Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with this iconic road trip along the PCH.

The freedom of the open road. The long, winding ribbon of highway stretching along an endless expanse of water. The sheer variety of towns and attractions along the way. Driving the Pacific Coast Highway offers a travel experience unlike anything else.

Otherwise known as Highway 1, the PCH runs along most of California's Pacific coastline spanning 656 miles, making it the longest state route in California, and the second-longest in the U.S. after Montana Highway 200. Now, for the first time in three years, drivers can do the entire stretch uninterrupted. Caltrans just finished repairing a section south of Big Sur that was blocked by two significant landslides.

The reopening happens to coincide with America’s big birthday party, so let’s celebrate with a roadtrip of a lifetime. Our itinerary starts south in Santa Barbara and heads north to San Francisco with plenty of scenic stops and the beautiful basecamps to check out along the way. We invite you to put the top down, turn the radio up, and take an unforgettable cruise along the coast that captures the hearts and imaginations of people across the world.

Santa Barbara

Start your trip in the “American Riviera," otherwise known as Santa Barbara. There is a bounty of natural and historical beauty to discover and explore here. Visit the Mission Santa Barbara, built in 1786. Listed as a U.S. National Historic Landmark and a California Historical Landmark, it’s the only mission to remain under the leadership of the Franciscan Friars since its founding. After, stretch your legs with a leisurely stroll around the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden or a challenging bike ride up Figueroa Mountain. The Mt. Figueroa loop is one of the best-known rides in the region. Climbing it by bike is a serious endeavor, but you’ll be rewarded with epic views across the Los Padres National Forest and the San Rafael Mountains.

When you’re ready to relax for the evening, book a stay at one of El Capitan Canyon’s coveted Elderberry Cottages, a unique collection of four one-of-a-kind accommodations nestled in a private village along a serene creek.These upscale cottages are brand new and stocked with everything you need for a luxurious retreat, offering the perfect blend of comfort and nature, so you can unwind, recharge, and create unforgettable memories. The nature resort also offers cedar cabins, along with a handful of yurts. Don’t miss their private hiking trails, seasonal wine tastings, and the adorable llama farm where you can interact with the farm animals.

Lompoc

About 30 miles north, Highway 1 cuts inland at Gaviota and takes you to the small town of Lompoc, which is famous for its flower fields. See them from April through September, with peak bloom in May and June.

San Luis Obispo

Head west on the Los Osos Valley Road and drive through the eucalyptus grove at Montana de Oro State Park in San Luis Obispo. Take a break and explore the Bluff Trail at Spooners Cove.

San Simeon

Home of Hearst Castle, this National Historic Landmark was originally constructed by William Randolph Hearst in the early 20th century. The Castle sits on 127 acres with 165 opulently appointed rooms to tour.

Big Sur

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, known as California’s “Little Yosemite,” is a 1,000-acre state park that offers a wide variety of hiking trails and wildlife.Get a breathtaking view of Big Sur at sunset from Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Vista Point. See an 80-foot-tall waterfall flow directly into the ocean at high tide at McWay Falls. Or, take a short walk to a peaceful alcove at Pfeiffer Beach. Some claim it's the most majestic (and underrated) stretch of shoreline on the West Coast with its famed purple sand, turquoise water, and breathtaking Keyhole Arch.

A-Frame Cabin at Big Sur Campground & Cabins

After a day of exploring, pick from two incredible basecamps adjacent to one another: Riverside Campground and Big Sur Campground & Cabins. Riverside offers cozy cabins tucked beneath towering redwoods, sized perfectly for couples. Snag the Redwood Cabin and you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful outdoor stone firepit. There are also a variety of RV and tent campsites nestled along the Big Sur River - a perfect place to take a refreshing dip in the summer. Big Sur Campground offers family-sized cabins, including their signature A-frames. All guests at Big Sur receive a complimentary campfire mug upon check in that they can fill with piping hot Wrecking Ball Coffee each morning. Both locations have Instagram-worthy camp stores where you can stock up on road trip essentials and coveted souvenirs.

Pacific Grove

Pacific Grove, known as "Butterfly Town, USA," is the largest wintering site for western monarch butterflies in the United States. They arrive mid-October and stay until March, clustering in the eucalyptus trees at the Monarch Grove Sanctuary.

Monterey

Visit the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium with more than 35,000 sea creatures in nearly 200 exhibits, including a giant kelp forest.

Santa Cruz

This is the epitome of a laid-back beach town. Visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk with California’s oldest amusement park and ride the famous wooden roller coaster and carousel. Santa Cruz is a designated World Surfing Reserve and you can learn about the history of surf culture at the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum housed in a preserved lighthouse.

San Fransisco

Golden Gate Park spans fifty blocks and contains treasures like the de Young art museum, the Conservatory of Flowers, and the Japanese Tea Garden. The Presidio, a former army post, has 24 miles of hiking trails maintained by the National Park Service, including the Batteries to Bluffs Trail, which leads you along ocean-side cliffs and past historic gun batteries. Fisherman’s Wharf is a bustling hotspot where you can enjoy a variety of seafood fresh from the bay. For a quintessential experience, order clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl from one of the stands along the wharf. Round out your experience with a ride on an old-fashioned cable car or book a boat tour to Alcatraz Island.

When you’re ready to take a break from the action, check into a room at Hotel Zoe. This pet-friendly boutique hotel is located in a tranquil tree-lined part of the city, yet a stone’s throw from the waterfront, Ghirardelli Square, Pier 39’s sea lion colony, and the best shops and restaurants in the area. Amenities include complimentary bike and e-bike rentals, freshly brewed coffee in the morning, and daily s’mores service in the evening.

After you wake up feeling refreshed, cross the Golden Gate Bridge to Muir Woods National Monument. Admire the towering ancient growth from the trails winding through the forest floor or get a birds-eye view from above on the Canopy View Trail. Then, head to Stinson Beach, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and a popular escape for locals.

Point Reyes Station

End your trip with a visit to Point Reyes National Seashore. This national park has more than 1,500 species of plants and animals and 150 miles of hiking trails. Make sure to pass through the Cypress Tree Tunnel, and visit Point Reyes Headlands to catch a glimpse of elephant seals and gray whales cruising by during migration season.

Ready to go? Properties along the Pacific Coast Highway book up quickly; so be sure to secure your stay as soon as possible! Check out the offer pages on the lodging recommendations to see the latest specials for Riverside Campground & Cabins, Big Sur Campground & Cabins, El Capitan Canyon, and Hotel Zoe.

California, Here We Come!