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Pacific Coast Highway Explorer

A quintessential 5-day journey down Highway 1, blending rugged Big Sur cliffs, Danish villages, and the sun-drenched beaches of Southern California.

5days
19stops
513km
DAY01

Half Moon Bay → 17-Mile Drive

155 km · 2h 10m driving · Overnight in 17-Mile Drive
  1. 09:30
    Half Moon Bay· start
  2. 75 km · 1h
  3. 11:30
    Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
  4. 72 km · 55m
  5. 14:30
    Monterey Bay Aquarium
  6. 8 km · 15m
  7. 16:45
    17-Mile Drive· overnight
Accommodation
Monterey / Carmel-by-the-Sea
Food
  • Phil's Fish Market · Famous cioppino in a lively, casual coastal setting.
Costs
Gas
$45
Aquarium Tickets
$60
DAY02

Point Lobos State Reserve → Elephant Seal Vista Point

145 km · 2h 25m driving · Overnight in Elephant Seal Vista Point
  1. 09:00
    Point Lobos State Reserve· start
  2. 22 km · 25m
  3. 11:00
    Bixby Creek Bridge
  4. 38 km · 45m
  5. 13:30
    McWay Falls
  6. 85 km · 1h 15m
  7. 16:30
    Elephant Seal Vista Point· overnight
Accommodation
San Simeon / Cambria
Food
  • Nepenthe · Perched on a cliff with legendary views and the famous Ambrosia burger.
DAY03

Hearst Castle → Solvang Village

165 km · 2h 10m driving · Overnight in Solvang Village
  1. 09:00
    Hearst Castle· start
  2. 48 km · 40m
  3. 12:30
    Morro Rock
  4. 42 km · 35m
  5. 14:45
    Pismo Beach Pier
  6. 75 km · 55m
  7. 16:30
    Solvang Village· overnight
Accommodation
Solvang / Santa Ynez Valley
Food
  • Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery · Traditional butter cookies and kringle pastries.
DAY04

Old Mission Santa Barbara → The Funk Zone

6 km · 23m driving · Overnight in The Funk Zone
  1. 10:00
    Old Mission Santa Barbara· start
  2. 3 km · 10m
  3. 12:30
    Santa Barbara County Courthouse
  4. 2 km · 8m
  5. 14:30
    Stearns Wharf
  6. 1 km · 5m
  7. 16:30
    The Funk Zone· overnight
Accommodation
Santa Barbara Waterfront
Food
  • Santa Barbara Shellfish Company · Local uni and crab right at the end of the pier.
DAY05

El Matador State Beach → Santa Monica Pier

42 km · 55m driving
  1. 10:00
    El Matador State Beach· start
  2. 32 km · 35m
  3. 12:30
    The Getty Villa
  4. 10 km · 20m
  5. 15:30
    Santa Monica Pier
Accommodation
Santa Monica / Venice
Food
  • Malibu Farm Pier Cafe · Fresh, organic fare served directly over the Pacific waves.
Costs
Gas
$40
Parking
$25
Heads Up
  • Check for Big Sur road closures before departing
  • Bring layers; the coast can be foggy and chilly even in summer
  • Book Hearst Castle tours at least 2 weeks in advance