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An Epic California Coastal Drive: San Francisco to Los Angeles Road Trip

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Driving from San Francisco to Los Angeles on the Pacific Coast Highway is an iconic American road trip experience. The California coastal drive, which ranks as one of the most gorgeous road trips in the United States, features the majestic western coastline, amazing forests and incredible viewpoints. We meticulously planned our coastal California drive – and are sharing our CA Route 1 itinerary details to help fellow travelers plan their perfect trip!

San Francisco to Los Angeles: Pacific Coast Highway

The San Francisco to Los Angeles coastal drive on the Pacific Coast Highway – or PCH – rolls through small California seaside towns and crosses magnificent bridges.

The scenery along the SF to LA coastal drive is simply breathtaking – and the Big Sur coastal drive section is certainly a highlight of the trip. In our California Coast road trip itinerary, we include the region’s top attractions and best places to stop!

Planning a California Coastal Trip: San Francisco to Los Angeles Highway 1

We believe 4 days is an ideal amount of time for a San Francisco to Los Angeles Pacific Coast Highway road trip. In this itinerary, we outline a 4-Day California coastal trip on the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to Los Angeles – and includes the prime places to stop along the route.

That said, we understand that not all travelers plan to make this SF to LA drive in the same time allotment. Some may only have a couple of days to complete a Cali self-drive tour, while other adventurers plan on spending a week driving the coast of California. In fact, it is even possible to make the San Francisco to LA coastal drive in a single day. Albeit, a very long day with about 10 hours of drive time.

Regardless of your time frame, you can use our coastal road trip planner to create your best California self-drive itinerary. In addition to the sightseeing suggestions we provide to help you plan your California coastal vacation, we include tips of where to stay , what to pack in your suitcase and offer alternate Route 1 stops.

We even share online maps including a San Francisco to Los Angeles coastal drive map marked with top attractions at the end of the article.

Pro Tip:  Get (and stay) organized for your Cali Coast Road Trip by using our Travel Planning Printables !

Coastal California Trip FAQs

Before jumping into our day-by-day plan for driving down the coast of California, we are answering a few commonly asked questions.

How Long is the California Coast Drive: PCH from San Francisco to LA?

Our California coastal drive itinerary is a one-way trip that begins in San Francisco and ends in Los Angeles. Although there are numerous ways to break up a San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip, we designed a 3-night, 4-day California road trip between the two cities. 

The actual length of your coastal drive in California will depend on whether or not you make any detours or additional stops for sightseeing or hikes.

How to Plan a One Week California Trip

We believe we have outlined the best coastal drive in California in a relatively short amount of time. However, you could easily design a longer, more leisurely San Francisco to Los Angeles PCH drive by making just a few tweaks.

A simple way to turn our trip into a 1-Week San Francisco to Los Angeles itinerary is to stay in each destination for two nights instead of one. This will allow you to thoroughly enjoy the San Francisco to Los Angeles scenic route and have a full day of exploration in between driving PCH.

Alternatively, you could create a complete 1 Week California Itinerary by spending time in both SF and LA before and after your 4-day CA coastal road trip. Our detailed day-by-day California coastal drive vacation does not include time for city exploration in either San Francisco or Los Angeles.

Therefore, in order to create a perfect Week in California, we suggest spending at least a few days in San Francisco before embarking on your SF to LA road trip. Time permitting, one day in Los Angeles at the end of your SF to LA Highway 1 drive would also be ideal.

What’s the Distance from San Francisco to Los Angeles?

The distance between San Francisco and Los Angeles on the Pacific Coast Highway is roughly 500 miles. While it is possible to cover that in about 10 hours, it is likely that your San Francisco to Los Angeles drive time will be much longer – due to both traffic and sightseeing.

For each day’s journey of our Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary, we indicate the route length and an estimated drive time. Be aware that in the busy summer months, some parts of the California coast experience bumper-to-bumper traffic, resulting in much longer drive times. Pack your patience and adjust your California Coast road trip itinerary as necessary.

Pro Tip: Our San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip itinerary is designed as a scenic drive that features multiple stops. If you are in a hurry and just need to get between the two cities quickly, rather than taking Highway One San Francisco to Los Angeles, it is much faster (about 6 hours) to take I-5. 

What Vehicle to Use on Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to LA?

We think it is best to use a rental car for California coastal travel. In fact, an SUV – that sits higher off the ground – is recommended for the scenic drive on the California Coast so that you have the best view of the surrounding landscapes.

Note that our California 1 Pacific Coast Highway road trip is a one-way route. Renting a car in one city and dropping it off in another may incur extra fees, which need to be considered for your overall Road Trip California Coast vacation budget. 

Additionally, an international driver’s license may be required for overseas visitors on a San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip. Check with the rental car company rules before your SF to LA PCH drive.

Use our Car Rental Tips before you start your online search. Our tips will help you find the best rental car prices for your San Fran to LA drive!

Which Direction is Best for a California Self-Drive Trip?

Many travelers question, Is it better to drive up or down the California coast? We believe the best route on California State Route 1 is from north to south – and why we recommend driving from San Francisco to Los Angeles via the Pacific Coast Highway.

Traveling south on the CA coastal highway allows for uninterrupted views of the shoreline. Plus, it is a lot easier to pull off into most of the scenic overlook spots on the right, rather than having to make a left turn across traffic.

South to North via Pacific Coast Highway: Los Angeles to San Francisco

While we do not prefer it, there is nothing wrong with driving from Los Angeles to San Francisco on Pacific Coast Highway. Views will be slightly obstructed by southbound cars and turning left into scenic overlooks will require caution.

However, it is completely viable to make the northbound Los Angeles to San Francisco coastal drive. For the best places to stay on an LA to SF coastal drive, simply use our outlined itinerary, in reverse!

Where are the Best Overnight Stays on the Coastal Drive from San Francisco to LA?

The overnight California coastal drive stops we include in our itinerary are Monterey, Morro Bay and Santa Barbara.

For each of the stops in our San Francisco to Los Angeles driving itinerary, we include suggested California coastal hotels based on places we have actually stayed.

Those interested in California coastal camping sites (or California coastal RV parks) will find numerous choices. Unfortunately, we do not have any personal recommendations for RV or camping sites as you travel from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

When is the Best Time for California Coastal Trips?  

Deciding the best time to drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles on Highway 1 depends on many factors. Weather is a concern when driving San Francisco to Los Angeles, but not the sole factor. You will also want to consider the crowds (and, thus, traffic) on your San Francisco to LA drive. 

Best Weather to Drive California Coast PCH San Francisco to Los Angeles

Overall, the California coastal region weather is a Mediterranean climate with mild year-round temperatures. Summers are usually dry, but winters can be rainy and windy. When considering weather, the best time to drive Pacific Coast Highway is from late spring through autumn – with summer offering the most ideal weather conditions.

Autumn Road Trip: San Francisco to Los Angeles

We personally think autumn is the best time to visit Big Sur and the central Cali coastal region. We made our Coastal California road trip in mid-autumn – and the weather was absolutely perfect – with full sunshine, pleasant temperatures and minimal traffic congestion.

Pro Tip : The California coast climate can vary dramatically from north to south. Be sure to read our tips for what to pack for your SFO to LA drive below.

Crowds and Traffic on the PCH

While the summer provides the best weather for the SF to LA Route 1 drive, it is also the time of year that PCH is most crowded. With the heavy crowds comes extra traffic…which can result in a very long San Francisco to LA drive time. 

Additionally, crowds on the road trip from San Francisco to LA also means more expensive accommodations and full-booked restaurants. If you are going to drive the California coast in summertime, plan ahead and make reservations early.

Will I Be On the “Pacific Coast Highway” from San Francisco to Los Angeles?

The Pacific Coast Highway – or ‘PCH’ – is the best route for driving the California Coast. However, when you drive San Francisco to Los Angeles, you will notice that there are multiple names (and signs) for the same road.

The reason for this is that the Pacific Coast Highway is just part of California State Route 1 (or CA SR 1). State Route 1 runs from Leggett (which is north of San Francisco in Mendocino County) south to San Juan Capistrano (which is between LA and San Diego ), where it merges onto Interstate 5.

Only specific portions of the 655-mile-long road are designated as the Pacific Coast Highway. Regardless of proper names, the entire stretch of the San Francisco to Los Angeles drive is commonly referred to as the Pacific Coast Highway. 

Also note that a Highway 101 California Road Trip is different from the Coastal Highway California 1 PCH. While the two roads merge (from San Luis Obispo to Pismo Beach and from Gaviota to Ventura), CA Highway 101 is mostly inland.

Fun Fact: The SF to LA road trip is one of the country’s best coastal drives – and as such, the PCH highway is also labeled an All-American Road!

Our California Coastal Drive

Now that we have answered commonly asked questions about the San Francisco to LAX drive, we are ready to dive into our coastal drive California itinerary!

In the outline for our road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles, we highlight the best places to stop for sightseeing, hikes and viewpoints. Our Pacific Coast Highway road trip planner also includes specifics on where to eat and top places to stay. 

With our detailed day-by-day California Coast drive itinerary, you can easily plan your trip on the Pacific Coast Highway. Our plan for 4 days on the California coastal road features great towns, fun attractions and epic viewpoints. Please keep in mind that our estimated driving times do not include stops or HWY1 traffic delays.

Save, Pin, or Bookmark our California Coastal Trip Guide for planning your PCH Drive!

Day 1: Drive the California Coastal Region – San Francisco to Monterey

• Destinations : San Francisco to Monterey Bay via Highway 1.
• Route : Pick up your rental car at the San Francisco International Airport (or Bay Area Airport of your arrival) and start your drive from SF to LA via Pacific Coast Highway. Hop on Route 1 at Pacifica and drive south to Monterey.
• Distance from San Francisco to Monterey Bay : 120 miles.
• San Francisco to Monterey Bay Driving Time : 2 hours 30 minutes.

