Pacific Coast Calling

Pack your bags, rent a convertible, and get ready to smell the ocean air, eat all the seafood, and experience everything that makes the Pacific Coast Highway one of the most iconic road trip routes in the world. From dipping your toes into the picturesque waters of Lake Crescent south of Seattle, to taking in the endless splendor of the Pacific Ocean, to lying on the surf-side beaches of Orange County, California, consider your itinerary complete.

Reworking The Route

While the stretch from Dana Point in Southern California up to Mendocino County is considered the official route, many travelers take in the incredible sights along the entire length of the Pacific Coast Highway – all 1,700 miles from Seattle, Washington down to San Diego, California.

Start In Seattle

It may be difficult to decide on your starting point, however, if you’re driving southbound, you’ll likely be escaping some rain in Washington and trading it for the warmth and sun of California. Plus, heading this direction will ensure you’re on the right-hand side of the road, an optimal spot for taking in the view of the coast.

June Through September

When thinking about an ideal road trip, you probably imagine the tunes blaring, top down or sunroof open, and the wind in your hair. For weather that is conducive for Instagram-worthy Thelma & Louise-style posts, plan to drive between June and September so you have lots of sun during the daytime and stunning sunsets in the evening.

STOP & ENJOY THE STATES

A road trip is just as much about the journey as it is the destination. So, stop and smell the roses, sip Starbucks, and soak in everything the sojourn has to offer. These are our top stops along the Pacific Coast Highway.

LAKE CRESCENT, WASHINGTON

Before hitting the open road of the Pacific Coast Highway, make your first stop outside of Port Angeles at Lake Crescent and take in the grandeur of Olympic National Park. For those extra adventurous, hike the majestic Mount Storm King Trail and experience the amazing views of the Olympic Peninsula.

Road trip tip: Swing by and check out Sol Duc Falls, a short trail that leads to one of the most stunning waterfalls in Washington state. It’s a small detour on your way to Highway 101, but highly worth it.

OCEAN SHORES, WASHINGTON

Eat your weight in seafood in this quaint little town on the Washington coast. While relaxing is the name of the game in this laidback beach town, activities abound. Choose from horseback riding, kite flying, or exploring the canals on paddleboard or kayak.

Road trip tip: Save room for sweet treats at Murphy’s Candy & Ice Cream Shop. Murphy’s offers more than 30 flavors of homemade ice cream and lots of fun taffy and candy.

DEVIL’S PUNCHBOWL, OREGON

This foaming collapsed sea cave is one of the many natural wonders along the Oregon coast. A cavernous rock formation, the ceiling of the cave collapsed, likely due to the forceful waves of the persistent Pacific Ocean, leaving this popular and impressive phenomenon. The rock formation is too good to be missed, and easily accessible from Highway 101. Take the Devil’s Punchbowl Trail, an easy 0.8-mile trek from the parking lot to the viewing area to watch the tide rush in and out of this exposed crater.

Road trip tip: Keep your eyes peeled for whales who often come offshore to feed.

SAMUEL H. BOARDMAN STATE SCENIC CORRIDOR, OREGON

Cliffside views, secluded beaches, and sand dunes are on full display at Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor in southwestern Oregon. Stop and experience the splendor of the waves as they crash into the dramatic offshore rock formations. Road trip tip: Schedule your pitstop during the latter part of the day so you can watch the sun dip down into the Pacific Ocean to fully appreciate this magical location.

HUMBOLDT REDWOODS STATE PARK, CALIFORNIA

Drive through the Avenue of Giants, a 31-mile stretch of road through the dense redwood forest. The Humboldt Redwoods State Park features some of the oldest and tallest redwood trees in the world – up to 1,800 years old and 25 stories high – that have tunnels carved out of the trunks.

Road trip tip: Tunnel through the Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree in Leggett, California.

GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

If you’ve never driven over the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge or seen the iconic orange structure, join the more than 10 million visitors a year that add it to their itinerary. The tremendous 746-foot-tall towers and sweeping main cables can be viewed by car, bike, tour, or by hiking along one of the many trails across the bay in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Road trip tip: For history buffs, free walking bridge tours are offered twice weekly (Thursdays and Sundays) by San Francisco City Guides, a non-profit organization associated with the San Francisco Public Library.