this is the right place. There are also many cafes here.

ELEPHANT SEAL VISTA POINT

Here you can meet one of the most underrated sea stars in California – the elephant seal! These strange creatures are found here all year round. They just lie on the shore and you will find many adults with children watching them. They are noisy and I must admit that they do not smell very good.

MALIBU

Before you enter the bustling city of Los Angeles, you should stop in picturesque Malibu. This upscale area, which stretches for more than 30 miles along the Pacific Ocean and Highway 1, is perfect for hiking, good food, or the most beautiful beaches in the Los Angeles area. The beaches are really well-maintained, so you can easily spend a morning here. At least that’s what I did. I was looking out for any celebrities and I have to say, I didn’t see any. What would she be doing on a public beach, right? 🙂