The San Francisco to Monterey Pacific Coast Highway route features a beautiful beaches, parks and hiking trails.

Golden Gate Bridge: PCH San Francisco to Los Angeles

Consider making a truly legendary start to your drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles on the Golden Gate Bridge. Not only is it one of the most iconic sights in the world, the Golden Gate Bridge  is part of the Pacific Coast Highway! From the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway 1 heads south through San Francisco, passing through Golden Gate Park and Daly City before returning to the coastline at Pacifica.

Pacifica, California 

Pacifica marks an excellent start to your San Francisco coastal drive – especially if you are renting a car from the San Francisco Airport, as Pacifica is directly west of SFO.

Shortly after starting the southbound California Coast drive, stop at Devil’s Slide Trail – a 1.3-mile section of Old Route 1 that has been converted into a pedestrian-only path and features stunning ocean views. Also consider making a stop at the Devil’s Slide Bunker for a short hike to the graffiti covered World War II bunker.

Seafood Lunch

On the first day of your SF to LA drive, eat lunch at Moss Beach Distillery, which has an outdoor patio that overlooks Seal Cove. The cliffside eatery features an abundance of seafood and classic American fare.

However, if you are looking for something a little more casual, stop by Sam’s Chowder House (3 miles south on PCH from Moss Beach), where they not only serve award-winning clam chowder but legendary lobster rolls and with a great view of Half Moon Bay!

Half Moon Bay Trail and Beaches

Work off your lunch with a stroll on the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail (you can even rent bikes to pedal along the path) or just put your feet into the sand and walk along the string of beaches along the bay.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park

If you are ready to make a detour on your San Francisco to LA road trip, Big Basin Redwoods State Park is a super sight off the Pacific Coast. Just keep in mind that the detour will take up a big portion of the day unless you head there directly from SF.

Big Basin Redwoods was designed as a state park in 1902. The area features hiking trails, waterfalls and the famous Coast Redwood Trees, which can live for more than a thousand years and are among the tallest trees in the world.

If time allows in your Highway 1 San Francisco to Los Angeles trip, make a stop in Santa Cruz to walk the wharf and boardwalk. With ample time, consider making the 6-mile roundtrip walk on West Cliff Drive to the Natural Bridges State Beach Vista Point. 

The first overnight stop on our Pacific Coast Highway trip planner is Monterey – and it doesn’t disappoint! With heaps of attractions, history and natural beauty, Monterey is one of the best California coastal cities to visit.

Check out the fascinating Jellyfish Exhibit at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, walk from historic Cannery Row to Fisherman’s Wharf and stand on the shore to spot Sea Otters and Sea Lions.

Where To Eat and Drink in Monterey Bay

So many to choose from! We went with sipping locally produced wine at the waterfront Taste of Monterey and then indulged in casual and cozy pub fare and craft beers at Peter B’s Brewpub.

Where To Stay in Monterey Bay

We stayed at the Portola Hotel and Spa – and we highly recommend it to fellow travelers! Centrally located, the fashionable hotel offers excellent amenities and has an on-site spa. Check rates and availability!

Day 2: Big Sur Drive – Monterey to Morro Bay

• Destinations : Monterey Bay to Morro Bay.
• Route : Pacific Coast Highway South.
• Distance from Monterey to Morro Bay : 123 miles.
• Monterey to Morro Bay Driving Time : 3 hours.

On the second day of your SFO to Los Angeles drive, embark on the HWY 1 Route to Big Sur. The distance from Monterey to Morro Bay is about 125 miles and the route passes through some of the most gorgeous sections of the coastal drive in California.

Leaving Monterey via the 17-Mile Drive (rather than California Route 1), travel through beachside Carmel-by-the-Sea and then follow SR 1 through the incredible beauty of Big Sur and on to Morro Bay.

California 17-Mile Drive

The scenic 17-Mile Drive hugs the coastline of California through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove. Sights of interest along this section of California Coast include the Point Pinos Lighthouse, Bird Rock Vista Point, the Lone Cypress tree (a Pebble Beach icon), Pescadero Point and the famous Pebble Beach Golf Course.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Rated as one of the best state parks in California, Point Lobos is well-worth a stop on your California coastal drive. If you are feeling ambitious, complete the 6.7-mile Point Lobos Loop Trail, otherwise, just take in the magnificent views by making short jaunts from a few of the parking lots.

Drive to Big Sur

Driving Big Sur Pacific Coast Highway is an absolute highlight of any California road trip! The Big Sur drive features the rugged coastline to the west and the Santa Lucia Mountains to the east. Beyond taking in the stunning scenic landscapes, we recommend seeking out a few must-see Big Sur sights.

Some of the best places to see in Big Sur are Rocky Creek Bridge, Bixby Bridge (also called Bixby Creek Bridge or Bixby Canyon Bridge), Point Sur Lighthouse, Nepenthe restaurant, McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and Big Creek Bridge.

Lunch in Big Sur

As one of the best places to visit in Big Sur, Nepenthe is a perfect spot for lunch. Enjoy their Famous Ambrosiaburger on the outdoor patio of the cliff-topping restaurant. The sweeping views are as satisfying as the food! Note : While Nepenthe is an absolute gem of a spot for a Big Sur sunset, you will have to miss it – as there is still more to see before arriving in Morro Bay!

Big Sur to Morro Bay

Continue the Big Sur scenic drive south on California Pacific Coast Highway. After crossing Big Creek Bridge, consider stopping at Limekiln State Park to explore the waterfall and creeks on one (or more) of the three short trails. For more treks, check out this Big Sur guide on day hikes . 

Elephant Seal Vista Point

A fun (and sometimes smelly) stop on a PCH road trip is at the Elephant Seal Rookery in San Simeon. A shoreline boardwalk offers fantastic views of the mammoth Elephant Seals as they dwell in their natural habitat. Plus, volunteers are on hand to answer questions.

Hearst Castle on the Road from San Francisco to Los Angeles

A landmark sight between Big Sur and Morro Bay is the Hearst Castle in San Simeon. It is one of the top places to stop between San Francisco and Los Angeles. While many people include the extraordinary castle as a stop on their California coastal route, we skipped it for more hiking. Deciding if visiting Hearst Castle is worth it is entirely up to you.

Morro Bay, California

Quaint, peaceful and an Underrated US Destination , Morro Bay is an ideal place for some rest and relaxation after two full days on the scenic California coastal drive. For us, it proved to be one of the best places to stay between San Francisco and Los Angeles to recharge.

The Central California seaside town is incredibly laid back and defined by the massive Morro Rock. The volcanic 581-foot-tall monolith is preserved as a California Historical Landmark and is home to numerous bird species, as well as sea lions, otters, seals and other wildlife.

Besides Morro Rock, the town has a charming city center comprised of cozy restaurants, cafes, inns and tourist shops. Morro Bay State Park sits at the south end of town, while The Stacks – three chimney stacks formerly part of a power plant – mark the north end.

Where To Eat in Morro Bay

The pleasant town has numerous waterfront eateries, all of which feature a fresh seafood menu. However, we recommend dining at Dorn’s Breakers Cafe. It’s been a local institution since 1942 and offers fine views of the bay and Morro Rock from the elevated patio.

Where To Stay in Morro Bay

We struggled somewhat to find a hotel in Morro Bay. Desiring to be on the water in the center of town at an affordable price ( not asking too much, right?! ), we chose to stay at the Bayfront Inn. While the hotel doesn’t necessarily dazzle guests, the staff were friendly and the rooms were clean and comfortable. We would definitely stay at the Bayfront Inn again. Check rates and availability!

Day 3: Drive from Morro Bay to Santa Barbara

• Destination : Morro Bay to Santa Barbara.
• Route : CA SR 1 South.
• Distance from Morro Bay to Santa Barbara : 126 miles.
• Morro Bay to Santa Barbara Driving Time : 2 hours 20 minutes.

Continuing south from Morro Bay, watch as the landscape shifts from dramatic seaside cliffs to vine-covered rolling hills and flat, sandy beaches. State Route 1 – called Cabrillo Highway in this section – deviates inland after Morro Bay, merges at different points with Highway 101 and wiggles its way south. The road eventually makes its way back to the shoreline as you approach Santa Barbara.

San Luis Obispo

Get a jump on the third day of your California Coast trip itinerary and leave Morro Bay early for San Luis Obispo – or just SLO, for short. Stop at the iconic Madonna Inn for breakfast in the over-the-top Copper Cafe. Then duck into the historic town center to visit the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, get a glimpse of Fremont Theater and leave your mark on Bubblegum Alley.

From SLO, it’s just a short drive on Route 1 to Pismo Beach, where you can walk out on the pier or visit the Monarch Butterfly Grove (best from autumn to mid-winter).

Alternatively, take Route 227 south from San Luis Obispo for a beautiful drive through the vineyards of Edna Valley. For more wineries and tasting rooms, consider detouring to nearby Santa Maria Valley wine country.

Solvang, California

Dubbed the “Little Denmark in California,” Solvang in the Santa Ynez Valley was established by a group of Danes in the early 1900s. Today, it is an interesting place to include on your Pacific Coast Highway drive itinerary.

The town features European-style architecture, replicas of Copenhagen landmark sights and an array of bakeries and restaurants serving Danish treats. In addition to the strong ties to the city’s founders, Solvang is home to numerous wineries and wine tasting rooms from local Cali producers.

Santa Barbara: One of our Favorite Coastal California Towns

Continue your California coastline drive to one of the best cities on the Pacific Coast: Santa Barbara.

