The best Highway 101 road trip route
Planning the perfect west coast road trip? Start here.
Highway 101 isn’t just a road—it’s one of America’s most iconic drives. Stretching over 1,500 miles from Los Angeles to the Olympic Peninsula, this Pacific Coast highway winds past some of the most breathtaking landscapes in America: golden beaches, wine valleys, ancient redwood forests, and rugged cliffs. But beyond the scenery, Highway 101 is also about quirky roadside stops, hidden gems, and experiences that feel like they could only happen here.
Unlike I-5, which barrels through inland stretches, Highway 101 hugs the coastline. That means constant views of the Pacific Ocean, seaside cliffs, historic lighthouses, and charming beach towns. You’ll also pass through three states and countless must-see stops—each with its own flavor of coastal culture.
So, if you’re ready to roll the windows down and chase the horizon, here’s the ultimate Highway 101 road trip route—with exciting attractions and must-see stops to make your journey unforgettable.
Highlights: La Jolla Cove • Torrey Pines • Carlsbad Village • Malibu Coast • Santa Barbara Mission
Kick off your Highway 101 road trip in San Diego. Start at La Jolla Cove to spot sea lions or snorkel in crystal-clear waters. Hike the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve for ocean views. Continue north through Carlsbad Village, known for boutique shops and local cafés, then cruise the Malibu coastline to El Matador Beach. End your day in Santa Barbara, exploring the historic Old Mission Santa Barbara and the vibrant Funk Zone.
Local favorites:
Unique experience: Pick up a bottle of wine in Santa Ynez Valley and savor it atop a bluff overlooking the Pacific at sunset.
Highlights: Pismo Beach • Point Lobos • Bixby Bridge • Garrapata Beach • Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Follow the coast north from Santa Barbara, stopping in Pismo Beach for a pier stroll or local clam chowder. Explore Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, home to sea lions and otters. Continue to Big Sur, pausing at Bixby Bridge, then discover Garrapata Beach’s hidden tide pools. Hike the Valley View Trail at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, where towering redwoods and early morning mist create a fairytale forest.
Local favorite:
Highlights: Carson Mansion • Avenue of the Giants • Trees of Mystery • Fern Canyon
First, head over to Eureka and snap photos of the fairytale-like Carson Mansion, one of the most iconic historic homes in the U.S.
And, of course, it's not a trip to the Northern California Coast without a visit to the redwoods. Here's where to go:
Local flavor:
California road trips often start in the south and opt to take the fast lane to the Bay Area via the I-5. But staying on Highway 101 means you get to explore California’s serene Central Coast, a route that’s certainly worth the extra time.
After all that sunbathing and sipping, it’s time to reconnect with nature. And what better place than the humbling California redwoods, where getting lost in the thousand-year-old trees feels more like finding yourself? The offbeat beach towns peppering Northern California’s coastline are the perfect spot to pull over for a night or two.
Jump back on the 101 for about 450 miles and find yourself in Astoria. Once projected to be a major west coast city, fate had other plans for this sleepy, picturesque coastal town. Close to beaches, forests, and great restaurants, Astoria is the perfect spot to catch your breath for a few days and soak in the beauty of the Oregon Coast.
The northern end of the 101 wraps around the Olympic Peninsula, a natural wonderland brimming with otherworldly forests, challenging peaks, striking Pacific vistas, and even some unique vacation homes, too.
While it’s not technically on the 101, Seattle is only an hour away from Tumwater (where the highway ends), and is the perfect place to end your adventure. A bustling big city with stunning natural features, Seattle has something for every visitor (just be sure to bring your rain jacket).
The Pacific Coast Highway (otherwise known as Highway 1 or PCH) is not the same as Highway 101. Although they meet briefly in Central California, Highway 101 and PCH combine for good in Northern California and continue up through Oregon and Washington as Highway 101.
It depends on how many stops you’ll be making, and what adventures you’ll get up to. If you were to drive non-stop, the total time it would take to drive Highway 101 is 30 hours, or about 1,600 miles. When planning a road trip up Highway 101, budget at least five days to get from one end to another (though a week or more is better for sightseeing and exploring).
If you’re driving for speed, not scenery, it’s better to stick to I-5.
The Washington stretch of Highway 101 is one of the most beautiful—and exciting—parts of the road.
Things to do on Highway 101 in Washington include:
