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California PCH: The Golden Coast Explorer

Embark on a quintessential Pacific Coast Highway journey. This relaxed route winds through misty redwood forests, dramatic Big Sur cliffs, and sun-drenched Mediterranean-style towns, offering the perfect blend of natural wonder and coastal California culture.

5days
18stops
649km

The route

Tap a day or a town

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

DAY01

San Francisco → Cannery Row

200 km · 2h 45m driving · Overnight in Cannery Row
  1. 09:00
    San Francisco City Center· start
  2. 51 km · 51m
  3. 12:00
    Main Street Half Moon Bay
  4. 78 km · 1h 1m
  5. 15:00
    ⭐ Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
  6. 70 km · 53m
  7. 17:00
    Cannery Row· overnight
DAY02

Carmel → Moonstone Beach

71 km · 1h 16m driving · Overnight in Moonstone Beach
  1. 09:00
    Carmel-by-the-Sea· start
  2. 8.5 km · 15m
  3. 12:00
    ⭐ Bixby Creek Bridge
  4. 24 km · 24m
  5. 15:00
    McWay Falls
  6. 38 km · 37m
  7. 17:00
    Moonstone Beach· overnight
DAY03

Hearst Castle → San Luis Obispo

76 km · 1h 3m driving · Overnight in San Luis Obispo Downtown
  1. 09:00
    Hearst Castle· start
  2. 12 km · 10m
  3. 12:00
    Elephant Seal Vista Point
  4. 8.4 km · 9m
  5. 15:00
    ⭐ Morro Rock
  6. 56 km · 44m
  7. 17:00
    San Luis Obispo Downtown· overnight
DAY04

Solvang → Old Mission Santa Barbara

162 km · 1h 51m driving · Overnight in Old Mission Santa Barbara
  1. 09:00
    Solvang Danish Village· start
  2. 106 km · 1h 5m
  3. 12:00
    ⭐ Stearns Wharf
  4. 56 km · 46m
  5. 15:00
    Old Mission Santa Barbara· overnight
DAY05

El Matador State Beach → Los Angeles

140 km · 1h 48m driving
  1. 09:00
    El Matador State Beach· start
  2. 102 km · 1h 9m
  3. 12:00
    ⭐ Santa Monica Pier
  4. 38 km · 39m
  5. 15:00
    Los Angeles City Center
Booking timeline
Book these before you go
  1. Stay in Monterey or Carmel-by-the-Sea · Night 1
  2. Stay in San Simeon or Cambria · Night 2
  3. Stay in Santa Barbara · Nights 3-4
Heads Up
  • Drive southbound to stay on the ocean side of the road for easier pullouts and better views.
  • Big Sur has limited cell service; download offline maps before departing Monterey.
  • Check for seasonal road closures or landslide repairs on Highway 1 near Lucia/Ragged Point.