Stylish and chic, Santa Barbara is brimming with a multitude of tourist attractions, delectable eateries and breezy wine tasting rooms. Also featuring an abundance of nature, history, art and gastronomy, Santa Barbara ranks high on our list of best California coastal towns. It even makes our list of the Best USA Weekend Destinations . 

Top things to do in Santa Barbara include visiting the Old Mission, stepping inside the opulent Santa Barbara County Courthouse, and viewing exhibits at the SB Museum of Art. Additionally, shopping at Paseo Nuevo, going to the Botanic Gardens and exploring the many hiking trails are all excellent Santa Barbara activities.

To be perfectly honest, what we love most about Santa Barbara is the fun beach atmosphere and fabulous places to wine and dine!

Where To Eat and Drink in Santa Barbara

After getting settled into your accommodations, take a stroll on West Beach and out on Stearns Wharf. Start your walk up State Street, but detour into the Funk Zone for an afternoon wine tasting. Oreana Winery has always been one of our favorites, but the space in now occupied by Pali Wine Co.

If you can tear yourself away from the fun vibes of the Funk Zone, continue your walk up State Street and pick a place to eat dinner. We suggest indulging in classic Southern California Mexican cuisine at Carlitos Cafe y Cantina or go old school American and Joe’s Cafe.

Where To Stay in Santa Barbara

We have stayed in many hotels in Santa Barbara, but our top pick is the Hotel Milo. With a prominent location right on the waterfront at West Beach and just minutes from Stearns Wharf and the Funk Zone, the boutique property has an outdoor heated pool and stylishly decorated rooms. Check rates and availability!

Day 4: Los Angeles Coastal Drive from Santa Barbara

• Destination : Santa Barbara to LA.
• Distance from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles : 100 miles.
• Santa Barbara to Los Angeles Driving Time : 2 hours.

On the final morning of your San Francisco coastal drive to Los Angeles, spend some time enjoying just a bit more of Santa Barbara.

Before leaving, eat a classic American breakfast at Chad’s Cafe then work it off with a morning bike ride along the Cabrillo Bike Path that extends all the way to Butterfly Beach.

Next, start the final leg of your California coastal drive to Los Angeles. Work up your appetite on the hour-long drive on the California Coast to Malibu – because Neptune’s Net is a must-see stop on the PCH!

Malibu, California

Home to movie stars and millionaires, Malibu is a posh seaside town that seems to embody the iconic California lifestyle – and Route 1 passes right through it.

For lunch, eat at the landmark Neptune’s Net seafood diner. Established in the 1950s, it has been featured in many films and television shows. Just a bit further down the road, Point Dume Lookout is worth a stop for another elevated view of the California coastline from the rocky bluff.

Top Tip : Be sure to plan your visit with our Best Things To Do in Malibu article!

Santa Monica

As you roll through Santa Monica, you may be tempted to visit the famous Santa Monica Pier. In addition to the giant Ferris wheel and other amusement rides at Pacific Park, there is an aquarium and a few classic eateries. Just south of the pier is the original Muscle Beach, which was designed in the 1930s.

Fun Fact : The Santa Monica Pier marks the western end of Route 66, which begins in Chicago, Illinois , and is another epic American road trip!

Complete Your California Coastal Drive at LAX

From Santa Monica, the Pacific Coast Highway turns inland, passing through Venice Beach (but not on the shore) and leads straight to LAX Airport. You may want to drop off your car rental to avoid fees for overnight parking at your hotel – and then use Uber to get to your accommodations.

Where To Stay in Los Angeles, California

Choosing where to stay in LA is quite the conundrum. There are thousands of LA hotels – in the city, by the airport and at the beaches. Because of LAX’s close proximity to the beach, we have often opted to just stay at an LA airport hotel for the convenience.

The Hilton Los Angeles Airport Hotel is one of our top picks if you decide to stay near LAX. The sleek (in a 1980’s way) hotel offers spacious rooms, comfortable beds, a pool and free airport transport. Check rates and availability!

That said, we love the friendly, local vibes at Manhattan Beach and think it is a spectacular place to stay as well – especially if you plan on visiting LA for a few days. There are a few hotels right on SR 1 – like Best Western Plus and Wave Hotel – which is just a short walk to the beach, but the chic boutique Shade Hotel is an absolute gem!

California Coastal Map: San Francisco to Los Angeles

Use this Google Map to follow our route on California Highway 1. Our San Francisco to Los Angeles Map is interactive – and we indicate all of the recommended stops on the Pacific Coast Highway Map below.

Check Current State Route 1 Road Conditions

It is essential to check road conditions (including SR 1 road work and HWY 1 road closures) online prior to your trip. We suggest checking  the official Caltrans site to check current PCH road conditions. 

Alternate California Coastal Drives

We outlined what we think is the absolute best itinerary for a California coastal drive – but it certainly isn’t the only route to take. In fact, there are numerous different ways to create itineraries for coastal drives in California. Factors to consider are your allotted time, budget and interests. We are highlighting a few other popular ways to drive the Pacific Coast Highway.

San Francisco to Big Sur

For a looping out-and-back California coastal road trip that returns to the Bay Area, consider driving from San Francisco to Big Sur. The San Francisco to Big Sur distance is only about 150 miles.

However, unless you plan on making the return coastal drive to San Francisco, you will need to continue driving south almost to Morro Bay (a total distance of about 240 miles) to be able to hook back up with an inland highway and complete the Big Sur to SFO route.

Those interested in creating an SF to Big Sur California Coastal Drive Itinerary can simply use our outlined route for Days 1 and 2, then make the drive back to SF on Day 3 (either retracing their route back up the coast of California or taking the inland drive).

San Francisco to Santa Barbara

Travelers who are limited to just a 3-Day Pacific Coast Highway road trip can do so by eliminating the last segment of the drive to Los Angeles. In our opinion, the most beautiful part of the coastal drive is from San Francisco to Santa Barbara via Pacific Coast Highway – and Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) has recently added many direct destinations.

San Francisco to San Diego

Driving from San Francisco to San Diego on PCH is a phenomenal way to see the California coastline. The route takes in the major California cities and stunning natural beauty.

It is relatively easy to create a California Coast Drive Itinerary from San Francisco to San Diego on the Pacific Coast Highway. In fact, you only need to add one more day to your Cali Coast trip plan. After staying the night in Los Angeles, hop on the Pacific Coast Highway from LA to San Diego. The distance from LA to SD is about 130 miles and could take 3 to 4 hours (but be prepared for traffic). Note:  PCH ends at San Clemente and you will then join Interstate 5 for the rest of the drive to San Diego.

For tips on what to see and do use our Weekend in San Diego Itinerary !

Northern California Coast Drive

The Pacific Coast Highway north of San Francisco is drastically different from the Central California Coast. Characterized by epic scenery, Redwood forests and secluded beaches, a Northern California Coast road trip offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience (but don’t expect to be the only one there!).

Top sights to see on a North California road trip itinerary are Point Reyes National Seashore, Glass Beach in Fort Bragg and the Redwood National Park. 

Travelers can even extend their Northern California Coast Drive Itinerary by follow the coastline north from San Francisco to Crescent City – and then continue driving up the Oregon Coast.

To create this epic California to Oregon Drive, use our Oregon Coastal Road Trip Itinerary !

Inland Detours on a California Coast Road Trip

While the coastline offers sublime scenery, there are a few reasons to detour inland during your San Francisco road trip to Los Angeles. 

Yosemite National Park Detour on Road Trip SF to LA

Travelers who want to include Yosemite National Park as part of their Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip can make a detour at the beginning of the drive. Just be aware that it will add at least one full day to your trip itinerary (preferably more!). 

From San Francisco, instead of heading south, drive east to Yosemite NP. After spending a day or two exploring, drive directly to Monterey. From there, follow the rest of our outlined Road Trip San Francisco to Los Angeles as written. 

Paso Robles Detour on Road Trip San Francisco to LA

Paso Robles – known for its wine and olive production – is an easy detour on a San Fran to LA road trip. After passing through Big Sur, head east on 46 (also called Green Valley Road) and follow it to the 101 and on to Paso Robles. 

California Coastal Tours and Trains

We detailed a perfect Coastal California Self-Drive Tour – but what if you don’t (or can’t) drive? Those who want to forego the responsibility of driving down the California Coast can join an organized California Coastal Tour.

Multi-Day California Coast Tour 

This small-group 3-day tour from San Francisco to Los Angeles is a fantastic way to see the coast. The excursion features most of the highlights of our LA – SF Trip. The best part of this 3 day California Coast tour is that the skilled driver takes the wheel, allowing you time to take in the scenery. Get the details!

California Coast Day Trips

Not everyone has time for 3-day tours from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Visitors to San Francisco and Los Angeles can take day trips that will allow them a glimpse of the magnificent shoreline of a Coastal California tour. 

San Francisco Coastal Tour Day Trips

One of the most popular day tours from San Francisco, the full-day trip includes Monterey, the 17-Mile Drive and Carmel. Get the details!

Day Trip from LAX on PCH

This Los Angeles day trip departs the City of Angels and explores Santa Barbara, Solvang and the Hearst Castle. Book it now!

California Coastal Train

Taking the train is an alternate way to see part of the coast of California without driving. However, the majority of the tracks are inland – meaning, it will be a lot less pretty than the PCH scenic drive.

The Coast Starlight route, run by Amtrak, is dubbed the Grand West Coast Train Adventure and runs from Seattle to Los Angeles with stops in Vancouver WA and Portland OR .

We believe the most scenic California Amtrak route is actually the Pacific Surfliner from San Diego to San Luis Obispo, with stops in LA and Santa Barbara.

What You Need For Your California Coastal Road Trip

Before you set off on your California Coast scenic drive, we have a few final tips and packing hacks for your Cali road trip!

