Are you planning a road trip on the Pacific Coast Highway and wondering where to stop and what to see? If so, you’re not alone. Many travelers ask questions like “What’s the best place to visit on the PCH?” or “What are the must-see attractions?” Today, I’m excited to share my list of the top 15 stops on the Pacific Coast Highway, listed in order from Seattle, WA to San Diego, CA. Each stop includes a detailed description, helpful information, address, and GPS coordinates. And for those who want even more recommendations, I’ve also written a comprehensive travel guide called “Pacific Coast Highway Travel Guide – 202 Best Stops”. So, let’s dive in and discover some of the most breathtaking and unforgettable destinations along the PCH!
If you’re planning a trip along the Pacific Coast Highway, there are plenty of must-see destinations that you won’t want to miss. From world-famous cities to charming small towns, there’s something for everyone along this stunning stretch of road.
In this blog post, I’ll highlight some of the best places to visit along the Pacific Coast Highway, including popular attractions and hidden gems. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, these destinations are sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.
1. Space Needle
PACIFIC COAST HWY: 0 MI/ 0 KM SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
GPS: 47.62062, -122.34850
ADDRESS: 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109
One of the initial points of interest along the Pacific Coast Highway. The Space Needle is an iconic observation tower located in Seattle, Washington. Built in 1962 for the World’s Fair, it stands at 605 feet tall and offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the city and surrounding area. Visitors can take a ride up to the top in a glass elevator and enjoy panoramic views from the observation deck, which features a rotating restaurant. The Space Needle is a must-visit attraction for anyone traveling to Seattle and is considered one of the most recognizable landmarks in the United States.
2. Olympic National Park
PACIFIC COAST HWY: 180 MI/ 290 KM PORT ANGELES, WASHINGTON
GPS: 48.09929, -123.42571
ADDRESS: 3002 Mt Angeles Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98362
Coming in second on my list of top attractions along the Pacific Coast Highway is Olympic National Park. It is a vast wilderness area located in the state of Washington, USA. The park covers over 922,000 acres and is home to three distinct ecosystems: temperate rainforests, rugged coastline, and glacier-capped peaks. Visitors can explore miles of hiking trails that lead to stunning vistas, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and cascading waterfalls. The park also offers a wealth of wildlife viewing opportunities, from elk and deer to black bears and mountain goats. Popular attractions in the park include Hurricane Ridge, Hoh Rainforest, and the stunning coastline at Ruby Beach. Olympic National Park is a true gem of the Pacific Northwest and a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
3. Cape Disappointment State Park
PACIFIC COAST HWY: 415 MI/ 668 KM ILWACO, WASHINGTON
GPS: 46.29955, -124.06538
ADDRESS: 244 Robert Gray Dr, Ilwaco, WA 98624
Cape Disappointment State Park is a fantastic stop for anyone exploring the Pacific Northwest. Located at the southwestern tip of Washington State, this park offers breathtaking views of the ocean, as well as historic landmarks, and diverse recreational opportunities. Visitors can explore two lighthouses, the North Head Lighthouse and the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse, which have been guiding ships along the coast for over a century. The park also offers miles of hiking trails, fishing, crabbing, clamming, and beachcombing.
4. The Astoria Column
PACIFIC COAST HWY: 430 MI/ 692 KM ASTORIA, OREGON
GPS: 46.18132, -123.81752
ADDRESS: 1 Coxcomb Dr, Astoria, OR 97103
The Astoria Column is a must-see attraction on the Pacific Coast Highway, located in Astoria, Oregon. This towering monument stands 125 feet tall and offers breathtaking views of the Columbia River and surrounding area. Visitors can climb the 164-step spiral staircase to reach the observation deck at the top of the column, where they can take in panoramic views of the Oregon and Washington coasts. Along the way, the column features a series of hand-painted murals that depict significant events in the area’s history, including the Lewis and Clark expedition and the arrival of the first settlers.
5. Haystack Rock
PACIFIC COAST HWY: 454 MI/ 731 KM CANNON BEACH, OREGON
GPS: 45.88452, -123.96819
ADDRESS: Cannon Beach, Oregon
Get ready for another great stop on the Pacific Coast Highway. Haystack Rock is a striking natural landmark located in Cannon Beach, Oregon. Rising 235 feet above the ocean, it’s one of the largest monoliths in the world and a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike.
6. Thor’s Well
PACIFIC COAST HWY: 590 MI/ 950 KM YACHATS, OREGON
GPS: 44.27836, -124.11347
Thor’s Well is a natural wonder located on the Pacific Coast Highway of Oregon, near Cape Perpetua. It’s a collapsed sea cave that creates a mesmerizing hole in the rocky coastline, where the waves crash dramatically and create a fountain-like effect. It’s a popular spot for photography, but visitors should exercise caution and stay back from the edge during high tide, as the area can be dangerous.
