Top 5 Must-Visit Stops on the Pacific Coast Highway from Los Angeles to Laguna Beach
Cruising the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) from Los Angeles to Laguna Beach delivers the quintessential California experience: sun-kissed beaches, world-class surfing, and cinematic scenery. During our recent drive, we even spotted a film crew on location. Discover the Globetrottergirls' top 5 essential stops along this iconic route.
Top 5 Unmissable Stops on the Pacific Coast Highway (Los Angeles to Laguna Beach)
1. Santa Monica Pier and Beach
Santa Monica Beach and Pier embody classic California charm. Just 30 minutes from West Hollywood via Interstate 10, the laid-back town center offers a serene escape from Los Angeles' bustling energy. Stroll Main Street, lined with diverse restaurants and bars—from upscale spots to cozy mom-and-pop eateries—where locals enjoy outdoor seating, fine wine, and sunshine year-round. For a meal, try Holy Guacamole for Mexican flavors or Urth Caffé for organic fare. Park at the pier and explore this historic landmark.
Family-friendly attractions include a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, funnel cakes, and fresh popcorn. Add amateur anglers, playful seals, affordable margaritas at the on-site Mexican restaurant, and evening hours until 10 p.m., and it's appealing for all ages. Even without fishing success, the pier offers stunning golden sunsets over the hills.
Main pier parking is $10 flat all-day; nearby lots are $1 per hour. Excellent value!
2. Venice Beach
Ten minutes south on the PCH, Venice Beach brings an edgier vibe as the cool counterpart to Santa Monica. Famous for Muscle Beach, it's packed with bars, restaurants, and eclectic market stalls offering T-shirts, handmade glassware, sunglasses, and unique souvenirs. The beach buzzes with vibrant energy and characters, while ocean views are spectacular. On our visit, over 20 surfers rode the waves, and a film crew was shooting nearby.
3. Seal Beach
After Long Beach—home to the Queen Mary, Catalina Island ferries, and Ports of Call shops—Seal Beach lies just 10 minutes further on a peninsula. Its expansive beach is ideal for sunbathing, and the pier stays open until midnight. Oil rigs and the port are visible but easily overlooked. The highlight is Main Street: galleries, diners, ice cream shops, cafes, and welcoming benches. Evoking a nostalgic 1950s-60s feel, it's perfect for relaxed exploration. Grab bakery treats at Sweet Jill’s or pizza at Sunset Pizza & Pasta.
4. Newport Beach
A hotspot for fans of "The O.C.," Newport Beach blends luxury and accessibility. Larger and more tourist-oriented than Seal Beach, it boasts miles of pristine shoreline, diverse dining, bars, and shops. Ideal for extended stays, we paused for coffee at Newport Coffee Company and evening sun, but plan more time to fully enjoy its appeal.
5. Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach captivates with its MTV fame and reality. Larger and more expansive than expected, it features dreamlike beaches and a massive marina filled with multimillion-dollar yachts. Though no celebrities were spotted, the scenery is star-worthy.
Have you driven the PCH from Los Angeles to Laguna Beach? Share your favorite stops below!
