It was quite a challenge to narrow down my favourite Pacific Coast Highway stops to just 5. During this trip we drove from San Francisco to Los Angeles via Big Sur, stopping overnight at various parts of the journey. As there were so much to talk about over these three separate posts, I didnāt want you to miss the main highlights. So here are my favourite 5 stops from an amazing Californian road trip.
1. The Pacific Coast Highwayās Iconic Bixby Bridge
There is a reason this is one of the most iconic images of the Pacific Coast Highway. When I reflect back on driving down Route 1 this is how I remember Big Sur. Bixby Bridge is quintessential of Big Sur and this magnificent stretch of Californiaās coastline. Big Sur was my favourite part of the Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip. By proxy Bixby Bridge, therefore, claims first place in my favourite Pacific Coast Highway stops.
2. Santa Monica Beach & Pier
Quintessentially Californian, this 3.5km stretch of Beach has every bit of the cool vibe feel you imagine California to have. The atmosphere, the weather and the beautiful sunsets make this one of my favourite places on the Pacific Coast Highway. This is 100% a must-see place among your Pacific Coast Highway Stops. You need to stay in Santa Monica for at least one or two nights if you are in California.
This is also a great place to use as a base to visit Los Angeles. You can read more about our trip into LA by clicking here.
3. San Simone and Hearst Castle
I did not expect Hearst Castle to turn out to be such a great stop on our trip down the Pacific Coast Highway. It was almost a side-thought but ended up being one of my favourite stops. Architectural beauty, celebrity gossip, history, art, scenic sea and mountain views make Hearst Castle a must-see.
You can read more about our visit to Hearst Castle by clicking here.
4. Morro Bay & Whale Watching
The gems of Californiaās nature continue to impress. This close up interaction with a mother and calf humpback whale was a spectacular highlight in our Pacific Coast Highway journey. These amazing creatures swam right up to our small vessel. Pretty cool.
You can read more about this excursion by clicking here
5. San Franciscoās Alcatraz
I was pretty excited for this excursion and it didnāt disappoint. Another of Californiaās must-see attractions, this was a great start to our Pacific Coast Highway journey, starting in San Francisco. Great prison stories, cell door demonstrations, in-person and audio-guides will fascinate you for hours when you visit Alcatraz Island, from the minute you step on the boat.
You can read more about our visit to San Francisco and Alcatraz by clicking here.
Final Thoughts On The Best Pacific Coast Highway Stops
Travelling down Californiaās Pacific Coast Highway is one of my, if not my favourite, all-time travel experiences. I would do it again in a heart-beat. This stretch of coastline has it all; history, architecture, nature, weather, food, atmosphere. I hope you enjoyed reading my top 5 places to stop on my California road trip.
Let me know if you have also been to this amazing place. What were your top 5 stops? Perhaps you are planning to go, in which case feel free to talk about your future travel plans.
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