California State Route 1. Highway 1. Pacific Coast Highway 1.
This classic California road trip has multiple names due to its most famous segments covering different routes. But when it’s all said and done, it’s time to find your favourite journey.
With its wild, astonishingly beautiful scenery, chocolate-box towns, and renowned wine regions that unravel with every winding road bend, it is easy to see why the Pacific Coast is arguably the world’s most iconic road trip. The hard part is deciding when and where to stop along the way…
In this article, we’ll share our recommendations on everything from suggested itineraries to affordable car hire and much more – putting you firmly behind the wheel of all your travel dreams.
Suggested Pacific Coast Highway Itineraries
If you’ve been dreaming about this
California trip for what feels like forever, there’s no room for error when it comes to your itinerary. There are various routes available, however, we recommend travelling the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) from north to south, placing the twinkling ocean on your right-hand side. Not only does this give you uninterrupted views of the coastline, it also makes pulling into scenic vista points much easier.
Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary Option (2 Weeks)
Days 1–3 (2 nights): San Francisco
Explore Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz, Golden Gate Bridge, and soak up the city’s eclectic neighbourhoods before beginning your coastal adventure.
Days 3–4 (1 night): Santa Cruz
Enjoy the classic boardwalk, beaches, and surf culture in this laid-back seaside town.
Days 4–5 (1 night): Monterey / Carmel-by-the-Sea
Drive the stunning 17-Mile Drive, visit the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium, and wander through the charming streets of Carmel.
Days 5–6 (1 night): Big Sur - Ocean Florida Personal Favourite!
Soak in breathtaking cliffside views, hike through redwood forests, and watch the sunset at Pfeiffer Beach.
Days 6–7 (1 night): Paso Robles
Indulge in wine country - think vineyard tours, tastings, and a relaxed countryside vibe.
Days 7–9 (2 nights): Santa Barbara
A perfect blend of Mediterranean charm and California cool - visit the Mission, stroll State Street, and relax on pristine beaches.
Days 9–10 (1 night): Malibu / Topanga
Cruise through celebrity-studded Malibu, enjoy tasty seafood by the ocean, and explore Topanga’s bohemian canyon vibe.
Days 10–12 (2 nights): Los Angeles (Santa Monica & Venice Beach)
Bask in LA’s cool, coastal energy - bike the beach path, enjoy Venice’s artistic flair, and shop or dine in Santa Monica.
Days 12–13 (1 night): Laguna Beach
A haven for artists and beach lovers alike, perfect for a more intimate seaside stop.
Days 13–15 (2 nights): San Diego
Round off your trip with Balboa Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, and endless beach days in this vibrant southern gem.
Top Places to Stop Along the Way
The next best thing to cruising along the coastline feeling like James Bond himself, is stretching your legs in some of the most beautiful, quaint, historic, and scenic places as you go. A few (plucked from a very large list) of our favourites worth visiting on your travels include:
Redwood National Park
If you’re a nature enthusiast, you won’t want to miss out on a visit to Redwood National Park. The otherworldliness of this coastal forest has to be seen to be believed, crowned with the tallest trees in the world. With multiple parks, historic landmarks, scenic hikes and wild, wildlife to marvel over - it’s a must-visit.
Pfeiffer Beach
Known for its purple sand and striking rock formations, Pfeiffer Beach is a hidden gem of Big Sur. It’s one of the best spots to watch the sun set over the Pacific, framed by rugged cliffs. The drive to reach it feels like a secret adventure, but the payoff is breathtaking.
Balboa Park
This cultural gem in San Diego is home to lush gardens, Spanish colonial architecture, and more than a dozen museums. Whether you’re exploring the San Diego Zoo or strolling through the Rose Garden, Balboa Park is the perfect blend of relaxation and discovery.
Steamer Lane
Swap the front seat of the car for a session on the waves at Steamer Lane. This famous location in Santa Cruz is a haven for surfing enthusiasts and is the perfect haunt for seasoned and aspiring surfers to test out the waters. Complete with breathtaking views, an iconic lighthouse, and the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum - it’s a lovely spot to take five.
