Explore the golden state's most scenic coastal routes designed specifically for campers seeking ocean views, rugged terrain, and accessible shoreline sites. These itineraries cover the iconic Pacific Coast Highway and hidden gems along the Northern and Central coasts, offering a blend of adventure and natural beauty.
Get targeted exposure with custom position pinning and highlighted placement.
A legendary stretch of Highway 1 featuring dramatic cliffs and redwood forests. Campers can stay at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park or Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park for immediate access to McWay Falls and pristine beach hikes.
Located just north of San Francisco, this rugged peninsula offers windswept beaches and elk herds. Camp at Limantour Beach for a backcountry experience or at Olema Campground for easy access to the lighthouse and tide pools.
This northern coastal stretch combines wild beaches with historic villages. Camp at Mendocino Coast Campground or under the stars at Salt Point State Park, enjoying sea lion colonies and dramatic sea stacks along the trail.
A rugged section of the Pacific Coast Highway between Big Sur and Mendocino. Ideal for those seeking solitude, this area offers wild camping opportunities near Jade Cove, where agate hunters can scour the pebbly shores.
A classic Central Coast route passing Hearst Castle and Elephant Seals. Camp at Morro Bay State Park for tidal flat exploration or at Hearst San Simeon State Park for stunning sunset views over the Pacific.
A secluded gem in Big Sur accessible by high-clearance vehicles or long hikes. This primitive beach campground offers a true disconnect from civilization, with direct access to soft sand and crashing waves for serious backcountry campers.
Part of the Point Reyes wilderness, this trail offers panoramic ocean views. Camp at the designated Nepantua Hill site for a rugged experience surrounded by coastal scrub and frequent deer sightings near the headlands.
Located in the North Bay, this park offers camping under towering redwoods near the ocean. The Gualala River provides fishing and kayaking opportunities, while the nearby beaches offer excellent surfing and tide pooling.
A serene coastal route near Half Moon Bay featuring the only coastal redwoods south of Monterey. Camp at Pescadero Creek Campground, enjoying the unique microclimate and easy access to both forest trails and sandy beaches.
Offering a Southern California alternative to the crowded PCH, this park features rugged chaparral-covered hills. Campers can enjoy stargazing and hiking trails that descend to secluded beaches, away from the major urban centers.
Perched on dramatic cliffs in Malibu, this campground offers breathtaking ocean vistas. It is ideal for surfers and swimmers, with direct access to Point Dume State Beach and excellent hiking trails through coastal sage scrub.
A shorter but scenic route connecting the redwood forests of Santa Cruz to the marine life of Monterey. Camp in the Santa Cruz Mountains or at Monterey Bay for night diving opportunities and whale watching from shore.
Home to rare native pine trees and stunning coastal trails near San Diego. While camping is limited, nearby beaches and the Torrey Pines Gliderport offer unique experiences for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a Southern California coastal vibe.
A saltwater estuary system just south of Big Sur, offering kayak camping and tide-pooling adventures. Campers can explore the intricate waterways and spot sea otters, harbor seals, and migratory birds in this unique ecosystem.
A remote stretch of Highway 1 between Los Padres National Forest and the ocean. This area offers primitive camping opportunities and access to hidden coves, providing a quieter alternative to the busier Big Sur section.
A surfer's paradise north of Santa Cruz, offering beach camping directly on the sand. This location is perfect for those who want to wake up to the sound of waves and enjoy easy access to the Davenport Landing village.
Located in the heart of the redwood coast near Trinidad, this park offers camping among towering trees near the ocean. It serves as an excellent base for exploring the Trinidad Head lighthouse and nearby tide pools.
A rugged coastal trail offering multiple backcountry camping sites along the shoreline. This route is ideal for experienced hikers seeking isolation, with access to pristine beaches and frequent sightings of seabirds and marine mammals.
While glamping options exist, this area offers proximity to rugged coastal trails. Campers can stay at nearby county parks and hike to McWay Cove or Point Lobos, combining luxury town amenities with wild coastal exploration.
A unique historic camping experience near San Simeon. Situated on the grounds of the former Hearst estate, this campground offers a blend of history and coastal beauty, with easy access to Elephant Seal Viewing Rookery.