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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.

5days
20stops
537km
DAY01

San Francisco → Old Fisherman's Wharf

195 km · 2h 45m driving · Overnight in Old Fisherman's Wharf
  1. 09:00
    San Francisco· start
  2. 115 km · 1h 30m
  3. 11:00
    Shark Fin Cove
  4. 18 km · 20m
  5. 13:00
    Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
  6. 62 km · 55m
  7. 16:30
    Old Fisherman's Wharf· overnight
Accommodation
Monterey Bay / Cannery Row
Food
  • Phil's Fish Market · Famous cioppino in a casual, coastal setting.
  • Old Monterey Cafe · Hearty breakfast spot loved by locals.
Costs
Lodging
$300
Food
$80
Gas
$45
DAY02

17-Mile Drive → McWay Falls

57 km · 1h 10m driving · Overnight in McWay Falls
  1. 09:30
    17-Mile Drive· start
  2. 25 km · 30m
  3. 11:30
    Bixby Creek Bridge
  4. 20 km · 25m
  5. 13:30
    Pfeiffer Big Sur
  6. 12 km · 15m
  7. 16:00
    McWay Falls· overnight
Accommodation
Big Sur Village / Cambria
Food
  • Nepenthe · Incredible terrace views with their famous Ambrosia burger.
  • Big Sur Bakery · Rustic wood-fired pizzas and fresh pastries.
Costs
Lodging
$450
17-Mile Drive Fee
$11.25
Food
$100
DAY03

Elephant Seal Vista Point → San Luis Obispo

80 km · 1h 20m driving · Overnight in San Luis Obispo
  1. 10:00
    Elephant Seal Vista Point· start
  2. 8 km · 10m
  3. 12:00
    Hearst Castle
  4. 50 km · 45m
  5. 15:30
    Morro Rock
  6. 22 km · 25m
  7. 17:00
    San Luis Obispo· overnight
Accommodation
San Luis Obispo Downtown
Food
  • Firestone Grill · The best Tri-Tip sandwich in the Central Coast.
  • Giovanni's Fish Market · Fresh oysters and fish tacos right on the water.
Costs
Hearst Castle Tour
$30
Lodging
$280
Food
$70
DAY04

Pismo Beach Pier → Stearns Wharf

145 km · 1h 55m driving · Overnight in Stearns Wharf
  1. 09:30
    Pismo Beach Pier· start
  2. 85 km · 1h
  3. 11:30
    Solvang
  4. 55 km · 45m
  5. 15:00
    Old Mission Santa Barbara
  6. 5 km · 10m
  7. 17:00
    Stearns Wharf· overnight
Accommodation
Santa Barbara / West Beach
Food
  • Paula's Pancake House · Thin Danish pancakes with lingonberries in Solvang.
  • Santa Barbara Shellfish Co. · Local crab and lobster at the end of the wharf.
Costs
Lodging
$350
Food
$90
Parking
$25
DAY05

El Matador State Beach → Los Angeles (LAX)

60 km · 1h 40m driving
  1. 10:00
    El Matador State Beach· start
  2. 10 km · 15m
  3. 12:00
    Point Dume
  4. 30 km · 45m
  5. 14:30
    Santa Monica Pier
  6. 20 km · 40m
  7. 17:00
    Los Angeles (LAX)
Accommodation
LAX / El Segundo
Food
  • Malibu Farm Pier Cafe · Fresh, organic fare served over the Pacific Ocean.
  • Bay Cities Italian Deli · Grab a 'Godmother' sandwich for a beach picnic.
Costs
Gas Refill
$55
Food
$60
Parking
$20
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