Scenic American Road Trips: The California Coast

Enjoy a scenic California coast road trip, from San Francisco to Los Angeles, and visit many of the state’s most iconic sites along the twisty, cliff-hugging Pacific Coast Highway. This 460-mile stretch is designated as an All-American Road—and there’s truly nothing more “all-American” than a long, leisurely drive with family or friends, your favorite Cali-inspired playlist, a pair of binoculars and your camera at the ready.

Color Outside the Lines

The PCH, also known as Highway 1 in most regions north of Los Angeles, runs parallel to California’s coastline. If you’re the type who likes to color outside the lines, you can add an extra 200 miles to this classic cruise by starting well north of San Francisco.

On the Lost Coast in Humboldt and Mendocino counties, 80 miles of undeveloped land and abandoned beaches make for some great “alone time.” Artist-friendly Mendocino is a pleasant stop, too. With a population of less than 1,000, it famously boasts just the right tinge of counter-culture to uphold that legendary laid-back-California image.

Still north of San Francisco on this addendum to your California coast road trip, you’ll discover rustic coastal towns like Bodega Bay and Stinson Beach. The beaches all along the shoreline are public, although sometimes difficult to access—just look for trailhead markers. Look for restaurants that feature barbecued oysters, too (Tony’s in Marshall is a great choice). It’s a uniquely northern California dish you’ll crave when you get back home.

The Bay Area and Beyond

The sights and sounds—and sites—of your scenic California coast road trip is most likely to start in San Francisco, with a drive (or walk) across the Golden Gate Bridge. Shrouded in fog or gleaming in sunlight, this man-made wonder is one of California’s most famous attractions. From there, you’ll make your way into Golden Gate Park, which is larger than New York’s Central Park and features important art exhibits, concerts, a Japanese tea garden and much more. As you head out of town, enjoy rugged Pacifica and lush Half Moon Bay.

Just 70 miles south of “The City” is Santa Cruz, beloved by surfers, tourists and locals for its casual beach-town vibe. The historic Santa Cruz boardwalk, with its 100-year-old wooden roller coaster, is a major draw, too. Just listen for the shrill sound of screams mixed with ocean breezes and popcorn scents. Soak in the sun and surf, take a cruise through Capitola, then head on to Monterey, where you can see marine life in the wild or at the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, which offers insights into life among the kelp forests just outside the doors. The scenic 17-Mile Drive can be accessed by Highway 1, which takes you and your carload through Pebble Beach, Pacific Grove and Carmel.

From there, you’ll head on to Big Sur and the photogenic Bixby Bridge. Then, it’s off to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, where sweeping views are punctuated by a stunning, 80-foot waterfall. Next, stop at San Simeon, park your nature tour, and take in the nooks and crannies of a manmade masterpiece—Hearst Castle—built for the king of yellow journalism, William Randolph Hearst.

Central California Calling

Famous for its wine as well as its beaches, the central coast of California offers just the right blend between bustling San Francisco and traffic-jammed Los Angeles. Check out Morro Bay’s volcanic cone, Morro Rock. Then, point your ride down the Pacific Coast Highway to Pismo Beach, once known as the “Clam Capital of the World.”

After touring the Santa Ynez wine region among the mountains, you’ll drop back down to sea level and land in Santa Barbara, known as the “American Riviera” for its mild weather, art galleries, high-end boutiques, mansions and exquisite gardens.

Hooray for Hollywood

Continuing south on your scenic Pacific Coast Highway road trip, stop into the Mission San Buenaventura for an historic and culturally rich tour of a Spanish mission built in 1782. Then, even before you land in Los Angeles, get up-close-and-personal with a real movie star: Point Dume. It’s been featured in numerous movies over the decades.

As you make your way into the entertainment capital of the world, don’t miss Huntington Beach, an iconic California beach town where surfer-cool mixes with stylish boutiques and restaurants. Then, once in Los Angeles, the sky’s the limit on the types of things you’ll want to see and experience—from the famous Hollywood sign to Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive, famous movie lots, amusement parks and major museums.

Buckle up! Your Pacific Coast Highway road trip is going to be totally awesome—and incredibly memorable.

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