24 Must-See Stops on a Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip (2024)

Ready for an epic Pacific Coast Highway road trip?!

This legendary route offers breathtaking views, charming coastal towns, and endless opportunities for exploration.

This road trip will take you through some of the most stunning landscapes the West Coast has to offer. Grab your camera, pack your bags, and let’s hit the road!

Intro to This Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

This post is organized from north to south, starting in Seattle, Washington, and ending in San Diego, California.

Each stop includes a brief description of what to see and do with links to more detailed posts on everything listed here.

This PCH road trip from Seattle to San Diego is around 1,700 miles and takes over 30 hours straight! Depending on how much time you have, this route can take a few days to a few weeks.

Below you’ll find the best stops for a Pacific Coast Highway road trip and itinerary ideas at the end of this article.

1. Start in Seattle, Washington

Kick off your road trip in Seattle! Explore Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and the waterfront.

Don’t miss the bustling food scene, iconic views from Kerry Park, and lively neighborhoods like Capitol Hill and Fremont.

Seattle offers a mix of urban excitement and natural beauty, perfect for starting your coastal adventure.

READ MORE:
49 BEST Things to Do in Seattle, Washington

2. Wander Through Olympic National Park, Washington

Drive along the scenic coast of Olympic National Park, featuring stunning beaches, tide pools, and lush forests.

From Seattle, you’ll want to stop and enjoy Lake Crescent, detour to La Push, and make a pit stop in Forks. Head south, and once you make it to Kalaloch’s beaches—you’ll finally have made it to the coast for the rest of this Pacific Coast Highway road trip!

You could spend a few days just exploring this park.

READ MORE:
18 Best Hikes in Olympic National Park
9 Incredible Olympic National Park Beaches to Explore
Things To Do in Olympic National Park: 35 Must-Do Activities!

3. Get to Long Beach, Washington

Head to Long Beach for its expansive sandy shores and charming boardwalk. Enjoy activities like kite flying, beachcombing, and exploring the local lighthouses.

The Long Beach Peninsula is perfect for a chill coastal getaway with plenty of sights. The absolute highlight of this area is Cape Disappointment State Park, so don’t miss it before you cross the bridge into Oregon.

READ MORE:
10 Things to Do in Long Beach, Washington

4. Welcome to Astoria, Oregon

Welcome to Oregon and to one of our favorite Oregon Coast towns on this route—Astoria! It is known for its history and stunning views at the mouth of the Columbia River.

Climb the Astoria Column for panoramic vistas, explore the historic downtown, and visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum. Astoria is definitely one of the coolesttowns on the West Coast, with natural beauty and some retro vibes.

READ MORE:
27 BEST Things To Do in Astoria, Oregon
11 Best Hotels in Astoria, Oregon

5. Visit The Iconic Cannon Beach, Oregon

Cannon Beach is famous for its legendary Haystack Rock and charming seaside atmosphere. Both Portlanders and visitors flock here.

Stroll along the beach at sunset, explore the tide pools, watch for puffin, and visit the local art galleries and boutiques. It’s a must-stop for its iconic and picturesque scenery.

READ MORE:
11 Best Hotels in Cannon Beach, Oregon
23 Adventurous Things to Do in Cannon Beach

6. Don’t Skip Pacific City, Oregon

Pacific City offers a quieter coastal experience with stunning views and outdoor activities.

Visit Cape Kiwanda for its dramatic cliffs and dune trails. Head up the dunes for views or tackle the surf directly in front of Chief Kiwanda Rock (a Haystack Rock look-alike!).

READ MORE:
11 Adventurous Things To Do in Pacific City

7. Ride Through Newport, Oregon

Newport is known for its dungeons crab and its famous lighthouse, Yaquina Head. Enjoy the bustling Bayfront, explore the beaches, and indulge in fresh seafood.

Be sure to check out the sea lions lounging by the docks!

READ MORE:
11 Best Hotels in Newport, Oregon
21 Adventurous Things to Do in Newport, Oregon

8. Follow Through Florence, Oregon

Florence boasts beautiful sand dunes, scenic beaches, and the historic Old Town. Visit Heceta Head just north of the town, check out the Sea Lion Caves, and stroll along the Siuslaw River.

