PCH Coastal Dream 5D

Kick off your journey from San Francisco, heading down the iconic Highway 1 through surf towns and ending in historic Monterey.

5days
20stops
Day 1: Day 1 · Fog City to Monterey
4 stops
San Francisco
09:00
Santa Cruz Boardwalk
11:30
Monterey Bay Aquarium
14:30
Monterey
18:00
Day 2: Day 2 · The Big Sur Magic
4 stops
Monterey
09:00
17-Mile Drive
10:00
Bixby Creek Bridge
13:00
Big Sur
16:00
Day 3: Day 3 · Waterfalls to SLO
4 stops
Big Sur
08:30
McWay Falls
09:30
Hearst Castle
13:30
San Luis Obispo
17:30
Day 4: Day 4 · Danish Vibes & SB
4 stops
San Luis Obispo
09:00
Pismo Beach Pier
10:00
Solvang
13:00
Santa Barbara
17:00
Day 5: Day 5 · Malibu to LA
4 stops
Santa Barbara
09:00
El Matador State Beach
11:30
Santa Monica Pier
14:30
Los Angeles
17:00
Heads Up
  1. Book Hearst Castle in advance
  2. Download offline maps for Big Sur
  3. Watch for morning fog in SF

PCH Coastal Dream 5D

Cruising the PCH is the ultimate California dream—expect epic cliffs, hidden coves, and chill vibes.

San Francisco → Monterey → Big Sur → San Luis Obispo → Santa Barbara → Los Angeles

  1. Day 1 · Fog City to Monterey

    Easy drive south with surf vibes and boardwalk snacks.

    • San Francisco

      Grab a coffee and hit the road. The adventure starts now!

    • Santa Cruz Boardwalk

      Classic Americana. Grab a corn dog and watch the Giant Dipper coaster.

    • Monterey Bay Aquarium

      World-class sea life. The jellyfish exhibit is a total vibe.

    • Monterey

      Check in and head to Cannery Row for dinner by the water.

  2. Day 2 · The Big Sur Magic

    This is THE photo day — charge your camera for the cliffs.

    • Monterey

      Fuel up the car; gas is way more expensive in Big Sur.

    • 17-Mile Drive

      See the Lone Cypress. It's a tourist staple but worth the fee.

    • Bixby Creek Bridge

      The most iconic bridge on the coast. Park on the north side.

    • Big Sur

      Settle into the redwoods. Pure peace and quiet tonight.

  3. Day 3 · Waterfalls to SLO

    Transition from rugged cliffs to rolling hills and wine.

    • Big Sur

      Early start to beat the crowds at the waterfall.

    • McWay Falls

      A waterfall that drops right onto the beach. Pure magic.

    • Hearst Castle

      Opulence in the middle of nowhere. The Neptune Pool is wild.

    • San Luis Obispo

      Chill college town vibes. Check out Bubblegum Alley if you dare.

  4. Day 4 · Danish Vibes & SB

    A mix of sandy beaches and a weirdly cool Danish village.

    • San Luis Obispo

      Grab a coffee downtown before heading to the coast.

    • Pismo Beach Pier

      Classic California beach vibes. Great for a quick stroll.

    • Solvang

      Windmills and pastries. It feels like you teleported to Denmark.

    • Santa Barbara

      The American Riviera. Walk State Street for shopping and drinks.

  5. Day 5 · Malibu to LA

    Finish strong with celebrity beaches and the Santa Monica Pier.

    • Santa Barbara

      One last beach walk before the final drive.

    • El Matador State Beach

      Hidden sea caves and huge rocks. Best beach in Malibu.

    • Santa Monica Pier

      The official end of Route 66 and a great place to celebrate.

    • Los Angeles

      You made it! Time to dive into the LA food scene.