The Perfect Pacific Coast Highway Trip
Written and Photographed by Lindsay McKenzie
The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), also known as Highway 1, is one of America’s most iconic and scenic roadways. Stretching more than 650 miles from Dana Point in Orange County to Leggett in Mendocino County, the PCH offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, lush forests and charming coastal towns. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation or a bit of both, an RV road trip along the PCH promises an unforgettable experience.
Join in on the fun as Randy, Caly and Lindsay talk about the Perfect Pacific Coast Highway Trip on the RVD Podcast by clicking here!
Preparing
California state park campgrounds and RV parks along this route are very popular, especially during high season. You’ll want to make your accommodation reservations well in advance.
Additionally, the Pacific Coast Highway is often closed for various reasons, including repairs. And, of course, you’ll likely run into the typical California traffic. You should ensure you have an RV-specific GPS or maps app to confirm that your route consists of open and safe roads for your RV size.
The Journey
Dana Point to Long Beach
Start your adventure in Dana Point, known for its beautiful marina and the Ocean Institute. Doheny State Beach Campground is a lovely spot to camp, and while it doesn’t offer hookups, you’ll be steps from the beach. I recommend staying enough days to allow you to take a day trip about an hour south to enjoy San Diego.
When you’re ready to head north, you’ll want to stop in Laguna Beach, famous for its art galleries, tide pools and picturesque coves. Continue to Newport Beach for a stroll along the pier or a boat tour of the harbor. Huntington Beach, aka “Surf City USA,” is another excellent spot to enjoy a sunset walk on the pier.
You can then land in Long Beach for your next stay and enjoy the unique location of Golden Shore RV Park. It’s in the heart of a bustling downtown yet walking distance from the beach. The park offers a combination of city and beach views along with great amenities, making it a special park.
There are many great bars, restaurants and shopping in Long Beach and no shortage of beaches within a short drive. But, if you have dogs traveling with you, take them to Rosie’s Dog Beach, one of the few dog-friendly beaches in the area. And if you have children traveling with you (or you’re a child at heart), Golden Shore RV Park will put you only 25 miles from Disneyland. Another fun activity in Long Beach is walking along the Naples Canals while checking out the beautiful homes and boats.
Long Beach to Los Angeles
A visit to California would not be complete without a stop in Los Angeles. The best part is that you can park on the beach at Dockweiler RV Park. This park comes with the warning that it’s nothing fancy and just a parking lot on the beach with airplanes flying overhead all day due to its proximity to the airport.
However, staying at Dockweiler will put you only 30 miles away from enjoying what makes LA world-famous: Hollywood, Dodger Stadium, Universal Studios, Griffith Observatory, and world-class dining and shopping. You’ll also be fewer than 10 miles away from LA’s best beaches (Manhattan, Hermosa, Venice).
Santa Monica, where you can explore the bustling Santa Monica Pier and enjoy dinner at one of the many oceanfront restaurants, is also a short drive north from Dockweiler RV Park. You’ll want to add this to your itinerary as a day trip or a stop along your route as you continue north.
Los Angeles to Malibu
Once you’ve had enough of the big-city experience, you’ll be ready to enjoy the tranquility that Malibu has to offer. When most people hear Malibu, celebrity mansions come to mind. You may think there’s no chance you could find a spot to stay in your RV there, which is one of the many reasons why Malibu Beach RV Park is one of my favorite RV parks that I’ve ever stayed at after RVing across the country.
Malibu Beach RV Park is conveniently located atop a cliff along the PCH directly across from the beach, so nearly every RV site in the park has a view of the ocean. If you get lucky, as I did during my stay, you may have the unforgettable experience of seeing dolphins and whales in the water right from your RV windows.
Malibu offers stunning beaches like Zuma Beach and El Matador State Beach, and Point Dume and the Malibu Pier are great sunset spots. But the uniqueness of this destination is that you also have mountains to enjoy. Malibu offers an abundance of hikes with waterfalls and breathtaking vistas. During my visit, I hiked Solstice Canyon and Escondido Falls and thoroughly enjoyed them because of their accessibility, ease and scenery.
You’d also miss out if you spent time in Malibu and didn’t enjoy the views as you drove along Kanan Dume Road. The road leads to several great breweries, wineries and the incredible Malibu Café at Calamigos Ranch, an entire experience on its own.
Malibu to Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, known as the “American Riviera,” is another beautiful and serene stop with lots to see and do along the Pacific Coast Highway. Spend the afternoon exploring the historic Old Mission Santa Barbara, strolling along State Street or relaxing at East Beach. Treat yourself to a seafood dinner at Stearns Wharf, with the mountains and ocean as your backdrop.
