Pacific Coast Highway: The Long
Full route: Monterey → San Luis Obispo → Long Beach Port → Avalon
Monterey → San Luis Obispo → Long Beach Port → Avalon
- Bixby Creek Bridge
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Avenue of the Giants
- Muir Woods National Monument
- Mukilteo-Clinton Ferry
The Central Coast Run
[unchanged, keep Day 1 as-is]
Fog City & Ancient Giants
[unchanged, keep Day 2 as-is]
The Big Drive to the Boat
We’re starting early because the drive south is the star of the show today. Grab a quick coffee near the wharf before hitting the road. We’re skipping the airport and taking the long way down through Big Sur—keep your camera ready for the Bixby Creek Bridge.
Monterey Bay
We’re starting early because the drive south is the star of the show today. Grab a quick coffee near the wharf before hitting the road. We’re skipping the airport and taking the long way down through Big Sur—keep your camera ready for the Bixby Creek Bridge.
San Luis Obispo
By now you'll be ready for a stretch. This is the perfect midpoint to grab a tri-tip sandwich at a local spot downtown. It’s a classic California "college town" vibe that breaks up the coastal curves perfectly before the final push toward the harbor.
Long Beach Port
We’ve made it to the edge of LA. This is where you'll drop the car or park it in the long-term structure. You’ll feel the salty air change as we transition from the rugged north to the busy SoCal docks. Give yourself 45 minutes here to check in for the boat.
Avalon, Catalina Island
We’re ending the trip on island time. After a hour-long ferry ride, you’ll dock in Avalon. No cars allowed here—just golf carts and walking. Grab a cocktail at a beach club and toast to the fact that you drove the whole way instead of flying over the best views in the state.
- Since you're driving Big Sur, check Caltrans for road closures before you leave Monterey; if the 1 is blocked, you'll have to pivot to the 101 inland.
- Day 3: 5.5h drive driving — plan rest stops
- Day 3: last stop 18:30 — leave earlier or drop a stop