1 / 5

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

The route

Tap a day or a town

You sleep in Monterey · Big Sur · San Luis Obispo · Santa Barbara — start in San Francisco, end in Los Angeles.

DAY01

Ferry Building → Monterey

191 km · 2h 24m driving · Overnight in Monterey Bay Aquarium
  1. 09:00
    Ferry Building· start
  2. 120 km · 1h 30m
  3. 12:00
    Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
  4. 71 km · 54m
  5. 15:00
    ⭐ Monterey Bay Aquarium· overnight
DAY02

Point Lobos State Natural Res… → McWay Falls

32 km · 34m driving · Overnight in McWay Falls
  1. 09:0011:00
    Point Lobos State Natural Reserve· start
  2. 15 km · 19m
  3. 12:00
    ⭐ Bixby Creek Bridge
  4. 18 km · 15m
  5. 15:00
    McWay Falls· overnight
DAY03

Hearst Castle → San Luis Obispo

91 km · 1h 20m driving · Overnight in San Luis Obispo Old Town
  1. 09:00
    ⭐ Hearst Castle· start
  2. 85 km · 1h 14m
  3. 12:00
    Elephant Seal Boardwalk
  4. 6 km · 6m
  5. 15:00
    San Luis Obispo Old Town· overnight
DAY04

Pismo Beach → Santa Barbara

107 km · 1h 12m driving · Overnight in Santa Barbara County Courthouse
  1. 09:00
    Pismo Beach Pier· start
  2. 20 km · 17m
  3. 12:00
    Solvang
  4. 87 km · 55m
  5. 15:00
    ⭐ Santa Barbara County Courthouse· overnight
DAY05

Stearns Wharf → Los Angeles

140 km · 1h 47m driving
  1. 09:00
    Stearns Wharf· start
  2. 2.2 km · 7m
  3. 11:42
    Malibu Pier
  4. 119 km · 1h 19m
  5. 14:24
    ⭐ Santa Monica Pier
  6. 18 km · 21m
  7. 16:12
    Los Angeles City Center
Booking timeline
Book these before you go
  1. Stay in Monterey or Carmel-by-the-Sea · 1
  2. Stay in San Luis Obispo or Cambria · 2
  3. Stay in Santa Barbara · 1
Heads Up
  • Check Caltrans for Highway 1 road closures, especially in the Big Sur region, before departing.
  • Reserve Hearst Castle tours at least 2-4 weeks in advance as they frequently sell out.
  • Fuel up in Monterey or Carmel; gas prices in the Big Sur stretch are significantly higher than average.