This L.A. to San Francisco drive along the Pacific Coast Highway is one of California’s most unforgettable road trips, weaving past wild beaches, redwood groves, vineyards, and a string of coastal towns where it’s worth slowing down and lingering.
Of all the road trips we took across California, driving along the Pacific Coast from L.A. to San Francisco has been my all time favorite. This famous stretch of coast is considered one of the most amazing destinations in the world, and for a good reason.
Along the road you’ll drive by tiny coastal towns, redwood forests, state parks, famous wine regions, marine wildlife, and amazing scenery. Not to mention the many photo and outdoor adventure opportunities!
Table of Contents
- At a Glance
- How to Drive from L.A. to San Francisco: Fast Route vs Scenic Drive
- Los Angeles to San Francisco: A 3-Day Coastal Sample Itinerary
- 12 Best Stops Along the L.A. to San Francisco Drive
- #1. Santa Monica – First Stop on the L.A. to San Francisco Coastal Road Trip
- #2. Malibu Coast – Scenic PCH Drive Between L.A. and San Francisco
- #3. Santa Barbara – Beach Town Stop on Your Los Angeles to San Francisco Road Trip
- #4. Solvang – Danish Village Detour on the LA to San Francisco Coastal Drive
- #5. Morro Bay – Relaxed Coastal Stop on the L.A. to San Francisco Route
- #6 Hearst Castle – Iconic Stop on the California Coast Road Trip
- #7. Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Colony – Wildlife Stop on Highway 1
- #8. Big Sur – The Most Dramatic Stretch of the L.A. to San Francisco Drive
- #9. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve – Hiking Stop on the Pacific Coast Highway
- #10. Carmel‑by‑the‑Sea – Storybook Town on the Coastal Drive from L.A. to San Francisco
- #11. Carmel Mission – Historic Stop on the Los Angeles to San Francisco Road Trip
- #12. 17‑Mile Drive – Classic Scenic Drive Near Monterey on the PCH Route
- #13. Monterey – Final Coastal Stop Before Your San Francisco Drive Ends
- #14. Marin Headlands – Best Golden Gate Viewpoint
- Practical Tips for the L.A. to San Francisco Drive on the Pacific Coast Highway
- FAQ About the L.A. to San Francisco Drive
At a Glance
- Route: Los Angeles → Central Coast → San Francisco
- Distance: Approximately 450–550 miles, depending on detours and coastal stops
- Recommended Trip Length: 5–10 days
- Best Time to Go: Spring (March–May) & fall (September–November) for mild weather, clearer views, fewer crowds
- Ideal For: Scenic coastal drives, photography, wine country stops, beach towns, and iconic California landscapes
- Main Route: Primarily along Pacific Coast Highway and portions of US-101
- Key Stops: Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Big Sur, Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and San Francisco
- Driving Time: Around 6-7 hours without stops, though this road trip is best experienced slowly with overnight stays
- Highlights: Ocean cliffs, redwood forests, beach sunsets, coastal hikes, historic missions, and classic California road trip scenery
A typical itinerary starts in Los Angeles, follows the Pacific Coast through beach towns and the dramatic cliffs of Big Sur, then continues north through Monterey and Carmel before ending in San Francisco. Many travelers also add detours to wine regions, elephant seal viewpoints, or state parks along the coast.
How to Drive from L.A. to San Francisco: Fast Route vs Scenic Drive
There are two main ways to travel between Los Angeles and San Francisco: the fast inland route via Interstate 5 (I-5) or the far more scenic coastal journey along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and Highway 1. If you just want get straight from Los Angeles to San Francisco, the quickest way is via Interstate 5 Freeway. Driving via I-5 covers roughly 380 miles and takes about 6 to 7 hours without stops, making it the quickest option for travelers focused primarily on reaching San Francisco.
The coastal route is significantly longer, but way more beautiful. So if you want a more memorable west coast road trip, you should consider the legendary LA to San Francisco coastal drive. Although longer (442 miles) and more difficult, this route is one of the most scenic drives in the world that should be on any USA bucket list. The PCH passes through beach towns, dramatic coastal cliffs, redwood groves, wine country, and some of California’s most iconic landscapes.
