Pacific Coast Highway, California: Address, Phone Number, Pacific Coast Highway Reviews: 5/5
Pacific Coast Highway
Pacific Coast Highway
5
About
Running along the northern California coast, this highway has some of the best views of any in the United States.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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Top ways to experience Pacific Coast Highway
The area
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
6 within 6 miles

Big Creek Bridge
17
224 ftBridges

Hurricane Point
3
283 ftLookouts

Old Coast Road
111
0.3 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Drives

Rocky Creek Bridge
67
0.5 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Bridges

Point Sur State Historic Park
172
State Parks • Lighthouses

Rocky point
5
2.3 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,668 reviews
Excellent
1,420
Very good
192
Average
39
Poor
9
Terrible
8
Sabrina N
Los Angeles, CA437 contributions
It was a fine morning in early November 2020. It was the perfect weekend to travel by car. The temps were on the cool side with a whipping wind and views of the Pacific Ocean were spectacular. The traffic was almost nothing--save for the (local?) drivers who insist on tailgating because they think you are going too slow. That said, it is really a good idea to stop at vista point and take photos. Let the clowns go fast; the curves are enough to navigate if you're not accustomed to such terrain. Note, that if you aren't paying attention, you might find a tire catching the edge of the road and the result may not be pretty. The Big Sur coastline really is one of the wonders of California and should be done at least once in a lifetime. I would add a photo but the phone is locked up. When I can retrieve them, I will add...
Written December 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nancy G
Miami, FL68 contributions
Scenic Roadway, amazing views. I was delighted with each and every step and lil turn of the way. Fort Barry, Point Bonita, Pescadero state beach, prisoner rock with the lighthouse. Davenport, Pebble beach, amazing! Carmel by the sea was super and we got beautiful sunny days. Amazing views from Bixby bridge. Big sur, Ragged point where fog covered the place in less than 20 minutes, but cleared later. Elephant seals is a must see! Cayucos was a spectacular sunset spot and we arrived at Morro Bay at nite. Next day we got to enjoy the beauties of this little city where we even found a Cuban restaurant to make it even better. Overall one in a lifetime experience!!
Written June 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
November_Sunrise
Fresno, CA82 contributions
Update: I did this drive last summer and hated it. I rated it a 1. I did it again a few days ago and loved it! I took my 16 year old son and we spent the day driving and exploring. Strongly recommend downloading "GyPSy Guide" for Big Sur. It made all the difference. The app works throughout the drive (even though some phones will have no service). It tells you were to stop, what to expect to see, where the trails are (not to be missed), where to park and where the best photo ops are.
Plan to spend the majority of the day exploring the beaches, easy trails, tide pools, waterfalls and even recommended lunch stops. It was awesome!
Tips for success:
Have a full tank of gas
Wear comfy tennis shoes (trails are easy but shoes will get dirty)
Bring a sweater
A phone with a full charge
Snacks and water bottles (a must)
A swimsuit if your the type that likes to get in the water
The app made all the difference. Have a relaxed mindset ready for exploring and you will love it!
Plan to spend the majority of the day exploring the beaches, easy trails, tide pools, waterfalls and even recommended lunch stops. It was awesome!
Tips for success:
Have a full tank of gas
Wear comfy tennis shoes (trails are easy but shoes will get dirty)
Bring a sweater
A phone with a full charge
Snacks and water bottles (a must)
A swimsuit if your the type that likes to get in the water
The app made all the difference. Have a relaxed mindset ready for exploring and you will love it!
Written July 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
kayohh7
Monterey, CA134 contributions
Family
We have driven this twice. Once from Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara. Once from Monterey to Big Sur and back. It is so beautiful and you see the most outrageous landscape and seascapes. Do NOT drive this at night. You can’t see anything and you will not be able to get off, basically stuck for 3 hours. We learned from that mistake the first time. Do check for closures before you go. Definitely worth it if you’re planning a trip.
