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Pacific Coast Highway Explorer
A quintessential 5-day California road trip covering 700km of rugged cliffs, historic missions, and iconic piers.
Route: San Francisco → Big Sur → San Simeon → San Luis Obispo → Santa Barbara → Los Angeles
✅ Current month (Apr) is in this region's prime season. PCH best Apr-May & Sep-Oct (clear, mild). Big Sur landslides occasionally close Hwy 1 Dec-Mar — verify daily.
5days
17stops
735drive km
Trip Highlights
  • Incredible ocean views the entire way
  • Diverse mix of nature and culture
  • Paced for relaxation and photography
  • Bixby Creek Bridge
Estimated Cost
Lodging · Based on mid-range hotels$1200-1800
Food & Drink · Mix of casual and nice dinners$500-700
Gas & Fees · Includes parking and park entries$250
Money Savers
  1. 1Pack a cooler with snacks to avoid high prices in Big Sur
  2. 2Use state park day passes at multiple locations on the same day
  3. 3Stay in Cambria instead of Big Sur to save on lodging
Heads Up

Drive North to South to stay on the ocean side of the road

Cell service is non-existent in Big Sur

Book Hearst Castle tours weeks in advance

Day 2: hotel change (Big Sur Village → Cambria Moonstone Beach) — allow 1-2h check-out + transfer

Day 3: hotel change (Cambria Moonstone Beach → Pismo Beach) — allow 1-2h check-out + transfer

Day 4: hotel change (Pismo Beach → Santa Barbara West Beach) — allow 1-2h check-out + transfer

Day 5: hotel change (Santa Barbara West Beach → Santa Monica / Venice) — allow 1-2h check-out + transfer

1
Foggy Cliffs & Redwoods
4 stops · 3h 30m · 235km
›
2
Big Sur to San Simeon
4 stops · 2h 30m · 110km
›
3
Central Coast Charm
3 stops · 1h 15m · 80km
›
4
Danish Dreams & Riviera Vibes
3 stops · 2h · 160km
›
5
Malibu to the City of Angels
3 stops · 2h 30m · 150km
›

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Plan your trip with Roadigo
by John Apple
Pacific Coast Highway Explorer | Roadigo