I visited here after the devastating fires that took so many homes and properties. It was incredible to see that most of the burned down houses were not being rebuilt but there were for sale signs instead. From the road, the cliffs showed just how beautiful the water was below that was rarely seen by the passersby cars. There was not much traffic as there were few things to stop at along the way. read more

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I still remember as if it was just yesterday... We had just stopped by to visit a family friend in Carmel on our way to L.A. Instead of taking the normal route, my parents opted to take the long way there. I was in the back seat, staring out the window at the beautiful scenery. I was in my early teens back then, and this was the song playing on the radio... "Oh, It's you Sweet Baby Ever always been captured by your smile, Sweet baby I will always be right there by your side Right by your side..." (Sweet Baby by Stanley Clarke) As most teens do, I was lost in my thoughts - pensive and focused, wondering what life would be like once I met such a girl. I imagined what a fantastic road trip it would be to take this imaginary girl on a date through this magnificent highway as we visited all the small towns along the way. I've managed to make that young man's dream come true. I found the girl and took her in a myriad of phenomenal dates. I've lived a lifetime filled with love, passion, and wonder. And I have driven down these roads dozens of times in various convertibles - which, by the way, is mandatory for full enjoyment of the beautiful scenery that you are greeted with as you wind down these roads heading south! It's the reason why whenever we visit my family in Northern California, I always endeavor to make the 10-hour trek along the coast. That way, we can always take the long way home. If you don't like road trips because of the dreadful scenery, PCH is a panacea for road trip blues. It's a shot of adrenaline that will engender you to the point that you will want to keep coming back for more to get your fix. When heading south, just past Carmel, you will be greeted with spectacular views of winding roads, the beautiful Pacific Ocean, coast lines that go on for miles, blue skies, flowers, and amazing sunsets. And to top it all off, there are some of the cutest and most idyllic towns to visit along the way. San Luis Obispo is one of our favorites, especially for the fact that is it a very artsy town with plenty of opportunities for poetic expression. My wife was, at one time, a sought-after poet in the local Arizona Poetry scene. So, any situation or place that gets her inspired is fine by me - even if we must drive 12 hours to get there. Then, there's the various historical landmarks along the way, as well. Hearst Castle is a favorite destination of ours. These spots can't be missed! Then, there's the Elephant Seals at San Simeon. There they are, just basking in the sun with nary a care in the world. We often just sit here, enjoy the beautiful ocean view, stare at the seals, and watch the sun set. I always become so pensive whenever we traverse this highway. Even though many years have passed since my first trip here as a teen, I still can't imagine how amazing my life has been, and how lucky I am to have found such an amazing woman in my wife. With our convertible top down, she stares in awe and wonder towards the coastline on her right. As I drive, I catch glimpses her beauty, and as always, I am in awe! The Pacific Ocean is a majestic backdrop to our seemingly endless love affair. I am controlled by her every whim. Stopping when told for picture opportunities, and wandering through the myriad of quaint little towns, I follow this wistful blonde through her child like exploration and discovery. And I, myself, rediscover just how I am overflowing with love for her. If I could capture all those moments that we have enjoyed these road trips through PCH, If I could pick the moments that being with her, enjoying the time that we spent together, these moments could possibly be summed up in this one particular song... "If I lay here If I just lay here Would you lie with me and just forget the world? Forget what we're told Before we get too old Show me a garden that's bursting into life All that I am All that I ever was Is here in your perfect eyes, they're all I can see I don't know where Confused about how as well Just know that these things will never change for us at all If I lay here If I just lay here Would you lie with me and just forget the world?" (Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol) read more

Pacific coast highway, why oh why are you so beautiful? Simple, you just are. This is the perfect way to see glimpses of California's beauty. I was literally oohing and ahhing every few minutes from the airport ride to the hotel. The mountain cliffs kissed by the ocean below are spectacular. It seems surreal and right out of a painting but just pinch yourself because the natural allure is there. The only negative thing is sometimes the traffic is crazy bad but who cares you still get to see amazing views which you will never anywhere else. Whats 2-3 hours of bumper to bumper traffic!!!! But surpringly when I was there for a week I did not find traffic but then again I was not going to work in the 9-5 traffic. Overall, believe me your eyes will be focusing only outside, so if your driving be careful ;) read more

Laguna Beach is beautiful! It is so different than the other OC beaches, the cliffs and views amazing! Tons of expensive restaurants, a lot of see and be seen kind of things going on. Perfect place to show off the area to out of towners, you can not only smell the salty seabreeze, but also the money in the air. A bit quiet and one sided for me to want to live there, but very pretty to visit! Hell, who am I kidding, if someone offered me a house on the beach in Laguna, I'd take it in a heartbeat :) read more

