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Pacific Coast Highway Drive

A quintessential American road trip covering 700km of dramatic coastline, from the misty forests of the north to the sun-drenched beaches of the south.

5days
20stops
474km
DAY01

San Francisco → Monterey Bay Aquarium

195 km · 2h 45m driving · Overnight in Monterey Bay Aquarium
  1. 09:00
    San Francisco· start
  2. 82 km · 1h 10m
  3. 11:30
    Pigeon Point Lighthouse
  4. 45 km · 45m
  5. 14:00
    Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
  6. 68 km · 50m
  7. 16:30
    Monterey Bay Aquarium· overnight
Accommodation
Monterey / Pacific Grove
Food
  • Phil's Fish Market · Famous cioppino in a casual, bustling seaside setting.
  • Old Fisherman's Grotto · Classic clam chowder in a bread bowl on the wharf.
Costs
Lodging
$300
Food
$80
Aquarium Tickets
$60
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
Cambria
Food
  • Nepenthe · Incredible terrace views with their famous Ambrosiaburger.
  • Big Sur Bakery · Rustic wood-fired pizzas and artisanal pastries in the woods.
Costs
Lodging
$280
Gas
$60
17-Mile Drive Fee
$11.25
DAY03

Elephant Seal Vista Point → Pismo Beach Pier

100 km · 1h 30m driving · Overnight in Pismo Beach Pier
  1. 09:30
    Elephant Seal Vista Point· start
  2. 8 km · 15m
  3. 11:00
    Hearst Castle
  4. 50 km · 40m
  5. 14:30
    Morro Rock
  6. 42 km · 35m
  7. 16:30
    Pismo Beach Pier· overnight
Accommodation
San Luis Obispo
Food
  • Splash Café · Award-winning clam chowder that locals line up for.
  • Robin's Restaurant · Eclectic garden dining in Cambria with great vegetarian options.
Costs
Lodging
$220
Hearst Castle Tour
$30
Food
$70
DAY04

Solvang → State Street Promenade

62 km · 1h driving · Overnight in State Street Promenade
  1. 10:00
    Solvang· start
  2. 55 km · 45m
  3. 13:00
    Old Mission Santa Barbara
  4. 5 km · 10m
  5. 15:00
    Stearns Wharf
  6. 2 km · 5m
  7. 16:30
    State Street Promenade· overnight
Accommodation
Santa Barbara
Food
  • Paula's Pancake House · Famous Danish pancakes in the heart of Solvang.
  • Santa Barbara Shellfish Co. · Fresh local crab and lobster at the very end of the wharf.
Costs
Lodging
$350
Food
$100
Parking
$25
DAY05

El Matador State Beach → Los Angeles (LAX)

60 km · 1h 40m driving
  1. 10:00
    El Matador State Beach· start
  2. 22 km · 25m
  3. 12:30
    Malibu Pier
  4. 18 km · 30m
  5. 14:30
    Santa Monica Pier
  6. 20 km · 45m
  7. 17:00
    Los Angeles (LAX)
Accommodation
Santa Monica
Food
  • Malibu Farm Pier Cafe · Organic, farm-to-table food served right on the Malibu Pier.
  • Neptune's Net · Iconic biker and surfer hangout for fresh seafood baskets.
Costs
Food
$90
Gas
$50
Parking
$30
Heads Up
  • Check for road closures in Big Sur before departing
  • Cell service is non-existent for long stretches of Highway 1
  • Always drive North to South to be on the ocean side of the road
  • Day 2: hotel change (Monterey / Pacific Grove → Cambria) — allow 1-2h check-out + transfer
  • Day 3: hotel change (Cambria → San Luis Obispo) — allow 1-2h check-out + transfer
  • Day 4: hotel change (San Luis Obispo → Santa Barbara) — allow 1-2h check-out + transfer
  • Day 5: hotel change (Santa Barbara → Santa Monica) — allow 1-2h check-out + transfer
  • Day 5: Santa Monica Pier → Los Angeles (LAX) flight transit only 2.5h — allow ≥5h door-to-door