To make the best of this road trip on California Coast, you need to spend at least a couple of days on the road, preferably a week, and make time for activities like hiking, beach-combing, and wildlife viewing.

Fortunately, there are many exceptional hotels and places to stay along Hwy 1 where you can enjoy the views and your surroundings. 

Figuring out where to stay is the most essential part of planning your Pacific Coast Highway road trip.

Along with beautiful hotels, there are a variety of resorts, inns, bed & breakfasts, and motels along the routes for all kinds of travelers.

Most major cities along the coast including San Francisco, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles have the presence of most hotel chains and it is easy to find a place to stay for all budgets.

However, for stretches of Big Sur, most accommodations while beautiful are few and expensive.

Hence, if you want to do the Pacific Coast Highway road trip on a budget we would recommend not staying in Big Sur or looking at campgrounds and RV parks. 

We also recommend finalizing your Pacific Coast Highway itinerary before booking accommodations for your trip.

To find the best PCH stops, read our post now.

To finalize your itinerary, check out our section on Suggested Itineraries.

To plan your road trip down or up the coast, refer to our Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway road trip planner.

In this post, we recommend cities and towns along the Californian coast which make great places to stay from North to south.

We also provide suggestions for exactly where to stay for all budgets along with useful links to book the hotels.

We hope that our recommendations will be useful in planning your PCH road trip.

Here are some of the great places to stay along the Pacific Coast Highway:

Mendocino

Mendocino makes a great first stop for starting or ending your Hwy 1 road trip.

This charming, coastal town reminds us of New England. We love Mendocino for its coastal bluffs.

The town has many quaint inns and B&Bs and is perfect for couples on a romantic getaway.

Click here to help explore the best places to stay in Mendocino.

San Francisco

San Francisco is the ultimate city break on a Pacific Coast Highway road trip.

If you are visiting San Francisco for the first time, then we would recommend spending at least 2 to 3 days to explore the City’s attractions including the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, Mission District, etc.

Click here to explore the best places to stay in San Francisco.

Half Moon Bay

If you’re looking for a stunning natural oasis to explore, Half Moon Bay is the place for you.

Just south of San Francisco, this rocky coastline and fertile valley is a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike.

With its beautiful beaches, quiet coves, rolling hills, and good accommodation options, Half Moon Bay is a great place to stay for the night.

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a beautiful town located on the Central Coast of California.

The town is full of natural beauty, with stunning beaches and redwood forests nearby.

Santa Cruz is also home to a lively downtown area, with excellent restaurants and shopping options.

Monterey

If you are planning your PCH road trip from San Francisco, then Monterey makes the perfect first stop.

See the famous aquarium, explore Cannery Row, and enjoy the seafood.

Go for a whale-watching cruise and visit Monterey State Historic Park.

Take a day or two to enjoy everything that Monterey has to offer including the 17 Mile Scenic Drive.

Your best beachside pick is the luxurious Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa.

Click here to explore the best places to stay in Monterey.

Carmel by the sea

If you’re looking for a little slice of heaven along the Pacific ocean, you’ll find it in Carmel by the Sea.

This picturesque town is situated on the California’s Central Coast.

With its breathtaking ocean views and charming small-town atmosphere, its a favorite stop for many to stay and explore.

While you are in town be sure to spend some time at Carmel Beach.

Big Sur

While it is not one of the budget places to stay along the Pacific Coast Highway, Big Sur is definitely the most scenic.

Staying in Big Sur means you can get to the most popular attractions of Pfeiffer Beach and McWay Falls earlier than most people.

You don’t have to deal with full parking lots and can enjoy the attractions at your own pace.

You can hike to hidden coves and Sandy beaches and experience Big Sur’s gorgeous sunsets without the stress of driving in the dark.

Your lodging options vary from log cabins to luxe resorts; Big Sur also has many campgrounds but they tend to fill up fast.

Click here to explore the best places to stay in Big Sur. 

San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo is a vibrant college town that is ranked among the best college towns in America.

But SLO, as it’s popularly called, is much more than a college town – attractions like historic downtown, the mission, the SLO Museum of Art and Bubblegum Alley make it perfect for spending a day or two in the city.

SLO is also almost halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco – making it easy to reach from both cities.

SLO has a wide variety of accommodation ranging from motels and budget inns to luxury hotels and family-friendly lodgings.

The most famous is off course the Madonna Inn with its kitschy decor!

Click here to explore the best places to stay in San Luis Obispo. 

Santa Barbara

If you are driving the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to Los Angeles then Santa Barbara makes the perfect penultimate stop.

The city is also popular with those looking for a weekend getaway from Los Angeles.

Santa Barbara is quite different than SLO – it is more classy and dignified compared to San Luis Obispo’s hip vibe.

In Santa Barbara, you will find beautiful whitewashed buildings, boutiques, designer stores, and art galleries along with lots of cultural attractions.

The most popular neighborhoods to stay in Santa Barbara include West Beach, East Beach, and Upper East which is the area around the Santa Barbara mission.

One of our favorite hotels here is Hotel Californian – a luxury hotel located in downtown.

Click here to explore the best places to stay in Santa Barbara. 

Los Angeles

Los Angeles might be the end of the road but not the end of your journey.

Los Angeles has a variety of things to do and popular attractions for travelers and begs to be explored at a leisurely pace.

LA has plenty of luxurious and elegant Pacific Coast Highway hotels for your stay.

To get the most of your trip, consider staying in Hollywood or West Hollywood – you will be close to everything including the Walk of Fame, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, and the movie studios.

To be near the Museum Mile, stay in Downtown.Santa Monica is another good area to base yourself – the boutique Hotel Erwin in Venice beach is a top spot for visitors.

Click here to explore the best places to stay in Los Angeles.

Anaheim

If you are ending your Pacific Coast Highway road trip at Disney, then Anaheim will be your last stop.

The best way to maximize your time at Disney is to stay inside the theme parks in Anaheim.

However, the Disney Resorts are quite expensive and if you are looking for something within a smaller budget, consider staying a little further from the parks in Anaheim.

To explore the best places to stay in Anaheim, click here.

San Diego

San Diego is world-renowned for its pleasant climate, stunning coastal setting, and diverse cultural attractions.

If you are looking for a central location from which you can explore all that San Diego has to offer, then the downtown area is the best place to stay.

The downtown district is packed with restaurants, bars, and shops, and its proximity to the harbor and airport make it convenient to stay.

Did you like our list of best hotels along the Pacific Coast Highway? Let us know in comments!

We hope that our recommendations are useful in planning your Pacific Coast Highway road trip.

To ask us any questions, join our free Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Facebook Group now or leave us a comment below.

The post Best Places to stay along the Pacific Coast Highway appeared first on PCH1 Road Trip.

Welcome to our ultimate Pacific Coast Highway road trip planner!

We are the #1 resource dedicated to planning a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway. 

Pacific Coast Highway road trip ranks pretty high among bucket list travel experiences – in fact its one of the most scenic drives in the entire world!

Highway 1 is a gorgeous drive along sprawling cities, charming coastal towns, beautiful beaches, majestic forests, and stunning landscapes.

Whether you are planning a trip to California, Oregon, or Washington….

….or planning the ultimate West Coast Road Trip from San Diego to Seattle;

We have multiple Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary recommendations that cover different areas of the West Coast!

That means you can use this as a Washington / Oregon Highway 101 road trip planner or California coastal road trip planner for Highway 1.

This Pacific Coast Highway road trip planner will help you plan your entire trip and cover the following:

• The Best Cities to begin your Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip
• Best PCH Itineraries for all types of travelers
• Best Stops / best attractions to visit on the Pacific Coast Highway
• Where to stay along the Pacific Coast Highway
• Best places to eat along the Pacific Coast Highway
• Hidden Gems / Offbeat attractions along the Pacific Coast Highway

This Pacific Coast Highway road trip guide also covers other useful and important information including

• Best time to visit the Pacific Coast
• How much to drive each day along the PCH
• What to pack for Pacific Coast Highway road trip
• How much does a Pacific Coast Highway road trip cost aka Budgeting for your PCH trip

It is quite easy to plan a PCH road trip by yourself using our Highway 1 / Highway 101 trip planners and online booking sites to reserve your flights/rental car/hotels.

Awesome, right? Then let’s start planning your Pacific Highway road trip itinerary now.

Before you begin

As an American, you probably know what goes into planning an epic cross country road trip.

After all, we are pretty road-trip obsessed country!

However, what if you are traveling from abroad and are interested in the Pacific Coast Highway drive itinerary?

You’re in luck – we have many resources to help you plan your trip including information on visas, renting a car, and driving in America.

Our detailed PCH road trip planners will take you step by step through the process of planning your trip:

• The initial steps in planning the Pacific Coast Highway road trip involve:
  Deciding what part of the PCH will you drive
  How many days will you devote to the entire trip and
  When is the best time to visit.
  Information to help you in deciding these is covered in Step 1: PCH FAQs and Step 2: Best PCH Stops

• You also need to pick a PCH gateway city, decide how will you reach there, and whether you need to rent a car or drive your own.
  Find information on the best cities to start your PCH Road Trip in Step 3: PCH Gateway Cities

• If you want to see the highlights of central California, specifically Highway 1, then refer to the California coast road trip planner.
  If you want a Pacific coast trip through PNW, then focus on the Oregon coast and Olympic peninsula.
  Information on specific Itineraries is covered in Step 4: PCH Itineraries

• Finally, book your trip!
  Find our recommended hotels, car rental companies, and flight aggregators in Step 5: Book your PCH Road Trip.

Also, don’t forget to join our Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Facebook Page where you can ask questions or share your photos or itinerary with fellow travelers. Click here to join now. 

Ready to get started? Let’s start planning the ultimate Pacific Coast Highway road trip together! 

Don’t believe us when we say that the PCH road trip is the most beautiful road trip in the world?

Then check out these beautiful photos from the USA West Coast!

Step 1: PCH FAQs

The Pacific Coast Highway is pretty large and rather confusing.

It is essential to understand the PCH before you plan a trip.

Here’s some basic information:

Where does the Pacific Coast Highway start and end?

Wondering where is the Pacific Coast Highway and how long it is? Also, where does the PCH start and end?

One of the things that creates confusion while planning a Pacific Coast Highway road trip is that the road is simply huge.

Plus everybody seems to be talking about a different stretch of the road when they refer to the PCH.

We experienced this several times while planning our first trip to the region. 

The coastal route or the PCH starts at San Diego near the Mexican border and ends near Seattle in the city of Olympia in the Pacific Northwest.

It is not officially named the Pacific Coast Highway but has always been called so since it parallels the Pacific Coast.

The routes to follow for the road trip include Highway 1 in southern and central California and Highway 101 in northern California, Oregon, and Washington.

How long is the Pacific Coast Highway?

Since it goes the entire length of the West Coast, just how long is the Pacific Coast Highway?

The road beginning in San Diego to its end in Olympia, the capital of Washington State is roughly 1700 miles long!

And yes, it really does go parallel to the Pacific Ocean for the most part!

What is the PCH1?

The road officially called the PCH1 is located in California. Its other name is California State Route 1 (SR1) or Highway 1.

Where does Hwy 1 start and end?

The PCH1 drive extends from the I-5 intersection in Orange County, Southern California to Highway 101 intersection near Leggett in Northern California.

Also, the name PCH 1 is interchangeably used with Highway 1 (Hwy 1) or Route 1 or California 1 or SR 1. 

Add to that, certain parts of California PCH 1 near Pismo Beach on Central Coast are known as Cabrillo Highway while a section north of San Francisco is called the Shoreline Highway.

Many times Hwy 1 merges with Hwy 101, creating even more confusion.

This is most noticeable from Pismo Beach to San Luis Obispo and along the Golden Gate Bridge where the two roads merge.

The Hwy also simply disappears and takes street names in San Francisco (19th Avenue) and in Santa Monica (Lincoln Blvd).

If you are planning a trip along this route, then the Highway 1 trip planner will help you discover attractions between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

So how do you ensure you don’t get lost while planning a road trip up PCH?

The easiest way is to ensure that you are following the PCH1 between Monterey and San Luis Obispo in California.

This is the most spectacular stretch that passes through Big Sur and the road here is clearly marked, causing no confusion.

Our California Highway 1 road trip planner will guide you towards the best stops on Highway 1 California in Big Sur including McWay Falls and Pfeiffer Beach.

Which section of the Pacific Coast Highway should you drive?

For first-timers, we recommend driving the California Highway 1 or PCH 1 from San Francisco to Los Angeles for multiple reasons.

This stretch of PCH1 passes through the beautiful Big Sur region.

For many people, Big Sur is the #1 attraction along the route.

Also, the gateway cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco are very well connected and easy to fly in or out after your trip.

One-way car rentals between the two cities are easily available or you also have the option of a loop road trip.

Our San Francisco road trip planner will help you plan your trip to SF, LA, as well as the attractions in between.

Have already been to this part of California Coast? Don’t want to begin in SF? You have many other options to customize the itinerary as you want!

After the PCH 1 ends, you can either drive south along the coast to San Diego or all the way up to Olympic National Park and the Canadian border in the north.

Alternatively, you can also begin the Pacific Coast Highway road trip from San Diego and drive north.

The entire route is scenic and has plenty of attractions.

In northern California you will find beautiful redwood trees while in Oregon, you can see stunning capes and lighthouses as well as unique geological formations.

In Washington, you will find everything from deep blue lakes and dense rainforests to sea stacks and driftwood covered beaches.

