Also called PCH, the Pacific Coast Highway is one among the most scenic drives in the world that you can take along the ocean. It runs from the southern tip of Baja California to the Olympic peninsula closing a distance of about 500 miles. All through the route you will be rewarded with spectacular ocean views, quaint seaside villages and unspoiled forest areas. You can drive your way through some wine making vineyards as well.

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One of the more captivating routes on PCH is the one from San Francisco to San Diego as each place has interesting tourist stops that can be part of your travel.

San Francisco:

Starting at the landmark Golden Gate Bridge get a head start on PCH but not before visiting the Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz Island and roaming the Lombard Street and Union Square.

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San Jose:

The city on the PCH is worth a stopover with its many interesting galleries and museums and the popular and mysterious Winchester Mystery House. Don’t forget to visit the corporate headquarters responsible for changing the IT world; Google, Facebook and Hewlett Packard Garage, they are all in San Jose. A visit to the zoo and the largest open air market in the USA is also a must while in San Jose.

Santa Cruz:

Santa Cruz is for the beach lovers. The lovely beach, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk with the Big Dipper and the lighthouse make the stopover worth your while. The Pacific Avenue makes for great shopping for curios to take back home. For a spot of hiking you can try the Wilder Ranch State Park or enjoy some music at Rio Theatre.

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Monterey:

An hour from Santa Cruz, at the spot where the coast curves is Monterey Bay. Monterey has its own share of attractions that compel you for a visit. Lobos State Natural Reserve is one and Old Fisherman’s Wharf is another. Spend some interesting time at Monterey Bay Aquarium and shop at Cannery Row. If you proceed on the 17-Mile Drive, you can get blown over by the scenic beauty along the drive and the cuteness of the seaside village. Indulge in some activities like sailing, whale watching, kayaking and golfing that are all a part of Monterey.

Big Sur:

A slow uphill drive from Monterey takes you to Big Sur after crossing one of the tallest single span concrete bridges in the world, the Brixby Bridge. Lose yourself in the beauty of Big Sur with so many lookout points that driving slows down considerably but with plenty of good reason. The Pfeiffer Beach, Point Sur State Historic Park, McWay Falls and Ragged Point may all compel you to take a break for a few days. The natural spring baths at Esalen Institute can be another reason for stopping over as their healing qualities are well known.

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San Simeon:

San Simeon is famous for its magnificent Hearst Castle on The Enchanted Hill. The castle rests on an incredible area of 250,000 acres and is impressive with its rooms, cottages, suites, kitchens and grounds. The Moonstone Beach and PiedrasBiancas Elephant Seal Rookery are other places of interest here.

San Luis Obispo:

This California beach town has all it takes for a fun stopover. The hikes you can take on the many hills like Islay Hill, Black Hill, Bishop Peak and San Luis Obispo Botanical Park are an invigorating activity. The designs of the Fremont Theatre and the Soda Lake are striking and the Pismo Beach is for skydiving, surfing and relaxing by the many restaurants. The Bubblegum Alley is a 15-foot high and 70-foot long alley and if it does not disgust you to see the wads of gum stuck here, you can visit it to leave one of yours and make a mark.

Santa Barbara:

Santa Barbara offers a good break before hitting LA. Enjoy animal life and flora at the Santa Barbara Zoo, Botanic Garden and Lotusland. Head to the Lobero or Arlington Theatre for some entertainment or the Santa Barbara Historical Museum for a brush with history.

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Los Angeles:

Of course a stop at this sprawling city of California with its iconic Hollywood sign is a must when on the PHC. The Hollywood Hall of Fame, Kodak Theatre, Universal Studios, Santa Monica Pier are but a few of the many attractions of this tinsel city.

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San Diego:

The road trip’s destination, San Diego is just the place to chill out by the Bay. Take time off to visit the Balboa Park and Cabrillo National Monument at the tip of Point Loma.