The Pacific Coast Highway is an iconic route that runs along the California coast in a series of twists, turns and stunning views. This scenic highway has become a must-drive for many tourists and locals alike, offering stunning scenery at every turn. There are so many places to see along this famous road trip route, but we’ve narrowed it down to our top 5 destinations:
Best Places to Visit on Pacific Coast Highway

1. Monterey Bay
Monterey Bay is the largest bay along the Pacific Coast and one of the most biologically diverse places in the world. It’s home to many marine life, including whales and dolphins. If you’re lucky enough to spend some time there during whale season (December through April), you might get a glimpse of these majestic creatures breaching from underneath the waves!
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a must-see when visiting the area. It’s home to over 400 species of marine life, including sea otters, jellyfish, and penguins. There are also multiple touch tanks where you can pet starfish and sea urchins!
2. Malibu, CA
Malibu is a beach town in Los Angeles County, California. It’s known for its Mediterranean climate and its surf culture.
The town lies between Santa Monica and Malibu, along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). It’s about 30 miles from Los Angeles.
The town has a population of about 9,000 people. About half of the residents are native Californians. The city was founded in 1886 by developer Thomas Alva Edison and named after his wife, Mina Hedden. It’s been called “Surf City” since 1960 because of its surf culture; the Beach Boys recorded their first hit song here that year.
3. Santa Barbara, CA
Santa Barbara is a beautiful city, with miles of pristine beaches and rolling hills. The area is known for its wineries, too—and it’s no wonder. Santa Barbara County produces some of California’s best wines due to the Santa Ynez Valley’s ideal growing conditions and rich soil from an ancient volcanic eruption. Here you’ll find everything from small family-owned wineries to large producers like Bogle Vineyards.
While you’re here, don’t forget to shop at The Spanish Village, where you’ll find handmade jewelry, art pieces and clothing created by local artists in their shop or onsite at their farmhouse studio just down the street (which also serves organic lunches).
4. San Francisco, CA
San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the country. It is a diverse city with so much to offer. When you visit San Francisco, be sure to see:
Golden Gate Bridge – This iconic bridge was built between 1933 and 1937 and became an instant national symbol for America’s westward expansion. The structure spans 1.7 miles long and is formed by two towers that stand 220 feet tall above water level. In 2014, roughly 5 million people walked across this bridge annually!
Alcatraz Island – This island prison has been open since 1934 but closed down in 1963 due to high maintenance costs and low prisoner numbers (only 800 were ever imprisoned here). It has now become a National Park where visitors can learn about this historic place through walking tours led by rangers or through their own research at visitor centers located around San Francisco Bay area where Alcatraz sits today as well as within California itself!
5. Big Sur, CA
Big Sur is a beautiful place to visit. It’s a popular tourist destination, with many scenic spots and breathtaking views of the ocean. The weather is unpredictable and can be quite harsh, but this just makes it all the more exciting!
Fortunately, the weather is warm and sunny most of the year. If you’re planning a trip to Dubai and want to know what kind of clothing to pack, here are some tips:
-The weather is usually hot and sunny all year round, but it can be very humid in summer. If you’re planning a trip in winter, pack warm clothes and an umbrella just in case. -Summer evenings are quite cool (especially near the coast), so bring a light jacket or cardigan.
The Pacific Coast Highway
The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 1 or PCH, is a scenic route that runs along the California coastline. The highway is popular with tourists who come to enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean and California’s beautiful coastline.
The Pacific Coast Highway stretches approximately 400 miles (640 km) between Dana Point in Orange County and Leggett in Mendocino County. It is one of America’s most scenic drives and includes some of California’s most iconic natural landmarks such as Big Sur and Laguna Beach. The road hugs cliffs overlooking crashing waves below as it winds through redwood forests, past sandy beaches and through charming coastal towns.
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Last line
If you’re looking for the perfect road trip, Pacific Coast Highway is the way to go. It offers stunning views of the California coastline, beautiful redwood forests and charming small towns. You’ll find yourself immersed in nature as soon as you park your car and take off on foot. There are numerous hiking trails in some of these parks that will lead you through winding paths so thick with greenery that they may seem like something from another world!
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Michael has been a traveler and blogger since he was 17 years old. Now his passion is hiking, traveling, camping, and revealing his outdoor secrets. Stay connect with us for outdoor events and camping trips together.