Take a Ride on the Pacific Coast Highway

By: Rahul Kishore - Rahul's Musings

California has 840 miles of coastline, full of sandy beaches, beautiful cliffs and majestic vistas. But if you’re driving south, especially between San Francisco and Los Angeles, the drive is dull and dreary with little to no scenery. For those with a sense of adventure, the Pacific Coast Highway is a great way to take in the coast and see some of the most beautiful parts of California. The ride takes about 9 hours straight through, though if you’re like me, it’ll come closer to 24 after all the stops you make along the way.

Where to start

The best time to start your trip is just after noon, after much of the coastal fog has burned off, and the California sunshine is raining down all around you. Before you start, be sure to take a taste of some of the pacific's finest catch. Downtown Half Moon Bay is home to some fantastic sushi restaurants, including Sushi Main Street. The place has beautiful stone tables and some of the freshest sashimi you'll ever find outisde of Japan, you should definitely come with an appetite.

Though you may be tempted to stay in Half Moon Bay, get back on the highway and head south towards some of Northern California’s most pristine beaches. San Gregorio State Beach is known for its huge rock faces that rise up from the sand. On a sunny day this is one of the best beaches you’ll find. Further south is Pescadero, which juts out into the Pacific and gives you great views of the coastline. Simply enjoy driving for a while. Keep the top down and inhale the sea breeze. Throw on some sunglasses while you soak up the California rays and relax.

As you roll into Santa Cruz you’ll be ready for a break. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy the beach. It’s a perfect place to take the kids or your inner child. This park has old-school wooden roller coasters, an extensive arcade, and a beach that is shielded from the waves and the fog. During summer, pretty much every day turns out to be sunny in Santa Cruz.

As you continue on your journey you’ll pass through scenes from John Steinbeck’s novels. The writer was a resident of Watsonville and Salinas and many of his novels took place in this valley. If you have a chance, definitely visit the John Steinbeck Museum.

At the south end of the Santa Cruz bay is Carmel, a great seaside town that is known for romantic restaurants, bed and breakfasts, and generally a quaint way of life. If you intend to stay in Carmel a bit longer, read this post.

After you leave Carmel, the left side of the road becomes more desolate, and instead of small coastal towns you experience pure nature. For hundreds of miles Highway 1 hugs the coastal mountains. You’ll be surrounded by the beautiful forests of Big Sur on your left, and the majestic expanse of the Pacific on your right. Big Sur is full of natural wonder, and also a romantic place to spend a weekend. The majestic coastline and woody forests have drawn coastal travelers for centuries. There are few places like this in the entire world, where you are far away from everything, and absolutely free, so enjoy it.

Along the coast in San Simeon, you'll find the huge Hearst Castle estate. This fantastic mansion is a favorite among kids and is a must see if you're passing through. The castle was built by newspaper magnate, William Randolf Hearst in the 1920's, and is an example of opulence that hasn't been seen since.

Further south as you approach Los Angeles is Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo. Morro Bay is a serene protected port for those who like to sail. Just beyond the protective Peninsula are the rough waters of the Pacific, crashing up against the narrow shore that protects the bay. Morro Bay and San Louis Obispo are known for there serene and calm way of life, and are great places to take a walk. Be sure to explore Morro Bay State Park and hang out on the beach before heading back into downtown San Luis Obispo to enjoy a good meal.

After hundreds of miles of nothing but open expanse, you’ll finally come upon Santa Barbara. This coastal city is a great place to spend a day, and enjoy the Southern California sunshine without the Los Angeles haze. From here it’s only a short drive to Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego. But before you enter the city expanse, be sure to enjoy Santa Barbara's local wineries, where you can drink great wine, wander in the vineyards, and enjoy some tasty food.

At the end of the road you’ll be in Los Angeles, home to movie stars, aspiring movie stars, and everything in between. If you’ve come this far you have to check out Disneyland, Huntington Beach, the Santa Monica Pier, and so much more. Live like a "Pretty Woman" on Rodeo Drive, and explore the Universal Studios Lot. The city of Angles has something to offer everyone. Its a place where people go to fulfill their dreams. So follow along, let your imagination run wild, and explore all that Los Angeles has to offer.

At the end of it all

Make sure to take in those 466 miles. They may have taken you a day, a week, or more, but they’re bound to be some of your favorite memories of all.


Photo credit: flickr cc CrazeBabe21, Ed Yourdon