And that’s why it is so important to decide which stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway you want to drive before you plan your trip.

Which direction to drive the Pacific Coast Highway?

All right, so you have decided which section of the Pacific Coast Highway you are going to be driving.

You know how much time you have in hand.

So which gateway city do you begin your PCH Road trip?

Is it better to drive north or south on the Pacific Coast Highway?

While many people recommend driving from south to north, our favorite is to drive south.

Yes, you will see the most gorgeous sites first and might end in the chaotic city of Los Angeles but you will be closer to the stunning views plus have easier access to parking lots and pull-outs.

That being said, if you have enough time to savor the trip then the direction won’t really matter much!

When to visit the Pacific Coast Highway?

The best part? You can drive the Pacific Coast Highway year round! 

There are, however, certain times of the year when the PCH road trip is more scenic than others.

Spring is our personal favorite.

You can see wildflowers along the Pacific Coast Highway plus spot wildlife including migrating whales.

The temperature is pleasant for hiking, during the daytime it is neither too hot nor too cold.

An added bonus, the crowds are fewer than in summer or winter holidays.

However, you should skip spring break week, if possible.

Remember: Spring can be too windy and cold but the gorgeous wildflowers tip the scales. 

Our second favorite time of the year for this road trip is from late summer to early fall, just after the schools are in session.

September and October on the coast are mild and sunny.

A pleasant breeze flows from the ocean making hikes more fun.

Wineries along the PCH in Napa, Sonoma, and along the Central Coast have beautiful fall colors and are ready for harvest.

Visitors can enjoy grape stomping at wineries if they time it right.

Winter and summer both have their pros and cons.

In winter, you can whale watch and enjoy the scenic beauty without the fog.

But temperatures, especially for northern California, can be quite chilly.

It can also rain, causing landslides and slippery trails.

The PCH may stay closed for days due to extended storm damage. 

The very end of winter – from mid to late February – is a good time with mild weather and low crowds.

The summer months of June, July, and August can be quite foggy.

Big Sur looks beautiful and dramatic in the fog but the roads can be treacherous for driving.

The fog usually prevails in the morning and evening so you should still have clear blue afternoons.

As you continue south, it can get too hot to hike or stay outdoors for longer times.

Peak tourist times are winter holiday season and summer vacations.

Expect accommodations to fill up faster, potential delays on the road, and full parking lots at major attractions like Bixby Bridge and McWay Falls.

To read more about the best time to visit and see photos in different seasons, read our post When to Drive the Pacific Coast Highway.

How to rent a car for a PCH road trip? Which car should you rent?

The best way to travel Pacific Coast Highway is by car!

Look for one way car rentals unless you plan to do a round trip.

However, one-way rentals can be expensive so factor that in while planning your itinerary.

If you have more time and want to do the Pacific Coast Highway road trip on a budget, then you can definitely return to the original destination to reduce costs.

An SUV is really useful while negotiating the twisting turns of the PCH however, it is also easy to break in into.

Because of that, we prefer a sedan if we are driving with kids and have a lot of luggage in the trunk.

A muscle car or a convertible is also a great option for driving the Pacific Coast Highway.

The coast has stunning views and a top down lets you feel the ocean breeze and enjoy the panorama.

A recently popular option is to rent an RV for the Pacific Coast Highway travel itinerary.

This allows you to enjoy the natural attractions along the coast to the maximum.

How much should you budget for Pacific Coast Highway road trip?

The famous question, how much does it cost to drive the Pacific Coast Highway?! Or what should be your Pacific Coast Highway road trip budget?

In general, we recommend budgeting $200 per person per day including hotel, car, and food for road tripping the Pacific Coast Highway.

That’s why the easiest way to do the trip on a budget is to choose a shorter Pacific Coast Highway trip itinerary.

The fewer number of days on your trip, the fewer the costs.

That said, California, in general, is expensive and we have never been able to go on an extended California trip under $1000 per person including airfare.

You can also consider road tripping the PCH 1 along Oregon or Washington to reduce costs as these states are somewhat cheaper than California.

More Pacific Coast Highway FAQs

To read more Pacific Coast Highway FAQs including the following common doubts, click here.

• Is the Pacific Coast Highway dangerous to drive?
• What should you not miss on the Pacific Coast Highway?
• Which part of California should you visit?
• How long does it take to drive the entire Pacific Coast Highway?

Step 2: Best PCH Stops

If you have decided to visit the most popular part of coastal California:

Begin your Pacific Coast Highway road trip planning by exploring the major attractions and things to do along California’s Hwy 1.

Popular attractions including West Coast lighthouses, waterfalls, state parks, hiking trails, beaches, coastal towns await you on this marvelous drive – and off course the iconic Bixby Bridge!

You can find information about these and other essential attractions in our California Coast trip planner.

Also, explore other stops on Highway 101 in northern California if you have more time.

Here you will find majestic redwood trees and the Redwoods State and National parks.

Road trip the Redwoods Scenic Byway and explore cities like Eureka and Crescent City.

There are also plenty of stunning stops along the Pacific Coast Highway in both Oregon and Washington.

You can read more about the best stops along the PCH here.

This will give you an idea of the most important places to visit and help in planning the trip around your interests.

Step 3: PCH Gateway Cities

Once you have selected your itinerary, you need to select which West Coast cities you can fly into.

While there are many cities on the West Coast, the 5 major ones which make perfect places to begin your PCH road trip are these:

Seattle

Begin a Pacific Highway trip around the Evergreen State in the Emerald City of Seattle.

Read our post on things to do in Seattle now to plan your trip.

Portland

To see Oregon’s dramatic coastline, redwood trees, rock formations, and sand dunes, start a Hwy 101 road trip in Portland.

Read our post on Things to do in Portland now.

San Francisco

San Francisco is our personal favorite to start an epic Pacific Coast road trip.

It also makes an excellent starting destination for California fly drive route planner.

Read our post on things to do in San Francisco now.

Los Angeles

Tinseltown is exciting and glamorous.

It also happens to be cheap to fly into and makes a perfect start to PCH drive.

You can plan a California coastal highway itinerary up or down the coast and have whale of a time.

Read our post on Best Things to do in Los Angeles now.

San Diego

San Diego is the perfect destination to plan a trip using our SoCal trip planner.

Read our post on Best Things to do in San Diego now.

How to reach the PCH Gateway Cities?

The major airports for road tripping the Pacific Coast Highway 1 in California are San Francisco and Los Angeles.

San Francisco actually has three airports: San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose.

You need to research airfares to all three to ensure you are getting the best deal.

Similarly, Los Angeles also has a couple of nearby airports including Long Beach, Burbank, Orange County, etc and is a great California PCH trip start point.

If you are extending your trip along the West Coast, then fly into San Diego, Portland, or Seattle to start your Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary.

Budget airlines that often have great deals to California or the Pacific Northwest include Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Alaska Air, and Southwest.

To get the best flight deals, we recommend booking using flight aggregators like Skyscanner or CheapOair.

Step 4: PCH Itineraries

This is our favorite part of trip planning!

This is also where we can help you the most as we have been planning road trips since the past 12 years.

We recommend that you go through our many itineraries, pick the one that is the best fit, and customize it to suit your needs.

Let’s plan the perfect Pacific Coast Highway road trip ever!

Fly and Drive PCH Itineraries by number of days

Since you will already be driving a lot every day along the PCH we generally recommend fly and drive itineraries.

However, if you happen to live nearby or have enough time to travel, then you can definitely drive to California and then go on the Pacific Coast Highway road trip. 

You can spend anywhere from 4 days to 10 days on the Pacific Coast Highway.

Here are the highlights of our popular itineraries.

Click the link to read in-depth each itinerary for Pacific Coast Highway.

Pacific Coast Highway 4 day itinerary

The simplest California road trip planner.

If you have only 4 days, then spend one day in San Francisco and see the highlights including the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Alcatraz.

Visit one of the beaches: Ocean Beach, Crissy Field Beach, or Baker Beach are the most popular ones!

The next day, leave early from San Francisco and explore Half Moon Bay and Monterey.

See the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row, visit the sandy beaches of Half Moon Bay, and take some time to explore Santa Cruz or Pebble Beach.

Stay the night in Carmel or Monterey and leave early for Big Sur.

See Bixby Creek Bridge, hike McWay Falls, spend time at San Dollar Beach before reaching San Luis Obispo for the night.

Spend some time to see SLO attractions including Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, Historic Downtown, Bubblegum Alley, and the Madonna Inn – a famous hotel with eclectic decor!

Then stop at Santa Barbara. Sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez mountains, this coastal city feels very Mediterranean.

Santa Barbara has many attractions including the charming white colonial downtown, Mission Santa Barbara, museums, zoo, and more!

Enjoy shopping or dining at Stearns Wharf or take a whale watching cruise before heading for Los Angeles.

In Los Angeles, visit the Walk of Fame, see Griffith Observatory, and the Hollywood Sign before calling it a day.

You can read this itinerary here for this Highway 1 trip planner. 

Pacific Coast Highway 5 day itinerary

Looking for Pacific Coast Highway itinerary of 5 days?

We would recommend following our 4-day pacific highway 1 itinerary with just a few changes: you can spend the extra day exploring either San Francisco, Big Sur Coast, or Los Angeles.

In San Francisco, use your second day to see Muir Woods, Mission District, Chinatown, and Twin Peaks.

If you chose to stay in Big Sur, then stay at the romantic Ventana Resort or Post Ranch Inn.

Stop at each pull-out and look for wildlife.

Tour the Point Sur Lightstation, photograph the Bixby Bridge, and see the seals at Elephant Seal Rookery in Piedras Blancas.

Make the detour to explore Central Coast’s wine country.

If you chose Los Angeles then the sky is the limit.

You can explore the museums especially the Broad and LACMA or spend a day at Universal or Disney!

If you ask us, we would pick Big Sur over the cities, any day!

You can read about this itinerary in detail here for the 5 Day PCH trip planner. 

Pacific Coast Highway 7 day itinerary

Our favorite! A week is a perfect time to drive this stunning route.

On your first day of California pacific coast highway itinerary 7 days, start at the northern end in Leggett and see those majestic coastal redwoods.

Drive your car through the Chandelier Tree tunnel.

Then eat oysters in Tomales Bay and visit Point Reyes Lighthouse before spending the night in San Francisco.

For the rest of your coast to coast road trip planner, spend 1 day each in San Francisco, Monterey, Big Sur, Solvang, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles.

With 7 days in hand, you have enough time to explore Big Sur’s hidden gems such as Henry Miller Memorial Library and Andrew Molera State Park.

View this itinerary now to read all the details of the 7 day Pacific Coast Highway trip planner.

Pacific Coast Highway 10 day itinerary

With 10 days in hand, you have so many options.

One way is to follow the 7- day itinerary but drive all the way down to San Diego to create the ultimate California driving trip planner.

Another is to start in Los Angeles, follow our 7-day itinerary heading north, and explore up to the Avenue of Giants in northern California.

If you love slow travel, then drive from Leggett to Los Angeles but spend time hiking in Point Reyes and Point Lobos, visiting the remote Channel Islands National Park, and touring the wineries of Santa Ynez Valley.

The epic 10 day California road trip for families and RVers.

The ultimate chilled-out California Pacific Coast Highway trip!

You can also do a Northern California road trip from San Francisco for the Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary 10 days.

Or you can drive all the way up to Portland and see the Oregon coast attractions along the way.

You can also visit the Olympic Peninsula on a Pacific Coast Highway 101 road trip in Washington.

To decide which itinerary to choose, click here now. 

If you have less than 4 days

If your Pacific Coast Highway drive time is too long, then you won’t have enough time to enjoy all the attractions on the way.

We would not recommend driving the entire length of the PCH or Highway 1 if you have less than 4 days.

For short weekend trips, consider the below trips in our California road trip route planner.

We also suggestions for PCH day trips in Oregon and Washington.

Best PCH road trips from San Francisco

If you have 3 days or under, then it is not feasible to drive the entire length of PCH.

You can make the drive but will miss out on a lot of attractions.

Instead, consider day trips and weekend getaways along the coast for Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary 3 days.

Our top 3 getaways for Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary 1 day from San Francisco are Point Reyes, Monterey, and Big Sur.

Carmel by the Sea, only a short drive from Monterey and Pebble Beach, is also a great weekend trip from San Fran.

Best PCH road trips from Los Angeles

For day trips and weekend getaways along Hwy 1 from Los Angeles, consider visiting La Jolla, Malibu, Santa Barbara, Solvang, Pismo Beach, or San Luis Obispo.

Or drive south towards San Diego, Newport Beach, and La Jolla.

These destinations are just a few hours away from LA and great to visit.

Visiting Big Sur from Los Angeles is hectic if you have only 2 days but possible with 3 days in hand.

Best PCH road trips from San Diego

You can also road trip up the pacific coast highway from San Diego to Los Angeles or Anaheim.

Enjoy Hollywood or city life in Los Angeles or see Disney and other theme parks in Anaheim.

Relax at Huntington Beach. Or visit Coronado island for a different type of trip.

The San Diego trip planner has many ideas to enjoy the attractions of southern California.

Best PCH road trips from Portland

Combine a visit to Portland with an adventure down the PCH.

While you cannot use Portland to San Francisco road trip planner in just 4 days, you can visit Astoria or Cannon Beach.

Go hiking in Ecola State Park or drive the Three Capes Scenic Loop.