If you take this route you shouldn’t rush. It’s worth stretching your trip over 2 or 3 days. Along the way you’ll find plenty of places to eat and drink, or for an overnight stay. Or, if your budget allows it, you could rent a motorhome and stop wherever you like.
NOTE: Because landslides and storm damage can occasionally close sections of Highway 1, travelers should always check current road conditions through Caltrans or local travel alerts before starting the drive.
Approximate Driving Segments
To help plan overnight stops and daily driving times, here’s a quick overview of the main segments along the route:
- Los Angeles to Santa Barbara — 95 miles | about 2 hours
- Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo — 110 miles | about 2 to 2.5 hours
- San Luis Obispo to San Simeon — 45 miles | about 1 hour
- San Simeon to Big Sur — 70 miles | about 2 hours
- Big Sur to Monterey & Carmel — 30 miles | about 1 hour
- Monterey to Santa Cruz — 45 miles | about 1 hour
- Santa Cruz to San Francisco — 75 miles | about 1.5 to 2 hours
Los Angeles to San Francisco: A 3-Day Coastal Sample Itinerary
The drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco along Highway 1 is one of those routes you don’t rush. Done right, three days gives you enough time to feel the shift from Southern California beach towns to the wild cliffs of Big Sur — without spending every waking hour behind the wheel. Here’s a stripped-down version of the itinerary I keep coming back to.
Day 1: Los Angeles to Santa Barbara
Roughly 95 miles of easy coastal driving to ease you into the trip.
- Santa Monica Pier — the symbolic start of the journey and the southern terminus of Route 66.
- Malibu — pull over at El Matador State Beach for the sea stacks and your first real taste of the Pacific.
- Santa Barbara — end the day in the “American Riviera,” with its white-stucco architecture and walkable waterfront.
Day 2: Santa Barbara to Big Sur
The most scenic stretch of the drive, and the day worth slowing down for.
- Solvang — a small Danish village inland that makes for a quick, surprising lunch stop.
- Hearst Castle — William Randolph Hearst’s hilltop estate above San Simeon, still one of the most extravagant homes in America.
- Bixby Bridge — the postcard-perfect arch that signals you’ve officially entered Big Sur.
- Big Sur — spend the night here; the cliffs, the redwoods, and the silence after dark are the whole point of this trip.
Day 3: Big Sur to San Francisco
A shorter driving day with two stops that round out the coast before the city.
- Carmel-by-the-Sea — a storybook village of cottages, art galleries, and one of the prettiest beaches in California.
- Monterey — the old fishing town behind Cannery Row, worth a stop for the aquarium alone.
- San Francisco — arrive in the late afternoon, ideally with enough light left to cross the Golden Gate Bridge before checking in.
12 Best Stops Along the L.A. to San Francisco Drive
California Coast is famous for its magnificent scenery, wine tasting, art festivals and year-round outdoor activities. Nearly all those taking a road trip through California include this drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco in their itinerary. And nearly all of them face the same dilemma: how to fit everything into one trip?
There is so much to see and always so little time! In this post I’ll share with you my favorite places to stop along the Pacific Coast Highway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. I will also give you some tips for what to do and see in these places.
#1. Santa Monica – First Stop on the L.A. to San Francisco Coastal Road Trip
Santa Monica is the closest place on Highway 1 (PCH) from Downtown Los Angeles. This beautiful beach town makes the list of every Los Angeles itinerary, so you should stop here at least for a short visit.
The famous beach stretches along either side of the historic Santa Monica Pier. If you want to walk on the beach or visit the Pier, there is plenty of parking around. The paved path that follows the shoreline is a paradise for rollerblading, biking, or walking, but you probably won’t have time for that.
The most popular spot in Santa Monica is the Pier at the foot of Colorado Avenue. This bustling wooden wharf is where the action is: souvenir shops, small restaurants, roller coaster, and a giant Ferris wheel. For this reason, you’ll always find people here, rain or shine. The historic Santa Monica Pier is a great place to stop for a bite.