Weather Appropriate Clothing 

As we already discussed, the California coastal climate varies from north to south – and from season to season. It is best to be prepared with clothing that can be layered. A warm jacket may be required in the north, while you will want to back your swimsuit for Southern California.

A wide-brimmed travel hat , sufficient sunscreen , a lightweight packable raincoat and travel umbrella are also suggested when traveling from San Francisco to LA via Highway 1.

Comfortable Shoes 

Short hikes and city exploration are sprinkled throughout our California Coast drive trip. We recommend bringing a few different pairs of travel shoes to ensure you have the proper footwear.

For the cities and towns, I prefer a pair of comfortable walking shoes – like these by New Balance or Columbia . These Merrell trail shoes for men are ideal for a California coast trip. Flip flops are best for the beaches and you may want hiking boots  if your PCH trip planner includes some treks.

Find it all and more on our Ultimate Packing List !

California Coastal Highway Map

While you can use our San Francisco to Los Angeles Pacific Coast Highway Map for sightseeing, we think it is best to purchase an actual road map. Buy a California Pacific Coast Highway map – like this one  – before your trip.

Binoculars 

The scenery on the West Coast California drive is nothing short of spectacular. While the various outlooks offer stellar vantage points to take in the sights, it can be difficult to see the details with the naked eye. With a good pair of binoculars , you will be able to scan the water for whales and clearly appreciate the surrounding nature.

Camera with Zoom Lens

If you are anything like us, you’ll be snapping a ton of pictures on your California Pacific Coast Highway trip! We strongly suggest upgrading to an actual travel camera for this adventure. We carry a Canon Rebel with a  18-135mm lens . This setup can be purchased in a bundle with an array of accessories, which makes it great value for beginner photographers ! 

Start planning your trip to the US ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page !

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Ultimate SF to LA Road Trip – Best Stops Along California’s Pacific Coast Highway

Last updated on December 23rd, 2023 at 02:02 pm

Named as one of the most scenic drives in America, California’s State Highway 1 or the Pacific Coast Highway road trip is well worth the hype. After years of dreaming about this drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles, I finally checked this off my bucket list. And in this itinerary blog post, I’ll share all the must-see places along Highway 1 from San Francisco to LA.

This trip can be easily reversed with the same stops on your LA to San Francisco drive. Either way, you must add this America’s most romantic road trip on your bucket list. I, however, did things differently. I chose to drive this stretch on a girls weekend getaway. My girlfriends and I started from Half Moon Bay near San Francisco ending at LA.

Also Read: How to Save Money When Visiting USA For the First Time

We not only experienced a variety of coastal landscapes but also explored several small towns, surfers paradise, wine countries, and delicious food as we drove south on Pacific Coast Highway. Perhaps next time when I drive this stretch with Gaurav, I’ll choose LA to San Francisco road trip.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

How Many Days for This Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip?

If you are looking for how far is San Francisco to LA, then the short answer is about 6 hours if you take the main Highway i.e. I5. But if you want to make this road trip epic then drive the entire stretch on Highway 1 which is along the coast. I would recommend giving yourselves at least 2-3 days for this stretch if you want to take a lot of stops. A weekend or a long weekend would be perfect for this drive. TIP: If you are driving from the north then fly into San Francisco or San Jose airports and fly out of LAX (or vice versa).

Don’t forget to check out the weather and the best time to visit California  when planning this trip.

Car Rentals in California

We rented the car from San Jose and returned it at LAX since we flew in and out of those respective airports. You can find more information on cheap car rental resources  here .

If you are looking for an alternative to car rentals ,  try renting a car from Turo  which is like Airbnb for cars.

Must see places on Pacific Coast Highway (Between San Francisco to LA)

Depending on how many places you stop at, your total duration may have to be adjusted so plan accordingly. Last spring was one of the most beautiful times to be on the road in California as it set a record year for wildflower blossoms. Wildflowers in California were even seen from space captured by satellites.

Below are the 12 gorgeous stops we made during our highway 1 road trip from San Francisco to LA.

1. Half Moon Bay

A quick stopover at Half Moon Bay to grab a coffee but there wasn’t much going on at the beach. Only other people there were surfers and campers. This definitely had to be surfers paradise in the North.

2. Monterey

I can never get enough of Monterey. Even though I have driven the 17-mile scenic drive thrice in the past, we drove through pebble beach again to revive memories. A must-see if this your first time in Monterey! Consider taking the Whale Watching tour if you stay overnight here.

3. Carmel By The Sea

We spent our first night in Carmel by the Sea as this was a town I hadn’t explored much. Carmel has a bunch of cute restaurants in the main town center. After an evening stroll and popping into a few restaurants, we finally dined at the one that took us in without reservations. Food was great and wine was even better. For all my pet loving friends, here is a dog-friendly guide to Carmel you must check out.

Accommodation (End of Day 1)

We ended up staying the first night at Hofsas House Hotel in the beautiful little tourist town of Carmel by the Sea . Another perfect stop for the first night on this road trip would be Monterey .

Where to Stay in Carmel by the Sea

Hofsas House Hotel

Candle Light Inn

Quail Lodge & Golf Club

4. Bixby Bridge & Big Sur 

Next morning ideally we should’ve been driving down south to Big Sur. I had dreamt of seeing the postcard views of Big Sur for many years. But unfortunately, we could only drive till Bixby Bridge as the main highway passing Big Sur had been closed due to landslides. We missed out on McWay Falls and Pfeiffer Beach.

This highway remained closed for the majority of last year as well as this year. But the good news is, the Big Sur is open to the public again. Which means I must drag my husband on a romantic road trip to finally see my wish list, right? 😉 TIP: Mudslides are very common in this area so definitely check the conditions of the roads before you go.

It’s funny that the bridge right before Bixby i.e. Rocky Creek Bridge looks exactly like it i.e. if you are driving South . We stopped at Rocky bridge thinking it was Bixby and totally skipped stopping at the real one since there is no sign at Bixby. Google maps weren’t exactly helpful, good thing we were turning back anyway.

5. Morro Bay

As I mentioned above there were road closures in Big Sur for the majority of last year,  we had no other option but to leave Highway 1 and jump on Highway 101 to bypass that stretch. We drove on I-101 up till Morro Bay where we joined Highway 1 again.

I highly recommend stopping here to get a glimpse of this volcanic Morro Rock that gives this town its name. TIP: Sunset is a beautiful time to photograph Morro Bay and Morro Rock.

Related Read: Arizona itinerary for a long weekend  

6. San Luis Obispo

In order to fill the vacuum created by Big Sur in our Pacific Coast Highway 1 road trip, we decided to add two new stopovers – San Luis Obispo (SLO) and Solvang in Central California. More on Solvang later but SLO ended up being our choice of stay for the second night.

SLO is a big college town and if you want to see the nightlife head to Higuera Street. We had dinner at this restaurant with gorgeous open seating in the back called Novo Restaurant and Lounge . A popular attraction here seemed to be the Bubblegum Alley (right in front of Novo) and no, I wasn’t grossed out to stop by here.

If you are into such funky stuff then, by all means, leave your mark… I mean your gum on these walls. If not, then head to Mission San Luis Obispo , which is an 18 th century Spanish Mission. We went there the next morning. The gardens of the mission were neatly manicured and a baptism ceremony was going on inside the mission so we didn’t disturb them much.

Accommodation (End of Day 2)

For the second night we chose to stay at San Luis Obispo (SLO) after gauging how far along we’d reached by early afternoon. Since day 2 involves driving through the picturesque Big Sur and you might take plenty of stops, SLO will make for a perfect overnight stay. Morro Bay and Pismo Beach  are other alternatives for accommodation on day 2 since they only 20 mins from SLO in either direction.

Where to Stay in San Luis Obispo

San Luis Creek Lodge

Hotel San Luis Obispo

Apple Farm Inn

7. Pismo Beach

Driving further south on this Highway 1 road trip we stopped at Pismo Beach which was full of people enjoying their weekend. Pismo Beach was a stark contrast from the NorCal beaches, a laid-back and warmer version. TIP: Next to the beach are the sand dunes in Pismo, do check them out and perhaps jump on an ATV ride there.  Who knew there will be a desert right next to a beach, only in California!

Solvang was my favorite part of the trip. Especially because it was such an unplanned addition which turned out to be a gem. I had a faint idea of what this trip would look like but never expected to explore a Danish town on a California road trip. TIP: Highly recommend adding Solvang to your Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary. Getting to Solvang was an easy detour on Highway 1 as we drove south from Pismo Beach.

The town of Solvang is located in Santa Ynez Valley in Central California which is a famous wine country after Napa and Sonoma in the North. Solvang has a deep-rooted Danish lineage and nothing can explain this better than the food and drinks here. I am glad that we were starving because the Danish brunch we had that morning at Paula’s Pancake House was outstanding. Brunch was quickly followed by indulgence in Danish cookies as we all decided to pack some to take back home as a souvenir. Talking about priorities! And during my time in Solvang, I had momentarily forgotten I was in America.

9. Santa Ynez Valley Vineyard

The town of Solvang may have several breweries and wine tasting rooms but we wanted to hit a vineyard in Santa Ynez Valley. Sunstone Vineyard came up closest in distance on our Google search and did not disappoint us.

If I was dreaming about Denmark in Solvang then at Sunstone Vineyards I was certainly transported to Italy. What a fabulous setting for this place. It goes without saying that we indulged in wine tasting, all but one who volunteered to be the designated driver from this point. Never drink and drive my friends!

10. Santa Barbara

Since we were already in Solvang, we had two ways to get to Santa Barbara i.e. either get back on Pacific Coast Highway or take highway 154 and cut through the mountains. To change things up a little we chose I-154 through the mountain stretch. This added some unplanned pitstops like below.

We had already been to Santa Barbara before so didn’t spend much time here. Grabbed a cup of coffee and walked around the streets for a few minutes before hitting the road again to catch the sunset in LA.

