20 Best Things to Do on Pacific Coast Highway -EndlessTravelDestinations

Looking for an Itinerary with the most amazing stops on Highway 1, California? Check out this road trip itinerary with the very best things to do on the Pacific Coast Highway between San Francisco and Los Angeles!

One of the best things to do in California is definitely a road trip on the legendary Pacific Coast Highway. You’ve probably already heard of the world-famous road, or maybe you’ve already been on a road trip on the Pacific Coast Highway.

It isn’t only considered one of the most scenic drives in America, but also one of the most beautiful stretches of road in the entire world!

The Pacific Coast Highway officially starts right at the Oregon border and ends just south of Los Angeles. But on a road trip on the Pacific Coast Highway, it is especially the 711 kilometers long distance between San Francisco and Los Angeles there’s an absolute must-see sight in California.

The Pacific Coast Highway climbs along the rugged cliffs of the Pacific coast and leads through unspoiled countryside, charming towns, and lush vineyards. While the drive itself is a great experience in California, there are also plenty of cool things to do on the Pacific Coast Highway.

Practical Tips for Pacific Coast Highway

Yeah yeah, I know you’re excited about the many things to do on Pacific Coast Highway. But first, I have a few important practical tips for your road trip on Pacific Coast Highway.

Please note that the Pacific Coast Highway between San Francisco and Los Angeles requires at least one overnight stay. As I said before, it’s one of the most beautiful stretches of road in the entire world.

Along the way, there are countless photo stops, not to forget the many amazing things to do on the Pacific Coast Highway. Therefore, I strongly recommend having at least 2 or 3 nights between San Francisco and Los Angeles.

The best way to experience Pacific Coast Highway is by driving from north to south, from San Francisco to Los Angeles. By choosing this direction, you’ll get to drive closest to the sea with the best views along Pacific Coast Highway. However, don’t let it limit you, it’s also a beautiful drive from south to north.

The best time for a road trip on Pacific Coast Highway is during the summer months. There’s a great risk of hazy and foggy weather in the northern part of the stretch during the winter months. Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee of a cloudless sky, although the odds are better in the summer.

Finally, remember to check for road closures along Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1). It happens now and then that parts of the route are closed due to landslides.

Enough about the practical tips for the Pacific Coast Highway. Let’s take a closer look at the best things to do on the Pacific Coast Highway between San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Best things to do on Pacific Coast Highway:

1. San Francisco

San Francisco is a great place to start your road trip on the Pacific Coast Highway. You can easily spend a few days exploring San Francisco, a charming metropolis with iconic neighborhoods like Chinatown and the Financial District.

There are so many fun and iconic things to do in San Francisco. Of course, you can’t visit San Francisco without seeing the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge. Also, don’t miss the infamous Alcatraz prison, isolated from the mainland and has been home to some of the worst criminals in U.S. history.

How about experiencing the sea lions on Pier 39, taking a ride in a Cable Car, or driving on Lombard Street, the most crooked and curvy street in the World. There are so many fun things to do in San Francisco and you shouldn’t be afraid of getting bored.

2. Half Moon Bay

About an hour’s drive south of San Francisco you’ll find Half Moon Bay, a small idyllic coastal town. Half Moon Bay is known locally for its Pumpkin Festival in October and internationally for the big surf competition, Mavericks.

However, there are no major attractions in Half Moon Bay, but the atmosphere in the small coastal town is amazing. Take a walk in the historic center or visit the beautiful beaches that you often have all to yourself. You can also rent a bicycle or enjoy an idyllic dinner at a restaurant in Half Moon Bay.

3. San Jose

If you would like to take a little detour off the Pacific Coast Highway or don’t bother to visit Half Moon Bay, you should consider visiting San Jose.

This is where you’ll find Stanford University, one of the most prestigious universities in the world. It’s truly a fun and exciting experience to walk around campus.

Another option is to visit Silicon Valley, home to thousands of high-tech companies. Make your way past Google’s headquarters or drop by Apple, Facebook, eBay, Adobe, Logitech, or other leading Silicon Valley headquarters. You probably shouldn’t expect an invitation indoors, but it’s still fun to see some of the world’s most famous companies’ headquarters.

Although there are many things to do on Pacific Coast Highway, I highly recommend taking a detour to San Jose and Silicon Valley!

4. Santa Cruz

Continue your road trip on Pacific Coast Highway to the cozy coastal town of Santa Cruz. You’ll probably quickly notice the charm of the old American seaside resort that takes you back to the 1960s.