#2. Malibu Coast – Scenic PCH Drive Between L.A. and San Francisco
Just 18 miles further up the coast from Santa Monica, your drive from LA to San Francisco will continue through Malibu town. Malibu is famous for the large number of Hollywood celebrities who live in this area, but also for its picturesque beaches.
Some of Southern California’s most pristine beaches are in Malibu. Long stretches of shore with tide pools, caves and strange rock formations.
Here are some popular activities you can do in Malibu:
- Tandem Paragliding flight with instructor in Malibu
- Private Surf Lessons in Malibu
- Malibu Waterfall Electric MTB & Hiking Adventure
#3. Santa Barbara – Beach Town Stop on Your Los Angeles to San Francisco Road Trip
Beaches, wine, red tile roofs and beautiful gardens are just some of the things that made Santa Barbara famous. There are quite a few attractions in Santa Barbara to justify an overnight stay. However, most people prefer to visit Santa Barbara as day trip from Los Angeles.
One of the best things to do in town is visit the Courthouse and its clock tower. You can also stroll along the Stearns Wharf – the longest deep-water pier between Los Angeles and San Francisco, or visit the Old Santa Barbara Mission. One of my favorite things to do is going on this walking tour with wine and chocolate tasting. Yummy!
#4. Solvang – Danish Village Detour on the LA to San Francisco Coastal Drive
Just 11 miles off Highway 1, you can take a little detour to visit the Danish village of Solvang. With its European-style windmills, flower-lined streets and half timbered buildings, Solvang will surely steal your heart.
The first time I visited the village I thought I was walking in one of Hans Christian Andersen’s stories, with horse-drawn wagons and rooftop stork nests. These small details are reminiscent of the Danish countryside atmosphere.
#5. Morro Bay – Relaxed Coastal Stop on the L.A. to San Francisco Route
The next place worth stopping on your drive from LA to San Francisco is Morro Bay. This tiny fishing village is home to a beautiful state park and several bird and wildlife estuaries, so don’t miss it.
In Morro Bay you’ll also see the renowned Morro Rock, an ancient volcanic knoll at the end of Morro Beach where a big colony of birds resides.
The 576 feet high rock is surrounded by a beautiful lagoon where sea-otters and seals play all the day long. The beach is just the perfect place for a picnic, or for swimming. You can also rent a kayak and go around Morro Rock.
#6 Hearst Castle – Iconic Stop on the California Coast Road Trip
Coastal California has always been a place of big affluence and monster mansions. But nothing comes close to Hearst Castle, the glamorous San Simeon estate of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst.
No road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco would be complete without a stop to the flamboyant castle. There are several tours you can take at Hearst Castle, but the main building (Casa Grande) is probably of the most interest. Its 115 rooms, 56 bedrooms, 61 bathrooms and 19 sitting rooms filled with priceless art and artifacts will leave you in awe!
Marble statues, tapestries and oil paintings, Tiffany lamps, exotic rugs and all the things that William Hearst collected during his extravagant life are now displayed here like in a museum.
#7. Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Colony – Wildlife Stop on Highway 1
Not many people know that the beach in San Simeon is home to a big elephant seal colony.
Until 1990, only under two dozen elephant seals could be seen here, but then something very strange happened. The next spring, over 400 seals showed up on the beach just south of the Piedras Blancas lighthouse. Why did that happen? Nobody knows, but after that the population continued to grow every year.
Today, the rookery at Piedras Blancas has more than 17,000 elephant seals. You can visit the rookery any time of year. There are volunteer guides all around to answer your questions, so don’t hesitate to ask if you want to find out more details about these gorgeous creatures.
The Piedras Blancas rookery is just adjacent to Highway 1 and is very easy to access. One plus is that visiting the colony is free. The second is that it only takes about 20-30 minutes to visit it, so you’ll have more time for the next point of interest on the Pacific Coast.
