Top Subaru Accessories for Long Road Trips Along the Pacific Coast Highway

Few experiences compare to the thrill of a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). The winding roads, scenic coastal views, and breathtaking landscapes make this one of the most iconic drives in the world. If you’re planning to embark on this journey, especially in a Subaru, you’ll want to make sure your vehicle is outfitted with the right accessories for the trip. Whether you’re driving a Subaru Outback, Forester, or Crosstrek, there are plenty of accessories for Subaru vehicles designed to make long road trips more comfortable, convenient, and safe.

In this guide, we’ll cover the top Subaru accessories you should consider for your next adventure along the PCH. From enhancing cargo space to improving entertainment options, these accessories are essential for making the most of your journey.

1. Roof Cargo Box: Maximize Your Storage

One of the most valuable accessories for any road trip, especially one along the scenic yet remote stretches of the PCH, is a roof cargo box. Subaru vehicles like the Outback and Forester already offer ample interior space, but when you’re traveling with the family or bringing along extra gear for outdoor adventures, a roof cargo box adds much-needed storage capacity.

Top features of a Subaru-compatible roof cargo box include:

• Aerodynamic design to minimize wind resistance and reduce fuel consumption.
• Weather-resistant materials to protect your luggage from rain or coastal mist.
• Easy installation and removal with Subaru’s standard roof rails.

Some popular options include the Thule Motion XT or Yakima SkyBox—both of which fit seamlessly on Subaru’s factory-installed roof rails. These roof cargo boxes are perfect for storing extra luggage, camping gear, or even surfboards if you’re planning to hit the beaches along the California coast.

2. All-Weather Floor Mats: Protect Your Interior

When traveling along the Pacific Coast Highway, you’ll likely make several stops to explore beaches, hiking trails, or parks. With all that in-and-out traffic, your car’s interior is bound to see some dirt, sand, and mud. This is where all-weather floor mats come in handy. Subaru’s custom-fitted floor mats are made of durable, waterproof materials, offering superior protection against spills, dirt, and moisture.

Key benefits of Subaru’s all-weather floor mats include:

• Custom fit for each Subaru model, ensuring maximum coverage.
• Raised edges that trap water, sand, and debris, preventing damage to your car’s carpets.
• Easy to clean- simply hose them down after a muddy or sandy adventure.

These mats are particularly useful if you’re stopping at places like Big Sur or Monterey Bay, where dirt and water from hiking trails or beaches can easily be tracked into your vehicle.

3. Rear Seat Entertainment System: Keep Passengers Engaged

Long drives can be challenging for passengers, especially kids. To keep everyone entertained during the drive along the PCH, a rear seat entertainment system is a must-have accessory. Subaru offers a factory-installed rear seat entertainment system with dual screens that are mounted on the back of the front seats, allowing passengers to watch movies, play games, or listen to music.

Some standout features include:

• Wireless headphones for individual viewing without disturbing the driver.
• Multiple input options including USB, HDMI, and DVD, so you can bring a variety of entertainment sources.
• Easy controls that allow passengers to manage their own viewing preferences.

Whether you’re traveling from Santa Monica to San Francisco or beyond, this entertainment system ensures that backseat passengers stay happy and occupied, making the journey more pleasant for everyone.

4. Cargo Net and Organizer: Keep Your Trunk Tidy

Keeping your belongings organized on a long road trip is key to avoiding clutter and making sure everything is easily accessible when you need it. The Subaru cargo net and organizer are perfect accessories for storing small items like groceries, beach towels, hiking boots, or roadside emergency kits.

The cargo net attaches securely to the hooks in the trunk, preventing items from shifting around during the drive. The cargo organizer, which can be divided into compartments, helps keep everything in place and within easy reach.

Benefits of using the cargo net and organizer include:

• Secure storage for small items that might otherwise roll around in the trunk.
• Foldable and compact design when not in use.
• Easily adjustable compartments to accommodate different items.

These accessories are particularly helpful when making multiple stops along the PCH, where you’ll want quick access to snacks, cameras, or beach gear.

