Everyone loves a good road trip but with so many things to see and do, where should you ACTUALLY spend your time?
This post will tell you the places you just HAVE to stop on a Highway 1 road trip up California’s coast.
Highway 1 (CA-1) starts in Dana Point in the south and ends in Leggett in the north.
We’re going to be following the route all the way up the coast and reveal the places you just CAN’T MISS.
This trip’s great for EVERYONE – whether you love nature, history, or just want a relaxing time with good views.
There are even some places that will make you feel like you’re in Europe!
So, pack up, start your car, and get set for an adventure discovering the best of California on Highway 1!
1. San Juan Capistrano
Ok so before we actually get on the PCH going up the coast we’re going to take a very quick detour up to San Juan Capistrano.
Visit San Juan Capistrano to explore its historic mission, a key site for California’s early history.
The mission is famous for the annual return of the swallows, a natural event that attracts visitors.
Besides the mission, the town offers charming shops and cafes to enjoy.
2. Dana Point Harbor
Dana Point Harbor is a bustling marina where you can go sailing, fishing, or join a whale watching tour.
It’s surrounded by shops and places to eat, making it perfect for a leisurely day out.
The harbor also provides beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, ideal for sunset watching.
3. Crystal Cove State Park
Crystal Cove State Park in Orange County offers miles of beaches, undeveloped woodland, and underwater parks for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Hikers and bikers can explore trails that offer breathtaking views of the coast.
The historic beach houses and tide pools add a unique touch to the beach experience.
4. Huntington Beach Pier
The Huntington Beach Pier is one of the longest piers on the West Coast, offering stunning ocean views.
You can watch surfers catch waves, fish off the pier, or enjoy a meal at the diner at the end.
It’s a key spot in “Surf City USA,” especially during surf competitions.
Related Reading: SoCal Beach Towns You CANNOT Miss
5. Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier is a classic destination with an amusement park, an aquarium, and family-friendly restaurants.
The Ferris wheel and roller coaster offer great views of the ocean and the city.
It’s a fun place for people of all ages, whether you’re riding the rides or just enjoying the beach.
6. The Getty Villa
The Getty Villa in Malibu displays art from ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria.
It’s designed to resemble a Roman country house, complete with gardens that are as stunning as the art.
Admission is free, but you need to reserve tickets in advance.
You’ll really feel like you’ve been transported to Europe when you come here.
7. El Matador State Beach
El Matador State Beach is known for its striking rock formations and hidden coves, perfect for photography or a romantic stroll.
Access to the beach involves a bit of a hike down steep paths, but the views are worth it.
Remember to check the tide schedule before you visit, as high tide can limit beach access.
Insider tip: If you want a slightly quieter hidden gem you can visit El Pescador State Beach instead which is only about 1 mile further down the road.
8. Ventura Harbor Village
Ventura Harbor Village is a vibrant spot where you can shop, eat fresh seafood, and take part in water sports like kayaking and paddle boarding.
The village hosts events throughout the year, including festivals and live music.
It’s also the gateway to the Channel Islands National Park, with boats leaving daily.
If you’re in the area for a longer period of time you can also visit the charming town of Ojai (only 20 minutes drive), Lake Casitas, or the Casitas Water Adventure (good for kids).
Related Reading: Ojai Valley: Ultimate Guide To SoCal’s Best Kept SECRET
9. Channel Islands National Park
Channel Islands National Park is made up of five islands, each offering unique adventures, from hiking to snorkeling.
The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including seals, sea lions, and rare plants.
Visiting requires a boat trip, and it’s a great way to experience California’s natural beauty away from the crowds.
You can get a boat from Ventura Harbor.
💡Fun Fact: There are around 150 species of plants or animals not found anywhere else and the place has been dubbed the ‘North American Galapagos’.
10. Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is known for its beautiful Spanish-style buildings and lovely beaches.
You can walk along the waterfront, visit the famous Santa Barbara Mission, or explore the shops and restaurants on State Street.
The city also offers great wine-tasting tours in the nearby Santa Ynez Valley.
11. Solvang
Speaking of the Santa Ynez Valley, this is where you’ll find the magical town of Solvang.
Solvang is a unique town with Danish-style architecture, windmills, and bakeries that make you feel like you’re in Europe.
It’s a great place to try Danish pastries, shop for European goods, and visit local wine tasting rooms.
Don’t miss the Hans Christian Andersen Museum for a taste of Danish culture.
Related Reading: Places in California that feel like Europe
12. Oceano Dunes
Oceano Dunes is the only California State Park where you can drive on the beach.
Some people also know this place as Pismo Beach Dunes.
It’s popular for off-roading, camping, and enjoying the beach.
Make sure to respect the area’s wildlife and natural habitat while you have fun in the sand.
13. Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach offers wide beaches for sunbathing, surfing, and fishing off the pier.
The town is famous for its clam chowder and beautiful sunsets.