#8. Big Sur – The Most Dramatic Stretch of the L.A. to San Francisco Drive
About 12 miles south of Big Sur you’ll come across the famous Julia Pfeiffer State Park. This is a place not to be missed when driving from L.A. to San Francisco. Although more difficult to drive, this stretch of the PCH is absolutely spectacular! The road winds around high cliffs with sheer drops that are both exhilarating and terrifying.
The main feature of the park is McWay Falls, which drops from a high cliff into the Pacific Ocean. This place is totally worth a stop! Where else can you see a waterfall feeding into the ocean? This is the only place I’ve ever seen one.
There is an access trail to the falls from the park, but you’ll have to pay the $10 entrance fee. If you have time, stop to visit the park which is home to redwoods that are over 2,500 years old. The falls can also be viewed from the road, but parking your car on the highway is dangerous.
#9. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve – Hiking Stop on the Pacific Coast Highway
Point Lobos Natural Reserve is the crown jewel of the state parks in California. It’s nature at its best, therefore it’s always bustling with people. The reserve’s fascinating wildlife and breathtaking beauty has made it a mecca for nature lovers and visitors from all around the world.
Driving from Los Angeles, Point Lobos will be on your left side, just before you reach Carmel. The entrance to the park is not visible from the road, so look for signs.
You can easily spend a day at Point Lobos, wandering through the coves, watching the wildlife and hiking the beautiful trails. Another big plus of the park is that you can see harbor seals, sea lions, sea otters and orcas. So, when you wander through the woods, keep your eyes open for gray foxes, raccoons, opossums, deer, rabbits, bobcats and coyotes.
#10. Carmel‑by‑the‑Sea – Storybook Town on the Coastal Drive from L.A. to San Francisco
Carmel is one of the most romantic getaways in California and the perfect place to stop for a day or two when you drive from LA to San Francisco. This tiny European-style village sitting above a picture-perfect sand beach is one of the top-10 destination in the U.S. It’s somewhat similar to Colonia del Sacramento, in Uruguay.
The nicest place to visit in Carmel is its Main Street. Here you’ll find art galleries, boutiques, shops and fine restaurants. You can also take a guided walk and explore the historical side of this area (click here for more information).
The town’s architecture is a blend of charming small beach houses, rustic cottages, log cabins and breathtaking modern see-through glass homes, with a very high real estate value. But don’t be fooled by the humble aspect of some of these houses. The cheapest cottage in Carmel costs close to 1 million dollars.
You could easily spend two-three days in this lovely beach town, but if you don’t have much time you should stop for at least an afternoon in Carmel-by-sea. The beaches in Carmel are stunning, although not as welcoming as the beaches in Orange County, where the water is warmer.
#11. Carmel Mission – Historic Stop on the Los Angeles to San Francisco Road Trip
Next to the town of Carmel is the beautiful San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission, also known as Carmel Mission. The mission was founded in 1770 by Father Junipero Serra, a Spanish Franciscan friar who founded nine other missions in California. Carmel was his favorite mission and he used it as his headquarters until his death in 1784.
The Mission’s courtyard and gardens are peaceful places to meditate or rest. There are also four museum galleries that give insight into the history of both the Monterey Peninsula and all of the California Missions. There is a small admission fee to access the mission and the grounds.
#12. 17‑Mile Drive – Classic Scenic Drive Near Monterey on the PCH Route
My favorite place to stop when we drive from L.A. to San Francisco is the 17-Mile Drive. This is one of the most scenic drives in the world and definitely the most beautiful stretch of coast of the Monterey Peninsula. The road runs through Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach, from the dramatic Pacific coastline to the majestic Del Monte Forest.
Each year millions of tourists pay a fee to travel this private road and catch a glimpse of the beautiful Lone Cypress, one of California’s best-known landmarks, Bird Rock, Spanish Bay and other points of interest located here.
This shoreline is heavily populated with California Sea Lions. For miles and miles, you can see the baby seals and their mothers laying down on the sandy beaches.
#13. Monterey – Final Coastal Stop Before Your San Francisco Drive Ends
At the end of the rugged 17-mile Drive you’ll come across the town of Monterey. Its famous Cannery Row was once the center of the sardine-packing industry.
