Pacifica

As you drive through the town of Pacifica, you'll learn about the history of San Francisco Bay and Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portolá, who put it on the map. You'll also uncover the unusual story behind how the town got its name. NOTE: This 555-mile-long tour covers the essentials of Pacific coast highway in 5-7 hours.

10 minutes

N/A

This rocky point juts out into the ocean and makes for phenomenal seaside views. There used to be a road to the point, but it's only accessible via footpath now, and only at low tide. It's a great spot for a hike with a big payoff at the end.

5 minutes

Devil's Slide Trail

This bunker was built during World War II, and was intended to watch for a potential Japanese invasion of the mainland. At the time, soldiers with binoculars kept a constant watch on the horizon. These days, it's a favorite hangout spot among local youths and graffiti artists.

5 minutes

Gray Whale Cove State Beach

This beach can be an incredible place to spot whales, depending on when you visit. In December and January, gray whales migrate south past this shore. They're often close enough to see with the naked eye!

5 minutes

Montara

Montara is a charming, rustic town that owes its existence to an old-timey lighthouse. Many of the town's oldest buildings are still standing today, giving it a totally distinct and classic vibe.

10 minutes

N/A (Pass By)

This beach is home to some of the biggest waves around. During peak season, the swells here can reach up to 60 feet high! This makes it a super popular surfing spot for thrillseekers, though amateur surfers are probably better off watching from the shore.

Half Moon Bay

This sleepy seaside town is set on the edge of a lovely crescent-shaped bay. But it has a surprisingly dark history. At one time, this area was known as the most corrupt county in California thanks to mob activity.

5 minutes

Bean Hollow State Beach (Pass By)

Bean Hollow State Beach gets its name from its oddly-shaped coast, which some swear resembles a bean. It's a humble but pleasant beach surrounded by plenty of great scenery, and makes for a great place to stop and take a quick break.

N/A

At 115 feet tall, this is the tallest lighthouse on the west coast. It's also one of the oldest. If you've been waiting for the perfect seaside photo shoot, this is a fabulous spot for it.

5 minutes

Butano State Park (Pass By)

While you won't directly enter this park, you'll pass by its lush redwood groves as you drive. These old, enormous trees are positively awe-inspiring, and just have to be seen to be believed.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park (Pass By)

Another park you'll pass along the way, Big Basin Redwoods State Park is exactly what it sounds like. Tall old growth trees, a lush canopy, and maybe even some wildlife sightings if you're traveling in the morning!

Ano Nuevo State Reserve (Pass By)

Keep your ears open as you pass this state reserve and you just might hear its most famous residents: Elephant seals! The months between December and April are the best time to view seals here, as that's their breeding season.

Davenport

The tiny town of Davenport is home to just over 400 people, but it's well known for its pristine beaches. In addition to some great sand and surf, the town also features other landmarks like the Davenport Crack, where water has carved a deep tunnel through a cliff, making it appear as if the land split in two.

10 minutes

Shark Fin Cove (Pass By)

Despite the name, you won't have to worry about sharks at this cove. It gets the ominous title from a distinctive rock formation jutting from the water, which looks like an enormous shark's fin!

Coast Dairies State Park (Pass By)

The beaches here are known as pocket beaches, because they're quite small and secluded. Reaching them takes a bit of scrabbling, but as a result they're almost never crowded. If you want some time alone with the coast, this is a perfect spot.

Santa Cruz

One of the must-see stops on your tour. Founded in 1791, Santa Cruz is a picture-perfect California town. Here, you'll find beautiful architecture, incredible eats, and all the quirky shops your heart desires.

5 minutes

Santa Cruz Wharf (Pass By)

The Santa Cruz Wharf is the number one hotspot in Santa Cruz. It's buzzing with activity and loaded with seafood restaurants for the freshest catch around. The wharf also boasts an amusement park with a fully-functional wooden roller coaster!

Mystery Spot (Pass By)

The Mystery Spot is a tourist attraction near Santa Cruz, California, opened in 1939 by George Prather. Visitors experience demonstrations that appear to defy gravity, on the short but steep uphill walk and inside a wooden building on the site.

Rio Del Mar State Beach (Pass By)

This large beach has ample parking and boasts incredible views not just of the ocean, but also of towering bluffs along the coast. It's also a very pet friendly beach for those traveling with four-legged friends.

Sunset State Beach (Pass By)

Sunset State Beach is, unsurprisingly, one of the best places in central California to watch the sunset. Folks flock to the beach in the late afternoon, so if you want to see the sunset here, it's a good idea to plan ahead.

Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve (Pass By)

The Elkhorn Slough Reserve is a vast wetland where salt water meets fresh water. Over 700 species of terrestial and marine animals call this reserve home, so you have a good chance of spotting some of California's critters as you pass.

Monterey Bay (Pass By)

This beautiful bay features some truly stunning coastal views. As you drive by, you'll learn about how plentiful the bay's sardine population once was, and what happened to change that.

Monterey

Once the center of the sardine-packing industry, Monterey has been many things over its long history. Today, the historic Cannery Row has become a popular strip of gift shops, seafood restaurants, and bars in converted factories. The city is also home to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, with thousands of marine animals and plants on display in underwater and interactive exhibits.

5 minutes

Big Sur

Big Sur is perhaps the most iconic stretch of Pacific Coast Highway. Featuring dramatic bluffs rising hundreds of feet above crashing waves, as well as lush greenery and rocky hiking trails, it's a remote and rugged place that's sure to take your breath away.

10 minutes

17-Mile Drive (Pass By)

The famous 17-Mile Drive is a scenic detour through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove. It passes lavish estates on one side and unbeatable ocean views on the other.

N/A

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a picture-perfect coastal village. Famous for its fairytale cottages and eccentric residents, this tiny town packs a ton of charm. It also features an absolutely staggering number of art galleries.

10 minutes

Carmel Beach (Pass By)

A lovely white sand beach beside a cypress grove. Carmel residents come here to surf, walk their dogs, or watch the sunset.

N/A (Pass By)

This reserve boasts an incredible variety of marine and terrestrial animals in its lush and untouched environment. It's also a fantastic spot to go scuba diving for those who want to get up close and personal with the oceanic wildlife.

Garrapata State Park

Some of Big Sur's best hiking trails can be found right here. Many lead to the coast, where you can take in breathtaking ocean views, but others cut through valleys of lilies and even redwood groves.

10 minutes

N/A

This concrete arch bridge is one of the most photographed bridges in California. The graceful architecture works beautifully with the lush green bluffs on one side and the ocean on the other to create a completely unique crossing.

5 minutes

Point Sur State Historic Park (Pass By)

This mountainous island used to be a nightmare for ships traveling at night, but now it's just a picturesque spot along the coast. That's thanks to the Point Sur Lighthouse, which has since been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Andrew Molera State Park (Pass By)

The former owners of this land forbid development of almost any sort along this stretch of coastline. The result is a remarkably untouched wilderness that's sure to inspire any nature lover.

N/A (Pass By)

This handsome bridge is actually brand new. It was built to replace a predecessor which cracked due to a major landslide in 2017.

Pfeiffer Beach (Pass By)

Pfeiffer Beach is a little off the beaten path, requiring a detour down a narrow road, but it's worth the trip. This unusual beach is best known for its purple sand! The sand acquires this color from manganese garnet which washes down from the nearby bluffs.

Grimes Point Scenic Overlook (Pass By)

This humble dirt lot affords visitors one of the very best views of Big Sur. Make sure to have your camera ready!

Seal Beach Scenic Overlook (Pass By)

Seal Beach Overlook is a fantastic place to spot California's favorite marine mammals. They like to hang out on the rocks by the shore, so you've got a very good chance of seeing not just one seal, but many!

Partington Cove

This sheltered, secluded cove is a great spot to find some peace and quiet along the coast. It's also rumored to have been a dropoff point for moonshiners during prohibition!

5 minutes

McWay Falls (Pass By)

This 80-foot waterfall once cascaded directly into the Pacific, until mudslides permanently changed the landscape. But it's still an absolutely impressive sight to behold today.

Big Creek Bridge

At 589 feet long, Biig Creek Bridge is another of the architectural marvels along PCH. It features turnouts at each end to give drivers a chance to pull over, admire the scenery, and snap a few photos for posterity.

5 minutes

Big Creek Cove Vista Point (Pass By)

This is another excellent vista point to soak in the scenery. Remember, you can never have too many pictures from your trip!

Limekiln State Park (Pass By)

Limekiln State Park gets its name from the lime production industry which once used this land. Four historic lime kilns from the 19th century still remain and are among the park's most popular attractions.

N/A

This peculiar bit of engineering consists of a protective shed and a bridge designed to safeguard the highway from rockslides. The story behind how designers came up with the structure is even more interesting than the odd creation itself!

5 minutes

Jade Cove (Pass By)

This lovely secluded cove was once the site of a major prospecting rush. That's thanks to the fact that there was tons of jade to be found here back in the day. While most of the big gems have already been scooped up, enterprising visitors can still find small pieces of jade for themselves!