Pacific Coast Highway, the long beautiful strip, the amazing view of the ocean, and all the beautiful people flooding the streets of PCH with life. If you are ever out in the OC take a drive down PCH, drop the top, let your hair flow in the wind and you drive from Long Beach all the way to your dreams, the view is speechless. The ambiance is quite tranquil as you stare out your window and catch the cool breeze. I love it! Cheers read more

Pacific Coast Highway/Laguna Beach - Beaches Near Me

This highway provides some of the best views of the water that you will ever see in your entire lifetime. Ocean to your left, purdy houses to your right. Not much in-between. Great for taking photos or just cruising along with music playing in your car. It doesn't lead to much but it's a great way to spend a few hours. read more

OK riddle me this Batman. Tell me why people drive this world famous highway in the summer with their windows up and the A/C on..?? One of thee most temperate climates in the world resides on this Southern California stretch. For dogs sake roll your windows down and take in the smell of the ocean along with the awesome coastal views. Just sayin............. read more

when I was a kid, I had a t shirt that said pacific coast highway on it, but I never drove through it. since I was in socal for the weekend, I wanted to make the drive. I started at seal beach and went south through huntingdon beach, newport beach, and laguna beach. I stopped at thousand steps beach which is south of laguna beach has its own yelp review. then I continued south until it merged in I-5, and drove back to san diego. read more

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I agree with David! Maybe those who live in California take it for granted but really for me it is one of the most beautiful drives you could possibly ever take! Just check out our pictures! I am 47 and I don't drive. I am a a NYC girl but my Brooklyn born husband learned to drive in Brooklyn and he is one of the best drivers I have ever come across. For him this drive was easy. It starts at Interstate 5 in the Orange County area before moving along the western edge of Los Angeles and passing through the seaside towns of Santa Monica and Malibu. The highway continues north, at times running concurrently with U.S. Route 101 (US 101), and serves as a scenic alternative to U.S. Route 101 in several locations. It connects Ventura, San Luis Obispo, San Simeon, Monterey, and Santa Cruz. Following this, SR 1(state route 1) enters the metropolitan area and later the city of San Francisco, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge and continuing through Marin County. The highway provides access to Point Reyes National Seashore and Fort Bragg before reaching its northern terminus at U.S. Route 101 in Leggett. The entire route is also designated as a Blue Star Memorial Highway to recognize those in the United States armed forces. The highway has been assigned several other names by the state and municipal governments. This route is part of the California Freeway and Expressway System and is eligible for the State Scenic Highway System. However, only a few selected portions in between San Francisco and Los Angeles have officially been designated as a scenic highway. The Big Sur section is an official National Scenic Byway. PCH should be on your bucket list! read more

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Love laguna beach. Go here to see the tide pools! I grew up going to Monterey every weekend and spending a lot of time at the beach looking at tide pools. For me, being at the ocean and being able to see and touch the hermit crabs and little sea creatures was the highlight of my childhood. If you want to get a good view, go during low tide and you can see some really awesome sea creatures! Laguna is the only beach I've been able to see really good tide pools. At the other beaches, the most I've seen are sea anemones and starfish. Here though, there's a portion of the beach that's wildlife protected. There are docents that hang around nearby and are super helpful in helping you identify different sea creatures. The time I went, I was able to see sea slugs (soo cute) and even a baby octopus. There's really some amazing stuff. Whenever I go, it takes me back to my childhood - definitely worth taking a trip out to see what's around. read more

Like like like like like!!!!!! Oh wait this is not Facebook....lol....From beginning to end, Dana Point to somewhere all the way to Monterey? Don't quote me. Just shut up, fill your tank with expensive gas, and drive. Take pictures, have lunch somewhere (and use Yelp!) and come back on the 5. The most beautiful scenic highway in CA. read more

Amazeballs. My brother's friend told us that the drive from San Jose to LA would be only 6 hours if we took the PCH...yeaaaaaaaaaaaah. HAHA! We left San Jose at 3pm...and we didn't pull into our hotel in LA until 3am. Still...SO WORTH IT. Planning on coming back and doing this drive again. Only this time, leaving earlier in the day...or stopping off and staying the night at one of the campsites along PCH. read more

Thought there would be more view points along the highway-basically just a busy road. Worth the drive if you have some extra time, you may see something I missed but not worth a special trip or the detour. Head to a known scenic town and hang out there on the beach instead. read more

Amazing views this morning. California is beautiful state, so many things to do and enjoy. Perfect day for a cruise down Pacific Coast Highway. read more

