The Pacific Coast Highway, officially California State Route 1, is one of the most breathtaking coastlines in North America. Starting from Leggett in Northern California to Dana Point in the south, this route offers a front-row seat to cliffs, beaches, redwoods, charming towns and cultural landmarks. Whether you're planning your road trip solo, as a couple or with your family, the road trip itself is the destination. This article will help you chart a smooth course, discover key highlights and prepare for one of America’s classic road trip experiences.
And if you ever find yourself driving down the Pacific Coast Highway, I hope you will come on by, because up at Rancho del Cielo, where the mountains meet the sky, you have a friend.
Ronald Reagan
How to Prepare for Your PCH Road Trip
Before driving on the coastal roads, it is important to take time to get your travel logistics sorted. The Pacific Coast Highway, while beautiful, is very windy and can be narrow in some parts. Make sure to bring your vehicle to the garage, with tires, brakes and fluids checked before departure. If you need to brush up on behind-the-wheel skills before you go, consider private driving lessons near me. There is also limited cell service in some rural parts. It would be wise to download maps offline and keep a flexible itinerary. Driving south from San Francisco to Los Angeles or San Diego is often recommended for better views and easier access to roadside pullouts!
Great Stops Along the Pacific Coast Highway
The following stops are just some of the many gems you'll find along the coast. Some are famous icons, others are smaller towns or natural landmarks that deserve a closer look. Consider these as key points in order to help you structure your road trip! Great meals, overnights, short hikes... Each one brings something special to the road trip!
The Pacific Coast Highway is approximately 656 miles along the California coastline. It runs from Leggett in the north to Dana Point in the south, making it one of the longest and most scenic coastal drives in the U.S.
Leggett & Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree
Your PCH trip often begins in Leggett, a quiet town in California’s redwoods. One of its best-known features is the Chandelier Tree. The Chandelier Tree is a 276-foot-tall coast redwood with a tunnel carved through its base. It’s kitschy and classic, a throwback to the time when road trips were the ultimate family vacation. There’s also a scenic grove and picnic area nearby for you to take a break Curious about the tree? Here is the Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree on YouTube!
Redwood National and State Parks
These parks protect some of the tallest trees on Earth, many reaching over 350 feet. Hikes range from accessible boardwalk trails to longer forest treks, often leading to various coastal viewpoints.
There are a lot of wildlife in this area. Keep your eyes peeled for elk, banana slugs and maybe even a bobcat. It’s hard not to feel small among these ancient giants!
Mendocino
Mendocino is a beautiful city full of history, nature and art. The downtown area is full of charming white cottages, small galleries and local shops. Nearby, Mendocino Headlands State Park provides spectacular cliffside trails. Visiting Mendocino offers a a great mix of culture and coastal scenery.
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Point Arena Lighthouse
This lighthouse is one of the tallest you can climb on the West Coast and offers great views of the shoreline. Inside, a small museum tells stories of shipwrecks and maritime history. Pretty intriguing right? If you plan your visit during the appropriate season, you may catch migrating whales offshore. The lighthouse is definitely a peaceful detour worth the extra miles. Here is a short video on the lighthouse!
Bodega Bay
Made famous by Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds, Bodega Bay today is more serene than spooky!
The town has excellent seafood restaurants and quiet beaches perfect for a seaside walk. Kayaking and whale watching are popular here during certain seasons. It’s also a good pit stop to grab lunch before continuing south!
San Francisco
Even if you've visited before, San Francisco always has something new to explore. From the Golden Gate Bridge to Alcatraz, Fisherman’s Wharf to Mission District, it’s a cultural and culinary hub. Parking can be tricky, so consider staying overnight and using public transit. Don’t leave without a photo at Twin Peaks or Baker Beach!
Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay feels rural and refined at the same time, with farms lining the road to the coast. Known for its big waves and pumpkin patches, it’s a nice contrast to nearby Silicon Valley. Popular beaches include Mavericks (for surfers) and Poplar Beach (for strolls). Local eateries serve up great seafood chowder and fish tacos. Here's a travel guide on YouTube!
Santa Cruz
This beachside town keeps a retro, fun and loving spirit alive. The boardwalk offers roller coasters, arcade games and corn dogs all day long. For something quieter, check out Natural Bridges State Beach or the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum. Fun fact: Surfers will feel right at home here!
Monterey & Cannery Row
Monterey offers of marine biology, literary history and scenic coastline. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is world-class and great for visitors of any age. Don’t skip the coastal walking trails or a kayaking session in the bay. Speaking of kayaking, have you ever been on the Great River Road?
