15 Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway Stops For Your Bucket List
Ah, the Pacific Coast Highway. A classic piece of Americana and one of the all-time great road trips. I don’t say this lightly but it truly is a must-have on any bucket list. Some of the best Pacific Highway stops include Orange County beaches, the Santa Monica Pier, famous diners in Malibu, Santa Barbara, Hearst Castle, Big Sur, Monterey, and the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. There’s so much to see and do along the famous PCH that I enlisted the help of some of my fellow travel bloggers to bring you a roundup of our favorite spots to visit as you embark on the ultimate road trip.
Our family lived in Los Angeles a few years ago while I was in grad school. One spring break I was feeling sorry for myself because many of my classmates were off to Japan and other exotic far away places. I had two small kids at the time and couldn’t afford anything like that, but we decided to take a spur of the moment road trip up the coast instead. And suddenly I started feeling sorry for all those suckers who paid all that money to fly half way around the world, when they had such amazing bucket list-worthy places to see just a few hours from home. That PCH trip is still my all-time favorite road trip I’ve ever done! Make sure you add it to your California Bucket List.
Now that I’ve hyped it up, let’s get on with the list. These Pacific Coast Highway stops are in no particular ranked order. I just started with the farthest south (Orange County, CA) and ended with the farthest north (Santa Cruz, CA).
Pacific Coast Highway Stops in Orange County
The Cliffs of Laguna Beach
Recommended by Denise from Chef Denise
Laguna Beach has one of the most gorgeous coastlines in California. Seven miles of shoreline that includes everything from wide sandy beaches to rocky caves. But the high cliffs on the north and south end of the city are the most beautiful areas and are Pacific Coast Highway stops not to be missed. Highway 1 runs right through this upscale beach town, offering easy access to both.
On the north end, the cliff path at Heisler Park affords wonderful views of hidden coves, lush gardens, and the expansive Pacific Ocean. The park extends from Aster Street to Diver’s Cove on Cliff Drive where you’ll find metered parking. Take time to walk down the steps to one of the secluded beaches and explore the tide pools.
To the south, stop at Aliso Beach (to park). While Aliso Beach is a perfectly fine beach, the most scenic spots are on the trail that starts at the entrance, and winds along the cliffs to Treasure Island Beach. Part of this path weaves through the property of the Montage Hotel, so the grounds are maintained year round. The colorful flowers and swaying palm trees make the cliff views even more spectacular.
Both of these Laguna Beach cliff walks are perfect places to watch the sunset. And when you’re done, there are lots of great Laguna Beach restaurants for a delicious meal.
Crystal Cove State Park
Recommended by Kath from familyTravelsUSA
As you drive along the Pacific Coast Highway just past Newport Beach, take a break and stretch your legs with a walk along the beach at Crystal Cove State Park. Pull into the Los Trancos parking lot and take the short trail to the Historic District and on to the beach. During low tide, stop and explore the tide pools. Reserve one of the restored cottages, some right on the beach, through the Crystal Cove Conservancy for an overnight stay. Be sure to stop for a burger and shake at the Crystal Cove Shake Shack. The views of the ocean can’t be beat from the outdoor seating high above the beach. If you skip the park and decide just to stop in for a shake, expect to wait about 5-10 minutes for a parking spot in the small lot.
Another popular area of the park is Moro Beach. It’s great for day use visitors looking to spend time relaxing in the sand or swimming. Crystal Cove State Park is also home to an 1,100 acre offshore underwater park. And if you would rather hit the trail, there are several options for hiking that range from easy to difficult. The day use fee throughout the park is $15 (hourly parking is available). Whether you go for the burgers & shakes, the views, or the beach, Crystal Cove is one of the best Pacific Coast Highway stops.
If you have an extra day or two before heading up the coast, take a day trip to Catalina Island.
Pacific Coast Highway Stops in L.A. County
Santa Monica Pier
Recommended by Alanna from Periodic Adventures
One of the most iconic Pacific Coast Highway stops is the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles, which opened to the public in 1909 and has been a popular spot for travelers and locals alike ever since. When we lived LA, we visited often with friends & family.