Best PCH road trips from Seattle

There are plenty of PCH trips from the Emerald City.

Drive the Highway 101 south to Tacoma or Olympia.

Or take the ferry to Port Angeles and Olympic peninsula and follow Highway 101 all around the peninsula.

If you have more than 10 days

If you have anywhere around two weeks, we would recommend driving either down to San Diego in the south or driving towards Portland or Seattle in the north from LA or SF.

You can also drive from San Diego to Seattle or vice versa using our west coast road trip planner.  

2 Week West Coast Road Trip Itinerary

2 weeks is the ideal time to go on an epic US West Coast Road trip.

From the Olympic peninsula in Washington to southern California, you can use our border to border coast trip planner to plan the most amazing, once in a lifetime, USA West Coast Road Trip Itinerary.

You can either start in San Diego and drive towards Portland or Seattle or start in the Pacific Northwest and drive south.

The entire drive is over 1700 miles and should be done only if you have 2 weeks or more in hand.

Point to Point PCH Itineraries

You can also plan PCH road trip itinerary depending on your start city and destination rather than days.

Pacific Coast Highway Itineraries by State

San Diego to Los Angeles Drive

Wondering how to plan a trip to California coast between Los Angeles and San Diego?

This California Highway 1 road trip itinerary will take you through stunning beaches of La Jolla, Laguna Beach, and Oceanside.

You can see charming coastal towns and enjoys SoCal’s relaxed vibe.

California Coast Road Trip from LA to SF

This is the ultimate CA road trip planner.

Visit two of California’s biggest cities and visit the natural attractions on the coast including beautiful Big Sur, McWay Falls, and 17 Mile Drive.

This Pacific Highway 1 road trip is our favorite road trip along the West Coast! Read this itinerary now.

Northern California Coast Road Trip

This Highway 101 road trip itinerary in Northern California will take you through giant, majestic redwood trees and the most remote parts of the coast.

From attractions like Point Reyes and Muir Beach to charming cities like Mendocino and Eureka, this itinerary for driving Pacific Coast Highway will leave you spellbound.

See the glass beach at Fort Bragg, tour the famous Point Arena Lighthouse, enjoy hiking at Mendocino State Parks, and drive the Avenue of Giants on this epic PCH itinerary.

Oregon Coast Road Trip Planner

Plan a trip from Brookings in the south to Astoria in the north using our Oregon Highway 101 road trip planner.

Visit attractions such as Cannon Beach, Natural Bridges, and Devil’s Punchbowl on this amazing Oregon Coast Road trip.

Washington Olympic Peninsula Road Trip

Our Highway 101 trip planner in Washington follows the road around the Olympic peninsula.

It can be used to visit attractions such as Ruby Beach, Hoh Rainforest, Hurricane Ridge, Port Angeles, and Seattle. Read this itinerary now.

We would recommend going through our list of Suggested PCH Itineraries and deciding upon an itinerary based on your interests before finalizing your trip.

Pacific Highway Road Trip Map

Looking for map of Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip?

Among our resources, we have plenty of Pacific Coast Highway road trip maps, depending on the section you want to drive.

If you are interested in Big Sur, use the California Highway 1 road trip map.

Use the Northern California road trip map planner to see the redwoods.

Follow Pacific Highway itinerary maps for Oregon or Washington to plan a Pacific Northwest trip.

Be sure to finalize your Pacific Coast Highway Map and print copies before you embark on your trip.

Step 5: Book your PCH Road Trip

And finally we come to the task of booking your PCH vacation.

When to book and plan your PCH trip

In general, we recommend booking your trip at least 6 months in advance, though ideally, earlier is better.

While you can always plan a last-minute PCH road trip, especially if staying nearby, it is not recommended.

This especially applies if you are traveling in peak periods and in the Golden State.

Every California trip planner suggests booking in advance.

As we have experienced, booking hotels closer to the trip can definitely make the trip twice as expensive.

Before booking your trip, we recommend researching destinations and finalizing your Pacific Coast Highway Road trip itinerary.

In some instances, we have booked first and then planned the trip but this can lead to more hectic trips.

Here’s what all you need to book for your trip.

Book flight tickets to the West Coast

For best deals, book your tickets to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Portland, or Seattle by checking on Skyscanner or Google flights.

Book car rental

All major companies have their branches in California.

You can rent from a variety of companies including Hertz, Fox, Enterprise, Dollar, and Thrifty for your trip. 

Book hotel accommodations as per the itinerary

There are a variety of hotels, resorts, and motels for every budget along the PCH.

We have covered the best places to stay along the PCH in detail in this post.

Purchase travel insurance

We recommend getting travel insurance from World Nomads.

Purchase attraction tickets, if any

There are several attractions along the PCH for which you can purchase tickets in advance.

We recommend the advance purchase of tickets for attractions like the Monterey Aquarium, San Francisco museums, etc.

Purchase tours and cruises, if any

You can go on a variety of wildlife watching cruises along the PCH including whale watching, dolphin cruises, etc.

You can also reserve tickets for the Alcatraz cruise prior to your trip. 

Recommended group tours

There are no tour companies that take you the entire length of PCH.

This is very much a self-drive trip.

However, there are companies that will take you to Malibu from Los Angeles or to Monterey from San Francisco.

Also in Monterey, you can take whale watching tours.

Reserve a table at restaurants, if needed

You will find amazing restaurants serving a variety of cuisine along the PCH.

Our favorites are seafood restaurants in Monterey, oysters in Tomales Bay, Mexican food in Mission District of San Francisco, and a variety of cuisines in Los Angeles.

If you like to plan every detail or want to plan for a special meal for birthdays or anniversaries, then you can reserve a table at the hotel of your choice in advance.

Prepare, pack, and go on the best road trip ever!

What other preparations should you make?

If you are traveling internationally then check your passport validity and visa status.

Apply for visas, if necessary.

Also, check whether you need IDP (International Driving Permit).

Other preparation includes print and/or having virtual copies of all maps, itineraries, tickets, and bookings easily accessible on your phone.

Also, budget your trip and convert currency, if needed.

Read below for more detailed information.

Understand internet and phone coverage

You will find that there is extremely poor and at times zero cell coverage along many stretches of the PCH, especially in the Big Sur region.

That’s why we recommend carrying a GPS in addition to your phone as well as saving offline maps on your phone.

You can also get printed maps of PCH1 for the section you are planning to drive.

If you are traveling internationally

The three main areas to take care of if you are traveling internationally include taking care of passports and visas, renting a car and driving in USA, and converting money to USD. 

If you are traveling with kids

Pacific coast highway road trip with kids? Been there, done that!

Our final section of the ultimate Pacific Coast Highway road trip planner.

Did you know that you can drive the Pacific Coast Highway with kids?

The first time we went with our kids was when our daughter was just a 6 months old baby and our son was 3 years old.

We started in San Francisco, cycled the Golden Gate Bridge with the kids, drove through Big Sur, watched the elephant seals at Piedras Blancas rookery near San Simeon, and ended our trip at Anaheim in Disney.

Both the kids loved every bit of it.

Also, most places and businesses in California, Oregon, and Washington and especially along the Pacific Coast Highway are kid-friendly.

When we road tripped, most hotels provided crib or baby cots, all the restaurants had high chairs, and even the wineries had kid-friendly areas.

Throughout our trip, we met friendly people who smiled and waved at our kids.

We always felt welcome wherever we went and felt quite at ease.

Read our post on Best Kid-friendly resorts along the Pacific Coast Highway to book your accommodations.

There are so many things to do along the Pacific Coast Highway road trip that are perfect for the kids.

They will love exploring nature: hike through redwood forests, discover tide pool creatures, play in the sand and on the beach, splash in the water, hike to see waterfalls, whale watch using binoculars, plus spend quality time with the parents.

There are also many kid-friendly attractions on the route including the Aquarium of the Bay at Pier 39, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Oceano Dunes Railroad museum, sand dune buggy rentals, whale watching tours, Santa Monica Pier, Disney theme parks, etc.

For more information, read our post on the Best Things to do on the West Coast with kids.

In fact, driving the Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most fun family holiday vacations for families. 

Other things to consider

Stretches of the Pacific Coast Highway can get closed due to storms or landslides or wildfires, so we recommend keeping an eye on the news before your trip and getting travel insurance for just in case anything goes awry.

What should you pack for Pacific Coast Highway road trip?

It can get chilly along the PCH any time of the year, so we recommend packing in layers: long sleeve shirts, short sleeve t-shirts, and tank tops.

Pack long hiking pants for the northern and central coast and shorts for SoCal.

Pack a rain jacket and a sweater for the chilly days.

Take hiking shoes and socks and water shoes for beachcombing.

Pack some heels and a silk blouse for date nights in San Francisco, Monterey, and Los Angeles.

If you plan to drive north towards Portland and Seattle in the winter, then add thermal underwear and a packable jacket.

In summer, take sunglasses, a sunhat, and sunscreen.

Do not forget to pack a camera and binoculars.

Read this before you leave

We have got many excellent resources on planning a Pacific Coast Highway road trip.

We suggest that you browse around the site  – take a look at our PCH Road Trip itineraries, bookmark us for a later visit, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on social media to know more about the Pacific Coast Highway. 

If you need to ask us questions about the trip, then join our Pacific Coast Highway Facebook Community now – it’s the perfect place to ask any itinerary related questions and plan your PCH road trip.

We hope that our Pacific Coast Highway road trip planner helps you in planning an awesome road trip.

Other useful posts to plan your Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

Pacific Coast Highway 4 day Itinerary
PCH 5 day itinerary
Pacific Coast Highway 7 day itinerary
Pacific Coast Highway 10 Day itinerary
All PCH Itineraries
Best Places to Stay along the Pacific Coast Highway
Best Pacific Coast Highway Stops

The post The Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Planner appeared first on PCH1 Road Trip.

The road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles is perfect for those who have only 4 days to drive the Pacific Coast Highway.

This PCH road trip route goes through Big Sur so you can experience the best parts – panoramic views and beautiful beaches!

Here are the best places to stop as well as travel tips for 4 day itinerary along the Pacific Coast Highway.

Day 1 – San Francisco (Best Place to Start Pacific Coast Highway 4 Day Itinerary)

San Francisco is the most famous city on the West Coast.

This is the ideal place to begin your Pacific Coast Highway road trip since it is well connected by air to most major cities.

Car rentals at the San Francisco airport are also abundant.

Book a hotel in Downtown San Francisco, park your car there, and check out the city using a combination of walking and cable cars.

If you want to make the most of your 1 Day in San Fran itinerary, then you should start really early in the morning, preferably around 7 or 8 am.

Golden Gate Bridge

Start your visit at the famous San Francisco icon, the Golden Gate Bridge.

Walk part way across the bridge to the very first bridge tower. Take photographs under the orange red main cables and side cables.

Take photos of the city skyline from the bridge and take a picture of the deep blue water below.

Lastly, take a picture with the Marin headlands in the background, before you head to your next destination, Fisherman’s Wharf for breakfast / brunch. 

Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is the popular waterfront area of San Francisco.

It has a lot of San Francisco attractions including tour operators, museums, and restaurants.

Almost all restaurants at Fisherman’s Wharf serve seafood and that’s what you should have for breakfast or brunch, depending on how much time you spend at the beach.

The restaurants serve good fish and chips, seafood sandwiches, and clam chowder soup.

Boudin’s is an iconic bakery that serves the soup in sourdough bread bowl, a San Francisco speciality.

Then take a walk around the rest of Fisherman’s Wharf and observe the famous sea lions sleeping in the sun. 

Palace of Fine Arts

Next, see the Palace of Fine Arts and walk down Lombard Street before shopping in the alleys of Chinatown.

The Palace of Fine Arts has beautiful architecture and is a landmark building in the city.

Take a stroll around its dome and Grecian columns, see the reflection in the pond and watch the ducks while you are there.

Lombard Street

Lombard Street is famous as the most crooked street in the city and is a must on your San Francisco itinerary.

This excruciatingly steep street curves in eight hairpin turns, to create San Francisco’s most popular tourist location.

Walk down the street along the sidewalk and see the well-maintained houses and front porches.

Chinatown

End your visit at the second-largest Chinatown in the country.

The neighborhood features traditional Chinese architecture and food and is a must visit especially for the variety of dim sums. 

You can also buy souvenirs, admire street art, and people watch in Chinatown, making is an essential on the Pacific Coast Highway 4 Day Itinerary.

Ghirardelli Square and Union Square

End your day at the Ghirardelli Square and Union Square, the popular commercial centers in the city.

The square was where the popular Ghirardelli Chocolate Company was located before moving to a nearby location in the greater San Francisco area.

You can still visit the Ghirardelli Chocolate market and buy chocolates and ice creams just like in the old days.

Union Square has restaurants, branded stores for shopping, and wine tasting rooms and is the perfect place to end your day in San Francisco. 

If you are a San Francisco local then you can skip the most popular attractions in favor of exploring the hidden gems of San Francisco including the Mission District murals, 16th Avenue Tiled steps, Haight Ashbury district, and panoramic views from Coit Tower.

To explore more attractions in the city and plan your own itinerary, read Best Things to do in San Francisco. 

Day 2 – Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz, and Monterey

Drive south from San Francisco to the coastal cities of Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz, and Monterey.

Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay is a small coastal city, located south of San Francisco.

It’s most popular for its beaches and outdoor activities.

The water and weather here is generally cold and the views can be foggy year round.

You need to dress in layers and carry a light jacket even in the summer.

