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Pacific Coast Highway Explorer

A quintessential 5-day California road trip covering 450 miles of dramatic cliffs, historic missions, and iconic piers.

5days
20stops
602km
DAY01

Gray Whale Cove → Old Fisherman's Wharf

164 km · 2h 15m driving · Overnight in Old Fisherman's Wharf
  1. 09:30
    Gray Whale Cove· start
  2. 89 km · 1h 10m
  3. 12:00
    Santa Cruz Boardwalk
  4. 72 km · 55m
  5. 14:30
    Monterey Bay Aquarium
  6. 3.2 km · 10m
  7. 16:45
    Old Fisherman's Wharf· overnight
Accommodation
Monterey Peninsula
Food
  • Sam's Chowder House · Famous lobster rolls with a view of the Pacific.
  • Old Fisherman's Grotto · Classic clam chowder in a sourdough bowl at the wharf.
Costs
Lodging
$300
Food
$100
Gas
$40
DAY02

17-Mile Drive → Elephant Seal Vista

145 km · 2h 35m driving · Overnight in Elephant Seal Vista
  1. 09:00
    17-Mile Drive· start
  2. 29 km · 35m
  3. 11:00
    Bixby Creek Bridge
  4. 35 km · 45m
  5. 13:30
    McWay Falls
  6. 80 km · 1h 15m
  7. 16:30
    Elephant Seal Vista· overnight
Accommodation
Cambria
Food
  • Nepenthe · Famous 'Ambrosia Burger' with 800ft cliffside views.
  • Big Sur Bakery · Rustic wood-fired pizzas and incredible pastries.
Costs
Lodging
$280
Food
$120
Park Fees
$10
DAY03

Hearst Castle → Solvang Village

129 km · 1h 55m driving · Overnight in Solvang Village
  1. 09:00
    Hearst Castle· start
  2. 48 km · 45m
  3. 12:30
    Morro Rock
  4. 24 km · 25m
  5. 14:30
    Bubblegum Alley
  6. 56 km · 45m
  7. 16:30
    Solvang Village· overnight
Accommodation
Solvang
Food
  • Firestone Grill · The best Tri-Tip sandwich in Central California.
  • Paula's Pancake House · Thin Danish pancakes with lingonberries.
Costs
Lodging
$220
Hearst Tour
$30
Food
$90
DAY04

Old Mission Santa Barbara → Malibu Pier

129 km · 1h 55m driving · Overnight in Malibu Pier
  1. 10:00
    Old Mission Santa Barbara· start
  2. 4.8 km · 15m
  3. 12:30
    Stearns Wharf
  4. 105 km · 1h 20m
  5. 15:30
    El Matador State Beach
  6. 19 km · 20m
  7. 17:00
    Malibu Pier· overnight
Accommodation
Malibu / Santa Monica
Food
  • Santa Barbara Shellfish Co. · Fresh sea urchin and crab at the end of the pier.
  • Malibu Farm Pier Cafe · Organic, farm-to-table dining over the ocean.
Costs
Lodging
$450
Food
$150
Parking
$25
DAY05

Santa Monica Pier → Griffith Observatory

35 km · 1h 10m driving
  1. 10:00
    Santa Monica Pier· start
  2. 4.8 km · 15m
  3. 13:00
    Venice Canals
  4. 1.6 km · 5m
  5. 14:30
    Venice Beach Boardwalk
  6. 29 km · 50m
  7. 16:30
    Griffith Observatory
Accommodation
Santa Monica
Food
  • Gjusta · Trendy Venice bakery and deli with a hidden patio.
  • The Albright · Sustainable seafood right on the Santa Monica Pier.
Costs
Lodging
$300
Food
$110
Gas
$30
Heads Up
  • Gas up before entering Big Sur
  • Book Hearst Castle in advance
  • Expect heavy fog in the mornings