Have you been thinking about taking a California road trip this year? During these tumultuous times, a road trip is a great way to explore new places and feel the freedom of adventure. One of the most scenic road trip’s in the world is along the Pacific Coast Highway. You’ll get a fantastic view of the ocean for miles and miles, along with spectacular spots to stop and explore. Although we didn’t drive the entire length of the highway, we still had an amazing trip filled with unforgettable memories. We flew into Los Angeles, spent the night in Pismo Beach, and flew back from San Jose. If you only have a limited time to enjoy this road trip, then keep reading to find out the best things to see on the Pacific Coast Highway:
1. Eat dim sum in LA & relax in Malibu
It’s up to you where you start your journey, but for this ride, we began in Los Angeles. There’s a ridiculous amount of activities to do in Los Angeles; however, since we were only planning on being there for a couple hours, we kept our to-do list short. If you’ve never tried dim sum (Cantonese steamed dumplings), give them a try while you’re in L.A. Some of the best Asian food in the country can be found in the major California cities, so don’t leave without some! The dim sum is no exception, and a quick Google search will help you find the best locations. Before heading for the highway, check out Malibu. A popular coastal city outside the L.A. area, where you can take a stroll along the sand before heading out on the road.
2. Stop in beautiful Santa Barbara
After a few hours of driving, I’d recommend making a stop in Santa Barbara. This coastal city has an amazing view of the ocean with mountains in the background and a cascade of palm trees. You’ll find a boardwalk that’s great for taking a walk and stretching your legs.
3. Visit the unique town of Solvang
I had never heard of Solvang before planning our road trip, and it ended up being one of my favorite parts of the trip. This town is not far from Santa Barbara, and it’s definitely worth a visit. The town was inhabited by many Danish people over a century ago, which is why you’ll see Danish architecture and culture throughout the small town. I had recently been in Copenhagen a couple years ago, so it was so sweet to see a little piece of Denmark in California. We stopped by one of the bakeries and took a relaxing walk before heading back on the road.
4. Admire the beauty of Big Sur
As you continue your drive along the coast, you’ll pass through the Big Sur region of the central California coast. Some of the most scenic views can be found along Big Sur, so you’ll want to take in every moment. On one side, you’ll see an amazing view of towering mountains, and the other side, nothing out ahead but ocean. Driving down the highway was like being surrounded by all the elements of Earth. Be sure to stop and enjoy some of the sights in this area, and of course, capture them with your camera.
5. Take your own iconic shots of Bixby Creek Bridge
Bixby Creek Bridge is probably one of the most photographed bridges in the world. It’s so commonly associated with the Pacific Coast Highway that I bet people travel here just to photograph it. Once you see it, it’s not hard to figure out what makes it so special. This spectacular piece of engineering is definitely worth a visit. For more information about the history and details of Bixby Creek Bridge, check out Visit California’s website here.
6. Return via San Jose or San Francisco
We ended our Highway 1 adventure in San Francisco, which offers a ton of flights if you’re also planning on flying in and out of California. It was so sad to say goodbye to the Pacific Coast, but hopefully we’ll meet again soon. On a separate note, if you have a little time to spare, check out the iconic Golden Gate Bridge before heading back to the airport. There’s too many fantastic things to do while you’re in San Francisco, so I’ll elaborate more in a post completely dedicated to the city coming soon.
I hope your California road trip on Highway 1 ends up being everything you wanted and more. Although these are just a few of the best things to see on the Pacific Coast Highway in my opinion, I’m interested in learning more about your favorites! Let me know in the comments section what stands out most from your trip.
Interested in more outdoor-friendly destinations, such as Phoenix, Arizona? Check out some of the best things to do in Phoenix here! Happy travels! đ