We are planning to stay overnight at the Madonna Inn. This 20-mile (one way) detour will take you out on Point Reyes, and has a stark and beautiful landscape because its so far out at sea. Additionally, youll get a sense of the magnitude of the San Andreas fault line, which comes inland along the northern part of Point Reyes. Do you have any tips? The speed limit ranges from 55mph to 25mph theres really no helpful way to give an average! Bixby Bridge in Big Sur Choosing the top Pacific Coast Highway attractions isn't easy, as there are so many we love! We will be stopping to see the sights along the way but not for strenuous hikes. Id be happy to save the money and just drive with the windows down when I want some fresh air. Booking this trip for late Oct. Id like to fly in ( from East Coast) somewhere north of San Fran. So it adds about 3 hours of driving time, but it also means youll miss out on basically all of the Oregon Coast. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Head west along U.S. 101 until it turns south along the west coast of the Olympic Peninsula. Hello Valerie; my family and i are thinking about a trip from northern CA to San Diego along the coast. Solvang If you are planning to cruise along that part of the Californian coastline, then here's our magnificent seven! Glad to help, Andrew I hope you have an amazing trip! Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Head south from Ruby Beach along U.S. 101. Please keep doing what youre doing. I cant even imagine how incredible it must have been to experience all this in person. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. The reason I recommend doing your Pacific Coast Highway road trip north to south is that youll be on the coastal side of the road. Thanks for your help in advance!!!! Nope, headed northbound is not a bad way to go its actually the way I went on my first drive! Hi, we are flying into Seattle 7/27 and out from San Diego 8/7, we are visiting colleges in Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and San Diego for my daughter. Here are my suggestions: Therefore, the best month to drive the Pacific Coast Highway is September, when youre most likely to have great weather along the entire length of the road trip. Im glad it was helpful. Were using it to plan our itinerary for June/July this year, 3 weeks, Seattle to LA. The Pacific Coast Highway is an ambitious road trip, but totally possible in as few as five days. I hope you can see it for yourself someday too. Required fields are marked *. haha. When you drive on the Pacific Coast Highway, you will see sheer cliffs straight down to the water. Have you seen these two posts? Were staying just outside of Long Beach, in cute little Ilwaco, WA, at Salt Hotel & Pub. Its a little tough to guess without knowing the exact dates and which towns/cities you plan to stay in on any given night, but I hope this helps! San Diego is high on my must-visit-longer list, so Im again a bit short on recommendations here. This will be a great tool in planning. Thank you. Hi there, I am desperate to do the road trip next year however, I am not keen on driving over bridges (I am fine on coastal roads/cliff edges), so are there any places that i definitely need to avoid or that you cant get through/past without crossing a bridge? Can you please give me a list of must sees in Santa Barbara (we could have two full days there). Thanks. I do have the same recommendations youll see A LOT of fellow bikers/trikers out on the PCH; its a great ride on 2-3 wheels as well as 4 wheels . Portland is the only city on this list thatisnton the coast, and its definitely a trip extender if you want to visit Portland while driving the Pacific Coast Highway. (Hours and dates for the attractions on the SF CityPass have been affected by the pandemic, so be sure to check those when you purchase!). Am planning to do a 10 day PCH drive in August. First thank you for all the work you put into this! Ill have to stop at these places, Thinking about a pch trip from San frans to LA.. suggestions on where to stop and how many days, I have this post that will help you plan your trip: https://www.valisemag.com/california-coast-road-trip/, Hi Valerie I am looking for a 1 day coastal trip from Anaheim back to San Francisco with 4 kids ranging from Teen to toddler. 