Article Overview: West Coast Road Trip

West Coast road trip planning paves the way for trips to awesome beaches, majestic mountains, coastal curiosities and the depths of the desert.

Plotting the course of a West Coast road trip takes consideration of seasons, from a place where the weather rarely changes to others where if you don’t like the weather, you can wait five minutes, and it will change.

Route 1 West Coast trips are the epitome of the craft, but there’s much more to see off the beaten (and crowded) path.

We’re taking you from Seattle to San Diego on a West Coast road trip in its entirety, but you can pick it up anywhere along the way. We’ve also included some exciting side trips.

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West Coast Road Trip

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Where to Begin a West Coast Road Trip

If you’re like most people planning a West Coast road trip, you want the trip to be as fun as it is affordable. That starts with picking your starting point.

Airport Choice

If you’re flying to the West Coast road trip starting point, you should consider the costs of airfare.

CivMetrics put together a list of flight costs based on 2022 data. The two most expensive airports on a West Coast road trip are Portland (PDX) and San Francisco (SFO). If you’re starting in San Francisco, consider using the much less expensive Metro Oakland International Airport (OAK), which is 40% cheaper than its SFO counterpart.

At the same time, Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas is one of the more affordable options for a West Coast road trip.

Rental Car

If you’re not taking your own car on your West Coast road trip, you’ll want to get an All-Wheel Drive or Four-Wheel Drive vehicle to tackle some of the environments and weather conditions you might come across. A rental car is also well-maintained, and using this option prevents you from adding that wear and tear to your own vehicle.

SUBARU LOVERS: Did you know there’s a Subaru Just Drive Rental car option? These AWD vehicles are popular with road trippers and are available at select dealerships. We checked the major metro areas for a West Coast road trip, and you have an option in every city.

Personal Vehicle

If you’re taking your personal vehicle on the West Coast road trip, you should get a full car inspection before you go and top off all fluids. Bring extra windshield wiper fluid with you. Other items to pack for the West Coast road trip include:

• Water: One gallon per person per day.
• Tire Chains: For high-elevation snow challenges. Winter West Coast road trips could have states that require the use of the chains.
• Slab of Carpet: To give friction if you’re trapped in snow or mud.
• Air Pressure Gauge: Some off-road adventures or elevation changes can impact tire pressure or require you to let some air out of your tires and then add it back in when you hit the paved road.
• Red Garment: To use as a flag if you break down on the side of the road.

We also have this list of West Coast road trip planning tools to help you navigate and stay safe.

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West Coast Road Trip Budget

Let’s look at some cost-saving measures and realities for your West Coast road trip.

Park Passes

You likely ended up on our website for West Coast road trip planning because you love public lands as much as we do. That’s why the best investment you can make is the America the Beautiful pass. Instead of paying for park entrance fees along your West Coast road trip, you’ll pay $80 for access to more than 2,000 public lands, including the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands.

Additional cost-saving potential:

• Military Discount: Military members and their immediate family get a free pass valid for one year.
• 62 and Older Discount: Those 62 years of age and older can pay $80 for a lifetime pass to all the public lands included in the program.
• 4th Grade Pass: If you have a 4th grader on your West Coast road trip, they can get a free pass for September through August of their 4th grade year as part of the Every Kid Outdoors program.

Lodging

When planning a West Coast road trip cheap, look to book campsites or cabins at public lands well in advance. Most national parks will sell out quickly, with more options at Forest Service sites. You should also check the California State Parks campsites along the way, which might have more options. As noted above, reserving these in advance is critical.

If you don’t mind a West Coast road trip with some last-minute reservations, use websites like Airbnb and VRBO to see what places nearby aren’t booked. Prices could be lower just to get a room or home reserved.

California also offers a slew of hostels along the West Coast road trip in the Pacific Coast Hwy.

