Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip- Tips and Advice

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jteagle
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9:26a, 2/14/23
AG
Good morning! I am planning to do the Pacific Coast Highway road trip at the end of June. Planning to fly in to LAX take off north up the coast, spend a day or two in Monterey. Maybe 1 day and 1 night in SF and then fly back from there.

If any of you have done it, I would like to hear your advice about can't miss places, restaurants and attractions, especially those that aren't on everyone's radar. Also, if you've been during the summer, what is the weather like? I've heard it can get pretty cool at night on the coast.

I am mostly interested in hiking, parks and that sort of thing. I'm not a golfer so I won't be taking in the golf courses except to look.

Thank you all in advance.
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GAC06
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10:14a, 2/14/23
AG
Stayed a couple nights in Big Sur a couple years ago. Stayed a Glen Oaks which we thought was pretty cool. Very pretty area and there's hiking to be had. Drove to Carmel for dinner at Mission Ranch one night, also would recommend
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Martin87
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10:21a, 2/14/23
AG
Little further North than SF, but might want to look at Rivers End in Jenner. Nothing fancy, but the cabins have a great view and the restaurant is really good. Lots of hiking, etc. We have flown into Oakland, from there to Jenner, then down the coast after some winery stops, then thru SF and kept going down the coast.
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Kool
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10:40a, 2/14/23
AG
17 Mile Drive, Carmel and Pebble Beach are musts.
As is a stop at Nepenthe for food if not libations. The view is amazing.
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Matsui
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In reply to Kool • 10:47a, 2/14/23
AG
For sure this
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archangelus2
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12:07p, 2/14/23
AG
You might consider driving into San Diego to hit the little beach towns between SD and LA. It's has strong Beach Boy vibes and I thought it was pretty cool having never been there.

A must see for me would be Point Lobos before you get to Monterrey. Have a picnic lunch and just hike around. Some of the best day hiking I've ever done.

Some quick stops worth doing: Elephant seal rookery, McWay Falls

Avoid driving between Santa Barbara and Monterrey at night, it's slow, winding and you'll of course miss all the scenery.

The big things we missed were Hearst Castle, Carmel and 17 mile drive. Excited to see those next time.
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AggieOO
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12:39p, 2/14/23
IMO, the further north you go, the better the scenery gets. SF all the way up the oregon coast is pretty incredible. granted, going north, you have to go inland for a bit...however, that takes you through all the Redwoods, which is an added bonus.
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AggieStan
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1:34p, 2/14/23
Did a # years ago. Flew into SD, made our way all the way to Sonoma, nights here and there. From Sonoma back to SF, then flew back

Skip LA
Carmel etc good
Alcatraz
SF
Sonoma
Hearst Castle
SD
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He Who Shall Be Unnamed
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2:09p, 2/14/23
https://texags.com/forums/54/topics/3276345/replies/61680771
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murphyag
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2:56p, 2/14/23
AG
Nepenthe in Big Sur
Restaurant at Post Ranch Inn also has good views.
Post Ranch Inn or Ventana are awesome places to stay, but $$$.

Carmel is a good stop as well. Have dinner at Mission Ranch (Clint Eastwood's place). Get there in time for sunset. Lots of older hotels in Carmel if you want to be able to park at hotel and just walk around during your trip. The Hyatt and Tickle Pink Inn outside of town have the better views.

Monterrey- be sure and go to the aquarium. Best one I've ever been to.

See the bagpipers and have a drink at sunset at Spanish Bay

I've also stayed at a b&b in Pacific Grove and enjoyed it.

Drive to Santa Cruz to see the surfers.
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GAC06
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In reply to murphyag • 5:11p, 2/14/23
AG
Just looked at Post Ranch, holy crap. Also forgot we ate at nepenthe, good call
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jteagle
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In reply to He Who Shall Be Unnamed • 8:57p, 2/14/23
AG
He Who Shall Be Unnamed said:
https://texags.com/forums/54/topics/3276345/replies/61680771
Thanks! I figured there was a thread already but I wasn't able to find it.
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Ag_07
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10:56a, 2/15/23
AG
Barbara's Fishtrap in Half Moon Bay for clam chowder and fish and chips
Muir Woods National Monument for a day of hiking
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EclipseAg
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11:21a, 2/15/23
AG
It's been many years since I made that drive, but the memories are still vivid. Just an amazing experience.

