What to Pack for a Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip with EcoFlow
- How to Plan Your Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip
- What Is the Best Month To Travel the Pacific Coast Highway?
- How Many Days Do You Need To Drive the Pacific Coast Highway?
- Must-See Spots
- Hidden Gems on Pacific Coast Highway
- What to Pack
- What Car is Best to Drive the Pacific Coast Highway?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
The legendary Pacific Coast Highway gives its riders the view of a lifetime: a close-up perspective of California’s scenic, rugged coastline. At a whopping 655 miles long, this stretch of road takes you as far south as Dana Point and north as Mendocino County, making it an epic road trip many people would like to cross off their bucket list.
From charming, funky towns to jaw-dropping views and natural wonders around every bend, here’s how to pack and prepare for an unforgettable PCH road trip.
How to Plan Your Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip
Planning your cross-country journey thoughtfully is key to enjoying every mile of your Pacific Coast Highway road trip. To ensure you have a low-stress adventure ahead of you, come up with a plan for each key road trip element:
Direction: Which way will you travel? Southbound will take you from SF to LA, with beautiful ocean views along the road's right side (coastal side). Northbound is still gorgeous, but you’ll have less pull-off access for photo ops.
Timing: How long will you stretch your journey? It's possible to complete the whole trip in just a few days, but you want to enjoy the journey, not just check off the miles. We recommend at least 5 to 7 days to linger when you find a spot you love.
Lodging: You’ll need to consider where you’ll stop and stay along the way, and book your accommodation in advance. Whether that means charming coastal hotels or car camping, most bookings should be reserved early because this popular route books up fast.
Getting Around: Your GPS is great when cell reception is available, but parts of the Central Coast and Big Sur are known to have spotty service. Consider bringing a paper map, printed directions, or downloading an offline Google map. If you rely on your phone, get a backup power source so your phone doesn’t run out of battery.
What Is the Best Month To Travel the Pacific Coast Highway?
While each season and month has unique benefits, September is the best month to travel the Pacific Coast Highway and enjoy its many attractions.
Why? Because the weather is excellent—it’s still warm and sunny, but much of the fog that northern California is known for has cleared out. That means there’s better ocean visibility, too.
Crowds are also thinner, as most summer vacationers have headed home, but it still feels vibrant and lively. As a bonus, the leaves are just beginning to change, and the colors will pop in places like Big Sur. It’s a gorgeous sight to see and makes for great photos.
To keep yourself cool in the Californian heat, be sure to bring along an EcoFlow WAVE 3 Portable AC. It's wireless and can last up to 8 hours with four separate charging methods, leading to a full charge in just 75 minutes. With dual cooling and heating, you’ll be prepared for any weather.
If you can’t make a September trip work, we also recommend traveling the PCH in May (as spring wildflowers bloom and cool temperatures linger), October (for crisp mornings and golden foliage), or April (perfect for lush greenery and full-flow waterfalls). These periods allow you to avoid the big crowds of the summer, the blanket of fog that gets thick in June, and the higher prices of the tourist season.
How Many Days Do You Need To Drive the Pacific Coast Highway?
You’ll need at least three days to travel the PCH. This isn’t ideal, so we only recommend this itinerary if you’re short on time but determined to make the trip happen. On day one, drive from San Francisco to Carmel, then go from Carmel to Big Sur and San Luis Obispo on day two, and complete the journey to Los Angeles on day three. Unfortunately, you’ll miss out on time to hike, taste the wine of Napa Valley, and explore seaside towns.
If you have more flexibility, the ideal trip would be around 5 to 7 days. With more breathing room, you can soak up the natural landscapes, explore charming towns, enjoy sunsets, and stop for longer in areas that pique your interest. At this pace, you can spend a whole day in Big Sur, experience the beauty and charm of Carmel or Santa Barbara, and make a short detour to wine country.
For a much slower and dreamier pace, stretch it to 8 to 10 days. You’ll have more time to relax and unplug with a few detours along the way, like coastal hikes in Point Reyes, wine tasting in Paso Robles, and time to wander the unique neighborhoods of Los Angeles. If you love to take side quests and don’t want to feel rushed if your plans change, this itinerary is for you.
Must-See Spots
With a beginning and end time decided and an ideal month locked in, it’s time to choose your stops for the journey. Don’t miss these iconic towns.
