Ness' bit of everything

The Pacific Coast Highway is well know to be one of the most iconic and scenic drives in the world. This is all with good reason, the 1000km stretch invites you to see the stunning coast line , seaside towns, forests, vineyards and some pretty cool cities too!

You can drive from San Fransisco to San Diego in a day with non stop driving, but why would you? I recommend taking your time with this trip. You could take a few days, with a few stops or a few weeks, slowly taking in each destination.

Starting Point – San Francisco;

Obviously you haven’t seen San Fran without getting that cracking shot of the Golden Gate bridge. Some great spot recommendations for that shot are, Fort Point, Crissy Fields and Lands End. However, you could drive over the bridge to feel like you truly have arrived in San Fran. There is more to this city than the iconic bridge. Spend some time in Fishermans wharf, Alcatraz island or just relaxing in Union square with a coffee. The best way to get around San Fran, isn’t the tram. HOWEVER, they are super famous and fun so you have to get on one even just for the touristy ride.

Additional part to the route – Yosemite

If you have time whilst driving around California I can’t recommend enough to use some of that time to drive out East to this undeniably beautiful national park. Yes it’s not strictly on the coastal road trip but worth the extra miles. Please see this blog for some photos that may inspire a trip there.

Monterey

This would be a great coastal spot after San Fran, a slight change of pace with its historic cannery row district. Monterey is home to one of the countries best aquariums, the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Nonetheless if you want to experience this nature first hand Monterey boasts about its Whale watching tours and kayaking adventures.

If you do this after Yosemite, then this is where your coastal drive really starts.

Big Sur

A short uphill drive from Monterey you reach , in my opinion, some of the best coastal scenery there is. To get to the Big Sur you’ll travel over the Bixby Bridge – one of the tallest single span concrete bridges in the world and one of the most photographed bridges on the West Coast.

This stretch of the drive will take a long time if you stop at every vista point but if you have the time stop and take in the views at Point Sur State Historic Park and Ragged Point just to name a few.

The Big Sur is like a rural mountain community with an arty, hippy vibe with the stormy surf below.

Tip; if you are taking the coastal road 1 for this route, after Gorda the road is closed with a hefty detour in place. 1) after Big Sur go back up to Monterey and take the 101 south to Santa Barbara. 2) use the diversion, a windy road, it feels like it never ends but takes you through some interesting roads until you join lower down on the 101 plus you don’t have to go back on yourself. 

Santa Barbara

Before hitting the bright lights of LA, I would highly recommend a stop for a few nights in Santa Barbara. It is quite simply delightful. It combines California’s  casual beach vibes and glamorous sophistication. The city is filled with stunning estates, mansions and Spanish colonial architecture. Take a short stroll down the main high street and down onto the beach front and you’ll see what I mean.

Los Angeles 

Ok, so here has mixed reviews. Nevertheless, if you are driving through, you have to stop to make your own opinion of the place. It is so vast you could spend days in each different city that makes up the LA county. I’d recommend cycling or using a scooter down Venice beach to the Santa Monica Pier, heading to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and doing some hiking up in the Hollywood hills.

San Diego

San Diego is a border city and hosts some of the best restaurants for Mexican food. It is also a surf mecca and hosts a world famous zoo. Mission beach is great for a stroll or a bike ride along the promenade. Check out Balboa park for all the museums and Old town for a completely different atmosphere. I personally enjoyed some smaller beach towns just outside San Diego and they are definitely worth a look, even if its just for a coffee stop, Del Mar and Oceanside.

The San Francisco to San Diego route is a must, for a family holiday, relaxing break or an adventure. Let me know if you’re thinking about doing the route and would like any more recommendations or tips.

Ness x