8. Ending at a beach front hotel in Diego for 2-3 days to visit that college, unwind and settle a little bit before leaving. I do you can sign up using the email forms in this post to receive a short version! Where is the Pacific Coast Highway? So doing our 101 bucket list too, but want a 2-3 days near Ocean Beach, CA. I will definitely use all the info youve provided. do you have a printable version of this? We always wanted to do an RV trip, but maybe the PCH is not the one to do that on?? What are must see spots. The Pacific Coast Highwayalso known as PCH or, more commonly, Highway 1runs north-south along most of the United States' West Coast. Thanks for your comment, Pam, but Im a little confused its a 10-day itinerary, so its a 9-night trip. Thank you for sharing! Ive just started planning our trip for this autumn. Best Quotes about the West Coast There are many quotes that sing praises and are written as an ode to the beauty of the West Coast. Have you heard any issues with the Covid and being able to rent places on the way down? The traditional definition of the Pacific Coast Highway is to drive California Highway 1 from San Diego to Leggett (or vice versa); you can extend by adding on U.S. Highway 101 through Northern California and Oregon and Washington coasts. Very nicely done thanks ever so much !! Im not sure there are many good airports to leave a rental car in the region youre suggesting you may end up driving into L.A. to do so and to fly home. As the title suggests, this music would make the perfect soundtrack for a drive up the California coast. Thanks for all of this great information! But never mind those technicalities, because equally bewitching ribbons of Hwy 1 and Hwy 101 await all along this route. Are you hoping to do a one-way rental car for your PCH drive? I wouldnt advise doing this one in an RV, to be honest. My wife and I were planning to fly to San Diego to start the trip, but your point about southbound visibility makes total sense. Reading through this your article is going to be a huge help as our family plans our two-week trip. We are doing the PCH this July and August coming from Yellowstone, Glacier and Teddy Roosevelt NP it has been on our Bucket list for quite some time after this trip we only have Alaska to visit and we will have visited all the States !! So we used really about a day off the coast but well worth it. Drive safe in between those beer stops! I am planning for this roadtrip this December- starting from Dec 25th. I think its going to be a tough year fro travel! I loved the harbor and wharf, was surprised by the food scene, and lightly dabbled in the historical significance of Santa Barbara enough for me to want to return. You have the same recommendations? This was a 6 day trip. Would there be a place where the rental could be left in those regions? Thank so much for putting together a wonderful and comprehensive itinerary of the PC scenic drive. "Golden state of mind." 3. As the tallest lighthouse on the U.S. Pacific Coast, Pigeon Point Lighthouse is picturesque, and you can view it from several different angles along the nearby coastline. In a few weeks, we intend to start a 10-ish day loop from San Jose, drive up on the inland route to Seattle, and do a southbound coastal drive. 2. Im thinking of a four day road trip for easter next year but thinking along the lines of vegas to grand canyon and so. If youve just stayed overnight in Santa Barbara or started your road trip in San Diego, that may not make as much sense. My favorite place is Mendocino if the skies are clear! FREE delivery Sat, Jan 7 on $25 of items shipped by Amazon. However I actively lament that I was on the wrong side of the road in the present tense (as in, if you ask me today, I still lament it); I didnt really realize I was on the wrong side until after my trip was over and its not like you can change your route once you start! Regarding openings, Im sorry but I cant keep up with all of the places and changing restrictions in the various counties and states. We are planning to spend Thanksgiving in San Diego. These make perfect Instagram captions for dreamy sunsets or foggy mornings on the Pacific. Thanks for such a thorough rundown of what to do. Hi there, I am thinking of taking a solo trip down the PCH from Long Beach, WA to LA? Here are some different starting/ending points for a PCH road trip: As you can see, you have options! We are planning a trip in Sept 0f 2022, starting in Portland, ending in San Diego. Lastly, Pismo is a great stop for a midday workout on the road, with a huge stretch of beach to walk/run on. We were 70s teenagers all around! Seattle is perfect for anywhere between one day and three days if you have the time. Enjoying the Unexpectedly Cool Pitchwood Ale House, All words and images 2013-2023 The Kolibro Group LLC. After driving across the famous Columbia River bridge, stop and give yourself a self-guided tour of popular Goonies spots in Oregons northwest-most town. Let me know if you need any extra tips whenever you start planning! Any recommendations will be appreciated! I do not plan to do any shopping