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Pacific Coast Highway Drive
A quintessential American road trip covering 450 miles of dramatic coastline, historic landmarks, and charming seaside towns.
Route: San Francisco → Monterey → Big Sur → San Luis Obispo → Santa Barbara → Los Angeles
✅ Current month (Apr) is in this region's prime season. PCH best Apr-May & Sep-Oct (clear, mild). Big Sur landslides occasionally close Hwy 1 Dec-Mar — verify daily.
5days
20stops
730drive km
Trip Highlights
  • Unbeatable ocean views
  • Diverse stops from nature to history
  • Well-paced for photography
  • Bixby Creek Bridge
Estimated Cost
Lodging · Mid-range hotels and inns$1,500
Car & Gas · Rental + premium fuel$600
Food & Activities · Includes Hearst Castle and dining$800
Money Savers
  1. 1Use the 'GasBuddy' app to avoid high prices in Big Sur
  2. 2Buy groceries at Safeway in Monterey before hitting the remote coast
  3. 3Visit free state beach overlooks instead of paid parking lots
  4. 4Book hotels in SLO or Cambria instead of Big Sur proper
  5. 5Look for 'Happy Hour' oysters in Santa Barbara's Funk Zone
  6. 6Use a National Parks pass if visiting multiple federal sites
Heads Up

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

1
San Francisco to Monterey
4 stops · 2h 45m · 195km
›
2
Big Sur Magic
4 stops · 3h · 150km
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3
Castles & Central Coast
4 stops · 2h 30m · 160km
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4
Danish Charm & Riviera
4 stops · 2h 15m · 170km
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5
Malibu to Los Angeles
4 stops · 2h 30m · 155km
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Pacific Coast Highway Drive | Roadigo