Pacific Coastal Highway Road Trip – San Francisco to San Francisco

There’s no better way to kick your adventure than with a stop at the Golden Gate Bridge. This icon of engineering is just as awe-inspiring up close as it is in photos, and whether you choose to walk or bike across the 1.7-mile stretch, the views are simply incredible. We’re talking sweeping views across the bay and the city skyline and into the wild Pacific beyond, making it one of the best spots for photography enthusiasts. If the fog rolls in (as it often does), don’t worry – it will just make the experience even more magical.

Once you’ve had your fill of bridge views, head over to Ocean Beach, where you can relax along a seemingly endless stretch of sand. It’s a particular favorite for dog walks and picnics, and don’t even get us started on the sunsets here – they’re absolutely unbeatable! Don’t forget to stop at the nearby Sutro Baths while you’re here, too, where you can enjoy a bit of eerie history mixed with coastal beauty.

A quick drive South brings you to Pacifica and the Devil’s Slide Trail, a once-treacherous section of Highway 1 that’s now a peaceful 1.3-mile path overlooking the crashing waves below. This is a great place to get out of your campervan and stretch your legs, and as you stroll, you’ll be treated to jaw-dropping ocean views that will make you feel like you’re on the edge of the world!

As it’s a short, scenic trail, it’s also perfect for families, cyclists, or anyone who wants to break up the drive with some fresh air. It’s pet-friendly, too, so you can bring your dog along for the adventure.

Next, roll into Half Moon Bay, where sandy beaches meet expansive farmlands. Half Moon Bay State Beach is your go-to for a relaxed afternoon of sunbathing, beachcombing, or dipping your toes in the chilly Pacific. The vibe here is totally laid-back, too, and is perfect if you’re looking for a breather from the drive.

If you’re traveling in the fall, you’ll be greeted by fields filled with bright orange pumpkins. In fact, Half Moon Bay is considered to be the “Pumpkin Capital of the World”, and you can visit country patches like Arata’s Pumpkin Farm for some awesome photos and the chance to pick your own pumpkin. There are also hayrides, corn mazes, and other fun things to do in this town that takes autumn very seriously.

Just down the road is the tiny town of Pescadero, where you’ll find the historic Pigeon Point Lighthouse. This towering beauty has been guiding ships along the coast since 1871, and it is still standing proudly tall at 115 feet, making it one of the tallest lighthouses on the West Coast. Like many stops along Highway 1, you’ll get some unbeatable photo ops here, along with views that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard.

There’s no doubt the lighthouse is the main attraction here, but while you’re in Pescadero, don’t forget to pop into Daurte’s Tavern for a bowl of their famous artichoke soup or a slice of olallieberry pie (a particular favorite with the locals).

A little further south, you’ll hit Ano Nuevo State Park, which is an absolute must-visit if you’re interested in wildlife. Between December and March each year, this park becomes home to massive, blubbery elephant seals that come here to breed. Watching these giants is like something out of a nature documentary, except you’re standing right there on the dunes, listening to the deep, rumbling calls of the males as they tussle for territory.

Want to get a better look? Guided tours will take you closer to these fascinating creatures, but be sure to book ahead, as tours can fill up fast during peak season. Even if it’s not seal season, Ano Nuevo’s coastal trails are perfect for a hike or some birdwatching.

Ready for some old-school fun? Santa Cruz Boardwalk is where you’ll want to spend a few hours soaking in the nostalgia. This beachfront amusement park has been around since 1907, and the classic rides like the Giant Dipper (a historic wooden roller coaster) are still as thrilling as ever. Make sure you grab some cotton candy or play a few arcade games while you’re here, too.

When you’ve had your fill of fun on the rides, head inland to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park for a change of scenery and pace. It’s only an extra 8 miles up the road, and the towering redwoods here will make you feel like you’ve entered a completely different world, with peaceful forest trails that are a world away from the hustle and bustle of the boardwalk.

Just a short hop from Santa Cruz, Capitola is one of those seaside towns that you just have to stop and explore. Think colorful beach cottages, boutique shops, and a relaxed vibe that makes you contemplate moving here. The beach is perfect for swimming, and the waters are usually pretty calm, which is great if you want to try your hand at paddle boarding or kayaking.

