Michael SatterfieldIn this series, powered by Shell V-Power NiTRO+ Premium Gasoline, we’re taking on three legendary road trips in three exceptional sports cars. For this first adventure, we’ve headed to California, home to the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)—one of the most breathtaking and iconic roads in the world. Our journey follows the Pacific Coast Highway from the charming fishing village of Morro Bay to the luxurious coastal retreat of Monterey, a route packed with incredible scenery, thrilling curves, and must-visit stops.
While any car can cruise along the Pacific Coast Highway, the 2021 Mazda MX-5 RF—one of the last truly affordable sports cars—offers an unrivaled open-road experience. And since we’re fueling up with Shell V-Power NiTRO+, we’re ensuring peak performance for those twisty coastal roads, maximizing both driving dynamics and fun.
Morro Bay: A Perfect Starting Point on the Pacific Coast Highway
Morro Bay is the ideal place to kick off a Pacific Coast Highway road trip. Known for the dramatic Morro Rock, a volcanic remnant that looms over the harbor, this small coastal town is worth lingering in. Strolling along the waterfront, you’re likely to spot a playful romp of sea otters grooming themselves, while local fishermen haul in the day’s catch.
I struck up a conversation with a local artist capturing the picturesque scene in watercolor—who also happened to be a collector of steam-powered cars. While we could have talked for hours, the open road was calling. With the top down, I headed north on Highway 1, officially known as the Pacific Coast Highway.
San Simeon & Hearst Castle: A Pacific Coast Highway Icon
The next stop: San Simeon, home to the legendary Hearst Castle. Built by publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst between 1919 and 1947, the 68,500-square-foot estate is a marvel of luxury, featuring 42 bedrooms, 61 bathrooms, grand swimming pools, a private airstrip, and what was once the largest private zoo in the world.
While the castle was closed due to restrictions during my trip, it’s a must-see for anyone traveling the Pacific Coast Highway. If you’re planning a visit, be sure to book a tour in advance—this historic landmark is a bucket-list stop for history buffs and architecture lovers alike.
Just a few miles further up PCH, a roadside sign for Elephant Seal Vista Point caught my eye. These massive marine mammals—some weighing over 5,000 pounds—can be seen year-round, but from October to May, the beach is packed as they gather for breeding and pupping season. Watching these creatures battle in the waves and lounge along the shore was a highlight of the trip.
Big Sur: The Wild Heart of the Pacific Coast Highway
Leaving San Simeon, the Pacific Coast Highway plunges into Big Sur, a rugged and breathtaking stretch of coastline known for its dramatic cliffs and towering redwoods. This region is home to some of California’s best state parks, including:
- Limekiln State Park – Featuring towering redwoods and remnants of 19th-century lime kilns.
- Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – Famous for the stunning McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that cascades directly onto the beach.
- Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park – A hiker’s paradise with incredible views of the Santa Lucia Mountains.
For a perfect lunch stop, I pulled into Big Sur Bakery, a local favorite that also happens to have one of the smallest Shell stations I’ve ever seen—a good place to fuel up before the next 40-mile stretch of remote coastline.
Bixby Creek Bridge: The Most Instagrammed Spot on PCH
Continuing north, I arrived at one of the most famous landmarks on the Pacific Coast Highway: Bixby Creek Bridge. This 260-foot-tall concrete arch bridge, completed in 1932, is one of the most photographed structures on the West Coast. It’s such a popular attraction that traffic often comes to a standstill as tourists scramble to find parking for that perfect shot. If you’re visiting, be prepared to wait your turn for a photo—it’s worth it.
Monterey: The Jewel of the Pacific Coast Highway
A few more miles up PCH, I reached Monterey, a town known for its rich history, world-class events, and stunning coastline. While the Monterey Car Week transforms the town into a mecca for auto enthusiasts each summer, there’s plenty to do year-round.
For the best accommodations, Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa and InterContinental The Clement Monterey offer stunning waterfront views and easy access to Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and McAbee Beach.
If you’re looking for another unforgettable driving experience, 17-Mile Drive at Pebble Beach offers breathtaking ocean views, luxury estates, and golf courses. From 1950-1956, racing drivers competed for the Del Monte Trophy along portions of this drive; the first race was held simultaneously with the first Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The legendary Phil Hill won that inaugural race, while the last race was won by none other than Carroll Shelby. While the speed limit is mostly 25 mph, you can imagine how amazing it must have been to take on these curvy roads at speed.
Santa Lucia Preserve & The Hacienda: A Hidden Luxury Retreat
For a more exclusive experience, I checked into the Hacienda at Santa Lucia Preserve, overlooking the former polo fields of this private retreat nestled in the Carmel Valley hills. The Preserve Golf Club, designed by Tom Fazio, is one of the most exclusive courses in the country, having hosted the California State Amateur Championship and the Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf TV series.
The Final Leg: James Dean’s Last Stop & A Shell-Powered Journey Home
As I wrapped up my Pacific Coast Highway road trip, I opted for a faster return to Los Angeles via Highway 46, a scenic inland route that connects to Interstate 5. This detour led me to one last historic stop: Blackwell’s Corner—the last place James Dean stopped for gas before his tragic accident just 26 miles away. The retro-style station offers James Dean memorabilia, 1950s diner fare, and some of the best local pistachios you’ll find.
Fittingly, Blackwell’s Corner is also a Shell station, meaning the entire Pacific Coast Highway adventure—from Morro Bay to Monterey and back—was powered by Shell V-Power NiTRO+ Premium Gasoline.
Whether you’re taking on the Pacific Coast Highway in a Mazda MX-5 RF, a classic sports car, or a grand tourer, this road trip offers a perfect mix of history, nature, and high-performance driving.
Watch the Video & Plan Your Pacific Coast Highway Adventure
Check out the video from my Pacific Coast Highway journey below, and be sure to visit Shell.com to find a station near you.