Gas Prices

California’s high gas prices put a dent in your budget; there’s no good way around that. While these prices can swing often, budget for at least $5-$6 a gallon. Higher gas prices reign in Southern California but will get “cheaper” in Northern California.

At the time of this publication, this breakdown of prices along the West Coast road trip states might help.

• California: $5.62 a gallon
• Oregon: $4.59 a gallon
• Washington: $4.91 a gallon

Along the way, in this article, we’ll offer some free sights to see to help your budget on a West Coast road trip.

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The ULTIMATE West Coast Road Trip Routes

Pacific Coast Hwy

The Pacific Coast Hwy means something different depending on where you look. The fact is–nobody is wrong. There’s just how much of the Pacific Coast you want to cover.

In fact, you can take the collection of highways from the Mexican border to near the Canadian border on your West Coast road trip if you’d like.

Distances & Travel Times

The road along the Pacific Coast changes names and nicknames along the way. The simplest way to understand this West Coast road trip is that the highway will either be named 1 or 101 along the way.

• U.S. Route (Highway) 101: Travels 1,535 miles from Tumwater, Oregon, up north to Los Angeles at the southern end.
• Pacific Coast Hwy: Also known as State Route 1, this is a stretch of road in California that runs for 656 miles. It started at the north end in Leggett, where it splits from US 101 and veers toward the coastline. It ends at the connection with I-5 in Orange County at Dana Point. Since this is a state highway, the Pacific Coast Hwy won’t go into other states on a West Coast road trip.

Along these highways, you’ll find sections with scenic byways. The most impressive and popular is the Big Sur section. Just wait until you see what else is on the West Coast road trip.

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Map of Pacific Coast Hwy

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West Coast Road Trip in Washington

Our planning starts in Washington since that will keep us in the west travel lane, offering better views of the coastline. Fly into SEATAC to save money compared to Portland and to avoid backtracking to the start of US 101.

The full length of a Washington West Coast road trip is 370 miles. Your first stop can be Olympic National Park, just an hour from Tumwater.

Olympic National Park

Your West Coast road trip to Olympic National Park includes nearly one million acres of various ecosystems. As a bonus, the Olympic National Forest is next door.

Explore the Hoh Rainforest, a lush emerald paradise, and hike amidst moss-draped trees. Don’t miss Hurricane Ridge, which provides breathtaking mountain vistas.

The Sol Duc Hot Springs offer relaxation, while Lake Crescent boasts crystal-clear waters for kayaking or swimming. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot deer, black bears, and bald eagles. Experience diverse ecosystems, from rainforests to alpine meadows.

US 101 sweeps around Olympic National Park on your West Coast road trip to Kalaloch, where you can visit the Tree of Life and witness the rugged coastline, where sea stacks rise from the crashing waves.

TRAVEL TIP: This route will take you through the town of Forks, made famous in the Twilight sage.

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Cape Disappointment State Park

Hopefully, this is the only disappointment on your West Coast road trip. Cape Disappointment State Park sits confluence of the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean and is the southernmost stop before the Oregon state line.

Offering more than just its intriguing name, the park enchants visitors with its stunning vistas. Explore the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, which pays homage to the famous explorers.

The North Head Lighthouse provides a historical perspective while offering panoramic ocean views. Enjoy miles of pristine coastline, perfect for beachcombing and kite-flying. Hiking trails also wind through lush forests.

Cape Disappointment State Park is a blend of history, natural beauty, and coastal charm.

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Washington West Coast Road Trip Side Trips

Mount Rainier National Park

From the start of Highway 101, you can head in the opposite direction for 70 miles (140 round trip) and visit Mount Rainier National Park. Click on the images below to choose from the best hikes or the best things to do from our experience in one of the most beautiful places on earth.

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Mount Saint Helens

Once you’ve completed the Highway 101 loop around Olympic National Park, take a side trip from Aberdeen to Mount Saint Helens. That will add 158 miles to get to the park and then 113 miles to get back to the 101 in Astoria, Oregon. That’s about 270 miles of additional driving and another five hours on the road.