Enjoy!
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AgLA06
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In reply to jteagle • 12:10p, 2/15/23
AG
It's probably a time availability thing, but if you want to do the pacific coast drive, I'd suggest continuing further north and flying home from Seattle.
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HollywoodBQ
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7:37p, 2/15/23
AG
I've done the entire way from SF to LA 1.5 times (had to re-route when the Bixby bridge was out).
https://ktla.com/news/california/california-highway-1-along-big-sur-reopens-after-collapse/

I've done the section from SF to Santa Cruz many times.
I strongly recommend
  • Taco Bell on the Beach @ Pacifica
  • Walking out to Pillar Point @ Half Moon Bay
  • Stopping in at Mavericks Surf Shop and seeing if Jeff Clark is in (the guy who discovered Mavericks)
  • Getting out and walking around at Lighthouse Point in Santa Cruz (stay off the cliffs). If you're lucky they'll be having a surfing competition.
  • I really enjoyed this little family steakhouse in Santa Maria - https://shaws-steakhouse.com/

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jteagle
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In reply to AgLA06 • 6:35p, 2/16/23
AG
AgLA06 said:
It's probably a time availability thing, but if you want to do the pacific coast drive, I'd suggest continuing further north and flying home from Seattle.
I wish I could but I don't think we will be able to swing it. However, I am retiring soon and I will have more time.
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jteagle
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6:59p, 2/16/23
AG
Thanks for all of the suggestions and tips everybody!

I actually think I have decided to fly into San Jose and drive south.

I've been checking road conditions and PCH is closed in the Big Sur area somewhere around Limekiln State Park. Hopefully it is nothing major and it will be cleared up by the time we get ready to go. Even if it is, 'm making the trip because it is too good to pass up.
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Kool
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In reply to jteagle • 7:09p, 2/16/23
AG
jteagle said:
Thanks for all of the suggestions and tips everybody!

I actually think I have decided to fly into San Jose and drive south.

I've been checking road conditions and PCH is closed in the Big Sur area somewhere around Limekiln State Park. Hopefully it is nothing major and it will be cleared up by the time we get ready to go. Even if it is, 'm making the trip because it is too good to pass up.
That's a great plan. I've done Monterey, Pebble Beach, Carmel and 17 Mile Drive multiple times and it never gets old. Add in Point Lobos and you can spend a great deal of time in a relatively small area and never get tired of it. The other thread linked above has a lot of great recommendations as well. Enjoy and, of course, post pics.
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
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Pro Sandy
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10:12p, 2/16/23
AG
You should be good for PCH in June roadwise. The big spot now is at Mill Creek. Probably another month to clear it.



You will have fog though. And it'll be cool. Expect mid 60s during the days, 40s/50s at night.

For Monterey:
Past the aquarium as you go into PG, there is a seal haul out. Ocean View Dr just before 1st st.


I love Lovers Point. It's over in PG.

Keep driving west past Lovers Point and go to Asilomar for sunset.


Hiking, I like:
Huckleberry Hill (https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/california/huckleberry-hill-loop-trail)
Spanish Bay Trail (https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/california/spanish-bay-trail--2)

For Big Sur:

I think south is right, just because there is a view about 10-15 minutes south of Carmel that I love. Around China Lookout.




Point Lobos is nice, but can get crowded. California state parks charge by the car, so you will see a lot of cars parked on 1 and they walk in.

In the town of Big Sur, there is a bus in front of the River Inn that serves ice cream. Get some ice cream, then go down to the Big Sur River behind the inn and let the kids play in the river.

McWay Falls is a must. Since the state charges per car, most people park on Highway 1 and walk.

For reference, here's a pic of our car parked so we can walk to the falls.



McWay Falls


Beaches, I like sand dollar best. It's a good 1.5 hours south of Carmel. Pfeiffer is popular and has a cool arch and purple sand.


Sand Dollar


Pfeiffer Beach Arch

Pfeiffer Beach, it is easy to miss the turn. Look for the turnback to Sycamore Canyon. If you get to the Post Office, you went to far.

Garrapata is also popular, as it is the first beach in Big Sur when coming from the north.

But be careful on the beaches! Sneaker waves can happen!

We got lucky. We went to Garrapata once and the water was quite far out. The kids went out on some rocks while we milled around on the beach. Few minutes later, a sneaker wave washed in. I told the kids to hang on the rocks as we backpeddled up the beach. The water completely surrounded the rock, but they hung on and were good. My wife though, she was pregnant and her center of mass was not where she thought it was. She fell, the wave washed over her, and the day was ruined.
Point being, when you go down to the beach, spend a few minutes watching the surf before going down to the water.