Written January 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DMSMD64
Chester Springs, PA468 contributions
I‘ve seen the PCH on TV and movies so I thought it would be a good motorcycle ride. I googled PCH and Wikipedia, that world renowned resource, stated that California 1 is the PCH and runs from Dana Point in Orange County in the south to Leggett in Mendocino County. I started in Dana Point and rode to San Francisco. In Dana Point it starts by the beach and quickly moves into town. Then multiple other towns. There are sightings of the water, but in Southern California it’s basically just a rode. As a matter of fact, it runs right through LAX airport. Not what I was expecting. Further north, above Los Angeles, there are spots where you may have been able to see the water before the homes were built obstructing the view. It gets even better when you reach the end to end trailers permanently parked on the service rode so all you can see are plastic outhouses, trailers and pickup trucks. The road is not incredibly well marked. It merges on and off with the 101. In Oxnard I actually took a 15-mile detour because I didn’t know I had to get on the highway. North of San Luis Obispo the views were a little better, but the road becomes a little sportier. The road becomes very steep with winding turns and (foggy, at least it was the morning I was riding it). There were not a lot of gas stations or places to eat in this section. To be clear the views you will see are not all beaches and coastal cliffs. I saw town after town, some nice some not so nice, houses, trailers, hills, crop fields, cities and an occasional glimpse of the ocean. Not to mention the 30 miles of road construction around Big Sur all the way to Carmel. Milled roads are not fun on a Motorcycle. Overall, I’ve had better coastal ride in Hawaii and Florida. Maybe north of California is worth a second trip but CA 1 is not.
Written August 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
KLM1
Kitchener, Canada755 contributions
Family
The drive along the PCH is magnificent. We started from Carmel, and headed south to San Simeon. I would recommend heading south, so that the view point parking lots are on your right, and easily accessible.
There are an endless number of places to stop, so I’ll just mention a couple of my favourites.
Before you cross the Bixby Bridge heading south, you can get a beautiful view from the mountain side of the highway. There is a small dirt road on your left, which has an incredible view of the bridge, with the ocean in the background. You can also go to Castle Rock Viewpoint, after crossing the bridge, and look back up the coast at the bridge.
Before you reach San Simeon, stop at the Elephant Seal Vista Point. The size and number of elephants seals is amazing. I could stand and watch them for hours. But don’t go down onto the beach to get close to them.
Take your time, and allow lots of time for stops along the way. Pack a picnic lunch so you can stop and eat anywhere you like.
There are an endless number of places to stop, so I’ll just mention a couple of my favourites.
Before you cross the Bixby Bridge heading south, you can get a beautiful view from the mountain side of the highway. There is a small dirt road on your left, which has an incredible view of the bridge, with the ocean in the background. You can also go to Castle Rock Viewpoint, after crossing the bridge, and look back up the coast at the bridge.
Before you reach San Simeon, stop at the Elephant Seal Vista Point. The size and number of elephants seals is amazing. I could stand and watch them for hours. But don’t go down onto the beach to get close to them.
Take your time, and allow lots of time for stops along the way. Pack a picnic lunch so you can stop and eat anywhere you like.
Written July 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
HeardItBothWays
Easton, PA2,349 contributions
My husband and I drove the Pacific Coast Highway while making our way down the West Coast from Seattle to San Diego. This was the most beautiful drive we have ever taken.
The views of the coast and the Pacific are absolutely stunning. There are tons of vistas and beaches to stop at, and sometimes even the road itself is a sight to see. There was also so much to see along the way! We stopped at:
* Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
* Shelter Cove
* Glass Beach
* Bowling Ball Beach
* San Francisco
* Point Arena Lighthouse
* Davenport Pier
* Monterey
* 17- Mile Drive
* Bixby Bridge
* Big Sur
* Santa Barbara
I'd recommend trying to take in all of them because we enjoyed every single place we visited. Also, make sure to check for closures. We were fortunate in that the entire stretch was open when we visited. There were some minor areas of construction where we had to wait a bit before passing, but it wasn't a long wait.
I think everyone should experience this beautiful highway and every breathtaking mile it has to offer!