This side trip works for those who want to put Portland on their West Coast road trip, as it’s just 75 miles from the volcano and then another 73 miles to pick up our route back in Tillamook.

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Columbia River Gorge

One of the most beautiful places in Oregon isn’t near the coast, but it is just 109 miles away. The Columbia River Gorge offers another free entrance to those with an America the Beautiful Pass. Multnomah Falls is well worth the side trip, and the trail spans just 2.5 miles round trip to see this amazing waterfall.

Time entry is required from late May through early September.

TRAVEL TIP: Save miles on the car and park in Portland, where you can pick up the Columbia Gorge Express.

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West Coast Road Trip in Oregon

The Pacific Coast Scenic Byway in Oregon spans 363 miles along the coastline, but don’t expect water views the entire seven-hour drive. You’ll pass through charming towns, have splendid scenic pull-outs, and cliffs towering above the grumpy sea.

The first city you’ll see is Astoria, which is where the Gen X favorite, The Goonies, was shot. The new owner says fans are welcome to stop by.

Northern Oregon

This stretch of road is known as The People’s Coast, with a state law guaranteeing all of it stays open to the public.

You can start your Oregon leg at the Columbia River Maritime Museum to better appreciate what you’ll see along the way.

On the other side of the Columbia River, a great detour for your West Coast road trip is Fort Stevens State Park, rooted in as much history as a natural wonder.

For West Coast road trip planning purposes, here are a few things to know.

• Whale watching is popular from March through May. The few that remain come closer to shore from May through October.
• Summer will require mosquito repellent. We recommend this one or this one.
• Mushroom picking is allowed year-round in small quantities only for personal use, but summer through late fall brings the most options.

This park offers one of the largest campgrounds in the country. Grab a meal in nearby Seaside to enjoy the nostalgic boardwalk and views.

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Central Oregon Coast

A perfect stop on your West Coast road trip through Oregon brings free samples of dairy products at the Tillamook Creamery.

By this point, you might be craving a little more coastal action, so take the 40-mile Three Capes Scenic Route.

• Cape Lookout: A great place for hiking along the coast. Look for Glass Floats, a popular scavenger hunt where beautiful glass pieces are hidden throughout area parks.
• Cape Mears: Free lighthouse tours and a rare chance to see the Octopus tree.
• Cape Kiwanda: Take a horseback ride on the beach.

Use that America the Beautiful pass to get into Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, where Oregon’s tallest lighthouse stands. Time your trip to arrive at low tide so you can explore the tidepools.

Newport is just south of the natural area, making it a perfect spot to spend the night. One of the best free attractions in Oregon is here, with sea lion sightings and a viewing deck. Do not feed sea lions. It’s against federal law.

TRAVEL TIP: If you want to see more sea lions, head 40 miles south of Newport, you can tour the Sea Lion Caves.

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Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

A must-see on any Oregon West Coast road trip is the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area (free admission with the all-access pass). You can off-road ride the sand dunes and even camp on the sand. Self-guided and ranged-led tours are available to learn about the longest coastal sand dune in the United States.

It’s not just about the sand here–more than 40 miles cover ocean, sand, forests, and deserts.

Coos Bay is the largest city on the Oregon Coast and makes for a great overnight stay on your West Coast road trip.

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Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge

Public lands expand into the water at Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. In addition, this is a fee-free area for those who don’t have a pass and want to save money. More than 1,800 islands along the Oregon coast make up this space, but Bandon Beach and Coquille Point are the best spots for viewing.

This refuge is best experienced by boat since you can’t climb the rocks but can get as close as 500 feet to the islands.

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Side Trip to Crater Lake National Park

Add an additional day or two to your West Coast road trip by heading to Crater Lake National Park. The deepest lake in America was once a mountain before a volcano imploded it nearly 8,000 years ago. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Crater Lake National Park.

