12 Must-Do Activities Along the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to Los Angeles

Lindsay & Justin
1 day ago
9 min read

ALL GUIDES / NORTH AMERICA / USA - CALIFORNIA

Welcome to our Pacific Coast Highway adventure guide! Often hailed as America's ultimate road trip, this iconic coastal journey offers breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. Our comprehensive guide will save you countless hours of planning, as we've meticulously mapped this journey ourselves, testing each viewpoint, trail, and eatery to ensure your trip runs smoothly.

While driving the PCH is magnificent on its own, our guide focuses on bucket list activities beyond the road - from witnessing massive 5,000-pound elephant seals in their natural habitat to sampling award-winning Pinot Noir in Edna Valley's picturesque vineyards.

We've curated authentic California must-do activities along the Pacific Coast Highway through our selection of stunning viewpoints, local cuisine, and craft beverages. Join us as we journey from the towering redwood forests of Northern California to the iconic Santa Monica Pier in the south, showcasing the best this legendary route has to offer.

12 Breathtaking Viewpoints Worth Stopping For

1. Monterey Bay

We spent a full day exploring Monterey during our Pacific Coast Highway journey through California. Don't miss the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium with its towering kelp forest exhibit and playful sea otters! Just a short walk away, we watched harbor seals lounging on the rocks at Sister City Park (we have pinned this location in our California Google Map). The highlight was driving the iconic 17-Mile Drive where we marveled at the Lone Cypress perched dramatically on its rocky outcrop before enjoying a delicious lunch in charming Carmel-by-the-Sea with its fairy-tale cottages and upscale boutiques.

Sea lion lounging on a rocky shore, gazing at the camera. Rippling blue water in the background creates a peaceful ambiance.

Boats with colorful tarps float on a calm bay, surrounded by distant hills and a pier. A sea lion's head is visible in the water.

2. Bixby Bridge Vista Point

We stopped at this iconic California landmark on our Pacific Coast Highway road trip and were blown away by the views. This concrete masterpiece stands a dramatic 280 feet above the rugged Big Sur coastline and dates back to 1932. We arrived after 5pm to avoid crowds and got perfect photos without other tourists in our shots. Pro tip: stop at the parking lot we have pinned in our map on the south side of the Bixby Bridge for an epic view of both the Bixby Bridge and coastline (pictured below).

A person in a blue shirt gazes at a coastal landscape with cliffs and ocean waves. Clear sky above, creating a serene mood.

3. Point Lobos State Reserve

We spent nearly half a day exploring the incredible 7.4-mile loop trail at Point Lobos. This trail showcases the best of California's coastal ecosystem with dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and abundant wildlife. We spotted sea otters playing in the kelp beds and a group of harbor seals sunning on the rocks! The Cypress Grove Trail section was our favorite part with its twisted, ancient trees. Bring water and snacks as there are minimal facilities once you're on the trails. We go into lots more detail in our Big Sur 3-Day Itinerary.

A person with a backpack hikes through lush coastal vegetation, heading towards white rocky cliffs. The scene is serene and natural.

4. Elephant Seal Vista Point

Don't miss the incredible Elephant Seal Vista Point during your Pacific Coast Highway adventure! You'll be amazed at the massive elephant seals lounging on the beach below. The males can grow up to 16 feet long and weigh 5,000 pounds! Plan to spend about 30 minutes watching these magnificent creatures from the well-maintained boardwalk. December through March is the best time to visit for breeding and birthing season when the beach is absolutely packed with seals.

A seal with its mouth open faces the ocean, showing a textured brown skin. The water is blue and white, creating a lively seaside vibe. — Photo from Unsplash

5. Solvang

Make sure to visit this charming Danish village tucked away just a short detour from the Pacific Coast Highway. Stroll past authentic windmills, sample freshly baked aebleskiver (Danish pancake balls), and browse the unique boutiques selling Scandinavian imports. The architecture will transport you straight to Denmark with its half-timbered buildings and flower-lined streets. Don't miss Mortensen's Bakery for some of the best Danish pastries in California and Copenhagen Sausage Garden for a fun beer garden atmosphere with warm pretzels!