11. Point Sand Dune, PCH

The stretch of Highway 1 between Santa Barbara to LA is more commonly called PCH or Pacific Coast Highway amongst the locals. Driving on the PCH you will instantly notice the change in landscape from Northern California Coast to South. And I have to say last spring had a magical spell here. While normally the mountains in Southern California can be somewhat barren and brown, last spring they were covered completely in green. What a stunning transformation!

Have I mentioned some of the best sunsets in the world happen in Southern California? We were lucky enough to be at the right spot at the right time. TIP: Point Sand Dune is the perfect spot to see a sunset on Pacific Coast Highway. As the name suggests there is a small sand dune across the street from the beach which gives a higher vantage point.

12. Los Angeles

This ultimate San Francisco to LA road trip ended at Santa Monica beach with a nice dinner at Pier followed by checking out the nightlife in LA. For my gay friends, here’s a list of some of the best Hollywood gay bars to choose from.

A good portion of our next morning and last day in LA went in unwinding from a long drive at the Paradise Cove Beach Café in Malibu. We had earned this day to do nothing at all but to eat, drink and laze at the beach. Although it took a long time for us to get seated, I wouldn’t have gone anywhere else in LA.

All of us were scheduled to fly back to our respective homes later that evening. However, if you guys are spending more time then check out this Southern California weekend getaway ideas.

Where to Stay in Los Angeles

Huntly Santa Monica Beach

Luskin Hotel

Ambrose Hotel

Where to stay on Pacific Coast Highway Drive?

If you are doing this drive between LA and San Francisco over a long weekend i.e. 3 days then here is what we recommend –

• Day 1: Carmel By the Sea (or Monterey )
• Day 2: San Luis Obispo (or Morro Bay )
• Day 3: Los Angeles

Here you go, these were our favorite pit-stops on Pacific Coast Highway road trip in California. Don’t forget to pack some basic road trip essentials with you.

Want more road trip ideas on the west coast?

• The Best Day Trips from Las Vegas
• The Perfect Oregon Road Trip Itinerary
• 13 Incredible US West Coast Road Trips That Should Be On Your Bucket List!
• Bucket List Arizona Road Trip

Have you driven this stretch before? I would love to hear where you stopped differently. If you haven’t, then this should give you inspiration for the next adventure.

Read Next: America’s most scenic byway – Blue Ridge Parkway road trip

If you liked this post then do pin for later or share with your friends 🙂

Happy Traveling!

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54 comments on “ ultimate sf to la road trip – best stops along california’s pacific coast highway ”.

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great article! was excited to read it as we’re making the drive in a couple of weeks. but I was psyched to see “Last updated on May 22nd, 2023 at 01:17 pm” ’cause I was hoping for some updates on parts of the PCH damaged by the recent strange storms. happen to know where I can find those updates?

Thanks for the question, I just confirmed from a friend who lives there that the southern section of Big Sur Highway 1 is closed. Good news for you is, the northern section is open so you can drive from Monterey to Big Sur. This closure only effects if you are coming from say, LA to Big Sur, you’ll just have to take highway 101 as a detour. The southern CA section of PCH is open, i.e. Santa Barbara (or neighboring areas) to LA. Hope this helps and have a wonderful roadtrip.

really informative posts

Thanks for sharing good article .I like to drive Seacoast but didn’t visit the California coast!

Thank you SO much! Very Helpful. Excited to make the drive tomorrow!

Ooo..it should be so much fun! Have a wonderful time and soak in the beauty of west coast 🙂

Thanks for this post! I keep coming back to it while planning my own trip. You never mentioned accommodation though – did you book in advance or try to find places when you arrived?

I’ll make sure to add accommodation Kristal, thanks for the feedback. I booked the first night in advance since I knew I was going to be in Carmel by the Sea but the second night we weren’t sure how far we’d reach so we booked a place in San Luis Obispo along the way which was not too hard to get. Again it all depends on how fast you drive and how many stops you take along the way to determine where you’ll end up at night. If you can put a nail on it then I’d highly recommend booking it in advance!

Hay dude, Iam passionately fond of articles on your site. They are structured properly, easy to consume and memorize, regardless of English being my 2nd language. Greetings.

Thank-you! 🙂

We are flying into SFO, arriving 2 am. Picking up rental car and then we’ll probably grab a hotel and start out 9 am to the Mustery Spot in Santa Cruz. We arrive the 22nd, and so far have planned to be in LA 26-28th and San Diego the 28-31. So I have the days and nights of the 22-25 to still plan. Should I stay overnight stay in Santa Barbara? Have you ever stayed / visited at Dana Point or Oxnard? On my to see list is PCH views, Solvang, Monterey, Bubble Gum Alley, sea lions, plus most of your itinerary. We do not hike.

Yes, we have stayed in Santa Barbara, it’s a beautiful city. The PCH drive from SB to LA is very different from the NorCal drive (you’ll see!). I’ve driven past Oxnard, never stayed there. Make sure you take the coastal drive from Oxnard i.e. Hwy 1 not 101 for most scenic views. For SF, since you are also going to Mystery point, and some other places on the way I suggest you stay back on day 1 night at Monterey. I love Monterey and have stayed there in the past too. So much to see and do in Monterey and Carmel By the Sea even if you don’t hike (we barely hiked on this trip!). For Sea Lions, just go to La Jolla in San Diego and you’ll get your hearts worth of them 🙂 We are in the process of writing a weekend itinerary for San Diego, will try to publish it soon so it can be of help.

What time of year did you go? And time wise, we are driving from SFO to Cambria, hoping to grab a hotel in Cambrian after seeing all the sites from half moon bay to the Cambria area. Is that doable in your opinion?

How many days do you have for your drive from SF to Cambria? If you consider driving all that in one day and taking the scenic Big Sur route I would say that will be a bit too much. It won’t give you enough time to make many (gorgeous) stops. We drove in April and it was just the perfect time with spring flowers blooming. Cambria sounds like a good place to camp for the night, Morro Bay could be your other option. Hope this helps.

This looks awesome! I haven’t heard of some of these beaches. Will definitely have to add this to my to-do list!

Yes, some of these are lesser known than others in California. This drive is so versatile though 🙂 Thanks!

I did this so long ago, that’s its so nice to get a reminder of those memories via your post. My favourites were Halfmoon Bay and monterey, the beaches in California are some of the nicest in the world if I’m honest. Love your photos too.

I can’t agree more about the beaches in CA. I LOVE how pretty they are at sunset too <3 Thanks! And I am glad I could take you back memory lane.

Ah this is awesome! I would love to drive down the California coast! So much to see and i Love the ocean!

I love driving by the ocean too, it’s so peaceful 🙂 Thank-you!

Bookmarking this! I live in Southern Cali and have been wanting to do this road trip. So sorry to hear you couldn’t see Big Sur. I’ll def make sure to check the road conditions before I go because I really want to see Big Sur.

Yeah, make sure to check the road conditions in Big Sur before you go. I was so disappointed when I learned about the road closures after reaching SF.

These photos are gorgeous! Now I’m eager to get to California to take this road trip. Beaches, vineyards and Morro Rock – I’m smitten with your guide! 😉

Thank-you so much! I am so happy to hear that I could help 🙂 Definitely worth stopping at all these places and even the ones I couldn’t go, like Big Sur.

I absolutely love this! HWY 1 is my favorite road in the entire world so far, but being from San Diego… you guys missed so much of the lower parts! Next time you should take it all the way down and catch some more of the southern vibes! Otherwise, I thought this was a great guide for the more central and northern bits 🙂

I so badly wanted to drive all the way down to San Diego!!! But then we ran out of time. In my defense, I took another weekend trip just to San Diego. 😀 To be honest, I loved San Diego even more than LA… now need to drive from LA to SD sometime.

I’ve been wanting to do this road trip for a while now. You seem to have had such an amazing time with your friends 🙂

I hope you hit this drive soon, and yes with friends it’s a different kind of fun altogether 😀

I love that you did this with your mates, it looks even more fun that your average romantic road trip! You must have had such a giggle on this journey!

All those sunsets are gorgeous. Did you wish it could have lasted just a teeny bit longer!?

Sometimes it’s best to let romance aside and hit the road with your girls (or boys). SO MUCH FUN! The giggles were non-stop as were our crazy adventures 🙂 Thank-you so much.

Bixby creek bridge looks so cute! Monterey was such a cool place. I also loved Carmel!!! California has some really beautiful places to visit. I wish I could have spent some extra time at some of those places!

Yeah this drive is really a teaser to figure out which of these cute towns you would like to come back and spend more time at.. I felt the exact same way 🙂 I do need to go back to Carmel, especially since I still haven’t seen Big Sur.

This roadtrip has been on my bucket list for so long 🙂 Your pictures makes me wanna go there now!

This is definitely a bucket list drive, I hope you get to do this very soon! 🙂

What a memorable trip that must have been! The scenery is just gorgeous!!

Thank-you so much 🙂

I love road trips! And when adding such a beautiful scenery it really is a dream trip! Thank you for the tips Btw, your photos are stunning

Thanks a lot, Mina! And yes to road trips 😀

Looks like such an amazing trip! You basically did the exact same thing I did except backwards haha. Pismo beach was so pretty!

haha Great minds think alike 😉 Cheers!

This has been on my bucketlist for a while! I would love to do this road trip. You pictures are lovely and I appreciate the detailed tips, pinning this for future reference.

Thanks Anisa! Since it’s such a broad stroke of a road trip it becomes very important to have an idea of where to make your stops 🙂 SO glad to hear this is helpful.

This is the perfect find for me as we are just planning our ultimate adventure driving from Alaska to Antarctica. Some great places here for us to add to the plan!

