If the East Coast has the Florida Keys, the West Coast has the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1). But here the scenery is dramatic, wild and movie-like.
Forget the I-5 freeway (which is fast but boring). To get from San Francisco to Los Angeles, you have to take the long way along the coast. Giant cliffs, suspension bridges, cascading waterfalls and fairytale towns await you. Here is your guide to the ultimate road trip along California’s Pacific Coast Highway.
Home: Monterrey and Carmel-by-the-Sea
In a sight not seen for three years to the day, vehicles travel Highway 1 on Jan. 14, 2026, in front of the newly repaired Regent’s Slide. The highway’s full reopening to travel between Cambria and Carmel revives a vital economic lifeline for local business owners and residents. pic.twitter.com/le7qAiuj2s
– Caltrans Central Coast (District 5) (@CaltransD5) January 15, 2026
Heading south out of San Francisco, your first stop is pure luxury and charm.
Monterrey: Famous for its aquarium (one of the best in the world) and the Cannery Row pier.
17-Mile Drive: Pay the toll to enter this private road. You will see incredible mansions, legendary golf courses (Pebble Beach) and the famous lone cypress.
Carmel: The town where Clint Eastwood was mayor. It’s like a European fairytale village. The beach is dog-friendly and the sand is white and soft as talcum powder.
The photo: Bixby Creek Bridge: Entering the Big Sur region, you’ll come across this bridge. You’ve seen it in a thousand car commercials and in the series Big Little Lies.
Tip: There is a small lookout point just before crossing the bridge (coming from the north). Stand there. The view of the rainbow concrete bridge with the sea breaking below is spectacular.
Epic Stop: McWay Falls: Inside Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, there is a very short trail that takes you to an unreal view.
What will you see? A 24-meter waterfall that falls directly onto a virgin beach of golden sand and turquoise water. It is one of the few waterfalls in the world that flows directly into the ocean (note: you can’t go down to the beach, only see it from above, but it’s worth it).
Animal Stop: Elephant Seal Vista Point (San Simeon)
Grab your bestie and cruise the Pacific Coast Highway this summer! From San Diego to San Francisco with stops in Huntington Beach, Santa Barbara, Santa Ynez, San Simeon & Monterey. 🏖️ PCH closure in L.A. County reopens end of May! 🛣️ pic.twitter.com/GxfLCkpM3s
– Gabriel Cooper (@CooperGab) April 25, 2025
Near Hearst Castle, you’ll see a bunch of cars stopped. Get out.
The Show: The beach is full of elephant seals. They are huge, noisy, smell a little bad and are fascinating to watch as they fight or rest in the sand. The kids love it.
Arrival: Santa Barbara
🤫🌊Time to Breathe a Little Bit a Fresh Air #101 Pacific Coast Highway Santa Barbara CA pic.twitter.com/ztWafJyn15
– lachulakechucha (@CheaparoundUS) February 22, 2025
Before entering Los Angeles traffic, relax in the “American Riviera”.
The Plan: Walk down State Street, lined with stores and restaurants, or visit the old Mission.
The Spanish colonial architecture, palm trees and mountains in the background are the perfect end to the trip.
Tips from Copilot 2026
Right Direction: Always (and this is a law) make this trip from North to South (SF to LA). This way you will drive in the lane next to the ocean and it will be easier to get around the overlooks.
No Signal: In most of Big Sur there is no cell phone signal. Download your maps and playlists before heading out.
Weather: Although it is California, the coast can be cold and foggy, especially in June (“June Gloom”). Wear a jacket.
Gasoline: Fill up in Monterrey. Gas stations in Big Sur are scarce and expensive.
Filed under: Road trip Pacific Coast Highway