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Southern Oregon Coast

Between Brookins and Golden Beach, you’ll be on a section of the Pacific Coast Hwy known as “Samuel H Boardman State Scenic Corridor.” This route rides the coastline for 12 miles with plenty of pull-outs to see more secluded ocean spots.

• Arch Rock Outlook: Follow a brief trail to an overlook showcasing a captivating array of offshore sea stacks and islands.
• House Rock Tribute: For a more immersive adventure, traverse the scenic 4-mile trail linking Cape Ferrelo and House Rock, where numerous side paths reveal hidden coves and serene beaches.
• The Natural Bridge: Meander along a brief trail to one of the park’s most captivating vantage points—the renowned Natural Bridges. These seven distinctive arched rock formations and awe-inspiring blowholes are an enduring testament to the vision of Dr. Samuel Dicken, who conceived the concept of the Oregon Coast Trail.
• Whaleshead Shore: This easy stop for a picnic is an easy walk to the sandy shores and is a great West Coast road trip spot to stretch your legs.
• The Natural Bridge: Meander along a brief trail to one of the park’s most captivating vantage points—the renowned Natural Bridges. These seven distinctive arched rock formations and awe-inspiring blowholes are an enduring testament to the vision of Dr. Samuel Dicken, who conceived the concept of the Oregon Coast Trail.

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Oregon West Coast Road Trip Additions

Before we leave Oregon on our West Coast road trip, here are a few things to know.

Driving On the Beach

Four beaches allow beach driving in regular vehicles. Those are Sunset Beach State Recreation Area, Pacific City, Lincoln City, Tierra Del Mar, and Pacific City. Check the most updated rules, seasons, and regulations for your preferred beach.

Requirements include:

• All-wheel or Four-wheel Drive
• Shovel
• Ability to change tire pressure as needed
• Knowledge of tide schedules to avoid getting stuck or trapped

Gas Pumping

Once upon a time, you couldn’t put your own gas in Oregon. However, that law has been overturned. In larger cities, you might have the option of having an attendant pump for you. By and large, you’ll be able to pump your own gas legally.

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Northern California West Coast Road Trip

You’ll now enter the state most known for the Pacific Coast Hwy. About three miles after you cross the California state line, Highway 101 veers away from the ocean. You’ll pass through Crescent City and then drive 25 miles until you read Redwood National Park.

Redwood National Park

A visit to Redwood National Park is a must for an awe-inspiring encounter with nature’s giants on a West Coast Road Trip.

Towering along the northern California coastline, these colossal redwoods are among the world’s tallest trees, reaching heights of nearly 400 feet.

Explore scenic trails that wind through these old-growth forests, like the famous Avenue of the Giants, where you’ll feel dwarfed by the sheer grandeur of these arboreal wonders. Beyond the trees, the park offers diverse ecosystems, from rugged coastlines to tranquil rivers.

One of the best West Coast road trip detours is the Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt Redwoods State Park.

SCENIC BYWAY: The Redwood Highway Scenic Byway spans from the Oregon coast to Leggett, California, where the Route 1 West Coast road trip starts.

Additional Redwood Activities

If you drive an hour south of Redwood National Park, you’ll come to Eureka. That’s where the Sequoia Park Zoo and Redwood SkyWalk are located. The SkyWalk stretches 1/4 of a mile through the trees. At the zoo, you can see bears, coyotes, and red pandas, in addition to plenty of birds and aquatic animals.

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The Lost Coast

As noted above, once you get to Leggett, you can take Highway 101 to continue the West Coast road trip. However, I recommend you consider adding the Lost Coast to your adventures by veering onto Route 1.

King Range National Conservation Area

From Eureka, you can drive 64 miles and use exit 642 on Highway 101 to visit the King Range National Conservation Area. Permits are limited daily, which means you’ll have a 35-mile stretch of coastline mostly to yourself.