7. Arch Rock State Park
PACIFIC COAST HWY: 756 MI/ 1217 KM BROOKINGS, OREGON
GPS: 42.20495, -124.37387
ADDRESS: 22064 Oregon Coast Hwy, Brookings, OR 97415
Another beautiful natural stop along the Pacific Coast Highway. Arch Rock State Park is a small but stunning coastal park. The park’s main attraction is a natural arch formation that was carved by the ocean waves and provides a picturesque backdrop for photography and sightseeing. Visitors can explore the beach, hike the park’s short trails, or enjoy a picnic while taking in the breathtaking views of the coastline.
8. Redwood National and State Parks
PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY: ORICK, CA
GPS: 41.40153, -124.04171
Redwood National and State Parks is a collection of protected areas located along the coast of northern California in the United States. The parks cover a total of 138,999 acres and consist of several different units, including Redwood National Park, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
The parks are known for their ancient coast redwood trees, which can grow up to 379 feet tall and are some of the tallest trees in the world. In addition to the redwoods, the parks also feature a diverse range of flora and fauna, including Roosevelt elk, black bears, mountain lions, and numerous bird species.
Don’t forget to check out my blog post highlighting the best national and state parks along the Pacific Coast Highway: Pacific Coast Highway – The 10 Best National & State Parks On the West Coast PCH
9. Drive-Thru Tree Park
PACIFIC COAST HWY: 968 MI/ 1558 KM LEGGETT, CALIFORNIA
GPS: 39.85857, -123.71902
ADDRESS: 67402 Drive Thru Tree Rd, Leggett, CA 95585
Another excellent destination along the Pacific Coast Highway! The park is home to a giant sequoia tree that has been carved to create a tunnel, allowing visitors to drive their cars through the tree. The tree, known as the Chandelier Tree, is estimated to be over 2,400 years old and stands at a height of 315 feet.
In addition to the Chandelier Tree, the park also features a variety of other attractions, including hiking trails, picnic areas, and a gift shop. Visitors can explore the park’s trails to see other giant sequoia trees and a variety of wildlife, such as deer and raccoons.
10. Glass Beach
PACIFIC COAST HWY: 1011 MI/ 1627 KM FORT BRAGG, CALIFORNIA
GPS: 39.45261, -123.81349
ADDRESS: W Elm St and Glass Beach Dr, Fort Bragg, CA 95437
Glass Beach is a unique and beautiful beach located in Fort Bragg, California, in the United States. What makes this beach special is the abundance of colorful sea glass that covers its shoreline. The sea glass is the result of years of dumping trash into the ocean, which was eventually pounded into small, smooth pieces by the waves and washed back onto the beach.
Today, Glass Beach is a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world to admire the sparkling sea glass and take photos of the colorful pebbles against the backdrop of the ocean.
11. Golden Gate
PACIFIC COAST HWY: 1183 MI/ 1904 KM SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
GPS: 37.81996, -122.47855
ADDRESS: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA 94129
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in San Francisco, California, and is widely considered as a must-see destination on the Pacific Coast Highway. The bridge, which spans 1.7 miles across the Golden Gate Strait, offers stunning views of the city skyline, the bay, and the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll or bike ride across the bridge, or simply admire it from the numerous viewpoints and parks in the area. The Golden Gate Bridge is open to both pedestrians and vehicles, and admission is free. However, visitors should be aware of the frequently changing weather conditions in the area and dress accordingly.
12. Shark Fin Cove
PACIFIC COAST HWY: 1250 MI/ 2012 KM DAVENPORT, CALIFORNIA
GPS: 37.00408, -122.18542
Shark Fin Cove is a picturesque beach located in Davenport, California, along the Pacific Coast Highway. The cove is named after a large rock formation that resembles a shark fin and is a popular spot for photography and sightseeing. Visitors can climb on the rock formation or stroll along the beach, which is known for its colorful pebbles and dramatic cliffs. The cove is also a great spot for surfing and fishing, although visitors should exercise caution as the currents and waves can be strong. Admission to Shark Fin Cove is free, and the area is open to the public year-round.
13. Bixby Creek Bridge View Point
PACIFIC COAST HWY: 1320 MI/ 2124 KM MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA
GPS: 36.37150, -121.90176
ADDRESS: 27494 Cabrillo Hwy, Monterey, CA 93940
Bixby Creek Bridge Viewpoint is a must-see destination along the Pacific Coast Highway in California. The viewpoint offers a breathtaking view of the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge, a steel arch bridge built in 1932 that spans across the Bixby Creek in Big Sur. This bridge is one of the most photographed bridges in California and a popular landmark for tourists and locals alike.
Visitors can park their cars at the viewpoint and take a leisurely stroll on the walking trails, or simply sit and enjoy the stunning view of the bridge and the surrounding coastline. The scenery, featuring rugged cliffs and crashing waves, is particularly spectacular during sunrise and sunset.
