Ian Anderson - Moon Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

IAN ANDERSON

Youll find the most colorful swath of open road in America along its western coast. The Pacific Coast Highway is 1,700 miles (2,740 km) framed by golden sands and turquoise waters, bordered by emerald rain forests and basalt rock formations, and capped off with kaleidoscopic sunsets and indigo night skies.

This road trip stokes the imagination like few other journeys. The West was the last stop of the American frontierits untamed wilderness roused fortune hunters and lured romance seekers to its shores. Today, the West Coast continues to ignite a creative spark that enthralls the entire world, be it through art, culture, or technology.

In the Northwest, cosmopolitan Seattle still holds on to the heart of a small town, while the industrious citizenry of Portland has carved out its own adaptation of modern Americana. In Southern California, the glamour and glitter of Los Angeles exudes sex appeal, while the laid-back beach culture of San Diego simply basks in the perfection of its weather. And iconic San Francisco sits in the middle, the cultured pearl of the West Coast and a beacon to visitors from every nation.

But for most of this drive, the untamed wild still beckons. From the preserved rain forests of Washingtons mountainous Olympic Peninsula to the unspoiled cliffs of Californias northern coast, the Pacific Coast Highway winds through a diversity of natural treasures. There are towering, ancient trees in Redwood National Forest; massive sand dunes in southern Oregon; and sea lions, whales, and dolphins breaching off the shores of Southern California.

Travel the entire coast and encounter the rest of the trove. Discover moonstone beaches and remote lighthouses. Visit resort towns, native reservations, and all-but-forgotten Victorian seaports. Dine on local-catch seafood, world-class fare, and ethnic culinary feasts. Sip fine wine, fresh-roast coffee, and award-winning craft beer. Youll still end each day hungry for more.

The Pacific Coast Highway is an unlimited and unforgettable adventure. Are you ready to hit the road?

Although every effort was made to make sure the information in this book was accurate when going to press, research was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Some things may have changed during this crisis and the recovery that followed. Be sure to confirm specific details when making your travel plans.

Drive scenic stretches: Theres no shortage of beauty along the Pacific Coast Highway. Slow down for the stunning, rugged coastlines off of

Tour an American : Tour the grandiose halls and suites of the bona fide palace that media mogul William Randolph Hearst built high in the hills. Once a venue for lavish weekend parties for the stars of Hollywoods Golden Era, the preserved estate is now open to the public.

Paddle to Devils Punchbowl: Take a canoe or kayak to the deepest part of to soak in the emerald beauty of the mountainous Olympic Peninsula.

Explore the Redwoods: Northern Californias redwoods are some of the worlds largest and oldest living things. Drive among them on the .

Watch whales: There are ample opportunities to glimpse gray whales migrating north to Alaska, but one group is viewable all summer long off the coast of Oregons Depoe Bay. Other creatures like seals, sea lions, and especially otters can be spotted in .

Ride a dune buggy on the beach: The rise and fall along more than 50 miles of coastline. By far the easiest and most exciting way to scale their sandy peaks is by renting a buggy!

Catch a wave: The epitome of the California surfer lifestyle, offer breaks that are perfect for taking part in the greatest sport around.

Go to the ends of the earth: Way out on the Makah Reservation, a raised trail snakes through quaggy coastal forest to the rugged outer reaches of Washington at .

See marine life feed: Make sure to visit in the morning: the 11am open sea feeding promises to be one of the most spectacular wildlife displays youll ever see, thanks to a school of humble sardines, thousands of them moving in unison like a giant ball of quicksilver.

Feast on the : It should be no surprise that the West Coast serves up an abundance of fresh, locally caught seafood. Some of the best spots to eat it can be found right near the water.