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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
Day 1: San Francisco City Center → … → Cannery Row
2h 45min · 200km4 stops
San Francisco City Center
09:00 – 11:00
51min · 51km
Main Street Half Moon Bay
12:00 – 14:00
1h 1min · 78km
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
15:00 – 17:00
53min · 70km
Cannery Row
17:00 – 19:00
Day 2: Carmel-by-the-Sea → … → Moonstone Beach
1h 16min · 71km4 stops
Carmel-by-the-Sea
09:00 – 11:00
15min · 8.5km
Bixby Creek Bridge
12:00 – 14:00
24min · 24km
McWay Falls
15:00 – 17:00
37min · 38km
Moonstone Beach
17:00 – 19:00
Day 3: Hearst Castle → … → San Luis Obispo Downtown
1h 3min · 76km4 stops
Hearst Castle
09:00 – 11:00
10min · 12km
Elephant Seal Vista Point
12:00 – 14:00
9min · 8.4km
Morro Rock
15:00 – 17:00
44min · 56km
San Luis Obispo Downtown
17:00 – 19:00
Day 4: Solvang Danish Village → Stearns Wharf → Old Mission Santa Barbara
1h 51min · 162km3 stops
Solvang Danish Village
09:00 – 11:00
1h 5min · 106km
Stearns Wharf
12:00 – 14:00
46min · 56km
Old Mission Santa Barbara
15:00 – 17:00
Day 5: El Matador State Beach → Santa Monica Pier → Los Angeles City Center
1h 48min · 140km3 stops
El Matador State Beach
09:00 – 11:00
1h 9min · 102km
Santa Monica Pier
12:00 – 14:00
39min · 38km
Los Angeles City Center
15:00 – 17:00
Heads Up
- 1. Drive southbound to stay on the ocean side of the road for easier pullouts and better views.
- 2. Big Sur has limited cell service; download offline maps before departing Monterey.
- 3. Check for seasonal road closures or landslide repairs on Highway 1 near Lucia/Ragged Point.