Pacific Coast Highway
Joe Peterson (Webmaster)
Sunday February 22, 2026 7:23 am
Explore California’s stunning coastline from San Francisco to San Diego
The legendary Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) was first started in the 1930s, and remains a marvel of human effort that hugs over 900 kilometers (600 miles) of California’s rugged and beautiful coastlines. It is one of the most astoundingly scenic roads in the world, meant to be traversed slowly, while gasping at the mountains, towering trees, expansive beaches and endless sky. It also affords travelers an unparalleled opportunity to dip into all the character California has to offer: pioneer outposts, surfing villages, farm-fresh foods, local wine, roadside kitsch, Hollywood glitz and bohemia.
Before you get started on your road trip, some helpful tips: Without stopping, it takes approximately 10 hours to drive the entire length of the Pacific Coast Highway, but on this route, it’s recommended to take your time to see the sights and stay overnight along the way, stretching your vacation out to at least six days. Thanks to California’s mild weather, you can drive the Pacific Coast Highway at any time of year. Just a few of the areas you will pass thru:
Big Sur
You’ll see rugged mountains blanketed with dreamy redwood forests drop into dramatic coastline. While you can camp within the forests, those who prefer beds should consider Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn, which feels a bit like staying with your fabulous bohemian aunt. Explore the nearby Henry Miller Memorial Library and when you grow hungry from hiking, dine on classic California cuisine (local wine and farm-fresh produce, anyone?) on the lofty patio at Nepenthe while gazing out at the ocean.
Morro Bay
Your chances of encountering California’s diverse fauna are high in Morro Bay, a small city on (surprise!) a large bay and estuary. At Morro Bay State Park, you may see any number of wild animals including blue herons, monarch butterflies, hummingbirds and – yes – adorable, fluffy sea otters. The park offers trails, a small museum and picnic benches, making it a perfect road trip stop for when you’re feeling peckish and need to stretch your legs.
San Luis Obispo
Cruise down the PCH to the mellow college town nicknamed SLO, where you can tour quirky attractions such as the colorful Bubblegum Alley. Before you go, be sure to sample local wines at one of more than 30 nearby wineries, or take a hike to the nearby Point San Luis Lighthouse for fresh air and stunning views. While the town has many great places to stay, the delightfully gaudy Madonna Inn offers themed rooms like Caveman and Showboat. You don’t need to stay there to enjoy the outrageous interior, which features Western murals, ornate chandeliers, flocked wallpaper – and pink, pink and more pink. Order a slice of (pink) cake at the counter and soak up the atmosphere.
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is the perfect embodiment of California’s two personalities: Beachy casual meets glitz. (Oprah owns an estate here.) This is a city filled with adobe homes, Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and mansions. Shop and explore the city’s unpretentious arts district known as the Funk Zone after taking in the city’s colonial history at the Old Mission Santa Barbara. Get a scoop of Churros Con Leche or Boysenberry Rose Milk Jam ice cream at McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams and enjoy fresh seafood and ocean views at Enterprise Fish Co. where you can sup on $1.50 oysters during happy hour. If you’re feeling adventurous, cut 20 minutes inland to Cold Spring Tavern, a bar and restaurant established in 1886 as a stagecoach stop. Then take advantage of the balmy weather and catch a movie at the Westwind Drive-In.