Head north to Solvang, a charming Danish village with unique shops and bakeries. Continue to the Santa Ynez Valley, known for its wineries and vineyards—perfect for a wine-tasting tour. I’d highly recommend staying in this area if you’re willing to detour off the PCH a bit to experience another unique RV park called Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground in Buellton, California. It’s a modern, trendy resort with luxury amenities that will turn any camper into a glamper.
Santa Barbara to Pismo Beach
Continuing along the PCH, you’ll discover Pismo Beach’s Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, which offers primitive beach and dune camping with no designated campsites. It’s a spot for the more adventurous RVers, and you’ll need to take some air out of your tires to ensure you don’t get stuck in the sand. But if you’re up for the fun and noise, it’s a blast. You can rent ATVs on the beach to explore the dunes and join in on the weekend crowds’ action.
Pismo Beach to Monterey
As you leave Pismo Beach and head toward Monterey, you’ll be positioning yourself in one of the most scenic parts of the PCH. But first, consider a drive through Morro Bay, known for the iconic Morro Rock, and then to the enchanting Hearst Castle in San Simeon. Take a guided tour of the opulent estate before continuing north.
As you enter Big Sur, the rugged coastline, towering redwoods and misty ocean vistas create a magical atmosphere. Visit McWay Falls, hike in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and unwind at Big Sur Campground & Cabins for a night or two.
Continue through Big Sur, stopping at Bixby Creek Bridge for an iconic photo. Explore Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, known for its diverse marine life and scenic trails. Arrive in Carmel-by-the-Sea, a quaint town with fairy-tale cottages and art galleries.
Visit the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, stroll along Cannery Row and take the scenic 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach. Enjoy fresh seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf and watch the sunset over the bay.
Monterey to San Francisco
Head north to Santa Cruz, where you can ride the historic Giant Dipper roller coaster at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Continue through Half Moon Bay, known for its stunning beaches and pumpkin farms in the fall.
Arrive in San Francisco, a city bursting with culture and history. Visit iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island and Fisherman’s Wharf. Explore neighborhoods such as Chinatown, Haight-Ashbury and the Mission District. End the day with a cable car ride and a meal in North Beach.
There are a couple of RV parks to choose from in and around the Bay Area. The San Francisco RV Resort is the most popular option because of its ocean-view property and excellent location, just 15 miles from the Golden Gate Bridge. But if you can’t snag a site there, you can find a KOA just a bit further north of San Francisco in Petaluma.
San Francisco to Klamath
Leave the urban landscape behind as you drive through Marin County, stopping at Muir Woods to walk among ancient redwoods. Continue to Point Reyes National Seashore for hiking and wildlife viewing.
Arrive in Mendocino, a charming coastal village known for its Victorian architecture and stunning ocean views. Explore the Mendocino Headlands, visit local art galleries and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of this picturesque town.
Continue north through the majestic redwoods of Navarro River Redwoods State Park and Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve. Drive along the Avenue of the Giants, a scenic highway that winds through Humboldt Redwoods State Park, home to some of the tallest trees on Earth. If you stop in Leggett, you can drive through the famous Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree, a massive coastal redwood with a carved-out tunnel.
End your journey along the Pacific Coast Highway at Klamath River RV Park, where you can relax at a site right along the river and take in the stunning scenery. The park is also nine miles from the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park Visitor Center and 30 miles to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, two more incredible parks for hiking and enjoying the redwood trees.
The Fern Canyon Loop Trail in Prairie Creek is a must and one of my favorite hikes. Also nearby are some incredible beaches. Klamath Beach, Wilson Creek Beach and Crescent Beach were some of the most beautiful and unique beaches I’ve ever seen. Klamath Beach is best for sunset and is very close to the RV park. You can watch the sea lions fishing near the rocks off the beach.
Enjoy a final celebratory trip to the Klamath River Overlook to wrap up your adventure along the PCH. The scenic drive along Requa Road to the overlook is beautiful, and at the top, you’ll be able to see where the Klamath River meets the Pacific Ocean. Bring your favorite beverage, and cheers to the memories you’ve made along one of the most beautiful stretches of highway in the country.
Conclusion
A road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway is more than just a journey—it’s an adventure that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences and coastal charm. Whether exploring bustling cities, relaxing on serene beaches or marveling at the grandeur of ancient redwoods, the PCH promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you longing to return. So, pack up your RV, hit the road and discover the magic of California’s stunning coastline.
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