Mendocino Town
A quaint seaside town bustling with rich history, restaurants, galleries, shops and pubs - Mendocino Town is the perfect pitstop to park up at on your PCH journey. Pull your walking boots on and tackle the cliffside trails, visit the museum of local history, or even kayak and canoe on Big River at Mendocino Headlands State Park.
Accommodation Options
So you’ve narrowed your itinerary down to a tee, now all you need is somewhere to lay your head at night. If you plan on following our two-week itinerary guide, we’ve highlighted a few of our favourite places to stay for select destinations below:
San Francisco
- The Marker - Beautiful Beaux-arts style hotel with ultra chic interiors, close to Union Square
- Staypineapple - Stylish, bold and bright, a fun vibe with tasty perks including free cupcakes everyday at 3pm!
Monterey / Carmel-by-the-Sea
Paso Robles
Santa Barbara
- Harbour View Inn - Coastal chic, exclusive access to Santa Barbara beaches, luxury spa facilities
- Inn By The Harbour - Charming Spanish-inspired beach hotel, complimentary beach cruiser bikes
Los Angeles
- Sonder The Beacon (Santa Monica) - Situated across the road from Santa Monica Beach, a 10 minute walk to Pacific Park on Santa Monica Pier
- Shutters On The Beach (Santa Monica) - Beachfront location with direct access
Laguna Beach
San Diego
- Westgate Hotel - Luxury accommodation and facilities, Stunning views across the San Diego skyline, bay, and historic greenery of Balboa Park
- Handlery Hotel San Diego - Prime location in San Diego’s Hotel Circle, 15 minute drive from San Diego International Airport
Best Time to Visit
The views available all-year-round, but visibility isn’t. After extensive planning and weeks, months, or possibly even a whole year of excitement build-up, you’ll want to ensure you get the absolute most out of your road trip. With this in mind, the best months for driving the PCH are April - October, offering milder weather and longer daylight hours.
Our Comprehensive Car Hire
Whether you dream of cruising the PCH in a sleek coupe or feeling the wind in your hair in a convertible, our tailored car hire services ensure you’ll find the perfect vehicle to match your style, budget, and travel plans.
Included with every car hire booking, you’ll receive:
- 24-hour roadside assistance
- Free one-way drop-offs within California and between here and Nevada and Arizona
- Comprehensive Insurance with our Gold Plus package, which features GPS, a full tank of fuel, underage driver fees, three additional drivers and child seats for your peace of mind
- Quick and simple check-in online in minutes
- A virtual eSIM with 20GB of data, providing GPS navigation and more, whilst letting you keep your existing phone number
Handy Tips
Preparation is everything when it comes to planning your epic road trip. Before you pack the boot and hit the open road, here are some practical tips to set you up for a smooth, stress-free adventure.
- Plan your route, but check for any unexpected road closures or detours - California Highway Information https://roads.dot.ca.gov is essential for checking for landslides or construction along the highway
- Book accommodation in popular towns before you set off to save any last-minute stress
- California plays host to microclimates - especially in San Francisco, which can get chilly - so you’ll want to pack more than shorts and a shirt
- Download offline maps for easy access - phone service can be unreliable along the PCH
- Carry cash for any toll roads
- Drive during daylight hours for the best views and your safety, nighttime driving can be tricky on mountain routes
- Respect the natural environment and the wildlife you meet on your travels - do not litter and avoid touching or feeding the animals
- Don’t forget your SPF
- Embrace flexibility
- Stay hydrated and pack lots of snacks for the journey
- Have FUN!
Summary
From San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge to San Diego’s sun-soaked beaches, a Pacific Coast Highway road trip is the ultimate California adventure. Along the way, you’ll discover charming coastal towns, dramatic ocean views, incredible wildlife and natural beauty, and vibrant cities that make every stop unforgettable.
Ready to create memories that last a lifetime? Browse our California Package Holidays and start planning your Pacific Coast adventure, today.
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