The Pacific Coast Highway: A Guide to the 5 Best Coastal Towns and Cities to Visit While Hosteling in Southern California
The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 1, is a 655-mile stretch of breathtaking coastal road that winds its way along the California coast. It connects popular places like San Diego and Los Angeles to cities such as Seattle and Portland. In this article, we’ll pick our top five must-visit coastal towns and cities, including hidden gems in the Santa Barbara and San Diego regions.
1. Ventura
Situated about an hour north of Los Angeles, Ventura is a charming coastal city that often gets overlooked by tourists. But don’t miss out on this gem! The local culture and down-to-earth nature of its residents make it a great place to hang out. Ventura also boasts a picturesque downtown area with shops, restaurants, and galleries, as well as a beautiful beachside promenade perfect for sunset strolls. For those looking for a true California experience, stop in Ventura. Plus, Ventura is home to a few prime surf spots, including C Street Beach, and also scenic bike routes. From Santa Barbara, making a day trip to Ventura is easy while hosteling in Southern California!
2. San Luis Obispo (SLO)
San Luis Obispo is a college town with a lively atmosphere and a rich history. The city is home to California Polytechnic State University and the famous Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, one of the oldest buildings in California. Explore the charming downtown area, visit the beautiful Mission Plaza, or take a hike in the nearby Los Padres National Forest. For hikers, don’t miss out on Bishop Peak, one of our favorite spots in all of San Luis Obispo! If you’re looking for a hostel, check out Hostel Obispo.
3. Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is a popular destination for a reason – its stunning architecture, beautiful beaches, and wine country make it a backpacker’s paradise. Visit the historic Santa Barbara Mission, explore the scenic Stearns Wharf, or take a day trip to nearby wine country. Don’t miss the picturesque downtown area, filled with shops, restaurants, and galleries. Once you’ve explored the city, book a night at our Beach Hostel, and then hit up State Street for a night on the town! We recommend local spots like Rudy’s for their breakfast burritos, or for a nice dinner by the beach, hit up the Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach.
4. Carlsbad
Carlsbad is a hidden gem in the San Diego region, known for its beautiful beaches and scenic coastal bike path. The city is also home to the famous Legoland theme park and the stunning Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch. Take a surf lesson, rent a kayak to explore the coastline, or simply relax on the beach and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere. There are also plenty of fun and quirky boutiques and thrift stores right off State Street, plus several great restaurants and cafes. If you’re not in a hurry, take extra time to cruise through nearby Oceanside on your way down the Pacific Coast Highway.
5. San Clemente
San Clemente is a surfer’s paradise and one of the most beautiful coastal towns on the Pacific Coast Highway. With its stunning beaches, scenic tide pools, and rugged coastline, San Clemente is a must-visit destination for travelers and outdoors enthusiasts. Its easily accessible from Los Angeles, and a great place to go hang out for the day while visiting Southern California. Explore the historic downtown area, visit the iconic pier, or take a surf lesson from one of the local schools.
Tips for Backpackers Hosteling in Southern California:
- Pack layers for varying weather conditions – it can get chilly in the mornings and evenings.
- If you’re staying in a hostel, buy groceries! Hostels have kitchens, and cooking most of your food can save you tons of money on your travels.
- Take your time driving along the Pacific Coast Highway – there are plenty of scenic viewpoints to stop at. In Santa Barbara, stop off at Thousand Steps Beach. Or if you’re in San Diego, make sure to hit up Sunset Cliffs for amazing ocean views.
- Don’t miss out on trying some of the amazing local cuisine – High Street Deli in San Luis Obispo is a favorite, and so is Oscar’s Mexican Seafood in San Diego.
Want even more recommendations on stops to make along the Pacific Coast Highway? Watch this video!
From San Luis Obispo to Carlsbad, there’s so much to see along the Pacific Coast Highway. We recommend taking a week to explore each of these towns, making overnight stops in each of them. For accommodations while hosteling in Southern California, check out our Santa Barbara Beach Hostel, or our Adventure Hostel in Downtown San Diego!
Join our Traveler’s Club at ITH! It’s free to sign up, and you will receive a discount on all future bookings at our various locations.
