• Activities. 11 Iconic Stops Not to Miss Along the Pacific Coast Highway. …
  • McWay Falls. …
  • Santa Monica Pier. …
  • Solvang Restaurant. …
  • Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove. …
  • Santa Margarita KOA. …
  • Hearst Castle. …
  • Golden Gate Bridge.

Besides, Where should I go on the Pacific Coast Highway?


12 Road Trip Stops on California’s Pacific Coast Highway

  • Crescent City Pebble Beach. Lighthouse. …
  • Giant trees and lush forest in the Humboldt Redwoods State Park. …
  • Golden Gate Bridge. …
  • Devil’s Slide at Half Moon Bay. …
  • Surfers at Sunrise in Santa Cruz. …
  • Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf. …
  • Bixby Bridge. …
  • Elephant Seals resting on the beach.

Keeping this in mind, What should I pack for a Pacific Coast Highway road trip?
A Packing Guide for a Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

  • Binoculars. One of the most exciting aspects of this California drive is the amount of marine life you’re likely to see. …
  • Beach Gear. …
  • Clothing Layers. …
  • Sunscreen and Hat. …
  • Camera. …
  • Hiking Shoes. …
  • Music. …
  • Map.

What is the best time of year to drive the Pacific Coast Highway?

For us, the best times to drive the Pacific Coast Highway are from late spring, through summer, to early fall. In July and August you have the best chance of almost-perfect weather, but you also have the busiest crowds and high-season hotel prices.

Is it better to drive north or south on Pacific Coast Highway?

Driving the route from north to south is ideal, as you’ll be on the ocean side of the road the entire way, allowing unobstructed views of the jagged coastline below. Three days is a minimum, and if time allows you could easily spend more.

Is Highway 1 worth the drive?

It’s rightfully rated as one of the top road trips in the world. This is a particularly breathtaking drive, especially through Big Sur where the Santa Lucia mountains plunge into the sea, and the surf and wind relentlessly pound the rocks and shore below and bend the native cypress trees into otherworldly shapes.

What do you wear to the Pacific Coast Highway?


What to Wear for the Pacific Coast Highway

  • One pair of pants.
  • One pair of shorts.
  • One short-sleeved blouse.
  • One t-shirt.
  • One long-sleeved shirt.
  • One midi-dress with pockets.
  • One hoodie or warm sweater.
  • One lightweight rain jacket.

What should I pack for a California road trip?


10 Essentials You Need to Pack for California

  • California Guidebook.
  • Sunglasses.
  • Sunscreen.
  • Flats (or Sneakers)
  • Boots.
  • Reusable Bags.
  • Water Bottle.
  • Light Jacket or Rain Shell.

What should I wear on a California road trip?


Packing List: California Must Haves Anywhere in the State

  • 3-4 dresses. Search your closet first for your favorite sundresses, and make sure these are breathable and comfortable. …
  • 1 jean jacket. …
  • 3-4 t-shirts and cute tops. …
  • 1 pair of jeans. …
  • 1-2 pair of shorts. …
  • 1 pair of pajamas. …
  • Underwear/Socks.

Is driving the PCH worth it?

The Pacific Coast Highway is the greatest road in the US if you are a fan of fantastic vistas. With every turn there are mouth gaping views of the Ocean and rock cliffs. Stop and walk with the giant Redwoods.

Is the PCH hard to drive?

It’s A Long And Winding Road

Unless you’re trying to practice your drifting skills, the PCH isn’t exactly the best road to drive recklessly on. And it’s also kind of dangerous because while the views get better and better, the road takes sharper and sharper turns with it.

Is the PCH worth driving?

Expect views like this on a road trip along California’s Highway 1. … But people tend to call the whole highway the PCH.) Naming technicalities aside, the most popular road trip along the route goes from the greater Los Angeles area to San Francisco, and no matter what you call it, the drive is absolutely worth a trip.

Is it easy to drive on the Pacific Coast Highway?

The PCH is relatively easy to navigate but once you stop in cities such as LA and San Diego, a sat nav is imperative. Check the prices before you go, they can be up to $15 per day to rent. … Most rental cars have a usb port, there is nothing like driving the coast, listening to your favourite tunes!

What is the best part of Highway 101?


10 Stops To Make While Driving on California’s Highway 101

  • Tour the opulent Hearst Castle. …
  • Take a dip at the Arroyo Burro Beach. …
  • Drive over the Golden Gate Bridge. …
  • Stroll Through the Palace of Fine Arts. …
  • Immerse yourself in the natural wonder of Monarch Butterfly Grove. …
  • Drink your way through the Eberle Winery.

Where should I stay when driving on the Pacific Coast Highway?


Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip: 8 Places to Stay Along the Way

  • La Jolla: Coastal Chic in SoCal. …
  • Manhattan Beach: Boutique by the Sea. …
  • Santa Barbara: Spanish-style Comfort. …
  • San Luis Obispo: Take it Nice and SLO. …
  • Big Sur: A Rediscovered Classic. …
  • Carmel-by-the-Sea: Limitless Outdoors. …
  • Sausalito: Room with a View.

Is PCH safe to drive?

Visitors flock from all over the country and from beyond our nation’s borders to see the view from the PCH. However, in poor conditions it can be among the most dangerous roads in California, including where it passes through Santa Barbara.

Is the Pacific Coast Highway foggy?

Foggy all along the coast that time of year, not just SF. The Central Coast (Pismo Beach, Morro Bay, Cambria) is foggy a lot too during the summer months. You may get lucky and hit good weather in the summer, but usually Sept. and Oct.

Is driving Highway 1 hard?

It’s very intense because there are no guard rails at the edge and there is little room for error if on coming traffic swerves in your direction. Also called Highway 1, it takes about five hours to drive the PCH. … Avoid these times if you want to take a leisurely drive.

Which part of Highway 1 is best?


The best parts of that route are from Laguna Beach to Naples (just south of Long Beach) and from Santa Monica through Malibu to Oxnard.

  • Santa Monica, Malibu, and Oxnard. …
  • Through the City of San Francisco. …
  • Golden Gate Bridge, Marin, Sonoma, and Mendocino. …
  • Tips and Advice.

What is the prettiest part of Highway 1?


10 Most Instagrammable Stops on Highway 1

  • Stop one: Carmel-by-the-Sea. …
  • Stop two: Calla Lily Valley. …
  • Stop three: Bixby Creek Bridge. …
  • Stop four: Point Sur Lighthouse. …
  • Stop five: Big Sur River Inn. …
  • Stop six: Pfeiffer Beach. …
  • Stop seven: McWay Falls. …
  • Stop eight: Limekiln State Park.

What should I pack for a coast trip?


Beach holiday packing tips

  • Take more than one swimsuit. …
  • Take outfits that work back with your swimsuits. …
  • Think about what your nightly activities will involve. …
  • Pack a long-sleeve tee or light cardi and some soft pants. …
  • Keep your shoes to about three pairs. …
  • Take a beach bag. …
  • Go hard or go home on the sunscreen.

What should I pack for a long road trip?


Road Trip Packing List – The Comfort Kit

  • Sunglasses. Driver or Passenger, nobody likes to squint when they’re in the car.
  • Blanket. …
  • Travel Pillow. …
  • Travel Mug. …
  • Reusable Water Bottle. …
  • UV Window Shade. …
  • Extra Jumper/Wrap. …
  • Hand sanitizer.

What do people wear in summer in California?

What to Pack for California: Summer. In summer, plan for hot weather clothing plus light layers suitable for a cool spring day. Think sundress, sneakers, and a denim jacket for San Diego, and then add leggings and a light sweater as you make your way north.