An epic drive on the Pacific Coast Highway is one of the best ways to experience California’s stunning coastline. The drive is also one of the best road trips in the world! Travelers love to spend weekends or even longer road trips driving up and down Highway 1 because it’s fun to drive with the windows rolled down, the music turned up, and enjoying the breathtaking views everywhere you go.
The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway One on the California coast, is a long and winding road that runs up into Oregon and Washington. In this article, we are sharing our favorite stops beginning in Northern California near San Francisco and moving south toward Los Angeles.
California Coast Drive Must-see Stops
There are plenty of beaches, state parks, hiking trails, and coastal towns along Highway 1. Here are just a handful of our favorite Pacific Coast Highway stops in California:
Table of contents
- California Coast Drive Must-see Stops
- 1. Pedro Point
- 2. Santa Cruz
- 3. Monterey
- 4. Bixby Creek Bridge
- 5. Big Sur Stop on California Coastal Drive
- 6. Hearst Castle
- 7. Morro Bay
- 8. Pismo Beach Stop on Pacific Coast Highway Drive
- Final thoughts on the best places to stop on a California coast drive Trip:
- More great travel articles:
1. Pedro Point
This is a beautiful scenic spot with ocean views and San Francisco. There is a beach here as well as hiking trails. The hike to the overlook is a lovely walk through peaceful woods with stunning views of the Pacific.
The path is lined with pretty wildflowers, trees, and plants, making it an attractive destination for nature lovers. The view from the overlook is breathtaking and provides a wonderful opportunity to take in all the natural beauty surrounding you.
2. Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is a coastal town located south of the Bay Area. It is known for its laid-back vibe, quirky hippie culture, and beautiful natural scenery.
Outside the city, you can visit Wilder Ranch State Park, a nature preserve along the coast with hiking trails and an opportunity to go horseback riding. You can see the famous redwoods in the forests and sea lions sunbathing on the beach!
Then you can head into the city for some fun downtown! You can see Lighthouse Point, an exciting area with lots of history. It’s interesting to watch the surfers and the sunset!
And if you love roller coasters, take a ride on the iconic Giant Dipper. This wooden roller coaster opened in 1924, so it’s almost 100 years old! It’s part of an amusement park along the boardwalk with other fun rides.
When you’re ready to eat, stroll along the Santa Cruz Wharf, a boardwalk extending out into the ocean. There are lots of restaurants here with deliciously fresh seafood! And you can also watch the sea lions hanging out here as well.
3. Monterey
Another unique coastal town, Monterey, is about 50 miles south of Santa Cruz. To enjoy the stunning coastline of this seaside paradise, rent kayaks, bike rides, and explore tide pools.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a renowned institution and a must-visit for anyone visiting the area. It’s home to an impressive amount of marine life and interactive exhibits that make it easy for visitors to learn more about these fascinating creatures. The otters are incredibly adorable, so take plenty of pictures!
You also need to check out the Old Fisherman’s Wharf, another tourist attraction with a boardwalk and plenty of fantastic restaurants. Monterey Bay Whale Watch is also here, so you can sign up to go on a boat ride and see some whales out in the ocean!
4. Bixby Creek Bridge
While driving along the California Coast, you will encounter the famous Bixby Creek Bridge. This bridge was built in 1932 and has been celebrated ever since. The Bixby Bridge is one of the most photographed bridges in California because it has an aesthetic design and architecture, plus a magnificent setting.
Make a stop at the Castle Rock Viewpoint so you can capture plenty of photos! You will have a fantastic view of the bridge and the coast.
5. Big Sur Stop on California Coastal Drive
After you stop to admire the bridge, you will drive another 10 miles and make a stop in Big Sur. The appeal of Big Sur lies in its beautiful scenery. The mountains, redwoods, and valleys loom on one side of Highway One, the ocean on the other. This is a fantastic place to go hiking, camping, or even glamping right in the middle of the redwoods!
The Big Sur region is a scenic central California coastline between San Simeon and Carmel-by-the-Sea. The area spans roughly 90 miles and features dramatic cliffs and ocean views.
This mountainous coastal region is dotted with state parks and public access points, which provide plenty of things to do.
If you’re looking for a hike, stop by Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and see the iconic McWay Falls. This waterfall is one of California’s two tide falls – waterfalls that flow directly into the ocean.
6. Hearst Castle
The Hearst Castle, also known as La Casa Grande, is the principal residence of an estate in San Simeon, California. The property originally belonged to William Randolph Hearst.
The primary residence on the estate, Hearst Castle, was designed in the Mediterranean Revival style and featured a facade that suggests a Spanish cathedral.
Two bas-reliefs of knights greet you at the main entrance, and the massive door perches a sculpture of Mary holding the infant Jesus.
This is a beautiful stop on a Pacific Coast Highway drive!
If you’re interested in visiting a beautiful estate with stunning views and well-maintained landscaping, I highly recommend a visit. The tour takes about two hours, so be prepared to spend some time there. It’s also interesting to learn about how the estate was built and the tremendous work that went into it – especially for its era.
7. Morro Bay
If you’re looking for a taste of what it’s like to live along the California Central Coast, head to Morro Bay. It’s a fishing town, and the seafood here is fresh.
There are a lot of sailors and mermaid references in the city. This is especially true for buildings designed to look like ships or boats.
So this little coastal town is a great place to eat and see more California stereotypes!
Make a stop at Morro Rock Beach, where you can see the fascinating Morro Rock, a California landmark that defines Morro Bay. You will likely see otters and seals at this beach too!
8. Pismo Beach Stop on Pacific Coast Highway Drive
Pismo Beach is a lovely seaside city that offers visitors plenty of attractions and activities to keep them busy for days. The natural beauty and surfing charm are two things that make this city a must-see on your California coastal drive.
Pismo Beach is another fun stop because you can go ride a dune buggy, which is a unique adventure! This is also a great place to rent kayaks and explore the sea caves.
There are several wineries close to the city too. They all have beautiful backdrops and wonderful wines you’ll love to try. Whether you’re looking for sparkling wine or something more robust, each has something unique. While you’re visiting Pismo Beach, be sure to stop at some of these wineries for a taste.
Also, check out our recommendations for the most Beautiful Wineries in Napa Valley!
Final thoughts on the best places to stop on a California coast drive Trip:
If you’re looking to travel down the Pacific Coast Highway, there are a few places you should stop. There are dramatic coastlines, quaint towns, redwoods, stunning ocean views, and many sea lions! Which parts of the coastline are you most excited to explore?