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Can you imagine experiencing a trip that takes you through forest and beach destinations and some of the most iconic cities in the world? This trip exists and it is a road trip along California's Highway 1.
The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most iconic scenic routes in the United States. This highway stretches for more than 1,000 kilometers along the Pacific Ocean coast, connecting important and wonderful destinations like San Francisco and Los Angeles, while offering breathtaking views of the Californian coast.
On your journey, you will be able to stop and enjoy the view of cliffs, giant redwoods, sea lion sightings, wine tastings, or iconic spots like Big Sur. But one of the great benefits of the road trip is that you can stay in destinations as diverse as Cambria, Santa Monica, or Los Angeles.
California's Highway 1 is proof that the journey is part of the trip and it will be the best way to get to know the biodiversity of the Golden State. Here is a suggested itinerary.
San Francisco, California
Start your trip in San Francisco, dedicating two days or more to it. It is one of the most iconic cities in the entire United States for its amazing Golden Gate, its bay attractions, technological development, and cultural diversity.
Stay at the Omni San Francisco Hotel. Its strategic location will be key to enjoying the most important tourist attractions and for moving quickly between them.
Take advantage of the first day to explore Pier 39. It brings together spectacular views of the bay, sea lion sightings, incredible restaurants to enjoy a clam chowder, entertainment, shops, and even museums.
The place is super Instagrammable and you will be able to take photos at its murals alluding to San Francisco and California. You can also have fun on the carousel, spend the afternoon watching jugglers, walk the pier, or take a tour to Alcatraz, the old federal prison located on an island in the bay. Then head to Club Fugazi in North Beach and marvel at a show of acrobatics, music, and drinks.
The second day will be perfect to get to know the streets and Victorian architecture. Take the tour with Urban Hiker to walk through representative points of San Francisco, such as Levi’s Plaza, Coit Tower, and Lombard Street. The best part is that you will enjoy "hidden" gardens, panoramic views, and a tour full of stories.
The afternoon will be perfect to go eat in Chinatown, the oldest Chinatown in North America and one of the most important in the world. Delight yourself in its restaurants, explore the Fortune Cookie factory, and get to know this great community up close.
On your way, you will see the famous Cable Cars. The tram system began operating in 1873 and currently there are 3 lines that cross the city. Another option is to get into Waymo taxis, which operate without a driver, autonomously. Do you dare?
Then head to Presidio park, right on the beach, to get the first views of the Golden Gate, be amazed by the Palace of Fine Arts, and return to Pier 39 to take a sunset cruise on the bay; you will pass under the Golden Gate and it will become one of the best memories of your trip. Dress warmly.
The night will be better with dinner at Scoma’s Restaurant, one of the most popular establishments on Fisherman’s Wharf. It is on Pier 47 and you can eat freshly caught products, also called “Pier to Plate.” The crab cakes, the Cioppino, and the shrimp dishes are a classic.
Destinos del Pacífico
Rent a car in San Francisco and start the road trip toward Southern California. On this third day, you will have some of the most beautiful views of the entire trip. For example, the coastal landscapes of Monterey and the beauty of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
One of the mandatory stops is Big Sur, a tribute to the beauty of California. It is located on the central coast, between Monterey and San Simeon. It is a region that combines cliffs, beaches, redwood forests, mountains, and the fascinating Pacific Ocean. Bixby Creek Bridge is one of the most photographed points by tourists, due to the iconic bridge (built in 1932) that sits over a canyon. This image will stay in your mind forever.
San Simeon, Morro Bay y Cambria
Your trip along the Pacific Coast Highway offers you multiple possibilities. One is to experience a wine tasting in San Simeon. Their grapes are grown with high quality standards and you can enjoy a tasting in front of the sea. The environment is beautiful, dog-friendly, and it is the perfect time to relax. Book your visit in advance.
Afterward, set off toward Morro Bay, a destination famous for having a huge rock in the middle of the ocean. In addition to seeing Morro Rock, you can spot sea lions, seals, and practice kayaking, paddle boarding, and other types of navigation. In its pier, you will find restaurants, galleries, and multiple gift shops.
Spend the evening in Cambria, which belongs to San Luis Obispo County. It is a perfect town to rest and make a stop. It is surrounded by forest, cliffs, and beaches, and in the center, there are lovely shops and restaurants, such as Robin’s Restaurant, where you can try Farm to Table dishes, a sample of the quality of gastronomic products produced in a sustainable way in the region.
Moonstone Beach is one of the most comforting beaches; observe the marine life and rest at Ocean Point Ranch, an accommodation that will make you feel like you are in a cabin, with an ultra-comfortable bed, hot shower, and fire pit.
Solvang
For your fourth day of the road trip, leave for Solvang, a Danish town in California whose community and construction make it one of the most peculiar. It is located in Santa Barbara County and was founded in 1911 by Danish immigrants.
You will see typical Danish constructions, buildings with windmill facades, restaurants with typical Danish food, and you can enjoy a good ice cream while taking nice photos of the facades.
Santa Monica
On your way to Los Angeles, Santa Monica is an essential stop. And you can dedicate your fourth day to it. Its famous pier can be visited for free and offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. Also, in its surroundings, you will find charming shops, street artists, and live musicians who create a relaxed environment, very characteristic of the Californian coast.
For those looking for fun, Pacific Park has different attractions whose prices usually range between $6 and $16 dollars per ride. Among all of them, the iconic Ferris wheel stands out, from where you can admire unique panoramic views of the beach and the pier. It is especially magical at sunset.
Don't forget to bring your camera or mobile phone to capture the best moments. Between the ocean, the lively atmosphere of the boardwalk, and the iconic Ferris wheel, you will find the perfect setting to take unforgettable photographs during your visit.
For your accommodation, you can choose between hotels such as Viceroy Santa Monica, The Eden, and Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites.
Los Angeles
You can dedicate the fifth and sixth day of your road trip to Los Angeles. The city offers a wide variety of attractions for those visiting the city for the first time. Among the most outstanding places are the Getty Center, recognized for its impressive architecture and art collection, and the Griffith Observatory, famous for its panoramic views of the city and its free access. Both sites are considered mandatory stops to discover the cultural wealth and iconic landscapes.
For entertainment lovers, visiting Universal Studios Hollywood, taking the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, and visiting iconic areas like Beverly Hills, The Broad, and the Walk of Fame will be the best. Take a tour of SoFi Stadium or experience one of their games. Many travelers complement their stay with a visit to Disneyland Resort, located in Anaheim.
These places will make your Highway 1 road trip one of the best trips of your life. Ready to start the journey?
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