Pacific Highway
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The Pacific Highway in California, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, or PCH, is located along the state's coast and runs from Mendocino County to Orange County. It is the longest state route in California, at around 656 miles. The highway is known for being one of the world's most iconic road trips, providing breathtaking scenery as well as access to some of the Golden State's favorite cities.
The highway officially opened in the 1930s and was part of a series of massive infrastructure undertakings intended to provide a route from Canada to Mexico through the United States. This was accomplished little by little, and the smaller segments that were built along the California coastline became known as the Pacific Coast Highway.
How to Get There
Technically, the Pacific Highway runs from Olympia, WA, all the way to San Diego, CA. When most people think of taking the trip, they generally think of California. If you want to start in Washington, the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is the closest major airport. For beginning your trip at the southernmost point, San Diego International Airport is the closest.
If you want to stick to the classic California route, flying into either the Los Angeles or San Francisco airports is a good option for beginning your adventure, depending on which direction you want to go. While there are no single bus lines that cover the entire Pacific Coast Highway, there are several buses that cover different sections of it. If you desire to experience the Pacific Coast Highway by train, Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner is a 351-mile rail route that has portions that hug the Southern California coast, stopping off in such cities as Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Diego, and San Luis Obispo.
Rent an RV For Your Visit to Pacific Highway
Visit Pacific Highway
The Pacific Coast Highway features winding roads, stunning mountain passes, and gorgeous vistas. Visitors from all over the world flock to California to take the scenic drive down this highway. The views across the journey can be incredibly diverse, including miles of redwood forests and sequoias, crashing waves against cliffs, and unforgettable sunsets.
Big Sur is a popular destination for those traveling along the PCH. This mostly uninhabited area features everything from redwood forests to sandy beaches. Literary buffs will be excited to be in the setting of one of Jack Kerouac's most popular books. Visitors may also want to check out McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer State Park. Other stops along your route should include the Santa Monica Pier, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, and Fort Bragg Glass Beach.
The best times to make the trip up or down the Pacific Coast Highway are in the late spring, summer, and early fall. This way, you are least likely to encounter rain and can enjoy a swim at one of the many beaches you will encounter along the way.
Ticket Information
A ticket is not required to travel along the Pacific Coast Highway, but some attractions that you may want to visit along the route will require reservations.
Family-Friendly Options
There are so many family-friendly activities available along the Pacific Coast Highway that it can feel limitless. When in the LA area, the Santa Monica Pier is a must for the kids. You can enjoy arcade games, carnival food, and lots of rides. There is even a Ferris wheel that will put you high above the crowd and give you an excellent view of the beach below.
When you pass through Pismo Beach, a fun activity for the family is a visit to Avila Valley Barn. Here, you and the little ones can pick your own fruits and veggies as well as feed lettuce to farm animals.
Another couple of must-stops for the whole family are the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
You will need several days to get the most out of a road trip along California's Pacific Highway. A few days will be needed, at minimum, but a 10-day adventure is recommended.
If you are taking a 10-day trip, be sure to make sure you have enough memory in your phone or camera to store all the pictures you are going to want to take.
For your 10-day Pacific Coast Highway trip, start your first day in Los Angeles. Spend your day here exploring the beach and The Strand, grab dinner at Hook & Plow, and stay overnight at Hermosa Beach. On your second day, do some sightseeing around Santa Barbara, have dinner in Solvang at Pea Soup Anderson's, and stay overnight at The Wine Valley Inn. For day three, head over to Morro Bay to try and spot some otters and have a sunset dinner looking out at the water.
On the fourth day, do some wine tasting in Paso Robles. On the fifth day of your PCH adventure, be sure to take a tour of Hearst Castle. On day six, drive to Santa Cruz and have a day of fun on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Spend your seventh day in San Francisco, where you will visit historic Chinatown and walk across the Golden Gate Bridge. On your eighth day, get back to nature with some time in Muir Woods. For day number nine, explore the lovely shops around Mendocino. Finish your Pacific Coast Highway trip on your 10th day by touring the state capital of Sacramento.
Pacific Highway Accommodations
Campgrounds Nearby
Moss Landing KOA Express is located in the small town of Moss Landing. This town surrounds an estuary, and there is a beautiful wildlife area to the north of this RV park. Moss Landing KOA Express is also located directly on the beach.
Mari Dunes RV Park is located slightly north of the town of Mari, CA. This RV park features beach access, and a Walmart is within walking distance. Mari Dunes RV Park is one of the smallest RV parks in the area so you won’t have to deal with a crowd when you stay here.
Salinas / Monterey KOA is located equidistant between the towns of Salinas and Moss Landing. It’s a relatively small RV park, but it features a large clubhouse. At the clubhouse, you can do laundry, cook in the kitchen, and stock up on supplies at the store.
Activities Near Pacific Highway
Things to Do
Fishing
For fishing enthusiasts, an ideal place to cast a line is at Moss Landing in Monterey County. You can book a charter to spend a day out on the water, where you will have the ability to catch albacore, rock cod, salmon, bass, and halibut.
Stargazing
For stargazing, the relatively isolated area of Big Sur offers a good opportunity. The distance from any major cities or towns keeps the light pollution to a minimum, allowing for a clear view of the stars above.
Swimming
For swimming, nearly any beach along the coast will provide lasting memories. One swimming spot that has been rated as one of the best is the beach at Carmel.
National Parks
National Sites
Weather, Safety & Accessibility
Weather & Packing
You will encounter some diverse weather during your trip along the Pacific Coast Highway, so it is important to pack accordingly. For example, when many visitors think of California, they think of everywhere as being warm, only to find that it can be much chillier in places like San Francisco than in Los Angeles. Even in the warmest months of the year, it is worth packing at least a few clothing choices that will protect you from the cold.
Safety & Accessibility
Since you will be on the road for several days with a lot of driving, it is important to make sure to pay careful attention to the rules of the road. Also, practice safety when visiting busy tourist areas like San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Many of the attractions along the Pacific Coast Highway are accessible, but some of them may not be. Make sure to research the individual attractions you plan to visit ahead of time to be prepared.
Conclusion
The Pacific Coast Highway is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful road trips that you can take. It is a testament to just how lovely the United States can be and is worth putting aside time to travel for several days.
FAQ
Yes. You will find many camping options available along the PCH.
Yes. Some stretches of the Pacific Coast Highway, however, can be a bit treacherous for RVs at night, especially around the cliffs. For these sections, it might be best to travel during the daytime hours.
Plan to give yourself enough days to stop at as many lovely spots along the way as you can.
Yes. There are many family-friendly activities to take part in.
If your pet is fine with a several-day vehicle trip with breaks, then the Pacific Coast Highway is pet-friendly.