The laid-back atmosphere is partly because it’s both a university town and a hippie town. It’s also one of the most important surfing cities in the United States with several major surfing competitions every year. The best time to experience the surfers in action is early in the morning when the waves are absolutely perfect.

One of the best things to do in Santa Cruz is to visit the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk with an old amusement park. Enjoy a truly American experience with pink candyfloss, buttered popcorn, fish restaurants, live music, and crowds in the summer. The main attraction of the amusement park is the Giant Dipper, a nearly 100-year-old wooden slide that is the fifth-oldest functioning slide in the United States!

Also, don’t forget to visit Downtown, which is full of great shops and idyllic eateries. Finally, remember to visit Natural Bridges State Beach with a natural arch in a huge rock at the beach shore.

5. Monterey

After driving along, the coast for just under an hour, you arrive in Monterey. This beautiful seaside resort is one of the best things to do on the Pacific Coast Highway!

Monterey is known for the Monterey Bay Aquarium, believed to be one of the best aquariums in the entire world. The large aquarium is housed in an old fish factory and is one of the most popular attractions in California. It may be a good idea to book your tickets in advance as it’s often crowded.

Also, don’t forget to take a walk along Cannery Row, the place where several of John Steinbeck’s books take place. Here you’ll find a myriad of restaurants, shops, and hotels located in old canned fish factories along the water.

The bay off Monterey has rich wildlife and if you’re visiting Fisherman’s Wharf, you may be lucky enough to spot either sunbathing sea lions, seals, or otters.

From Monterey Harbor, you can take part in Whale Watching Tours with great opportunities to see magnificent whales, dolphins, and orcas in the ocean.

6. 17 Mile Drive

Between Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea you can choose to take a small detour on the private coastal road at 17 Mile Drive. Since it’s a private road, it costs $ 10.25 to drive on the scenic road, but it’s all worth the money!

17 Mile Drive is often on the lists of the 10 most beautiful roads in the United States – and that says a lot!

The beautiful scenic road winds its way along the dramatic coastline of the Monterey Peninsula. It passes adventurous forests, white sandy beaches, million-dollar mansions, and prestigious golf courses.

One of the most popular things to do on scenic 17 Mile Drive is to see the Lone Cypress, an ancient cypress tree that stands alone on a high cliff right next to the Pacific Ocean.

You can also make your way past Bird Rock, a cliff where there are often many birds and sea lions enjoying life in the sunshine. Or how about taking a photo stop at beautiful Pebble Beach or Spanish Bay.

7. Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is usually just referred to as Carmel and is a small artist town located a few miles south of Monterey. This fairytale town has many cozy and idyllic cafes, restaurants, shops, galleries, and charming guest houses.

The idyllic atmosphere of Carmel has attracted many artists and rich people over time. One of the most famous is the actor and film director Clint Eastwood, who was mayor of Carmel in the late 1980s.

Carmel is also known for its strange laws. For example, it is forbidden to wear high-heeled shoes that are more than 5 centimeters high. In addition, neon signs and chain restaurants are also banned in the charming fairytale town.

8. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is located just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea and is considered one of the best of California’s 280 state parks. The scenery in the coastal park is stunning with a myriad of hiking trails winding along the Pacific coast.

The wildlife of Point Lobos is fascinating and there are great chances to spot sea lions, otters, and various bird species. Further out on the horizon, you might be lucky enough to spot a whale in the ocean’s big waves.

Another option is to take a walk along the Cypress Grove Trail or the Bird Island Trail, where you’ll pass the beautiful bay of China Cove with great wildlife.

9. Big Sur

Just when you didn’t think it could be more beautiful, you arrive at Big Sur – The absolute highlight and the best thing to do on Pacific Coast Highway! Big Sur is a coastline that starts south of the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and continues until a little north of San Simeon.

The scenic road winds along the dramatic cliffs right off the coast and leads over deep valleys and impressive bridges. The breathtaking viewpoints are endless, and you are guaranteed to park your car all the time, just to snap one beautiful picture after another!

It’s a good idea to set aside plenty of time for this part of the Pacific Coast Highway. This way you can really enjoy the amazing scenery around here. It’s just one of those places you really shouldn’t miss in California!

10. Bixby Creek Bridge

After a short drive in the Big Sur area, you’ll arrive at the Bixby Creek Bridge, one of the most iconic attractions along the Pacific Coast Highway.

There’s a good chance you’ve already seen the extremely photographed bridge on Instagram photos, car commercials, or perhaps in HBO’s series Big Little Lies.

Bixby Creek Bridge was completed in 1932 and was the longest cement bridge in the world for many years with a length of 218 meters. Expect an impressive view of the high bridge that connects the roads on both sides of a deep valley at 85 meters altitude.

11. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Another of the best things to do on the Pacific Coast Highway is to visit Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. A large and scenic state park with deep forests of huge redwood trees, cascading waterfalls, and stunning viewpoints. One thing is for sure, it’s definitely the perfect place for a hike!

One of the best hiking trails is the 1.8 miles (2.9 kilometers) long Valley View Trail. During the hike, you’ll pass Pfeiffer Falls, an 18-meter-high waterfall that is the highest in the park.

Don’t forget to visit Pfeiffer Beach, known for its special rock formation Sun Portal. If you visit the beach at sunset, you can experience how the sunset shines directly through the hole of the cliff at sea level.

Also, don’t miss McWay Falls, a beautiful little waterfall on an isolated beach. From a viewpoint, you can enjoy the sight of the waterfall falling down the cliffside and directly down onto the beach. It’s beautiful and it almost feels like you’re on a tropical island.

12. Elephant Seal Vista Point

Elephant Seal Vista Point is just over an hour’s drive south of McWay Falls. When you arrive, you must go to the railing and look down on the beach with a huge number of impressive elephant seals.

Most of the elephant seals relax on the beach while other waders in the sea, cool down by throwing sand on their backs or make funny bubbling noises.

The elephant seals are quite fascinating to look at, and it can be hard to walk from there again. So, remember to set aside plenty of time! It’s definitely one of the very best things to do on the Pacific Coast Highway!

The elephant seals were first seen on the beach in 1990. Back then it was just a small colony of elephant seals, but today the colony consists of as many as 15,000 members!

Remember to look at them from a distance and avoid annoying them with sounds or by throwing things. It’s their home, not ours.

13. Hearst Castle

Just a 10-minute drive south of Elephant Seal Vista Point is Hearst Castle, a lavish castle built by newspaper mogul William Hearst. Built in the early 20th century, this huge castle has no less than 165 rooms, several swimming pools, huge gardens, and an impressive art collection.

Hearst also had the largest privately owned zoo in the United States, but it was closed after his death. However, you may still be lucky enough to see zebras grazing in the fields along the way to the castle.

Today the castle is owned by the state of California and has been converted into a museum. Hearst Castle is so huge that there are several different guided tours, each taking about 2-3 hours including the bus ride.

Hearst Castle is one of the most visited sights in the United States, making it one of the best things to do on the Pacific Coast Highway. It’s a very popular sight in California, so it’s a good idea to book your tickets in advance.

14. Morro Bay

Before the road starts to head inland, you’ll pass Morro Bay, a small coastal town with a busy waterfront. Once you arrive in Morro Bay, it’s impossible to avoid the city’s huge landmark Morro Rock, a massive and ancient volcanic rock.

Morro Rock is located just off the harbor and is just one of 13 ancient volcanic cliffs that stretches in a line from Morro Bay to San Luis Obispo. Unfortunately, you can’t go out there, but you can easily enjoy the view of the cliff from the city.

Also, don’t forget to enjoy some delicious food at one of the restaurants on the harbor. If you want to go shopping, make your way past Morro Bay Downtown with several antique shops.

15. San Luis Obispo

Continue your road trip further south on the Pacific Coast Highway until you arrive in the city of San Luis Obispo, also called SLO. Some time ago, this old and charming city was actually named the happiest city in the United States.

The area around San Luis Obispo is packed with wineries with tasty local wines. Therefore, it’s an obvious place to spend some time if you’re interested in wine. Most of the wineries are open for tours and wine tastings.

If you want to stay overnight in San Luis Obispo, you should check if there’s a room available at the Madonna Inn, a well-known hotel in California. The style of the hotel is very special and even though there are more than 100 rooms, none of them are similar to each other. If you don’t have time to stay overnight, there’s also the opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal in the restaurant instead.

A fun road trip activity in San Luis Obispo is at Bubblegum Alley, a long and narrow alley lined with thousands of sticky chewing gums. Insanely disgusting, but the tourists love it, and why not join the special activity? So, remember some chewing gum for your visit to San Luis Obispo.

16. Pismo Beach

After a short drive back to the Pacific coast, you arrive at the classic seaside resort of Pismo Beach. One of the most popular things to do in Pismo Beach is to take a walk on the long wooden Pismo Beach Pier. If you have plenty of time, you should also not miss the lovely beach and a swim in the Pacific Ocean.

Another fun thing to do here is to visit the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area. This is the only state park in California where you’re allowed to drive on the beach. There is full speed across the field, and it’s normal to see an ATV roaring around the dunes.