San Francisco
Start north in San Francisco to kick off your PCH adventure. This town is charming and rich in history and iconic views. Don’t miss a trip across the Golden Gate Bridge and stop along Pier 39 for the famous clam chowder and sea lion viewing. Wind down the steep city roads, experiencing the most extreme twists and turns down Lombard Street, and consider escaping to the beach for a breath of fresh ocean air by the Sutro Baths.
Before you go, make a pit stop in the Mission District for some of the best burritos you’ll ever have.
Carmel-by-the-Sea/Monterey
Head south until you reach Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey, where coastal charm meets rich access to marine life. You could visit the Monterey Bay aquarium if animals are your thing, or opt for the scenic 17-Mile Drive, which takes you past Pebble Beach. If you enjoy cozy, upscale hospitality, stay in one of Carmel’s fairytale cottages along its cypress-lined streets.
Big Sur
Many would agree that Big Sur is the showstopper of the Pacific Coast Highway. A breathtaking drive over the Bixby Creek Bridge is mandatory viewing. Plus, you can stop at McWay Falls to catch a waterfall that flows into the ocean. Journey to Pfeiffer Beach for purple sand and interesting rock formations for more unique sights. Slow down, unplug, and enjoy nature showing off.
San Luis Obispo/Morro Bay
Further south, San Luis Obispo is where college-town energy meets a laid-back California vibe. Stop at the over-the-top and kitschy Madonna Inn for something unique to break up the journey.
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara brings the Mediterranean to California with its red-tile roofs, palm trees, and clear ocean water. Enjoy shopping, dining, and some of the best people watching along State Street, then head to the Old Mission Santa Barbara for a historic look into the state’s colonial past. This city also has a thriving wine and art scene. There’s truly something for everyone here.
Hidden Gems on Pacific Coast Highway
Have extra time along the way? Pencil in these hidden gems; you won’t regret it.
Malibu’s El Matador State Beach
If you’re road tripping when it’s warm, experience this tucked-away beach with incredible sea caves and golden cliffs. You’ll have to navigate a steep staircase to reach this secret escape, but it feels magical once you get there. It’s great for photo shoots or a sunset walk.
Nitt Witt Ridge
An eccentric stop for those interested, Nitt Witt Ridge in Cambria is a hand-made home of former garbage collector turned folk artist Arthur Beal. It’s made of recyclable materials, like hub caps, toilets, beer cans, and more. You can go on a quirky tour led by locals who knew Art, making it a unique and memorable detour.
What to Pack
Remember to pack these road trip gear essentials before you head off on your journey.
Driver’s license, car insurance
Paper map or offline GPS/downloadable maps
Credit cards and cash
Sunglasses, hat, and SPF
A camera or a smartphone to capture the views
A picnic blanket and reusable bags, or a picnic basket
A backup portable power source, such as the EcoFlow RIVER 3, especially if you plan to camp along the way
Water bottle and non-perishable snacks
Light jacket or sweater
Comfortable shoes for hiking and beach walking
Swimwear
Travel pillow and blankets
Binoculars
First aid supplies
Flashlight and extra batteries
A proper portable refrigerator is essential for any road trip, with the EcoFlow Glacier Classic Portable Refrigerator offering everything you need. Lightweight and wireless, it’s easy to bring along in your car as you drive the highway. With a runtime of 43 hours, it’ll preserve all your favorite foods and drinks as you enjoy the ride.
What Car is Best to Drive the Pacific Coast Highway?
Since the PCH is quite windy and curvy and goes along cliffs, forests, and beaches, we recommend taking a four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle on your trip. This will give you more safety and control over the car, especially if you experience conditions like rain or fog.
If you want to upgrade your road trip vehicle even more, consider elevating it with EcoFlow products like the EcoFlow 800W Alternator Charger. This charger can turn your car into a portable power station while you drive—it’s simple, convenient, and efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Part of the Pacific Coast Highway To Go To?
Most people would say that the drive from Big Sur to San Luis Obispo is the best part of the Pacific Coast Highway, with Big Sur and its Bixby Creek Bridge being the most iconic landmark and stop.
Final Thoughts
Traveling the Pacific Coast Highway is a classic and iconic American adventure. It takes you everywhere from Northern California’s redwood forests to the rugged cliffs of Big Sur and the sandy shores of Los Angeles. The route is as beautiful as it gets, so all you have to do is plan your trip well for an enjoyable time. Packing the right gear, including portable power like the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Series Portable Power Stations, will ensure you’re comfortable and well-prepared for any surprises you run into.