The landscape here was too harsh to build a highway system, which is why the name Lost Coast was given. The one road that runs through this forested area that leads to the beach is 23 miles of pure beauty. You’ll pass through Redway (get gas) before taking the final drive to Shelter Cove.

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Fort Bragg

While it shares the same name as the military fort in South Carolina, this Fort Bragg is a seaside treasure. Check out Glass Beach, where smoothed glass fills the sand. The story behind it isn’t romantic – this used to be where locals ditched their trash.

The world-renowned Skunk Train (California Western Railroad) offers several routes from Fort Bragg, giving you a chance to let someone else take the wheel while you enjoy the scenery. Rail bikes are also available.

Those who are interested in plants and flowers should visit the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. Here’s another chance to save money if you plan to visit other gardens on your West Coast road trip. For $55, you’ll get access to more than 340 gardens nationwide with free or discounted admission.

TRAVEL TIP: If you need to make up some time, you can take Highway 101 to San Francisco. You’ll miss out on the Lost Coast, but you’ll save two hours of drive time. You’ll also drive right through Santa Rosa, with wine country in Napa and Sonoma nearby.

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Mendocino

Either Fort Bragg or Mendocino are great places to stop for the night or to explore for the day on your West Coast road trip. We recommend Mendocino for those who want a pick of the litter for outdoor adventures. Here are a few options:

• Point Cabrillo: Beautiful views from the headland and a lighthouse open for tours occasionally.
• Russian Gulch: Home of the famous sinkhole “Devil’s Punchbowl” and a 36-foot waterfall with forest and beach trails. Popular diving spot, too. A protected cove makes this beach great for families.
• Van Damme State Park: Beaches, kayaking in coves, and pygmy forests.

The drive from Mendocino to San Francisco is a long, lone stretch on your West Coast road trip, but the ocean remains in full view for the majority of the ride. Comparatively, you get better views than the Pacific Coast Hwy in Oregon, where trees block the views most of the time. Salt Point State Park offers a perfect stop for lunch, and you’ll see the rocks that were used to create the streets of San Francisco.

On the way to your next stop, movie buffs might like to stop at Bodega Bay, where Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds was filmed.

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Point Reyes National Seashore

Point Reyes National Seashore, a natural wonder on California’s rugged coast, offers a plethora of activities for the adventurous traveler on a West Coast road trip. Discover the mesmerizing tide pools at Drake’s Beach, where starfish and anemones thrive.

Explore the historic Point Reyes Lighthouse, perched dramatically on the edge of a cliff, providing breathtaking panoramic views. Hike the Tomales Point Trail, a 9.4-mile trek through rolling hills that often rewards hikers with sightings of the majestic Tule elk.

For wildlife enthusiasts, the Elephant Seal Overlook is a must-visit spot during winter months to witness these enormous marine mammals in their natural habitat.

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San Francisco & Bay Area

Just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, Route 1 and Highway 101 meet up again. They split on the other side of the bridge in The Presidio. Choose Highway 101 if you want to explore San Jose, Silicon Valley, or Oakland. Stick with Route 1 to circle around the coastline to Santa Cruz.

Half Moon Bay

On the way to Santa Cruz, you’ll pass the famous Mavericks surfing spot at Half Moon Bay. To wrap your head around the epic adventures here, watch the movie Chasing Mavericks, based on the true story of surfing legend Jay Moriarity. The massive waves are most frequent from November through March.

For what is the most epic off-road adventure of the West Coast road trip (in my opinion), don’t miss a chance to walk or bike the Devil’s Slide Trail. This was once a section of Route 1, but those darn rockslides and natural disasters kept ruining the road. Now it’s a multi-use trail just north of Santa Cruz. It’s one of the most exhilarating 1.3 miles you’ll ever walk.

While you should avoid chasing Mavericks unless you are a skilled surfer, tidepooling is a top activity here.

Hotel Advice: If you want to splurge on a fancy hotel, skip the high prices and even higher parking fees in San Francisco and choose one at Pillar Point for the best water views.

