If you live in San Diego and haven’t road-tripped up the coast, you’re doing it wrong. California’s iconic State Route 1, also called the Pacific Coast Highway or PCH, spans over 650 miles, beginning a couple of hours north of San Diego in Dana Point and ending near the city of Leggett, where it merges with the equally scenic U.S. Highway 101.
In addition to well-known coastal cities like Long Beach, Santa Monica, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Francisco, the PCH passes through enough cute beach towns, scenic pullouts, and breathtaking state parks to fill up a months-long adventure. It would be difficult to go wrong if you set out with no agenda, but for those who prefer a bit more planning, here are a few great stops that aren’t too far from home.
Wayfarers Chapel
In Rancho Palos Verdes, Wayfarers Chapel is a stone-and-glass church set in a redwood grove. The modern, airy structure looks like something out of a dream and was designed by none other than Lloyd Wright, son of Frank Lloyd Wright. Pop culture enthusiasts may recognize the grounds from TV shows like The Bachelorette, The O.C., and True Detective. Tour it for yourself between 9 AM and 5 PM daily—unless someone’s getting married.
Santa Monica Pier
A must-do for anyone who hasn’t visited, the Santa Monica Pier is one of the most photographed locations in the world. Ride the historic ferris wheel or merry-go-round, play some arcade games, get wowed by impressive street performers, or grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants. If you have some time, it’s worth renting a bike to ride to Venice Beach and back – the boardwalk in Venice is just as entertaining and even more quirky.
Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove
If you leave now, you just might catch up with 13,000-plus monarch butterflies, which flock to the Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove from October to February. The butterflies return to the same grove of Eucalyptus trees in Pismo each year to shelter from harsh winter temps up North. The colony here is one of the largest in the nation and truly a sight worth seeing.
For more eats, drinks, events, and adventures in and around San Diego, check out the Olympus Corsair blog.