5. Subaru EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology: Enhance Safety on the Road

Safety should always be a top priority when embarking on a long road trip, especially when navigating the sometimes narrow and winding roads of the Pacific Coast Highway. Subaru’s EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology is one of the most advanced safety systems available, helping drivers stay aware of their surroundings and avoid potential accidents.

EyeSight® includes features like:

• Adaptive cruise control, which adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the car ahead.
• Pre-collision braking, which can automatically apply the brakes to help avoid or minimize a collision.
• Lane departure and sway warning, alerting you if you drift out of your lane without signaling.

Although EyeSight® is a standard feature on many new Subaru models, it’s an essential accessory to consider if your current Subaru is not already equipped with it. This technology offers peace of mind, especially when navigating challenging coastal roads.

6. Portable Fridge/Freezer: Keep Your Food Fresh

If you’re planning to picnic at any of the beautiful coastal spots along the PCH or need to keep food and beverages cold for a camping trip, a portable fridge/freezer is a game-changer. Subaru vehicles like the Outback and Ascent can easily accommodate portable fridges in the trunk, and many of these fridges are powered by the car’s 12V outlet.

Top benefits of a portable fridge/freezer include:

• Temperature control, allowing you to adjust the unit to either refrigerate or freeze your food and drinks.
• Energy-efficient design that won’t drain your car’s battery.
• Compact size, making it easy to fit in your Subaru’s spacious cargo area.

This accessory is perfect for keeping snacks fresh on the go, storing perishables for a longer road trip, or chilling beverages for a beach day.

7. Roof-Mounted Bike and Kayak Racks: Adventure-Ready Accessories

For outdoor enthusiasts who want to take advantage of all the PCH has to offer, roof-mounted bike racks and kayak racks are essential accessories. Subaru’s versatile roof rails can easily support these racks, giving you the flexibility to bring along your bikes for a scenic ride or a kayak for paddling in the Pacific Ocean.

Popular Subaru-compatible racks include:

• Thule Bike Carrier: This rack makes it easy to load and transport your bike securely, whether you’re planning to ride around the coastal towns or tackle the hills near Big Sur.
• Yakima Kayak Carrier: A perfect accessory for water sport lovers, this carrier securely holds your kayak while minimizing wind resistance on the road.

With these racks, you can pack light in the car’s interior while taking your outdoor adventure gear on top of the vehicle.

8. Seat Covers: Comfort and Protection

Long road trips along the coast mean plenty of hours spent sitting in the car. Investing in high-quality seat covers can enhance your comfort while protecting your seats from spills, dirt, and wear. Subaru offers water-resistant and durable seat covers that are custom-fitted for each model, ensuring a perfect fit.

Here’s why seat covers are a must-have:

• Easy to clean after a long trip, especially if sand, dirt, or food spills accumulate.
• Added comfort during long stretches of driving, with padding that provides extra support.
• Protection for leather or fabric seats, keeping them in top condition despite heavy use.

These covers are especially useful when you plan on making frequent stops at beaches or hiking trails along the PCH, where sand and dirt are inevitable.

9. Subaru STARLINK® Multimedia System: Stay Connected

No road trip is complete without the right music, podcasts, or audiobooks to keep you entertained during the drive. Subaru’s STARLINK® Multimedia System is designed to offer seamless connectivity between your smartphone and your car’s infotainment system.

With STARLINK®, you can:

• Access navigation, helping you find your way through winding coastal roads or locate the nearest pit stop.
• Stream music and podcasts via Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™ integration.
• Receive real-time weather updates, traffic alerts, and more.

This system ensures you stay connected and informed while enjoying the scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway.

Conclusion

A road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway is an unforgettable experience, and with the right accessories for your Subaru, you can make the journey even more enjoyable. Whether it’s maximizing storage with a roof cargo box, keeping your car clean with all-weather floor mats, or enhancing safety with Subaru EyeSight®, these accessories ensure your Subaru is road trip-ready.

If you’re in the market for these accessories or even a new Subaru, be sure to check out the selection available at Subaru of Glendale. We offer a wide range of genuine Subaru accessories that are designed to enhance your driving experience, no matter where your next adventure takes you.