N/A (Pass By)

As you drive past this old growth redwood grove, keep an eye out for the tallest trees of the lot. These giants can grow up to 350 feet tall!

Ragged Point (Pass By)

Ragged Point is considered one of the most picturesque stretches of Big Sur. The bluffs here soar up to 400 feet above the ocean, human development is minimal, and scenic vistas abound.

N/A (Pass By)

This cute, rustic inn is a hugely popular spot for folks who want to stay in the wilderness of Big Sur. Even if you're not a guest, it's a great place to stop for a quick bite.

Piedras Blancas Light Station (Pass By)

This unusual lighthouse might look like someone chopped the top section off... because they did! You'll find out why as you cruise on by.

Elephant Seal Vista Point (Pass By)

There's no place better to see California's elephant seals than Elephant Seal Vista Point. You're all but guaranteed to see these enormous, blubbery critters here, lounging in crowds on the rocks. This spot also features a fully accessible walkway.

N/A

This picturesque detour leads along the shores of Moonstone Beach. A lovely boardwalk runs the length of this beach, making it the perfect place to stretch your legs before continuing with your journey.

10 minutes

Nitt Witt Ridge (Pass By)

Nitt Witt Ridge is one of the strangest landmarks along your route. This house, built by reclusive artist Arthur Beal, is made almost entirely from trash! It's a bizarre but somehow oddly beautiful property that's sure to start a conversation.

Harmony

If you're keen to visit a small town, you can't get much smaller than this. At last census count, Harmony was home to only 18 people!

5 minutes

Cayucos

Cayucos is a small, unincorporated town with a distinct old-timey vibe. It was founded in 1867, and residents have done their best to keep it feeling just a little like the Wild West. It's full of saloons, antique shops, and plenty more.

10 minutes

Morro Bay

Morro Bay is perhaps best known for Morro Rock, an enormous volcanic plug rising 600 feet out of the water. Today, it's a favorite nesting spot for peregrine falcons. Whether you visit or just drive by, you'll learn how a volcanic plug actually forms.

5 minutes

San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo is another must-see destination. Lush with greenery, vibrant with flowers, and buzzing with activity, it's an almost impossibly pleasant small city with undeniable California chill. The locals don't call it "SLO Cal" for nothing!

10 minutes

Bubblegum Alley (Pass By)

One of San Luis Obispo's more peculiar yet most popular attractions, Bubblegum Alley is exactly what it sounds like. Both walls of the alley are covered in bubble gum, left by countless visitors over the years. If you have a stick of your own, feel free to add it to the collection!

N/A (Pass By)

In the 20th century, this land was home to chromium and mercury mines. These days, it's where you'll find lush natural beauty and over 8 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails.

Avila Beach

This seaside community might sport some excellent ocean views, but it carries a dark history. As you pass, you'll learn how an oil company obliterated the town... as well as how they rebuilt.

10 minutes

Dinosaur Caves Park (Pass By)

Dinosaur Caves Park has neither dinosaurs nor caves, but it is still a lovely place for a picnic. As for where it got its unusual name, you'll find out when you visit!

Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach is a lovely beachside community with a long history. This shoreline is actually one of the very first landing places of the European missionaries who journeyed to the new world.

5 minutes

Monarch Butterfly Grove (Pass By)

Between October and February, around 25,000 monarch butterflies shelter in these eucalyptus trees. If you're visiting during this season, this is a can't-miss stop. It's a sight you won't soon forget.

Guadalupe

The small, quiet town of Guadalupe may not be a huge tourist destination, but it's still a great place to stop if you need a quick break from the road.

5 minutes

Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve (Pass By)

These dunes are the tallest on the entire west coast. Some reach up to 500 feet in height! Standing atop one of these, you'll get a truly unbelievable panorama of the ocean and the surrounding landscape.

The Murals of Lompoc (Pass By)

The town of Lompoc grows tens of thousands of flowers every year, and the murals scattered throughout town pay homage to this industry. There are 40 of them in total, each depicting a scene from the town's past or present and honoring the flowers which keep the town moving.

Lompoc Wine Ghetto (Pass By)

The Lompoc Wine Ghetto doesn't look like much from the outside. Inside, though, you'll find a world-class collection of wineries and tasting rooms. Here, you can sample and purchase the region's best wines.

Jalama Beach (Pass By)

An optional detour leads to Jalama Beach, a quiet alternative to some of the coast's more crowded shorelines. Because it's off the beaten path, this beach doesn't see nearly as many visitors as some of the others you'll pass on your journey, making it a great spot for the crowd-averse travelers.