Don’t worry if you’re not keen on the water, as there’s still plenty to do on land. For instance, you can take a stroll along the Esplanade, where you’ll find plenty of cute cafes and shops. Grab a coffee, sit on the shore, and watch the surfers and seagulls do their thing as you unwind in Capitola’s Mediterranean vibe for a couple of hours.

Continuing south, you’ll arrive in Monterey, a town that perfectly blends together coastal beauty with history. Your first stop should absolutely be the Monterey Bay Aquarium, where you’ll be offered an up-close look at some of California’s incredible marine life, from playful sea otters to mesmerizing jellyfish. The aquarium’s “Open Sea” exhibit is particularly impressive, showcasing schools of fish housed with sharks and sea turtles.

After the aquarium, take a stroll down Cannery Row, once the hub of Monterey’s sardine-packing industry and made famous by John Steinbeck. Now, it’s home to shops, restaurants, and historical markers that tell the story of the town. There’s a little something for everyone here, from window shopping to grabbing a quick bite, so it’s definitely worth making the visit.

Just five miles from Monterey, you’ll come across the fairytale-like village of Carmel-by-the-Sea. This picturesque town is loved for its storybook cottages, world-class art galleries, and cozy little artisan cafes. We recommend starting your visit by wandering down Ocean Avenue, where you’ll likely be tempted to pop into gallery after gallery and admire the paintings, sculptures, and fine crafts.

Once you’ve had your fill of browsing, head to Carmel Beach. The soft, white sand and stunning turquoise waters here make it one of the most beautiful braces on the West Coast, and since it’s dog-friendly, your canine companions will be in heaven as they explore the shore. It’s also a wonderful place to catch some magical sunsets.

If you haven’t had your fill of nature yet, a few miles south of Carmel you’ll stumble upon Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, a place that is guaranteed to blow your mind in terms of natural beauty. The reserve is full of easy-to-moderate trails, many of which hug the coastline and give you views of the rocky shores and wildflower meadows. You’ll also get the opportunity to spot wildlife along the way, including sea otters floating in the kelp beds or harbor seals sunning themselves on the rocks.

Only have time for one hiking trail? The Cypress Grove Trail is the one to go for. It’s short and takes you through a forest of rare Monterey cypress trees, with constant ocean views along the entire route. Make sure you bring your camera because every angle here is simply picture-perfect.

No trip down the Pacific Coast Highway would be complete without seeing Big Sur, where the cliffs and the ocean meet each other in a pretty dramatic way. Your first stop here should be the Bixby Creek Bridge. It’s one of the most photographed bridges in the world, and for good reason. The arching concrete span, set against the backdrop of crashing waves and steep cliffs, is absolutely breathtaking, and you’ll want to stop for a few moments just to take it all in.

Head further down the coast, and you’ll find McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that cascades right onto the beach. The turquoise waters and golden sands below make it one of the most iconic spots along the coast, and while you can’t actually hike down to the beach, the view from the overlook is more than enough to leave you speechless.

While you’re in Big Sur, make sure to carve out some time to explore Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, an outdoor lover’s heaven. This park is home to massive redwoods, scenic river views, and a network of trails that offer something for every level of hiker. If you haven’t got a lot of time and can only take one hiking path, one of the most popular trails here is the Pfeiffer Falls Trail, which leads you through a beautiful forest and up to the namesake waterfall.

This is also a great place to camp if you’re looking to spend a night under the stars, and the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground is one of the best options to do this, with over 180 campsites on offer that can be booked in advance. There’s a real lack of light pollution here, too, so grab your telescope and look to the skies for amazing views of the stars, planets, and more.

Each trip so far has had a pretty small amount of ground to cover between each, but this next stop is going to see you spend a little more time on the road. 178 miles will take you to Hearst Castle in San Simeon, a sprawling estate perched on a hilltop overlooking the ocean that was built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst in the early 20th century.

This place is part palace, part art museum, and fully awe-inspiring. You can take guided tours that walk you through the vast art collection, which includes Greek vases and Renaissance tapestries, and the Neptune Pool, which looks like something straight out of a Roman fantasy. The views of the coast from the castle grounds are also worth the trip alone.

Back to the shorter distances, Elephant Seal Rookery is just a stone’s throw away from Hearst Castle and is the place to be if you’ve always wanted to see an elephant seal up close. These enormous creatures (which can weigh up to 4,500lbs) gather on the beach here to mate, molt, and rest, and watching them is both fascinating and comical. They’re not the most graceful animals, after all, but they’re extremely impressive in size and sound.

