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Pacific Coast Highway Explorer

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

5days
16stops
595km
DAY01

San Francisco → Pfeiffer Big Sur

235 km · 3h 30m driving · Overnight in Pfeiffer Big Sur
  1. 09:00
    San Francisco· start
  2. 120 km · 1h 30m
  3. 11:00
    Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
  4. 85 km · 1h 15m
  5. 14:30
    Bixby Creek Bridge
  6. 30 km · 45m
  7. 16:30
    Pfeiffer Big Sur· overnight
Accommodation
Big Sur Village
Food
  • Nepenthe · Famous terrace views overlooking the Pacific coastline.
  • Big Sur Bakery · Rustic wood-fired pizzas and incredible morning pastries.
Costs
Lodging
$350
Food
$80
Gas
$45
DAY02

McWay Falls → Hearst Castle

95 km · 1h 45m driving · Overnight in Hearst Castle
  1. 09:30
    McWay Falls· start
  2. 85 km · 1h 30m
  3. 13:00
    Elephant Seal Vista Point
  4. 10 km · 15m
  5. 15:00
    Hearst Castle· overnight
Accommodation
Cambria Moonstone Beach
Food
  • Sebastian's General Store · Great burgers and wine tasting near the Hearst pier.
Costs
Hearst Castle Tour
$30
Lodging
$220
Food
$60
DAY03

Morro Rock → Solvang Village

125 km · 1h 35m driving · Overnight in Solvang Village
  1. 09:30
    Morro Rock· start
  2. 40 km · 35m
  3. 11:30
    Pismo Beach Pier
  4. 85 km · 1h
  5. 14:00
    Solvang Village· overnight
Accommodation
Santa Barbara Downtown
Food
  • Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery · Authentic Danish pastries and butter cookies.
  • Splash Café · Famous clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl.
Costs
Lodging
$280
Food
$70
Gas
$40
DAY04

Old Mission Santa Barbara → El Matador State Beach

110 km · 1h 35m driving · Overnight in El Matador State Beach
  1. 10:00
    Old Mission Santa Barbara· start
  2. 5 km · 15m
  3. 12:30
    Stearns Wharf
  4. 105 km · 1h 20m
  5. 15:30
    El Matador State Beach· overnight
Accommodation
Santa Monica
Food
  • Malibu Farm Pier Cafe · Fresh, organic food served right over the Pacific Ocean.
  • Santa Barbara Shellfish Co. · Fresh local crab and lobster at the end of the wharf.
Costs
Lodging
$320
Food
$90
Parking
$25
DAY05

Santa Monica Pier → Griffith Observatory

30 km · 1h driving
  1. 09:30
    Santa Monica Pier· start
  2. 5 km · 15m
  3. 11:30
    Venice Canals
  4. 25 km · 45m
  5. 15:00
    Griffith Observatory
Accommodation
West Hollywood
Food
  • Gjelina · Trendy and delicious Mediterranean-inspired fare in Venice.
Costs
Food
$75
Gas
$35
Lodging
$250
Heads Up
  • Check for PCH road closures near Big Sur
  • Cell service is non-existent in Big Sur
  • Download offline maps before you leave SF
  • Day 2: hotel change (Big Sur Village → Cambria Moonstone Beach) — allow 1-2h check-out + transfer
  • Day 3: hotel change (Cambria Moonstone Beach → Santa Barbara Downtown) — allow 1-2h check-out + transfer
  • Day 4: hotel change (Santa Barbara Downtown → Santa Monica) — allow 1-2h check-out + transfer
  • Day 5: hotel change (Santa Monica → West Hollywood) — allow 1-2h check-out + transfer