On one side, waves breathe in and out across wide stretches of sand or explode against jagged rocks, sending spray shooting into the air. On the other side, the scenery changes: Cliffs rise like walls, vineyards clip past in neat rows, pine trees line the road. Between these, cities give way to small communities with art galleries, local restaurants and shops selling beachwear.

PHOTO: © TERESA BITLER

The route itself winds and dips and climbs. It cuts through mountain tunnels and crosses monumental bridges, including Bixby Bridge over Big Sur and Golden Gate Bridge on San Francisco’s northern edge. At points it narrows to just two lanes, and traffic falls into a leisurely rhythm. It then becomes obvious: The Pacific Coast Highway doesn’t take you to your destination — it is the destination.

Considered by many as one of America’s best road trips, the Pacific Coast Highway gets its nickname because it parallels the Pacific Ocean, but it is technically Highway 1 through much of California and Highway 101 through Oregon and Washington. To complicate the matter, Highway 1 is known as the Cabrillo Highway in parts of Central California, and Highway 101 is designated the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway through Oregon. In some cities the PCH goes by street names, such as 19th Avenue in San Francisco.

A good guidebook or dedicated website can help you navigate the route as well as choose starting and ending points since, in its entirety, the PCH covers nearly 1,700 miles. Fortunately, you don’t have to drive all the way from Olympia, Washington, to San Diego, California, to check the drive off your bucket list. Many travelers explore just a portion of the highway, with the most popular stretch from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

This 500-mile section features many of the highway’s highlights, including Golden Gate Bridge, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Big Sur, Hearst Castle and Santa Monica Pier. Although Regent’s Slide closed Highway 1 between Big Sur and San Simeon in February 2024, it has reopened. Driven straight through, it takes 10–12 hours, but you can spend an entire week depending on the pace you set.

No matter where you start or finish, there’s some debate about which direction to travel. Starting north and heading south has the advantage of ocean views unobstructed by oncoming traffic. However, some feel when you travel from south to north, the journey becomes increasingly more scenic. Either way, think twice about driving an RV on the PCH since it has steep climbs in places and may be tricky navigating through smaller towns.

Planning before you go is essential. At the very least, you’ll want to make hotel or campsite reservations early, said Laila Fiege-Kollmann, owner, Shoreline Inn on the Beach in Cayucos, California. Book summer and holiday accommodations at least two months in advance. During the winter you’ll need to make a reservation a month in advance for weekend stays, but you can get by with a few days’ notice midweek. The same applies to dining at the more popular restaurants.

PHOTO: © TERESA BITLER

How much you plan ahead of time for activities and ticketed attractions depends on the way you like to travel, according to Fiege-Kollmann, who also serves on the Highway 1 Tourism Alliance Board of Directors. For example, in San Simeon you can watch elephant seals at their rookery, visit the free museum at Hearst Castle, hike one of the area’s trails and sample a bold red at Hearst Ranch Winery, all without a reservation.

You can drive the PCH, especially the California section, any time of the year. However, it will be more crowded in the summer, during school breaks and on weekends. In the summer you may also have to contend with thick morning fog. Fall brings mild and sunny days, while it’s usually too chilly in the winter to wade into the water. Many prefer a spring trip (outside of spring break) because it offers the chance to see wildflowers and migrating whales.

Since temperatures can change dramatically throughout the day, dress in layers. Even in the summer you may want a light jacket in case of wind and rain. Also consider bringing a towel and extra shoes if you intend to get near the water.

INFO TO GO
To drive the Pacific Coast Highway, travelers typically fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Portland International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport or San Diego International Airport and rent a car. You can return the car at one of these airports at the end of your journey.