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Santa Cruz

A stop in Santa Cruz offers more beach fun with a boardwalk and surfing museum. If you’re taking the West Coast road trip with kids, you should know Santa Cruz is more of a party town, and you should keep the kids close. Avoid visiting at night if you want the safest experience.

Santa Cruz stands out as a more creative and eclectic town compared to the other seaside spots you’ve seen on the West Coast road trip. It’s also an inclusive community.

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Public Lands Near Santa Cruz

If you miss those famous redwoods, you still have Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California’s oldest state park and “the largest continuous stand of ancient coast redwoods south of San Francisco.” This park was devastated by a 2020 wildfire, which now offers a great chance to learn about forest regrowth.

The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park offers a nice break from the crowds of the coastline and the highway. In addition, there’s another lesson to be learned. This land was gutted by logging from the late 1800s through the early 1900s. Another instance of forest regrowth is underway.

Travel Tip: This is a wonderful backup plan if your West Coast road trip starts in San Francisco and heads down the famous stretch through Big Sur. You’ll still get to see Redwoods without the hundreds of miles up the California coast.

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Central California Coast Road Trip

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Monterey Bay, Carmel-by-the-Sea

Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea, two charming coastal gems on your West Coast road trip, offer a delightful blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences.

Start your day in Monterey by exploring Cannery Row, John Steinbeck’s inspiration, and visit the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium. Stroll along the scenic 17-mile Drive with its rugged coastline, iconic Lone Cypress, and golfing hotspots like Pebble Beach.

In Carmel-by-the-Sea, enjoy the enchanting fairytale cottages and boutique shops along Ocean Avenue. If you think you’ve seen the best views on the coastline, we’ve got news for you – Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is known as the “Crown Jewel of the California Park System.”

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Pinnacles National Park Detour

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Big Sur Scenic Byway

We now arrive at the most famous stretch of the Pacific Coast Hwy in Big Sur California. The 90-mile stretch spans from Carmel Highlands to Sam Simeon.

Here the Pacific Coast Hwy meanders along the rugged coastline, presenting an enchanting blend of towering cliffs, ancient redwood forests, and uninterrupted ocean panoramas. The drive offers numerous turnouts and overlooks, each revealing unique, awe-inspiring vistas.

Notable stops include:

• Bixby Creek Bridge, an iconic architectural wonder
• McWay Falls, with its hidden beach
• Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park for hiking amidst the towering redwoods.
• Ragged Point is one of the most iconic views on the Big Sur Scenic Byway.

Big Sur Pacific Coast Hwy is a sanctuary for wildlife enthusiasts, too, with opportunities to spot whales, sea otters, and a plethora of bird species.

At the south end of the Big Sur Scenic Byway, don’t miss the Hearst Castle. The only downside is that the California Park Pass isn’t accepted here, so you’ll pay $30 per adult. The castle has 115 rooms, including eight gardens and several pools. Tickets can be reserved up to 60 days in advance.

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San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, and Santa Barbara

The next trifecta of cities on your West Coast road trip could take up a long weekend with so much to see and do. This stop offers a well-known wine scene if you missed Napa Valley on your West Coast road trip.

San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo has always been a great spot to visit on a West Coast road trip, but it has soared in popularity over the past few years. Also known as SLO (“slow”), this California central coast location offers a diverse array of activities.

Start with a visit to the historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, then explore the charming downtown filled with unique shops, restaurants, and art galleries.

Hike the serene trails of Bishop Peak for stunning views, or relax on Avila Beach.

Enjoy farm-to-table dining and explore nearby wineries, making SLO a perfect blend of culture, nature, and culinary delights.

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Santa Maria

Wine enthusiasts can tour renowned wineries like Presqu’ile and Foxen Canyon Wine Trail. Indulge in Santa Maria-style barbecue at local eateries like The Hitching Post.

