California PCH: The Golden Coast Explorer

5days
18stops
649drive km
Day 1: Foggy Heights and Coastal Boardwalks
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: Rugged Cliffs and Big Sur Magic
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 and Central Coast Charms
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: Danish Delights and Spanish Architecture
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: Malibu Waves and Golden State Finale
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.

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.

San Francisco -> Monterey -> Big Sur -> San Luis Obispo -> Santa Barbara -> Los Angeles

  1. Foggy Heights and Coastal Boardwalks

    • San Francisco City Center

      San Francisco City Center, San Francisco, California, US

    • Main Street Half Moon Bay

      Main Street Half Moon Bay, Half Moon Bay, California, US

    • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

      Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz, California, US

    • Cannery Row

      Cannery Row, Monterey, California, US

  2. Rugged Cliffs and Big Sur Magic

    • Carmel-by-the-Sea

      Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel, California, US

    • Bixby Creek Bridge

      Bixby Creek Bridge, Big Sur, California, US

    • McWay Falls

      McWay Falls, Big Sur, California, US

    • Moonstone Beach

      Moonstone Beach, Cambria, California, US

  3. Hearst Castle and Central Coast Charms

    • Hearst Castle

      Hearst Castle, San Simeon, California, US

    • Elephant Seal Vista Point

      Elephant Seal Vista Point, San Simeon, California, US

    • Morro Rock

      Morro Rock, Morro Bay, California, US

    • San Luis Obispo Downtown

      San Luis Obispo Downtown, San Luis Obispo, California, US

  4. Danish Delights and Spanish Architecture

    • Solvang Danish Village

      Solvang Danish Village, Solvang, California, US

    • Stearns Wharf

      Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, California, US

    • Old Mission Santa Barbara

      Old Mission Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, US

  5. Malibu Waves and Golden State Finale

    • El Matador State Beach

      El Matador State Beach, Malibu, California, US

    • Santa Monica Pier

      Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, California, US

    • Los Angeles City Center

      Los Angeles City Center, Los Angeles, California, US