Today, the former factories have been converted into gift shops, seafood restaurants and bars. Monterey will be your last stop on the LA to San Francisco drive, so take a last look at the California rugged coast. From Monterey the road continues inland towards San Francisco, leaving the ocean to the left.
One of the big attractions in Monterey is the Bay Aquarium. This is one of the most respected aquariums in the U.S. with thousands of marine animals and plants on display.
The aquarium is home to sea otters, penguins, sharks, stingrays, jellyfish and numerous other native marine species. The aquarium has tanks which can be viewed both above and below the waterline.
The centerpiece of the aquarium displays a 28-foot-high tank for viewing California coastal marine life and a Kelp Forest exhibit –the first exhibit in the world to include a living kelp forest.
Here are some more popular activities in Monterey:
- Sunset Whale Watch Tour in Monterey
- 1-Hour Monterey and Cannery Row Sea Car Tour
- 2.5-Hour Electric Bike Tour Along 17 Mile Drive of Coastal Monterey
#14. Marin Headlands – Best Golden Gate Viewpoint
One of the most spectacular places to stop when driving from L.A. to San Francisco is the Marin Headlands, a hilly peninsula located just across the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s hard to believe such a vast, beautiful, and diverse wilderness is so close to a major metropolitan area.
There are parking lots on both sides of the bridge. Just park your car and walk to the overlook to take photos of the bridge. If you have more time to explore the Marin Headlands, you’ll be surprised to discover a vast area of beaches, meadows, and endless trails for hiking and biking.
READ NEXT: One Day in L.A. – How to See the Best of Los Angeles in a Day
Practical Tips for the L.A. to San Francisco Drive on the Pacific Coast Highway
Before you get started on your road trip, here are some helpful tips to consider:
Without stopping, the drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco takes approximately 8.5-9 hours on Highway 1. Keep in mind that this is NOT a 55 MPH highway. Your average speed will be around 35 MPH for about 95 miles (between San Simeon and Monterey.)
For the most part, the drive is not particularly difficult, but some parts of the PCH are a little nerve-wracking and require more attention. There are several hairpin turns on the coast after you pass Gorda. All of them however are indicated, telling you how fast to go (20 MPH).
If you become overwhelmed, there are turn-outs where you can pull off to relax. You should use those opportunities to exit your vehicle and stretch your legs, while taking in the views.
Around Big Sur the road starts winding around high cliffs that drop almost vertically into the ocean. This is the scariest part of the road for me. There are however no places without guardrails or high berms. Therefore it’s impossible to go over the cliffs, unless you’re just not paying attention to the road.
Thanks to California’s mild weather, you can drive the Pacific Coast Highway between Los Angeles and San Francisco at any time of year. However, in winter you may encounter fog or rain along the coast, so the best weather is expected from late spring through fall.
FAQ About the L.A. to San Francisco Drive
Driving from Los Angeles to San Francisco along Highway 1 and the Pacific Coast Highway typically takes about 10 to 12 hours without major stops. However, most travelers spread the trip across several days to fully enjoy the beaches, coastal towns, scenic viewpoints, and attractions along the route.
The coastal drive is generally safe, but parts of Highway 1 feature narrow lanes, sharp curves, steep cliffs, and winding mountain sections, especially around Big Sur. Drivers should take their time, avoid driving tired, and check road conditions before the trip, as landslides and temporary closures can occasionally affect the route.
I-5 is the fastest route and takes roughly 6 to 7 hours, while Highway 1 is much slower but considerably more scenic. Travelers looking for dramatic ocean views, charming coastal towns, and a classic California road trip experience usually prefer Highway 1.
Spring and fall are generally considered the best seasons for a Pacific Coast Highway road trip. These months usually offer mild temperatures, clearer coastal views, and fewer crowds compared to the busy summer season.
Yes, but it would be a very long day with limited time to stop and explore. Most travelers find the experience far more enjoyable when spread over at least 2 to 5 days.
