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Pacific Coast Highway
WHERE : WASHINGTON , OREGON , CALIFORNIA image : GETTY
Winding its way down the West Coast from the lush rainforests of Washington to the golden sands of Southern California , few road trips offer as much variety as the Pacific Coast Highway . The 1,600-mile route is the gateway to some of North America ’ s most pristine parks and beaches .
Plan at least two weeks for the journey ( around 40 hours behind the wheel ), routing north to south for near-constant ocean views . Fall ( particularly September ) is the best time to travel to beat the summer crowds and notorious fog .
Begin in Port Townsend , WA , stopping to survey the temperate rainforests , hot springs and tidal pools of Olympic National Park . Then cross the Columbia River and kick back on the mellow Oregon coastline .
Entering the Golden State , dip inland to revel in the majestic Humboldt Redwoods State Park , home to 17,000 acres of oldgrowth redwoods .
Back on the coast , link up with Highway 1 to explore Northern California ’ s dramatic coastline , quaint cliffside destinations such as Mendocino , and the former Spanish mission in San Luis Obispo .
Linger in Big Sur , one of the serpentine road ’ s most beautiful sections , before heading for the finishing line at Dana Point , outside Los Angeles .
WINTER 2024 • 7