at stores, so our money would be spent on a rental vehicle, hotels, gas, and food. Mendocino Your Pacific Coast Highway road trip begins at Leggett, so naturally, the first stop is the wonderful Mendocino. I appreciated your take on the drive, and now Im sorry we will be going north rather than south, but we are planning on going back the I-5 and stopping in Ashland. The innovative sequencer work of his Tangerine Dream years has given way on this album to more predictable pop electronic orchestrations that . My question is: how to best use our time? 99. Congrats on finishing your Pacific Coast Highway road trip. "Someone told me there's a girl out there, with love in her eyes and flowers in her hair." Led Zeppelin, "Going to California" 2. Best of all, theres no cell service so theyll have to look around to see them . Travelling from Auckland to Napier, you'll experience lakes, wildlife, vineyards and a tranquil lagoon. Hood. For campsites, Im not super sure as Im not a big camper, but this might help: https://www.theoutbound.com/theoutbound/camping-along-the-pacific-10-seaside-campsites-for-your-west-coast-road-trip. Blow your budget and stay the night at Fairmont San Francisco, one of the nicest hotels in town. My wife and I have been to Cali a couple of times, our daughter once from Diego to Fran (Berkeley) and loved it, and just us once to Seattle and Portland, but flying in and out only. Take a road trip along California's Pacific Coast Highway for a look at some of America's most dramatic coastal vistas. My best advice is to take a look at the app Roadtrippers and start plugging in where you might want to go to get a sense of travel time then you can decide whats must-do, what extra you have time for, and what needs to be cut.I hope that helps! Thank you! Can you share with me how long this should take us?? Would be every much appriciate if you can provide tips and recomendattions where to stop, what to see/do and eat the drive on high 1 from San Diego to Santa Monica. I am planning a trip for next year, saving and researching. We will probably book Airbnb if cost effective. Also known as Big Sur, the route winds along the rugged California coastline (from Cape San Martin to Ragged . Make sure you have enough guidance resources. 01 of 04 What day of the week would you recommend starting from WA? These stops are numbered to match my Roadtrippers map and trip above (click here to open the trip in a separate window). The PCH is on my bucket list since my daughter did it with Teens Westward Bound over 10 years ago. Anyway, we are looking to do the very same drive. If you would like a customized itinerary, I offer that for a fee to help cover the time it takes me to put those tips together. Thanks Valerie. The redwoods are a definite. Hi We have just 1-day and will be starting in Fortuna and heading to San Francisco. We just booked Patrees room! Our partners offer one-way rentals from multiple locations in San Francisco and Los Angeles. May 16, 2022 by Allison Green. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: If you are on a quick PCH road trip, turn inland along the Columbia River and then south on I-5 to Portland.If your Pacific Coast Highway road trip includes the Oregon Coast, skip Portland below and drive south along U.S. 101 to Seaside & Cannon Beach (#8). The worst that happens is you might end up in a slightly less nice place than you had planned. I love small beaches and in less popular destinations like this! Hi Valerie. Thanks for your comment, Anthony! Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts! Thanks again. Great question, Sharon! Im going to publish a suggested 7-day PCH guide soon! Great article! California 1 is the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and Cabrillo Highway, following the coastline from San Juan Capistrano in Orange County in Southern California to Leggett in Mendocino County in Northern California. Top ways to experience Pacific Coast Highway See all Recommended Tours & Sightseeing Walking & Biking Tours Multi-day & Extended Tours Outdoor Activities Monterey, Carmel and 17-Mile Drive - Full Day Tour from San Francisco 310 Bus Tours from $105.00 per adult Monterey & Carmel Explorer 22 Full-day Tours from $105.00 Also, how many days should we take for the one-way trip back. Sounds like youre well on the way to it . I am flying into Portland to meet my niece and we will rent a car and drive down the coast to LA to meet another nephew. Hi Valerie, I am doing the PCH drive southbound from Seattle and as far as we can go for 5 days. Or. Thank you. Stay safe. You can even stretch it out by spending a few extra days exploring some of the cities along the route if you want to. My husband and I plan to