As its name suggests, the Pacific Coast Highway runs all along the western coast in California. It spans over 600 miles of coastline, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific—and plenty of fun stops and sights along the way.
But if you're planning a trip along the said highway, you'll need to plan for at least ten hours' worth of driving, plus time to hit up rest spots for bathroom breaks and restocking of snacks. To be honest, you'll probably want to stretch the trip as long as possible—staying at motels along the route for a breather and some local culture.
While Los Angeles might be the most famous, there are tons of other cities worth visiting in California. The Pacific Coast Highway takes you through many of them (and along those spots where you're likely to see celebs stopping for coffee or walking their dogs).
Ready to buckle up and head out?
13 Stonegate Villas Motel In Leggett
Technically, if you start out on the Pacific Coast Highway, your trip should begin in Washington. But most travelers consider the California portion of the coast to be most noteworthy—so let's start there! Leggett, in Mendocino County, is the "start" of the highway (Hwy 1 ends here and becomes 101). Here, you'll find the adorable Stonegate Villas motel. It's no hidden Airbnb gem like other California spots, but this woodsy motel features redwoods and that home-town feel.
12 Glass Beach Inn In Fort Bragg
Yes, it looks a little dated, but bear with us. This cozy inn in Fort Bragg is super close to one of the area's main attractions: Glass Beach. You can find all different colors of sea glass here (though technically, you're not supposed to take any home), and the experience is well worth braving a couple of nights at Glass Beach Inn. You're bound to feel cozy in the old-fashioned rooms, and the location can't be beaten.
11 Sea Rock Inn In Mendocino
Not only does Sea Rock Inn have a cozy, log cabin vibe, but it's also perched right on the beach. Have a seat in one of the Inn's Adirondack chairs and gaze out over the water (we guarantee the sunset views are worth the nightly rate). Mendocino is also a great stop on your road trip since you can visit Mendocino Headlands State Park and local arts and culture centers.
10 B Bryan Preserve In Point Arena
B Bryan Preserve is home to hooved creatures like giraffes, antelope, and zebras, and you can stay overnight with them. Well, not with them, but in a cozy cottage-like accommodation on the grounds. Point Arena is also worth exploring for the lighthouse and amazing ocean views (like everywhere else along the Pacific Coast Highway!).
9 Nick's Cove And Cottages At Tomales Bay
Just south of Bodega Bay (which is usually on travelers' itineraries) is Tomales Bay and a small town called Marshall. Here, you'll find seaside cottages (complete with wood stoves!) with gorgeous views of the water. In fact, your accommodations are literally on the water. You'll enjoy plenty of seafood, plus fresh additions from the on-site farm and garden, and a quiet stop where tourists rarely stray.
8 Geary Parkway Motel In San Francisco
San Francisco is known for having expensive accommodations, but the roadside Geary Parkway Motel isn't half bad as far as pricing goes. It's charmingly old-fashioned and looks cozy yet well-equipped. You may not have water views, but hey, you can stand a cityscape for at least one night during your Pacific Coast travels.
7 Aqua Breeze Inn In Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is full of touristy stops, such as the Boardwalk (complete with all kinds of rides and an arcade), so it's tough to narrow down your options. There's also a stark lack of roadside motels. Instead, you get beachy-themed inns and hotels with fun murals like Aqua Breeze Inn. The inside is just as bright and beachy, with blue walls and calming vibes—the perfect stop on your road trip.
6 Monterey Fireside Lodge In Monterey
There's so much to see in Monterey that it doesn't really matter where you bunk at night! From the Cannery Row shops to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Monarch butterflies in nearby Pacific Grove, you won't want to sleep much anyway. But when you do pass through Monterey, check out Fireside Lodge for some quaint accommodations that are as cozy as they are affordable.
5 Deetjen's Big Sur Inn (In Big Sur)
Big Sur is known for its woodsy vibes, so it makes sense that Deetjen's Big Sur Inn bills itself as a "rustic" accommodation. While we wholeheartedly agree, this spot (which isn't far off of CA-1) is still cozy and welcoming. Whether you're sticking around to explore Pfeiffer Beach or anything else Big Sur has to offer, Deetjen's makes a great stopping point during your road trip.
4 Seaside Inn In Morro Bay
Morro Bay has a state park, two mountain peaks to explore, a natural history museum, and even a marine reserve. Therefore, it's definitely a worthwhile stop on your Pacific Coast Highway itinerary. While in town, you'll be charmed by Seaside Inn, which bills itself as being "nonfussy." We'd have to agree, especially at its $40 per night rate. It's relatively quiet and definitely welcoming, and you can't go wrong at this price.
3 Sunset Motel In Santa Barbara
Prices can be high in Santa Barbara, but the Sunset Motel is both affordable and super cute. Its tiled roof is adorable, and the rooms are a mix of modern and old-school charm. Plus, aren't the exterior murals adorable? There's an overall artistic and inviting vibe here, and the price isn't bad either (you can stay at Sunset Motel for around $60 per night).
2 Madonna Inn In San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo is home to the world's first roadside motel, notes Road Trip USA, but this Pacific Coast Highway pit stop has other notable attractions to explore, too. The Madonna Inn itself, for example, is a quirky highlight. Doesn't it look like a lifesize dollhouse? Talk about cozy. There's also a lighthouse, plus one of California's many Spanish missions.
1 Wind Down Your Trip At Laguna Beach Inn (And Dana Point)
Dana Point is where California 1 terminates (becoming Highway 5). Close to Dana Point is also Laguna Beach, which is home to "Top of the World," a site for hiking and totally scenic IG-ready vistas. You can stay at Laguna Beach Inn and be in the perfect spot to check out the views and explore the end of the Pacific Coast Highway.