And if you’re lucky you can even spot pelicans on the cliffs by the shore.
Nearby, you can also explore caves and rock formations by kayak.
14. Morro Rock
Morro Rock is a massive volcanic plug that stands at the entrance to Morro Bay Harbor.
It’s a nesting ground for peregrine falcons and a landmark for photographers.
You can’t climb the rock, but the beach and park around it offer great views and picnic spots.
Sizing up at a whopping 581-foot (177 m), it’s one of those places that feel a lot bigger in person so you have to see it to really get a feel for it.
💡 Fun fact: It’s also a sacred site for both the Chumash and the Salinan tribes.
15. Hearst Castle
Hearst Castle, perched on a hill overlooking the Central Coast, was the extravagant home of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst.
You can tour the grand rooms, pools, and gardens of this historic estate.
The castle houses an impressive collection of art and antiques, with stunning views of the surrounding area.
💡 Fun Fact: The place was frequented by Hollywood and political elite including the likes Calvin Coolidge, Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin, Cary Grant, the Marx Brothers, and more.
16. Elephant Seal Vista Point
Elephant Seal Vista Point near San Simeon is the best place to watch elephant seals, especially from December to March when they come ashore to breed.
The viewing areas allow you to safely observe these amazing creatures up close.
It’s an educational and unique experience for wildlife enthusiasts.
17. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is home to the iconic McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that drops into a cove of the Pacific Ocean.
The park offers scenic trails through redwood forests and along the coast.
It’s a must-see for its breathtaking views and serene hiking paths.
McWay Falls is only 1 of 2 tidefall waterfalls in all of California with the other being Alamere Falls.
18. Bixby Creek Bridge
Come on now.
You can’t do the PCH and not stop here.
Bixby Creek Bridge, one of the most photographed bridges in California, offers stunning views of the coastline.
This architectural marvel is a highlight along the Pacific Coast Highway, especially at sunset.
There’s a viewpoint where you can stop and take in the scenery.
19. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a paradise for nature lovers, with trails leading to hidden coves, tide pools, and forested areas.
It’s known for its rich marine life, including sea otters, seals, and sea lions.
Photographers and artists often visit for its dramatic ocean views and wildlife.
20. Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming small town with fairy-tale cottages, art galleries, and white sandy beaches.
It’s dog-friendly, with plenty of places to eat and shop.
Don’t miss the scenic 17-Mile Drive (in Pebble Beach just north of Carmel), which offers spectacular coastal views.
21. Cannery Row and Monterey Bay Aquarium
Cannery Row in Monterey was once the sardine packing heart of the area, now transformed into a lively waterfront street.
At one point it was one of the most productive fisheries in the world.
It’s filled with shops, restaurants, and attractions like the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
The area is also great for sea kayaking and exploring marine life.
22. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a classic seaside amusement park with rides, games, and food.
It’s home to the historic Giant Dipper roller coaster and offers free concerts on the beach in the summer.
The boardwalk is a fun place for families, with something to do for all ages.
23. Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is an iconic symbol of San Francisco and a marvel of modern engineering.
Visitors can walk or bike across it for stunning views of the city and the bay.
Don’t forget to visit the nearby parks and viewpoints for the best photo opportunities.
While you’re in San Francisco you can also visit the oldest restaurant in California.
Related Reading: The OLDEST Restaurant In California Is Older Than California! 😱
24. Point Reyes National Seashore
Point Reyes National Seashore offers rugged coastline, scenic hikes, and the chance to see wildlife like elephant seals and tule elk.
The historic Point Reyes Lighthouse is a must-visit for its dramatic views.
The area is also known for its cheese, with local farms offering tastings.
25. Bodega Bay
Bodega Bay is a small coastal town famous for its fresh seafood, beautiful beaches, and as the filming location for Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds.”
It’s a great spot for kayaking, bird watching, and enjoying the peaceful coastal scenery.
The area has several hiking trails with views of the Pacific Ocean.
26. Bowling Ball Beach
Bowling Ball Beach, part of Schooner Gulch State Beach, is known for its spherical sandstone concretions that resemble bowling balls.
The best time to visit is at low tide when the “bowling balls” are visible.
It’s a unique geological feature and a photographer’s dream.
27. Glass Beach
Glass Beach in Fort Bragg is famous for its sea glass, created from years of dumping garbage into the coastline.
Now, it’s a colorful beach where visitors can see smooth pieces of glass mixed with the pebbles.
While collecting glass is not allowed, it’s a beautiful spot to explore and take photos.
28. Drive-Thru Tree Park
Drive-Thru Tree Park in Leggett allows you to drive your car through a giant Redwood tree, a unique Northern California experience.
The park has other giant trees and a gift shop.
It’s a fun stop that highlights the majesty of the Redwood forests.
And you’re done!
Highway 1 ends in Leggett but you can always keep driving up Highway 101 to see more of Northern California.
Related Reading: 60+ Things To Do: Highway 101 Road Trip 🚗