Spend half a day exploring the most popular attractions in Half Moon Bay – the beaches, Pigeon Point Lighthouse, and Fitzgerald Marine Reserve – during your trip.

All along the coastline of Half Moon Bay, you will find several state beaches including Dunes Beach, Francis Beach, and Venice Beach.

The beaches have gorgeous views and are favorites for hiking, picnics, and camping.

Pigeon Point Lighthouse

Pigeon Point Lighthouse located in Pescadero is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country.

The lighthouse is 115 feet tall and looks impressive perched on the edge of the ocean.

You can tour the lighthouse as well as watch abundant marine life from the observation platform near the lighthouse.

Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

The Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is located in Moss Beach, to the north of Half Moon Bay.

Here you can find tidal pools during low tide.

This is the perfect place to look for low tide creatures including crabs, starfish, and mollusks. 

To explore more attractions in the area, read Best Things to do in Half Moon Bay. 

Distance from San Francisco to Half Moon Bay – 30 miles
Time required for the trip – 45 mins

Santa Cruz

This idyllic town on California’s Central Coast truly is a paradise, with its gentle ocean breezes, stunning redwoods, and the world-famous Boardwalk.

But there’s more to Santa Cruz than natural beauty: there’s also a rich history and busy arts scene that make this one of the most interesting places to visit on the PCH Road Trip.

Popular attractions in Santa Cruz, including the Museum of Art and History, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk amusement park, Santa Cruz Wharf, and the Mystery Spot.

Monterey

Last stop of the day is Monterey.

This charming city is a destination in itself.

It has historic museums, a world class aquarium, and is one of the best destinations along the coast to go on a whale watching excursion.

The city also has pubs, breweries, seafood restaurants, and is a haven for foodies.

With just half a day to spend in Monterey, we recommend walking along the Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row followed by dinner at the marina.

Monterey Aquarium on Cannery Row

Monterey’s Cannery Row has an interesting history.

This is where sardine canning factories were located in the 1950s.

Overfishing led to the decline of the industry in the 1970s and since then, Cannery Row has become home to a number of tourist attractions including the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is where you will find all the cruise and whale watching tour operators.

If you have time, definitely go on a whale watching excursion. Fisherman’s Wharf is also home to a number of restaurants, seafood shacks, and souvenir stands.

Pick an eatery and enjoy your dinner by the waterfront while listening to the sea gulls.

Fisherman’s Wharf and the Cannery Row are connected by a charming walk.

Along the way, you will spot a variety of marine life including California sea lions, sea otters, and harbor seals.

You can see the sea lions bark and play with each other, it also makes for great photo opportunities. 

To explore all of Monterey’s attractions including the 17 Mile Drive, read Best Things to do in Monterey. 

Distance from Half Moon Bay to Monterey – 91 miles
Time required for the trip – 2 hours

Day 3 – Big Sur and San Luis Obispo

Highlight of your PCH Road Trip!

Big Sur

Big Sur is a 90 mile stretch of natural coastline along the central coast of California.

In Big Sur, the Santa Lucia mountains meet the coast, so you can see scenic cliffs, bluffs, and headlands along the route.

Amenities in Big Sur are extremely limited, so we recommend filling up your car completely before you leave Monterey.

Also prepare for the day in advance and get some deli sandwiches, pastries/snacks, and water plus have a heavy breakfast in Monterey. 

The area is home to many state parks and national forests and is a favorite with those who like being outdoors.

You will find miles and miles of hiking trails that go through forests, up the cliffs, and down to the beaches in Big Sur.

You will also find many campgrounds and a few quaint bed & breakfasts and inns.

While there are many things to do in Big Sur, if you have only a day you should see the highlights of Point Lobos, Bixby Creek Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach, McWay Falls, and the Elephant Seal Rookery in San Simeon.

The Big Sur Village is located right before Pfeiffer Beach – after Bixby Creek Bridge – and is great to pack a picnic lunch and stock on essentials.

Bixby Creek Bridge

The Bixby Creek Bridge is one of the most photographed bridges in the state.

The magnificent arch bridge has striking architecture and straddles the Bixby Canyon while the rocky Pacific Coast provides a stunning backdrop to this engineering marvel.

Since it’s opening in 1932, it has attracted tourists to this part of the Californian Coast.

There are dramatic pull out points and parking areas just before the bridge while driving south and the views from here are fantastic. 

Pfeiffer Beach

The next attraction in Big Sur, is the beautiful Pfeiffer Beach.

This beach is famous for its unique purple colored sand and eye catching rock formations, particularly the keyhole rock.

Unfortunately, there’s not much parking near the bridge and the road is not well-maintained.

You need to reach here as early in the morning as you can, to avoid long queues for a parking spot.

Another great time to see the Pfeiffer Beach is at sunset, but you need to stay in Big Sur to be able to visit the beach at dusk. 

McWay Falls – Best Stop on Pacific Coast Highway 4 Day Itinerary!

Next stop at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park to hike the small trail to McWay Falls.

McWay Falls is a stunning 80 feet long waterfall that empties directly into the Pacific Ocean.

It is one of our favorite Pacific Coast Highway stops on Highway 1.

It is beautiful to see the McWay Creek tumble onto the sandy beach below; the waterfall flows year round.

There is an observation deck at the end of the trail from where you can see the falls.

McWay Falls is also a popular place for sunset photos. 

Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery

For your last stop in Big Sur, stop by the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery in San Simeon.

The rookery consists of over 6 miles of the coast and there is a walking trail parallel to the coast.

From the trail and viewing area on the cliffs, you can see hundreds of elephant seals lying on the beach below.

You can spot large adult elephant seals as well as small pups playfully playing in the water. 

To read more about all the attractions in Big Sur including Point Sur Lighthouse and Hurricane Point, read the post on Best Things to do in Big Sur, California.

After watching and photographing the elephant seals, make your way for San Luis Obispo. 

Distance from Monterey to Big Sur Village – 30 miles
Time required for the trip – 45 mins

Optional: Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle is an enormous estate, located atop a hill in San Simeon.

It was once the home of publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst.

Today it’s open to the public as a museum, and visitors can explore its numerous rooms and gardens.

San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, better known as SLO, is a vibrant college town.

We love stopping here on the Pacific Coast Highway 4 Day Itinerary as it makes the perfect break after the natural scenery of the Central Coast.

It is fondly called the ‘Happiest Place in America’ and is great for young professionals and millennials. However, the city also has many attractions for older travelers.

You should spend most of your time in Big Sur and reach San Luis Obispo late afternoon to enjoy it’s popular attractions and nightlife.

See the Mission San Luis Obispo, the historic Downtown, and the Museum of Art followed by a visit to the Bubblegum Alley and one of the area’s restaurants. 

Mission San Luis Obispo

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa is one of California’s most beautiful missions.

It is built in the adobe style of architecture and has a big courtyard garden with shady trees.

The interior has painted motifs and ornate details.

The Mission also has an on-site museum where you can understand the history and culture of the Spanish Missionaries and the Chumash Indians that lived in the area.

SLO Downtown

Next walk down the Historic Downtown streets that surround the Mission.

You can see several traditional Spanish style buildings.

See the Visitor Center, Chinatown, and alleys before heading to the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art.

This small museum has an excellent collection of artwork by native Californian artists. 

Bubblegum Alley

Next visit the Bubblegum Alley.

It is exactly what it sounds like – pieces of bubblegum stuck to the wall.

While elders often find this attraction disgusting, youngsters are fascinated by it and want to add their own piece on the wall.

Even if you are not a fan – you should check out the wall – at least from afar.

At 65 feet long and 15 feet tall, this wall is simply huge and is said to have 20 yrs old pieces of gum stuck on it.

The Alley has been featured in multiple TV Shows and newspaper articles and is one of the unique attractions in San Luis Obispo.

For dinner, you can stop by another obscure attraction – the Madonna Inn.

This restaurant is famous for its garish decor and rose pink ornate dining room.

If it’s not to your taste, you can always have dinner at another of San Luis Obispo restaurants. 

To explore all nearby attractions including Pismo Beach and the Avila Hot Springs, read our post on Best Things to do in San Luis Obispo. 

Distance from Big Sur Village to San Luis Obispo – 110 miles
Time required for the trip – 2 hours 30 mins

Day 4 – Santa Barbara and Los Angeles

On your last day of 4 day Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary, visit the beautiful city of Santa Barbara before enjoying the bustling vibe of Los Angeles. 

Santa Barbara is one of the gems along the California Coast.

This vibrant city is the preferred gateway for the greater Los Angeles area.

It is known for its striking Spanish architecture, a tranquil tropical looking waterfront, and its proximity to the mountains.

While you won’t have much time to spend in the city, you should definitely see the city’s highlights including the Mission Santa Barbara, the County Courthouse, and the waterfront Stearns Wharf.

Mission Santa Barbara

Mission Santa Barbara is the undisputed beauty of all California Missions.

It is quaint and graceful and its whitewashed Spanish architecture has inspired the entire city’s architecture.

It is known for its roman-colonial features including sculptures, the twin towers, and other details.

The Mission also houses an art museum and the historical garden has a variety of fruit plants and roses.

On the grounds, you will also find the quaint cemetery where many prominent Spanish and Chumash people are buried. 

Santa Barbara County Courthouse

Next visit the Santa Barbara County Courthouse.

This building was built in the Spanish Colonial Revival style of architecture after the devastating earthquake of 1925 that destroyed the entire city.

On a visit you can take in the architecture, murals, and the Sunken garden.

You also need to take a ride to the top of the courthouse clock tower for a gorgeous view of the city.

Stearns Wharf

For your last stop, explore Stearns Wharf.

It has beautiful views of the harbor and many eateries where you can grab lunch.

For more things to do in the city, including the zoo and whale watching tours, read Best Things to do in Santa Barbara. 

Distance from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara – 120 miles
Time required for the trip – 2hrs 15 mins

Ventura

Head south to Orange County via Ventura and Malibu.

The city is packed with fun activities and attractions like the pier and its restaurants, museums, shopping, and theaters.

Ventura is the perfect place to take a ferry to Channel Islands National Park.

Channel Islands National Park is a group of islands off the coast of southern California.

The park is best known for its marine life and giant sea caves.

Malibu

Enjoy views of the Santa Monica mountains and the beaches in Malibu on your way to LA.

Picture perfect sunsets, miles of sandy beaches, and a relaxed California lifestyle is what Malibu’s most famous for!

Spend some time at Zuma Beach before you drive south to the hustle and bustle of LA.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles, the southernmost city on your itinerary, is the perfect end to the Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary.

LA is a destination in itself: one that is glamorous and glitzy.

The city is famous for its beautiful beaches, Hollywood film industry, and culinary scene.

The city is also packed with cultural attractions and shopping opportunities.

From its beaches to its mountains, the Los Angeles lifestyle is the epitome of laid back SoCal charm and style!

Los Angeles Attractions

For movie lovers, the unmissable attractions include the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the star studded sidewalk on Hollywood Blvd and the iconic Hollywood Sign.

While these attractions are free, it is worth splurging on movie studio tours including Warner Brothers Studios. 

The city has plenty of world famous museums and cultural destinations: perfect to add to the Pacific Coast Highway 4 Day Itinerary.

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is most known for its Urban Lights Installation while the Broad has a variety of striking artwork.

Car lovers should visit the Petersen Automotive Museum while the La Brea Tar Pits are perfect for kids who love to see fossils of prehistoric animals.

Another favorite of ours is the Griffith Observatory where you can see a variety of astronomy exhibits. 

But Los Angeles is not all about the urban attractions.

The city has plenty of activities for outdoor enthusiasts.

Spend your day hiking at Point Dume Nature Preserve or surf the waves like a lifelong Californian.

Enjoy the thrill rides, people watch, and enjoy the busy vibe of Santa Monica Pier.

Finally, end the day by listening to a live music performance or attending a comedy show on Sunset Strip. 

For more attractions including Venice Beach, Getty Villa, and Mulholland Drive, read Best Things to do in Los Angeles. 

Distance from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles – 100 miles
Time required for the trip – 2 hrs

Optional: San Diego

You can also drive further south on the PCH Road trip to San Diego in Southern California.

San Diego

If you’re looking for a city with stunning beaches, incredible weather, and plenty to see and do, San Diego is perfect destination!

This SoCal hotspot has world-renowned beaches, zoos, and gardens to mountains and valleys within easy day trip distance.

The downtown area is packed with restaurants, museums, and nightlife, while the outlying communities like La Jolla offer stunning ocean views.

If driving from south to north on the road trip, Pacific Coast Highway start point will be Dana Point and from here you will head north along California Highway 1 to San Francisco in northern California.

Other useful posts to plan your Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

Pacific Coast Highway 5 day Itinerary
California Pacific Coast 7 day itinerary
Pacific Coast Highway 10 day itinerary
All PCH Itineraries
Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Planner
Best Places to Stay along the Pacific Coast Highway
Best Pacific Coast Highway Stops

The post Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway 4 Day Itinerary appeared first on PCH1 Road Trip.

If you have 5 days to drive the Pacific Coast Highway, then we recommend planning a trip from the Golden Gate City, San Francisco to Tinseltown, Los Angeles along California’s Highway 1.

This route will take you through the highlights of the Pacific Coast Highway and Coastal California. 

You can enjoy the magnificent views in Big Sur, hike the coastal trail in Monterey or Half Moon Bay, enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean from the bluffs, as well as enjoy urban attractions in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

This is one of the best California vacations and is the perfect combination of nature, wildlife, and city life.