Sign reading "The Solvang Bakery" with a pretzel hangs in front of a building with a windmill in the background, under a clear sky. — Photo from Unsplash

6. Pismo Beach

We stopped at the famous Splash Cafe in Pismo Beach for their legendary clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl. The line was out the door, but it moved quickly and was absolutely worth the wait! We grabbed our steaming chowder and enjoyed it at a nearby bench overlooking the classic California beach scene with surfers catching waves. Their homemade chowder has won awards for good reason - it was creamy, packed with clams, and the perfect meal on a foggy coastal day.

We found an incredible and secluded access point to Prismo Beach (pictured below) that we have pinned on our California Google Map to easy access during your travels.

Man in a dark shirt and floral shorts walks down wooden steps to a sandy beach. Greenery and ocean visible, creating a serene mood.

Surfer rides a wave near a wooden pier on a sunny day. The ocean is green and white with frothy waves. "Nom's Brew Views" text visible.

Clam chowder in a bread bowl on a plate with a black spoon, foil-wrapped bread beside. Person's hands in background on a tiled table.

7. Montana de Oro State Park

We hiked the Bluff Trail at Montana de Oro and were blown away by the rugged coastline views. This easy 3.4-mile loop took us along dramatic cliffs where we watched massive waves crash against the rocks and spotted harbor seals playing in protected coves. The wildflowers are spectacular in spring, creating fields of golden poppies that gave this park its name ("Mountain of Gold"). Pack water and snacks as there are no facilities along the trail.

Dew-covered spiderweb among brown and green plants glistening in sunlight. The atmosphere is serene and natural.

Man in sunglasses and a cap smiles on rocky coastline with crashing waves. He's wearing a backpack and colorful shorts. Foggy sky.

Seabirds perched on rocky cliffs by a turbulent sea. The rocks show layers of white, brown, and yellow. Ocean waves crash below.

8. San Luis Obispo

Don't miss San Luis Obispo's thriving wine and brewery scene. First head for a stroll on Higuera Street and pop in to a brewery, BBQ joint, or pizza spot that calls your name. Then, head to Tolosa Winery in the Edna Valley to sample their excellent Pinot Noir while enjoying vineyard views of the surrounding California countryside. Downtown SLO offers a lively atmosphere and excellent farm-to-table restaurants featuring local Central Coast ingredients.

Pigeon on a restaurant table with a menu, glasses, and rolled napkins against an orange wall. Succulent plant in a green pot, calm setting. — Photo from Unsplash

9. Santa Barbara

We wandered along Stearns Wharf for breathtaking Pacific Ocean views before exploring the Funk Zone, Santa Barbara's hip arts district filled with tasting rooms, galleries, and boutiques. We loved the urban wine trail where we could sample local vintages without leaving the city. State Street offered fantastic shopping and dining options - we grabbed ice cream at McConnell's while wandering the streets and popping our heads into local shops. The Spanish-style architecture throughout the city created a distinctly Mediterranean atmosphere.

Woman in pink cap and backpack leans on a pier rail, overlooking an ocean with mountains and palm trees in the background, under a clear sky.

Outdoor cafe with black and orange umbrellas under palm trees. A person is seated at a table, sunny day with a relaxed mood.

10. Ventura

Stop at MadeWest Brewery in Ventura for an impressive beer selection and ocean-view patio - try their Pale Ale, a perfect refreshment during your Pacific Coast Highway journey!

For an unforgettable experience, take a day trip boat excursion to Channel Islands National Park where you can hike along pristine trails and spot rare island fox species found nowhere else on earth. The islands offer a glimpse of what coastal California looked like centuries ago before development (we have pinned this boat tour in our California Google Map). You'll want to book "Ventura to Scorpion Cove - SCI" and a day visitor round trip fare is around $70/adult in 2025.

