75 Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Stops Off-the-Beaten-Path

You absolutely must do a Pacific Coast Highway road trip when visiting California, and these Highway 1 road trip stops are sure to pique your interest in lots of hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path places. These 75 stop ideas on PCH will cover the highway’s entire length, beginning in the North (Leggett) and ending in Dana Point.

Because I have listed SO many Highway 1 Road trip stops, you won’t have time for them all. But as someone who has done this road trip quite a few times, I wanted to list all the possibilities so you can carefully choose which ones are right for you, for how much time you have, and for whatever you want out of your California coast road trip.

I have been lucky enough to road trip different stretches of Highway 1 many times in my life, and actually grew up near its nascent in Dana Point in the south. And even so, I still continue to discover new places and end up more awestruck than the time before. It was only recently that I made it up to the northern part of PCH, finally completing the journey of many different parts.

These Pacific Coast Highway stops come straight from the road: part personal finds, part can’t-miss icons. I’ve prioritized smaller, equally gorgeous hidden gems alongside the big hitters. They’re listed north-to-south, but drive it either way (or in sections)! Pro tip: go southbound for driving on the ocean-side of the road, and nonstop views.

Check out some more of my California Content:

• The ULTIMATE California Road Trip Itinerary if you want to continue to cities and National Parks from PCH, this road trip includes everything.
• Best Beach Hikes in Southern California
• Fun Things to Do in Orange County (my home county)
• Unique Places to Stay in California

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Stops Map

Here’s a quick look at all these amazing road trip stops. Read on to learn about them!

Northern Highway 1/Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Stops – Leggett to Marin

North of San Francisco is the PCH everyone tends to skips… and it’s one of my favorites! Big Sur (south of SF) gets all the hype, but this serene northern stretch is truly magical. Pack your funny road trip quotes for the journey.

These stops are quintessential California country: tiny towns, secluded beaches, golden grasses, and winding cliff roads. I saw more rock arches here than anywhere in my life, plus a coastline dotted with jagged little islands and stacks. It’s absolutely worth seeing. It’s not as dramatic as Big Sur’s redwoods and cliffs, but still wildly photogenic. I’d give this part 1 -2 days if you can!

Leggett: The Beginning of the Pacific Coast Highway

Leggett is where Highway 1 miraculously sprouts out of Highway 101, heading due west from the more inland-bound highway. It’s a tiny town known for its massive redwood trees and forests, and the famous ‘chandelier tree,’ or a redwood tree that’s so big you can literally drive through it!

Kibesillah: Rare PCH Views

After winding through from Leggett to the coast, you will see lots of lovely views. Kibesillah isn’t too much of a stop, but it might be worth pulling off to get a nice view of Kibesillah rock, a rock arch, and the surrounding rock-dotted coastline.

Fort Bragg: Glass Beach + Overnight Stop

Fort Bragg would actually be classified as a city – a small one at that – on the Mendocino coast. The city sits on cliffs above the water and along a river’s opening to the sea. This would be a great place to find accommodation for a night, in that there are tons of restaurants, hotels, and shops to peruse on the main street of town. We stayed at Living Light Inn.

Food in Fort Bragg: Cowlick’s Ice Cream Cafe

Now I am not sure if this is a famous ice cream place or not; all I know is that I could not stop thinking about the ahhh-mazing creamy chai flavored ice cream I got there. There are some other great places to eat and drink in Fort Bragg as well – we loved our dinner at Cucina Verona, and saw a live band playing at Headlands Coffeehouse on a lively weekend night.

Glass Beach: One of the MOST Important Hidden Gems along the Pacific Coast Highway

The obvious must-see Pacific Coast Highway road trip stop in Fort Bragg is Glass Beach. Make sure to check this out! Apparently, decades ago, this beach was a dump site of an old glass factory in the area. Dumping trash on a beach would ordinarily be awful, but in this case, it turned out beautifully because over the years, the glass was worn down.

Today, when you look closely, the beach is covered with smooth little pieces of differently colored sea glass. Any reports that there is no glass on the beach are simply false; you just have to look closely and pick up some sand to see the little gleaming pieces of glass.

Mendocino Botanical Gardens

Just south of Fort Bragg on PCH, these are lovely gardens right along the coast. They do a special ‘light festival’ event over Christmas time and are a nice spot to visit year-round.

