A couple of years ago I did a solo road trip down the California 1, Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to San Diego. The entire trip was so beautiful. When I finished, I just knew I wanted to complete the entire Pacific Coast. An opportunity presented itself. My baby sister who was stationed in Oak Harbor, Whidbey Island, Washington State, decided she was ready to come home after 5 years of service with the Navy. She needed someone to accompany her on her drive home. After rearranging plans, I came up with a 4 days 3 nights road trip itinerary for one of the most beautiful scenic drive I’ve ever done: rocky shores, beautiful beaches, evergreens, giant redwoods, and amazing sunsets. Everything was so jaw dropping. You just had to take it all in.
Day 1: Seattle, WA to Coos Bay, OR
I took an early flight from San Diego to Seattle where my sister picked me up and we started our way to the Oregon coast. It took us three hours to get to Astoria, the first city on the Oregon coast and oldest city in all of Oregon. We drove passed the city on our way to our first stop, Peter Iredale Shipwreck in Fort Stevens State Park located in Warrenton, Oregon.
Stop #1: Peter Iredale Shipwreck
Peter Iredale is a sailing vessel that crashed ashore on October 25, 1906 on its way to the Columbia River. This abandoned ship is one of the most accessible wreck site of the Grave Yard of the Pacific (Pacific Northwest coastline stretching from Tillamook Bay, Oregon to Cape Scott, Vancouver Island).
Stop #2: Indian Beach at Ecola State Park
Ecola State Park is located between Seaside and Cannon Beach off Highway 101. Go to the Indian Beach parking lot and you well be greeted with one of the most breathtaking views of the Oregon coast.
If you find that there is something familiar about Indian Beach, it is because films like, The Goonies, Point Break and Twilight were filmed there.
There is a $5.00 parking fee.
Stop #3: Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach
Haystack Rock is a six minute drive south from Indian Beach. You can’t miss it. It stands at 235 feet from the shoreline. You can find diverse bird life and colorful tide pools there. Haystack Rock is part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuged and is a State protected marine environment. Please visit with care.
Stop #4: Cape Kiwanda Beach
Cool breeze and breathtaking colors made the sunset at Cape Kiwanda one for the books. It was our last scenic stop before heading to Coos Bay for the night.
The Pelican Brewing Company was our planned stop for dinner. It is located just a few steps from Cape Kiwanda Beach. Unfortunately, there was a long waitlist to sit down at the time we arrived. We didn’t get to enjoy it.
We ended up having dinner at Doryland Pizza. It is located just across the street from Pelican Brewing. The pizza there was decent. They serve Pelican Brewing, Kiwanda Cream Ale on tap. It was delicious and a must have again.
Day 2: Coos Bay, OR to San Francisco, CA
Stop #5: Face Rock State Park Scenic Viewpoint at Bandon, Oregon
Day two of our road trip took us bright and early to Bandon, Oregon to see the scenic viewpoint at Face Rock State Park. The air was fresh and the waves were calm. A light mist still covered the horizon.
According to Native legends, a maiden’s voice can be heard on the wind. As you look from the cliffs to the ocean, you can easily make out her face on Face Rock.
If you have the time, there is a trail on the beach that will allow you to explore rocky intertidal areas during low tide.
Breakfast in Bandon, Oregon
After enjoying the viewpoint at Face Rock State Park, we decided to have breakfast at Minute Cafe, a little mom and pop cafe in Old Town Bandon.
I had the chocolate chip pancake with eggs and bacon. Good American breakfast at a very low price. It did not disappoint. I would definitely recommend this place.
At breakfast, I met a local who suggested a few places to stop at in town. He mentioned Alloro Wine Bar & Restaurant. He described it as the best Italian restaurant in Bandon. We stopped by to check it out but found out it opens around dinner time (4:30pm).
If you are in Bandon for dinner, consider Alloro Wine Bar as an option. Let me know how you like it.
Stop #6: Arch Rock at Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor
There are nine scenic stops on the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor: Arch Rock Picnic Area, Natural Bridge, Thomas Creek Bridge, Indian Sands, Loop Trailhead, Whaleshead Viewpoint, House Rock Viewpoint and Lone Ranch Picnic Area.
Our planned stops were Arch Rock and the Natural Bridge. The Natural Bridge trail was closed for repair when we arrived so we only got to see Arch Rock. Arch Rock viewpoint is 0.25 miles to the right of the parking lot. It was definitely a sight to see. I plan on exploring more of this area in the near future.
Stop #7: The Redwoods at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Seven miles north east of Crescent City lies Simpson-Reed trail at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. Take the Walker Road exit off U.S. 199 and head north 1 mile to the trailhead (right side of the road). There is a 1 mile loop that will take you into an ancient forest of 1000 year old redwoods that tower over a mixture of hardwood trees, shrubs and ferns.
There is something very spiritual about this place. Don’t forget to close your eyes, take a deep breath, exhale and smile. These trees had been around for a very long time. They are magnificent. Take it all in.
Day 3: San Francisco, CA to Pismo Beach, CA
Stop #8: Lombard Street, San Francisco, California
Day 2 ended in San Francisco. We got in late so we decided to explore a little bit of the city the next day. Our first stop is one of San Francisco’s famous tourists destination, Lombard Street, “the crookedest street in the world.” This steep street with eight hairpin turns will definitely have you driving slow. Mostly to avoid tourists walking and taking photos on the street.