Wait WHAT!?! Did you say Alaska to Antartica, woaah, I need to follow along your journey! That will be one epic road trip of a lifetime. I am just glad I could add a drop of suggestions 🙂

A roadtrip down the coast is so scenic and amazing! I think you definitely covered all of the top spots and I love the pictures!

Thank-you Shanon! 🙂 Indeed it’s a spectacular drive.

One of my favorite childhood memories was roadtripping down Highway 1! Still haven’t been to Solvang though and definitely want to visit!

Isn’t it such a fun activity for children of all ages! You must go to Solvang, perhaps stay there a night to properly enjoy this Danish town.

Such a fun place for a girls trip! My best friend got married in San Luis Obispo and we did her bachelorette party there with the wineries and everything. So much fun. 🙂

Now that’s some idea for a bachelorette party! I can imagine how amazing it would’ve been 🙂

I’ve wanted to do this drive for so long! Monterey and Morro Bay look so beautiful, great guide 🙂

Oh yes, Morro Bay was a stunner at sunset. I couldn’t believe I didn’t know about it until I started researching for this road trip 🙂

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Hello from Gaurav & Richa! An adventurous couple who did NOT quit their corporate jobs to travel the world. On the contrary, we're all about balancing that work-travel life. Our goal is to explore as much as we can in our short vacations and yes, we do go to great lengths to find unique experiences and great food to share with you all. Learn more About Us .

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Planning a Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip from San Francisco to LA California

Driving along the California Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) from San Francisco to LA California stands out as a quintessentially American experience. Of all the road trips I took across the United States, the drive from San Francisco to LA has been my all-time favorite. While the Pacific Coast Highway 1 technically runs the entire length of the west coast of the United States from San Diego, CA to Seattle, WA, this particular stretch of coast is part of every West Coast USA road trip itinerary, and for a good reason.

This renowned route features a blend of bustling urban centers and laid-back coastal towns, meandering through redwood forests, iconic California beach communities, historic lighthouses, world-famous wine regions, marine habitats, Spanish colonial landmarks, outdoor recreational opportunities, national parks, and the illustrious Hearst Castle. The breathtaking scenic vistas along the Pacific Coast Highway will compel you to pause for spontaneous admiration and countless photo opportunities.

In this guide, I will provide you with valuable insights to kickstart your California Pacific Coast Highway road trip planning. Additionally, I will unveil my top 15 recommended stops along the way, complete with suggestions on activities and attractions to explore.

Let’s drive the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to LA!

Planning a Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles

Frequently Asked Questions for Planning a California Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

Here are some commonly asked questions to assist you in organizing your own California Pacific Coast Highway road trip, covering topics from ideal timing and essential packing to useful web resources.

Difference between Pacific Coast Highway and CA State Highway 1

When driving along the coast from Los Angeles to San Francisco, you’ll encounter roads labeled as CA State Highway 1, Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), Cabrillo Highway, and Shoreline Highway, along with instances where you’ll merge onto U.S. 101.

California Highway 1 spans approximately 655 miles (1,055 km) from Dana Point in the south to Leggett, CA in the north.

Only two middle segments, the Big Sur Coast Highway and the San Luis Obispo North Coast Byway, have been officially recognized as scenic byways.

If you travel from the southern to the northern point of California, you’ll find CA State Highway 1 absent at both ends.

The Pacific Coast Highway is roughly a 130-mile segment of Highway 1, stretching from Dana Point to Oxnard in southern California.

Use maps or GPS to stay on track and reach your desired destinations without becoming overly concerned about the highway’s formal designations.

How Long is the California Coast Drive: PCH from San Francisco to LA?

My California coastal drive itinerary unfolds as a unidirectional journey commencing in San Francisco and culminating in Los Angeles .

While there exist myriad approaches to segmenting a road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles, I have curated a 3-night, 4-day road trip itinerary spanning the expanse between these two vibrant cities.

In general, the duration of your Pacific Coast Highway journey hinges on your available time and the attractions you wish to explore en route.

Keep in mind that distances in California are considerable, and travel on CA Highway 1 generally proceeds at a slower pace due to lower speed limits compared to major interstate highways.

Traffic conditions can significantly influence travel times. Especially in congested areas or inclement weather.

Factor in potential delays when entering or exiting Los Angeles and San Francisco. These metropolitan areas can require more time than anticipated based on traffic congestion.

Ideally, set aside around 2 weeks for the entire route, including 3 to 4 days in Los Angeles. A week for the towns between Los Angeles and San Francisco, and another 3 to 4 days in San Francisco.

For those interested in traversing the entire length of California, consider adding at least an extra 3 days to your itinerary.

The more time you can dedicate to your journey, the better you can immerse yourself in the diverse destinations along the way.

Prior to departure, check road conditions for any construction or detours that may impact your travel plans.

When is the Best Time for California Coastal Trips?

Selecting the ideal time for tripping from San Francisco to Los Angeles via Highway 1 involves a multitude of considerations.

Although weather plays a crucial role in this decision-making process, it is not the sole determinant.

Given the mild climate along the coast, nearly any time of the year is suitable for embarking on this road trip.

The southern region of the state, spanning from San Diego to Los Angeles, typically enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year.

The peak period for heavy traffic along this route generally spans from mid-June to late August.

October typically brings pleasant, less rainy weather to the San Francisco Bay area, with September also offering favorable conditions.

It’s important to note that even during summer, cooler temperatures may prevail along the Central and Northern Coast.

Regardless of your chosen travel dates, it is wise to prepare for inclement weather to avoid disrupting your sightseeing plans.

Pack versatile clothing for layering, including jackets and rain gear. Additionally, remember to bring sunglasses and sunscreen. Apply sunscreen even if you intend to remain in the vehicle for most of the day.

Choosing Transportation for Your Highway 1 Trip

Embarking on a California Pacific Coast Highway road trip wouldn’t be complete without the freedom of driving. If opting for a rental, consider whether you prefer lodging en route, camping gear for tent setups at campsites, or the convenience of sleeping in a vehicle like a campervan or RV.

Numerous prominent rental car agencies such as Thrifty, Hertz, Alamo, Avis, Dollar, and Enterprise, among others, maintain offices across California, predominantly in major cities.

It’s advisable to compare prices and services offered by different rental companies. Note that certain firms impose one-way fees.

For those interested in RV travel, I recommend utilizing Motorhome Republic for RV rentals. They compare rates from leading RV rental companies in the USA to secure the best deal for you.

When seeking rental options for this specific trip, prioritize companies that allow pickup at one end of your trip (e.g., Los Angeles) and drop-off at the other (e.g., San Francisco). Be sure to inquire about any additional one-way drop-off fees, which might quickly add up.

Typically, renters must be at least 21 years old (often 25 years old) with a valid driver’s license. Non-U.S. citizens may need an International Driving Permit from their home country or an authorized English translation of their driving credentials.

Even if not legally required, obtaining an International Driving Permit or English translation is advisable. It can be helpful if law enforcement requests your license during your time driving PCH from LA to SF.

Optimal Direction for Driving the California Coast

Many travelers often ponder whether it’s preferable to journey up or down the California coast.

In my opinion, the most rewarding route along California State Route 1 is from north to south, which is why I advocate for driving from San Francisco to Los Angeles via the Pacific Coast Highway.

When traveling southward on the coastal highway, you are treated to uninterrupted vistas of the shoreline.

Things To Do Before Driving the Pacific Coast Highway

When planning a Pacific Coast Highway trip, several key steps can enhance your experience:

Plan Your Route

Determine your general itinerary to set the course for your road trip on Pacific Coast Highway California.

Vehicle Reservation

If utilizing a car or RV, secure your reservation in advance.

Navigation Tools

Equip yourself with a reliable map, road atlas, and/or GPS for seamless navigation.

Consider acquiring a comprehensive California guidebook to enrich your travel experience.

Event Planning

Check the opening days/times of must-see sites and book tickets for major concerts, performances, or sporting events well in advance to avoid missing out.

Ticket Reservations

For attractions like Alcatraz and Hearst Castle, it’s prudent to book tickets a few days ahead, especially during peak seasons.

Festival Planning

If attending or avoiding festivals, plan accordingly to navigate around crowds, traffic, and high hotel rates.

Lodging Reservations

Decide whether to book accommodations in advance or opt for spontaneity. Pre-book lodging in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Big Sur due to limited availability.

Budget Considerations

Specialty lodging.

For unique accommodations like bed-and-breakfasts or lighthouse stays, make reservations well in advance, as they tend to fill up quickly.

Music Playlist

Create a captivating California road trip music playlist or CD to enhance your trip.

Additional Useful Planning Resources

Here are some valuable websites and resources to help you plan a road trip up the California coast:

Road Conditions

Check road conditions online by searching for “SR 1” or “Highway 1,” or call 1-800-427-7623 for up-to-date information.

Route Planning Tools

Use Google Maps or Mapquest route planner to map out your trip, estimate distances and travel times between stops, and project fuel costs.

State Park Campsites

Explore the camping section of the CA Parks website for information on state park campsites in California. Additionally, access a searchable list of camping and RV sites affiliated with the California Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds .

Primitive Camping Options

Discover opportunities for free primitive camping on public lands managed by the BLM, USFS, and other organizations. Some private ranches may also offer camping. Note that while certain WalMart stores provide free overnight parking, these are scarce along the California coast. Rest areas in California allow up to 8-hour parking but do not permit camping or overnight stays.

Los Padres National Forest

U.s. department of transportation.

Find official information on specific sections of SR 1, such as the Big Sur Coast Highway and the San Luis Obispo North Coast Byway , through the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Best Section of the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)

While every stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway offers its own unique charm and beauty, one particularly stunning portion that stands out for its scenic vistas and attractions is the segment between Monterey and Morro Bay.

