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Classic Pacific Coast Highway: SF to LA
A leisurely 5-day journey down the iconic California coast, blending the rugged cliffs of Big Sur with charming seaside towns, Mediterranean-style architecture, and classic beach culture from San Francisco to Los Angeles.
5days
20stops
651km
Day 1: San Francisco Ferry Building → … → Monterey Bay Aquarium
2h 45min · 199km4 stops
San Francisco Ferry Building
09:00-10:48
50min · 50km
Half Moon Bay Main Street
11:42-13:30
1h 1min · 78km
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
14:24-16:12
54min · 71km
Monterey Bay Aquarium
16:12-18:00
Day 2: Point Lobos State Natural Res… → … → Moonstone Beach Boardwalk
1h 11min · 70km4 stops
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
09:00-10:48
19min · 15km
Bixby Creek Bridge
11:42-13:30
15min · 18km
McWay Falls
14:24-16:12
37min · 38km
Moonstone Beach Boardwalk
16:12-18:00
Day 3: Elephant Seal Vista Point → … → San Luis Obispo Downtown
1h 16min · 86km4 stops
Elephant Seal Vista Point
09:00-10:48
15min · 18km
Morro Rock
11:42-13:30
44min · 56km
Cayucos State Beach
14:24-16:12
17min · 13km
San Luis Obispo Downtown
16:12-18:00
Day 4: Pismo Beach Pier → … → Stearns Wharf
1h 58min · 160km4 stops
Pismo Beach Pier
09:00-10:48
17min · 21km
Solvang Village Square
11:42-13:30
56min · 87km
Old Mission Santa Barbara
14:24-16:12
45min · 52km
Stearns Wharf
16:12-18:00
Day 5: El Matador State Beach → … → Los Angeles City Hall
1h 44min · 135km4 stops
El Matador State Beach
09:00-10:48
1h 5min · 97km
Malibu Pier
11:42-13:30
18min · 20km
Santa Monica Pier
14:24-16:12
21min · 18km
Los Angeles City Hall
16:12-18:00
Heads Up
- 1. Check Caltrans for Highway 1 road closures near Big Sur before departure.
- 2. Drive North to South to ensure the easiest access to coastal pull-outs and viewpoints.
- 3. Coastal fog (June Gloom) is common; pack layers even in summer months.