If you are interested in renting a car for your road trip you can check Road Genius, a comparison website that has very competitive prices.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
- Visiting the Mission San Antonio de Padua, in California
- Guide to the Best National Parks Near Los Angeles
- How to See Los Angeles in 3 Days – The Perfect Itinerary
- The Best Greek Islands Itinerary for a Three Weeks Vacation
If you enjoyed reading this post, pin it for later
One Day in L.A. – How to See the Best of Los Angeles in a Day
Zsolt
This post has me so excited for my upcoming road trip! I can’t wait to check out those stunning coastal views and discover some hidden gems along the way. Thanks for the great recommendations!
Shawn
This post is fantastic! I can’t wait to try out these stops on my next road trip from L.A. to San Francisco. Big Sur has always been a dream of mine, and now I have so many more places to check out along the way. Thanks for the detailed recommendations!
Oana Calister
What an incredible list! I’ve driven the L.A. to San Francisco route a few times, but I never knew about some of these stops. Excited to check out the hidden gems you mentioned—especially the scenic views in Big Sur! Thanks for the suggestions!
Ina V.
This post has me so excited for my upcoming road trip! The stops you highlighted sound amazing, especially the hidden gems along the coast. Can’t wait to explore all the scenic views and enjoy some local food. Thanks for sharing these tips!
Anda
You are welcome.
Alina
What an amazing list! I can’t wait to hit the road and explore all these stunning spots from L.A. to San Francisco. The views at Big Sur look absolutely breathtaking, and I’m excited to check out the quirky attractions along the way. Thanks for the recommendations!
Mitolyn
What an incredible list! I’ve been planning a road trip from L.A. to San Francisco, and your recommendations for stops like Big Sur and Hearst Castle are just what I needed. I can’t wait to explore these beautiful spots and capture some amazing photos along the way. Thanks for sharing!
Damana
This post is incredible! I had no idea there were so many scenic spots along the L.A. to San Francisco drive. I can’t wait to plan my trip and check out some of these hidden gems! Thanks for sharing such detailed insights!
Loretta
This list of stops makes me so excited for my upcoming road trip! I’ve always wanted to explore the coast, and your recommendations for hidden gems along the way are just what I needed. Can’t wait to check out those viewpoints and cozy little towns!
Raja Luck
What an amazing list! I love the variety of stops you’ve suggested—from stunning coastal views to charming little towns. I can’t wait to plan my road trip along this route. Thanks for sharing these hidden gems!
A wife and mother
What an amazing list! I’ve done the drive a few times, but I never knew about some of these spectacular stops. Can’t wait to try out those hidden gems on my next trip! Great recommendations!
Emil
This is an interesting read! I’ve always wanted to take that drive and explore these beautiful stops along the way. Thanks for sharing!
Erika
I love the drive from LA to SF! It’s so scenic and the scenery changes so much. I’m so glad I can do it in just a few hours!
Byron M Bishop
Great article and photos! This drive never ceases to amaze me!
Need to return this year to take My daughter and her boyfriend!
Looks like Big Sur/Carmel is the most beautiful area on the trip!
Thanks again for sharing.
Anda
Thank you Byron. I appreciate your comment.
Antoine
I did more or less the exact same road trip, from Millbrae to Santa Barbara on the California 1, with awesome spots like Big Sur (Bixby Bridge), Morro Bay, Pismo Beach. Didn’t make it as far as Malibu Beach. Hopefully next time! Thanks for bringing back great memories.
Anda
You are welcome, Antoine. I love this drive!
Linda (LD Holland)
The drive along the Pacific Coast Highway has always been one of our favourite drives. You highlighted so many of the great stops along the way. We did love Santa Barbara and this was one of our stops on the route. Carmel was also a great stay along the route. Next time we will need to stop in Solvang and see the windmill. And spend some time in Point Lobos Natural Reserve. Thanks for reviving the memories.
Jennifer Prince
That is definitely something I have always wanted to do! The CA coastline is so lovely, and I would love to just take my time and peruse the towns. Such a fun glimpse into your trip!!