The views of the coast and the Pacific are absolutely stunning. There are tons of vistas and beaches to stop at, and sometimes even the road itself is a sight to see. There was also so much to see along the way! We stopped at:
* Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
* Shelter Cove
* Glass Beach
* Bowling Ball Beach
* San Francisco
* Point Arena Lighthouse
* Davenport Pier
* Monterey
* 17- Mile Drive
* Bixby Bridge
* Big Sur
* Santa Barbara
I'd recommend trying to take in all of them because we enjoyed every single place we visited. Also, make sure to check for closures. We were fortunate in that the entire stretch was open when we visited. There were some minor areas of construction where we had to wait a bit before passing, but it wasn't a long wait.
I think everyone should experience this beautiful highway and every breathtaking mile it has to offer!
Written September 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nicolás B
Bogota, Colombia20 contributions
Couples
Great place to visit and many sites to go. Started from LA and went all the way up to SF. Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, San Francisco were definitely the best places to hang out. Don’t miss Santa Barbara either!
Written May 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
purpleij
Sarasota, FL221 contributions
Couples
We drove from Napa Valley to San Diego mostly on Hwy 1 and it was worth it! The scenery breathtaking with lots of viewpoints and opportunities for places to eat and bathroom breaks. Along the way we stopped at Half Moon, stayed in Monterey (preferred Carmel), Pebble Beach, Cambria, stopped at Solvang, stayed in Santa Barbara and San Diego. We took our time and allowed extra time for each location (about an additional hour from what google map tells you). We felt the coastal roads were safe and easy to navigate.
Written May 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michael Z
Helsingoer Municipality, Denmark11 contributions
We drove from LA to SF over two days. Highly recommend it. Once beyond Malibu, the southerly two-thirds is interesting and beautiful in its own way but not dramatic compared to the northerly half. As one approaches the midway point, however, the landscape is just stunning. We overnighted in Cambria, which is a great place to spend the night (or longer). The drive north from there was amazing. We stopped multiple times, including at Pfeiffer Beach, which is hard to find (poor signage) but worth exploring. It's also worth stopping at Bixby Bridge. From the parking lot on the north end, it's a good idea to continue driving along the dirt road beyond the parking area to a point higher up and looking straight on perpendicular o the bridge. One can turnaround from there to return to PCH. Take your time and stop often. Just don't drive it at night.
Written July 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
NikkiPhotographer
San Juan, Puerto Rico60 contributions
I’m traveling the Pacific Coast starting point will be Seattle and all the way to Santa Monica. What are your recommended itineraries for a 10 day trip. Which cities should I stay in between and what “Must see” atttractions or detours should be book?also, what are good recommendations for stay the night and where? We will be renting a car at Seattle airport since we will be arriving there. Dates of travel will be July 7 Tru July 16. Thank you!!
HalfFull13
Maine37 contributions
When: April 2022
Who: 1 Parent - 3 teenagers who don't mind pushing itineraries and driving long distances.
Path: Ventura to San Francisco, tail end of NP loop.
Time: 3 full days
Goals: to see beautiful scenery, wildlife, sunset and sunrises. We like off the path hikes/ideas. Low key eats with a view. Accommodations near pretty places so sunrise/sets are easy to get to.
Help Needed:
1. I'm trying to piece together realistic driving distances and where to stop to minimize crowds and catch early and late day sun?
2. Knowing when to stay on Routes 1, 101, 5 and definitely PCH?
3. Here's what I'm thinking. Is this doable?
Day One:
Leave Ventura early am
Solvang - eat Danish pastry :)
Ocean Dunes - drive on the beach if possible
Pismo Beach
San Luis Obispo (SLO) - Bubble Gum Alley
Morro Bay
Cambria
Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery
Ragged Point
Jade Cove/San Dollar Beach
(stay near Pfeiffer State Park if possible)
Day Two:
Sunrise - Pfeiffer State Park
Keyhole Arch, McWay Falls, Sea Otters
Bixby Creek Bridge
Pebble Beach?
17 Mile Drive?
Point Lobos State Park - quick hike
Monterey - Old Fisherman's Wharf
Day Three:
San Francisco
Golden Gate Bridge
Trolley Car
Crooked Street
Mosaics Stairs?
