Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

Driving the Pacific Coast Highway had been at the top of my bucket list while living in California.  I had seen beautiful pictures of the coast and endless recommendations from travel blogs and knew I had to drive it one day.

Let’s start by saying that this has been one of the most beautiful road trips I’ve done! The Pacific Coast Highway leaves you mesmerized, and it’s hard to keep your eyes on the road! We made a few stops along the way that I highly recommend.  Here they are, starting from San Francisco:

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

San Francisco

Starting with the obvious, San Francisco is such a romantic, classy, and beautiful city.  Here you will fall in love with the views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the colorful and Victorian-style houses, the bay, and the city views.  In addition, San Francisco offers many places for a romantic date with your loved one, plenty of places for eating, and fun places to shop at.  By far, San Francisco has become one of my favorite cities in California.

Next stop: Santa Cruz 1hr 43 mins

Santa Cruz

We weren’t sure if to stop at Santa Cruz, but we decided to stop anyways to see what the fuss was all about.  We started with a pedicab from our car to the boardwalk.  Here we found the most colorful atmosphere with fun games, rides, and food.  It’s also perfect for a quick stop for grabbing lunch and enjoying rides.

Next stop: Bixby Bridge near Monterrey 1hr 13 mins (note: we skipped Monterrey due to a time crunch, but it seems worthy of a visit)

 

Bixby Bridge

You’ve probably seen this bridge in many pictures, and that’s because the views here are amazing.  Though the whole coast offers fantastic views, Bixby Bridge adds a nice contrast to the scene.  An alternate way to see the bridge is from behind.  All you need to do is drive into the dirt road next to the bridge and find a small trail that leads to some great photo opportunities.  You might even have this view to yourself.

Next Stop: Big Sur-McWay Falls 38 mins

Big Sur: McWay Falls

After leaving Bixby Bridge, you will begin the curvy ride through Big Sur.  Pay attention to signs, as you can miss this one. Instead, park along the side of the road and then follow the trail down that leads to McWay Falls.  It’s a breathtaking view!

The water was incredibly blue, and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore made this my favorite stop along the Coast.  I did not want to leave!  I’m sure you will love it too, so do not skip this one.

Next Stop: Solvang, CA 3hrs (we skipped notable mentions-San Simeon Hearts Castle and San Luis Obispo)

Solvang

Solvang isn’t exactly next to the coast, but a slight detour from Highway One onto the 101 is well worth it.  When you arrive in Solvang, it feels you have left California and arrived in a Danish Village.  With an abundance of wine-tasting tours, delicious food, shopping, windmills, and horse trolley rides, you are sure to enjoy this peaceful and relaxing city.  Seriously, make a stop here!

Next Stop: Santa Barbara 44 mins

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is one of the most beautiful cities in California!  With stunning mountain backdrops and fantastic ocean views, this place is one we’ll be going back to.  Don’t miss Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, more wine drinking, and simply sitting around to enjoy the beach.  This place is all about relaxing and is only a short drive away from Los Angeles.

Next Stop: Santa Monica and Venice Beach 1hr 47 mins

Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach:

I put these two together because they are only a short bike drive away from each other and both worth seeing.   The Santa Monica Pier is the end of Route 66.  There, you will find fun rides and games.  It’s also great for catching the sunset.  Venice Beach, on the other hand, is extremely fun for people-watching and boardwalk entertainment.

Have you ever driven the Pacific Coast Highway?  What were your favorite stops?  

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Pacific Coast Highway