There are many fun things to do along the pier. Visit Heal of the Bay Aquarium at the base and underneath the pier to learn about more than 100 local marine species. Ride the carousel, which was built in 1916! Stop by the arcade to try your hand at classic games like skee ball and new additions like modern pinball machines.
Grab a bite to eat at Pier Burger, for classic burgers and shakes, Japadog, a kiosk with Japanese street food, The Albright, for local seafood fare, or Mariasol Cocina Mexicana, located at the end of the pier for fabulous views!
Of course you can’t visit the Santa Monica Pier without experiencing Pacific Park, the amusement park complete with a roller coaster and ferris wheel. Rides are priced individually ranging from $5-10, where the coaster and ferris wheel are $10 each. Alternatively, you can purchase an unlimited ride wristband for $40 for adults or $20 for kids ages 7 and under.
For more cool stuff in LA, check out these 15 free things to do for your Los Angeles bucket list.
Neptune’s Net in Malibu
Recommended by Nick Rosen of The World Overload
Nothing beats good eating along with having amazing ocean views. And nothing showcases this more than the restaurants and beaches in Malibu. In particular, the seafood spot known as Neptune’s Net is the epitome of what California is all about to the whole world. This place has been shown on numerous television shows and movies, so it’s an iconic landmark, making it one of the coolest Pacific Coast Highway stops.
The place is a hotspot for locals, tourists, bikers, and the beach surfer community. Serving delicious seafood platters and other dishes, once you’re done just cross the street and you’ll be in the sand. It can be a fun afternoon and you will not regret getting a good story or two from here.
Be sure to check out Point Dume and go surfing at Zuma Beach while you’re in Malibu!
Pacific Coast Highway Stops in Central California
Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara
Recommended by Janelle Axton from Make the Trip Matter
The Santa Barbara Wharf (aka Stearns Wharf) is a great place to spend an afternoon while traveling along the PCH. What makes it one of the most fun and scenic Pacific Coast Highway stops is that there are plenty of things to do including fishing, shopping, water activities, great restaurants for dining, or simply walking or biking along the beach to soak up the stunning views.
Explore the Santa Barbara Sea Center, an interactive aquarium where you can learn about southern California marine life including getting up close to a life-size model of a Gray Whale. Wander around and shop for souvenirs at one of the stores, or stop for some delicious ice cream from the Great Pacific Ice Cream Company.
Buy bait and rent a fishing pole at Stearns Wharf Bait & Tackle to cast your line right off the pier. For those traveling with kids, one of the best activities is to take the Lil’ Toot Water Taxi and cruise between the Harbor and the Wharf while enjoying interesting facts about local history, celebrity-owned yachts, wildlife, and more.
If you have enough time to enjoy a water activity, head just a bit north to find kayak and SUP rentals to paddle around the Harbor. Or, rent a surfboard and enjoy some of Santa Barbara’s best surf spots at either Sandspit (advanced) or Leadbetter Beach (beginner-friendly).
However you decide to spend your time along the Wharf will be an excellent way to enjoy a taste of Santa Barbara!
Solvang
Recommended by us (The Minivan Bucket List)!
Solvang was one of our family’s favorite Pacific Coast Highway stops because of the delicious Danish food and quaint architecture. You’re in California, but it feels like Europe! That’s because it was actually founded by Danish immigrants in 1911. Upon arrival, you’ll likely see freshly painted half timber architecture, a darling danish windmill and a replica of the Little Mermaid–Copenhagen’s bronze statue dedicated to its famous Danish author Hans Christian Anderson, the fable writer and storyteller.
When we got out of the car, we couldn’t help but notice all the delicious smells coming from the many bakeries. Our first stop was the Solvang Windmill and the Solvang Bakery which are right next to each other. While the Danish possibilities are endless, our favorite was the Danish almond kringle.
Hearst Castle
Recommended by Cassie Yoshikawa from Cassie’s Compass
Hearst Castle is a must-see stop on any Pacific Coast Highway road trip. This stunning castle was built by news publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst in the early 1900s. Nestled atop a hill right off the PCH in San Simeon, Hearst Castle offers breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline.
