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.

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.