Our 5 Day Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary is similar to the 4 Day Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary, however, we recommend spending the extra day enjoying the many attractions of Big Sur.

Big Sur is one of our favorite places to travel along California’s Coast and just incredibly romantic. 

Here’s a sample schedule for 5 Day Itinerary along the Pacific Coast Highway. 

Day 1 – San Francisco

Embark on your Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip by flying into San Francisco or any of the Bay area airports including Oakland and San Jose.

You would be surprised to know that this is California’s fourth-largest city, considering its immense popularity.

The Golden Gate city receives over 25 million visitors every year!

We recommend renting a car at the airport and staying in a San Francisco Downtown Hotel.

Golden Gate Bridge

Then begin your day early at the most iconic attraction along the West Coast, the famous Golden Gate Bridge.

Learn more about the history and engineering technology of the bridge at the Golden Gate Visitor Center.

Then walk the famous bridge and experience the thrill of being under the orange cables.

If you have the time, walk, or drive all the way across and enjoy the experience.

Did you know that California Highway 1 actually goes across the Golden Gate bridge?

That’s why the engineering marvel makes an excellent Pacific Coast Highway start point!

Palace of Fine Arts

Then see the Palace of Fine Arts. Located near the Golden Gate Bridge, this beautiful building is another renowned city icon.

It was originally built in 1915 for the Panama Pacific Exposition and has since then become one of the architectural marvels along the Pacific Coast.

It’s most famous for the Grecian style rotunda which is reflected in the shallow lagoon surrounding the building. 

Other SF Attractions

Other must-visit attractions in San Francisco are:

Lombard Street which is said to be the most crooked street in the world

Twin Peaks, from where you can see amazing views of the city and…

the San Francisco Chinatown, the second largest in the country!

Drive down Lombard Street, then up the hills at Twin Peaks, and finally make your way to the Dragon Gate on Grant Avenue, which marks the entrance to Chinatown. 

Alcatraz

If you have enough time, schedule a tour to Alcatraz Island.

This site is a premier San Francisco tourist attraction.

The federal prison once held Al Capone and today can be seen on guided tours to the island. 

Fishermen’s Wharf

In the evening, visit Fisherman’s Wharf of San Francisco.

Here you will find amazing restaurants, arcade games, and lots of people. Have dinner and people watch.

Eat the famous clam chowder soup at Boudin’s bakery. See the sea lions and shop for souvenirs.

The Ferry Building Marketplace is another great place to dine and enjoy the architecture.

Union Square & Ghirardelli Square

End your day in San Francisco shopping at Union Square or eating Ghirardelli ice-cream in Ghirardelli Square. 

Union Square also has many wine tasting rooms, upscale restaurants, and high end brands.

To explore more attractions in the Golden Gate City including Mission District and Haight Ashbury and plan your visit, read Best Things to do in San Francisco.

Day 2 – Half Moon Bay and Monterey

The next day, begin your Pacific Coast Highway road trip by taking Highway 1 down the coast to Half Moon Bay.

Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay is one of the most popular day trips from San Francisco.

This small coastal town has incredible beaches while its Main Street is a charming place to take a stroll. 

Visitors love the relaxed atmosphere in Downtown.

See the interesting and historic attractions along Main Street including Half Moon Bay Jail, City Hall, the historic bridge on Main Street, quaint beds and breakfasts, Half Moon Bakery, and more.

Step inside the cafes and diners to eat locally sourced foods or visit the boutiques and art galleries for unique souvenirs. 

Half Moon Bay also has some of the best Pacific Coast Highway beaches near San Francisco.

Whether you visit Half Moon Bay State Beach, Francis Beach, or Venice Beach, you are sure to find uninterrupted stretches of soft, silvery sand and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. 

Pigeon Point Light

Another must-visit is the Pigeon Point Lighthouse in Pescadero.

This is one of the most iconic lighthouses along California’s coast and also the most photographed one.

It stands tall and proud along the ocean’s edge and can be easily seen on a guided tour.

The hikes near the lighthouse will take you to a small beach from where you can observe plenty of wildlife including sea otters, seals, and whales. 

To read more about other Half Moon Bay attractions including the tide pools at Fitgerald Marine Reserve, read our post on Best Things to do in Half Moon Bay. 

Distance from San Francisco to Half Moon Bay – 30 miles
Time required for the trip – 45 mins

Half Moon Bay to Monterey Drive

After visiting the beach town of Half Moon Bay, drive south towards Monterey.

The distance is just a little over 90 miles, but this is where the Pacific Coast Highway starts getting beautiful.

The road meanders along the coast and passes the towns of Davenport and Santa Cruz famous for its Santa Cruz beach boardwalk.

You will see unique rock formations along the ocean including Shark Fin Rock.

The drive from Half Moon Bay to Monterey will take you a minimum of 2 hours, even more, if you stop at any of the roadside attractions. 

Monterey

When you reach Monterey, you will be treated to stunning views of the coast and the brightly painted Cannery Row.

This is where you should start your Monterey visit.

Cannery Row is a historic relic that goes back to Monterey’s past as a sardine canning center along the West Coast.

The factories now house restaurants, hotels, cafes, and even boutiques.

The famous Monterey Bay Aquarium is also located here and is a must attraction if you are road tripping the Pacific Coast Highway with kids. 

If you have more time, then you should drive the famous 17 Mile Drive in Monterey and see attractions such as Pebble Beach golf courses and the Lone Cypress tree.

You can also go on a whale-watching cruise in Monterey.

End your day in Monterey by taking a stroll along the Fisherman’s Wharf and dining on fresh-caught seafood.

Enjoy the sunset and the barking sea lions along the coast on your PCH road trip. 

Read our post on Best Things to do in Monterey here.

Distance from Half Moon Bay to Monterey – 91 miles
Time required for the trip – 2 hours

Optional: Carmel by the sea

Carmel by the sea is a small town located in Monterey County, California.

Carmel is known for its scenic beauty, Mediterranean climate, and arts community.

Visitors can enjoy the many art galleries, cafes, and shops that line the streets of this seaside village.

Carmel’s beaches are also some of the most beautiful in all of California.

Day 3 – Big Sur

No Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary is complete without visiting Big Sur.

Big Sur is wild and rugged compared to the beaches of southern California…..

….but far prettier and accessible than the redwood-covered rocky coast in northern California!

Big Sur – Top attraction of PCH trip

Big Sur is dreamy: mountains meeting the sea, striking rock formations along the coast, blooming wildflowers, dense fogs, and epic sunsets!

The nature is spectacular here.

Big Sur is the reason why you make the Coastal Highway 1 road trip in the first place!

Areawise, Big Sur is just 90 miles long and a few miles wide but to explore it, you can take anything from a day to a week and still not be satisfied with Big Sur.

Since you are spending 5 days along the Pacific Coast Highway, you have enough time to spend over 24 hours in Big Sur.

Also Read: San Francisco to Big Sur road trip itinerary

We suggest staying and dining in Big Sur Village in this Pacific Coast Highway 5 Day Itinerary. 

Take your day to explore attractions such as Bixby Creek Bridge and Pfeiffer Beach.

Bixby Creek Bridge

Bixby Creek Bridge is a Big Sur icon.

The striking arch bridge spans the Bixby Creek and has awe-inspiring views of the Pacific Ocean.

There are pullouts on either end of the Bixby bridge but the northern pullout which takes you to the cliff overlooking the bridge has the most stunning views.

From here, you can photograph Bixby bridge along with the ocean.  

Pfeiffer Beach

Then take the time to hike down to Pfeiffer Beach and admire its purple sands.

Here you will see the beautiful rock formation of Keyhole Rock – a highlight of this perfect PCH road trip.

The best time to come here is at sunset or sunrise.

The parking lot here is pretty crowded, but since you are staying in Big Sur you can visit late in the day or early in the morning to have the beach to yourself. 

McWay Falls

And off course, you must visit McWay Falls, one of our favorite Pacific Coast Highway stops.

With its 80-foot drop and stunning ocean views, it’s easy to see why this is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the state.

Located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, the waterfall can be seen from a platform accessed via a short hike.

Julia Pfeiffer state park also has many other great hikes.

Point Lobos

Another great place to visit is Point Lobos.

Located near Carmel, this state reserve is excellent for hiking, seeing wildflowers, birdwatching, and learning the area’s whaling history.

Read our post on Best Things to do in Point Lobos for more information.

Distance from Monterey to Big Sur Village – 30 miles
Time required for the trip – 45 mins

Day 4 – Big Sur and San Luis Obispo

Rise to another beautiful day along California’s central coast in Big Sur.

Have a hearty breakfast and feel rejuvenated in the ocean air.

Then see the rest of Big Sur and its highlights including…

the stunning McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – essential stop on the PCH road trip….

… the groves of redwood trees along the coast and the pretty Silver Dollar Beach…

Tour the Point Sur lighthouse, visit Hearst Castle, and tour the elephant seal rookery at Piedras Blancas!

If you go at the right time, you will be able to see the baby elephant seals too.

To see all attractions in Big Sur including the famous Hearst Castle in San Simeon and Limekiln State Park, read our post Best Things to do in Big Sur. 

San Luis Obispo

After exploring Big Sur to your heart’s content, drive down to the trendy college town of San Luis Obispo.

Nicknamed SLO, this has often been called the Happiest Place in the USA.

While the city is famous for its nightlife and restaurant scene, San Luis Obispo also has many historic and cultural attractions. 

One of the main stops in San Luis Obispo is the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.

This beautiful mission located in the busy downtown is one of the most beautiful in California.

Take a tour of the interior too.

Outside the mission, you will find a sculpture with the bears: the area surrounding SLO is named Valley of the Bears on account of the large number of bears found here at the time of the mission’s founding. 

Other major attractions in SLO include the Bubblegum Alley, San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, Historic Downtown area, and the famous Madonna Inn.

Enjoy SLO’s happening vibe, the night scene, and then stay in the city before continuing your Pacific Coast Highway 5 Day Itinerary along the coast.

To read all about the major attractions in SLO, nearby Pismo Beach, and Los Osos, read our post on Best Things to do in San Luis Obispo County. 

Optional: Central California Coast Towns

No need to rush down the coast!

Stop and enjoy the laidback life at Central California beach towns like Morro Bay and Pismo Beach.

Follow Highway 1 inland as it meets Highway 101 to attractions such as the Danish town of Solvang and Paso Robles in the Santa Ynez Valley as you head south!

Morro Bay

Morro Bay is a quaint Central Coast surf town with a rich history and plenty of fun activities.

It is most famous for its geological formation, Morro Rock.

While you are in town, visit Morro Rock and watch sea lions at play.

Take a walk or bike ride on the Embarcadero.

Stroll through Downtown Morro Bay or enjoy kayaking and fishing.

Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach is a beautiful beach town and home to one of the most popular beaches in California.

Visitors can enjoy miles of sandy beaches, great restaurants, unique shops, and plenty of outdoor activities.

It also makes a great stop for exploring the nearby wine country.

Solvang

Solvang is a Danish town is nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley.

The small town is decked out in traditional Danish architecture and there are shops and restaurants selling all sorts of Danish food and goods on Main Street.

Take a photo with a windmill, enjoy the cute feels, and sip some wine while spending a few hours in Solvang.

Distance from Big Sur Village to San Luis Obispo – 110 miles
Time required for the trip – 2 hours 30 mins

Day 5 – Santa Barbara and Los Angeles

On the final day of your Pacific Coast Highway road trip, head your way down along Highway 1 to Santa Barbara and Los Angeles.

In this stretch, Highway 1 often leaves the Pacific Coast.

You might find yourself on top of a mountain and even be able to see the coast far away in the distance in some areas.

Rest assured, this part of the PCH road trip is still worth the time and has fantastic views!

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is pretty pretty pretty! In spite of being so close to Los Angeles, it has a charming and relaxed vibe.

Santa Barbara’s whitewashed Spanish colonial architecture, blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, the popular waterfront area of Stearn’s Wharf all feel more European than American!

Add in the wide streets such as State Street and swaying palm trees, and you might easily forget where you are.

A must-visit attraction in Santa Barbara is the Mission Santa Barbara.

Along with the architecture and bell tower, the mission is also famous for its art collection and botanic garden.

Also must visit is the Santa Barbara County Courthouse.

The view from the clock tower of the courthouse is stunning.

Also, the 18th-century clock is also amazing to look at. 

For other Santa Barbara attractions including the many museums, and the zoo, read our post on Best Things to do in Santa Barbara. 

Distance from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara – 120 miles
Time required for the trip – 2hrs 15 mins

Optional: Channel Islands National Park

Add Ventura to your road trip itinerary if you want to see California’s famous Channel Islands.

Channel Islands National Park, consisting of five main islands and their islets, is located off the coast of Southern California.

The park’s marine environment is rich in biodiversity and visitors can easily spot marine life including sea lions, dolphins and also humpback whales on a visit.

The channel islands are accessible via ferry from Ventura Pier.

Los Angeles

Finally, time to head down to Tinseltown on the Pacific Coast Highway 5 Day Itinerary!

Be assured – if this is your first time visiting the city, then you are going to be awestruck.

Los Angeles LA is home to Hollywood and both glamorous and overwhelming!

It is huge, the largest city in California and the second-largest in the country.

The city is home to hundreds of tourist attractions and it is not easy to see the highlights in a day. 

Needless to say, many of the major attractions in Los Angeles are geared towards Hollywood fans.