Anda Galffy
Thanks, Jennifer.
Bhushavali N
Now that’s a very interesting concept! Road trips are always about enjoying the journey and route as much as the destination. Good to know about these places where we should stop and enjoy the spot.
Malibu is just so gorgeous. It would definitely be in my list to not only stop for few moments, but atleast spend a night! Carmel-by-the-Sea has a definite European charm to it!
Elephant Sea colony is just impeccable! 17000 Elephant seals? Whoa, that would be one sight to see!
Elaine Masters
It’s so hard to pick a few places to focus on between LA and SF. I love your choices though and wish I could take that coastal drive again. It’s a great highway and your pictures are glorious.
daniel
I haven’t taken this road yet and personally, I am not a big fan of drives but your pictures make me think otherwise. It looks like there will a lot of amazing places to stop by and get some amazing shots. Totally gonna add this in my bugket list for the future.
Anda Galffy
While I’m not a great fan of long drives myself, I’ll have to say that there are some that are an absolute must. And the drive from L.A. to San Francisco via the PCH is one of them.
Linda Ballou
Your pictures to compliment this piece are great. I think my book Lost Angel in Paradise that details my 32 favorite daytrips along the coast would go nicely with this piece.
Anda Galffy
I’m sure it would, Linda. I can’t allow links in the comments though. Sorry for that.
Suma
I’m totally sold on doing the road trip on the PCH, just for the stopover locations. Love every single capture, all the beaches look so inviting. I have heard about Monterey from the Big Little Lies series, definitely want to explore this little town.
Rachelle
As someone who has driven from LA to San Francisco more times that I can count, I can vouch for the fact that the 5 freeway route is super boring. I love cruising along PCH. There are so many fun places to stop! I love Santa Monica, Malibu, and Carmel-by-the-Sea. I remember studying about the California Missions growing up and loved visiting them. They’re definitely a taste of California history! Sadly, the last time I made the trip was when PCH was washed out from a mudslide due to the fires and we sadly didn’t make it to Big Sur. Someday, though!
Anda Galffy
Big Sur is a great place to stop if you ever travel between LA and San Francisco on the PCH.
Clare
Oh goodness, I’ve made the drive from LA – San Francisco and back at least 10 times in the last 2 years. I could probably go a while without doing that drive! HOWEVER, had I made all the stops on your list, I’d probably have a way better time! I’ve stopped at all these locations individually but all in one road trip from LA – SF? YES! I can get behind that! Such a jam-packed, fun, adventurous way to spice up that long drive!
Anda Galffy
I did it too, Clare, but I’m ready to do it again on and on.
Rhonda Albom
The one place that I never stopped when I was on PCH trips was Solvang. I knew about it but just never took the time. I guess stretching the trip over 2-3 days would have made it a reality. I also liked to stop in Santa Cruz but that’s probably because it was a convenient place after the drive down from Half Moon Bay
Anda Galffy
I never stopped in Santa Cruz, Rhonda. I’ll try it next time I’m on PCH.
Jane Dempster-Smith
A great article Anda. We have only done bits and pieces, like Santa Barbara and locations near San Francisco. It has been on our list of things to do. Carmel and Monterey are definitely must do’s. I have bookmarked this for future reference. Thanks.
Anda Galffy
Hope you’ll get to return in California, Jane.
Summer
I’ve done this drive and wish I’d stopped to take photos along the way! When I lived in LA I used to love driving along PCH to Santa Monica and Malibu it’s so picturesque! Santa Barbara is great too. However, I didn’t make it to Morro Bay, Big Sur or Carmel-by-the-Sea unfortunately and I wish I had. California has such great little towns! Great photos and road trip inspiration.
Elizabeth
You make me really want to take a road-trip along the Pacific Coast Highway! I love seeing seals, especially in the wild. I would make to stop at the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seals Colony for sure. It’s nice to know that there are volunteers around to answer questions. Carmel-by-the-Sea does sound like a picture perfect town.
Anda Galffy
I’ve done this road trip many times over the years, and I’m still not bored of it. You should do it.