Cliffs with greenery frame a view of the blue ocean under a partly cloudy sky. Waves crash on a small pebbled beach below. — Photo from Unsplash

11. Malibu

Pull over at Neptune's Net, the iconic seafood shack featured in countless movies, where you can devour fresh fish tacos while watching motorcyclists and surfers gather at this legendary Pacific Coast Highway stop. Later, hike the moderate 3-mile Sandstone Peak Trail which rewards visitors with panoramic views of the ocean and mountains. Point Dume State Beach offered perfect tide pooling opportunities where we spotted colorful sea stars and anemones clinging to the rocks.

Make sure to check out the Cove Trail, with such romantic coastal views, we saw a sunset proposal being set up!

Rocky coastline with waves crashing against dark boulders. Brown and green vegetation on a cliff. Overcast sky, creating a serene mood.

Person in sunglasses relaxes inside van, looking at tranquil ocean and sandy beach through the open back. Casual, restful mood.

12. Santa Monica Pier

We spent our final evening on the California coast walking the historic Santa Monica Pier with its iconic Pacific Park amusement rides glowing against the sunset. The vintage carousel and Ferris wheel provided nostalgic photo opportunities. Afterward, we strolled to nearby Third Street Promenade for McConnell's Fine Ice Creams, where we enjoyed their small-batch flavors made with local ingredients. Their Eureka Lemon & Marionberries was the perfect sweet ending to our Pacific Coast Highway adventure.

Ferris wheel labeled Pacific Park with vibrant yellow and blue lights, set against a cloudy sky. Palm tree and yellow coaster track visible.

Colorful mural of a woman with a flower in her hair on a building, surrounded by trees. Lit string lights add a festive feel.

Hand holds McConnell's ice cream in front of a sign reading "The Best Ice Cream in the World..." by TIME. Creamy textures and bright colors.

Budget-Friendly Accommodation Options

Camping at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

We camped at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park during our Pacific Coast Highway adventure and loved being surrounded by towering redwoods and the soothing sounds of the Big Sur River. We reserved our spot several months in advance (these campsites book up quickly in California!) and were rewarded with a spacious site that could easily fit multiple tents if needed and had a fire ring where we cooked dinner under the stars. The campground has clean restrooms with paid showers - a luxury after a day of hiking the nearby trails.

Man cooking on camp stove by a van; woman lounges inside with a drink. Tent and chairs nearby, set amidst trees. Daylight scene.

Affordable hotel options like Bella Capri Inn & Suites

We spent a comfortable night at Bella Capri Inn & Suites in Camarillo during our Pacific Coast Highway journey. This budget-friendly gem is just the right size with comfortable beds, mini-fridges, and free WiFi. The location was perfect - just a short drive from the PCH but far enough inland to avoid the premium coastal hotel prices.

Hostel accommodations like HI Los Angeles Santa Monica Hostel

We stayed at the HI Los Angeles Santa Monica Hostel on our final night traveling the Pacific Coast Highway and were impressed by its unbeatable location just blocks from the beach. This clean, well-maintained hostel offered both private rooms and dorms at a fraction of nearby hotel prices. We loved the free breakfast and the social atmosphere in the common areas where we met fellow travelers and exchanged Pacific Coast Highway tips.

A coastal road winds along rugged cliffs, overlooking the ocean with waves crashing against rocks. Misty hills rise in the background.

Sustainable Travel Tips for the PCH

Best times to visit to avoid crowds and traffic

We drove the Pacific Coast Highway in mid-September and were thrilled with our timing! The summer crowds had disappeared, yet the weather remained sunny and pleasant for most of our journey along the California coast. We found that weekday travel (especially Tuesday through Thursday) meant significantly less traffic around popular spots like Big Sur and Santa Monica. Heading out early in the morning (before 9am) also helped us beat the tour buses at iconic viewpoints like Bixby Bridge.