You can visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame where you will find the names of celebrities embedded in the pavement at Hollywood Blvd or see their wax statues at Madame Tussauds.

To see some real-life celebrities, take a behind the scenes movie tours at Sony or Paramount, or Warner bros. 

And then there are the Orange County theme parks – a highlight of the Pacific Coast Highway trip for families!

Whether you visit Universal or Disney in Anaheim or want to ride the scary roller coasters at Six Flags, Los Angeles has enough thrills for anyone.

For a budget theme park, visit Pacific Park amusement park on Santa Monica Pier as well as the canals in Venice on your California road trip.

Los Angeles also has amazing museums and is a cultural destination for many travelers.

Art lovers should visit the LACMA or the Broad while natural history enthusiasts should visit La Brea Tar Pits or the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.

However, you chose to spend your day, Los Angeles offers the ultimate destination for your Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip.

To read about all of Los Angeles attractions including Walt Disney Concert Hall and Malibu, read our post Best Things to do in Los Angeles.  

Distance from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles – 100 miles
Time required for the trip – 2 hrs

This San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip makes a perfect California vacation for road trippers.

It combines stunning natural attractions along the Pacific Coast Highway route with the urban charms of San Fran and Los Angeles.

Needless to say, it is one of our favorite road trips along the Pacific Coast.

Optional: San Diego

While Highway 1 ends at Dana Point, you can still drive further south!

With more days in hand, you can extend this California Coast road trip all the way to San Diego.

The LA to San Diego road trip along the Southern California Coast has many great stops: Long Beach, Huntington Beach, Redondo Beach, Newport Beach, La Jolla, and also Laguna Beach!

At the end of this Pacific Coast Highway drive, you can enjoy the pretty beaches and year round sunshine of San Diego.

Travel Tips

Here are some tips for your drive:

Be sure to check road status before you go. Landslides often close the route. For example, Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge collapsed in 2017 and made Big Sur accessible for nearly 18 months!

Also, amenities are limited in Big Sur. Make sure to fill up on gas whenever you spot a gas station.

Avoid driving at night as fogs can make the road treacherous.

You can also follow the itinerary in reverse: head north from Los Angeles or San Diego to San Francisco.

Did you like our Pacific Coast Highway 5 Day Itinerary? Let us know!

Other useful posts to plan your Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

Pacific Coast Highway 4 day Itinerary
PCH 7 day itinerary
Pacific Coast Highway 10 day itinerary
All PCH Itineraries
Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Planner
Best Places to Stay along the Pacific Coast Highway
Best Pacific Coast Highway Stops

The post Plan the Perfect Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary 5 Days Now! appeared first on PCH1 Road Trip.

What and where is the Pacific Coast Highway?

Pacific Coast Highway is the coastal route that follows the West Coast of the country. It starts at San Diego, California near the southern border with Mexico and ends north of Seattle near the Canadian border in the Pacific Northwest. 

The entire route is not officially named the Pacific Coast Highway but has always been called so since it parallels the Pacific Coast. It is also called the Pacific Highway. 

The major routes that comprise the Pacific Coast Highway road trip include Highway 1 in the south and central California and then Highway 101 in north California, and the states of Oregon and Washington.

Is Pacific Coast Highway the same as 101?  

Well, that depends on what part of the coast you are referring to.

In California, Pacific Coast Highway usually refers to Highway 1. While it does overlap with the 101 in certain areas, for the most part, it is a distinct and separate road.

However, if you are talking about northern California or the Pacific Northwest, then yes Highway 101 is the Pacific Coast Highway. 

How long is the Pacific Coast Highway?

It is really hard to calculate how long the Pacific Coast Highway is because it is really comprised of many different routes and scenic drives. In some areas, you will need to take detours to access attractions. 

Here are basic driving distances on the Pacific Coast Highway:

Highway 101 in Washington starts at the Astoria-Megler Bridge and ends in Olympia. It is 366 miles long. 

From the northern border with Canada to Olympia it’s 180 miles while from Seattle to Olympia it is 70 miles.

Highway 101 in Oregon starts south of Brookings and ends in Astoria at the Washington border. It is 363 miles long. 

In California, things get confusing. To drive closest to the coast, you will need to take the following roads:

Highway 101 between Leggett to the Oregon border is 192 miles long. This part is known as the Redwood Coast and the road Redwood Highway. 

Highway 1 between Leggett and Dana Point is 656 miles long. The road is alternatively called US Highway 1 / California Route 1 / Shoreline Highway / Cabrillo Highway. 

I-5 from Dana Point all the way to the Mexican border is 80 miles. However, if you want to end your trip at the San Diego city center then you will be driving 65 miles. 

By summing up these distances, 

The Pacific Coast Highway from Seattle to Olympia is 1712 miles long. 

But if you want to drive it all the way from the Canadian border to the Mexican border, it is 1837 miles.

Just for reference, the coastline of the USA West Coast is 1293 miles long. Per state coastline is as follows:

California – 840 miles

Oregon – 296 miles

Washington – 157 miles

What is PCH1? What are its different names?

California’s legendary coastal route is officially named the Pacific Coast Highway 1 aka PCH1. Work began on the construction of this beautiful road in the 1930s. 

It remains a marvel of engineering in the way it was designed to dramatically hug every curve of the coast, particularly in central California. It bridges including the Bixby Creek Bridge in Big Sur and the Golden Gate Bridge delight road trippers. 

The Pacific Coast Highway 1 is also known by several other names. It is called Route 1 / Highway 1 / shoreline Highway / Cabrillo Highway.

How long does it take to drive the entire Pacific Coast Highway? 

How long is the drive up the PCH? If you are talking about Highway 1, it takes 10 to 12 hours to drive the road between Dana Point and Leggett. However, considering the most beautiful attractions along the way, you should keep aside at least 4 to 6 days for the trip. 

How long does it take to drive the West Coast? The entire West Coast road trip from border to border is over 1800 miles long. You should not attempt to see this in anything under 10 days. However, the route has plenty of natural and urban attractions and you should ideally plan a 2 or 3 week trip along the West Coast.

How long does it take to drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles on the Pacific Coast Highway? There are roughly 400 miles of Highway 1 between San Franciso and Los Angeles and it takes about 10 hours, especially if you hit traffic in Big Sur. We recommend spending at least 4 to 7 days on the PCH here. 

How long does it take to drive the Pacific Coast Highway from Los Angeles to Seattle?  Los Angeles is about 1300 miles by the Pacific Coast Highway and needs about 7 to 10 days at a leisurely pace. 

How long does it take to drive Highway 1 California? As we answered before, it takes about 10 hours to drive the entire 656 miles of Highway 1. 

What is the speed limit on Pacific Coast Highway? 

The posted speed limit on the Pacific Coast Highway between Carmel and San Simeon ie in Big Sur is 55 mph. However, for the several hairpin turns in this region, you might need to go even slower. All the turns will have posted speed limits, but in general, we recommend driving at around 30mph unless the posted speed limit is lower to enjoy the views and stay safe.

For other areas, it varies and you can even drive at 55mph or 65 mph when applicable. If you are in doubt, always go with the flow of traffic.  

Is it better to drive north or south on the Pacific Coast Highway? 

One of the most commonly asked questions is which direction should you drive the Pacific Coast Highway. 

This is a bit tricky and depends on personal preferences. 

We personally love starting in the north and driving south for multiple reasons. Cars in the USA are left-hand drive cars, meaning you will be always driving on the right side of the road. 

That means, when you are driving south you will be closer to the coastal side of the road. That means you will be having great views of the Pacific Ocean and the headlands and bluffs and your road trip companion will have an excellent shot at taking scenic photographs right from the car!

Also, most state parks and attractions will be on the right side so you will have easy access to parking lots and viewpoints. 

Driving northbound is not all that bad, you will be rewarded with the most scenic sites towards the end of your trip.

Is the Pacific Coast Highway dangerous to drive? 

People often wonder, Is California Highway 1 dangerous? 

Compared to other highways in California, Route 1 is dangerous in certain ways. The main reason is that in Big Sur, the highway turns and twists continuously. It is narrow and a single lane road in each direction for most parts. 

You might find cars parked along the road near tourist spots and sometimes even visitors standing on the road to take photographs. Apart from cars, you will also find RVs, campervans, cyclists, and bikers on the road.

Weather also impacts the safety along Highway 1. Rainfalls cause erosion and landslides make the cliffs unstable. Entire sections of Highway 1 can be closed off at a time cutting access to the regions.  

There can be strong gusts of winds especially at places like Hurricane Point and when the fog rolls in, it’s thick and dense and can cause poor visibility.

However, if you take the usual precautions of driving slowly with fog lights on if needed, braking slowly, avoiding night drives in Big Sur and other hilly areas, then you should be safe. 

What is the best time of the year to drive the Pacific Coast Highway? 

Wondering when to drive the Pacific Coast Highway? There are different advantages to making this road trip in different seasons.

If you plan to road trip only PCH1 in California, then you can road trip year-round. Summers can be rainy and foggy near the central coast, spring will be gorgeous with wildflowers, fall will be nice and warm, and winter will be mild. 

However, if you are planning to drive further up in Oregon or Washington, then you need to plan from spring to fall. 

Read our post on Best Time to Visit the Pacific Coast Highway for more information.

What should you not miss on the Pacific Coast Highway? 

This question is often interchangeably asked with Which part of Highway 1 is best? Or What should you not miss in Big Sur? Or Which part of California should I visit?  

We get it, for most visitors the Pacific Coast Highway road trip is once in a lifetime trip and you definitely don’t want to miss the most beautiful parts of the coast. 

So, exactly What is the most scenic part of the Pacific Coast Highway? Or Where should I go on the coast of California? 

The answer is – Big Sur!

Here you will find dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife, stunning views, lighthouses, pristine beaches, hiking trails, redwood trees, and more! 

Where should I stay along the Pacific Coast Highway? 

There are several best places to stay along the Pacific Coast Highway. From romantic resorts to glamping locations, you can find everything in between along the highway. 

There are also several campgrounds along the PCH and you can easily do this trip in a campervan if you desire. 

What should I pack for a Pacific Coast Highway road trip? 

You will need layers of clothing. Bring along full-sleeved and half-sleeved shirts and T-shirts, shorts, jeans, and hiking pants. You will need a waterproof travel jacket to stay safe against the ocean sprays and winds along the coast. 

Bring a hiking day pack, water bottle, and hiking maps. We also recommend binoculars, beach gear, cameras, sunscreen, and a hat. 

Where should I eat on the Pacific Coast Highway?

There are many amazing restaurants located along the Pacific Coast Highway. Here, you will find every kind of food including the sourdough clam chowder in San Francisco, California style burritos in Los Angeles, original Starbucks coffee in Seattle, and voodoo doughnuts in Portland. 

However, the food is not restricted to the big cities. Try the Danish aebleskivers in Solvang, the fresh oysters in Tomales Bay, and breakfast pizza at Big Sur bakery. Go wine tasting along the Sonoma Coast and fresh fish on the Olympic peninsula. 

Big Sur FAQs

Many visitors are specifically interested in visiting the Big Sur region and have tons of questions about the central coast of California. Here are answers to some of the common questions:

Is Big Sur worth visiting? What is Big Sur known for? 

Big Sur is the most beautiful part of the coastline of California. Located in the central part of the state, Big Sur is about 3 hours south of San Francisco. The region stretches for 90 miles and for most of it, Highway 1 hugs the dramatic curves and cliffs. It is known for its natural attractions and sheer beauty. 

Apart from its wild and rugged beauty, there are many things to do in Big Sur. You will find plenty of hiking trails in the region and any state parks including the famous Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Attractions like Bixby Creek Bridge and McWay Falls are visited by millions of people every year. 

How many days do you need in Big Sur?

To enjoy Big Sur at a relaxing pace, you need to spend at least 2 to 3 days here. We recommend staying in Bug Sur Village or camping in the state parks and enjoying the hiking trails. See the highlights of Big Sur, enjoy the foggy mornings, and colorful sunsets along the coast. Go birding or whale watching and spot the elephant seals at San Simeon. Big Sur is incredible and romantic and truly one of the best places to visit in California.

Is Big Sur dangerous? 

Because of its dangerous cliffs, overlooks, slippery trails, craggy rock formations, and secluded beaches, Big Sur can be dangerous to hikers, bikers, and road trippers. However, it is not more dangerous than any other wilderness area and we recommend practicing the usual precautions.

Carry enough water on hikes and a trail map. Refer to tide charts if the trail can be covered at high tide. Do not go near cliff edges and on unmarked trails. Always carry a compass, GPS, and safety whistle.

Do not go near wildlife or feed any wildlife. Observe the tidepool creatures, seabirds, and whales from a safe distance. 

Always keep kids near you on the beach and follow posted signs and warning related to swimming and entering the water. 

Fill up your car at regular intervals on gas and keep a car safety repair kit and first aid kit handy.

What is the most scenic route from San Francisco to Los Angeles?  

Wondering What is the scenic route to San Francisco? And Where should I stop between LA and San Francisco?

Of course, it is Highway 1. Highway 101 between LA and SF is also pretty however, it is nothing compared to Highway 1. The main reason for this is the beautiful, gorgeous Big Sur. 

The other roads are Highway 101 and I-5. I-5 is the fastest. You can reach the city in just 5 hours without traffic but there is nothing to see. Highway 101 while scenic, does nothing compared to Highway 1.

