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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
650km

The route

Tap a day or a town

You sleep in Monterey · Cambria · San Luis Obispo · Santa Barbara — start in San Francisco, end in Los Angeles.

DAY01

San Francisco → Monterey

199 km · 2h 45m driving · Overnight in Monterey Bay Aquarium
  1. 09:00
    San Francisco Ferry Building· start
  2. 50 km · 50m
  3. 11:42
    Half Moon Bay Main Street
  4. 78 km · 1h 1m
  5. 14:24
    Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
  6. 71 km · 54m
  7. 16:12
    ⭐ Monterey Bay Aquarium· overnight
DAY02

Point Lobos State Natural Res… → Moonstone Beach Boardwalk

70 km · 1h 11m driving · Overnight in Moonstone Beach Boardwalk
  1. 09:00
    Point Lobos State Natural Reserve· start
  2. 15 km · 19m
  3. 11:42
    ⭐ Bixby Creek Bridge
  4. 18 km · 15m
  5. 14:24
    McWay Falls
  6. 38 km · 37m
  7. 16:12
    Moonstone Beach Boardwalk· overnight
DAY03

Elephant Seal Vista Point → San Luis Obispo

86 km · 1h 16m driving · Overnight in San Luis Obispo Downtown
  1. 09:00
    Elephant Seal Vista Point· start
  2. 18 km · 15m
  3. 11:42
    ⭐ Morro Rock
  4. 56 km · 44m
  5. 14:24
    Cayucos State Beach
  6. 13 km · 17m
  7. 16:12
    San Luis Obispo Downtown· overnight
DAY04

Pismo Beach → Stearns Wharf

160 km · 1h 58m driving · Overnight in Stearns Wharf
  1. 09:00
    Pismo Beach Pier· start
  2. 21 km · 17m
  3. 11:42
    ⭐ Solvang Village Square
  4. 87 km · 56m
  5. 14:24
    Old Mission Santa Barbara
  6. 52 km · 45m
  7. 16:12
    Stearns Wharf· overnight
DAY05

El Matador State Beach → Los Angeles

135 km · 1h 44m driving
  1. 09:00
    El Matador State Beach· start
  2. 97 km · 1h 5m
  3. 11:42
    Malibu Pier
  4. 20 km · 18m
  5. 14:24
    ⭐ Santa Monica Pier
  6. 18 km · 21m
  7. 16:12
    Los Angeles City Hall
Booking timeline
Book these before you go
  1. Stay in Monterey or Carmel-by-the-Sea · Night 1
  2. Stay in Cambria or San Luis Obispo · Nights 2-3
  3. Stay in Santa Barbara · Night 4
Heads Up
  • Check Caltrans for Highway 1 road closures near Big Sur before departure.
  • Drive North to South to ensure the easiest access to coastal pull-outs and viewpoints.
  • Coastal fog (June Gloom) is common; pack layers even in summer months.