A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
California, often referred to as the Golden State, is renowned for its perpetual summers, making it an ideal destination for a beach getaway. With some of the world’s most stunning beaches, it is effortless to spend an entire vacation unwinding on soft sand while overlooking the remarkable attractions that California has in store.
In the Big Sur region of California, the Pacific Coast Highway seems made for a daring road trip: its winding roads hug the curves of the coast, and the highway is set on massive cliffs that plunge straight into the Pacific. Golden sunlight streaks through patches of fog; frothing waves ravage the shore below. If that sounds dramatic, it’s because the drive truly is. In fact, it’s precisely why nature-loving travelers often build the longer and more challenging PCH route into itineraries between Los Angeles and San Francisco (over the shorter U.S. 101). Without any stops, the 90-mile stretch takes roughly two and a half hours to traverse, meaning it’s entirely possible to experience the highlights in just a day. However, Big Sur’s elevated vistas, lush hikes, and wild beaches entice many to linger for a night or two—and make the trip a once-in-a-lifetime ambition for many. Whether you have 24 hours or a weekend, here’s how to do it right.