Stop #9: Golden Gate Viewpoint at Fort Point National Historic Site
No visit to San Francisco is complete without gazing at the most internationally known symbol of San Francisco, CA, the Golden Gate Bridge. It connects San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. It also carries U.S. 101 and California 1 across the strait.
There are several places to view the Golden Gate Bridge: Fort Point, Fort Baker, Baker Beach, Battery East Vista, Lands End, Golden Gate Overlook and Christy Field.
Breakfast in San Francisco
Home Plate was our breakfast stop before leaving the city. It is a family owned restaurant on Lombard Street in the Marina District. They offered complementary homemade scones (very delicious). The ambiance was amazing. The food was a little on the pricy side but the french toast breakfast I had was excellent. It was worth the money.
Stop #10: 17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, Monterey, California
17 mile drive is located in the Monterey Peninsula. It is a scenic road that go through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove. It hugs the pacific coastline and it is home to one of the most photographed trees in North America. The Lone Cypress.
In Feb 2019 gusty winds from a storm caused the The Lone Cypress to lose its leftmost branch. It has changed the look of the tree but not what it means to the Monterey Peninsula.
The Lone Cypress is believed to be about 250 years old. The Los Angeles Times describes the Lone Cypress by stating, “It stands alone raked by wind, swaddled in fog, clinging to its waved-lashed granite pedestal like God’s own advertisement for rugged individualism….This tree is to the Monterey Peninsula what the pyramids are to Egypt, what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris.”
Stop #11: Bixby Bridge View Point, Big Sur, California
The Bixby Bridge is known as the gateway to Big Sur. It is the bridge that connects travelers from San Francisco to Big Sur, the untouched stretch of the Pacific Coast.
Stop #12: Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur, California
Pfeiffer Beach is a must see in Big Sur. It is located 2 miles down Sycamore Canyon Road. The road is unmarked. You’ll miss it if you’re not paying attention. There’s a big yellow sign at the turn that says, “Narrow Road No RV’S -Trailers. No Pedestrians.” There is a $12 parking fee (cash only). Parking is limited because there are only about 60 spots. You will get turned away if there are no open spaces. I suggest going closer to sunset. This 2 mile long road is paved but winding. It is very narrow at some areas so go slow and watch for on coming vehicles. From the parking lot, its a short sandy walk to the beach.
You’ll be greeted with the cool breeze, crashing waves, and magnificent rocky formations. The focal point is Keyhole Rock. I imagine heaven’s door as I watch the sunset shine through it.
It gets really cold at Pfeiffer Beach. Be sure to bring a windbreaker and a blanket if you plan on staying a while.
Stop #13: McWay Falls, Big Sur, California
Just 12 miles south of Pfeiffer Beach is the McWay Falls overlook at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park on Highway 1. McWay Falls is an 80ft waterfall that flows directly into the Pacific Ocean. It flows year round from McWay Creek.
The trail to the viewpoint is about a half a mile round trip. You can access the trail directly off Highway 1 or you can pull in to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and pay the parking fee ($10.) The trail from the parking lot starts at the curve of the upper and lower parking area. Follow the path into a wide tunnel and turn right. Enjoy the breathtaking views.
Stop #14: Pismo Beach, California
After McWay Falls, we drove two and a half hours south to Pismo Beach. We got there just in time for dinner. We stopped at Zorro’s Cafe & Cantina. The food was decently priced and very delicious. I ordered the chicken fajitas and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Zorro Cafe make their own hot sauce. I’m not big on anything spicy but I had to give it a try. Big surprise, I’m not a fan, but then again, I knew I wouldn’t enjoy it. Try it for yourself.
The “BeerRita” was a great end to a very beautiful day and their homemade flan is a must have. Don’t miss out on it.
A Night at Pismo Beach: Tides Oceanview Inn & Cottages
Pismo Beach was our stop for the night. We ended up getting a cottage at Tides Oceanview Inn & Cottages. The property is by the water and the price was very affordable. The clerk at the front desk was very polite. They even provided a welcome bag of goodies (chips, water, cookies, candy). The cottage was very clean and had two semi private sleeping areas. I will definitely stay at this place again on my next visit to Pismo Beach.
Address: 2121 Price St, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Day 4: Pismo Beach to Oceanside, California
Breakfast at Pismo Beach, California
Pismo Beach was our last stop before heading home. We didn’t have the time to explore the area but we did have time for breakfast. Penny All American Cafe is where we went. The food was overpriced but the portions were big. I ordered the pancake, bacon and eggs breakfast. The bacon was amazing.
Homebound
After leaving Pismo Beach, we took U.S. 101 and Highway 1 home. We drove through Santa Barbara, Ventura and Malibu. I wish we had enough time to stop but that can be another adventure for another time.
BigJoAdventures 
Beautiful pictures! Going to try to make this trip in a couple of years when Elena is older and appreciates it. Thank you for the tips!!
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Wow, these are amazing pictures of some of my favorite places. I’m from Oregon, and love this drive. Glad you got to enjoy. Don’t tell me you took these photos with a cell phone. (?) If so, what kind? They’re gorgeous.
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H! Thank you. I enjoyed every moment of the beautiful drive. Yes, I used my cellphone (Samsung Galaxy S10) to take the photos.
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