Dreaming about an epic road trip along the sunny coast of California like me? I was actually supposed to visit the Golden State with work this month, which was cancelled due to COVID. But look no further! I've got a list of amazing stops for your road trip down (or up) the Californian coast that you can't miss (once you’re allowed to travel). A road trip on the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) is an unforgettable vacation and the best way to see many things the state has to offer. Waterfalls, beaches, theme parks - name it and find it along the way. Whether you have a week or a month - you can find a sweet road trip itinerary that fits your wishes best. But being one of the most scenic drives in the world, I strongly advise you to take your sweet time to enjoy this beautiful state to the fullest.
While living in San Francisco, I of course had to take a trip down south along the coast, too. A California road trip was actually right on the top of my travel bucket list. I was particularly lucky as my boyfriend is originally from Northern California and went to college in Southern California, so there was no better company for this trip.
San Francisco
As we were living in San Francisco at that time we naturally started our road trip in San Francisco. However, it's a good place to start for everyone. I would definitely recommend a north to south trip, as the weather in the south is hotter and you can get some nice and relaxed days at the beach after a long road trip. The trickiest thing about starting your trip in San Francisco: the city and the surrounding area is so amazing, that you might not want to leave at all. If you need some travel tips, check out my post about the top 10 sights in San Francisco.
Half Moon Bay
Just South of San Francisco (Route 1 from Daly City) you will be led right to the coast. The view in general is amazing but there are some really picturesque little towns as well the beach community Half Moon Bay. Their beaches are perfect for a walk or picnic and you might be able to see some really big waves up here. You might want to check out the Ritz Carlton, which is located on a cliff overlooking the ocean and have an afternoon drink there.
Muir Woods
There are quite some places North of San Francisco that you might want to consider visiting a well before you start heading South. Just North of San Francisco you can find several National Monuments and Parks to admire the big Redwood Trees. It is a great destination for a day trip from the city but should also be a pit stop on your California road trip.
Napa and Sonoma Valley
Also North of San Francisco is Napa Valley, one of the world’s best wine regions. You can tour several wineries so make sure you either have a designated driver or hire your wine tour with a third-party company, which drives you around. If you feel like Napa is too touristy for you, you might want to try Sonoma Valley, which is like a smaller and lesser-known version of Napa.
Santa Barbara
The great thing about Santa Barbra is the city's vibe. It's small enough to explore quite a bit in just a few days or even hours but it is still big enough to have a great nightlife and bar scene. The bad thing about Santa Barbara is that you don't want to leave Santa Barbara (or at least come back again later). The 1786 Mission Santa Barbara is the city's main cultural landmark but you can find several Mission-style buildings all through the city, which gives it a charming Mediterranean flair - after all, the city's nick name is the American Riviera. Bonus points if your boyfriend went to college in this area and can show you the campus (right next to the beach - step aside German universities!).
Big Sur
This place should be on everyone's Bucket List! Even though you will absolutely be able to see the beauty of this area at first sight, I recommend giving yourself a day or two to soak everything in. It's Big Sur after all! Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge might be under constructions though so there's no guarantee that you can cross this extraordinary stretch of the PCH. However, Big Sur is more a state of mind rather than a specific point on a map so there's no harm in not crossing the bridge.
Santa Monica
Who hasn't seen pictures from the famous Santa Monica Pier? It was always a dream of mine to ride the ferris wheel at the pier! This palm tree-speckled city combines California's seaside charm with the buzz of neighboring Los Angeles and should definitely be on your bucket list. Santa Monica has an average of 340 sunny days per year and a solid 3.5 miles of beach!
San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo is a beachy and laid back stop for your road trip. Pismo Beach lets you enjoy various activities such as fishing, surfing and sunbathing. Even though I personally do not get the hype about Bubblegum Alley - a 70-foot long alley lined with tons of gums - feel free to add yours to the collection. Other interesting stops are Black Hill, Bishop Peak and the Botanical Garden.
Los Angeles
No California road trip with out LA! Admittedly it's one of my least favorite places on the West Coast, but you should find out what you think about the City of Angels for yourself. After all, you will find many famous and buzzing spots like the Walk of Fame, the Universal Studios and an amazing nightlife. My personal recommendation is the Griffith Observatory!
San Diego
San Diego is for most people the most southern stop for their road trip. Balboa Park, Downtown and Old Town are a happy backpacker's dream. The Gaslight District is perfect for a great bar hopping night!
Is there any stop I forgot that needs to be added to the California road trip itinerary?
Kate recommends: My go to recommendation for anything California related is John Steinbeck. Of Mice and Men is about two men, George and and the simple-minded Lenny, who dream of a place to call their home in Hill Country. The work did not only have success as a novel, but also as a play and three films and is definitely an American classic.