• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Getaway Couple

Getaway Couple

Full-time RV Adventures, Couple Travel Blog

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Blog
    • RV Living
    • Destinations
    • Make Money
    • Save Money
  • Videos
  • Resources
  • Store
    • Getaway T-shirts
    • Camping T-shirts
    • Printables
  • RV Masterclass
  • Amazon Shop
  • Show Search
Hide Search
Home » Blog » Destinations » The Classic Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip in an RV

The Classic Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip in an RV

The Pacific Coast Highway (or PCH) is touted as one of the best road trip highways in the US and for good reason. The Highway spans all the way from the Mexican border in San Diego to the Canadian border. This stretch of road is home to some of the most incredible beaches and ocean views you will ever see. There are some of the cutest beach towns with great food along the way. This trip has it all and that’s why we planned out the perfect Pacific Coast Highway road trip.

Table of Contents

  • Where to Start
  • Redwood National Park
  • Fort Bragg
  • San Francisco
  • Santa Cruz
  • Monterey
  • Big Sur
  • San Simeon
  • Pismo Beach
  • Santa Barbara
  • Los Angeles

Where to Start

The first thing to planning your Pacific Coast Highway road trip is which direction you want to travel. At the end of the day it doesn’t matter, but if you want the best views of the ocean and access to the most pullouts try trekking north to south. If your starting from the Los Angeles area, check out our California National Park Road Trip which ends at Redwood National Park.

Before getting started and mapping out your route please note this road is very windy, especially in the north. There are also a lot of steep climbs and declines. If you have a larger RV please make sure you are very comfortable in these types of conditions before starting on your trip. 

Redwood National Park

Depending on how far north you start it is 60 miles south from the border of Oregon to Redwood National Park.

Redwood National Park is a must-stop spot. This part of the road is home to the tallest trees in the world. From Crescent City to the National Park there is some of the best hiking you will ever experience.

The redwood trees tower over you with the backdrop of the ocean cliffs. You can’t go wrong with any hike in this area. 

Giant Redwoods with fern and a dirt walking path in the middle of the frame

Fort Bragg

The next must-stop on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip is 177 miles south to Fort Bragg.

This is a cute fishing town with lots of history. Aside from the little downtown with shops and places to eat, you have to check out Glass Beach. Glass Beach is just as it sounds, tiny pieces of glass that have been smoothed out by the waves.

It makes for a very unique experience. While visiting you will also want to check out Point Cabrillo Lighthouse. This lighthouse sits on the edge of picturesque cliffs and is perfect for watching sunsets.

The roads to get to Fort Bragg are windy and narrow and restricted to those who have motorhomes under 40 feet. If you are like us with a large RV, skip this spot and head down to San Francisco via the 101.

San Francisco

After Fort Bragg, continue driving south on the PCH for 164 miles to San Francisco. There is so much to do in San Francisco.

Famous for the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, the city also has unique historical architecture and world-class food.

When driving along the PCH you have to cross the Golden Gate Bridge. There is no better way to enter the city.

Once there you have to visit Fisherman’s Wharf for incredible seafood. Then venture over to Alcatraz for a tour of the prison.

Aerial view of Golden Gate Bridge with a few clouds over the ocean, one of the stops on the Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip.

Santa Cruz

Once done in San Francisco continue south 76 miles to Santa Cruz. When visiting this beach city, it’s hard not to feel relaxed. Santa Cruz has a very laid-back vibe due to its oceanfront boardwalk.

Along the boardwalk, there are lots of shopping, restaurants, and theme park. It’s a fun experience for all ages.

You also must check out the Mystery Spot. This attraction defies gravity and how physics works. We can’t give it all away, you have to see it for yourself.

More From Getaway Couple
7 Fascinating (and Weird) Things To Do In Pismo Beach
7 Fascinating (and Weird) Things To Do In Pismo Beach
Surprisingly Unique Things to do in Fort Bragg
Surprisingly Unique Things to do in Fort Bragg

Monterey

After Santa Cruz, the next must-stop spot on this Pacific Coast Highway road trip is 43 miles to Monterey. This eclectic town with waterfront views everywhere is nothing but peaceful.

Time seems to move a little bit slower here. There is a world-class aquarium that is a must-see. This large aquarium submerges you into the world underwater.

You must also take the drive along the 17-mile drive that ends at Pebble Beach. The drive has some of the most spectacular ocean cliffs.

Big Sur

Once done in Monterey, take the short drive 30 miles south to Big Sur. This area is one of the most photographed parts of the Pacific Coast Highway road trip.

Known for the lush forest and steep ocean cliffs, it truly is a special place. Some stops to make in this area are Pfeiffer Beach. This hidden alcove beach has one of the few places you can get to the water. The cliffs tower above the alcove making it a perfect place to stop.

If you can’t get to Pfeiffer Beach try visiting McWay Cove. Another hidden alcove with impressive ocean cliffs. There is even a waterfall that runs onto the beach.

Big Sur is also home to Bixby Bridge. You will be driving over it but we suggest you also stop for photos. This is a famous spot for some of the most incredible sunset photos.

Coastal view of Big Sur with mountains and deep blue ocean crashing against the cliffs, one of the stops on the Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

San Simeon

After Big Sur your next Pacific Coast Highway road trip stop is 65 miles south to San Simeon. This town is another small beach town with lots of shopping, restaurants and beaches. But this town is most famous for Hearst Castle and the elephant seals.