Point Cabrillo Lighthouse: California History

The Point Cabrillo Light Station Historic Park has quite a few trails blazing through tall grasses, and it wouldn’t be surprising to spot a few deer sticking their curious heads & antlers out of these grasses while grazing. The delightful little lighthouse and its accompanying keeper’s quarters (now accommodation and museums) stand out with red roofs.

The lighthouse’s light turns forever in circles, and you can see it light up the grounds a few times each minute after dusk has settled upon the coast. There are some amazing caves and inlets to look at in the area, and a little lighthouse museum as well.

Russian Gulch Bridge + State Park for Natural Beauty

Russian Gulch State Park surrounds two inlets from the sea into a forest, which are connected by the scenic Russian Gulch Bridge. You can camp here for the night, barbecue, or picnic. Some picnic tables are beautofully decluded and have a great view of the bridge.

Mendocino Old Town + Headlands

Mendocino, or ‘Mendo’ as locals lovingly call it, is an adorable old-fashioned little town with early 19th-century architecture. There are lots of walking trails and little beaches here along the cliffs, places to eat, and more grassy headlands where deer roam.

Van Damme Beach + State Park

Another quaint little beach and wetland area, Van Damme is also a great place to camp or explore if you have time. The beach is a great place to find abalone shells, and there are some beautiful trails in the area too.

Point Arena Lighthouse for Lovely Views

You’ll have to pay to get into this one, but the coastline views are worth pulling off PCH, whether you go in or not. The coastline here is mostly small, flat cliffs, with quite a few rock arches, plenty of sea breeze, and a cute lodge or two.

Bowling Ball Beach, Schooner Gulch: One of the BEST PCH Hidden Gems

This is a unique cliffside beach with uniquely shaped, spherical-looking rocks – hence the name bowling ball beach. It’s definitely a unique natural wonder that’s worth pulling over for.

Fort Ross State Park: For a Road Trip Photo Stop

Fort Ross isn’t anything crazily special to pull over for, but as Highway 1 winds through this area, there are some spectacular photo ops of PCH itself. There are a few places where the road turns back on itself up a hill, presenting views of PCH snaking its way along the cliffs in the distance.

Jenner: Views + Cafes

Jenner is where the Russian River (and Highway 116) reaches the sea. It’s home to one of the cutest coffee + gift shops I ever did see, with outdoor seating over the mouth of the river. It’s also home to some adventure tours such as kayaking, and an absolutely beautiful beach covered in driftwood.

Bodega Bay

Bodega Bay is a quirky shape-shifter – almost a lake, if not for the skinny channel to the sea… Or, a giant inlet, if not for the stubborn little peninsula jutting in! Either way, it’s gorgeous and a prime bird-watching stop on your Highway 1 road trip.

Point Reyes

This place deserves its own day, to be honest! I already can’t wait to go back and explore more around the places to visit in Point Reyes below.

Point Reyes Station: Old-Fashioned California Small Town

Point Reyes Station is the cutest little upscale old-fashioned town. I passed through on a weekend, and there was a live string band in the park and absolutely bustling bakeries and restaurants in town.

Cyprus Tree Tunnel: Best Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Photo Op

Past Point Reyes Station, you’ll slip by Tomales Bay’s tiny towns before the road opens into Point Reyes’ green headlands – occasional bog, but mostly rolling pasture and farmland. First stop: the Cypress Tree Tunnel: hundreds of Monterey cypress framing a lane to the old radio receiving station. Bring a good lens and patience; wait for golden light and a people-free gap – a photographer’s dise.

Point Reyes Lighthouse: Headlands + Beach Views

Make it past the dairy farms and you’ll hit the hammerhead-shaped Point Reyes headland. On the ocean side, the centuries-old lighthouse looks out over shimmering water. The stairs are quite a workout, but the payoff’s huge – and the walk from the parking lot presents sweeping views of the seemingly endless beach.

Flip to the bay side for cliff-top trails, waves smashing sheer walls, and calm Drakes Bay, the calm inner bay of Point Reyes. I really enjoyed the cliffy views here, and even spotted some elephant seals basking on the sand! Watch your footing and any closures- parts of the headlands can be unstable.

