A California road trip along the coast is the quintessential road trip with its breathtaking views, feeling of being free, and the many attractions, cities, and towns to visit along the way.
Everyone from travel writers to your average road tripper agrees that a California road trip that includes Route 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) along the coast is one of Those things you have to do all your life. The most spectacular section of this famous highway is between Morro Bay and Monterey, particularly in the Big Sur area. The road was carved into the side of the sheer cliffs that dominate this area and was entirely man-made – a work of engineering, persistence and ingenuity. You can visit areas unreachable before this incredible highway and its many bridges were built, and enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific.
Where should you go during this road trip?
Cambria
Start your California road trip in this charming town. The best place to stay is at one of the hotels that dot the shoreline near Moonstone Beach. Moonstone Beach has well-maintained boardwalks and walkways that meander along the beach for you to explore. The city itself is picturesque and also worth a visit. If you like wine, take a 15-minute drive to nearby Paso Robles and sample wines at more than 170 wineries located in this perfect area with an ideal winemaking climate.
Hearst Castle
This spectacular ode to excess is just six miles north of Cambria and is a must see. William Randolph Hearst’s massive castle (165 rooms and not yet “finished”) offers a glimpse into the ridiculously lavish lifestyle of this publishing titan. You’ll recognize Neptune’s Pool from many movies and advertisements that have used it as their backdrop. Keep your eyes peeled when in the area, which is extremely arid and barely suggests the glorious house on top of the hill: you might spot one of Hearst’s zebras from when he ran a zoo; they run wild and still live in the area.
Big South
With the crashing waves of the Pacific on one side and the mountains on the other, this part of the road trip is the most spectacular. Stop at every turnoff that appeals to you after Hearst Castle for views of the ocean and the beautiful bridges needed to link the pieces of road. In Big Sur, visit Nepenthe, a family-owned restaurant established in the late 1940s. Its patio, suspended high above the waves, offers beautiful views, and the restaurant itself is very good, with an excellent wine selection. This was one of my favorite stops on the road trip – just sipping wine and taking in the amazing views.
Punta Lobos State Reserve
Stop at this beautiful park and walk if you can. The tree-topped rocky outcrops that make up most of this park are beautiful and a large population of sea lions frolic on the shoreline rocks, their barking heard throughout the park.
Monterey
Step back in time to Steinbeck’s time, when this town was known for its sardine canning (hence, Cannery Row) and visit the shops and other businesses located there today. More than forty buildings in this city date back to when Monterey was the state capital before 1850. One of the best aquariums in the world, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, is here and is well worth a day’s visit on your trip to road. Entire underwater environments are perfectly reproduced here in this home to 550 species of marine animals.
San Francisco
Continue on Route 1 on your California road trip as it skirts the coast through Santa Cruz and ends in your final destination: the incredible city of San Francisco. There’s a lot to see in San Francisco, but that’s another article!
This road trip is famous for many reasons, all of which I had the pleasure of experiencing recently on my road trip along the California coast. Discover your own favorite attractions, sights and experiences as you travel this route and find out for yourself why it is so highly regarded.