If you’re visiting Pismo Beach between October and February, it’s also a must to visit Monarch Butterfly Grove. Here you can experience thousands of beautiful and colorful butterflies all in one place.

17. Solvang

If you’re willing to take a small detour from Pacific Coast Highway, you might want to visit Solvang, a Danish town strangely located in sunny California. Solvang was founded by a group of Danish immigrants in 1911, who wanted to preserve some of their Danish way of life.

The architecture in Solvang is inspired by Denmark. And there are lots of Danish flags, old mills, half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, Danish names, and traditional Danish food.

If you’ve ever been to Copenhagen, you probably already know the Round Tower, The Little Mermaid, and H.C. Andersen. In Solvang, you can find copies of them. Solvang is a must-see on the Pacific Coast Highway if you’re Danish or just want some European atmosphere.

Unfortunately, there are no longer as many Danes living in Solvang, and the city has become Americanized over the years. By the way, for those of you who don’t know yet, I’m living in Denmark myself. And to be completely honest with you, it seems a bit like Solvang is just built on a fantasy about Denmark.

Most of the traditional food doesn’t even taste like in Denmark and many of the Danish names are misspelled. It is also extremely rare to find such an old city in Denmark, except if you’re visiting a museum. But don’t worry, it’s still a lot of fun to experience a small piece of Denmark and Europe in the US.

Oh, and by the way, if you’re a fan of Michael Jackson, his beloved Neverland Valley Ranch is only a short drive from Solvang! Unfortunately, you can’t enter the grounds, but many of his biggest fans go to the main gate to commemorate the king of pop.

18. Santa Barbara

It’s time to head back on the Pacific Coast Highway and continue down the coast to Santa Barbara, also called the American Riviera. Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the massive Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara is extremely beautifully located!

Tourists from all over the world are attracted by the long sandy beaches with a myriad of palm trees, historic Spanish colonial-style houses, a pleasant climate, and a relaxing atmosphere.

When visiting Santa Barbara, you must not miss the beach, waterfront, and the popular wooden pier Stearns Wharf. For beautiful views of the city and coast, visit the Santa Barbara County Courthouse.

You can also visit the Old Mission, one of the best-preserved Spanish mission stations in the western United States. If you’re looking for great shops and restaurants, State Street is the perfect place.

Another of the best things to do in Santa Barbara is to visit some of the great wineries in the nearby Santa Ynez Valley. Santa Barbara is a beautiful city and the perfect place if you’re dreaming of a beach getaway in Southern California.

19. Malibu

Malibu is the last of the best things to do on Pacific Coast Highway before hitting Los Angeles. Malibu is a beautiful beach town that attracts surfers from all over the world with its famous surfing shores.

There are plenty of opportunities to experience the many surfers in action on the waves, but one of the best places is Surfrider Beach. Another popular thing to do in Malibu is to go for a nice walk on Malibu Pier. Head down to Zuma Beach in the evening, to experience the breathtaking sunset!

Malibu is also known for being home to many of the biggest stars in Hollywood, living in large villas and mansions along the narrow coast or the mountains.

If you’re very lucky you might meet Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Aniston, Lady Gaga, Mel Gibson, Beyonce, Kendall Jenner, or another Hollywood star! One of the best places to spot a Hollywood star is at the Malibu Country Mart.

20. Los Angeles

Unfortunately, your road trip on Pacific Coast Highway between San Francisco and Los Angeles has come to an end. You’ve reached Los Angeles, the last stop on this road trip.

Maybe you’re planning to continue your trip to Las Vegas, San Diego, or something completely different? Either way, remember to spend a few days in Los Angeles before continuing! You can easily spend countless days exploring all the best things to do in Los Angeles.

Visit Hollywood with all its movie studios, record companies, stars of the Walk of Fame, and the Hollywood Sign. And don’t forget to keep an eye on the many celebrities in Hollywood! You can also visit Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, the place where the rich and famous people swing their golden credit cards in expensive designer stores.

When visiting Los Angeles, also remember to make your way past Venice Beach and Santa Monica. Or how about visiting one of the theme parks in Los Angeles such as Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Six Flags Magic Mountain.

Los Angeles also offers a myriad of museums and shopping opportunities. For the best views of Los Angeles, visit Griffith Observatory. It’s located in the mountains high above the city and offers breathtaking views of Los Angeles.

So that was my itinerary with stops at the most amazing things to do on the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to Los Angeles. What are your favorite stops on Pacific Coast Highway 1, California? What are you looking forward to on your road trip on the Pacific Coast Highway? Feel free to leave a comment.