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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

The route

Tap a day or a town

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

DAY01

Ferry Building → Old Fisherman's Wharf

190 km · 2h 25m driving · Overnight in Old Fisherman's Wharf
  1. 09:00
    Ferry Building· start
  2. 120 km · 1h 31m
  3. 12:00
    ⭐ Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
  4. 69 km · 54m
  5. 15:00
    Old Fisherman's Wharf· overnight
DAY02

Point Lobos State Natural Res… → Pfeiffer Big Sur

29 km · 30m driving · Overnight in Pfeiffer Big Sur
  1. 09:00
    Point Lobos State Natural Reserve· start
  2. 12 km · 15m
  3. 12:00
    ⭐ Bixby Creek Bridge
  4. 18 km · 15m
  5. 15:0017:00
    Pfeiffer Big Sur· overnight
DAY03

McWay Falls → Moonstone Beach Park

106 km · 1h 35m driving · Overnight in Moonstone Beach Park
  1. 09:00
    McWay Falls· start
  2. 21 km · 21m
  3. 12:00
    ⭐ Hearst Castle
  4. 85 km · 1h 14m
  5. 15:00
    Moonstone Beach Park· overnight
DAY04

Morro Rock → Stearns Wharf

167 km · 1h 58m driving · Overnight in Stearns Wharf
  1. 09:00
    Morro Rock· start
  2. 38 km · 32m
  3. 12:00
    ⭐ Solvang
  4. 129 km · 1h 26m
  5. 15:00
    Stearns Wharf· overnight
DAY05

El Matador State Beach → Griffith Observatory

135 km · 1h 44m driving
  1. 09:00
    El Matador State Beach· start
  2. 97 km · 1h 5m
  3. 12:00
    ⭐ Santa Monica Pier
  4. 38 km · 39m
  5. 15:00
    Griffith Observatory
Booking timeline
Book these before you go
  1. Days 1–2Stay in Monterey / Big Sur · Nights 1-2
  2. Day 3Stay in Cambria · Night 3
  3. Day 4Stay in Santa Barbara · Night 4
Heads Up
  • Check Caltrans District 5 reports for any active road closures or landslides on Highway 1 near Big Sur.
  • Book Hearst Castle tour tickets in advance as they frequently sell out during peak season.
  • Morning fog is common along the coast; drive with caution and expect cooler temperatures until midday.