12 Beautiful Stops Along The Pacific Coast Highway For Your Next Road Trip

One of the most iconic routes in the U.S., the Pacific Coast Highway — often referred to as the PCH — rightly earns its place as a road trip worth ticking off the bucket list. Whether you take it on in segments or set out to accomplish the entire thing, there are virtually endless sights and experiences to take advantage of along the way. 

Officially known as California State Route 1, or Highway 1, the entirety of the Pacific Coast Highway stretches from Dana Point — around 60 miles south of Los Angeles — up to near Leggett, California. From there, travelers can continue north along the coast on Highway 101 towards Washington's Olympic Peninsula. While the PCH technically refers to California's Highway 1, many travelers use the term more broadly to include the dramatic coastlines of California, Washington, and Oregon. The most stunning stops on California's Pacific Coast Highway include lighthouses, historic bridges, and redwood trees so colossal that cars can drive right through them. But there's also a lot more to see north of California's 656-mile stretch.

North of Leggett, Highway 101 continues for nearly 1,000 miles into Oregon and Washington. It passes national and state parks, beaches, sand dunes, and welcoming towns. To really make the most of your journey, give yourself at least two weeks to drive the entire route. If you're just taking on the California portion, a length of at least six to seven days provides enough time to soak it in. For some trip inspiration along the West Coast, here are 12 beautiful stops not to be missed on your adventure, listed in order from north to south.

Olympic National Park spans coastline, forests, and mountains, and it encompasses more than 922,000 acres, which are mostly inland in the dramatic highland areas of the Olympic Peninsula. The National Park Service also manages several stretches of the Pacific Coast, including Giants Graveyard, a rugged shoreline scattered with sea stacks, and the famed Rialto Beach, a paradise to spot wildlife with serene coastal views.

Highway 101 largely skirts Olympic National Park, but in some places along the coast, it goes directly through the park's protected areas. While Rialto Beach is about a 20-minute drive off the route from Forks, Washington, if you continue south for another 27 miles, you'll basically be delivered directly to Ruby Beach, home to the most iconic sea stacks in America. This atmospheric beach is tree-lined, rugged, and strewn with huge pieces of storm-tossed driftwood. You can take in the view quickly from the overlook, or if you have a bit more time and the tide is low, it's a fantastic tidepooling spot. When there's a minus tide — a very low tide that falls below the average water level mark — the diverse marine life typically obscured in the water is revealed for a few hours. Popular tidepooling beaches like this, in addition to nearby Beach 4 in Kalaloch and Hole in the Wall in Mora, are lively with people looking for colorful sea stars and anemones, so it's a joy to join in the fun.

Cape Disappointment State Park has a long and dramatic history. This region around the Columbia River Bar is treacherous — it's known as the "Graveyard of the Pacific" as around 2,000 ships have sunk in the area. In the 1700s, it was where some of the first interactions between West Coast Indigenous tribes and Europeans took place. Traders sought to establish a commercial route they referred to as the "Northwest Passage" that, if it existed, would have saved an enormous amount of time for ships sailing between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Explorers like Captain John Meares searched for the mouth of the Columbia River, but was unsuccessful, so he named the dramatic promontory after his dismay. Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark arrived later in 1805, and a monument dedicated to their journey is located here.

Cape Disappointment State Park sits just west of the town of Ilwaco, which Highway 101 runs right through. The park's entrance is just 1 mile from downtown, and you'll find Beard's Hollow Viewpoint right on North Head Road. Bell's Overlook sits on a wonderful short hiking trail, with the North Head Lighthouse rising just beyond. The park features World War II ruins, an interpretive center, freshwater lakes, trails, and more. Toward the southern end of the park, you'll find Cape Disappointment Lighthouse, Washington's oldest operational lighthouse, and the views are incredible from Deadman's Cove.

If you've ever seen the 1985 cult classic "The Goonies," you'll likely recognize some of the architecture and dramatic coastal landscapes of both Astoria and Cannon Beach, which sit about 25 miles apart along Oregon's northern coast. Astoria is Oregon's top coastal town, a storybook port with Victorian charm and ethereal beauty. Its quaint downtown is matched only by the picturesque views of the Columbia River — the largest river system in the Pacific Northwest — from The Astoria Column observation deck. Located on a prominent hill above town, the 125-foot column was completed in 1926 and was modeled after the Column of Trajan in Rome, and is adorned in historic imagery.

Downtown Astoria is easily accessible from Highway 101, which heads north across the monumental Astoria-Megler Bridge to Washington, and it's well worth a visit for its historic architecture and charming shops. Stop by the Columbia River Maritime Museum or grab a hot beverage at one of numerous coffee shops.

As you continue south on Highway 101, you'll encounter Cannon Beach, where the iconic Haystack Rock rises 235 feet out of the ocean. If you have time for a little detour, head to Ecola State Park, where you can walk along stunning beaches and take in views of myriad sea stacks, including Haystack Rock, from Ecola Point.

