Classic Road Trip - California's Pacific Coast Highway
LA to SF coastal drive
California’s Pacific Coast Highway 1 is what dreams are made of. The iconic route is one of the top drives of all time. With around 500 miles of coastal route, the section from LA to San Francisco offers a mix of twisting, coast hugging roads with the Pacific Ocean crashing over rocks to your left and beautiful landscapes stretching out to your right.
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Having spent a few days in LA soaking up the sun on its multiple beaches, seeing the famous sights of Hollywood Boulevard and Rodeo Drive or having visited museums, Universal Studios or Disneyland, it’s time to embark a road trip of a lifetime.
As you head out of LA you will pass through Santa Monica with its famous pier and the coastal city of Malibu where celebrity mansions dot the hillsides. Approximately 2 hours out of LA, you will arrive at the upscale city of Santa Barbara. Tucked between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, with its white stucco houses and Mediterranean climate, the city is dubbed the American Riviera. Take a stroll along the palm-lined waterfront and visit Stearns Wharf, visit some of the local wineries, or shop in some of the upmarket stores on State Street. Known for its graceful beauty, the famous old Mission Santa Barbara is also open to visitors or can be viewed up on the hillside.
Leaving Santa Barbara County, as you drive up the Central Coast you will drive through picturesque mountains and wine country. Entering San Luis Obispo county, you will pass through Pismo Beach, the quintessential Californian surf town and Morro Bay, recognisable by its landmark Morro Rock, an extinct volcanic rock formed 23 million years ago, standing on the bay. There is an abundance of wildlife here such as Peregrine Falcons, great blue herons, sea otters and from October to March, Monarch Butterflies.
Passing through San Simeon, catch a glimpse of gothic-style hilltop mansion Hearst Castle, conceived by the media magnate, William Randolph Hearst. Stop off at the Elephant Seal Vista Point, a few miles north of San Simeon on Highway 1 to see thousands of elephant seals hauled up on the rocky sands. It’s free and easily accessible and makes for a great stop along this stretch of coastline.
Heading towards Big Sur, the most scenic stretch of the route lies ahead with its dramatic coastline, and beautiful waterfalls, to giant redwoods and sandy bays. Spend time walking in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park remembering to look up to get a glimpse of the endangered Californian Condors. One of the highlights of this trip are the coastal walks and experiencing the exhilaration of watching the waves crash against the rocks. Don’t forget to look out for migrating whales or sea otters. McWay Falls can be seen cascading to a remote beach in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
Make your way up the winding coastal road, enjoying the spectacular scenery and crossing over the much-photographed Bixby Creek Bridge as you head up towards the quaint town of Carmel and the old fishing town of Monterey. We would recommend taking a whale-watching trip in this area and certainly try to fit in a visit to the incredible Monterey Bay Aquarium. Be sure to take in the famed 17-mile drive around this stunning peninsula before heading up to the vibrant city of San Francisco where you can spend a few days exploring the different neighbourhoods and cycling over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and visiting the infamous Alcatraz island.
What are you waiting for? Contact us today to begin planning your dream road trip!