Mt Tamalpais + Muir Woods

Mt. Tamalpais, or Mt. Tam, is a beautiful peak in Marin county that is home to lots of wildlife, thick forests, well-carved hiking trails, and sweeping views. Muir Woods (and beach) are beautiful to explore are get lots in nature a little bit. Check out Muir Beach Overlook as well.

Sausalito: Upscale Coastal Town

One of the staples of Marin County, Sausalito is a quaint little upscale town right on the water, with a view of San Francisco across the bay. Check here for some window shopping, beautiful views, goal-worthy houses, and fancy eateries.

Battery Spencer: Best Views of SF/Golden Gate

Battery Spencer is an old military fort with the best view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Parking spots usually open up if you wait a while, and the photo op will be worth it! I was there for sunset and it was stunning.

Point Bonita Lighthouse: Hidden Gem SF View Stop

Ok, this technically isn’t a stop right off Highway 1, but if you keep going on the same road from Battery Spencer you will reach a little parking lot and trailhead to Point Bonita Lighthouse. The views of the Golden Gate, San Francisco, and the coastline from this road are breathtaking, and you might just see some wildlife as well (make sure to check opening hours first).

Mid-Northern Highway 1/Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Stops: San Francisco to Big Sur

This stretch of Highway 1 is very coastal and goes through some amazing viewpoints. It will be constantly beautiful – you won’t want to doze off here! With a nearly constant ocean view, you can’t go wrong.

San Francisco

I was inclined to skip San Francisco since this post is about hidden gems along PCH, because it’s quite the opposite of an ‘off the beaten path’ Pacific Coast Highway road trip stop. However, I am going to name just a couple of places in the city to visit when you are passing through! I chose the most outdoors-oriented stops close by.

PCH You can always watch a lovely San Francisco Sunset and make sure to grab some San Francisco Captions for your photos too! San Francisco also has great options to stay overnight; mfavorite is the unique Hotel Zephyr.

Land’s End Labyrinth: the BEST hidden gem in San Francisco

This rock labyrinth has a great view of the Golden Gate and a beautiful, secluded hike among the busy city streets of SF. There are some nice little beaches and the whole area has great Golden Gate views. China Beach and Marshall Beach are great too!

Golden Gate Park: A Vast Park in the City

Another outcropping of nature within a bustling city, Golden Gate Park has lots of secluded trails, open fields, massive forests, gardens, lakes, and even museums. A lot of events are held here (such as Outside Lands Music Festival) so make sure to check what’s going on.

Haight + Ashbury: Proper SF Hippie Culture

If I had to stop in one place in the city of San Francisco on a highway 1 road trip, it would probably be here. It’s not too far off PCH, and is one area that gives off the true hippie SF vibe. Do some window shopping through psychedelic stores, go thrifting, and grab a couple of craft beers or a bite to eat.

Twin Peaks

Twin Peaks is a classic San Francisco viewpoint! You can hike up this hill (and through surrounding canyons as well), or you can simply drive to the top to take in a fantastic SF city view on your way up or down the coast.

Never Been to SF Before? Try a City Tour and/or Bay Cruise to make the most of your road trip through SF. Includes the Golden Gate Park, Twin Peaks, and more points of interest!

Devil’s Slide Trail + Bunker: One of the Best Views on PCH

The Devil’s Slide is one of my very favorite road trip stops. The term refers to the tunnel that was constructed through the cliffs to make PCH safer for northbound traffic. Nowadays, you can walk along a little road along the outside of the cliffs that apparently used to be Highway 1 before they constructed the tunnels!

Not far from the trail is Devil’s Slide bunker. This is a graffiti-covered abandoned bunker seems to be barely perched on a rock overlooking some epic cliffs. My favorite cliffy view is from here!

Half Moon Bay/ Princeton-By-the-Sea for Seaside Vibes + BIG Waves (Sometimes)

Half Moon Bay is a super cute seaside town with amazing oysters and seafood. You can grab a bite with a view or peruse the harbor. Check out Half Moon Bay Brewing Company if you love craft beer outdoors – it was our favorite.

Maverick’s Beach + Break

Not too far from Half Moon Bay is one of Northern California’s most famous surf breaks, Maverick’s. Go by and check if there’s a swell during your Highway 1 road trip, or just catch some high-level surfers doing their thing.

