Embark on a pet-friendly Pacific Coast Highway road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco, exploring stunning vistas in Big Sur, wandering through redwood groves in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, enjoying the charm of Carmel-by-the-Sea, and spending a day in San Francisco.
Welcome to our ultimate dog-friendly Pacific Coast Highway road trip, where we’ll embark on an incredible journey from Los Angeles to San Francisco, passing through some of California’s most iconic destinations. From the glitz of Los Angeles to the laid-back vibes of Santa Barbara, the rugged beauty of Big Sur, the enchanting charm of Carmel-by-the-Sea, and the cultural richness of San Francisco, this adventure promises a diverse and exhilarating experience.
As a travel enthusiast and a dog lover, I have carefully curated this road trip to include pet-friendly stops, ensuring that your four-legged companion can join in on the fun. So, fasten your seatbelt, roll the windows down, and let the scenic Pacific Coast Highway be our guide as we go on this unforgettable coastal escapade with our beloved furry friends!
Road Trip Stops
Below is a list of all the exciting stops along the way. While some of these destinations may not be pet-friendly (*), I’ve included them because they’re definitely worth a visit if you have some alone human time.
- Los Angeles / Venice Beach
- Santa Barbara
- Cambria
- San Simeon Hearst Castle*
- Ragged Point
- Cruikshank Trail
- Jade Cove*
- McWay Falls*
- Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
- Hurricane Point Vista Point
- Bixby Bridge Vista Point
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve*
- Carmel-By-The-Sea
- Asilomar Trail
- Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf
- Santa Cruz / Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- San Francisco
Santa Cruz / Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
If you’re planning a Pacific Coast Highway road trip, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park near Santa Cruz. While we didn’t make this stop, I’ve done my research, and it’s worth spending half a day there. You could park in the main parking lot then explore the beauty of the redwoods using the Pipeline Road.
Keep in mind that dogs are not allowed on the Redwood Grove Loop Trail, but fear not, you should still be able to catch glimpses of these majestic trees on other trails.
Santa Cruz, a charming coastal city nearby, offers plenty of dining options and exciting places to explore. Originally, I’ve planned to stop by for dinner after hiking in the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.
If you end up visiting these places and have some tips and tricks for a dog-friendly outing, I’d love to hear more!
Best Months to Visit
The best time to do a Pacific Coast Highway road trip is during the late spring to early fall, typically from May to September. This period offers the most pleasant weather with mild temperatures and less chance of rain along the coast. The summer months, especially June to August, are popular for road trips as the days are longer, allowing more time to explore and enjoy the scenic beauty of the coastline. However, keep in mind that summer is also the peak tourist season, so some areas may be more crowded.
If you prefer fewer crowds and cooler weather, late spring (May) and early fall (September) are excellent times for the road trip. During these months, you can still experience beautiful weather, but with a more tranquil atmosphere. Always check the weather forecast and road conditions before embarking on your journey, as weather patterns can vary, and certain sections of the highway may be affected by seasonal factors like fog or wildfires.