Airport hotel, exhausted and depart the next day...
katelouise_11
Kinver, UK120 contributions
Help!! We have a RV from LA up to SF from 10-25 April. Never been before and really just want to take it as it comes, but my fear is that it will be packed and we will be left with nowhere to park up. We have two young kids with us. Should I guess the route and book sites for each step of the way, or can I afford to be more relaxed about it? Are there any that I will regret not booking/ any “must stay” places that the kids will love? I’m completely lost with it all and would love any help :-)
Pat R
31 contributions
i suggest that you try to plan how far you are gonna go each and where you think you will be stopping and look for a place to reserve and stay.
Maps36362701951
San Bernardino, CA
Can I walk to it and see it ? even the inside.
How do I get there if riding to the P.C.H. I am coming from san bernardino, ca.
mini
Fremont, CA167,108 contributions
The Pacific Coast Highway is also know as Highway one You can bike there from San Bernardino. Head to one of the Orange county communities would be closest - such as Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach That would give you a good view of the PCH Enjoy.
Britt A
Auburn, CA2 contributions
We are headed from Auburn, CA to Eureka and would like to enjoy the Pacific Coast Highway.
It will be my husband and myself with our 1 year old daughter.
Where should we go, what routes, things to do and places to stay?
mini
Fremont, CA167,108 contributions
Some of the things to see are Avenue of the Giants, Trinidad (a cute city by the ocean), Prarie Creek State park (elk), Klamath River and Requa Road (see the river flow into the Pacific Ocean), Trees Of Mystery, Crescent City. There is the harbor area in Crescent City, the lighthouse, and inland Jedidiah Smith State Park. Check to see if the wild blackberries are ripe - they are so good when you pick them.
There is also a jet boat trip on the Klamath River.
Lots to do - have a great time.
For places to stay look at also Mendocino (charming town, MacKerricher State Park for tidal pools, the botanical garden, Ride the Skunk Railroad through the redwoods, see the abalone divers at Van Damme State Park There is the harbor area at Fort Bragg. There is lots more to do in this area too.
Look at places like Mendocino/Fort Bragg; Garberville; Trinidad, and Crescent City to stay at. There is also a nice hotel with views of the Pacific Ocean just north of Crescent City in Brookings, Oregon.
Have a good time.
My wife and I are celebrating our 15 anniversary and with Covid, we decided to stay in the states. We are flying into San Francisco on Monday morning and flying out of San Diego the following Monday afternoon. I know it's impossible to see and do everything. Planning on staying in San Fran for 2 days but wanted to get itinerary help for the rest of the trip. Done LA before so not planning on spending much time there. Thanks in advance for your help!
mini
Fremont, CA167,108 contributions
You might want to consider for your 7 days:
Day One and Two: San Francisco
Day Three: Drive to Monterey/Carmel area
Day Four: Drive through Big Sur to Central Coast staying in Cambria, Pismo Beach or one of the other cities in the area
Day Five: Lunch in Santa Barbara and then stay in Orange County at one of the beach communities such as Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach or other
Day Six on: San Diego
Since you have been in LA before skipped additional time there. You may also want to post your question on the California Trip Advisor Forum. You will get additional advise by doing so.
Enjoy - I drive this route a lot and decide number of nights based on your interests Perhaps one more night in Monterey/Carmel.... Or if into seeing Channel Island National Park include a night in Santa Barbara or one of the neighboring communities.
Enjoy - Its good to know local virus rules this year about what's open, what's not, etc so posting on the forum will also give you some more local information on each city on your final agenda.
have a great time.
Hi, I am looking for a good route from LA to San fran to Yosemite road trip via PCH. It will be 2 adults and 3 children between ages of 3-10yrs. I am trying to decide length of trip and good destinations to stop and how long for. Any advice of points in the right direction much appreciated!
mini
Fremont, CA167,108 contributions
You may want to ask your question on Trip Advisor forum as well as its a very popular question and you will find good information there as well.
In general, book Yosemite Now. Many book lodging a year in advance.
For a general route,
Los Angels to Pismo Beach - Look at Pismo Beach Lighthouse Suite or similar. Good place to stay with a family.
Pismo Beach to Morro Rock (see the Rock), San Simeon (see the elephant Seals) and then drive Big Sur to Monterey.
