San Diego
The Pacific Coast Highway drive from San Diego
The coast road north from La Jolla, where to stop, and how long to give it if you want the drive rather than the traffic.
The stretch of coast between San Diego and Orange County is the reason a lot of people rent a convertible here. It is not the dramatic Big Sur section of the PCH, but it is far more driveable, and you can do it comfortably in a day.
Start in La Jolla
Begin at La Jolla Cove and head north on Torrey Pines Road. The climb past Torrey Pines State Reserve is the best opening few miles of any drive in the county, and early morning gets you clear road and good light.
Del Mar to Carlsbad
Through Del Mar, Solana Beach and Encinitas the road runs close to the water and the speed limits drop. This is the part to take slowly. Carlsbad is a natural place to stop for coffee before deciding whether to continue.
Give it more time than you think
The distance is short and the traffic is not. Plan a full morning at minimum, and if you are heading as far as Laguna Beach, plan the whole day. A two-day rental — our minimum in any case — makes this far more relaxed than trying to compress it.
