Pacific Coast Highway Drive
A quintessential American road trip covering 450 miles of dramatic coastline, historic landmarks, and charming seaside towns.
San Francisco → Monterey → Big Sur → San Luis Obispo → Santa Barbara → Los Angeles
- Bixby Creek Bridge
- McWay Falls
- Hearst Castle
- Santa Monica Pier
San Francisco to Monterey
Start your journey south from the Golden City, hugging the rugged cliffs of the Pacific Coast Highway toward the historic Monterey Peninsula.
San Francisco
Pick up your rental car and head south on Highway 1.
Shark Fin Cove
A stunning rock formation shaped like a shark fin in a secluded cove.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Classic Americana vibes with a historic wooden roller coaster.
Old Fisherman's Wharf
Walk the pier and listen for the barking sea lions in the harbor.
Big Sur Magic
The most iconic stretch of the drive. Expect towering redwoods and dramatic bridges.
17-Mile Drive
Scenic loop through Pebble Beach featuring the Lone Cypress.
Bixby Creek Bridge
One of the most photographed bridges in the world. Pull over safely.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Walk among the giant coastal redwoods along the river.
McWay Falls
An 80-foot waterfall that drops directly onto a pristine beach.
Castles & Central Coast
Transition from the wild cliffs to the rolling hills and vineyards of San Luis Obispo county.
Elephant Seal Vista Point
Observe massive elephant seals in their natural habitat.
Hearst Castle
The opulent hilltop estate of publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst.
Morro Rock
A 576-foot volcanic plug standing at the entrance to the harbor.
San Luis Obispo
Explore the charming downtown and the quirky Bubblegum Alley.
Danish Charm & Riviera
Head through the Santa Ynez Valley to the 'American Riviera' of Santa Barbara.
Pismo Beach Pier
Classic California beach town with wide sandy shores.
Solvang
A Danish village in California known for windmills and bakeries.
Old Mission Santa Barbara
The 'Queen of the Missions' with beautiful gardens and architecture.
Stearns Wharf
California's oldest working wharf with great views of the mountains.
Malibu to Los Angeles
The final stretch through celebrity beach enclaves and the iconic Santa Monica pier.
El Matador State Beach
Sea caves and enormous rocks make this Malibu's prettiest beach.
Point Dume
A dramatic cliffside hike with views of the entire bay.
Santa Monica Pier
The official end of Route 66 and a classic LA landmark.
Los Angeles (LAX)
Drop off your car and prepare for your flight home.
- Check for PCH road closures in Big Sur
- Gas is significantly more expensive in Big Sur
- Pack layers for coastal fog
- Day 2: hotel change (Monterey Bay / Cannery Row → Big Sur Village / Cambria) — allow 1-2h check-out + transfer
- Day 3: hotel change (Big Sur Village / Cambria → San Luis Obispo Downtown) — allow 1-2h check-out + transfer
- Day 4: hotel change (San Luis Obispo Downtown → Santa Barbara / West Beach) — allow 1-2h check-out + transfer
- Day 5: hotel change (Santa Barbara / West Beach → LAX / El Segundo) — allow 1-2h check-out + transfer
- Day 5: Santa Monica Pier → Los Angeles (LAX) flight transit only 2.5h — allow ≥5h door-to-door