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San Francisco to Los Angeles · 4 days

Experience the quintessential California road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway. This journey blends urban landmarks, rugged coastal cliffs, Mediterranean-style towns, and the iconic Big Sur coastline for an unforgettable West Coast adventure.

4days
12stops
715km

The route

Tap a day or a town

You sleep in Santa Cruz · Big Sur · Pismo Beach — start in San Francisco, end in Santa Monica.

DAY01

Golden Gate Bridge → Santa Cruz

135 km · 1h 25m driving · Overnight in Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
  1. 09:00
    ⭐ Golden Gate Bridge· start
  2. 86 km · 54m
  3. 12:00
    Pigeon Point Lighthouse
  4. 49 km · 31m
  5. 15:00
    Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk· overnight
DAY02

17-Mile Drive → McWay Falls

118 km · 1h 15m driving · Overnight in McWay Falls
  1. 09:00
    17-Mile Drive· start
  2. 27 km · 17m
  3. 12:00
    ⭐ Bixby Creek Bridge
  4. 38 km · 24m
  5. 15:00
    McWay Falls· overnight
DAY03

Hearst Castle → Pismo Beach

175 km · 1h 52m driving · Overnight in Pismo Beach Pier
  1. 09:00
    ⭐ Hearst Castle· start
  2. 53 km · 34m
  3. 12:00
    Morro Rock
  4. 39 km · 25m
  5. 15:00
    Pismo Beach Pier· overnight
DAY04

Old Mission Santa Barbara → Santa Monica

287 km · 3h 1m driving
  1. 09:00
    ⭐ Old Mission Santa Barbara· start
  2. 107 km · 1h 7m
  3. 12:00
    El Matador State Beach
  4. 42 km · 27m
  5. 15:00
    Santa Monica Pier
Heads Up
  • Check Highway 1 road conditions frequently as landslides can cause sudden closures in the Big Sur area.
  • Book Hearst Castle tours and Monterey Bay Aquarium tickets in advance to ensure availability.
  • Pack layers as coastal temperatures can drop significantly when the marine layer (fog) rolls in.
  • Allow extra time for traffic when entering the Los Angeles metropolitan area.