These reviews mention a specific stretch that often tops the lists of most beautiful places in the US. But, I feel bad for the overlooked redheaded stepchildren stretches of the highway, so here are points of interests for the entire highway by county. Asterisks denote places or cities for which I've written separate reviews you should include on a road trip.
ORANGE COUNTY. PCH begins at Dana Point. Driving north you go through Laguna Beach (St Francis By the Sea Church: the world's second smallest cathedral)*, Crystal Cove, and Corona Del Mar (stop at Roger's Gardens*). Balboa Island has Bluth's Original Frozen Banana (for Arrested Development fans), through Newport Beach, Huntington Beach (bro-heavy Main Street is beloved by tourists), Sunset Beach*, and Seal Beach*, my favorite city in California. A fun diversion there is Aqualink*, a super cheap ride on a huge speed boat through the harbor with views of Queen Mary*.
LOS ANGELES. As PCH begins to go inland, you need to make a choice. If the ocean view is your priority, turn left on 2nd Street*, which passes Naples Island* (where I lived for 20+ yrs), a great place to stop and get an ice cream at Rite Aid to eat as you browse the houses along the canals, especially in late December. You then pass through the busy Second Street (Domenico's* ground pepperoni pizza is my favorite in the world) to Ocean, for views of Queen Mary. Hop on the 710 north back to PCH. Otherwise, as you go inland, you pass my alma mater CSULB (cool side trip: Earl Miller Japanese Gardens*) and Joe Jost's*, a dad bar a block or two off PCH for their famous pickled eggs. You'll pass Snoop Dogg's high school and the legendary VIP records before entering the gas refineries of Wilmington. PCH goes back to the coast at Redondo Beach and Hermosa Beach (LA) before going back inland to Manhattan Beach, El Segundo, and Marina Del Rey, where the 1 gets choppy. If you haven't been to Venice Beach*, it is a must-see, just a mile away. Finally you will hit the ocean again in Santa Monica (the pier is famous) with great views of Pacific Palisades and Malibu up to Point Magu.
VENTURA. Go inland through Oxnard where PCH becomes the 101 (cue "Ventura Highway" by America) for a while, coming back to the ocean in Ventura, Solimar Beach, and Sea Cliff. Watch out for alligator lizards in the air. In the air...
SANTA BARBARA. The ocean views continue: Carpinteria, Montecito, and Santa Barbara, a destination on its own. Goleta, Las Cruces, and Gaviota, where it becomes PCH again. Consider the 15 mile side trip north to Solvang*, if not just for Ostrichland* and photo ops with your Danish desserts and windmill. You then go inland for Lompoc, Vanderberg Village, Vanderberg AFB, Orcutt, Guadalupe as you enter...
SAN LUIS OBISPO "SLO": Right before Pismo Beach, stop at Grover Beach for the free Butterfly Reserve*. Go inland to SLO itself (Bubblegum Alley* is a must-see for photo ops). Consider stopping at Madonna Inn* for a drink and a peek at the restaurant (a cowboy dollhouse) and a mens urinal made of rocks. Back to the sea to Morro Bay*, my favorite destination. Get a photo with the rock, or ride kayaks to the otters. SLO County ends with Cayucos, Cambria (Moonstone Beach is famous for pebble collecting), and San Simeon*, where you must stop to see the elephant seals (Hearst Castle* is up the hill if you have the time).
MONTEREY is where you begin to see the forests that meet at the crashing blue water on rocky cliffs that makes PCH famous. In the Big Sur area (Coast Big Sur*), Julia Pfeiffer Falls is popular (if open) or the lesser-seen Partington Cove*, worth a stop for a short but steep hike to a gorgeous cove. North is Monterey.(Fisherman's Wharf* and Cannery Row are easy stops). The 17-Mile Drive* along Pebble Beach is famous.
SANTA CRUZ. Watsonville, Aptos, and Capitola* before hitting the amazing and quirky Santa Cruz, which has the Boardwalk* and Mystery Spot* (advance reservations required). The stretch between SC and Half Moon Bay has some secret stops, like Pie Ranch*, Pigeon Point Lighthouse*, the goat farm, Big Basin (windsurfers), but please search for videos of Davenport Bluffs*, which is an overlooked surprise.
SAN MATEO. San Gregorio, Half Moon Bay (where I got married), Pacifica, and Daly City. Stop at the Taco Bell Cantina* in Pacifica, the only Taco Bell that serves margaritas.
SAN FRANCISCO. Finally, you hit San Francisco County. Too much to do in SF, which has everything to offer except parking, but Haight-Asbury* (photo op) is just one mile off PCH, and Lands End Labryinth* is a personal favorite before you cross Golden Gate.
MARIN
Sausalito is a secret gem where Fleetwood Mac recorded their best album. Rumours? No, it's true. You really should drive up Hawk Hill* for a stellar view.
I haven't been north of Sausalito, up to Sonoma coast and Fort Bragg in Mendocino yet, where PCH, like this review, apruptly ends. read more