Outdoor lovers can hike the picturesque Oso Flaco Lake Trail or relax at the Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve, showcasing the region’s natural beauty.

Foxen Canyon Wine Trail: This 30-mile scenic side trip will take you past 16 wineries among rolling hills on your West Coast road trip.

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Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, known as the “American Riviera,” is a coastal paradise offering a blend of culture and natural beauty on your West Coast road trip.

• Stroll along State Street to explore boutique shops and fine dining.
• The Santa Barbara Historical Museum offers more than 80,000 artifacts to explore.
• The Santa Barbara Mission showcases a rich history.
• Santa Barbara Maritime Museum showcases 13,000 years of man’s relationship with the ocean.
• Lotusland’s exquisite gardens are a must-see.

Whale watching is also a popular activity out of Santa Barbara, with late spring through early fall being the best season to spot humpbacks and blue whales.

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Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park is 22 miles off the coast of Santa Barbara. The park-recommended transportation to the island is in Ventura, 30 minutes south. Several vendors are in Santa Barbara, like Channel Islands Expeditions.

I will never get enough time in a kayak, even if I live to be 100, so that’s why I think one of the best activities on a West Coast road trip is kayaking the sea caves of the Channel Islands.

The Islands of Channel Islands

You will have five islands to choose from:

• Santa Cruz Island: Known for its diverse landscapes, including rugged coastlines, rolling hills, and deep canyons. Explore ancient Chumash archeological sites and enjoy hiking and wildlife watching.
• Anacapa Island: A smaller island with iconic sea cliffs and the Anacapa Lighthouse. Ideal for bird watching, especially the Western Gulls, and offers fantastic snorkeling opportunities.
• Santa Rosa Island: Home to Torrey Pines and other unique plant species. Enjoy hiking to Lobo Canyon and swimming at the pristine Water Canyon Beach.
• San Miguel Island: The westernmost island with dramatic cliffs and sea caves. Visit the historic Lester Ranch, and be on the lookout for seals and sea lions.
• Santa Barbara Island: The smallest island, famous for its incredible underwater world. Explore sea caves while snorkeling or diving and observe the native island flora and fauna.

You can learn more about the park offerings on the Channel Islands Live streaming page.

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Southern California West Coast Road Trip

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Malibu/Santa Monica Mountains

Back on the PCH, we’re about to go through the famed Malibu section. If you take Highway 101, you can go through Calabasas and see where the Kardashians live, but don’t you want to see more of the West Coast Road Trip on the Pacific Coast Hwy instead?

You’ll face an embarrassment of outdoor riches along this 30-mile section.

• Point Mugu State Park
• Lee Carrillo State Park
• Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
• Point Dume State Beach
• Will Rogers State & Historic Park

Santa Monica is the last stop on this section of a West Coast road trip where Route 1 is on the coast. From here, it bends around Venice and past Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Then it swoops around the peninsula before crossing into Long Beach.

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Long Beach

Long Beach offers a diverse city with a dynamic fusion of culture, entertainment, and natural beauty

First, stroll along the iconic Long Beach Shoreline, featuring the historic Queen Mary ship, a maritime marvel and a hotel. Second, explore the Aquarium of the Pacific for an underwater adventure.

For art enthusiasts, the East Village Arts District boasts an array of galleries and street art. Finally, don’t miss the charming Naples Island, known for its picturesque canals.

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Catalina Island Side Trip

If you want to get back on the water, take an overnight or day trip to Santa Catalina Island. Avalon offers a small town on the water with restaurants and shops, while Two Harbors offers more of an outdoor paradise with walking and biking trails.

Several ferries leave from Long Beach Terminal Island.

Celebrity Tragedy: It was off the coast of Catalina Island that movie star Natalie Wood drowned in 1981.

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Orange County Beaches

Being that you’ve seen some of the best beaches in California, you still shouldn’t rule out the OC beaches, especially if you’re a fan of shows like The Real Housewives of the OC or Laguna Beach.

