Table of Contents
How do you have a good road trip with kids?
14 Tips to Enjoy Family Road Trips
- Know your limits.
- Take a practice run.
- Let kids know what to expect ahead of time.
- Know your route.
- Be prepared.
- Have your kids pack their own activity bags.
- Don’t forget yourself.
- Keep them occupied.
How long does it take to drive the entire PCH?
10-12 hours
To drive the entire coastal CA Highway 1 takes 10-12 hours without stops. But this road trip is all about the stops! Plan on a minimum of 3 days and 2 nights. However, a 5-day itinerary is ideal for the San Francisco to LA trip with the first and last night spent in each city.

What is the best time of year to drive the PCH?
The best time of the year to drive the Pacific Coast Highway is in mid-to-late February through April. California’s rainy season typically ends in early February, turning its golden hills bright green and covering the coast with colorful wildflowers which last through April and into early May.
What is the prettiest part of the PCH?
The Golden Gate Bridge Perhaps one of the most iconic views along the whole highway – San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge is as visually stunning as the views one gets from the bridge itself. Before you head across, come off the highway to get some of the best views and see the best San Francisco sights of the area.
How do kids drive long distances?
These are the top ten road-trip tips I learned.

- Don’t Plan Long Driving Days. These become increasingly harder as your kid ages.
- Add Buffer Time and Then Some.
- Road Games Are Key.
- Keep Everyone Fed.
- Consider the Potty.
- Prepare for Messes.
- Rethink Your Changing Table.
- Plan Park-and-Play Stops.
How do you pack for a long road trip with kids?
Road Trip Essentials (for kids, especially!) Checklist: Entertainment
- Audible audio books app.
- Kid Road Trip Activity packs (my favorite road trip essential!)
- Portable DVD Player.
- Music.
- Books.
- Travel Games (like the license plate game)
- Travel Journal.
- Sketchbooks and Colored Pencils or Clipboard with Paper.
Is it better to drive the PCH north or south?
It’s best to travel from north to south as you’ll be on the right side of the road for uninterrupted views and to pull over to take photographs. Parking in cities can be expensive. It’s better to leave your rental vehicle and use public transport. Plan in plenty of stops along the way.
How do you survive a 12 hour car ride?
These tips for long drives will help you down the road.
- Get plenty of sleep before your drive. Think about exhaustion before you begin your journey, not after.
- Bring healthy road trip snacks.
- Stay hydrated.
- Plan your rest stops.
- Chew gum.
- Use energizing scents.
- Sit up straight.
- Keep passengers entertained.
What should a 6 year old bring on a road trip?
Travel Toys and Games. Old school games like 20 Questions and the Alphabet Game can be entertaining, but eventually kids will want something else to pass the time.
How can a family survive a road trip?
Survive the Family Road Trip in 10 Easy Steps
- The Right Food will Make or Break Your Family Road Trip.
- Plan a Few Surprises for Back Seat Road Trip Emergencies.
- Change up the Seating Arrangements During Your Road Trip.
- Make Time to Exercise on Long Road Trips.
- Become a Back Road Rambler.
- Listen to Your Favorite Audio Books.
Is PCH worth driving?
The Pacific Coast Highway is the greatest road in the US if you are a fan of fantastic vistas. With every turn there are mouth gaping views of the Ocean and rock cliffs. Stop and walk with the giant Redwoods. Not a whole lot to complain about on this road trip.
Is it better to drive north or south on Pacific Coast Highway?
Driving the route from north to south is ideal, as you’ll be on the ocean side of the road the entire way, allowing unobstructed views of the jagged coastline below. Three days is a minimum, and if time allows you could easily spend more.
Is PCH scary to drive?
It’s very intense because there are no guard rails at the edge and there is little room for error if on coming traffic swerves in your direction. Also called Highway 1, it takes about five hours to drive the PCH.
What to do on the Pacific Coast Highway?
But, what we did do was cruise the best bits of the Pacific Coast Highway, driving from San Francisco to Los Angeles, hitting up Monterey Bay, Carmel, Big Sur, Paso Robles the Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Barbara. There is a lot of information in this itinerary, so read straight through or use the table of contents to skip around.
How long does it take to drive the Pacific Coast Highway?
This particular Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary suggests taking five nights/six days to do the drive. By averaging about 100 miles per day, you can evenly space your stops with plenty of time ogle the coastline, eat, hike and go wine tasting.
How did California’s PCH get so complicated?
Depression-era public works projects in the 1930’s funded the extensive construction of roads and bridges, like the graceful Bixby Bridge in Big Sur, which is one of the most tricky sections of the route. By the 1950’s, America’s interstate highway system and the PCH were complete, fueling California’s mid-century love affair with road tripping.