Skip to content

BrandAMP BY AARP What's This?

           

The iconic coastal route connecting northern and southern California beckons adventurers and romantics alike. The road twists and turns beside a brilliant blue ocean as you pass through unforgettable towns. Between the surf of Santa Cruz, the charm of Monterey and Carmel, the majesty of Big Sur and the grandeur of Santa Barbara, it is a driving experience like no other. Get inside secrets from locals who shared some of the best places to visit, dine and stay along an unforgettable 300-mile journey. Grab the wheel, and pack your camera. The Pacific Coast Highway is road tripping at its finest.

 

Santa Cruz | Pacific Coast Highway

Santa Cruz is the birthplace of California surfing, just 70 miles south of San Francisco. Today, ocean sports and the celebrated boardwalk are accompanied by a wide assortment of restaurants, shops and miles of cliffside paths. It’s a beach town where natural beauty and cotton candy go hand-in-hand. Windows down, music on — the salt air and cool vibe will induce an ear-to-ear grin.

 

 

  • Natural Bridges State Park

    Locals and tourists flock to Natural Bridges State Park for glorious sunsets

    Exit Carousel
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

    This seaside amusement park features 34 rides, arcades and mini-golf

    Exit Carousel
  • Mission State Park

    This historic park on Mission Hill has tremendous city views and local history

    Exit Carousel
  • Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse

    Perched on a promontory, this distinguished lighthouse is a beacon for surfers

    Exit Carousel
  • Surfers

    Steamer Lane, a famous surfing locale, offers easy access and good vantage point

    Exit Carousel
  • Santa Cruz Wharf

    A lively attraction known for fishing, boat tours, dining, shops and sea lions

    Exit Carousel
  • Nickelodeon Theatre

    A landmark, this cozy theater shows new releases, independent and foreign films

    Exit Carousel
  • UCSC Arboretum

    Set in the hills this local treasure celebrates plant diversity and conservation

    Exit Carousel
  • Wilder Ranch State Park

    Hike or picnic among 35 miles of trail that run through mountains and bluffs

    Exit Carousel
  • National Marine Sanctuary

    This spectacular sanctuary educates with interactive and multimedia exhibits

    Exit Carousel

Sun and surf are calling. Next stop: the boardwalk.
Get cruising

Where to eat, sleep and have fun in Santa Cruz

What Locals Say


 

Avis BrandAmp campaign

“It’s free to fish on the wharf. You can rent kayaks and paddleboards there, too.” –Melinda Kralj

 

Avis BrandAmp campaign

“The people in Santa Cruz are creative and entrepreneurial. And the drivers are friendly.” –Denise Byron

Carmel | Pacific Coast Highway

Picturesque by any measure, the art and style of Carmel are in a class of their own. This is a town of cypress trees and white sand beaches, of standout dining and renowned galleries. It’s also the gateway to 17-Mile Drive — another reason travelers love Carmel. Chances are you will, too.

 

 

  • Lone Cypress

    An icon of 17-Mile Drive, this legendary tree is said to be 250 years old

    Exit Carousel
  • Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

    Widely considered the “crown jewel” of the California State Park system

    Exit Carousel
  • Carmel City Beach

    Rated “one of America’s top beach towns” for its beautiful white sand

    Exit Carousel
  • Carmel-by-the-Sea

    A lovely, European-style village with exceptional galleries, dining and hotels

    Exit Carousel
  • Carmel Mission

    This historic mission has five onsite museums and remains an active parish

    Exit Carousel
  • Pebble Beach Golf Links

    Crashing waves and impeccable greens make this a legendary golf course

    Exit Carousel
  • 17-Mile Drive

    Twists, turns and stunning views make this an unforgettable road trip

    Exit Carousel
  • Art Galleries

    Relish a multitude of art and artists, all exceptionally presented

    Exit Carousel
  • Mission Ranch Hotel

    Set on 22 acres, this historic hotel has a celebrated restaurant and views

    Exit Carousel
  • Gibson’s Beach

    Full of coves and bluffs, this is southernmost beach in Point Lobos State Park

    Exit Carousel

17-Mile Drive is all the reason you need.
Start your road trip

Where to eat, sleep and have fun in Carmel

Road Trip Like a Local


 

Avis BrandAmp campaign

“There’s great hiking in Garland Ranch Regional Park, in Carmel Valley, just south of Carmel. The walk along Scenic Road is also amazing. It goes from Scenic and Ocean to Carmel River State Beach. The section from Santa Lucia to River Beach is my favorite.” –Susan Siegel

 

Monterey | Pacific Coast Highway

The diversity of Monterey is captivating from every angle. The sights, sounds, and tastes of bustling Cannery Row, coupled with the spectacular beauty of world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium and an abundance of local history, make this a must-see destination on any California road trip.