Pigeon Point Lighthouse: A Great PCH Lighthouse

Pigeon Point is another very old California Lighthouse that is being restored by state efforts. It’s wind-blown and rusty, but full of character, and stands sentinel over the surrounding coast. The old lighthouse buildings are now a well-rated hostel, and there are viewpoints and trails in the area too.

Año Nuevo State Park + Berry Farms

This part of the California coast is popular for elephant seals to come ashore, and has even more walking trails and coastal views. Right on PCH, if the season is right, you can find the stands of local berry farms selling fresh fruit and pies.

Santa Cruz: Chilled Out Surfer Town with Views and Forests

Santa Cruz itself (and the wharf and beach boardwalk) are not off the beaten path, but are cool to check out if you have not already. Grab an ice cream, play some arcade games, and ride the rollercoaster on the beach if it’s your first time!

If not, a few Santa Cruz hidden gems off Pacific Coast Highway below may be new for you. There are also lots of Hotels in Santa Cruz if you wanted to stay the night here.

West Cliff Walk + Steamer Lane Surf Break

A more unknown view of Santa Cruz is a lovely walk along West Cliff to Point Santa Cruz. This point looks out over another famous surf break of California, Steamer Lane. At the point, you can visit a surf museum that looks like an old lighthouse, and watch (possibly famous) surfers below.

Natural Bridges State Beach

This beach has a famous natural bridge, or rock arch, that’s super photogenic! It’s pretty to check out if you have not had the chance to see many rock arches yet on your PCH road trip trip yet.

The Mystery Spot: Where Gravity is Thrown Off

While passing through Santa Cruz it would be a shame not to experience a bit of its thick forested mountains, and what better way than visiting the Mystery Spot?! This is an extremely strange yet intriguing tourist attraction that claims to be a ‘gravitational anomaly.’

When you go inside the building, you are standing at an extreme angle to the way the house is oriented. They either built it this way, or there really is a strange electromagnetic anomaly going on in the Santa Cruz mountains. This is a TRUE Pacific coast highway hidden gem stop.

Capitola: For Cute Colorful Buildings Along the Beach

Capitola is an adorable and colorful little village to the south of Santa Cruz. They have art and music festivals, lots of artisan crafts, and a strip of colorful houses along the sand.

Fort Ord Sand Dunes

Just before Monterey, you will pass Fort Ord Dunes State Park outside the town of Marina. It’s not very visible from the road, but it’s a strip of beach with pretty large sand dunes which are slowly inching their way toward the highway. This place is fun for a photo op!

Monterey: for Clam Chowder

This isn’t exactly off-the-beaten-path, but Monterey is terrific for trying fresh clam chowder. Here, you must go to the wharf to sample all the different recipes of clam chowder – for free! Seafood meals here are also top-notch.

This would also be a good place to stay the night. There are lots of hotels in Monterey  – we stayed at the Best Western Da Anza Inn once and the Monterey Plaza Inn once (overrated in my opinion).

17 Mile Drive: Amazing PCH Scenic Drive

Going south, you can drive straight from Monterey to Ocean View Blvd to the famous 17 Mile Drive. You must pay a fee to get onto the actual 17 Mile Drive, but you will be instructed to follow the red marks on the road and get a pamphlet with all the info for the main POI’s.

There are a lot of vista points, beautiful beaches, and rocky outcroppings. Make sure to check out Cyprus Point Lookout (I LOVE the Cyprus trees in this area) and the Lone Cyprus!

Carmel: Another Cute, Small, Upscale Town

Carmel itself is another small Northern California upscale town on the beach. Take 17 Mile Drive to PCH or turn off early to check out Carmel town and grab a coffee before continuing on. You can always check out the beach too – it’s beautiful and bordered by Cyprus trees.

Garrapatta State Park: Off-The-Beaten-Path Big Sur Park

Garrapatta is known for its colorful wildflower blooms, surf, and walking trails. It’s nice to have a look if you are driving leisurely and not in a rush – tends to be less crowded.

Bixby Bridge: an Iconic PCH MUST-SEE!

It will be hard to avoid this one as it is actually a part of PCH, but I would recommend pulling over for a photo of this scenic bridge. The best views are from the northern part of the bridge, on both sides of it.

