Road Trip Along the Pacific Coast Highway (California's Highway 1), USA

The Pacific Coast Highway, or California State Route 1, runs along the West Coast of the United States from the border with Mexico to the north end of the state of Washington, without departing too far from the sea and through the states of California, Oregon and Washington.

You can start your trip in San Diego (preferably a convertible) and head north across the Golden State. You have to make time to enjoy the urban pleasures (eating and drinking in style) as well as the pleasures offered by the ocean. In addition to Los Angeles and San Francisco, you must visit Laguna Beach, Hearst Castle, Big Sur, Monterey and Mendocino.

A road trip on the Pacific Coast Highway is the best way to live the Californian dream. This highway is an integral part of the US Route 101, which runs north to south through the states of Washington, Oregon and California, along the west coast of the United States. It is also known as "El Camino Real" (the Royal Road) which runs along the coast of central and southern California covering the old railroad that was used by the Spanish missions to travel to the villages in the region. Travelling along this road will offer you with an opportunity to explore the best of what the Pacific Coast in the country has to offer.

What to See

Discover secret beaches, dine with kind and hospitable local residents, explore the natural beauty of the Pacific Coast and visit the cities of Seattle, Portland, San Francisco (pictured right) or Los Angeles. The road is also a perfect place for nomadic travel, road enthusiasts, bohemians, beatniks and curious people eager to discover new places. Travel to Hollywood in Los Angeles (LA) and explore the place where some of the best movies in the world are made. Explore the culture and life in LA by visiting the beaches in the city, which are bursting with energy. If you are lover of art, you can also explore the countless museums, which you will come across in your trip.

Enjoy the best of sea food in Carmel, and the beauty of marine life in Monterey Bay Aquarium. In many beaches across this highway, you can enjoy swimming, kayaking, scuba diving, surfing and other adventure activities. If you love nature, you can explore the Hoh Rainforest (pictured right) situated in the state of Washington, in Olympic National Park. You can also visit the Garrapata State Park, situated near the city of Carmel in California. This park is ideal for hiking enthusiasts and its natural beauty will surely impress you. This will surely be a journey that you will remember for the rest of your life.

Is this a road trip you would consider doing? Why not rent a car from us and drive this route. You can book your San Diego Airport car hire here.