 

 

  • Monterey Bay Aquarium

    This stunning, world-famous destination is home to over 35,000 sea creatures

    Exit Carousel
  • Cannery Row

    Bustling shops, restaurants and hotels fill this picturesque street

    Exit Carousel
  • Fisherman’s Wharf

    Tourist activities, dining and whale-watching excursions fill this lively pier

    Exit Carousel
  • Otters

    The coast’s favorite local wildlife enjoys basking in caves and on the beaches

    Exit Carousel
  • Steinbeck

    This revered American author set many stories around the Monterey Peninsula

    Exit Carousel
  • Coast Guard Pier

    A perfect place to get up-close to wildlife, like sea lions, seals and otters

    Exit Carousel
  • Colton Hall

    Built in 1849, this historic building held the first California state convention

    Exit Carousel
  • Old Town Historic District

    This district brings Spanish and Mexican Colonial periods to life with tours

    Exit Carousel
  • Monterey State Beach

    A popular place for surfers, scuba divers, kayakers and sandcastle enthusiasts

    Exit Carousel
  • Monterey Museum of Art

    Houses 8 galleries full of American and early Californian art and photography

    Exit Carousel

Beach to golf to aquarium to dinner.
Drive Monterey in style

Where to eat, sleep and have fun in Monterey

What Locals Say



Avis BrandAmp campaign

“There’s so much interesting history. It’s one of the reasons I love living here.” –Susan Siegel

 

Caucasian man portrait in a circle frame

"If you love the novel Cannery Row, visit The Pacific Biological Lab. It's the real-life setting of Doc's lab from the book." - Joe McCambley

Big Sur | Pacific Coast Highway

The natural wonders of Big Sur must be seen to be believed. It’s a landscape of steep hills, winding roads and ocean views that go on forever. Your heart will skip a beat as you pass one vista point after another along the 91 miles between Carmel and San Simeon. Take your time, and enjoy the drive: There’s nowhere else in the world quite like this transformative journey.

 

 

  • Portal of the Sun

    This sea arch and natural sun portal forms yearly between December and January

    Exit Carousel
  • Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

    Where towering hills meet crashing waves and stunning scenery

    Exit Carousel
  • McWay Falls

    Take an easy hike to view McWay Falls as it empties into the Pacific Ocean

    Exit Carousel
  • Bixby Creek Bridge

    This iconic bridge and engineering marvel is at the northern end of Big Sur

    Exit Carousel
  • Limekiln State Park

    Featuring 24 campsites, four lime kilns and astounding views of the coast

    Exit Carousel
  • Point Sur Lighthouse

    Set on a rocky outcrop, this lighthouse has guided sailors since 1889

    Exit Carousel
  • Sand Dollar Beach

    The largest crescent of sandy beach in Big Sur delights with 360° views

    Exit Carousel
  • Hearst Castle

    Randolph Hearst's famous 165-room estate with pools and gardens

    Exit Carousel
  • Coast Gallery Big Sur

    Built with redwood water tanks, this gallery features over 3,000 works

    Exit Carousel
  • Henry Miller Memorial Library

    Set among evergreens, this cultural pillar honors a famed American writer

    Exit Carousel

Big Sur is the ultimate experience.
Take the wheel now

Where to eat, sleep and have fun in Big Sur

What Locals Say


 

Avis BrandAmp campaign

“If you want to connect with the earth, yourself and your partner, there’s nowhere better than Big Sur.” –Patrick Haley

 

Avis BrandAmp campaign

“Do yourself a favor, and spend a few extra days along the scenic California coast. You’ll be inspired by all of nature’s beauty.” – Barb Streckfus

Santa Barbara | Pacific Coast Highway

With an exquisite blend of old and new, mountains, sea and activities galore, Santa Barbara is a California vision made real. It’s a convergence of recreation, culture and culinary adventures waiting for you to explore. Whether this is the beginning or end of your Pacific coast drive, you’ll probably have a hard time leaving.

 

 

  • Santa Barbara County Courthouse

    Built in 1929, it’s “the grandest Spanish Colonial Revival structure ever built"

    Exit Carousel
  • Old Mission Santa Barbara

    Grand proportions and grace affirm this “Queen of the California Missions”

    Exit Carousel
  • State Street

    The heartbeat of upscale shopping, dining and California-chic style

    Exit Carousel
  • Shoreline Park

    An oceanfront park that’s home to dog-lovers and exercise enthusiasts

    Exit Carousel
  • Lotusland

    Spectacular collections of exotic plants across a lovely 37-acre property

    Exit Carousel
  • Santa Barbara Scenic Drive

    From the ocean to the hills, explore the wonders of Santa Barbara

    Exit Carousel
  • Stearns Wharf

    A popular attraction with a wide range of shopping, dining and sea creatures

    Exit Carousel
  • Botanic Garden

    This 78-acre botanical garden is home to over 1,000 rare and native plants

    Exit Carousel
  • Santa Barbara Museum of Art

    Housing 27,000 pieces of modern and ancient works by artists worldwide

    Exit Carousel
  • Moreton Bay Fig Tree

    The largest tree of its kind in the U.S. — and also a national landmark

    Exit Carousel

The American Riviera is waiting.
Hit the road

Where to eat, sleep and have fun in Santa Barbara

What Locals Say


 

Avis BrandAmp campaign

“Santa Barbara County Courthouse is a treasure chest of culture, history, art and architecture. And even though it looks like a Spanish Andalusian castle, it’s a fully functioning courthouse.” –Patti Schrader

 

Avis BrandAmp campaign

”There are really good beach walks here. I recommend the beach off Ballard Ave. There's a seal sanctuary there, and the walk to Rincon Point and back is a great way to start the day." –Elaine Lautsen

The Open Road is Calling

 

 

 

 

 

 

BrandAmp by AARP is an advertising program offered by AARP Media Sales. This content is paid for and prepared in collaboration with the disclosed advertiser and AARP Media Sales. The AARP editorial staff had no role in the preparation of this content or the BrandAmp by AARP program.