Sadly this beautiful stretch of coast is very dangerous. Traffic moves fast, car doors open in front of bikes, people park to go to beach while cars buzz them within inches. Despite all this I often ride this way anyway, but I recommend most people stick to crystal cove, dana point and san clemente bike paths and lanes that all much safer and just as scenic. Until city of Laguna Beach gets out of it's car centric vision, improves pedestrian and bike facilities, I recommend people spend time and money in other human friendly locales! read more

Every turn and every curve kissed the edge of the mountain cliffs. Guard rails and safety curtains were sparse to none; just shrubs and white reflective sticks marking the drop of the cliff. read more

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We took this route on our way from Los Angeles to San Francisco to Portland to Seattle one summer a few years back. The view was BREATHTAKING. I am still in awe of the houses that stood perched on the cliffs overlooking the water. One of hotels had doors that opened right on the cliff. I felt like one strong sneeze would send everything tumbling below, so mad props to people who live there. I was nervous to have a drink for fear I'd lose my footing. The sea lions (or are they walruses) were a must-stop to see. I also enjoyed the views where we looked down on the clouds. Bring winter wear. Northern California was cold - even in July - and swimming was out. Then, once we made it into Oregon, the weather immediately went from the 40s to 100s. So did the people. It was quite an adventure. read more

Mercedes Convertible in Cali on the PCH. The beautiful Pacific to the left. The majestic mountains to the right. A curvy road with some Dude Tunes from the Bluetooth. Teenage laughter, sunglasses and Starbucks. Bucket List check. read more

Insanely gorgeous coastal drive. I am fortunate to be a passenger every time I end up going down this road, for a driver is (hopefully) limited by his/her attention to the road and only the passenger gets to fully bask in this beautiful scene. Try to fight the desire to stick your head out the window and breathe in the salty air as the sun glistens on the water below. read more

one of my favorite places to go cruise and enjoy the scenery. Plenty of cops though so don' get nutso.

Disgusting! Laguna Beach used to be pristine, but now there is rotting seaweed everywhere drawing flies and tons of bugs everywhere. A definite health risk. Laguna Beach's current crop of officials are really bringing the beach way down. I can't believe it! Come on Laguna Beach!!! You have volunteers watching over the tide pools and "educating" everyone to "care for the environment" but you don't even care that what used to be one of the most beautiful beaches now looks as pitiful as Atlantic city... can't you have volunteers clean up the rotting seaweed??? Well I won't be coming back to the armpit beach of southern California thanks to the city officials who are neglecting this one time paradise. So incredibly sad! read more

Just completed a walk-a-thon that helped local and global people in need by contributing to food, water, education and health programs. The walk was along the pacific coastline and part on the beach even though the drive there was 50 miles from home I'm glad I went and supported a wonderful cause. read more

Oh so beautiful! I usually come here to clear my mind up and just take in the fresh air! Come here, close your eyes and listen to the crashing waves...ahhh read more

The most beautiful coastal drive in the entire state

Except for the sewage run off at the main beach where PCH crossed Laguna Canyon. The rest of the coast line is beautiful. The priivate beaches, given several staircases later are worth the treck. Tablerock is just one to name a few. read more

Favorite beach hangout. Getting a couple runs (well half court runs) on the outdoor basketball court, a couple games of 2x2 or 4x4 beach volleyball, or just running on the beach..this is life read more

Laguna Beach is the only beach I've come across in so-cal that has clear water!!!!!! YES

A good road to drive down when you hav a nice and fast car

Can't get over its beauty. Driving there its hard to Believe there's a beach. Desert hills and barren. But the beach is BEAUTIFUL. so many shops and restaurants. The water is clean and clear. Parking for $7! And a free trolly. It's a dream come true read more

PCH is really a southern california designation of Highway 1. Mostly from just north of Los Angeles to Dana Point in the south, where it ends. From LA north, they generally call it the Coast Highway. read more

You can review highways? Road quality is good. Definitely has some wear due to the large amounts of traffic. 4/5 Scenery is spectacular. 5/5 read more

My husband and I spent at least 2 weeks a year in Laguna. We travel al over Orange County. But by far, we plan to retire in San Clemente. PCH=Pacific Coast Highway=Coast Highway=Highway 1 - all these represent the beautiful coastal drive along the Pacifica!! read more

A really clean beach, and since it's slightly far from LA, there aren't many people on the beach which makes it more relaxing and fun for big groups. Downtown Laguna is also close to the beach so it is easy to grab food at the restaurants in downtown and walk back to the beach. The beach is cleaner and so is the water. read more