Pacific Coast Highway Explorer

5days
16stops
595drive km
Day 1: Foggy Cliffs & Coastal Pines
3h 30min · 235km4 stops
San Francisco
09:00
1h 30min · 120km
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
11:00
1h 15min · 85km
Bixby Creek Bridge
14:30
45min · 30km
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
16:30
Day 2: Waterfalls & Elephant Seals
1h 45min · 95km3 stops
McWay Falls
09:30
1h 30min · 85km
Elephant Seal Vista Point
13:00
15min · 10km
Hearst Castle
15:00
Day 3: Morro Rock & Danish Delights
1h 35min · 125km3 stops
Morro Rock
09:30
35min · 40km
Pismo Beach Pier
11:30
1h · 85km
Solvang Village
14:00
Day 4: The American Riviera
1h 35min · 110km3 stops
Old Mission Santa Barbara
10:00
15min · 5.0km
Stearns Wharf
12:30
1h 20min · 105km
El Matador State Beach
15:30
Day 5: Santa Monica & LA Icons
1h · 30km3 stops
Santa Monica Pier
09:30
15min · 5.0km
Venice Canals
11:30
45min · 25km
Griffith Observatory
15:00
Heads Up
  1. Check for PCH road closures near Big Sur
  2. Cell service is non-existent in Big Sur
  3. Download offline maps before you leave SF
  4. Day 2: hotel change (Big Sur Village → Cambria Moonstone Beach) — allow 1-2h check-out + transfer
  5. Day 3: hotel change (Cambria Moonstone Beach → Santa Barbara Downtown) — allow 1-2h check-out + transfer
  6. Day 4: hotel change (Santa Barbara Downtown → Santa Monica) — allow 1-2h check-out + transfer
  7. Day 5: hotel change (Santa Monica → West Hollywood) — allow 1-2h check-out + transfer

Pacific Coast Highway Explorer

A breathtaking 5-day journey down the Pacific Coast Highway, blending rugged nature, historic estates, and iconic California beach culture.

San Francisco → Big Sur → San Simeon → Solvang → Santa Barbara → Malibu → Los Angeles

  1. Foggy Cliffs & Coastal Pines

    Start your journey from San Francisco, crossing the iconic Bixby Bridge to reach the heart of Big Sur.

    • San Francisco

      Pick up your rental and head south on Highway 1 for the ultimate road trip.

    • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

      Stretch your legs at this historic seaside park with vintage Americana vibes.

    • Bixby Creek Bridge

      The most photographed bridge in California. Park on the north side for the best view.

    • Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

      Walk among the redwoods before settling in for a quiet night in the forest.

  2. Waterfalls & Elephant Seals

    Continue through the most rugged section of the PCH toward the rolling hills of San Simeon.

    • McWay Falls

      An 80-foot waterfall that flows directly onto a pristine, inaccessible beach.

    • Elephant Seal Vista Point

      Observe hundreds of massive elephant seals lounging on the beach from the boardwalk.

    • Hearst Castle

      Tour the opulent hilltop estate of publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst.

  3. Morro Rock & Danish Delights

    Head inland briefly to visit the 'Danish Capital of America' before returning to the coast.

    • Morro Rock

      A massive volcanic plug standing 576 feet tall at the entrance to the harbor.

    • Pismo Beach Pier

      Classic California surf town vibes. Great for a quick walk on the sand.

    • Solvang Village

      Explore windmills, bakeries, and Danish architecture in this unique valley town.

  4. The American Riviera

    Spend the day enjoying the upscale Mediterranean vibes of Santa Barbara and Malibu.

    • Old Mission Santa Barbara

      The 'Queen of the Missions' with stunning gardens and historic architecture.

    • Stearns Wharf

      California's oldest working wharf, offering great views of the harbor.

    • El Matador State Beach

      Hidden sea caves and enormous rocks make this the most beautiful beach in Malibu.

  5. Santa Monica & LA Icons

    Conclude your journey at the end of Route 66 and explore the heart of Los Angeles.

    • Santa Monica Pier

      The official end of Route 66 and home to the world's only solar-powered Ferris wheel.

    • Venice Canals

      A peaceful walk through the historic man-made canals of Venice Beach.

    • Griffith Observatory

      The best view of the Hollywood Sign and the sprawling LA basin.