17-Mile Drive & Pebble Beach
This private coastal drive costs a small fee, but it’s worth every penny. You’ll pass impressive cliffs, luxury golf courses, beautiful cypress trees and ocean views that rival any in California. Pebble Beach and the Lone Cypress are the marquee spots, but every mile offers something special. Plan at least an hour to take it all in. Enjoy the views of the this beautiful beach on YouTube!
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel is a small town with fairy-tale cottages, upscale boutiques and a beautiful beach that’s great at sunset. Art lovers will appreciate the local galleries and the historic Carmel Mission. Grab a pastry from a local bakery and take a slow stroll. Everything here moves at its own pace. It's a great overnight option for couples!
Carmel-by-the-Sea has no street addresses, streetlights or parking meters. You also need a permit to wear high heels in town!
Big Sur & Bixby Creek Bridge
This stretch is the heart of the PCH experience. Towering cliffs drop into crashing waves and redwoods line the highway on the inland side. Bixby Creek Bridge is one of the most photographed locations in California (and for good reason). If time allows, explore Pfeiffer Beach or hike the trails at Limekiln State Park!
McWay Falls
Located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, McWay Falls is one of the only waterfalls in the U.S. that empties directly into the ocean. It’s visible via a short, easy trail that runs along a cliffside path. The view is postcard perfect, particularly in the early morning light. There’s no beach access, but it’s still stunning from above!
San Simeon & Hearst Castle
This extravagant hilltop estate was built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst.
It includes grand rooms, massive pools and art imported from across the globe. Tours run daily and require advance booking. While you're here, swing by the Elephant Seal Rookery just up the road!
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara offers coastal charm and urban polish. Spanish-style buildings, palm trees and a walkable distance to downtown make it a favorite stop. Rent a bike and explore the beachfront or sip wine at one of the many tasting rooms. It’s a great place to unwind before the final part of your trip.
Have you ever driven on Route 66?
Recap: Where does the Pacific Coast Highway start and end?
🟢 START
Leggett, California
Located in Northern California’s Mendocino County, Leggett is the official northern terminus of California State Route 1. This is where the scenic coastal drive begins, right near the entrance to the Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree.
1
Redwood National and State Parks
Towering redwoods and serene hiking trails just south of the Oregon border.
2
Mendocino
A charming town with historic buildings, coastal views and artsy boutiques.
3
Bodega Bay
Scenic fishing village and the filming location for Hitchcock’s The Birds.
4
San Francisco
Iconic landmarks including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and Lombard Street.
5
Half Moon Bay
Laid-back beach town known for pumpkin patches, cliffs and coastal hikes.
6
Santa Cruz
Home to a classic boardwalk, surfer culture and redwood groves inland.
7
Monterey & Cannery Row
Visit the world-famous aquarium, eat on the waterfront and explore Steinbeck’s haunts.
8
17-Mile Drive & Pebble Beach
Luxury golf courses and stunning coastline between Monterey and Carmel.
9
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Storybook town with white-sand beaches, art galleries and fine dining.
10
Big Sur & Bixby Creek Bridge
Arguably the most iconic stretch of the entire highway, full of coastal cliffs and towering bridges.
11
McWay Falls
A rare waterfall that empties directly into the ocean at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
12
San Simeon & Hearst Castle
A historic mansion perched on the hills, full of European art and architecture.
13
Santa Barbara
A blend of Southern California sunshine and Spanish colonial charm.
🟠 FINISH
Dana Point, California
Located in Orange County, Dana Point marks the official southern end of the Pacific Coast Highway. From here, travelers often continue to Laguna Beach, Newport Beach or even San Diego to wrap up the ultimate California coastal adventure.
Learning on the Go: Why Superprof Is Great for Travelers
Road trips are great because they give you time to reflect, learn and explore new interests. Superprof is an educational platform that connects people with tutors in subjects like languages, art and science. Would you like to learn French before heading to Carmel’s European-style cafes? Or would you rather pick up a few guitar lessons to play at a beach campfire? With Superprof, you can find reliable tutors who work around your schedule, even when on the road. That's right! You can learn even during your road trip! Whether you want to learn the basics of photography, brush up on American history or learn how to write better travel journals, Superprof's tutors are there to help.
Final Thoughts: Make Your PCH Road Trip Unforgettable
The Pacific Coast Highway isn’t about getting from point A to B, it’s about everything in between. Redwood forests, piers, historic lighthouses, hidden waterfalls... each stop is incredible. With a bit of planning and an open mind, your road trip can be equal parts relaxation and inspiration! So fill up the tank, turn up your favorite playlist and let the coastline lead the way (do not forget to get your vehicle checked)! Need help planning the best road trip of a lifetime?
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