The opulent property includes multiple swimming pools, gardens, guest houses, theaters, and tennis courts where Hearst would entertain A-list guests including ballerinas, governors, and actors like Charlie Chaplin. The land is now owned by the State of California and is open to the public for tours and special events.
Visitors can explore the vast grounds, tour the grandiose rooms and learn about the history of the castle. Hearst Castle is also home to a world-famous art collection, making it a truly unique destination.
In order to enter the property, you must have a tour ticket. Tours will typically take an hour, plus time afterward to explore the grounds on your own.
On your way out, you may even catch a glimpse of some of the castle’s last surviving zoo inhabitants. From the PCH keep your eyes peeled for resident zebras that roam the coastal hillside. Whether you’re looking for history, beauty, or simply a place to relax, Hearst Castle is sure to please. So add it to your road trip itinerary and enjoy all that this California jewel has to offer.
Pfeiffer Beach
Recommended Lisa from Planningaway.com
Pfeiffer Beach is a fantastic Pacific Coast Highway Stop. This mile-long beach has a lot to offer. Not only can you relax on the sandy beach, but if you time it right, it is the perfect place to see the sunset.
Getting to Pfeiffer Beach is a slight detour from the PCH. The road leading down to the beach is a narrow one-lane road. Once you reach the bottom, there is an admission fee of $12. The parking lot is large so you shouldn’t have trouble finding a spot.
One of the reasons Pfeiffer Beach is famous is because it is the location of Keyhole Arch. It is a beautiful natural landscape opening the door to the ocean. As the tide comes in the waves crash through the opening it is very relaxing to watch nature at its best.
Another cool thing about Pfeiffer Beach is the sand is purple. What?! Yes, not all of it but you can find a purple hue throughout the sand. This is caused by a manganese garnet that has eroded from nearby hillsides. It is especially visible after rainfall.
Pfeiffer Beach is a great place to spend a few hours. Photographers love to come at sunset because the light hits Keyhole Arch perfectly making for amazing photos. It is a must on a PCH road trip!
McWay Falls
Recommended by Ashley Cohagen from Create Your Own Roadshow
McWay Falls makes for the perfect scenic stop on a California road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway. Located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, 37 miles south of Carmel, this waterfall sits tucked in a picturesque cove in Big Sur. It is a year round waterfall that plunges 80 feet into the Pacific Ocean.
It is one of only two “tidefalls” in California, meaning it is a waterfall that flows directly into the ocean at high tide. Prior to a 1983 landslide, the waterfall flowed directly into the ocean all the time. The landslide, which closed the Pacific Coast Highway through the region for a year, deposited mud and debris forming a beach where there was none before.
The best time to visit McWay Falls is in the winter and early spring when the flow of the waterfall is greatest. Due to the high cliffs surrounding and tides, the beach below the falls is accessible only by boat. The best way to see McWay Falls is to park on the east side of the Pacific Coast Highway. After parking, you will walk a half mile path under a tunnel to reach the view point. A $10 day use pass is required or a California State Parks Pass.
Bixby Bridge
You can’t do this road trip without a stop near Bixby Bridge for a photo opp. It’s one of the most photographed bridges in California (next to Golden Gate Bridge, of course) because of it’s aesthetic design and unique position along the coastline. It was built in 1932 to connect the residents of Big Sur to the rest of Monterey County. I don’t know where the official line is drawn that demarcates Central & Northern California, but I consider this it.
Pacific Coast Highway Stops in Northern California
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Recommended by Rebecca Gade Sawicki from Veggies Abroad
If you’re looking for a little bit of nature and a pretty hike along the Pacific Coast Highway, look no further than the gorgeous Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Once you arrive, it’s easy to see why this place is often referred to as the “crown jewel” of the State Park System. The park features so much untouched beauty — a dramatic coastline, emerald waters, and rich flora and fauna.
No matter when you visit, there is always something special to see! In April and May, visitors get the extraordinary opportunity to see baby seal pups basking in the sun and on the rocks and beach at multiple spots throughout the park. The best areas to catch them are Whaler’s Cove, Bluefish Cove, Moss Cove, and China Cove.
If you don’t catch the seal pups, try and visit from December – May to catch a glimpse of migrating gray whales! Seeing these guys takes patience; watch for water spouts right off the coast.