Andrew Molera State Park: Great for Longer Hikes

Just north of Big Sur, Andrew Molera SP has a great campsite and park full of beautiful coastlines and walking trails (surprise, surprise!). The campsite is often full in the summer.

I once did an 8 mile loop hike here up through forests and cliffs and back along grassy secluded shorelines, and would highly recommend it as a stop for anyone staying a while.

Middle Highway 1/Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Stops: Big Sur to Santa Barbara

Although I have already covered some must-see northern Big Sur Pacific Coast Highway road trip stops above, there are still MANY more in this breathtaking area. Big Sur is probably one of my favorite places in the world, and I would allot quite a lot of time to explore this stretch of road fully.

If you are just passing through, I think McWay Falls and Nepenthe should be the stops of choice in this area, and remember to look for scenic overlooks on the road.

 Big Sur

You can’t road trip through Big Sur without checking out the actual tiny town of Big Sur! There isn’t much here but a few inns, a campground, and an expensive gas station, but there are some good places to eat. Do NOT get gas here, though – it’s twice the price!

Hotels in Big Sur won’t be cheap, but you can almost guarantee they will be quaint, cozy, and surrounded by amazing nature. If you can swing it, I would recommend spending a night in Big Sur (or Ragged Point/Cambria) on your Highway 1 road trip. I recommend Ventana or Post Ranch Inn for a splurge, or Glen Oaks or Treebones for unique stays.

Nepenthe: Iconic Yet Hidden Overlook Restaurant

One of my favorite places in Big Sur, Nepenthe, is a restaurant/cafe/gift shop overlooking one of the best views of the cliffy Big Sur Coast. You can get great food options here and sit by a fire and fairy lights outside, or simply order a pot of tea or a coffee and enjoy the sweeping view.

Don’t forget to check out the Pheonix Gift Shop, too. There are some of the most fascinating books, stones, native art, clothing, wind chimes, photography, paintings, and more!

Coast Gallery + Cafe

Big Sur is a hugely artsy area, and this little nook is yet another illustration of that. Stop by just to check out the art gallery, or grab a drink as well.

McWay Falls + Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park (Beach Waterfall)

If you must stop at any state park, make it this one! After walking through a little tunnel to a beach overlook, you will see the iconic McWay falls – a waterfall landing right on the beach! The surrounding cliffs and rocks are seemingly out of a painting, with turquoise water at all times and Cyprus trees dotting the rocks. There’s also camping and hiking here.

Limekiln State Park

Limekiln is another great place to camp and a lesser-known stop on the Pacific Coast Highway. It also has four very old (late 1800’s) lime kilns and a beautiful waterfall. It’s great if you have extra time.

Sand Dollar Beach

This is a lovely beach in the southern Big Sur area with great surf and views. Maybe you’ll even find a sand Dollar!

Jade Cove: Surfing and Rock Hunting

This cove is better known for its surf breaks. It also gets its name because it’s not uncommon to find real jade in the area. You will see lots of green stones – see if you can tell if it’s real! Jade cove is right across from another great campsite of the area, Plaskett Creek.

Ragged Point

Ragged Point is home to one of my (many) favorite views in Big Sur. There are a few viewpoints around an inn right on the point where you can take in even more amazing cliffy views. There’s also a lovely hotel here that I used to stay at with my family.

Hearst Castle + San Simeon

Hearst Castle is one of the classic Pacific Coast Highway road trip stops, and is a lovely luxurious getaway to visit. It overlooks the coastline and is incredibly beautiful. San Simeon is also a nice little town where you can spot elephant seals basking on the beach.

Morro Rock + Bay: Seafood + Views

Morro Rock is a beautiful, massive rock north of SLO that makes for a lovely viewpoint along the water. The village nearby is like a tiny little fisherman’s village with fresh oysters and seafood just caught off the coast.

San Louis Obispo

Highway 1 funnels back into the 101 for a short while after it turns inland to the city of SLO. There are several historic districts and famous eateries in the town of San Louis Obispo, making it a perfect stop for a meal or coffee.

If you have time, check out The Madonna Inn for unique and eccentric accommodation. There are also tons of wineries in the area where you can taste locally made wine (or venture to Paso Robles for more wine).

