Picture yourself cruising down a twisty, 620-mile ribbon of asphalt, jagged cliffs to one side and the placid Pacific Ocean on the other. There’s only one place in the world you could be: The Pacific Coast Highway.
The picturesque coastline of Big Sur. (Photo Credit: Dan Hadar)
Bejeweled by coastal towns and interesting attractions, we recommend you take at least five days and explore a long stretch of it while stopping at a few of our stylish hotels each night along the way. We also suggest traveling north to south for the best views of the ocean.
Ready to hit the road?
Day One: California Central Coast to Santa Barbara
We suggest starting in Monterey, Big Sur, Cambria, or around Morro Bay, leaving early and driving for a few hours. On this breathtaking leg of the journey, you’ll want to fire up some tunes and podcasts and roll down the windows to take it all in. This is California.
First stop: Santa Barbara. (Photo Credit: @lalascoop)
And make sure to rest easy at the Kimpton Canary Hotel. (Photo Credit: @luciepolly)
Two stops worth getting out for, however, are the Bixby Canyon Bridge and Hearst Castle (where you can stroll the recently-reborn, Roman-style Neptune Pool that Charlie Chaplin and Carole Lombard used to swim in. Note: Advance tour reservations are strongly recommended.)
Rest Stop: Kimpton Canary Hotel — a luxurious, Spanish-style hotel with an outdoor rooftop swimming pool.
Day Two: Santa Barbara
It’s time to dig in and explore. We suggest a morning hike at the Gaviota Wind Caves Trail — make sure to duck into its sandstone caves that have been formed by the wind over the years. It can feel like you’re walking through tunnels in the air!
Spend a day to explore the beauty of Santa Barbara. (Photo Credit: Anna Sullivan)
Afterward, cruise part of the California 1 portion of the PCH back to Santa Barbara and plan a self-guiding walking tour of the “American Riviera” with its regal Spanish architecture. Alternatively, take a stroll in the Funk Zone around sunset, a hip district known for its murals, wine rooms and artisan clothing boutiques.
Day Three: Santa Barbara to Huntington Beach
Explore Lotusland in the morning (a massive botanical garden on 37 acres, conceived by a Polish opera singer) and stop by the local and dog-friendly Butterfly Beach. Hop back into the car, roll down the windows, and cruise for three hours down the coast to Huntington Beach.
Taking your fur babies on the road? No problem. (Photo Credit: @lacorgi)
When in Huntington, grab a bite at Pacific Hideaway. (Photo Credit: @sophoebelicious)
On the way, stop by Long Beach and stretch your legs at the Aquarium of the Pacific — one of the best aquariums on the West Coast. Once you arrive in Huntington Beach, maximize your trip with our hand-picked to-do’s which include surfing lessons and yoga on the beach.
Rest Stop: Kimpton Shorebreak Resort — a surf-inspired hotel just steps from the beach and Main Street. Catch hang ten vibes at Pacific Hideaway, with amazing pier views and vibrant fare that takes cues from Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and Latin and South America.
Day Four: Huntington Beach to San Diego
Huntington Beach is known as Surf City, one of America’s most agreeable and scenic places to embark on a surfing lesson or try stand-up paddle boarding (Shorebreak is partnered with the best local programs). Follow up your immersion with a visit to The International Surf Museum, a cool Art Deco building that houses an original hardwood surfboard that belonged to Duke Kahanamoku, “The Father of Modern Surfing,” as well as the world’s largest board.
Second stop: Huntington Beach. (Photo Credit: @shorebreakresort)
Then keep driving down to your last stop, San Diego, while passing Dana Point, San Clemente, and Carlsbad along the way.
Rest Stop: Kimpton Alma — a trendy downtown hotel with a relaxed pool deck and an exceptional fine-dining restaurant, The Desmond. End your trip with a most fabulous meal and a specialty cocktail. (Or two!)
Day Five: San Diego
Right outside your front door is the heart of downtown, easy access to the Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, and Balboa Park.
We also recommend a trip to The Salk Institute in La Jolla – designed by Louis Kahn, it’s a 1960s architectural treasure and research facility that has been called “San Diego’s anonymous Taj Mahal” due to its out-of-the-way location and low-key reputation.
Final stop: Sunny San Diego. (Photo Credit: Kristen Colada Adams)
Which stop will be your favorite? We can’t wait to find out.
Check out our full #RoadTrip series to discover all of our favorite road trip routes throughout the country and abroad by following the tag below.