do this trip in June. We will start in Portland, Or and drive to Las Angeles, CA. I did a quick search and heres how it breaks down: Newport > Crescent City (what I originally suggest) = about 5 hours of driving Newport > Crater Lake > Crescent City = about 8 hours of driving (and none of it is on the coast), If you chose to go from Portland > Crater Lake > Crescent City instead = 7.5 hours of driving. So I am very, very thankful to have found THIS resource!! I enjoyed it so much that I wrote a whole article about the experiences I recommend in Santa Barbara! Were on day 2 of our 8-day PCH Tour.and its great to have your help! I was wondering if you could suggest a place for stargazing. We are planning on a 7 days trip in Dec 2021. Now that you have all the details you need to plan a PCH road trip, you need to know which destinations are worth a stop along the Pacific Coast Highway. Have a great trip! We are coming from Pennsylvania. Do you recommend any of your overnights for golf fireworks for 4th of July? We plan on doing the 7 day trip June/July. Sounds like youve got a great itinerary planned! Unsurprisingly, a private car is the absolute best way to make the most of a trip along the legendary PCH. Although I live in San Francisco, Ive yet to visit several of these places on this list. Pacific Highway Route information Existed 1913-1926 [a] Major junctions South end San Diego, CA North end Vancouver, BC Location Country United States States California, Oregon, Washington, (also Vancouver in British Columbia) Highway system Auto trails Pacific Highway is the name of several north-south highways in the Pacific Coast region of the Western United States, either by . You can find the Cobain house at 1210 E 1st St, and right next door you can see a memorial to Cobain in Kurt Cobain Memorial Park (the house now a private residence, so dont disturb the owners!). Also, niece is vegan and I am meat eater. Thank you for your great ideas and itineraries! When you picture the Pacific Coast Highway, its Big Sur that comes to mind. The ideia is to have a West Coast Beer Route drive. I have been to Europe, for 2 years, and nothing compares to this coastal trip. Im not sure how to prioritize the rest of our time. The Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip While many travelers begin in Los Angeles and head north, driving the Pacific Coast Highway from north to south keeps you in the lane closest to the ocean. Amazing! If you are connecting to Highway 1 from the Sacramento area, take I-80 West for about 50 miles, connect to US-101 S from there, and then connect US-101 North. The PCH heads inland near Lompoc but is the main road you can take to Santa Barbara. Thank you! I am planning to start my road trip in Vancouver BC and ending in San Francisco. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Continue south along CA-1. Did you drive it alone and what do you think about being able to see well driving north to south? Here, California Highway 1 carves a sinuous path along steep cliffs; the road is beautiful at a price, since mudslides arent uncommon along this stretch of highway, and can close the highway for months. Officially, only the short, sun-loving stretch of Hwy 1 through Orange and Los Angeles Counties can legally call itself Pacific Coast Highway. My problem is going to be deciding what not to do because Ill only have so much time (and money). I did drive it alone and I still recommend heading southbound. The little set of communities on the Long Beach peninsula is at the lower-left corner of the state and is home to cozy accommodations and surprisingly delicious restaurants. I hope you can make this trip someday (hopefully soon!). I know we wont see everything, but its the only time frame we have. From Ventura. Silvia, not to minimize risks but I think the issue is not being represented realistically by the media. Eileen, thanks for your comment, and for reading! I am currently planning a road trip from Phoenix to Vancouver, WA to visit family and weve decided to come back home via the PCH. Theres a nice public parking area near a lake that overlooks the Washington State Capital building. So heading east eventually to round out the trip. I am starting from seattle 8/26 down to los angeles taking PCH. I have 22 foot van camper are their any length height(9.5 ft) restrictions I am hoping their are amp sites along the way? Thanks, CJ! Thanks for your comment, Manny. Thank you for sharing. Thanks for your comment, Kathy! This is such a great article. Have a wonderful trip! You can look out over beautiful sea stacks that dot the northern part of the Pacific Coast and stroll along the sand covered with huge driftwood formations and seafoam. The jagged coastline, infinite blue water, sunny days, gorgeous sunsets these are just a few of the reasons California Highway 1 became a popular route in the first place! Ive put together some tips on how to choose the right car for the PCH, but in short, I recommend an automatic car with a low center of gravity but skip the convertible! The Pacific Coast Highway runs along two highways: In Washington and Oregon, the best weather of the year happens between June and September. In Washington, Oregon, and at the northern end of California, the Pacific Coast route follows US Highway 101. The ocean is my happy place. You should drive the Pacific Coast Highway southbound! Carry on the fantastic work!