Few drives beat Los Angeles’ oceanfront classic: the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu. Pick up a dependable car rental at LAX and head northwest to Santa Monica, where the route turns into Highway 1 and hugs the water all the way to sea‑stack beaches and cliff‑top overlooks.
How to plan your PCH half‑day
- Distance: ~22 miles from Santa Monica Pier to Malibu Pier, longer if you continue to Point Dume and El Matador.
- Timing: Sunrise or weekday mid‑mornings mean easier parking. Sunset is magical—leave extra time for traffic.
- Parking: State beaches charge day‑use fees; lots fill quickly on weekends.
Best pull‑offs (northbound)
- Santa Monica Pier: Classic start for photos and snacks.
- Will Rogers State Beach: Wide sands and restrooms—good for a picnic.
- Malibu Pier: Stroll for surfers’ views and grab coffee.
- Point Dume: Short bluff trail to sweeping lookouts (watch for signed lots).
- El Matador State Beach: Iconic sea stacks and caves; the bluff‑top lot is limited, and the staircase is steep—arrive early.
Driving & safety tips
- Stay patient: PCH has lights, crosswalks, and driveways. Keep speeds down and expect pedestrians and cyclists.
- Plan your exits: A missed turn can take a while to recover. Use turnouts and avoid abrupt stops.
- Respect tides: Narrow beaches can disappear at high tide—check conditions before climbing down.
What to rent & where to start
Most visitors are happy in a compact or midsize, but a small SUV makes pulling off onto uneven shoulders easier. Prefer UK wording? Compare options on our car hire page. If you’re staying in the city first, see city pickup points across Los Angeles locations or plan a longer SoCal loop via our California drive hub.
Extend the day
After Malibu, continue south tomorrow to Orange County’s coves and boardwalks—John Wayne Airport is convenient for returns via Santa Ana (SNA) locations. With Hola Car Rentals you’ll get an All‑Inclusive+ Rate, Free Cancellation up to 48 hours, maximum liability coverage on selected itineraries, and cashback on tolls.
Book now with Hola Car Rentals for transparent pricing and a stress‑free coastal day.
Sample half‑day timeline
- 8:00 a.m. Coffee near Santa Monica Pier; quick walk to the end for the Ferris wheel view.
- 9:00 a.m. Cruise PCH past the palisades; pull off at Will Rogers State Beach for a beach stroll.
- 10:15 a.m. Park near Malibu Pier for surfers at First Point and an early lunch.
- 12:00 p.m. Drive to Point Dume for a short bluff hike.
- 1:30 p.m. Arrive at El Matador; descend the stairs for low‑tide sea caves and photos.
- 3:30 p.m. Begin the return toward Santa Monica, allowing extra time for sunset traffic.
Parking cheat sheet
Bring a credit card for automated pay stations at state beaches. Lots often use demand‑based day‑use pricing and may sell out by late morning on sunny weekends. If a lot is full, avoid stopping in traffic; continue to the next signed lot and walk back along the highway shoulder only where it’s safe.
Photo tips
- Golden hour: Low light makes sea stacks glow—El Matador and Point Dume are favorites.
- Tide table: Low tide exposes more beach; check conditions before committing to stairs.
- Backup spots: If El Matador is full, try La Piedra or El Pescador (both in the same state beach complex).
Local etiquette & safety
Residents live along much of PCH. Use marked crosswalks, don’t block driveways, and keep music moderate at pull‑offs. Never stop in moving lanes for photos. If a view catches your eye, continue to a turnout and walk back on the shoulder facing traffic.
Good to know: Hola Car Rentals keeps it easy with no hidden fees, save up to 60% versus on‑site counters, and travel insurance up to US$150,000 included on selected itineraries.
