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Pacific Coast Highway: Classic California Coastal Drive
A quintessential journey along the rugged California coastline, this 5-day trip balances dramatic cliffside views with charming seaside villages. Starting in iconic San Francisco, you'll traverse the winding curves of Big Sur, explore Mediterranean-style Santa Barbara, and conclude in vibrant Los Angeles. Perfect for travelers seeking breathtaking ocean vistas, fresh seafood, and a relaxed driving pace through the st
5days
16stops
561km
Day 1: Ferry Building → Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk → Monterey Bay Aquarium
2h 24min · 191km3 stops
Ferry Building
09:00 – 11:00
1h 30min · 120km
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
12:00 – 14:00
54min · 71km
Monterey Bay Aquarium
15:00 – 17:00
Day 2: Point Lobos State Natural Res… → Bixby Creek Bridge → McWay Falls
34min · 32km3 stops
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
09:00 – 11:00
19min · 15km
Bixby Creek Bridge
12:00 – 14:00
15min · 18km
McWay Falls
15:00 – 17:00
Day 3: Hearst Castle → Elephant Seal Boardwalk → San Luis Obispo Old Town
1h 20min · 91km3 stops
Hearst Castle
09:00 – 11:00
1h 14min · 85km
Elephant Seal Boardwalk
12:00 – 14:00
6min · 6.0km
San Luis Obispo Old Town
15:00 – 17:00
Day 4: Pismo Beach Pier → Solvang → Santa Barbara County Courthou…
1h 12min · 107km3 stops
Pismo Beach Pier
09:00 – 11:00
17min · 20km
Solvang
12:00 – 14:00
55min · 87km
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
15:00 – 17:00
Day 5: Stearns Wharf → … → Los Angeles City Center
1h 47min · 140km4 stops
Stearns Wharf
09:00-10:48
7min · 2.2km
Malibu Pier
11:42-13:30
1h 19min · 119km
Santa Monica Pier
14:24-16:12
21min · 18km
Los Angeles City Center
16:12-18:00
Heads Up
- 1. Check Caltrans for Highway 1 road closures, especially in the Big Sur region, before departing.
- 2. Reserve Hearst Castle tours at least 2-4 weeks in advance as they frequently sell out.
- 3. Fuel up in Monterey or Carmel; gas prices in the Big Sur stretch are significantly higher than average.