14. McWay Falls
PACIFIC COAST HWY: 1344 MI/ 2163 KM Slates Hot Springs, CALIFORNIA
GPS: 36.15783, -121.67217
McWay Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in Big Sur, California, and is widely considered as one of the best stops along the Pacific Coast Highway. The waterfall drops 80 feet from a rocky cliff onto a secluded beach, creating a stunningly beautiful and unique sight. Visitors can view the waterfall from a designated overlook that offers panoramic views of the coastline, or hike down to the beach for an up-close and personal experience.A visit to McWay Falls is a must-do for anyone traveling along the Pacific Coast Highway, as it offers a glimpse of the stunning natural beauty of California’s coastline and the incredible power and majesty of nature.
15. Elephant Seal Vista Point
PACIFIC COAST HWY: 1392 MI/ 2240 KM SAN SIMEON, CALIFORNIA
GPS: 35.66296, -121.25773
Elephant Seal Vista Point is a must-see stop along the Pacific Coast Highway. Located just north of Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California, this viewpoint offers a unique opportunity to witness the fascinating lives of elephant seals in their natural habitat. From December to March, visitors can observe these massive creatures as they gather on the beach to breed, give birth, and molt. The males, which can weigh up to 5,000 pounds, engage in epic battles for dominance, while the females nurse their pups and rest after a long journey from the ocean.
16. The Getty Villa
PACIFIC COAST HWY: 1630 MI/ 2623 KM PACIFIC PALISADES, CALIFORNIA
GPS: 34.04589, -118.56486
ADDRESS: 17985 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
art and culture of ancient Greece and Rome. Located in Malibu, California, this museum and cultural center offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a world-class collection of ancient artifacts, sculptures, and art in a beautiful and tranquil setting.
The Getty Villa is modeled after an ancient Roman villa and features a stunning collection of over 44,000 objects from ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria. The galleries are arranged thematically and include works of art ranging from intricate gold jewelry and pottery to monumental sculptures and mosaics.
17. Santa Monica Pier
PACIFIC COAST HWY: 1635 MI/ 2631 KM SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA
GPS: 34.00830, -118.49875
ADDRESS: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Santa Monica Pier is a legendary stop on the Pacific Coast Highway. With Pacific Park amusement park, fishing, live music, street performers, shops, restaurants, and bars, there’s something for everyone. Plus, visitors can take photos with the iconic End of the Trail sign marking the western end of historic Route 66. It’s a must-see destination for anyone exploring the PCH.
18. Venice Beach
PACIFIC COAST HWY: 1636 MI/ 2633 KM VENICE, CALIFORNIA
GPS: 33.99325, -118.48059
ADDRESS: Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291, United States
Venice Beach is one of the best stops along the Pacific Coast Highway, offering a vibrant and eclectic atmosphere that captures the essence of Southern California. Located in the heart of Los Angeles, this iconic beachfront community has been a hub for artists, musicians, and creatives for decades.
One of the main attractions at Venice Beach is the famous Ocean Front Walk, a bustling boardwalk that features street performers, vendors, and artists. Visitors can also enjoy a range of outdoor activities such as surfing, volleyball, and basketball, or rent a bike to explore the nearby bike path.
19. Huntington Beach
PACIFIC COAST HWY: 1678 MI/ 2700 KM HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA
GPS: 33.65597, -118.00337
ADDRESS: 351-227 CA-1, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Huntington Beach is a charming coastal town and popular stop along the Pacific Coast Highway. Known as “Surf City USA,” this beachside community offers visitors a range of activities and attractions to enjoy. One of the main draws of Huntington Beach is its world-renowned surfing. With consistent waves and warm weather, this spot attracts surfers from around the globe. Visitors can rent surfboards or take lessons to try their hand at this iconic sport.
20. Cabrillo National Monument
PACIFIC COAST HWY: 1775 MI/ 2857 KM SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
GPS: 32.67202, -117.24138
ADDRESS: 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
Cabrillo National Monument is the last must-see destination along the Pacific Coast Highway, located at the southern tip of the Point Loma Peninsula in San Diego, California. The monument commemorates the arrival of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European explorer to navigate the coast of present-day California, in 1542.
One of the main attractions at Cabrillo National Monument is the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, which was built in 1855 and is one of the oldest lighthouses on the West Coast. Visitors can tour the lighthouse and learn about its history and role in maritime navigation.
👍 Find out more:
Discover the best stops along the PCH in my travel guide, “Pacific Coast Highway Travel Guide – 202 Best Stops”, which is available on Amazon. This is the ultimate travel guide and pocket reference for anyone wishing to experience the adventure and wonder of THE PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY! MUST-HAVE for all West Coast travelers. Visit 202 places on the PCH with “Scan QR and go” for easy navigation.
Author:
Mark Watson is a California-based member of a Los Angeles motorcycle club and an avid traveler. He has completed seven full journeys along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway on his Harley-Davidson and is passionate about promoting this historic drive to others. Mark has also explored the Alaska Highway and Route 66, and has authored three bestselling travel guides on Amazon: “Route 66 Travel Guide – 202 Amazing Places,” “Alaska Highway Travel Guide – 202 Best Stops,” and “Pacific Coast Highway Travel Guide – 202 Best Stops.”