“The Pacific Coast Highway: A Beautiful Road Trip Along the California Coast” takes you on a 7-day journey along the famous and breathtaking Pacific Coast Highway. Spanning 655 miles, this epic drive showcases the stunning coastal scenery of California, passing through iconic cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. The road trip video highlights various attractions and stops along the way, including must-visit locations such as Alcatraz, Hearst Castle, and Muir Woods. Each day of the trip is divided into chapters, making it easy to follow along and plan your own adventure. Whether you’re a lover of scenic views, historic landmarks, or hidden gems, this road trip is sure to leave you in awe of California’s beauty. Follow California Through My Lens on social media to stay updated on more exciting content and travel adventures.

Overview of the Pacific Coast Highway

The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 1, is a famous and breathtaking road trip along the coast of California. This iconic drive spans 655 miles, taking you through some of the most beautiful coastal landscapes in the world. The road trip video by California Through My Lens covers a 7-day journey from Dana Point to Leggett, showcasing various attractions and stops along the route.

Southern California Coast

Starting in Southern California, the drive along the Pacific Coast Highway can present some unique challenges. Traffic can be heavy in this densely populated area, especially during peak travel times. Crowded beaches are also a common sight, so be prepared for possible delays.

Despite these challenges, there are several must-see stops along the Southern California coast. Laguna Beach and Huntington Beach offer stunning coastal views and vibrant beach communities. Both cities are known for their pristine beaches, upscale shopping, and delicious dining options.

Continuing north, Santa Monica and Malibu are worth exploring. Santa Monica is famous for its iconic pier, complete with a ferris wheel and a lively atmosphere. Malibu, on the other hand, boasts luxurious beachfront homes and pristine stretches of coastline.

Further up the coast, Ventura and Santa Barbara offer their own unique attractions. Ventura is a charming coastal town with a vibrant downtown area. Don’t miss the chance to visit the historic San Buenaventura Mission and explore the eclectic shops and restaurants along Main Street. In Santa Barbara, the Santa Barbara Courthouse and Stearns Wharf are must-see attractions that showcase the city’s rich history. Take a leisurely stroll along State Street, filled with shops and restaurants, and enjoy the beautiful waterfront views.

Central California Coast

As you transition to the central portion of the Pacific Coast Highway, you’ll encounter notable stops in Lompoc and San Luis Obispo. Lompoc is known for its vibrant mural art scene, with numerous murals scattered throughout the city. Be sure to visit La Purisima State Historic Park, a recreated old mission that offers an educational experience about the history of Spanish California missions.

San Luis Obispo is a lively college town with a bustling downtown area. Explore the quirky Gum Wall and indulge in the great shops and restaurants that line Higuera Street. For a unique experience, you can even drive on the beach in nearby Pismo Beach. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Pismo Beach Butterfly Grove, where you can witness the majestic monarch butterflies during their annual migration (November to February).

Continuing along Highway 1, you’ll enter the scenic drive through Big Sur. This iconic stretch of coastline is known for its towering cliffs and panoramic ocean views. Don’t miss the chance to stop at Cayucos and see a shipwreck, or enjoy a meal with breathtaking views at Nepenthe restaurant. Pfeiffer Beach offers a stunning sight with its purple sand and iconic Keyhole Arch. Consider taking a hike in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park to witness the beauty of Pfeiffer Falls.

Northern California Coast

The northern stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway offers its own set of highlights. In Monterey and Aptos, you can marvel at the SS Palo Alto at Seacliff State Beach and explore the colorful painted houses in Capitola. Both cities offer a range of activities and attractions that are worth exploring.

Santa Cruz is another must-visit destination along the northern coast. This vibrant beach town offers something for everyone, from its iconic boardwalk to the picturesque Santa Cruz Pier. Take some time to explore the natural wonders of Natural Bridges State Park and Shark Fin Cove, or visit Pigeon Point Lighthouse for stunning coastal views.

Heading further north, Half Moon Bay provides a beautiful backdrop for a leisurely stroll. Mavericks, a famous surfing break, is a must-see for surf enthusiasts. Don’t forget to indulge in some delicious fish tacos at Sam’s Chowder House.

San Francisco and Beyond

San Francisco is a destination that needs no introduction. This vibrant city is home to iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. Explore the historic Palace of Fine Arts and enjoy the bustling streets of downtown San Francisco. For nature lovers, Muir Woods offers a tranquil retreat to admire ancient redwood trees.

Near San Francisco, there are several natural wonders worth exploring. Point Reyes National Seashore offers breathtaking coastal views and the opportunity to visit the historic Point Reyes Lighthouse. Bodega, made famous by Alfred Hitchcock’s film “The Birds,” offers a quirky connection to the world of cinema.

Continuing north, Bodega and Jenner provide scenic stops along the way. Make sure to visit the fictional house from “The Birds” on Pacific Coast Highway and enjoy the stunning views of the Sonoma Coast State Park. Jenner is a small town with limited places to stop, but Cafe Aquatica is a great spot for coffee or a quick bite.

Fort Ross State Historic Park offers a fascinating glimpse into pre-California history, with reconstructed buildings and a museum. Timber Cove Resort features a breathtaking peace totem created by artist Ben Bufano. For nature enthusiasts, the Kruse Rhododendron Reserve offers beautiful trails surrounded by rhododendron flowers and redwood trees.

Continuing North on the Pacific Coast Highway

Heading further north on the Pacific Coast Highway, you’ll encounter highlights in Point Arena and Mendocino. The wildflower Motel in Point Arena is a recommended hotel option, offering comfortable accommodations and beautiful views. Glass Beach in Fort Bragg is another must-visit attraction, known for its unique sea glass formations. Take the time to explore Point Arena Lighthouse and the Sea Ranch Chapel in Point Arena, both offering stunning architectural beauty.

In Fort Bragg, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Noyo Fish Company for some delicious fish tacos. For outdoor enthusiasts, Russian Gulch State Park offers scenic hiking trails and beautiful waterfalls. Enjoy the crisp coastal air and breathtaking views of the Mendocino Headlands.

The road trip concludes at the drive-thru tree located at the intersection of Highway 1 and Highway 101. This unique attraction allows visitors to drive their cars through a towering tree, offering a fun and memorable photo opportunity. The drive-through tree has been around since 1937, attracting countless visitors who are captivated by its charm. Please note that the cost of visiting the drive-through tree has increased to $15 per car.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Pacific Coast Highway offers a stunning road trip experience along the coast of California. From the bustling cities of Southern California to the rugged beauty of Big Sur and the charm of northern coastal towns, this drive has something for everyone. The road trip video by California Through My Lens provides a comprehensive guide to the various attractions and stops along the route.

Personal recommendations and highlights from the road trip include the vibrant beach communities of Laguna Beach and Huntington Beach, the iconic pier and boardwalk of Santa Monica, and the breathtaking views of Big Sur. Other notable attractions include Alcatraz Island, Muir Woods, and the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

For continued explorations, be sure to follow the content creator, California Through My Lens, on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter. The video, along with an ebook and map of favorite locations along the route, provides valuable resources for planning your own Pacific Coast Highway adventure. Whether it’s your first time or a repeat journey, the Pacific Coast Highway promises an unforgettable road trip filled with stunning scenery and memorable experiences.