Stretching nearly 650 miles along the western coastline of the United States, the Pacific Coast Highway is the quintessential American road trip. Hugging the Pacific coast through California, this legendary route takes you past stunning beaches, quaint coastal towns, and breathtaking natural scenery.
The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.
Saint Augustine
Planning a trip along the PCH can seem daunting given the sheer amount of things to see and do. But with some preparation and knowledge of the can’t-miss stops, you can plan the ultimate PCH road trip from start to finish.
Here is a complete guide to help you plan your adventure on one of the most scenic drives in the world!
Can’t Miss Stops and Highlights
The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 1, runs between Dana Point in Orange County down to Leggett in Mendocino County. The most popular and scenic section for a road trip is the stretch between San Luis Obispo and Monterey. This allows you to pass through major cities like Santa Barbara and Big Sur.
North of San Francisco, the road is more prone to landslides and traffic delays. Ensure your route planning accounts for the road conditions in the northern parts. Also budget more time as driving will be slower.
Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy
Gustave Flaubert
in the world.
To properly enjoy all the sights and attractions along the PCH, plan for at least 5-7 days for your road trip. This allows ample time for stopping at view points, hiking, and spending a night or two at select towns. Driving the route non-stop would take about 10-12 hours.
If you only have 2-3 days, try covering just a portion of the highway between LA and Big Sur. This will let you enjoy the sunny southern California beaches and the magical Big Sur coastline without being rushed.
The moderate Mediterranean climate of the California coastline provides pleasant conditions year round. But the peak travel season along the PCH is summer, from June to August. Despite the crowds, the weather is ideal for exploring beaches as well as enjoying sunny drives with the top down.
The winters are cooler with occasional storms and rain, which can lead to closures due to mudslides. If visiting in winter, carry tire chains and check road conditions before traveling. Avoid the rainy season from November to February if possible.
A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving.
Lao Tzu
A fun car or convertible adds to the memorable PCH road trip experience. But any standard sedan with a full tank of gas will get the job done too. Just ensure the vehicle is in good working condition and tires are suited for highway travel. Carry a spare tire as backup.
Having a SUV can allow you to explore off-road trails easily but gas mileage will be lower. RVs and camper vans are also popular options if you want to camp along the route. But parking and navigating these larger vehicles can be difficult at times.
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