Florence is a gem on the Oregon coast, with plenty to see and do. Don’t miss the chance to ride a dune buggy in Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.

READ MORE:
17 BEST Things To Do in Florence, Oregon

9. Say Bye Bye in Brookings, Oregon

Brookings is known for its rugged coastline, stunning beaches, and vibrant gardens.

VisitHarris Beach State Park andexplore theSamuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor—both stunning and worth it. Brookings is underrated, and most miss out on the dramatic ocean views here. It’s the perfect spot for whale watching and beachcombing.

Get ready to head into California!

READ MORE:
7 Things To Do in Brookings, Oregon

10. Welcome to Crescent City, California

Enter California and explore Crescent City, home to the majestic Redwoods!

Visit the Battery Point Lighthouse, stroll along the beach, and chill with a brew and yummy seafood. Crescent City’s coastal beauty and ancient forests make it a perfect introduction to your Pacific Coast Highway road trip through California.

READ MORE:
11 Things to Do in Crescent City—Redwoods, Surf, Trails, and More!

11. Ride into Redwood National and State Parks, California

Experience the awe-inspiring Redwoods in these national and state parks—it will take days to explore the region.

Hike amongst the towering trees, some of the last of the remaining old-growth coast redwood forests. The Avenue of the Giants is an incredibly scenic drive, and enjoy the tranquility of these ancient giants as you wander Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.

One national park and three state parks make up this region of redwoods.

12. Make a Pit-Stop at Mendocino, California

Mendocino is a coastal village oozing scenic beauty and artistic flair. For the best coastline views, hike around the Mendocino Headlands, visit local art galleries, and enjoy the cozy downtown.

It’s a perfect stop for those who enjoy small-town coastal charm, dramatic cliffs, and breathtaking ocean views. Don’t miss out on the nearby Point Cabrillo Lighthouse.

READ MORE:
13 Awesome Things To Do in Mendocino, California

13. Pop into Point Reyes, California

Point Reyes is a well-worth-it detour. It’s an incredible peninsula that will probably take a few days to see. It’s worth a day, but you’ll need longer to see it all. You’ll get rugged coastlines and scenic hikes like you’ve never seen!

Explore the Point Reyes Lighthouse, hike along the coastal trails, and spot the resident wildlife like elk herds, blubbery elephant seals, and whales spouting just off shore.

READ MORE:
16 Things to Do in Point Reyes National Seashore
11 Stunning Beaches in Point Reyes Worth Visiting
9 Must-Do Hikes in Point Reyes National Seashore

14. Go Through San Francisco, California

Visit the Golden Gate Bridge, explore Fisherman’s Wharf, and stroll through Golden Gate Park. San Francisco is a must on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip, and you’ll have to drive right through it anyway!

Tackle some of the best hikes in San Francisco, like wandering the redwoods on the Muir Woods trails or hiking up Mount Tamalpais.

READ MORE:
Golden Gate National Recreation Area: What to Know
12 Stunning Golden Gate Beaches to Visit

15. Head to Half Moon Bay, California

Half Moon Bay it’s just a short drive south and you’ll be back to small town California coast vibes! Visit all the stunning Half Moon Bay beaches and catch a sunset on the harbor.

The epic Mavericks waves can be seen here, and there are incredible coastal trails, one of the most beautiful is the Cowell-Purisima Coastal Trail and the Bluff Trail for tide pooling at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve.

READ MORE:
10 Most-Worth It Beaches in Half Moon Bay, California
10 Best Hikes in Half Moon Bay, California
17 BEST Things to Do in Half Moon Bay, California

16. Seek The Sun in Santa Cruz, California

Santa Cruz is known for its laid-back vibe and beautiful coastline, which includes some of the state’s most incredible beaches!

Head to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, explore the redwood forests at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and the cute downtown.

Don’t miss the surf culture and the historic roller coaster! Plus, the local food scene is fantastic, from seafood to farm-to-table eateries.

READ MORE:
12 BEST Beaches in Santa Cruz
24 AWESOME Things to Do in Santa Cruz
9 TOP Hikes in Santa Cruz

17. Head into Monterey, California

In Monterey, you can explore Cannery Row, take a scenic drive along 17-mile Drive, and find plenty of coastline to surf and paddle. Don’t forget to visit Fisherman’s Wharf for fresh seafood and fun shopping.