Public parking options along sections of the route

We found several free public parking spots along the Pacific Coast Highway during our trip through California. The vista points along Big Sur offered quick pull-off photo opportunities without parking fees, though they filled quickly by mid-morning. We also used the free parking at Garrapata State Park for coastal trail access. For beach towns like Carmel and Santa Barbara, we parked a few blocks inland to avoid expensive waterfront parking fees and have pinned these parking lots to our California Google Map.

Sandy beach with a rock formation by the ocean. Green and brown vegetation cover a hillside in the foreground. Calm, sunny atmosphere.

Supporting local businesses and eco-friendly attractions

We made it a priority to support local businesses during our Pacific Coast Highway adventure, from family-owned seafood shacks to independent craft breweries. The Monterey Bay Aquarium impressed us with their sustainable seafood program and ocean conservation efforts that extend far beyond just being a tourist attraction.

Leave No Trace principles for PCH travelers

We practiced Leave No Trace principles throughout our Pacific Coast Highway journey, always packing out what we packed in at beaches and viewpoints. We were careful to stay on designated trails at places like Point Lobos to protect the fragile coastal ecosystem and never approached wildlife like the elephant seals at Piedras Blancas. We also brought reusable water bottles and shopping bags to minimize single-use plastic waste during our California road trip, which helped us avoid contributing to ocean pollution.

Seals resting on a sandy beach, one in foreground scratching its face. The scene is sunlit with seals appearing relaxed and peaceful.

FAQ Section: Pacific Coast Highway Guide

Q: What is the best time of year to drive the Pacific Coast Highway?

A: Mid-September through early November offers warm days with less fog, coinciding with monarch butterfly season at Natural Bridges State Beach (Aug-Oct).

Q: How long should I allow for a Pacific Coast Highway road trip?

A: We recommend 7-10 days for a comprehensive experience, though shorter 3-day trips focusing on either northern or southern sections still provide amazing views.

Person with backpack stands on a coastal path, overlooking the ocean with waves and rocky cliffs. Foreground has yellow bushes, clear sky.

Q: Where are the best photo opportunities along the PCH?

A: Don't miss Bixby Bridge at golden hour, McWay Falls with its waterfall cascading onto the beach, and Point Lobos State Reserve's dramatic cypress trees on rocky outcroppings.

Q: Is the Pacific Coast Highway suitable for budget travelers?

A: Yes! Save money by camping at state parks ($35/night), staying at hostels like HI Santa Monica, and enjoying free activities like hiking coastal trails and visiting public beaches.

Q: What are the must-try local foods along the PCH?

A: Sample clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls at Splash Cafe, taste wines at Edna Valley vineyards, and enjoy craft beers with ocean views at breweries like MadeWest and Figueroa Mountain.

Turquoise houseboat among sailboats on a calm sea, with a distant shoreline under a clear blue sky. Text: "NOMSBREWSVIEWS" at the bottom.

Experiencing the Pacific Coast Highway's Magic

The Pacific Coast Highway offers far more than just a scenic drive. From hiking ancient redwood forests and spotting wildlife at Elephant Seal Vista Point to exploring Danish-inspired villages and sampling award-winning cuisine, each stop along this iconic route presents an opportunity to create lasting memories.

These diverse activities allow travelers to truly connect with California's coastal culture - whether you're surfing alongside locals in Santa Cruz, savoring fresh seafood at family-owned establishments, or learning about marine conservation at world-class aquariums. The PCH isn't just a road; it's a gateway to authentic California experiences.

Ready to plan your own Pacific Coast Highway adventure? Download our California Google Map and free AllTrails Guide to trails. Follow our journey on Instagram @Noms.Brews.Views for weekly travel inspiration and tag us in your own PCH photos using #nomsbrewsviews. We can't wait to see how you experience this magnificent coastal journey!