Avila Beach + Avila Valley Barn

If you are passing through SLO, it’s worth seeing the Avila area. Stop at Avila Valley Barn to sample freshly baked goods and sweets, try locally grown produce, and see farm animals and local farm exhibits. Once you have a trinket from Avila Valley Barn, continue to Avila Beach.

Avila Beach is one of SLO’s best beaches, with a long stretch of sand and shops and eateries on a boardwalk just along the sand. This would be a great place to stay for the night – one of my favorite hotels in the world is Avila La Fonda Hotel.

Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach and Pier are not as secluded as Avila Beach, but beautiful and worth exploring just the same, and one of the must-see places to visit on the central coast. There are often great waves, occasionally whole sand dollars on the beach, and always a great beachy community. I have stayed with my family at The Lighthouse Suites a few times.

Solvang: MOST Unique Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Offshoot Danish Town

This one is quite a ways off Highway 1 and not exactly convenient, but I think it’s one of the most fascinating places to visit on a Pacific Coast Highway road trip. Solvang is an entirely Danish settlement in California, and has the architecture and even a windmill to prove it. You can visit Danish bakeries and squares that feel like you’ve transported to Europe.

Santa Barbara + State Street

After PCH arrives safely back to the coast, the drive will be beautiful yet slightly uneventful until you arrive in central Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara is full of unique things to do and hidden gems, and also some super cool places to stay if you stay overnight.

State Street is the town center of Santa Barbara. Here, you will feel a distinctly old Spanish colonial vibe, as it is next to one of California’s many historic missions. This is yet another great place to stop for a drink, shop, meal, or a leisurely walk around town.

Into food and exploring funky parts of SB? Try a Funk Zone Food + Photo Tour as a unique afternoon Pacific Coast Highway road trip stop!

Southern Highway 1/Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Stops: Santa Barbara to Dana Point

And now, we have finally made it to the south! These Pacific Coast Highway road trip stops are more my stomping ground – I lived in LA for 4.5 years and grew up in Orange County.

Ventura: Small Surf Town

Just south of Santa Barbara you will find the Ventura, with a small town feel, historic buildings, many shops and restaurants, a lovely harbor, surf spots, and more.

Malibu

Malibu has, hands down, the best beaches in LA. There are tons of truly stunning secluded beaches and coves here. There’s also great surf and some amazing hikes if you have time. For some hidden gem hikes on your road trip, check out Malibu Creek or Escondido Falls.

Point Mugu

Just before you arrive in Malibu (from the north) you will find one of the best viewpoints in LA at Point Mugu. This is also one of my favorite hikes in the LA area. You will see a big sandy hill backed up to some cliffs right off of PCH, and there are hiking trails where you can reach the top of these cliffs for sweeping ocean views!

Point Dume: for Secluded Beaches/Trails

Point Dume is on the northern tip of Maibu, and has two sides. Big Dume is a populated beach with lots of people and a few restaurants, and Little Dume is more secluded.

Paradise Cove: A Quaint Meal on the Sand

Paradise Cove Beach Cafe is the cutest little beachy restaurant near an old rickety pier in Malibu. You can sit on comfy chairs on the sand, order a meal with an ocean view, or just explore the amazing setting.

Wine Tasting in Malibu

Malibu is also known for its wine, like many places in California. Wineries and estates are a little way off of PCH, but if you have time, it is lovely to see a winery. You can take a Malibu wine hike or an insta-worthy VW bus private wine tour.

Los Angeles

If you are staying in LA for a while, check out my comprehensive LA post, 50 Los Angeles Day Trips to for every travel craving. This will help you to see what kind of areas are best for you to explore. There’s too much to go into!

I would mention Santa Monica, but I do think it’s overly touristy. If you want to do the whole LA thing, check out the Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade for some of the best shopping in the area.

Venice Beach

Venice is a must-see in LA. Walk down the beach boardwalk, watch the street performers, look at the art vendors, and wander through some weed shops if you desire!

For a hidden gem, the Venice Canals are absolutely beautiful and many people don’t actually know that there are canals in the LA version of Venice!

South Bay Beaches

From Venice, next you will drive past Manhattan, Hermosa, and Redondo beaches (there’s actually a boardwal connecting them all, too). The Manhattan Beach area is great for its great little eateries, shops, views, and pier. Hermosa Beach is similarly beautiful, and Redondo Beach Pier is a more unknown yet lovely place to visit.

