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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
16stops
DAY01

San Francisco → Monterey

Overnight in Monterey
  1. 09:00
    San Francisco· start
  3. 11:30
    Santa Cruz Boardwalk
  5. 14:30
    Monterey Bay Aquarium
  7. 18:00
    Monterey· overnight
Coastal Eats
  • Old Fisherman's Grotto · Legendary clam chowder in a bread bowl. Totally worth the wait.
  • Phil's Fish Market · Fresh cioppino in Moss Landing. A local game-changer.
Day 1 Budget
Gas
$40
Monterey Hotel
$220
DAY02

Monterey → Big Sur

Overnight in Big Sur
  1. 09:00
    Monterey· start
  3. 10:00
    17-Mile Drive
  5. 13:00
    Bixby Creek Bridge
  7. 16:00
    Big Sur· overnight
Big Sur Bites
  • Nepenthe · Pricey, but the terrace views of the coast are unbeatable.
  • Big Sur Bakery · Rustic vibes and amazing pastries. Great for a quick fuel-up.
Nature Budget
Park Fees
$10
Big Sur Lodge
$350
DAY03

Big Sur → San Luis Obispo

Overnight in San Luis Obispo
  1. 08:30
    Big Sur· start
  3. 09:30
    McWay Falls
  5. 13:30
    Hearst Castle
  7. 17:30
    San Luis Obispo· overnight
Central Coast Eats
  • Firestone Grill · The tri-tip sandwich is a San Luis Obispo rite of passage.
  • Sebastian's General Store · Great burgers right near the Hearst Ranch winery.
Daily Spend
Hearst Castle Tour
$30
SLO Hotel
$180
DAY04

San Luis Obispo → Santa Barbara

Overnight in Santa Barbara
  1. 09:00
    San Luis Obispo· start
  3. 10:00
    Pismo Beach Pier
  5. 13:00
    Solvang
  7. 17:00
    Santa Barbara· overnight
Local Favorites
  • La Super-Rica Taqueria · Julia Child's favorite taco spot. Expect a line, it's worth it.
  • Paula's Pancake House · Thin Danish pancakes in Solvang. A breakfast game-changer.
Today's Budget
Wine Tasting
$40
Santa Barbara Hotel
$280
DAY05

Santa Barbara → Los Angeles

  1. 09:00
    Santa Barbara· start
  3. 11:30
    El Matador State Beach
  5. 14:30
    Santa Monica Pier
  7. 17:00
    Los Angeles
SoCal Eats
  • Malibu Farm Pier Cafe · Fresh, organic food right on the Malibu pier. Very 'LA'.
  • Bay Cities Italian Deli · Get the 'Godmother' sandwich. Best in Santa Monica.
Final Costs
Parking in LA
$30
Gas Refill
$45
Heads Up
  • Book Hearst Castle in advance
  • Download offline maps for Big Sur
  • Watch for morning fog in SF