Other useful posts to plan your Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Planner
Pacific Coast Highway 4 day Itinerary
Pacific Coast Highway 5 day itinerary
Pacific Coast Highway 7 day itinerary
Pacific Coast Highway 10 Day itinerary
All PCH Itineraries
Best Places to Stay along the Pacific Coast Highway
Best Pacific Coast Highway Stops

The post Pacific Coast Highway FAQs appeared first on PCH1 Road Trip.

With 10 days in hand, you have so many options. Simply choose your start and endpoint from the big cities of San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco and follow the coast in your preferred direction. Or go north from San Francisco, escaping city life and deep into the redwood forests of Northern California.

Since you have longer than a week, you need not even keep yourself restricted to California. Combine hipster cities of San Francisco and Portland in one epic road trip. Or explore the Oregon coast or the Olympic Peninsula in Washington. Or drive from Portland to Seattle and see everything in between for a memorable Pacific Northwest Road trip. 

Whichever itinerary you choose, on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip, you are assured beautiful views along the coast, gorgeous beaches and lighthouses, dramatic natural attractions, and fresh seafood!

Here are a few itinerary ideas on how to spend 10 days on the Pacific Coast Highway.  

Itinerary 1: San Francisco to San Diego for beach worshippers

One way is to make the stunning drive down the coast from San Francisco but instead of ending at Los Angeles, drive all the way down to La Jolla and San Diego. You will see plenty of charming beach towns and get to visit the best beaches in California. 

We recommend starting this trip in San Francisco and checking out the city’s highlights such as Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Enjoy the restaurant scene, shopping, and nightlife in the city. 

The next day, drive down the coast and visit Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz, before visiting Monterey. See major tourist attractions in Monterey including Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, ad the 17 Mile Drive. 

Then spend some time in idyllic Big Sur. This is one of the most beautiful stretches of the California coast and a total delight. Go hiking in Limekiln State Park and photograph the beautiful Bixby Creek Bridge. See the college town of San Luis Obispo before reaching Santa Barbara and Los Angeles.

Enjoy the charming life and big-city glamor in LA. Tour the movie studios, visit celebrity homes, and see the Hollywood Walk of Fame. See the museums and spend a day or two in Anaheim hitting Disney theme parks. 

End your trip driving down the coast of southern California all the way to San Diego. Enjoy the beaches at Dan Point, San Clemente, Oceanside, and La Jolla before reaching San Diego. In the city, enjoy the Historic Old Town, Gaslamp Quarters, and Balboa Park. 

Read our post on Driving the PCH from San Francisco to San Diego to plan this road trip. 

Itinerary 2: Los Angeles to Avenue of the Giants for redwood seekers

Another excellent option for a 10 day PCH road trip itinerary is to start your trip in the city of Los Angeles and then follow the road north all the way up to San Francisco and Leggett. While this route does not follow our preferred direction of north to south, the trip is definitely as charming as it gets.  

Follow the road all the way north and enjoy the scenery changes from sun-soaked humid southern California to fog-kissed windy northern California. Enjoy small beach towns along the way such as Pismo Beach, Morro Bay, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Half Moon Bay, Bodega, and Fort Bragg.

Travel along the California coast and visit all the redwoods including those in Big Sur, Muir Woods, and the Avenue of Giants in Northern California. The coastal redwoods in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park are the furthest south that they grow.

Enjoy the waterfalls and crashing waves in Big Sur, marvel at the marine life in Monterey, enjoy life in the Bay Area, hike to the lighthouse in Point Reyes, eat oysters at Tomales Bay, and stay in charming Mendocino. This road trip truly showcases the best that the California coast has to offer.

Read our post on California Coast Road Trip to plan this stunning drive along Highway 1 California.

Itinerary 3: Los Angeles to San Francisco for slow travelers

If you love slow travel and want to spend a lot of time in one destination hiking, kayaking, lounging on the beach, and exploring local restaurants, then consider spending the entire 10 days in central California on a Los Angeles to San Francisco Drive. 

This trip will give you ample time to spend a couple of days each in Los Angeles and San Francisco and enjoy the city attractions. Visit museums, see iconic attractions such as the Golden Gate bridge and Rodeo Drive, enjoy local farmers’ markets, and indulge in shopping. 

Along the Pacific Coast Highway 1, enjoy the famous attractions of McWay Falls and Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur. See the elephant seals in San Simeon and enjoy the highlights of Monterey. Discover tide pool creatures at Fitgerald Marine Reserve and go hiking in Point Lobos. 

This road trip is slow enough to give ample time to hidden attractions along the coast such as the Danish town of Solvang, California’s Channel islands in the Pacific Ocean, Hearst Castle in San Simeon, the Henry Miller Library in Big Sur, and beautiful Garrapatta State Park. Tour the lighthouses along the coast and go on a whale-watching cruise. 

Stay in sleep coastal communities such as Carmel-by-the-Sea, Cayucos, and Pacific Grove. Go ATV riding in Oceano Dunes and surf the waves in Half Moon Bay. See a stunning sunset at Pigeon Point.  

Read our post on Los Angeles to San Francisco Drive to plan this road trip. 

Itinerary 4: Northern California Coast Road Trip

If you have seen most of central and southern California, then consider our amazing Northern California coast road trip itinerary. Start your trip in San Francisco and drive all the way north along Highway 1 and Highway 101 to the Oregon border. 

After enjoying San Francisco’s big-city attractions, make your way north to the windiest place on the continent, Point Reyes. See the lighthouse and hike along the coast before visiting the charming towns of Mendocino and Fort Bragg.

See California’s famous glass beach – be sure not to pick up any glass – and ride the skunk train. Go hiking in Mendocino Headlands State Park, photograph the charming bridge in Russian Gulch, and see the pygmy forest in Van Damme.

Drive through the redwood tree at Chandelier and see the Avenue of the Giants. Visit the Loleta Cheese Factory and explore the charming city of Eureka. See Redwood National and State Parks and hike in Fern Canyon before ending your trip in underrated Crescent City. 

Read our post on Northern California Road Trip to plan this amazing journey along the PCH. 

Itinerary 5: Oregon Coast Road Trip

Or you can even make a memorable San Francisco to Portland road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway 101 for an exciting adventure. If you do not want to cover all that distance, then consider just driving Highway 101 in Oregon.

Either fly to Eugene, bend, or Portland and begin your trip there. The main highlights are the coastal attractions in southern, central, and northern Oregon. The Oregon coast is quite different from the California coast in several ways. In the southern part, you will find the coastal redwoods while in northern Oregon, you will find sea stacks. Central Oregon has some of the largest sand dunes in the country. 

In southern Oregon, the highlight is the Samuel H Boardman Scenic Byway. You could easily spend hours in this 12 mile stretch of the coast: it’s filled with exciting hikes, natural rock formations, beautiful views, tidepools, and lots of photo ops. 

In central Oregon, you will find the beautiful Tillamook County. Visit the Tillamook Cheese Factory in Tillamook and drive along the scenic Three Capes Scenic Loop which leads to stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. 

In northern Oregon, you can visit the beautiful Cannon Beach and Ecola State Park. Take a photo of the iconic Haystack Rock of Oregon. Then explore the northernmost town of Astoria, located at the mouth of the Columbia River before ending your trip in the energetic and unique city of Portland. 

Read our post on Oregon Coast Road Trip to plan this amazing adventure along Beaver State’s coast. 

Itinerary 6: Olympic Peninsula Loop Road Trip, Washington

For a very unique and different Pacific Coast Highway road trip, consider skipping California and even Oregon in favor of Washington. Pacific Coast Highway 101 loops around the entire Olympic peninsula and gives access to some of the best attractions in Washington state. 

The coastline here is very vivid and dramatic and can frequently compete with that in Big Sur. You will find foggy coves and lighthouses, beautiful beaches that can be reached only via hiking, secluded trails, Cape Flattery the northwesternmost point in the continental US, and even hot springs. 

While there are no redwood trees here, you will find moss-covered branches of towering evergreens in the Hof Rainforest. The trees here grow as lush, wide, and tall as the coastal redwoods. The beaches are covered in driftwood and sea stacks are a common reminder of the volcanic nature of the coastline. 

You will find beautiful lakes such as Lake Quinalt and Lake Crescent right along the Pacific Coast Highway 101. Then visit the gorgeous mountain ranges in the center of the Olympic Peninsula. Here you will find the Hurricane Ridge area of the Olympic National Park. Hike on wildflower-covered trails and see the iconic ranges.

Visit charming towns on the peninsula including Port Angeles and Port Townsend. End your trip in the urban areas of Seattle and Tacoma. See Seattle’s Space Needle, visit the original Starbucks, and enjoy the Capitol Hill neighborhood. 

Read our post on the Olympic Peninsula Loop Road Trip to plan this epic itinerary. 

Itinerary 7: Pacific Northwest Road Trip

If you have got your sights set on the Pacific Northwest, then make the amazing road trip from Portland to Seattle via the Olympic peninsula. Enjoy Portland’s attractions including the Japanese garden, Pittock Mansion, and Voodoo doughnuts. 

Take a day trip out to see the beautiful Multnomah Falls and the Columbia River Gorge Natural Scenic Area. These are iconic attractions of the Pacific Northwest and must-visit. Take an entire day to drive the Historic Columbia River Scenic Highway to Mount Hood and see other waterfalls in the area too.

Then follow the Pacific Coast Highway 101 north along the West Coast and enjoy amazing sights such as Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach, Astoria, Lake Quinalt, Ruby Beach, Hoh Rainforest, and the Olympic National Park before reaching Tacoma and Seattle. 

Visit Olympia along the way and see the Washington State capitol. Enjoy the museums and zoo in Tacoma. Enjoy the highlights of Seattle including the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and Chihuly Garden and Glass. Take a day trip to the San Juan Islands or to Bainbridge Island. 

End your trip in the North Cascades National Park or see beautiful Mount Rainier. Experience first hand the stunning beauty of the mountain ranges of the Pacific Northwest. See why they have some of the best hikes in teh country and outstanding views of glacier-covered peaks. 

Read our post on Pacific Northwest Road Trip to plan this memorable West Coast trip along the Pacific Coast Highway. 

Other useful posts to plan your Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

Pacific Coast Highway 4 day Itinerary
Pacific Coast Highway 5 day itinerary
Pacific Coast Highway 7 day itinerary
All PCH Itineraries
Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Planner
Best Places to Stay along the Pacific Coast Highway
Best Pacific Coast Highway Stops

The post Pacific Coast Highway 10 Day Itinerary Ideas appeared first on PCH1 Road Trip.

Start your first day of the road trip at the northern end of Highway 1 in Leggett and see those majestic coastal redwoods that are a highlight of North California. Drive your car through the Chandelier Tree tunnel, then enjoy the thrilling wind gusts and inspiring views at Point Reyes National Seashore.

Then continue your way exploring San Francisco and Monterey before enjoying the amazing natural attractions of Big Sur. Relax and party in San Luis Obispo, then wind up in the pretty Danish streets of Solvang. If you have the time, visit the channel islands from Ventura and end your trip in the Home of Hollywood, Los Angeles. 

Here’s a sample schedule for 7 Day Itinerary along the Pacific Coast Highway:

Day 0 – San Francisco

If you are flying in, then arrive in San Francisco a day in advance and get settled in for your Highway 1 road trip. Rent a car from the airport and get essential road trip supplies like water, road trip snacks, etc. 

You can either stay in a hotel downtown and enjoy some of the city’s highlights in the evening or stay near the airport – this is cheaper – and skip the city’s traffic on your way to Leggett the next morning. 

However, you will need to start very early the next day and reach Leggett via Highway 101 which takes a little over 3 hours. The drive back from Leggett to San Francisco is 6 hours via Highway 1, which will leave less time for sightseeing.

Instead, we recommend driving to Leggett on Day 0 and staying there prior to your trip. Take Highway 101 to reach there faster and be refreshed to drive the Pacific Coast Highway early morning.

Distance from San Francisco to Leggett via Highway 1 – 222 miles
Time required for the trip –  5 hrs 45 mins

Distance from San Francisco to Leggett via Highway 101 – 182 miles
Time required for the trip –  3 hrs 15 mins

Day 1 – Leggett and Point Reyes

As we mentioned before, Leggett is the northern end of the Pacific Coast Highway 1 in California. Located in Mendocino County, Leggett is home to the immensely tall redwood trees, which are amongst the tallest trees in the world.

The main attraction of Leggett is teh Drive-Thru Park where the Chandelier Drive-Thru redwood tree is located. For a fee of $10 per vehicle, you can drive your car through this giant tree. The redwood is over 300 feet tall and 21 feet wide and simply massive. It is also almost 2400 years old. 

After seeing the tree, drive along Pacific Coast Highway 1 along the coast to Fort Bragg and Mendocino. Fort Bragg is most famous for its glass beach while charming Mendocino is one of the most pretty towns along the Pacific Coast. 

We recommend taking a stroll in Mendocino and having lunch here in one of the popular restaurants. If you have the time, visit one of the 3 state parks near Mendocino. To read more about all the attractions in Mendocino County, read our post on Best Things to do in Mendocino.

After seeing Mendocino, road trip Highway 1 along the coast. The views here are just sublime. Make a couple of our favorite stops in the area. Eat freshly shucked oysters in Tomales Bay and see the Alfred Hitchcock movie filming locations in Bodega. Then continue further down the coast towards Point Reyes.

