DRIVE THE PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY

A BUCKET LIST ESCAPE

It's one of the world's most breathtakingly picturesque highways, the famous Pacific Coast Highway follows California's rough and picturesque beaches for over 600 miles.

It was first built in the 1930s and remains a miracle of human labour. Although it takes approximately 10 hours to drive the entire length of the Pacific Coast Highway without stopping, it's designed to be driven leisurely whilst taking in the views of the rugged mountains, towering trees, striking beaches, and endless sky.

Driving this iconic road gives travellers an unrivalled opportunity to experience all that California has to offer, including surfer villages, pioneer outposts, local wine, farm-fresh delicacies, roadside kitsch, Hollywood glitz, and bohemia and thanks to California’s mild weather, you can drive it at any time of year!

Start this epic road trip in the vibrant city of San Francisco. On your way out of town, stop by Golden Gate Park, which is even larger than Central Park in New York. It's a gorgeous spot to start, and it's also a good point to pick up the Pacific Coast Highway. Both Santa Cruz and Monterey can be visited on the way to Carmel-by-the-Sea.

On the 17 Mile Drive from Monterey to Carmel-by-the-Sea, this short but super scenic section will take you past beautiful beaches and millionaire mansions before reaching the quaint and wealthy small town. Leave Carmel and go south down the Pacific Coast Highway to Big Sur's southern edge. Along this 100-mile length of California, this iconic coastal journey is at its most dramatic. Beautiful State Parks and countless breath-taking vantage sites overlook the huge Pacific Ocean are passed by twisting roads that snake around sheer cliff walls.

Visit the Botanic Gardens or simply enjoy the beautiful beaches at a stop in Santa Barabara before continuing on The Pacific Coast Highway passing Malibu’s beaches and coastal homes before arriving in Santa Monica, Los Angeles. Spend some time enjoying the glitz and glamour of Tinseltown before driving through Orange County where you can walk in Crystal Cove State Park or lounge on Laguna Beach before taking the short drive to San Diego.

If you only experience one American road trip in your lifetime, this stunning stretch of road is a coastal adventure that just simply can’t be missed!

Contact us today and our Travel Consultants will be in touch to start planning your perfect bucket-list escape!