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Pacific Coast Highway: Coastal Towns and Ocean Vistas
Experience the quintessential California road trip along Highway 1. This relaxed journey focuses on dramatic cliffside views, charming seaside villages, and the serene atmosphere of the Central Coast before arriving in Los Angeles.
5days
15stops
627km
Day 1: Ferry Building → Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk → Old Fisherman's Wharf
2h 25min · 190km3 stops
Ferry Building
09:00 – 11:00
1h 31min · 120km
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
12:00 – 14:00
54min · 69km
Old Fisherman's Wharf
15:00 – 17:00
Day 2: Point Lobos State Natural Res… → Bixby Creek Bridge → Pfeiffer Big Sur
30min · 29km3 stops
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
09:00 – 11:00
15min · 12km
Bixby Creek Bridge
12:00 – 14:00
15min · 18km
Pfeiffer Big Sur
15:00 – 17:00
Day 3: McWay Falls → Hearst Castle → Moonstone Beach Park
1h 35min · 106km3 stops
McWay Falls
09:00 – 11:00
21min · 21km
Hearst Castle
12:00 – 14:00
1h 14min · 85km
Moonstone Beach Park
15:00 – 17:00
Day 4: Morro Rock → Solvang → Stearns Wharf
1h 58min · 167km3 stops
Morro Rock
09:00 – 11:00
32min · 38km
Solvang
12:00 – 14:00
1h 26min · 129km
Stearns Wharf
15:00 – 17:00
Day 5: El Matador State Beach → Santa Monica Pier → Griffith Observatory
1h 44min · 135km3 stops
El Matador State Beach
09:00 – 11:00
1h 5min · 97km
Santa Monica Pier
12:00 – 14:00
39min · 38km
Griffith Observatory
15:00 – 17:00
Heads Up
- 1. Check Caltrans District 5 reports for any active road closures or landslides on Highway 1 near Big Sur.
- 2. Book Hearst Castle tour tickets in advance as they frequently sell out during peak season.
- 3. Morning fog is common along the coast; drive with caution and expect cooler temperatures until midday.