In 1775, eight years before Captain John Meares attempted to find the mouth of the Columbia River, Spanish explorer Bruno de Heceta set out to find it. However, the current of what's now known as the Columbia River Bar was so strong that he couldn't enter — not to mention the intense resistance from local Quinault Indigenous warriors who sought to protect their land. Heceta is the namesake of this striking Oregon promontory, featuring a historic, postcard-worthy lighthouse and stunning views over the cliff-lined coast. The lighthouse itself is 56 feet tall, and it was first illuminated in 1894. Between March and October, you can generally visit the ground floor of the lighthouse from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. the rest of the year.

A trail from the main parking area runs for half a mile to the viewpoint. The assistant keeper's house, which you'll pass along the walk, is one of the oldest still standing in the state. You can stay there overnight to soak up one of the most photographed lighthouses on the Oregon coast, as it currently operates as a bed and breakfast. It features six rooms with antique decor and paths connecting to both the lighthouse and the beach below.

A unique network of free public parks right off Highway 101, Redwood National and State Parks have fantastic hiking opportunities through ancient forests full of colossal old-growth trees. Take the 10-mile scenic route  known as the Newton B. Drury Scenic Byway, which connects conveniently to Highway 101. Redwood National and State Parks offer myriad opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. You'll find 170 collective miles of hiking trails and 50 miles of cycling routes. Ranger-led programs include guided summer kayaking excursions in the Smith River.

Redwood National and State Parks comprises three state parks and one national park, extending along California's northern coast. There are five visitor centers in total, three of which are located toward the northern end near Crescent City and Hiouchi. The Prairie Creek Visitor Center is located on the Newton B. Drury Scenic Byway, and the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center is right on Highway 101 toward the southern end, where you'll also have beach access. If you can't get enough redwoods, continue south on Highway 101 to Humboldt Redwoods State Park, America's "highest-rated state park" and a lush California paradise of towering trees. 

Many of the most beautiful stops you'll encounter along the Pacific Coast Highway are natural wonders, ranging from bluff-lined beaches to towering, centuries-old forests. But there are a number of immanently charming towns along the way, too, and one not to be missed is the artsy community of Mendocino. In this coastal village, beautiful foliage and weathered facades harbor hidden gems like GoodLife Cafe and Bakery, The Waiting Room by Cafe Beaujolais, and Mendocino Cafe.

Located about 53 miles south of Leggett, California, where Highway 1 joins with the PCH, Mendocino makes for a lovely stop on your route or a perfect base camp for exploring Northern California. Characterized by unique Victorian architecture and funky seaside houses, the town is a pleasant stopover along the way for picturesque scenery, browsing local shops, and an overnight stay at one of the inviting inns and B&Bs located in preserved historic homes.

When it comes to metropolitan hubs in the U.S., few are as scenic as San Francisco. Its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, bay views, dramatic headlands, and architecture like the Victorian "Painted Ladies" are well worth stopping for, as the PCH runs directly through the city. Both Highway 1 and Highway 101 cross the famous Art Deco-style Golden Gate Bridge. From there, the two highways split. Highway 1 follows the western side of town, starting in the Presidio and heading through Golden Gate Park. If you'd prefer to explore downtown, follow Highway 101 eastbound and then reconnect with Highway 1 at the southern edge of the city when you're ready to continue your coastal journey. 

San Francisco is a spectacular place to start your road trip because you can easily fly in and rent a car here. Head north or south for briefer stints along the Pacific Coast Highway, or stay a while and discover San Francisco's vibrant neighborhoods, including the Embarcadero, the coolest part of the city.

About 124 miles south of San Francisco on the PCH, Monterey is a Central Coast gem known for its beautiful rocky shoreline. The historic city center, known as Cannery Row, consists of historic fish cannery buildings that have been converted into trendy restaurants, galleries, and boutiques. Fisherman's Wharf is a lively destination for shopping and restaurants serving seafood and chowder. Cannery Row is also home to the fabulous Monterey Bay Aquarium, one of the city's prime attractions that highlights the wonders of ocean life.

If you have a bit of time, bike or hike along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, which spans a total of 18 miles from the small community of Pacific Grove to the little town of Castroville. Along the way, you're bound to spot some of the bay's bountiful marine wildlife, including seals, sea otters, and more.

South of Monterey by just 4 miles, Carmel-by-the-Sea — often referred to simply as Carmel — is endlessly charming. It's also famous for being address-free — in fact, it's the only town in America with no street addresses, but it may lose that charming tradition. Carmel is a magnet for artists and boasts an astounding number of art galleries. It's a lovely place to walk around and enjoy the storybook atmosphere. Carmel's spectacular white sand beach is a hot spot for surfers, and it's dog-friendly, too.