Distance from Leggett to Point Reyes – 185 miles
Time required for the trip – 5 hrs

Point Reyes National Seashore is one of the best places to visit along the West Coast. This stunning stretch of coastal wilderness is located just an hour away from San Francisco and is very popular with Bay Area folks. What that basically means, Point Reyes is mostly always crowded! However, in spite of that, you should definitely make it a point to visit Point Reyes on your 7 Day pacific Coast Highway Road Trip. 

At Point Reyes, you will find rugged cliffs, beaches, redwood trees, pastures, marine life, and even a lighthouse. The area is managed by NPS and preserves over 71,000 acres of the coastline. Here, you will find miles and miles of hiking trails and other unique tourist attractions including the Cypress Tree Tunnel. 

You can get free trail maps at the Bear Valley Visitor Center. If you have the time, visit the Point Reyes Lighthouse. The Lighthouse Visitor Center will give you information about the area while you can spot wildlife from the observation deck. Drake Beach located near the lighthouse is the most popular beach in Point Reyes. 

After spotting sea lions or whales and hiking along the coast, take Highway 1 to San Francisco. You will be driving on the Golden Gate Bridge, one of the iconic attractions of the Pacific Coast Highway!

Distance from Point Reyes to San Francisco – 40 miles
Time required for the trip – 1 hr 15 mins

Day 2 – San Francisco

Take this day to experience the urban attractions of San Francisco. The city by the bay, as it is popularly called, is one of the best cities to visit in America. It is trendy, vibrant, and beautiful. The main attraction is obviously the Golden Gate Bridge, but apart from the bridge, there are many other attractions in San Francisco. 

Take a cruise to the island of Alcatraz and understand the history of this former federal prison. Stroll along Grant Avenue in Chinatown and admire the oriental architecture. Drive down the twisting curves of Lombard Street and enjoy an authentic cable car ride to the Ferry Building. 

San Francisco is also a foodie paradise. Whether you want a California style burrito, sourdough clam chowder, sushi, or dim sum, San Francisco has it all. It also has shopping, urban parks, and unique architecture.

To read more about planning your day in the city and creating an itinerary, read our post on Best Things to do in San Francisco.

Day 3 – Half Moon Bay and Monterey

Half Moon Bay is just an hour south of San Francisco and makes for an idyllic stop along the Pacific Coast Highway. It has a charming coastal vibe with a historic downtown, quaint architecture, and beautiful beaches. 

We would recommend spending some time exploring Half Moon Bay and nearby attractions such as Pigeon Point Lighthouse and Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. Then make your way further down the coast to the beautiful city of Monterey.

Read our post on Best Things to do in Half Moon Bay here. 

Distance from San Francisco to Half Moon Bay – 30 miles
Time required for the trip – 45 mins

Monterey is most popular for being home to one of the best aquariums in the World! At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, you will find a large diversity of marine exhibits and see marine life including jellyfish, stingrays, and more. 

If you are not a fan of seeing marine life indoors and enjoy seeing them out in the open, then Monterey is also the perfect place to go on a whale watching tour. The tours start from Fisherman’s Wharf. After you come back from the tour, eat a seafood dinner at one of the restaurants on the wharf. 

Stroll along the Cannery Row or go for a spectacular trip down 17 Mile Drive. See the historic pioneer buildings in Old Monterey and see all the museums. Monterey is the perfect stop to rest before continuing your road trip down one of the best Pacific Coast Highway attractions, Big Sur. 

To plan your day in Monterey and finalizing attractions as well as places to stay and eat, read our post on Best Things to do in Monterey. 

Distance from Half Moon Bay to Monterey – 91 miles
Time required for the trip – 2 hours

Day 4 – Big Sur

If you have been a reader of PCH1 Road Trip for long, then you know this by now: we simply love Big Sur and can’t stop raving about it! Big Sur is honestly one of the most stunning, gorgeous places to visit along the West Coast of the USA. Rather, it is one of the best places to visit in the world! 

Big Sur is the epitome of wild beauty: in Big Sur, you will find enormous redwood trees towering all the way up to the coast, the mountains ending suddenly at the Pacific Ocean, and a curving road that snakes up along the coast and treats visitors to stunning views! 

Big Sur is actually 90 miles long and has dozens of unique attractions. Go hiking in Point Lobos or Andrew Molera State Park. See the beautiful McWay Falls from the observation deck and have lunch in Big Sur Village. Visit Pfeiffer Beach and see the iconic views at sunset. Drive on Bixby Creek Bridge and take its beautiful photos. Spot the sea lions at Piedras Blancas and enjoy the winds at Hurricane Point. 

To plan your day in Big Sur and get an overview of the most beautiful attractions, read our post on Things to do in Big Sur. 

You can either stay in Big Sur or drive all the way down to San Luis Obispo. 

Distance from Monterey to Big Sur Village – 30 miles
Time required for the trip – 45 mins

Day 5 – San Luis Obispo and Solvang

If you are not a big nature person and need your share of city life after spending tie outdoors, then you will love San Luis Obispo. The city is full of nightlife, fantastic restaurants, and has a vibrant young population.

History and art lovers will enjoy the Spanish mission, museums, and historic downtown area of San Luis Obispo. This is a perfect place to rest for the night, enjoy its vibe, dine, and wine before driving towards the city of Solvang. 

Read our post on the Best Things to do in San Luis Obispo before you plan your trip!

Distance from Big Sur Village to San Luis Obispo – 110 miles
Time required for the trip – 2 hours 30 mins

Your next stop is Solvang. To reach Solvang, you will need to take a detour from Highway 1 but it is worth the visit. With fewer days in hand, you cannot really fit in a trip to Solvang, but since you have 7 Days on the Pacific Coast Highway, you should definitely visit this charming European city.

That’s right, Solvang is a charming Danish town in central California! It has got Danish architecture, windmills, and even a round tower. You can take a stroll through the town and spot many Danish icons. You can try tasty Danish treats at the bakeries: try aebleskivers – small puffy pancakes that seem to melt in your mouth!

Solvang is also excellent for those who like boutique shopping. Buy clocks, windmill replicas, wooden toys, unique apparel, handmade chocolates, and more while in the town. Visit the museum to explore Danish culture. 

We recommend staying the night in Solvang and heading down the coast to Ventura the next day. 

Distance from San Luis Obispo to Solvang – 70 miles
Time required for the trip – 1 hr 30 mins

Day 6 – Ventura and Santa Barbara

Ventura is a vibrant and artistic town along the Pacific Coast. It is known for its cultural vibe and is a popular place to live for many Hollywood folks. It is known for its beaches. Surfer’s Point is popular for windsurfing. 

There are many things to do in downtown Ventura too. Take a stroll along Main Street and explore historic buildings including the Mission San Buenaventura. See the museum and take a walk in the Ventura Botanical Gardens. 

Ventura also happens to be the gateway to California’s Channel Islands National Park, one of the least visited national parks in the country. Take a boat tour to the islands from the Ventura Harbor and within an hour, you will arrive on America’s Galapagos Islands! Here you can spot unique marine life and have plenty of water adventures including kayaking and diving among kelp forests. 

Distance from Solvang to Ventura – 75 miles
Time required for the trip – 1 hr 15 mins

From Ventura, drive the coast for half an hour to the tranquil oceanside city of Santa Barbara. We recommend staying in Santa Barbara for the night and enjoying the many attractions in the city. 

Start your visit at the Mission Santa Barbara and enjoy its beautiful colonial Spanish architecture. In fact, you would be surprised to see that the entire city is built in a similar style of architecture. Few people know this, but after teh old city was destroyed in a fire, it was rebuilt to match the Mission. 

Visit the Santa Barbara County Courthouse and admire the views from its clocktower. Try shopping and dining at Stearn’s Wharf and simply enjoy the ocean breeze. Relax, you are almost winding down your Pacific Coast Highway road trip!

If you love zoos and museums, read our post on the Best Things to do in Santa Barbara to add them to your itinerary. 

Distance from Ventura to Santa Barbara – 30 miles
Time required for the trip – 30 mins

Day 7 – Los Angeles

And finally, it’s time to see the city that people around the world are enamored with! Welcome to Home of Hollywood, the city of glamor and awesomeness, the cultural capital of the west coast, Los Angeles!!

This huge, sprawling suburban city is one of the best places to visit in California for multiple reasons. Los Angeles has got some of the world’s best shopping, a legendary culinary scene, and a bevy of cultural attractions including the LACMA and Broad. 

While in Los Angeles, you can visit museums, parks, theatres, and beaches. Along with downtown LA and Griffith Park, spend time in eclectic neighborhoods and suburbs such as Hollywood, Santa Monica, Malibu, and Venice. 

Read our post on Best Things to do in Los Angeles to decide on the best attractions to visit based on your interest. 

Distance from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles – 100 miles
Time required for the trip – 2 hrs

Other useful posts to plan your Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

Pacific Coast Highway 4 day Itinerary
Pacific Coast Highway 5 day itinerary
Pacific Coast Highway 10 day itinerary
All PCH Itineraries
Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Planner
Best Places to Stay along the Pacific Coast Highway
Best Pacific Coast Highway Stops

The post Pacific Coast Highway 7 Day Itinerary appeared first on PCH1 Road Trip.

A road trip along Highway 1 can be as flexible as you want.

You can spend from as little as 4 days up to a fortnight or more exploring this beautiful route.

Our fly-and-drive or self-drive Pacific Coast Highway itineraries are highly customizable and hence, the perfect way to start planning your ultimate California adventure.

Each itinerary highlights the best things to do in a destination along with essential travel information such as driving distances, time to spend per attraction, places to eat and drink, best photo ops, and accommodation for your trip.

Click the read more link to go to each itinerary page.

Pacific Coast Highway 4 day itinerary

If you have only 4 days, then spend one day in San Francisco and see the highlights including the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Alcatraz.

The next day, leave early from San Francisco and explore… Read More

Pacific Coast Highway 5 day itinerary

If you have 5 days, we would recommend following our 4-day itinerary with just a few changes: you can spend the extra day exploring either San Francisco, Big Sur, or Los Angeles.

In San Francisco, use your second day to see…Read More

Pacific Coast Highway 7 day itinerary

Now we are talking.

A week is a perfect time to drive this stunning route.

On your first day, start at the northern end in Leggett and see those majestic coastal redwoods.

Drive your car through the Chandelier Tree tunnel, then…Read More

Pacific Coast Highway 10 day itinerary

With 10 days in hand, you have so many options.

One way is to follow the 7- day itinerary but drive all the way down to San Diego.

Another is to start in Los Angeles, follow our 7-day itinerary, and explore up to the Avenue of Giants…Read More

Other Posts to plan your Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Planner
Best Places to Stay along the Pacific Coast Highway
Best Pacific Coast Highway Stops

The post Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itineraries appeared first on PCH1 Road Trip.

The beauty of the Pacific Coast Highway road trip is that California has mild weather year-round and you can complete the drive during every season. The stretch from San Francisco to Los Angeles is especially gorgeous any time you go. The landscapes along the Pacific Coast Highway look different in every season. 

Pacific Coast Highway in Spring

Looking for our recommendation on when to go? That’s easy, March to April! Our favorite season to drive the Pacific Coast Highway is spring. 

In spring, you will find beautiful spring wildflowers along the way. Entire stretches alongside the highway are carpeted in a variety of wildflowers. Our most recent road trip along PCH 1 was this spring, and the wildflower super bloom in many places made the trip really spectacular. Which flowers?

Wildlife viewing is also good in spring. Elephant seals numbers? Pups? Mottling? Whales? All of them!

Spring break and around Easter are crowded. 

Weather-wise, it can get pretty cold and windy in spring especially near the Bay area. Pack in layers and do not forget sweatshirts or jackets. In spring, there is also a chance of rain showers so carry along a waterproof anorak and / or umbrella especially for the northern half of the drive. 

Pacific Coast Highway in Summer

Summer attractions. Wildflowers. Wildlife. Fog? You bet.

Summer is one of the busiest seasons to drive the Pacific Coast Highway. Locals as well as tourists head for the road and visit several state parks along the way. You can encounter full parking lots at several popular attractions including McWay Falls, Bixby Creek Bridge, etc. 

If you plan to complete the Pacific Coast Highway road trip in the summer, then we would recommend starting early and basing your plan around higher crowds and corresponding delays. Also, if you are driving south beyond Los Angeles, then the weather can get quite hot and unbearable in the summer – and you need to pack for temperatures over 90 degrees. 

In the fall, wineries? Fall colors? Weather? Wildlife? 

In the winter, the clouds come low and the entire coast looks foggy and beautiful. However, this is also one of the trickiest time to drive through the twisting curves in Big Sur. Certain stretches of the Pacific Coast Highway may also be closed due to winter storms and resulting landslides. 

In spite of that, the time around the holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year on the PCH. You need to book your accommodations well in advance if traveling during this time. 

Winter is also great for whale watching on the coast. October through February, monarch migration at Pismo Beach monarch butterfly Grove. 

Considering all the above, the best time to drive the Pacific Coast Highway is from early spring to late fall; more so if you are aren’t accustomed to driving in the USA. 

However, if you want to go on an epic West Coast road trip, then you will also have to consider the weather in both Oregon and Washington. 

In the winter, it can rain and snow in both Oregon and Washington. So the ideal time to go on the trip is from late Spring to early Fall. 

Each season cover: Flora and fauna. Wildlife. Events and festivals. Crowds. Weather. Packing. Advance planning necessary? Etc.

The post Best Time to Visit the Pacific Coast Highway appeared first on PCH1 Road Trip.