One of the great things we love so much about SoCal living is that it’s almost always a good day to go out and explore. In fact, there’s one highway that seems to offer glorious views of some of our state’s most scenic destinations no matter the time of year. The Pacific Coast Highway, also known simply as PCH, is an epic highway that winds along the coast past state beaches and through state parks for a breathtaking adventure from beginning to end. It’s always a good day for a drive on PCH, so check it out:

It's hard to think of a highway in Southern California as legendary as the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).
Mr. Nixter/Flickr
Considered one of the most scenic highways in the world, it stretches for 600 beautiful miles between Orange County and San Francisco.
When you feel like a scenic journey in SoCal, nothing beats hopping on PCH and driving without a destination in mind.
Sergei Gussev/Flickr
The city of Dana Point marks the southernmost end of the highway. It then heads northwest through gorgeous destinations like Laguna Beach and Crystal Cove State Park before entering Newport Beach.
PCH arrives in Los Angeles County when it meets with Long Beach.
Fietsbel/Wikimedia Commons
From here, it makes a brief journey inland before turning north through Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Manhattan Beach. Each of these coastal cities offers its own breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
One of the most iconic stretches of PCH is when it enters the city of Santa Monica, continuing along the coast and past the Santa Monica Pier.
Kent Kanouse/Flickr
The highway then continues through the affluent Pacific Palisades neighborhood before making its grand entrance to Malibu, acting as the main artery through the oceanfront town.

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The views in this part of Southern California are seemingly endless.
Lysa Allman-Baldwin/OnlyInYourState
The good thing is that they are many scenic overlooks where you can stop, as we have done many times, to soak in the ambiance.
As PCH crosses into Ventura County, it winds through both Leo Carrillo State Park and Point Mugu State Park.
chotda/Flickr
An iconic section of the highway actually passes right by the large and looming Mugu Rock, a rock formation at the tip of Point Mugu.
After passing through Ventura, the highway then stretches along the Rincon coast after separating from U.S. Route 101.
Britta Gustafson/Flickr
It rejoins Highway 101 just south of reaching Santa Barbara County.
Before reaching the Central Coast, PCH (running concurrently with US 101) goes through Santa Barbara and all of its smaller, neighboring communities.
Rian Castillo/Flickr
Turning away from the coast, it goes through Gaviota State Park, marking a change in landscape from coastal views to lush, wildflower-covered hills.
And if you have the time...
Lysa Allman-Baldwin/OnlyInYourState
...we highly recommend that you stop in Santa Barbara and ride the trolley! It's a great way to take in the flavor and feel of this beautiful coastal town.

When’s the last time you took a ride along this legendary California highway? Would you agree that these scenic places are some of the best stops along the Pacific Coast Highway? Share your favorite stops with us in the comments below!

Those who enjoy fantasy and whimsy will definitely want to read The Stunning Building In Northern California That Looks Just Like Hogwarts.

If you’d like to explore hikes near any Pacific Coast Highway overlooks, you can find some great trails by going to the AllTrails website.

Still in the mood for more California adventures? Take a look at this video about the Castle Winery in Napa:

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More to Explore

Adventures in Southern California

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | September 28, 2023

Where can we find ghost towns in Southern California?

  • Darwin – Founded in 1877 and once to 3,000 people it eventually died out after a devastating fire in the mine in 1917.
  • B Calico – There were 500 mines and over 1,000 residents in its prime between 1883 and 1885 and was dubbed "California's Silver Rush Gold Town."
  • Ballarat – Remotely located near Death Valley, in its heyday this 500-resident town had a school, a post office, a jail, and several saloons and hotels

Read on to learn more about some of the other ghost towns in Southern California.

Where can we find hidden gems in Southern California?

  • The Japanese Garden in Lake Balboa is a true urban oasis encompassing three beautiful and distinct gardens.
  • Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave in La Jolla is accessible via stairs that go down to an old tunnel believed to have been used by bootleggers during Prohibition.
  • The Painted Cave in Southern California features rock art dating back as far as 1,600 years ago.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other wonderful hidden gems in Southern California.

Where are some fun facts about Southern California?

  • The hottest temperature ever recorded on earth was 134 degrees on July 10, 1913 in the town of Furnace Creek in Inyo County.
  • The town of Fallbrook is recognized as the Avocado Capital of the world.
  • The famous Santa Monica pier was originally used to move sewage offshore and is over 100 years old.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other fun facts about Southern California.

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Featured Addresses
Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA, USA