Explore California’s stunning coastline from San Francisco to San Diego.
The legendary Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), whose work began in the 1930s, is a marvelous achievement of the man who hugs the sublime jagged coasts of California for more than 900 kilometers. It is one of the most beautiful tourist routes in the world; a road on which one does not hurry, only too happy to be able to contemplate the mountains, the tall trees, the immense beaches and the endless sky. This route also offers travelers a unique opportunity to soak up California’s many personalities: pioneer outposts, surf villages, farm-fresh produce, local wines, kitsch culture along the roads. , the glamor of Hollywood without forgetting the bohemian spirit. A day could be enough to connect San Francisco to San Diego, but admit that it would be a shame! Savor every mile of the Pacific Coast Highway and make the fun last for days, a week or more.
Departure point: San Francisco
Your United States journey along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) begins in San Francisco, famous for its steep streets, green spaces and urban atmosphere. San Francisco is a resolutely green city, the jewel of which is Golden Gate Park, a green setting of more than 400 hectares hosting two major museums, a Japanese tea garden, a herd of bison, a windmill and much more. . Enjoy a walk in the park before discovering North Beach, which was once the neighborhood of beatniks and Italian emigrants. Browse the shelves of the City Lights Bookstore, a huge iconic bookstore, then grab a drink at Vesuvio Cafe, a friendly bar in Jack Kerouac Alley. Just steps from North Beach, you’ll find the oldest Chinatown in North America, with decorated streets and crowded restaurants. Join the Ferry Building, a ferry terminal where you can take in views of the bay and savor delicious local specialties in a lively waterfront setting before hitting the road again.
Felton and Santa Cruz
On the road from San Francisco to Santa Cruz, take a short break at Devil’s Slide, a two-kilometre strip of land that used to be a stretch of Highway One, but is now a scenic Pacifica hiking trail. If you still had doubts about the interest of this road trip, they will be quickly swept away by the stunning panorama of the ocean that offers itself to you as you go past the various coastal outposts. Before arriving in the surfing hotspot of Santa Cruz, stop in Felton, a sleepy little mountain town in the heart of a redwood forest. Cool off at Monty’s Log Cabin, a small, rustic-looking cabin with a sunny deck out back. Then visit The Bigfoot Discovery Museum to learn all about Californians’ favorite cryptid. Get back on the road before finally reaching Santa Cruz, a pleasant coastal town with its university, its majestic redwoods and its waves attracting surfers from all over the world. Founded in 1907, the Santa Cruz Boardwalk is famous for its traditional roller coaster (with views of the Pacific Ocean!), arcade, and signature scent of salty air, cotton candy, and hot dogs. Did you know ? Scenes from the cult 1987 film The Lost Boys were filmed here
Big Sur
Take in dramatic coastal scenery, where rugged mountains covered in enchanting redwood forests seem to spring from the ocean. It is possible to camp in the forests, but if you prefer a good cozy bed, opt for Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn, with its irresistible bohemian charm. Not far from there, explore the Henry Miller Memorial Library, then, after a hike that will have whetted your appetite, savor the typical California cuisine (wine from the region and fresh produce from the farm, just that!) on the terrace panoramic view of the Nepenthe establishment, while contemplating the ocean.
Cambria
Just before Cambria, take a short break to observe the colony of northern elephant seals of the Piedras Blancas Friends of the Elephant Seal association, the opportunity to see these pinnipeds lounging, playing or bickering on the coast. (But keep your distance, as these creatures can weigh over four tons.) Continue to the charming coastal village, where you’ll be greeted by rocky shores, cliffs and tide pools teeming with sea creatures. Savor a generous slice of warm blackberry pie, topped with vanilla ice cream, at Cambria’s flagship restaurant, Linn’s Restaurant.
