How To Plan a Honeymoon On The PCH
Article by Miranda Steinway
Recently, my now husband David and I went on a romantic road trip down the Pacific Coast Highway for our honeymoon. It was an absolutely incredible experience and the views were out of this world!
Looking to plan your own honeymoon adventure on the PCH? Here are 9 tips on where to stop on your travels:
Napa / Sonoma
What’s more romantic than having a glass of wine with your significant other in the sunshine? Napa & Sonoma have hundreds of beautiful wineries with delicious Californian wines. Stop and have a wine tasting (or several) and grab a bottle you can save for a special anniversary in the future.
San Francisco
San Francisco is an iconic stop for honeymooners. You can take in the spectacular beauty of the Golden Gate Bridge, watch the sea lions sunbathe on the docks of the Fisherman’s Wharf, or even drive down notoriously windy Lombard Street.
Monterey
Monterey also has a lovely Fisherman’s Wharf filled with excellent restaurants and bars. If you’re a seafood lover, this is the place to be. Also, the surrounding cliffs and hills of Monterey are stunningly beautiful.
Carmel-By-The-Sea
Carmel-By-The-Sea offers up some beautiful ocean views in its famous state reserve, Point Lobos. You can choose from a series of gorgeous hiking trails, based on your skill level, and enjoy the blue water views from the seaside cliffs.
Big Sur
Big Sur is a charming, forested area along the cliffs of the PCH, with adorable B&B’s and gorgeous state parks. One particularly stunning stop in Big Sur is the Bixby Bridge. This 714-foot bridge is one of the most photographed bridges along the PCH.
San Simeon
While in San Simeon, it is vital that you stop by the Piedras Blancas Light Station to see the Elephant Seals. These sleepy creatures mostly just lay around by the water, occasionally wrestling with one another, but they are an incredibly cute sight!
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara has beautiful, family-friendly beaches. One particularly gorgeous one is Leadbetter Beach. After laying out all day, you can head down to State Street for all of your shopping, eating, and drinking needs!
Malibu
The water on Malibu’s beaches is a gorgeous ombre, going from clear, to light blue, to dark blue. The white sands are soft and the celebrity mansions lining the coast are incredibly impressive. Many of the beaches are private, but if you know where to look, there are many hidden beaches in Malibu open to the public.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is always buzzing with energy and excitement! You can stop by the Griffith Observatory or hike the Hollywood Hills to see stunning panoramic views of the city. If you’re looking to be by the water, take a trip to Santa Monica beach to see the pier, or head over to Venice Beach to check out the boardwalk or the Venice Canals.
Hope these tips help you have an incredible road trip and happy honeymooning!
See more of Miranda’s travel writings on her blog, Miranda The Adventurer.
For more information, see our California Beach Venue & Wedding Guide.
