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Plan a 7-day road trip through Utah's Mighty 5 National Parks starting from Las Vegas
This is the classic PCH run. We're starting in SF and heading south for the best views (you're on the ocean side of the road!). Expect epic cliffs, misty forests, and some of the best seafood you've ever had.
5days
18stops
DAY01
San Francisco → Monterey Bay Aquarium
Overnight in Monterey Bay Aquarium
- 09:00San Francisco· start
- 11:30Santa Cruz Boardwalk
- 14:30Monterey Bay Aquarium· overnight
Local Eats
- Phil's Fish Market · Legendary cioppino in Moss Landing. It's messy, loud, and totally worth the wait.
- Old Fisherman's Grotto · Classic Monterey wharf vibes. Get the clam chowder in a bread bowl.
Today's Budget
- Gas & Parking
- $45
- Aquarium Tickets
- $60
DAY02
17-Mile Drive → Big Sur Village
Overnight in Big Sur Village
- 09:3017-Mile Drive· start
- 12:00Point Lobos
- 15:30Bixby Creek Bridge
- 17:30Big Sur Village· overnight
Campsite · Big Sur Village
Campsite details not verified yet
Don't Miss These
- Big Sur Bakery · Hidden behind a gas station, this place has the best ginger scones on earth.
- Coast Big Sur · Eat on the rooftop gallery. The views are as good as the picnic-style food.
What to Budget
- 17-Mile Drive Fee
- $11
- State Park Entry
- $10
DAY03
Pfeiffer Beach → Sand Dollar Beach
Overnight in Sand Dollar Beach
- 10:00Pfeiffer Beach· start
- 13:00Nepenthe
- 15:30McWay Falls
- 17:30Sand Dollar Beach· overnight
Big Sur Classics
- Nepenthe · The 'Ambrosia Burger' with a view that will literally blow your mind.
- Deetjen's · Super cozy, old-school Big Sur. Perfect for a candlelit dinner in the woods.
Today's Budget
- Lunch at Nepenthe
- $40
- State Park Fee
- $10
DAY04
Ragged Point → Cambria
Overnight in Cambria
- 10:00Ragged Point· start
- 12:00Elephant Seal Rookery
- 14:00Hearst Castle
- 17:30Cambria· overnight
Cambria Eats
- Robin's Restaurant · Eclectic garden dining in Cambria. The salmon bisque is a must-try.
- Moonstone Beach Bar · Perfect for sunset drinks and fresh seafood right on the water.
What to Budget
- Hearst Castle Tour
- $30
- Dinner
- $50
DAY05
Morro Bay → Los Angeles
- 09:30Morro Bay· start
- 13:00Santa Barbara
- 18:00Los Angeles
Road Trip Fuel
- La Super-Rica Taqueria · Julia Child's favorite taco spot. Expect a line, but it's worth it.
- McConnell's Ice Cream · The best ice cream in California. Get the salted caramel chip.
Final Day Budget
- Gas
- $60
- Lunch & Snacks
- $40
Heads Up
- No cell service in Big Sur
- Book Hearst Castle in advance
- Download offline maps