Morro Bay
Morro Bay, a small town nestled in a vast estuary, is ideal for viewing California’s varied wildlife. Morro Bay State Park is home to a large number of wildlife such as blue herons, monarch butterflies, hummingbirds and adorable sea otters. This park includes trails, a small museum and picnic tables, making it a ideal stop when you’re feeling peckish or want to stretch your legs.
San Luis Obispo
Continue on PCH to the quiet college town of San Luis Obispo, nicknamed SLO, where you can visit quirky sites like the colorful Bubblegum Alley. Before leaving, don’t forget to sample the locally produced wines at one of the many nearby wineries (more than 30), or walk to the Point San Luis Lighthouse for some fresh air and a beautiful view. panorama. The city is home to many quality establishments, including the Madonna Inn, a delightfully colorful inn offering themed rooms, such as Caveman (prehistoric cave style) and Showboat (deliberately loaded style). You don’t need to spend the night here, however, to appreciate the extravagant interior decor, including western-style murals, chandelier chandeliers, flocked wallpaper… and pink, pink and more pink. Order a slice of (pink) cake at the counter and soak up the unique ambiance of this place.
Los Olivos and Solvang
You were unlikely to make a small detour through Denmark during your road trip along the Pacific coast, and yet here you are. Founded by Danish settlers in 1911, the village of Solvang is a miniature Denmark and home to many Danish bakeries. Stroll through the heart of streets with traditional architecture to discover faithful reproductions of The Little Mermaid statue and the round tower of Copenhagen, as well as various tributes to Hans Christian Andersen. A short drive from Solvang is Los Olivos, a town with rustic charm, surrounded by the vast vineyards of the Santa Ynez Valley. Take part in tasting sessions at estates like Demetria to sample delicious rosé while taking in views of the hillsides.
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is the perfect embodiment of the two personalities of California: on the one hand, the peaceful life at the beach and on the other, the glitz and the glitz. (Anchorwoman Oprah Winfrey owns property here.) It’s a city of handsome mansions, adobe houses and buildings with Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Explore Santa Barbara’s colonial history at Old Mission, then find works of art in the heart of the Funk Zone, the city’s arts district. Savor a scoop of churros and milk ice cream or rose milk and boysenberry jam at McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams, and dine on fresh seafood with ocean views at Enterprise Fish Co. , where oysters can be enjoyed for $1.50 during happy hour. If you like adventure, just drive 20 minutes inland to reach Cold Spring Tavern, a bar and restaurant established in 1886 where stagecoaches once stopped. Then take advantage of the mild climate to enjoy an outdoor movie screening at Westwind Drive-In.
Los Angeles
Choose Neptune’s Net as the very first step to discover Los Angeles. Bicyclists and Hollywood stars are particularly fond of this beer bar, which serves delicious seafood. Perched on the PCH, in Malibu, this establishment is distinguished by its unique retro sign. Since its opening in 1956, the bar has appeared in various films and series, from Point Break to Gossip Girl. Get back on the road and enter Los Angeles. You will then have a glimpse of the countless facets of the city: the glamor of Old Hollywood on Mulholland Drive and at the Château Marmont, the trendy side of the hipsters at Silver Lake and Echo Park, the fossil deposit of La Brea Tar Pits and the museums leading art scene, as well as nearby Disneyland Park, shopping malls and old farmers markets.
San Diego
Known for its famous zoo, surfing paradise and military outpost, San Diego is a border town proud of its Mexican cuisine. The simple fact of asking where the best place for lunch is can unleash passions. Better to try several, whether it’s the quality menus of well-established restaurants like Las Cuatro Milpas and Oscar’s Mexican Seafood or the creative menus of modern restaurants like Galaxy Tacos and Puesto. After tasting real tacos, it’s time for digestion with a short walk on the beach or a visit to Cave Store, a trinket shop in which you can access a 200,000-year-old sea cave for 5 dollars. In the tunnel of 145 steps that leads to the cave, you are not immune to meeting unusual visitors: imagine that a sea lion has already climbed the steps to the store!