Arroyo Hondo Vista Point (Pass By)

You'll definitely want to stop at this vista point for a few photos. As you proceed down PCH, the California landscape changes dramatically, meaning no one overlook is ever the same as the next!

Refugio State Beach (Pass By)

The quintessential California beach. Refugio State Beach has it all: White sand, palm trees, plenty of sunlight, and shockingly blue water. A fantastic stop for those looking for that SoCal lifestyle.

Goleta Butterfly Grove (Pass By)

Another incredible butterfly grove like the Monarch Butterfly Grove. Unfortunately, the eucalyptus trees here have recently been struggling to survive, and they host fewer butterflies that they normally would. Still, if you're in the area between November and February, it's a must-see spot.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is without a doubt one of California's prettiest towns. Once a Spanish mission town, it has now become a vibrant hub for artists, top tier restaurants, and idyllic beaches. Be sure to make time for a stop in this incredible place.

5 minutes

Thousand Steps Beach (Pass By)

Thousand Steps Beach has a bit of a misleading name. There are actually only 218 steps leading down to the beach here. Of course, that can still feel like a lot, especially after a long day, so make sure you're feeling up to climbing all those steps again before heading down to the shore!

Carpinteria State Beach (Pass By)

Carpinteria State Beach is an excellent beach for swimming, camping, and other beachgoing activities, but it also has a hidden trick up its sleeve. It's a favorite spot for harbor seals! While lounging on the sand, keep your eyes open and you just might see one.

Rincon Beach Park (Pass By)

Rincon Beach is one of the best and most famous surfing destinations in the country. Each year, this beach hosts the Rincon Classic, one of the most prestigious surfing competitions around. Surfing legends like Tom Curren, Bobby Martinez, and others have tested their mettle on this very beach.

N/A

Faria Beach is another top notch surfing beach, especially around Las Pitas Point. The available sand space is a bit limited, meaning it's not the ideal spot for the average beachgoer, but lots of local surfers like the privacy this affords them.

5 minutes

Ventura

Ventura, officially named San Buenaventura, is another fabulous SoCal city. It's got plentiful shoreline, lots of character, and tons of restaurants and boutiques along its seaside boardwalk. It has also seen plenty of big-name celebs pass through, like Johnny Cash and John Lennon.

10 minutes

Point Mugu State Park (Pass By)

Point Mugu Rock is an ancient volcanic rock that posed major problems when engineers were first building Pacific Coast Highway. Now, it's a great place to pull over and get a good look at the picture-perfect coastline.

Sycamore Cove Beach (Pass By)

Sycamore Cove Beach is a favorite among campers. It also features plenty of picnic tables and grills for public use. If you've been planning a seaside picnic, this is an excellent place to have it.

El Matador State Beach (Pass By)

This beach is beloved by photographers for a reason. El Matador State Beach is defined by tons of weird and fascinating rock formations which make for totally unique photo opportunities. Sunset is the absolute best time to visit this beach.

N/A

Zuma Beach and the connected Point Dume are favorite beach getaways for residents of Los Angeles. Point Dume is also an iconic filming location! It's here that Charlton Heston’s character sees the destroyed Statue of Liberty in the timeless shot from Planet of the Apes.

10 minutes

Malibu

Malibu is the epitome of a SoCal beach town. Laid back vibes, lots of sun and sand, and some of the best surfing opportunities around define this coastal community. Given how beautiful Malibu is, it's little surprise that major celebrities like Tom Hanks, Matthew McConaughey, Ellen DeGeneres, and Bob Dylan own homes here.

5 minutes

Santa Monica

Finally, you'll arrive in Santa Monica, right next to the glitz and glam of Los Angeles. Dominated by a seemingly endless beach and the famous Santa Monica Pier, which is loaded with food and fun, Santa Monica is the perfect place to conclude your long voyage. Your tour ends here, but there's plenty more to see in the vibrant city of LA!

10 minutes

Pacific Coast Highway (Pass By)

State Route 1 is a major north-south state highway that runs along most of the Pacific coastline of the U.S. state of California. At a total of just over 656 miles, it is the longest state route in California.

The Getty Villa (Pass By)

The Getty Villa is at the easterly end of the Malibu coast in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, United States.

N/A

Zuma Beach is a county beach located at 30000 Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California. One of the largest and most popular beaches in Los Angeles County, California, Zuma is known for its long, wide sands and excellent surf.

5 minutes

Hearst Castle (Pass By)

Hearst Castle, San Simeon, is a National Historic Landmark and California Historical Landmark located on the Central Coast of California in the United States. Conceived by William Randolph Hearst, the publishing tycoon, and his architect Julia Morgan, it was built between 1919 and 1947.