If you enjoy driving, then travelling the Pacific Coast Highway in California should be on your bucket list.
This iconic route, often featured in movies, offers some of the most breathtaking ocean views imaginable. Every twist and turn will open up new scenery, or reveal a quaint coastal town to explore.
The road, also known as Highway 1, extends for over 600 miles, following the Californian coastline.
San Francisco to Solvang
Most people start in San Francisco, and although there are many stopping points along the way, you should aim to reach Big Sur in your first three hours. Perhaps an ideal opportunity to have lunch, with a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean.
If you are a nature lover, your next stop should be San Simeon, where you can admire over 15,000 elephant seals. If retail therapy is more your thing, take a detour to Solvang, a Danish town full of antique shops.
Solvang to Los Angeles
After leaving Solgang, you have a steady drive ahead of you to Santa Barbara, where you can stay overnight for some well-earned rest. The next morning, you can complete the final stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway.
You may wish to stop at the Getty Center on the way and enjoy the art galleries and beautiful grounds with elevated views. Your destination awaits, the incredible city of Los Angeles!
You can draw up your own itinerary to suit your family’s interests, perhaps taking in the historic city of Monterey or relaxing in the artistic vibes of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
There is something for everybody on the Pacific Coast Highway, whether you’re a photography enthusiast or a history buff. At the end of a long, but fulfilling drive, you will be proud to have completed this adventure on your bucket list!