Monterey has natural beauty and attractions, but don’t miss out on the nearby cute town of Carmel-by-the-Sea!

READ MORE:
20 TOP Things To Do in Monterey, California
18 Best Hikes in Monterey to Tackle!

18. Road Trip Through Big Sur, California

Big Sur is all about jaw-dropping coastal views along one of the world’s most epic drives!

Stop by Bixby Creek Bridge, hike in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, and check out McWay Falls. This stretch of the highway is a stunning mix of rugged coastline, unlike anything you’ve seen before.

Do note road closures here are quite common because of landslides. Check road conditions here.

As you head south, you’ll come out the other side after passing through Cambria and Morro Bay. At this point, you’ll head inland, but fret not!

READ MORE:
9 BEST Hikes in Big Sur
16 Best Stops on a Big Sur Drive

19. Go Inland to San Luis Obispo, California

San Luis Obispo is a small blimp inland on the PCH, but what it lacks in coast, it more than makes up for.

Visit the quirky Bubblegum Alley, explore the historic Mission San Luis Obispo, and enjoy some of the best hikes in the area like up Terrace Hill for some great views.

Check out the lively downtown area and the nearby wine country before heading right back to the California coast!

READ MORE:
14 BEST Things to Do in San Luis Obispo
10 BEST San Luis Obispo Beaches

20. Back to the Coast at Pismo Beach, California

Pismo Beach is known for its classic beach town vibes with a dash of retro that takes you back. Take a stroll on the beautiful pier, drive on the Oceano Dunes, and enjoy the laid-back beachy atmosphere.

It’s the perfect spot to unwind and soak up the sun or tackle the surf.

READ MORE:
16 BEST Things to Do in Pismo Beach

21. Detour to Solvang, California

Solvang offers a taste of Denmark in the heart of California. This is one of the cutest towns on the West Coast that looks like Europe and is just a few minutes off of Hwy 101.

Wander through the charming streets, enjoy Danish pastries, and visit the historic missions. It’s a delightful detour “to another continent.” The town’s wineries and scenic countryside make for a perfect day trip.

READ MORE:
14 TOP Things to Do in Solvang, California

22. See Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara is a blend of Mediterranean charm and California cool. Check out the historic Mission Santa Barbara, relax on the beautiful beaches, and stroll along State Street for shopping and dining.

The city’s stunning architecture and art scene make it a top destination, backed by the remarkable Santa Ynez Mountains.

23. Visit Los Angeles, California

LA is all about glitz, glamour, and beaches. Visit Santa Monica Pier, explore Venice Beach and the canals, and take a drive through Malibu.

LA offers endless entertainment and stunning coastal views. Don’t miss the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the eclectic neighborhoods.

24. Finish it Off in San Diego, California

End your road trip in sunny San Diego. Wander Balboa Park, relax on the beaches, and visit the historic Gaslamp Quarter.

With its laid-back vibe and endless attractions, San Diego is the perfect finale for your Pacific Coast Highway road trip.

PCH Road Trip Itinerary Options

Depending on how much time you have and what activities you like, where you stop along this PCH road trip will depend—There’s a lot to see, and organizing your time can be tricky.

Factors like whether you must go from Seattle to San Diego or just drive through WA and OR and not CA also matter. Also, if you’re trying to get from Seattle to San Diego in the quickest time possible, taking the coastal road is NOT the best option!

Here’s a quick rundown of the major stops you can make depending on your time. Of course, plenty of other spots exist for you to fill in the gaps.

Short Itinerary (5-7 days)

700 miles and over 15 hours

Major Stops: Seattle, Olympic National Park, Cannon Beach, Brookings.

Medium Itinerary (10-14 days)

900 miles and over 20 hours

Major Stops: Seattle, Olympic National Park, Cannon Beach, Brookings, Crescent City, Redwood National and State Parks, Mendicino.

Long Itinerary (14-21+ days)

1,700 miles and over 30 hours

Major Stops: Seattle, Olympic National Park, Cannon Beach, Brookings, Crescent City, Redwood National and State Parks, Mendicino, San Francisco, Big Sur, Los Angeles, San Diego.

We hope this guide helped you plan your Pacific Coast Highway road trip!