Go hike!

Last fall while we were down there, one of my sons and i did Whale Peak. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/soberanes-point-and-whale-peak







I've also done Doud Peak. It's tough. Don't know the current status of the trail, Rocky Ridge was open when I did it 10 years ago. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/doud-peak





Enjoy!
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HollywoodBQ
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In reply to jteagle • 12:38a, 2/17/23
AG
jteagle said:
I actually think I have decided to fly into San Jose and drive south.
OK, in this case, you'll want to drive north past SF, across the GG Bridge.

You must tour Marin Headlands and the 16 inch gun emplacements.
There's a nice stop where you can get the picture with the City at your back and the TransAmerica building framed between the pillars of the Golden Gate Bridge.

If you want to check out Fort Point underneath the south side of the GG Bridge, that's worth the trip.

Also, if you park and decide to walk across the bridge, that's a great time too but... remember that if it takes you 45 minutes to walk across the bridge, it's going to take you 45 minutes to get back to your car.

From there, head south to Haight-Ashbury "The Haight".
Then drive over to the Sunset District and pickup CA Hwy 1 headed South again.

Almost forgot, if you've watched the intro to the TV Show "Silicon Valley", you'll see all of those businesses when you drive up The 101 from SJC to San Francisco. They start around Mission College Blvd and continue up to Mountain View.

Back to south on Hwy 1, I just love Santa Cruz.

Probably South of Carmel, they'll tell you that you're going to have to turn around and head back to The 101 to go south - assuming the landslide situation hasn't been repaired.

It's a long boring drive but a couple highlights.

Check out Laguna Seca Raceway. If you've played Gran Turismo, you'll want to see "The Corkscrew" turn.
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jteagle
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In reply to Pro Sandy • 6:19a, 2/17/23
AG
Pro Sandy said:
You should be good for PCH in June roadwise. The big spot now is at Mill Creek. Probably another month to clear it.



You will have fog though. And it'll be cool. Expect mid 60s during the days, 40s/50s at night.

For Monterey:
Past the aquarium as you go into PG, there is a seal haul out. Ocean View Dr just before 1st st.


I love Lovers Point. It's over in PG.

Keep driving west past Lovers Point and go to Asilomar for sunset.


Hiking, I like:
Huckleberry Hill (https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/california/huckleberry-hill-loop-trail)
Spanish Bay Trail (https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/california/spanish-bay-trail--2)

For Big Sur:

I think south is right, just because there is a view about 10-15 minutes south of Carmel that I love. Around China Lookout.




Point Lobos is nice, but can get crowded. California state parks charge by the car, so you will see a lot of cars parked on 1 and they walk in.

In the town of Big Sur, there is a bus in front of the River Inn that serves ice cream. Get some ice cream, then go down to the Big Sur River behind the inn and let the kids play in the river.

McWay Falls is a must. Since the state charges per car, most people park on Highway 1 and walk.

For reference, here's a pic of our car parked so we can walk to the falls.



McWay Falls


Beaches, I like sand dollar best. It's a good 1.5 hours south of Carmel. Pfeiffer is popular and has a cool arch and purple sand.


Sand Dollar


Pfeiffer Beach Arch

Pfeiffer Beach, it is easy to miss the turn. Look for the turnback to Sycamore Canyon. If you get to the Post Office, you went to far.

Garrapata is also popular, as it is the first beach in Big Sur when coming from the north.

But be careful on the beaches! Sneaker waves can happen!

We got lucky. We went to Garrapata once and the water was quite far out. The kids went out on some rocks while we milled around on the beach. Few minutes later, a sneaker wave washed in. I told the kids to hang on the rocks as we backpeddled up the beach. The water completely surrounded the rock, but they hung on and were good. My wife though, she was pregnant and her center of mass was not where she thought it was. She fell, the wave washed over her, and the day was ruined.
Point being, when you go down to the beach, spend a few minutes watching the surf before going down to the water.

Go hike!

Last fall while we were down there, one of my sons and i did Whale Peak. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/soberanes-point-and-whale-peak







I've also done Doud Peak. It's tough. Don't know the current status of the trail, Rocky Ridge was open when I did it 10 years ago. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/doud-peak





Enjoy!


Thanks! Good stuff!
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jteagle
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In reply to HollywoodBQ • 6:20a, 2/17/23
AG
Awesome! Thanks!
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Apache
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7:26a, 2/17/23
AG
Point Lobos & McWay Falls are musts.