The best time to visit Elephant Seal Rookery is between December and March when the seals are breeding and giving birth. But even if you stop by at other times of the year, you’ll likely see some of these giant creatures lounging around in the sun.

Heading further south, you’ll come to Morro Bay, a beautiful little coastal town that is most famous for its towering volcanic rock – Morro Rock. This giant, which rises 576 feet out of the bay, dominates the skyline and provides an epic backdrop for photos. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the calm waters of Morro Bay State Park, and you may even spot sea otters and seals playing around you.

If you’re more into relaxing than adventuring, Morro Bay also has plenty of cozy waterfront restaurants serving up fresh seafood, including oysters from nearby farms. The laid-back vibe here makes this a good place to stop by if you feel the need to slow down, too, and you can kick back and soak in the beauty of the Central Coast before hitting the road again.

About 15 minutes inland, you’ll find San Luis Obispo, a college town with a rich history. You should start your visit here with a trip to Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, one of California’s original Spanish missions, and its beautiful courtyard and well-preserved adobe buildings provide you with a peaceful oasis right in the heart of town.

Once you’ve taken in the history, why not treat yourself to some wine tasting in the nearby Edna Valley? This region is particularly famous for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, not to mention the rolling vineyards are a stunning backdrop for a relaxing afternoon of wine sampling. Also, as most of the wineries here are boutique operations, you’re offered more of an intimate and personalized experience compared to the larger Californian wine regions.

Not done with Wine Country yet? Good, because Paso Robles is only a short drive away and gives you even more opportunities to spend an afternoon sipping and savoring some local blends. If you’re into bold red like Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles needs to be on your must-visit list. But it’s not all about wine. The town itself is charming and there is a beautiful town square lined with restaurants and tasting rooms.

After a day of tasting, you can unwind even more by visiting one of the area’s natural hot springs. There are several resorts in the immediate area where you can soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters, and this is the perfect way to relax your road trip-weary muscles.

As you start heading back towards San Francisco, take a detour to Pinnacles National Park. This park is famous for its tall rock spires, caves, and canyons, all of which were formed by ancient volcanic activity. It’s a landscape that will feel completely different from anything you’ve experienced so far on this road trip.

It’s a go-to for wildlife lovers, too, as it is home to the endangered California condor, and if you’re lucky, you might spot one of these massive birds soaring high above the cliffs. There are also plenty of hiking trails here, and whether you want a challenging hike or want to explore the caves, you’re guaranteed an otherworldly adventure.

You’re nearly at the end of your round trip, but before you head back to San Francisco, make sure you make a stop at the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. This is a quirky, fascinating place that captures the essence of Santa Cruz’s surfing culture, and it is housed in an old lighthouse, adding to the excitement of it all. Expect exhibits of vintage surfboards and classic photos of surfers conquering the waves in this small museum that is packed with character and local flavor.

Afterward, head over to Mitchell’s Cove Beach for a dose of sun, sand, and sea. This is the perfect place for catching some rays or watching the locals surf, and because it’s a little off the beaten path, it’s often less crowded than other Santa Cruz beaches. This makes it a perfect spot to relax and unwind before setting off on your final leg back to San Francisco.

As your road trip comes full circle, finish your vacation off in San Francisco with a final stop at Twin Peaks. From this high vantage point, you’ll get amazing views of the city, the bay, and the Pacific Ocean. This really is the perfect spot to reflect on your journey and take one last deep breath of fresh ocean air before your road trip comes to an end.

If you’ve timed it right, you can catch an incredible sunset from here, or head to Ocean Beach or Baker Beach for a more intimate view of the sun sinking behind the Golden Gate Bridge. Either way, it’s a fitting end to an unforgettable adventure.

A road trip along the Pacific Highway is an experience that’ll stick with you long after the drive is over. And whether you’re planning to explore with friends or family or take a solo trip, the freedom of the open road you’ll get with a campervan from Travellers Autobarn is the best way to soak it all in. Our rentals also come with unlimited miles as standard, so you can explore at your leisure without worrying about racking up extra costs.

Looking for even more San-Fran based fun? With this guide to the 8 Unforgettable Campervan Itineraries Out of San Francisco, you’re guaranteed to find your next vacation destination and explore even more of what the USA has to offer.

Check out more San Francisco road trips here!