Big Sur has ignited the imaginations of writers and artists for decades, including novelists Henry Miller and Jack Kerouac, photographers Henry Gilpin and Ansel Adams, and many others. From the moment you arrive, you'll understand why. This otherworldly coastal stretch is often what springs to mind when someone refers to California's Central Coast, with its tumbling mountains, steep cliffs, and sandy beaches. One of the most iconic — and most photographed — sights along the whole of Highway 1 is Bixby Creek Bridge. Don't miss stops at Pfeiffer Beach, Point Sur Lighthouse, and lunch on the terrace at Nepenthe, a beloved restaurant known for its excellent sandwiches and epic views.

Big Sur is a 90-mile stretch of coastline that extends from Monterey down to Hearst Castle near San Simeon. While planning this leg of your journey, be sure to check the road conditions ahead of time, as weather-related closures are not uncommon in Big Sur.  Among other temporary repair projects, long-term closures related to the Regent's Slide Landslide have been in effect since 2024. As of this writing, this particular section is set to reopen in late March 2026. If you have the time to spare for potential detours, Big Sur is well worth exploring, with many stunning vistas and unique small villages to stop in along the way.

Hearst Castle, which sits above the village of San Simeon, is an incredible testament to the bygone era of Gilded Age luxury. The estate and its surrounding grounds encompass around a quarter of a million acres. The castle itself — which newspaper publishing mogul William Randolph Hearst transformed into a sprawling palatial residence, with renowned architect Julia Morgan at the helm — must be seen to be believed. Even though he never saw the project completed, the castle includes 165 rooms and 123 acres of gardens, walkways, and pools. For the history and architecture-lovers among us, this is a must-stop along the PCH.

The community of San Simeon is a small, atmospheric place with a handful of seaside hotels and easy beach access. It has an elephant seal viewing point with accessible walkways that allow you to see dozens of these roly-poly marine mammals lazing on the shore. Toward the southern end of town, Hearst San Simeon State Park offers picturesque boardwalks and trails along the Pacific Ocean, including access to beautiful Moonstone Beach just over 1 mile south near Cambria.

Located just west of Malibu and only an hour from downtown Los Angeles by car — sans traffic — Point Dume State Beach is a stunning destination off of Highway 1. Situated on a point jutting out into the ocean, the coastline is rugged and characterized by dramatic cliffs and soft sand. From December to April, this is a popular spot to look for gray whales as they migrate north, and the beach is a great place to set up in the sun and take a dip in the ocean. Along with its sandy shoreline, this area also hosts a nature preserve with an ancient sand dune. Hike to the dune and enjoy sweeping views of Santa Monica Bay, the Santa Monica Mountains, and even Catalina Island along the way. Given its proximity to Malibu, you may even spot a few stars here.  

One of several Orange County gems like Seal Beach, Newport Beach, and Irvine, Laguna Beach is an artsy enclave with a lively and charming downtown. It has a number of public beaches and small, picturesque coves that make for gorgeous photos and family-friendly afternoons alike. Its hilly vibes and downtown — chock-full of galleries, shops, and eateries — are a great complement to cliffside walks through Heisler Park and Monument Point. Montage Laguna Beach is a five-star luxury resort overlooking the ocean, if you're looking to treat yourself, but the public is invited to wander the hotel's grounds to enjoy stunning views from the bluff and access to Treasure Beach, which sits adjacent to the hotel. 

During your beach walks, don't miss Crystal Cove State Park, which sits between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. Its namesake cove with an array of funky cottages has been preserved as a public beach, where you can visit the on-site restaurant called The Beachcomber and extend your stay by renting one of the cottages. The coastal part of the park is relatively small with gorgeous trails and easy beach access, but you can also head inland into a much larger area with heart-pumping hikes and views from higher elevations.

The Pacific Coast Highway brims with natural beauty, quirky tourist stops, and rich history. It's worth returning to over and over again for experiences that will be unique every time. To highlight the most beautiful stops along the route, the author drew on her own experiences traveling the vast majority of the PCH — some stretches multiple times. She supplemented these insights with reviews, recommendations, and discussions from other travelers on sites like Tripadvisor, Google Reviews, and Reddit.

In addition to tourism board websites such as Oregon.com, VisitCalifornia.com, SeeMonterey.com, and CarmelCalifornia.com, we looked to popular PCH-related travel blogs such as Roadtrippers.com and Highway1Roadtrip.com for suggested destinations. For location-specific information such as local history, opening hours, potential closures, and visitor amenities, we relied on official sources such as NPS.gov, PNT.org, Parks.WA.gov, StateParks.Oregon.gov, Roads.DOT.CA.gov, MontereyWharf.com, InnsofMendocino.com, HearstCastle.com, CrystalCove.org, and more.