Now that summer’s here and it’s road-trip season, the Pacific Coast always seems to be a favourite. Its absolutely beautiful scenery and ocean views make it a popular road-trip destination. I’ve been lucky enough to have done it twice so far!
Here are some suggestions on where to go on your very own Pacific Coast road trip!
Vancouver
Vancouver is a beautiful Canadian waterfront city with an amazing blend of nature and modern architecture. So it’s a great way to start off your journey.
Worth Visiting:
Gastown
Canada Place and Waterfront Station
Science World and the False Creek area
English Bay and Beach Avenue
Seattle
Seattle is like Vancouver’s more techie American cousin. In truly Pacific Northwest fashion, it’s home to many tech start-ups and coffee shops! Fun fact…it’s actually the birthplace of Starbucks (though I wouldn’t suggest visiting the original store, the line up is always super long)!
Tip: For a great view, check out Kerry Park. It’s a tiny park in a residential area, but it has one of the nicest views of Downtown Seattle!
Worth Visiting:
Pike Place Market
Gum Wall
The Amazon Spheres
The Space Needle
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Gas Works Park
Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is an absolute must! Watching the waves break on the giant rock formations makes you realize just how small you are in the grand scheme of things, it’s a truly breathtaking experience. The main attraction is Haystack Rock, which is actually featured in the movie The Goonies!
Tip: If you want to visit another breathtaking beach, visit Indian Beach! You’ll have to drive through Ecola State Park to get to it, but it’s worth it. It’s a smaller beach, with equally as beautiful rock formations.
Worth Visiting:
Haystack Rock
Indian Beach
Downtown Cannon Beach
San Fransisco
Now, on to our first stop in California! San Fransisco is like the sunnier second cousin of Vancouver and Seattle. It also has a booming tech scene and is one of America’s most diverse cities. It’s known for its infamous fog and steep hills, so prepare for a leg workout!
Tip: For a unique experience, check out Battery Boutelle. It’s an abandoned gun battery that not many people know about! Built in 1900 and deactivated in 1917, it’s turned into a historical landmark where you can get amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge (and do some parkour on haha).
Worth Visiting:
Golden Gate Bridge
Battery Boutelle (hidden gem)
Golden Gate Park
Palace of Fine Arts
Lombard Street
Treasure Island
Monterey Peninsula
The Monterey Peninsula is a place you absolutely have to visit. It has some of the most beautiful views of the California coastline. One of the best things to do, especially on a road trip, is the 17-Mile Drive. It’s a scenic drive along the peninsula with breathtaking views! The entry fee is $11.25 per car and the drive should take about 3 hours.
Worth Visiting:
Spanish Bay Beach
The Lone Cypress
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Just 5 minutes from the 17-Mile Drive is a quaint beach town called Carmel-by-the-Sea. It almost resembles a fairytale village, with its unique white sand beach and whimsical houses. Celebrities are known for making this town their home, with Clint Eastwood even being the mayor at one point!
Worth Visiting:
Carmel River State Beach
Whimsical houses
Big Sur
If you keep driving down Highway 1, you’ll come across an area called Big Sur. It spans from Carmel-by-the-Sea to San Simeon. It’s one of the most famous spots along the California coastline and has absolutely beautiful scenery, so make it a point to really enjoy your time there!
The most photographed spot is McWay Falls, just keep in mind that there’s no way to actually get to it. You’ll have to enjoy it from afar.
Worth Visiting:
McWay Falls
Bixby Bridge
Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach is a special place, it’s one of the few beaches in California that you can drive on! It also has its very own sand dunes! So if you’re into off-roading or just want a little taste of the Sahara Desert, this is a great place to visit.
Worth Visiting:
Downtown Pismo Beach
Pismo State Beach
Oceano Dunes
Santa Barbara
This is one of my favourite cities, not only in California, but in the world. There’s just something so magical about it, with its beautiful Spanish architecture and relaxed vibe. Being only 1.5 hours away, it’s like the chilled out cousin of Los Angeles. Many celebrities call this place home, including Katy Perry and Oprah!
Worth Visiting:
Stearns Wharf and West Beach
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Santa Monica
Being only 30 minutes from downtown Los Angeles, a lot of people would argue that Santa Monica is a part of LA, but technically, it’s its own city! It’s most known for its famous pier, The Santa Monica Pier. There, you’ll find many fun rides and pop-up stands.
Worth Visiting:
Santa Monica Pier
Los Angeles
Now, onto the most famous city on this list! The city of Angels, where dreamers come to make their dreams a reality. It’s the inspiration behind one of my favourite movies, La La Land. But despite its…dreamy reputation, it surprised me just how big this city was! The land of creation and destruction, it’s easy to get lost in the vastness of it.
Tip: Try not to spend too much time on Hollywood Boulevard; it’s very touristy and some parts of it aren’t safe.
Worth Visiting:
Venice Beach
Hollywood Hills hike
Rodeo Drive
Griffith Observatory
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Sunset Strip
San Diego
Last but not least, San Diego! This is one of my favourite cities on the list. If there is only one thing you have time to do, please visit Sunset Cliffs Natural Park! It’s one of the most naturally beautiful places I’ve been to. It is a set of cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. People from all over San Diego come here to watch the sunset. I’ve even see three sunset weddings there (to the point where it’s become a cliche…but still!).
Worth Visiting:
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
Balboa Park
San Diego Zoo
—Optional Stops—
1.Astoria
Astoria is a fishing town just 45 minutes away from Cannon Beach. It is known for the Astoria-Megler Bridge and the Astoria Column. You can also hear sea lions at night. So check out this cool port side city!
Worth Visiting:
Astoria Column
Astoria-Megler Bridge
2. Eureka
If you have extra time, I would do a quick drive through the small Northern Californian town of Eureka. It’s an old city with lots of Victorian houses. The Old Town kind of reminded me of the Old West. I passed through the city at night, so it didn’t feel the safest, but it wouldn’t hurt to quickly visit this unique place.
Worth Visiting:
Historic Old Town
Carson Mansion
3. Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is a quintessential California beach town. It’s known for its vibrant surf culture and famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which is one of the best seaside parks in the world!
Worth Visiting:
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Santa Cruz Beach
4. Ventura
If you want to sample more of the Californian lifestyle, check out this smaller oceanfront city. Ventura is a city between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, with equally beautiful beaches.
Worth Visiting:
Ventura Beach