California’s Scenic Pacific Coast Highway Drive (14/15)
Embark on an unforgettable journey along one of America’s most beautiful routes: the Pacific Coast Highway from Monterey to Santa Barbara. Start your adventure in the charming seaside town of Monterey, famed for its historic Cannery Row and the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium. Travel south through the awe-inspiring Big Sur coastline, where dramatic cliffs meet the crashing Pacific waves, and don’t miss iconic stops like Bixby Creek Bridge and McWay Falls. As you wind along Highway 1, be sure to pause at numerous vista points for breathtaking ocean panoramas and a chance to spot sea otters, seals, and migrating whales. Continue through San Simeon, home to the opulent Hearst Castle, and the picturesque towns of Cambria and Morro Bay with its famous Morro Rock. The route further passes through lush vineyards near Lompoc and the inviting Danish-inspired village of Solvang. Your journey culminates in the historic mission city of Santa Barbara, where Spanish Colonial architecture, stunning beaches, and the Santa Ynez Mountains await. Prepare for countless photo opportunities and memorable experiences at every turn!
| Author | Travel mode | Distance | Duration | Countries | Download |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hans v.d. Ven / AH |
Driving | 632.7km (9📍) | 7:30 | 🇺🇸 | GPX, KML |
Route photos
Related routes
- From Urban LA to Desert Oasis: Scenic Southern California Drive (1/15)
- Desert Wonders: From Palm Springs to the Colorado River (2/15)
- From Kingman to Flagstaff: Arizona's Scenic Highways and Red Rocks (3/15)
- Grand Canyon East Scenic Adventure (4/15)
- Monument Valley Majesty: From Grand Viewpoints to Ancient Ruins (5/15)
- Scenic Drive: Utah’s Arches & Canyons Adventure (6/15)
- Scenic Drive: Utah’s Spectacular Red Rock Canyons to St. George (7/15)
- Scenic Drive from St. George to Las Vegas: Canyons & Desert Vistas (8/15)
- Discover the Wonders: Las Vegas to Death Valley Scenic Drive (9/15)
- Sierra Nevada Scenic Byway: From Lone Pine to Sequoia Views (10/15)
- Sierra Vista Scenic Drive: From Sequoias to Yosemite Foothills (11/15)
- Yosemite Valley to San Francisco: A Scenic Journey Through the Sierra Foothills (12/15)
- Scenic Drive: From San Francisco to Monterey Bay (13/15)
- California’s Scenic Pacific Coast Highway Drive (14/15)
- Pacific Panoramas: A Scenic Drive Through Coastal Los Angeles (15/15)