Day trip on PCH from Santa Cruz

Question

Have a free day in early June in Santa Cruz.

Planning a drive south down / back on PCH. According to Caltrans, Lime Creek would be about as far south as we could drive before turning back north to SC.

Looking for favorite stops along the way & back? Mostly sightseeing, relaxing, and easy hikes.

Any tips and advice is appreciated!

Answer

What a great plan! A day trip along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) from Santa Cruz offers some of the most beautiful scenery and relaxing stops. Even though Lime Creek (just south of Big Sur) is as far south as you can go due to road conditions, you'll still have plenty to explore and enjoy along the way.

Here are a few stops and tips for your scenic drive:

Santa Cruz to Monterey/Carmel:
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: If you haven’t visited the Boardwalk yet, it's a great spot to start your day with views of the beach and fun attractions. Take a stroll along the pier or enjoy a ride on the Giant Dipper roller coaster.
- Monterey Bay Aquarium: Just down the road in Monterey, this world-class aquarium offers stunning exhibits and is a must-see if you have time. It’s perfect for some easy sightseeing and exploring marine life.
- Carmel-by-the-Sea: This charming, fairy-tale town is great for a quick walk. Explore its art galleries, quaint shops, and beautiful beach. The town itself feels like a step into a magical, small village with lovely views and peaceful vibes.
Pacific Grove & Asilomar State Beach:
- Asilomar State Beach: This beach offers beautiful views and easy, flat walking paths along the coastline. It's less crowded than some of the other beaches, making it perfect for a peaceful stop. The Asilomar Boardwalk is an easy stroll with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
Big Sur & Limekiln State Park:
- Bixby Creek Bridge: One of the most iconic spots along PCH, this bridge offers a great photo op with stunning views of the coastline. It’s a short stop but well worth it.
- McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park: This is one of the most beautiful sights on the coast. The waterfall cascades onto the beach, and there’s a short, easy hike (about 0.5 miles) to the viewpoint.
- Limekiln State Park: If you can make it as far south as Limekiln, it’s worth exploring for some easy hikes and the scenic beauty. Limekiln Creek and the surrounding forest area offer some great, peaceful trails with views of the coastline and waterfalls.
Heading Back North:
- Pfeiffer Beach: If you have the time, a stop at Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur is highly recommended. The dramatic rock formations and purple sand make it one of the most picturesque spots along the coast. It’s also a relatively easy walk from the parking area to the beach.
- Garrapata State Park: A bit closer to Monterey, Garrapata has easy trails along the cliffs with stunning views of the coastline. It’s less crowded, so it’s a nice option for a peaceful stop on your way back.

In terms of timing, make sure to leave early to take full advantage of the daylight hours and to avoid traffic as much as possible. The drive is full of curvy roads and scenic overlooks, so you’ll want to take your time, but if you’re only doing a day trip, you’ll need to balance your stops with getting back in time. Make sure to pack some snacks and water to stay refreshed during the trip, and don’t forget sunscreen as you'll be out in the sun most of the day.

This drive is all about taking in the natural beauty, so take your time to stop at the various overlooks and enjoy the peace and quiet of the coast. Have a wonderful time exploring the PCH!

Day trip on PCH from Santa Cruz

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