Palos Verdes: A True La Hidden Gem

Highway 1 actually cuts inland south of Redondo Beach, but if you have time, Palos Verdes peninsula is a very unexplored and secluded area of Los Angeles that many people miss out on – even LA locals.

There are lots of hikes, views, and secluded coves that will make you feel like you are actually on a remote Caribbean island. Check out Abalone Cove for a beach, Point Vincente Lighthouse for a cliffy park, and Del Cerro Park for a viewpoint.

Fish Market in San Pedro

Just past Palos Verdes you will enter the Long Beach area. If you love fresh seafood, check out the San Pedro fish market for literally freshly caught seafood.

San Pedro Sunken City

San Pedro’s Sunken City is definitely an offbeat Pacific Coast Highway road trip stop, and is a super cool sight. It’s basically an abandoned and graffiti-covered ‘city’ that slid down the hill in a landslide many years ago.

Long Beach – Naples Island

The most iconic Pacific Coast Highway road trip stops in Long Beach are definitely the Queen Mary or the Aquarium of the Pacific… BUT, since I am recommending more off-the-beaten-path destinations, I will tell you about Naples Island instead! 😉

This tiny little island has a few canals running through it in South Long Beach and is another rather unknown yet beautiful spot to take a few photos.

If you do want to get touristy and see the Aquarium of the Pacific, get your tickets in advance! Or check out 52 Things to do in Long Beach here if you’re staying a while.

Balboa Peninsula Newport

Southbound past Seal and Huntington, make time for Newport Beach. Cruise the Balboa Peninsula – surf breaks, beach houses, and easy bike/rollerblade rentals – then hop on the ferry from Balboa Island to the Fun Zone and Balboa Pier for retro arcades, a couple rides, and the must-try frozen banana. Wrap it with fish burritos at Bear Flag Fish Co. and enjoy those classic Orange County vibes.

There are lots of fun things to do in Orange County, my home county!

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach is one of my favorite places in the world. Below, I will recommend a couple of the BEST spots in Laguna for a Pacific Coast Highway road trip… the hidden gems, of course!

Laguna is a great choice to stay overnight – the sunsets are phenomenal and it’s simply gorgeous. For something fancy, see the Surf & Sand and Montage.

Downtown Laguna Beach

Downtown Laguna is a whimsical spot to explore many art galleries and shops and sit down to a nice meal. My favorite shop is called ‘Art for the Soul.’

Top of the World Viewpoint + Hike

If you drive all the way up Thalia Street, you get to what is called “Top of the World” viewpoint which looks out over Laguna. It’s a beautiful sight to see! There are also some gorgeous Laguna Beach hikes!

Victoria Beach

Victoria Beach is a quite secluded Pacific Coast Highway road trip stop. This beach is where you can find the massive secret lighthouse/Rapunzel tower which is a lovely photo op.

Papa’s Tacos

This place has the BEST Mexican food and meat (shredded machaca chicken/beef) around!

Thousand Steps Beach

You would miss this Highway 1 road trip stop if you blinked! Right across from 9th Ave in Laguna you will see a steep staircase, and this is the only public entry to Thousand Steps Beach. This is one of the most lovely beaches in Lagunathat gives you a remote, cliff-surrounded vibe.

Dana Point

Headlands + Harbor

This is my home! Turn off PCH on a street called Green Lantern by the headlands, so you can pull over and get a sweeping view of the massive harbor and hundreds of boats.

After driving down a very steep hill you will be near The Ocean Institute. Check it out to learn all about our oceans, what is in them, what sails them, and what it takes to preserve them! The harbor is great for walking.

Beaches in Dana Point

Craving surf? Head to Salt Creek—my childhood birthday spot—great for wave days, sunset picnics on the grassy hill, and a stroll by the Ritz-Carlton up above (for views). For gentler breaks, Doheny State Beach sits at the start of PCH with mellow waves, big lawns, and camp/cookout areas.

And that’s the end of Highway 1 – hope you loved the ride! Check out my hometown guides below.

Connect your Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip with a full California Road Trip! From here, you can head south to San Diego and Joshua Tree. Keep reading here!

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Well, that’s it for your Highway 1 Road Trip! Did you enjoy all the stops? Which ones did you choose? Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments! See Also:

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