Pacific Coast Highway

Absolutely the best bit of the Californian coast. Preferably driven from north to south, Pacific Highway 1 hugs the coast passing Monterey, Big Sur, Carmel, Hearst Castle to name but a few of the places you will want to visit or at least stop and photograph.

You can admire the beautiful coastal scenery along the stunning Pacific Coast Highway, watch wildlife such as sea lions, sea otters and migrating whales, or get active and go kayaking through giant kelp or surf the rollers at iconic places including Santa Cruz, where surfing was introduced to the US and where Jack o’Neill, legendary suffer and pioneer of the wetsuit lives.

The most well-known – and most photographed – section of the Pacific Coast Highway is the stretch between Monterey and Santa Barbara and specifically the Big Sur coastline with the iconic Bixby Bridge. Make sure you stop in San Louis Obispo County – known as SLOCal – where you can tour the legendary Hearst Castle, look for otters on a guided kayak tour of Morro Bay or maybe dig for clams in Pismo Beach

Known as the American Riviera, Santa Barbara is a sophisticated resort with wonderful restaurants, hotels and shops not to speak of its lovely beach.

Our advice for enjoying this spectacular road trip is to take your time; you could easily spend a week but please allow at least 3-5 days.