Hearst Castle is an outlandish 82,000 sq ft property built in the mountains. On one of the many tours, you can take you will see the lavish rooms, beautiful gardens and even a zoo.

Another site to see are the elephant seals that frequent the area. During the peak seasons, there are as many as 17,000 to be seen.

Pismo Beach

55 miles south of San Simeon is Pismo Beach. This area is a very popular summer destination.

The beach town offers shopping, beaches and some of the best clam chowder. One of the highlight attractions in this area is Avila Hot Springs. This is a spa that takes advantage of the natural hot springs for your benefit. They offer swimming pools to massage packages.

After a day at the spa, there is nothing more fun than going to the Sunset Drive-In. Be sure to look online for what is showing that day and reserve your tickets ahead of time.

Lastly, you have to make a stop at the Pismo Beach Dunes. Many visitors like to make sleds and slide down the steep dunes.

Coastal view at Pismo Beach with flowers in the foreground and cliffs with the ocean in the background, one of the stops on the Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

Santa Barbara

Continuing south on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip another 80 miles is Santa Barbara. There is no shortage of things to do in this more established area. There are lots of shopping and great restaurants.

Downtown Santa Barbara has anything you could want to eat, great bars, and many wine tasting rooms. There is also a zoo.

Santa Barbara is a fun place to take the family out or leave the kids at home for a date night.

Los Angeles

The last stop on this Pacific Coast Highway road trip is 95 miles south to Los Angeles. This stop could keep you busy for months.

Famous for Hollywood, Rodeo Drive, and the Malibu beaches, you are sure to have plenty to do. You will probably even run into one or two of the celebrities that live in the area.

Join 5000+ Subscribers

For Exclusive Access to our Weekly Getaway Tips

What You Will Receive:
✅Tips and tricks to save you money and time when purchasing an RV and while out on the road.
✅Hand-picked product reviews and recommendations that we use and love.
✅Destination highlights and activities that you need to add to your bucket list.

Other Articles You May Enjoy

Where To Camp With Your RV in Lake Tahoe

The best RV covers on a geometric background

The Best RV Covers Buying Guide

A United States map is laid out on a desk. On top of the map is cash money, attraction brochures, keys, and binoculars while planning how to save money on a road trip.

How To Save Money On A RV Road Trip

Save Money in a blue piggy bank

Astonishing Ways To Save Money On A Tight Budget

A motorhome tows a utility trailer which tows a boat. Triple towing laws in some states prohibit this.

The Truth About Triple Towing Laws Actually Vary By State

The top image is a motorhome driving down the road. The bottom image is a travel trailer being towed by an SUV.

Unique Differences When Deciding Motorhome VS Travel Trailer

Written by:
Jason Miller
Published on:
October 27, 2020
Comments:
1 Comment

Categories:
Destinations


DISCLOSURE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING WE GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH OUR LINKS, AT NO COST TO YOU. PLEASE READ OUR DISCLOSURE NOTICE FOR MORE INFO.

About Jason Miller

Hey there! I grew up in Los Angeles, CA and caught the travel bug early during a west coast road trip as a kid. I love tech, coffee, beer, photography, and exploring new places with my wifey. I am a shy, introvert who digs meeting new people (over a beer perhaps?). I truly enjoy teaching others so feel free to reach out if you have any questions!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Donnye

    October 27, 2020 at 11:41 pm

    If you GUYZ didn’t exist, we would have to invent you. Period!!!!!!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Join 5000+ Subscribers

For Exclusive Access to our Weekly Getaway Tips

What You Will Receive:
✅Tips and tricks to save you money and time when purchasing an RV and while out on the road.
✅Hand-picked product reviews and recommendations that we use and love.
✅Destination highlights and activities that you need to add to your bucket list.

Recent Adventures

A notepad is on a desk with the work warranty written with black marker. On one side is a laptop and on the other side is a cell phone.

How Many Years Are Warranties On The RV: Compare Manufacturers

It’s a good feeling to head out on a trip with your RV fully packed and ready for adventure. It …

Continue Reading about How Many Years Are Warranties On The RV: Compare Manufacturers

A man stands on an RV lot with a smile and his hands up declaring he found the best RV. He is standing behind a Class A motorhome.

Buying An RV? How To Know Which One Is Best For You

When shopping for a new RV, how do you tell which one is the best RV for you and your family? There …

Continue Reading about Buying An RV? How To Know Which One Is Best For You

A man is kneeling down beside his RV connecting the sewer hose to the black tank and preparing to use the best RV tank rinser to clean his black tank.

The Best RV Tank Rinser For Easy Cleaning

Okay, I’ve just gotta say it. “It’s a stinky job, but someone has to do it!” Dump the black tank, …

Continue Reading about The Best RV Tank Rinser For Easy Cleaning

Explore more

Buy us a beer Join Patreon Contact Us

Footer

Getaway Couple

1530 P B Lane
Ste M4737
Wichita Falls, TX 76302

Copyright © 2015–2021 Getaway Couple LLC

Keep In Touch

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • All Content
  • Disclosure Notice
  • Privacy Policy
  • RV Living
  • Destinations
  • Make Money
  • Save Money