I am one of the few who was completely underwhelmed by 17 Mile Drive.
IMO some great views spoiled by houses & you can't enjoy them anyway because you're driving on a curvy road. If you enjoy golf you may like it more, but I'm not a fan.

Better to get out of the car, check out some of the beaches on foot. Smell the ocean, feel the breeze & not have to peer around an aging 1980's interpretation of a Tuscan home.
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jteagle
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In reply to Apache • 3:13p, 2/17/23
AG
Apache said:
Point Lobos & McWay Falls are musts.

I am one of the few who was completely underwhelmed by 17 Mile Drive.
IMO some great views spoiled by houses & you can't enjoy them anyway because you're driving on a curvy road. If you enjoy golf you may like it more, but I'm not a fan.

Better to get out of the car, check out some of the beaches on foot. Smell the ocean, feel the breeze & not have to peer around an aging 1980's interpretation of a Tuscan home.
That's why I like all the different suggestions. Everybody has different preferences. The truth is, there are so many things to do that we probably aren't going to be able to do everything so we will have to make a priority list.

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AgLA06
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3:23p, 2/17/23
AG
If either of you get motion sickness, I'd suggest consulting a doctor about what to take on the S-curves along a cliff over the ocean. It can ruin a beautiful drive.
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jteagle
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In reply to AgLA06 • 3:30p, 2/17/23
AG
AgLA06 said:
If either of you get motion sickness, I'd suggest consulting a doctor about what to take on the S-curves along a cliff over the ocean. It can ruin a beautiful drive.
I don't think either one of us has a problem with motion sickness in the car. We drove up Pikes Peak two years ago and no motion sickness but my wife was sure I was going to drive over the edge.
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Pro Sandy
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In reply to AgLA06 • 6:34p, 2/17/23
AG
AgLA06 said:
If either of you get motion sickness, I'd suggest consulting a doctor about what to take on the S-curves along a cliff over the ocean. It can ruin a beautiful drive.
My wife cried the first time we drove into Big Sur.

She claims it was less the narrow road with steep drops and more of my swerving towards those drops while trying to point out whales.

Expect lots of bicyclists. No shoulder, so good luck! Craziest thing we've seen is a man pushing a shopping cart full of vinyls he was selling.
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jteagle
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In reply to HollywoodBQ • 8:15a, 2/18/23
AG
I was already planning on driving over GG and seeing some stuff a little north. Muir Woods looks like a good stop. Looks like a nice little easy hike with a good stand of Redwoods.
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Pro Sandy
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In reply to jteagle • 12:50p, 2/18/23
AG
The headlands is cool.



Tried to go to the Point Bonita lighthouse but the keeper brought the wrong keys and couldn't open it.

So we ended up touring the Nike Missile Site. I think John Wayne was our tour guide. Tall, deep voice, and made me feel patriotic about nuclear war.



I like the town of Sausalito. Only place I ate was Lighthouse Cafe, but good views, nice people.
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Jock 07
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In reply to HollywoodBQ • 11:28p, 2/18/23
AG
HollywoodBQ said:
I've done the entire way from SF to LA 1.5 times (had to re-route when the Bixby bridge was out).
https://ktla.com/news/california/california-highway-1-along-big-sur-reopens-after-collapse/

I've done the section from SF to Santa Cruz many times.
I strongly recommend
  • Taco Bell on the Beach @ Pacifica
  • Walking out to Pillar Point @ Half Moon Bay
  • Stopping in at Mavericks Surf Shop and seeing if Jeff Clark is in (the guy who discovered Mavericks)
  • Getting out and walking around at Lighthouse Point in Santa Cruz (stay off the cliffs). If you're lucky they'll be having a surfing competition.
  • I really enjoyed this little family steakhouse in Santa Maria - https://shaws-steakhouse.com/



Shaw's is a good suggestion or the original hitching post https://hitchingpost1.com in Casmalia is a pretty cool old school spot that epitomizes central coast California.

https://jockossteakhouse.com in Nipomo and https://farwesterntavern.com in old town Orcutt are a couple of other options as well.

If you time it right you might be able to catch a Falcon 9 launch as well. Pretty cool sight with great views from on base if you have access as well as in town if not.
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Jock 07
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12:00a, 2/19/23
AG
Oh and here's a few pictures I took today while my son and I were out exploring the tide pools at low tide. Nicest weather we've had on a weekend in a long time.



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Pro Sandy
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8:10p, 1/11/24
AG
OP, what did you end up doing?

Was in Big Sur last week and the road is still closed north of Limekiln at Paul's Slide
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