As soon as you pass Seal Beach, the Pacific Coast Hwy hugs the shoreline once again. You have another trifecta of cities to explore in Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, and Laguna Beach.

Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach, otherwise known as Surf City USA, is renowned for its consistent waves, making it a surfing paradise. Enjoy long stretches of sandy beaches, perfect for water sports and sunbathing. The Huntington Beach Pier offers a great place to watch a sunset.

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Newport Beach

If you want the lifestyles of the rich and famous, Newport Beach is the place for you. I’ve seen cars worth more than I’ll make in a lifetime while enjoying the beautiful sites of this city.

• Balboa Island: Explore charming Balboa Island with its historic Fun Zone, delicious frozen bananas, and a relaxed, small-town atmosphere.
• Newport Harbor: Enjoy harbor cruises and water activities, including paddleboarding and sailing.
• Fashion Island: Shop at the upscale Fashion Island mall, known for its luxury boutiques and fine dining.

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Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach is a thriving arts community with numerous galleries, art festivals, and the famous Pageant of the Masters. The rugged cliffs meet the shoreline in a dramatic fashion.

Avoid the crowds of the OC’s developed land and enjoy one of the only sections preserved in its natural state at Crystal Cove State Park. Another example is Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area.

Route 1 ends at Dana Point and merges with Interstate 5, which runs through San Diego to the Mexican border at Tijuana.

MEXICO TRAVEL WARNING: Before considering a trip across the border, please review the latest Travel Advisories from the U.S. State Department. Tijuana is in Baja California.

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California West Coast Road Trip Alternatives

You have a few points on the California section of a West Coast road trip to visit some of the inland national parks. Here are the detour points:

• Joshua Tree National Park: From Santa Monica, cut across Los Angeles (you’ll sit in a lot of traffic), and the park is 143 miles east.
• Death Valley National Park: From Santa Monica, head north through Santa Clarita and take Highway 395 for about 250 miles on a desert West Coast road trip.
• Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks: From San Luis Obispo, travel 170 miles northeast to reach Sequoia National Park. Kings Canyon is also just 111 miles from the entrance to Yosemite National Park. Roads in both parks are subject to closure in winter.
• Yosemite National Park: A crowd favorite for a West Coast road trip, you can get here by traveling 200 miles from Point Reyes National Seashore. You’ll go through Stockton on the way. Keep in mind that Tioga Road in Yosemite closes from November through early June.

If your West Coast road trip is roundtrip, you can save time on the way back using I-5. It goes all the way up the spine of the states.

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FAQ – West Coast Road Trip

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Map Of West Coast Road Trip

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Pin West Coast Road Trip

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Helpful Related Links

Top 10: BEST National Park Road Trips

Arizona Road Trips: 10 BEST Arizona Road Trips

Oregon Road Trip: The Ultimate Oregon Road Trip

Utah National Parks Road Trips: 5 Best Utah National Park Road Trips

Best National Parks to Visit: 20 Best National Parks to Visit 2023

Largest National Parks: 15 Largest National Parks in the United States (+ Full List)

Largest National Parks: 15 Largest National Parks in the United States (+ Full List)

Road Trip Essentials: 35+ ROAD TRIP ESSENTIALS (You’ll Love + Packing List)

Planning Tools for West Coast Road Trip: 15 BEST Road Trip Planning Tools (+Apps)

By Jennifer Hardy

Jennifer Hardy is a travel journalist with a wanderlust love of life. Jennifer has been a journalist for nearly 30 years living in Nevada, Florida’s Suncoast, Arizona, Tennessee, Washington, Oklahoma, Alabama, and Nebraska. Given a choice, she’d rather paddle all day down rapids or on the calm of intercoastal waters. She loves to hike with her golden retrievers and supports the B.A.R.K. Ranger program to responsibly enjoy nature with pets. She would love to see your pet photos.