The Best Pacific Coast Road Trip
Quick answer: The best Pacific Coast road trip follows the Pacific Coast Highway from Washington down to California, taking in ocean cliffs, old-growth forests, national parks and classic coastal towns. Spring and fall are the ideal seasons, though summer on the coast is milder than you might expect.
Looking for an epic road trip to take this summer? The Pacific Coast Highway is hard to beat. This stunning route offers plenty of amazing scenery to enjoy along the way, and it suits both first-time road trippers and seasoned drivers.
What Is the Pacific Coast Highway?
The Pacific Coast Highway is a road of around 2,000 miles that runs along the Pacific Coast of the United States. It begins in northern Washington state and ends in Southern California.
The highway is known for its stunning views of ocean cliffs, towering old-growth trees and its many scenic stops.
Highlights of the Pacific Coast Road Trip
The Pacific Coast Highway is a winding road that follows the coastline of Washington, Oregon and California. It passes through some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States, including rugged coastline, lush forests and stunning ocean vistas.
Highlights of the route include:
- California coastal towns such as Arcata, Monterey, Malibu and Big Sur.
- Mountain scenery including the Coast Range and the Siskiyou Mountains.
- Olympic National Park in Washington.
- Redwood National Park in Northern California.
A Pacific Coast Highway road trip is a perfect vacation for anyone looking for a scenic and relaxing journey along California’s stunning coastline.
Best Time to Drive the Pacific Coast Highway
The best times to drive the highway are spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the views are beautiful.
If summer is the only time that works for you, the drive will still be fantastic. While much of the western US is known for scorching summer heat, the Pacific Coast is much milder whatever the season.
Should You Take a Rental Car or RV?
There are pros and cons to both options on a Pacific Coast road trip.
| Rental car | RV | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Cheaper, but you pay for fuel and parking | More expensive |
| Flexibility | Easy for major attractions | Great for exploring off the beaten path, with many places to park and stay |
| Best for | Hitting the main sights | Experiencing more of the area |
If you’re just planning on hitting the major attractions, renting a car is probably the better option. If you want to experience more of the region, an RV is a better choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Pacific Coast Highway?
It is roughly 2,000 miles long, running from northern Washington to Southern California.
When is the best time for a Pacific Coast road trip?
Spring and fall offer mild weather and beautiful views, but summer is also pleasant because the coast stays milder than inland areas.
Which national parks are on the route?
The drive passes through Olympic National Park in Washington and Redwood National Park in Northern California.
Conclusion
The Pacific Coast Highway is a must-drive for any road trip enthusiast. With amazing sights, national parks and charming coastal towns along the way, you’re sure to have a blast on the best Pacific Coast road trip.