|. Heres a Pacific Coast Highway map and schedule for 10 days: One of the most popular questions I get about driving the Pacific Coast Highway is about when to drive the PCH. Have a great trip!! Day 4: Redwood State Park, CA to San Francisco, CA. Im glad you booked LA and Seattle, because those are the two you most need to have arranged! I do not care to get into the Los Angeles areaHowever, the Sequoias are a must. Great post. They all offer budget rentals, run regular deals and specials, and have one-way rental options. Youll have less distance (just the car and shoulder) instead of an entire lane of the road plus the shoulder. Crescent City is a great spot for an overnight stop (or longer) depending on your itinerary. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: From Seattle, head south along US Highway 101 to Olympia. Would it be worth it to continue to San Diego then back to LA? I have tendency to suffer from analysis paralysis therefore navigating all the ins and outs what to do where to stay etc would be overwhelming to say the least. We both have a lot of vacation all the time, so 10 days or more would be fine. You live in SF! Drive Time: About 3.5 Hours. You should have no problem making it down the road in December. If you're in need of California trip ideas, consider driving up the iconic Pacific Coast Highway. There and back that is? Have a great trip! The first time, we (I) had it all planned out. Taking my granddaughter on an epic journey. Downtown is a series of taffy-colored storefronts filled with beach gear, kitschy coastal crafts, and the Funland Seaside Arcade, which harkens back to the heydays of coastal vacations. I do have OCD though, and Im having a really hard time getting past your use of the word lament in the paragraph suggesting to drive on southbound. Hi Valerie, Great job! These are just ten of the many places off Highway 1 that you'll want to experience. Aretta, thanks for your comment! Have a great trip!! Thank you for great info This is exactly what I was looking for. Kavinsky - Pacific Coast Highway (Official Audio) - YouTube 0:00 / 6:18 Kavinsky - Pacific Coast Highway (Official Audio) Record Makers 225K subscribers Share 12M views 11 years ago #Kavinsky We are just looking to site sea on our way back home from Disneyland I was looking at Hearst Castle and the Elephant Seal Vista Point but dont see much reviews on them with kids. Thank you in advance! Awesome, Tim! You thinks thats safe or should I make some. Were taking the 5 to Seattle with a few stops on the way then PCH from Port Angeles to SD. We definitely want to visit the redwood forest, which is the main reason we want to go so far north. I havent been to some of those national parks, but they sound amazing! Hi Valerie, Great tips! Youll have a great time! Thank you for all this information. When I drove the PCH, I rented a car and drove it as a one-way rental (meaning I dropped it off in a different city than I picked it up). I drove one and I hardly ever got to enjoy it!.why were you hardly ever able to enjoy driving a convertible???? Stop 2: Santa Cruz and its boardwalk. I travelled alone from San Francisco to LA while on a work trip years ago and havent stopped thinking about getting my husband out there. The rest of time will hopefully be in small towns all along the coast. There are no reasonable alternatives for some of the routes like the one across Bixby Canyon Bridge (shown above). Lane closure lasting 5 hours on Conventional Hwy for Electrical Work affecting #3, R T Lane #1, Right Shoulder, Bike Lane, Sidewalk lane(s) in District: 12 From: MAIN ST (DOWN TOWN) Huntington Beach to Beach Blvd, Rte 39 Huntington Beach End 300ft going SB on Rte 1 after Beach Blvd intersection An unanticipated problem was encountered, check back soon and try again We figured booking hotel in Seattle for 1 or 2 days for arrival and checking the college. Im trying to connect with the guide I found on pinterest. Karen, great question! I was hoping to see autumn colours in the northern area.