Coastal Drives in Los Angeles

3 Top Coastal Drives

Los Angeles is loved for so many reasons, and their coastal drives are just another thing to love. Tight turns, winding roads, clear skies and beautiful beaches - you’d want to get your hands on a hire car right away!

You will be driving past palm trees and through beach towns with plenty of opportunities to absorb it all in. Don’t hold back expressing how much fun you’re having while driving past the beautiful Pacific – turn up the stereo and sing your favourite tunes!

Pacific Coast Highway

Santa Monica to Zuma Beach in Malibu

Duration: Approx. 22 Miles - 40 minutes

Known to locals as the PCH, the Pacific Coast Highway is one of Los Angeles’ popular drives that can be recognised from numerous TV shows, movies and car commercials – you do not want to be skipping this drive! The perks of this coastal drive is you can experience its true beauty at any time, whether it be sunrise, middle of the day or even sunset, you will not be disappointed. Simply head north from Santa Monica and head back down to where you started – no need for a GPS this time!

While driving, you will be passing beaches filled with locals sun bathing, surfing or playing beach games. You will also be driving past multi-million dollar homes perched on mountains overlooking the coast - very worthwhile of being in a copy of the People magazine, leaving you in envy and awe.

Places to stop over: You may want to consider pulling over at Surfrider Beach to watch some surfers catch the waves, or discover the cliffs of Point Dume while getting in touch with your inner peace. If you have an interest for classical Mediterranean art, we suggest visiting the Getty Villa.

North Sepulveda Boulevard

Redondo Beach to Manhattan Beach

Duration: Approx. 4 Miles - 13 minutes

Situated between Palos Verdes Peninsula and El Segundo, is a section of Highway 1 called North Sepulveda Boulevard,spans through South Bay. This is another coastal drive you do not want to miss out on during your time in Los Angeles! As you’re driving along in your hire car, you will be passing through three of the cities prime beach cities : Hermosa, Manhattan and Redondo. If you fancy yourself a swim, keep an eye out for the some side streets which will lead you straight to the sand. Don’t forget to pop into local restaurants or bars to appreciate and to get the most out of your experience.

Places to stop over - If you have bikes with you, The Strand, one of L.A.’s famous coastal path would be a perfect opportunity to pull them out! Or if you’re heading towards Hermosa Beach Pier and it looks familiar to you, then you’re right - “City of Stars” performed by Ryan Gosling in La La Land was filmed here so this is your time to shine and re-enact this beautiful scene.

Palos Verdes Drive

Palos Verdes Estates to San Pedro (14 Miles)

Duration: Approx. 14 Miles - 30 minutes

Seeing that Palos Verdes Peninsula made it into Pirates of the Caribbean, it is definitely is a drive you will want to be visiting immediately during your stay in Southern California. As you’re driving along in your hire car, you will be winding through cliffs, miles of coastlines, curving roads, sandy beaches and simply stunning views that will be sure to take your breath away - but don’t get too distracted while you’re driving! You will have many chances to pull over and take some memorable photos.

Directional notes: As you head into San Pedro, take W. 25th St. as Palos Verdes Drive South ends. Head north on South Pacific Avenue toward one of San Pedro's distinctive landmarks, Vincent Thomas Bridge.

Places to stop over - Visit Point Vicente Lighthouse, and if you’re visiting during the right season, keep an eye out for grey whales migrating. Also visit the Korean Bell of Friendship in San Pedro, which is known from a scene of The Usual Suspects.

*The content in this road trip has been provided by Discover Los Angeles.

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