Wander With WHIT: The Perfect Pacific Coast Highway California Road Trip

Ah, the summer road trip. There’s nothing quite like packing up the car and making your journey part of your destination. We recently perfected our version of the classic California road trip, which traditionally winds down the scenic Pacific Coast highway (known by the locals as PCH) hugging the coastline. The key is to start in San Francisco and end in Los Angeles, so you have the ocean on your side during the drive. Here is our recommendation of how to structure your itinerary for the perfect California road trip and the most luxurious, can’t-miss stops along the way.

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California’s Pacific Coast Highway is on the bucket list of many travelers and is a great option for first-time visitors to California, as a family-friendly summer break destination or even for active honeymooners. As California travel advisors, we’ve done this drive backwards and forwards, and there’s definitely a right way to do it so it still feels luxurious and you have enough time at each stop. Here’s our perfected Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary.

ROUTE We recommend going at your own pace based on who is traveling, what worked perfectly for us was starting with two nights in San Francisco -> three nights in Big Sur -> two nights in Santa Barbara -> and two nights in Los Angeles. The driving distance between each stop varies from 2 - 4 hours, depending on traffic which could stretch it out a bit. We’ve found the ideal length for a California Pacific Coast Highway road trip is around 8 - 10 nights. That way you aren’t lugging your luggage to the rental car each and every morning and you get to relax and enjoy each stop.

STAY In the Bay Area, the zen Nobu Palo Alto is a calm way to begin the trip and to see some of Silicon Valley’s sights. Or if your heart is set on downtown San Francisco, the brand new Four Seasons is a classic choice. In Big Sur, nothing beats Post Ranch Inn, and we actually recommend a few nights here to fully experience this breathtaking cliffside property. El Encanto is a lovely option for a retreat to anchor your time in Santa Barbara. Once you get to LA your options really open up, but we loved the exclusive feel and the location of Malibu Beach Inn.

EAT Here are some of our travel advisors’ favorite foodie-approved places from Northern to Southern California. Sons & Daughters in San Francisco for a perfect tasting menu and following it with Salt & Straw, where they serve up some of the most inventive ice cream flavors we’ve ever heard of. Carmel’s Aubergine for plates that really celebrate the bounty of the region. For breakfast, don’t miss the famed croissants and strong French Press coffee of La Bicyclette, it’s really a must before heading out of town. Big Sur’s, Nepenthe arrives just in time when the midday lunch pane hits but you want to stay lost in the tranquil view of the Pacific. Loquita Santa Barbara offers artfully presented tapas and craft cocktails right in the middle of a main shopping district and a few blocks from the water. For an atmosphere as sophisticated yet youthful as the food, Élephante Santa Monica delivers. If french-inspired brunch is calling your name, Venice Beach’s Gjusta is worth fighting the locals for a parking spot.

SEE Here are our favorite stops in order of the drive if headed south:

Lands End Lookout - if you’re up for a hike you’ll be rewarded
Half Moon Bay - an adorable little seaside town
Santa Cruz Boardwalk - a bit touristy but fun for kiddos (or child-like adults)
Monterey Bay Aquarium - a can’t miss for those with children
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve - perfect for a little stroll along the water
Bixby Bridge - yes the one from Big Little Lies!
Point Sur Lighthouse - one of many along Pacific Coast Highway
McWay Falls Pfeiffer Burns State Park - due to COVID-19 check accessibility
Hearst Castle - due to COVID-19 check accessibility
Morro Rock Beach - enjoy the marina and small town nearby as well
Monarch Butterfly Grove - late October through February
Pismo Beach Kayaking - a calm bay perfect for beginners
Old Mission Santa Barbara - a beautifully preserved area with so much history
Griffith Observatory - a classic sunset viewpoint perched above the city

PACK The weather varies quite a bit from Northern to Southern California, it does stretch almost the entire length of the U.S. after all. Be sure to pack light layers for the chilly nights on the coast. You’ll want comfortable walking shoes for San Francisco and for little stops along the trip as some of the sights require a bit of light hiking. But don’t leave your heels at home, you’ll definitely get some use out of them while in Santa Barbara and LA. If you’re traveling with your family, be sure to pack some activities the children can do in the car. Also, since California’s Pacific Coast Highway really winds along the water, it’s never a bad idea to bring along dramamine just in case.

HELPFUL TIPS

• Cell phone reception can be spotty along California’s Pacific Coast highway, be sure your maps app is loaded when you leave.

• Also be sure to gas up before heading out, stations can be few and far between along the water.

• Be mindful on some of Highway One’s turns and switchbacks, they can be a bit harrowing at times.

• Remember to always double check for cyclists and pedestrians, California roads have many people on foot.

• Both San Francisco and Los Angeles can suffer from heavy congestion, avoid peak times 7am-9am and 4pm-6pm.

• California is subject to forest fires, fog and landslides, always check your routes for safety.

• Double check where you park your car, California is known for giving out some not-so-fun parking tickets, even to visitors.
  

Ready to wander on your own with a customized itinerary? Get in touch with our team and we’ll get you ready to go!