Pacific Coast Hwy
United States
California Highway 1 hugs the coast from San Francisco to Los Angeles, cliffs, redwoods, Big Sur, and beaches that look designed for film shoots.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Golden Gate Bridge
Start at the Golden Gate. Fog, hills, and the Pacific all greet you before you leave the city.
- Half Moon Bay
Quiet coastal town famous for giant pumpkins and dramatic winter surf competitions at Mavericks.
- Santa Cruz Boardwalk
The iconic Boardwalk, surf culture, and sea lions lounging all over the wharf.
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
Cannery Row and a world-class aquarium. Sea otters float in the kelp forest outside.
- Carmel-by-the-Sea
A fairytale village with no street addresses, a white sand beach, and Clint Eastwood as a former mayor.
- Bixby Creek Bridge
The most photographed spot on the PCH. Sheer cliffs, a graceful arch, turquoise water below.
- McWay Falls
An 80-foot waterfall drops straight onto a pristine cove beach. One of the most striking sights on the coast.
- Hearst Castle
William Randolph Hearst's mountaintop palace. 165 rooms, three pools, and a private zoo.
- Morro Bay
A 23-million-year-old volcanic plug dominates the harbor. Best clam chowder on the central coast.
- Santa Barbara
The American Riviera. Spanish colonial architecture, wine country, and near-perfect weather.
- Malibu
27 miles of celebrity beaches, legendary surf breaks, and the Getty Villa above the Pacific.
- Santa Monica Pier
End at the pier. The Pacific, a Ferris wheel, and a golden California sunset.
Where to Eat
- NepentheAmerican
Cliffside restaurant offering classic American fare with panoramic ocean views.
- The Sardine FactorySeafood
Historic restaurant serving fresh seafood in an elegant setting on Cannery Row.
- Old Fisherman's GrottoSeafood
Renowned for clam chowder and harbor views, a staple on Monterey's Fisherman's Wharf.
- The Hitching Post IISteakhouse
Famous for Santa Maria-style barbecue and local wines in a rustic atmosphere.
- Malibu Farm RestaurantOrganic
Farm-to-table dishes served on a pier with stunning ocean vistas.
Things to Do
- Point Lobos State Natural ReserveNature Reserve
Scenic coastal reserve with hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and picturesque coves.
- Hearst CastleHistoric Site
Opulent estate of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, offering guided tours.
- Santa Barbara MissionHistoric Site
Historic Spanish mission known as the 'Queen of the Missions' with museum and gardens.
- Malibu Lagoon State BeachBeach
Popular surfing spot with a lagoon, wetlands, and the historic Adamson House.
- Santa Monica PierAmusement Park
Iconic pier featuring an amusement park, aquarium, and eateries overlooking the Pacific.