In addition to witnessing these beautiful animals in their natural habitats, the park is home to many easy hiking trails that lead visitors through floral meadows, unique Lace Lichen hanging from trees, and much more. The trails range from about a half mile to 3 miles.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Recommended by us (The Minivan Bucket List)!
Carmel-by-the-sea is another quaint little town in California that feels remarkably like Europe! By now you should be starting to understand why I felt sorry for my grad school classmates who paid a fortune to travel around the world, while I just had to drive down the coast to experience a little bit of Denmark, a little bit of England, and some of the most scenic coastline in the world. This little town was another one of our favorite Pacific Coast Highway stops because of all the English-style cottages, shops, and restaurants. We loved walking down this street and walking right onto the beach.
17-mile drive
Recommended by Gabriel of Chef Travel Guide
The iconic 17 Mile Drive is must stop for anyone exploring the beautiful scenery along the Pacific Coast Highway. This road loop between Carmel and Monterey offers stunning views of the rugged California coast with its rocky shore and its wind-blown cypress trees.
There are two options for exploring 17 Mile Drive. The first and easiest is to take your car, but this comes with a fee to enter the loop. The second option is to cycle the route, making it free to enter. Motorcycles are not allowed on the entire length of 17 Mile Drive.
This loop is most famous for its seven championship golf courses, including Pebble Beach links. Although the courses are a part of the landscape, there are countless unadulterated views of the beautiful coastal scenery, like Fan Shell Overlook, where you can watch the sunset over the Pacific.
This loop offers a ton of opportunities to stop along the route to do some sightseeing. Popular destinations along the loop are Seal Rock Beach for Harbour Seal spotting and Bird Rock Vista Point for watching pelicans and cormorants. The most popular destination on the 17-mile drive is the Lone Cypress, which sits on the point and makes for some dramatic photography.
Any road trip along the PCH should include a day of sightseeing along this historic and famous route.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Recommended by us (The Minivan Bucket List)!
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is considered by many to be one of the best aquariums in the world, if not the best. My favorite exhibits were the jellyfish and the 28-foot tall kelp forest exhibit – one of the tallest aquarium exhibits in the world. You can also see sharks, penguins, sea otters, creepy octopus, and all kinds of fish. It is a bit pricey, though. Tickets for adults are $49.95. But sometimes you just gotta spend for bucket list items like this one.
This place was the inspiration for the “Jewel of Morro Bay” in Pixar’s Finding Dory. Morro Bay is actually another great Pacific Coast Highway stop, especially if you want to see cuddly little sea otters in the wild. Oddly enough, there is no aquarium in Morro Bay in real life. Just the awesome one in Monterey Bay!
Santa Cruz
Recommended by Emilie Brillon from Love Life Abroad
Santa Cruz is a great multi-day stop along the Pacific California Highway. Staying for at least 2 to 3 days would be ideal to fully explore the town and its surroundings.
Of course, Santa Cruz is a great city for surfing with its wonderful beaches and big waves. Steamer Lane is where you’ll see all the pro surfers and surf contests, while Cowell’s beach is for surfers of all levels. It’s where you’ll find surf schools as well.
Not a surfer? No worries. There are a few beautiful beaches to swim or simply relax. The Seacliff State Beach is a tranquil beach where you can also see the remains of the SS Palo Alto concrete ship. The Natural Bridge State Beach is another place to relax by the ocean. There are also a few natural pools where you can see some sea creatures. Plus, the drive from Natural Bridge State Beach and Santa Cruz is breathtaking.
There are a lot of other fun things to do in Santa Cruz such as visiting the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park to see the big Redwood trees. Then, right next to Henry Cowell is the Roaring Camp Railway where you can have an introduction to the California Gold Rush. There are also train excursions departing from the Roaring Camp Railway to the Santa Cruz boardwalk.
We’re going to stop there but if you plan to continue your road trip farther north, make sure to check it out these inexpensive things to do in San Francisco with kids.
And don’t forget to download our FREE California Bucket List with over 100 ideas for family-friendly adventures all over the Golden State!
Thanks for reading.
-JJ 🤘🏻