In Monterey some of the fun things to do are the aquarium, Fisherman Wharf Dennis the Menace Beach, 17 mile drive, Asilomar State Beach (drive from Lovers Point in Monterey to Asilomar, etc.).
Then from Monterey drive North to Santa Cruz. See the sea lions at the wharf; possibly do ride or two on the Boardwalk; and see close by Henry Cowell Redwood State Park.
From there drive highway 1 to see the coast with stops at Pigeon Point Lighthouse, perhaps Hurley Goat Ranch, Half Moon Bay on your way to San Francisco.
From San Francisco, drive 120 to Yosemite National Park. Two fun places to see on the drive there are close to Sonora. They are Columbia Historic State Park as well as Railtown 1897.
Its about a two to two and a half hour drive from there to the valley floor area (iconic area) in Yosemite National Park.
Have fun on your trip.
Kathleen C
Charlottesville, VA2 contributions
Planning a mother daughter trip to LA in April with my 18 year old daughter ... senior year trip. We had just planned to go to LA but she really wants to see San Fran and more of the Pacific Coast and though we are limited on time and budget, I do think since neither of us have been to the West Coast that it makes sense to see what we can accomplish.
We do not plan on having a rental car in LA. We will be fly in early on a Tuesday. If we left LA on Friday morning and picked up a rental car... and if our flight out of San Fran was on Sunday morning... that gives us all of Friday and Saturday to make it work. My thought was to definitely stop in Big Sur.. we will obviously have to find a place to stop for lunch before? Thoughts ? I don't know what time we can reasonably get on the road. Then maybe we stay overnight in Monterey and then head to San Fran that morning. Plan to tour a little on Saturday afternoon maybe taking a guided tour where I can avoid driving myself. Have dinner and catchup on rest. Maybe stay Fisherman's Wharf area. Then will have to get up super early to return car and get to airport. Also we could take a red-eye flight out Saturday back to the East Coast (VA) but I worry that doesn't leave us enough time to see San Fran at all if I have to get to the airport at dinner time .
I don't feel that we have to drive the PCH the entire time but trying to balance it all out.
Thanks for any advice.
HoffySig73
Reykjavik, Iceland203 contributions
San fran is not a budget city, hotels and also airbnb is expensive. I was there alone for 2 days and got airbnb for 300 dollars. I was 1 night in Monterey I would stay 2 night there so beautiful. Cayucos is nice to visit and also santa barbara.
Ergin K
Malmö, Sweden276 contributions
Hi, Is the PCH free for passage now? I heard a year ago there was a landslide that cut it off in some parts.
PacificNWFamily
Washington State95,874 contributions
Please ask folks who know and love Highway 1. They are on the California state forum.
Mudslides are not uncommon on the coastal road. Hwy 1 is open now.
Note that "PCH" refers to only one section of the coastal road that is near Los Angeles and not near the "best bits" section through famous Big Sur.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pacific Coast Highway
- We recommend booking Pacific Coast Highway tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 26 Pacific Coast Highway tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Pacific Coast Highway:
- Monterey, Carmel and 17-Mile Drive - Full Day Tour from San Francisco (From $105.00)
- Mountain to Beach Hiking: Private Adventure Tour (From $175.00)
- Small-Group Best Beaches in Orange County Day Tour (From $69.00)
- Monterey & Carmel Explorer (From $109.00)
- 3.5 Hour Private Coastal Tour of Santa Monica, Venice Beach and Malibu (From $306.25)
- Restaurants near Pacific Coast Highway:
- (9.41 mi) Big Sur Roadhouse
- (9.15 mi) Pacific's Edge
- (9.37 mi) Ripplewood Resrt Restaurant
- (8.80 mi) Big Sur River Inn Restaurant
- (2.14 mi) Rocky Point Restaurant
- Attractions near Pacific Coast Highway:
- (0.04 mi) Big Creek Bridge
- (0.05 mi) Hurricane Point
- (0.34 mi) Old Coast Road
- (0.51 mi) Rocky Creek Bridge
- (9.52 mi) Point Lobos