The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is a major road that runs along nearly the entire length of the West Coast, with Highway 1 at its south end and U.S. Route 101 at its north end. PCH goes through Washington, Oregon, and California, not just the Californian coastline. What sets this route apart and makes it ideal for road trips is its gorgeous views of stunning beaches, quaint coastal towns, and serene mountain tops.
History
The PCH’s construction began with the making of a paved road from Los Angeles to San Francisco in 1913. Around the 1920s and 30s, the Big Sur segment was added. This was also when the construction of U.S. 101 through Oregon and Washington began. Over time, more parts of the road were completed, and the full California section (Highway 1) was finally available to travelers in 1951.
Today, Highway 1 is a 656-mile-long stretch, running from Dana Point (CA) to Leggett (CA). Here, it transitions into the U.S. 101, which extends another 1,000 miles into Oregon and Washington.
Key attractions along the Pacific Coast Highway
Planning a Pacific Coast Highway travel itinerary can be a tricky task, as there are many things to see along the route. That said, some spots here have become more popular than others for travelers.
Olympic National Park
Situated at the north end of U.S. 101, the Olympic National Park is one of the most stunning attractions along the Pacific Coast Highway. This area encompasses nearly 1 million acres of land and is home to rainforests, mountain ranges, glaciers, and a lot of wilderness.
One can easily spend four to five days here, exploring the park’s natural ecosystems and engaging in boating, fishing, paddling, tidepooling, hiking, camping, backpacking, trekking, wildlife viewing, and many other activities.
Redwood National and State Parks
This is another great attraction along this route, being home to some of the biggest trees in the world. Must-visit sites here include the 1,500-year-old Big Tree and the Tall Tree Grove.
Additionally, here, one could drive through the park, plan a bike ride, or explore the area with walking trails. The park also has several cultural and historical landmarks, such as the Radar Station B-71, nine historic orchards (including the Lyons Ranches Home Place Orchard and the Boyes Prairie Orchard), Prairie Creek Fish Hatchery, and Lyons Ranch.
Mendocino
One can dive into local culture at Mendocino, a small seaside village on the Pacific Coast Highway. Homes in this village have been converted to small inns and bed-and-breakfasts, adding to the appeal of this quaint area. There’s also a thriving art community here.
The Golden Gate Bridge
One of the top attractions on the Pacific Coast Highway is the Golden Gate Bridge—the tallest and oldest suspension bridge in the world. To take in this architectural marvel, one must park their vehicle and walk across the bridge or rent a bike for a scenic drive from San Francisco to Sausalito.
Big Sur
It’s hard to miss the Big Sur when driving down the PCH. The name “Big Sur” refers to the segment between Carmel and San Simeon. This narrow two-lane stretch is best known for its winding turns, seaside cliffs, and the gorgeous view of the state’s coastline. Here, the Santa Lucia Mountains meet the Pacific Ocean to create a dramatic, picturesque landscape that is bound to appeal to travelers on the route. The place is largely uninhabited, which is why its natural beauty remains preserved.
Santa Monica
The Highway 1 segment of the PCH goes through downtown Los Angeles, providing a glimpse into the city’s high-rise business district. Further down the road is Santa Monica, a city known for its beaches, iconic pier, and diversity. This city has three miles of Pacific beaches and has been named one of the top 10 beach cities in the entire world.
Popular sites in Santa Monica include Tongva Park, Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica State Beach, Palisades Park, Muscle Beach, Venice Beach, Main Street, Pacific Park Amusement Park, and Looff Hippodrome Carousel.
Tips for planning a Pacific Coast Highway trip
Keeping a few tips in mind can help one plan the perfect itinerary for their road trip along the PCH.
Choosing the precise route
Most people start their journey in San Francisco and drive southward. Driving north to south is preferable, as this way, one will get ocean views on their right and have great photo opportunities.
Determine trip duration
To best experience the coastline, one must schedule multiple overnight stays in different areas. There are too many attractions along the way, so one should leave enough time to explore as many of them as possible. Another thing to consider is the possibility of delays due to road closures and construction, which are common across the PCH, particularly during the winter months. So, one must check the route beforehand and plan their trip accordingly.
Add popular stops to the route
Making a note of the must-see spots will help one build a travel itinerary for the PCH. Additionally, one must pull over at designated viewpoints to take in the gorgeous scenery. One must note that parking can be expensive in many coastal towns and cities, so it may be worthwhile to budget for these things.
Make reservations
Those traveling during the peak season must make travel reservations and bookings in advance to avoid unnecessary delays.