Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip: Things to do and see along Hwy 1

Mike and I just returned from a fabulous roadtrip up the California coast. Being current residents of the L.A. area, we did not have to drive very far to being the drive. The Pacific Coast Highway is an amazing drive loaded to the brim with stunning coastal scenery & fantastic attractions for the entirety of the 600+ mile stretch. From the beaches, to the ocean views, to the redwood trees, everything was fantastic! We will definitely be planning a longer trip the next time around.

The Pacific Coast Highway, officially named Highway 1, is frequently rated amongst the best drives in the country. Mike and I knew we had to drive at least a portion of it while we were lucky enough to be living in such close proximity. The drive starts in Orange County near Dana Point and continues up the coast until you reach Hwy 101 near Legett in Northern California. This is a leisurely, picturesque drive which should be enjoyed over a long week at the shortest. Plan extra time to stop at various attractions along the way. We took a lot of breaks to take pictures, but wish we would have stopped a bit more. We were a bit limited in time, only having about 4 days, when we needed at least a week.

We drove portions of both the PCH and Hwy 101, as the 2 roads frequently merge. After reaching Fort Bragg (on Northern California’s Mendocino coast), you will need to drive on Hwy 101 to continue up the coast. Hwy 101 runs from Los Angeles all the way up to Olympia, Washington.

The PCH is the more scenic drive of the 2 in my opinion. I recommend driving the PCH until you reach Ft. Bragg. Then you can switch over to the 101 to see the gorgeous redwoods! In my guide, I have listed a few of the highlights we enjoyed along both routes. Like I mentioned, I wish we had more time. Hopefully, we can get back out there again and spotlight a few more attractions.

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach is one of Orange County’s most photographed beaches. The dramatic cliffs and mansions of the area lead way to fabulous photo opportunities. This charming coastal town offers 20 miles of public beaches along its’ 7 miles of coastline. Laguna is well known for its’ thriving arts community. Be sure to take a walk around town after your visit to the beach. Here, you will find art galleries, unique shops, and plenty of enticing restaurants. Like a lot of other millennials, the first thing I think of when hearing Laguna Beach is the MTV show of the same name. I can just hear the Come Clean song right now.

Crystal Cove State Park

Perhaps one of the most beautiful and hidden secrets in Orange County is Laguna Beach’s beautiful Crystal Cove State Park, home to 2400 acres of untouched nature and 3.2 miles of gorgeous coastline. Mike and I have hiked numerous trails here and really enjoyed the fabulous views of the Pacific coast. I also did a bit of half marathon training here on the natural hilly terrain. What a workout! – but it helped me get in shape for the Long Beach Half. If you want to get in a great workout in for the day in a gorgeous setting, this Orange County gem is the place to do so. Surprisingly, we have never run into many crowds here – maybe they are all at the beach?

The hills here are really tough and definitely not for beginners, but for those seeking an intense lower body workout, Crystal Cove will fit the bill. Watch out for mountain lions – they have been spotted on the El Morro trails. We have seen so presence of any wildlife, but I have heard stories of lions attacking kids and cyclists bending down appearing smaller. For any. longer trails, I recommend a camelbak (hydration backpack that holds at least 1 liter) and a quality hiking stick. The stick provides better traction for the downhill portion (and in the rare event you need to scare off a mountain lion by appearing bigger), and the hydration backpack is necessary for the dry desert climate and harsh hiking conditions.

Huntington State Beach

Huntington Beach, one of Orange County’s most beautiful & active beaches, offers a little something for everyone. Whether you enjoy surfing, biking, jogging, volleyball, or just relaxing…Huntington Beach offers a bit of it all. Did you know that Huntington Beach is the “Surf Capital of the World?” On any given day, you are bound to see dozens of surfers out perfecting their skill. The beautiful pier is a great place to catch all the action. Or, you can always sign up for a lesson yourself. I would love to surf, but I am terrified of sharks. I am not sure I would be able to handle the thought of a shark ripping my leg off while it is hanging down from the board.

I do love biking here, although it is always insanely difficult and windy one way. It’s 8 miles long and runs along the beach, so super scenic. You can get in a great jog, bike ride, or walk. A little difficult with the wind but the amazing scenery and active vibe will give you lots to look at along the journey. A great workout and great views at the same time? – I’m in, who else?

Manhattan Beach

Manhattan is one of L.A.’s most iconic beaches. This gorgeous beach offers several advantages over others in the area, namely less tourist crowds, a gorgeous pier, and plenty of opportunities for all types of fitness including playing and/or watching volleyball games.  The wide, sandy stretch of beach, combined with a year-round comfortable climate, draws many athletes to the area. Many famous athletes have homes along the beach. I love biking along, imagining how convenient it would be to hop outside your door and enjoy a jog or bike ride.

Both the Manhattan Beach Open Volleyball Tournament and the International Surf Festival are held here each year. From here, you can also easily access the gorgeous Strand bike path, a 22 mile beachfront ride which will take you past all of L.A.’s great beach towns on one convenient ride.