Here’s why this portion is often considered one of the best sections of the PCH:

Begin your journey in Monterey, renowned for its historic Cannery Row, world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Explore the coastal beauty and vibrant marine life in this picturesque town.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Just a short drive from Monterey lies the enchanting village of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Stroll along the cobblestone streets, visit art galleries, and relax on the pristine Carmel Beach.

Prepare to be mesmerized by the rugged cliffs, towering redwoods, and panoramic ocean views in Big Sur. Marvel at iconic landmarks like Bixby Creek Bridge, McWay Falls, and Pfeiffer Beach.

Visit Hearst Castle in San Simeon, a lavish estate perched atop the hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Explore the opulent rooms, lush gardens, and breathtaking vistas.

Discover the charming town of Cambria, known for its artistic community, Moonstone Beach, and quaint shops. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk and admire the coastal beauty.

Conclude your journey in Morro Bay, home to the iconic Morro Rock and a picturesque harbor. Indulge in fresh seafood, water activities, and stunning sunsets along the bay.

The Monterey to Morro Bay section of the Pacific Coast Highway offers a perfect blend of coastal splendor, cultural experiences, and natural wonders, making it a favorite among travelers seeking a quintessential California road trip experience.

Best Overnight Stops on Pacific Coast Highway

Enjoy renowned attractions like the Monterey Bay Aquarium and scenic coastal views. Delight in fresh seafood at local restaurants along Cannery Row.

Experience the charming village with its art galleries, boutiques, and white sandy beaches. Explore the scenic 17-Mile Drive and Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Embrace the rugged beauty of the coastline and redwood forests. Stay at unique accommodations like Post Ranch Inn or Treebones Resort for a tranquil retreat.

Visit Hearst Castle, a historic landmark perched atop the hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Relax at nearby accommodations offering oceanfront views.

Discover the quaint village with its art galleries, shops, and coastal charm. Explore Moonstone Beach and enjoy a peaceful evening by the sea.

Admire the iconic Morro Rock and picturesque harbor. Indulge in fresh seafood and local cuisine at waterfront restaurants.

Santa Barbara

Experience the Spanish colonial architecture, vibrant downtown area, and stunning beaches. Stay at upscale resorts or boutique hotels for a luxurious overnight stay.

Santa Monica

Enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade, and beachfront activities. Relax at beachfront hotels offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

These overnight stops offer a blend of coastal beauty, cultural experiences, and relaxation, ensuring a delightful and memorable Pacific Coast Highway road trip.

Scenic Stops along the Pacific Coast Highway

Indulge in the breathtaking beauty of the Pacific Coast Highway with these must-see scenic stops:

Bixby Creek Bridge

Marvel at the iconic bridge spanning the rugged Big Sur coastline, offering stunning ocean views.

McWay Falls

Point lobos state natural reserve.

Explore this scenic reserve with diverse landscapes, including rocky coves, lush forests, and abundant wildlife.

Garrapata State Park

Discover secluded beaches, dramatic cliffs, and rolling hillsides at this hidden gem along the coast.

Pfeiffer Beach

Visit this unique beach with purple sand and iconic rock formations, providing a serene and photogenic setting.

Elephant Seal Vista Point

Observe these magnificent marine mammals lounging on the sandy shores near Piedras Blancas.

Malibu Coastline

Drive through Malibu and relish the scenic beauty of its pristine beaches, celebrity homes, and coastal bluffs.

Pismo Beach

Enjoy the expansive sandy beach, vibrant pier, and charming downtown area, perfect for relaxation and leisure activities.

Dana Point Headlands

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Dana Point, offering sweeping ocean views, hiking trails, and diverse marine life.

La Jolla Cove

Explore the picturesque cove with crystal-clear waters, sea caves, and abundant marine wildlife, ideal for snorkeling and kayaking.

These scenic stops along the Pacific Coast Highway promise awe-inspiring vistas, natural wonders, and unforgettable moments amidst the stunning coastal landscapes.

Best Attractions Between San Francisco and Los Angeles

Here’s a curated list of 15 recommended stops, highlighting noteworthy locations along the California Pacific Coast Highway 1, spanning from the northern coast to the southern coast.

While the San Francisco to Los Angeles stretch is the most popular, this list offers insights for travelers interested in exploring beyond this route.

North of San Francisco:

• Crescent City;
• Point Reyes National Seashore;
• Mill Valley (Muir Woods National Monument).

San Francisco to Los Angeles:

• San Francisco;
• Half Moon Bay;
• San Jose / Silicon Valley;
• Santa Cruz;
• Carmel-by-the-Sea;
• Ragged Point;
• San Simeon;
• Los Osos / Baywood Park;
• San Luis Obispo;
• Pismo Beach;
• Santa Maria;
• Santa Barbara;
• Los Angeles.

South of Los Angeles:

• Long Beach;
• Huntington Beach;
• Newport Beach;
• Laguna Beach;

For those seeking a deeper exploration of the redwoods and less touristy coastal regions, consider venturing north of San Francisco.

Alternatively, heading south of Los Angeles offers encounters with famous beach towns and a glimpse of vibrant San Diego.

Must-Visit Stops on the Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

Among the array of captivating destinations along the Pacific Coast Highway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, here is a selection of my top 15 stops, with a focus on locations I have cherished over the past five years:

1. Point Reyes

Plan for a full day or more to immerse yourself in the park’s natural beauty.

Begin your journey at the Bear Valley Visitor Center near the entrance to gain insights into the park, trail conditions, and available activities.

If time permits, embark on the Alamere Falls hike, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beaches, and visit the iconic Point Reyes Lighthouse, provided it is accessible during your visit.

2. San Francisco

The vibrant city of San Francisco is a hub of endless opportunities, catering to a diverse range of interests and preferences.

For first-time visitors, kickstart your day with an early morning excursion from Union Square, a bustling shopping district.

Hop aboard an iconic cable car to Fisherman’s Wharf, then consider embarking on a cruise to Alcatraz.

From there, venture out on foot or by bus to explore vibrant neighborhoods like Chinatown, Castro, or Haight-Ashbury. Alternatively, delve into the rich cultural offerings of museums such as the SF Museum of Modern Art, de Young Museum, or The Disney Family Museum.

Don’t miss the chance to gaze upon the majestic Golden Gate Bridge and perhaps take a leisurely stroll or bike ride across its iconic span.

Enhance your San Francisco experience by joining a walking tour of the city’s historic neighborhoods or indulging in a food tour to savor the renowned culinary delights the city has to offer.

Make time to immerse yourself in the tranquility of Golden Gate Park, the city’s expansive green oasis. Explore its diverse array of museums, historical landmarks, lush gardens, and recreational facilities.

3. Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay is a quaint coastal town. Known locally for its lively annual pumpkin festival in October and globally recognized for hosting the thrilling big wave surf competition, Mavericks, Half Moon Bay exudes a laid-back coastal ambiance.

Nestled amidst picturesque surroundings, the town boasts a relaxed atmosphere with no grand attractions but an abundance of small-town charm.

Visitors often enjoy sun-kissed beaches, scenic biking routes, and leisurely shopping excursions at local stores.

To enhance your stay, consider indulging in the intimate hospitality of a local bed-and-breakfast or relishing the panoramic ocean views from the strategically positioned 5-star The Ritz-Carlton Hotel. If not dining or lodging at the hotel, inquire about the 25 complimentary parking spaces available to the public at the hotel’s entry gate.

Keep in mind that during peak periods like Mavericks and the pumpkin festival traffic congestion and large crowds are omnipresent.

4. Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is an idyllic oceanside city. It is celebrated for its vibrant surfing scene, progressive social activism, and iconic beach boardwalk.

Embarking on a day trip to Santa Cruz, I recommend traversing the scenic West Cliff Drive, either by car or on foot, to relish panoramic coastal views.

Stroll the lively Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, featuring an amusement park, arcade, and family-friendly attractions.

Take a leisurely stroll through the downtown area, particularly during the bustling Farmer’s Market, and make time for a visit to the picturesque Natural Bridges State Beach.

Renowned as a surfers’ paradise, Santa Cruz is hailed as one of the premier surf cities in the nation. Discover the iconic To Honor Surfing Monument and the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum along the captivating West Cliff Drive.

For those with additional time to spare, consider unwinding at less crowded local beaches. Explore the enigmatic Santa Cruz Mystery Spot, sampling offerings at nearby breweries or wineries, hiking amidst the ancient redwoods of Big Basin Redwoods State Park, or embarking on a scenic train journey.

Roaring Camp Railroads offers a delightful excursion with tourist trains connecting Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk to Roaring Camp in Felton.

Additionally, revel in a nostalgic 19th-century steam train ride through the enchanting Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Enjoy a memorable experience amidst ancient redwood groves.

5. Monterey

Monterey captivates visitors with its rich cannery heritage, abundant marine wildlife, and boasting one of the nation’s premier aquariums.

Embarking on a day trip to Monterey, I recommend a stroll through the historic Cannery Row and vibrant Fisherman’s Wharf areas. Next, visit the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Keep your eyes peeled for marine treasures like sea otters, harbor seals, jellyfish, sea birds, and even majestic whales along the coast and waterfront.

For enthusiasts of John Steinbeck’s literary works, a trip to the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas provides a fascinating journey into the author’s legacy.

Families and individuals seeking recreational activities can enjoy the energetic ambiance of Lake El Estero city park. It is home to the whimsical Dennis the Menace Park, inspired by the beloved comic strip character.

Venture to nearby Pacific Grove to savor culinary delights at excellent restaurants, a personal favorite during my stays in Monterey.

Explore Point Pinos, the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast. Witness the enchanting Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary (accessible during late autumn and winter months only).

Monterey beckons with its blend of historical charm, and cultural attractions, promising a memorable day trip along the Pacific Coast Highway .

6. Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming seaside retreat with sandy beaches, inviting bed-and-breakfasts, quaint shops, and perhaps a sprinkle of candy stores. The town lives up to its picturesque name, making it one of my cherished weekend escapes while residing in the San Francisco Bay area.

Devoid of grand attractions, Carmel exudes a charm, inviting visitors to partake in leisurely strolls along the scenic Carmel Beach and meander through the downtown area. It is teeming with art galleries, boutique shops, rejuvenating spas, and delectable dining establishments.

While not an avid shopper myself, I’ve found myself drawn to the array of unique shops in Carmel, picking up a few treasures over the years.

The town has also attracted celebrity residents, including the iconic Clint Eastwood, who served as its former mayor.

Eastwood enthusiasts can explore establishments like the Hog’s Breath Inn, once owned by the actor, or enjoy a stay at his acclaimed Mission Ranch hotel.

For admirers of the legendary Doris Day, a visit to the centrally located and pet-welcoming Cypress Inn offers a glimpse into her legacy.

Delve into the rich history of California by visiting the Carmel Mission, Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Río Carmelo, founded in 1771. Or embark on a scenic hike at the nearby Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, situated just 3 miles from Carmel.

Carmel-by-the-Sea beckons with its blend of coastal tranquility, cultural richness, and a welcoming atmosphere, promising a delightful retreat for visitors.

Big Sur is more an expanse rather than a town. It stretches along approximately 90 miles (140 km) of rugged coastline from the Carmel River to San Carpoforo Creek.

Big Sur remains a sanctuary of unspoiled coastlines, verdant forests, and untamed wilderness. It offers a haven for nature enthusiasts seeking solace amidst breathtaking landscapes.

The iconic Highway 1 winds through this picturesque terrain, providing travelers with an opportunity to marvel at the scenery.

The region boasts several state parks, inviting visitors to explore diverse outdoor activities like hiking, camping, mountain climbing, kayaking, and boating.

Three notable landmarks, visible from the road, include:

• The majestic Bixby Creek Bridge, a highlight along Highway 1;
• The enchanting McWay Falls nestled within Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park;
• The historic Point Sur Lighthouse, a part of Point Sur State Historic Park.

Given the limited tourist services, including lodging options, it is advisable to plan accommodation in advance or opt for a day trip while staying elsewhere.

Despite its rugged allure, Big Sur is easily traversed in a day, even with frequent stops for capturing the scenic vistas.

It is essential to note that inclement weather conditions such as heavy rains, landslides, fires, and other natural phenomena frequently lead to closures along sections of Highway 1, particularly in this area.

8. San Simeon

Nestled in the quaint confines of San Simeon lies California’s Central Coast gem, Hearst Castle. A revered tourist attraction that beckons visitors from far and wide.

Today, Hearst Castle stands as a well-preserved marvel, maintained by the State of California. It captivates guests with its opulent interiors and self-guided explorations through its lush gardens.

Beyond the grandeur of Hearst Castle, San Simeon boasts additional treasures, including:

• The historic Piedras Blancas Light Station;
• The vibrant Elephant Seal Rookery (where thousands of these majestic creatures often grace the beaches);
• The William R. Hearst Memorial Beach, featuring a charming wooden pier and an informative Coastal Discovery Center.

San Simeon offers a wealth of attractions and activities, making it a delightful destination where one can easily spend half a day to a full day immersed in its coastal wonders.

Cambria is situated midway along your scenic Pacific Coast Highway journey between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

For those embarking on a day trip , here’s what Cambria has to offer:

• Explore the historic downtown district;
• Indulge in a delectable slice of olallieberry pie at Linn’s Easy as Pie;
• Visit the picturesque Moonstone Beach;
• Have a sumptuous meal at one of Cambria’s renowned dining establishments.

With additional time to spare, consider immersing yourself in a hike at the scenic Fiscalini Ranch Preserve. Embark on a tour of the eccentric Nitt Witt Ridge. Or savor the flavors of local wines or beers, adding a touch of gastronomic delight to your Cambria escapade.

Cambria stands as a gateway to a myriad of coastal pleasures, promising a memorable stay filled with exploration, relaxation, and culinary indulgence.

10. Morro Bay

Nestled along the coast, Morro Bay exudes a quaint seaside allure. This seaside city boasts a vibrant waterfront, historic old town, an array of antique stores, and a towering Morro Rock, majestically overlooking the harbor.

The Morro Rock is a prominent 481-foot volcanic plug, captivates visitors from afar. It serves as a striking focal point of the city, though access to the rock itself is restricted.

Morro Rock stands as the most renowned among a series of volcanic hills and plugs in the region. A chain of nine such formations in the Los Osos Valley are also known as the Nine Sisters.

Delve into the wonders of the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History and partake in a kayaking escapade within the Morro Bay Natural Estuary.

For enthusiasts of vintage clothing, specialty items, and antiques, Morro Bay hosts a plethora of over a dozen unique stores.

Culinary delights await at the town’s diverse cafes and restaurants, with Shine Cafe standing out as a local favorite. It is renowned for its fresh, organic, and vegan offerings—ideal for a delightful lunch or a weekend breakfast.

11. Los Osos

Nestled adjacent to the larger Morro Bay, the quaint town of Los Osos often remains undiscovered. However, it offers a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking hiking, birdwatching, and other nature-centric activities.

A day in Los Osos warrants an exploration of the scenic trails at Montaña de Oro State Park. It is renowned as one of California’s most picturesque oceanside parks (don’t miss the breathtaking Spooner’s Cove).

Savor a delectable hamburger and beer at the local eatery, Sylvester’s Burgers. Unwind with a coffee at the laid-back Back Bay Cafe, followed by a leisurely stroll along the bay, soaking in the serene surroundings.

For those with additional time to spare, consider venturing into one of the area’s other nature preserves or parks. Los Osos stands as a hidden gem, inviting visitors to embrace the beauty of nature.

12. Pismo Beach

For a unique and exhilarating experience, head to the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area for sand dune riding. This windy coastal stretch has long been a haven for off-road enthusiasts. It attracts riders to rev their engines in the sole California state park permitting non-street-legal vehicles on its sandy shores and dunes.

Indulge your taste buds with local delicacies like the renowned Pismo clams or the flavorful clam chowder, although the clams have become scarcer due to past overharvesting.

During the late autumn and winter months, a visit to the Monarch Butterfly Grove promises a mesmerizing sight. Thousands of Monarch butterflies grace the trees in Pismo Beach during their annual migration, offering a unique and enchanting experience amidst nature’s beauty.

Pismo Beach encapsulates the essence of classic California charm, inviting visitors to unwind, explore, and create lasting memories.

13. Solvang

Solvang is a charming homage to Denmark nestled in sunny California. It stands out among the destinations on this list for its unique European charm rather than a seaside locale.

Established in 1911 by Danish immigrants, this quaint town boasts Danish-speaking schools, a Lutheran church, and an array of Danish-inspired architecture.

While about 10% of residents still hold Danish heritage, cultural ties with Denmark remain strong, evidenced by a royal visit in 2011.

Read Next: How To Get Over Jet Lag When You Get Home?

The town’s half-timbered houses, rooftop storks, windmills, and distinct European ambiance have solidified Solvang as a beloved tourist hotspot.

Embark on a delightful day trip by wandering through the downtown area to marvel at the Danish architecture, peruse shops, and savor culinary delights.

Opt for a leisurely exploration aboard a horse-drawn wooden streetcar, mirroring a 19th-century Danish Hønen.

Outdoor enthusiasts can partake in cycling and horseback riding, with the Alisal Guest Ranch serving as a popular destination for horse enthusiasts.

Nearby attractions include Ostrichland USA, Quicksilver Ranch, and Clairmont Farms. They offer unique experiences like feeding ostriches, admiring miniature horses, and exploring lavender fields.

Explore the renowned wine region of Santa Ynez Valley, with numerous wine tasting rooms and wineries to visit, particularly in the charming town of Los Olivos.

Fans of the movie “Sideways” can retrace the characters’ steps along the Sideways movie wine tasting trail.

Conclude your adventure with a stop at Pea Soup Andersen’s in nearby Buellton for a quirky roadside attraction and a hearty bowl of pea soup.

14. Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara emerges as a top choice for those seeking a warm weather haven. It is often dubbed the American Riviera owing to its picturesque beaches, rolling hills, and Mediterranean-style stucco Spanish colonial architecture.

Distinguished from the smaller towns mentioned earlier, Santa Barbara boasts a rich tapestry of historical and cultural attractions, complemented by a plethora of esteemed dining venues and performance spaces.

Embark on a day trip by exploring the waterfront, including the iconic Stearns Wharf (best enjoyed early or late to avoid crowds).

Stroll through the shops, wine tasting rooms, and eateries along the lower end of State Street. Immerse yourself in the city’s historical charm with visits to Mission Santa Barbara, the Presidio of Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara County Courthouse.

Santa Barbara’s allure extends beyond its city limits, with numerous wine tasting rooms within the city and wineries just outside.

Adventurous souls keen on island escapades can venture to Channel Islands National Park from the neighboring cities of Ventura and Oxnard.

15. Los Angeles

No trip down the California coast is complete without visiting Los Angeles . The vibrant city stands as the pulsating heart of the nation’s film and television industry.

It boasts an array of cultural venues, beaches, shopping districts, dining establishments, accommodations, and sports teams.

Delve into the rich tapestry of Los Angeles’ cultural scene, with a plethora of museums and attractions.

These range from the Getty Museum and California Science Center to the iconic Griffith Observatory and Petersen Automotive Museum.

For enthusiasts of Hollywood and the silver screen, explore movie studios like Universal Studios and Warner Brothers.

Marvel at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre and bask in the allure of the Hollywood sign.

Stroll along Hollywood Boulevard and the Walk of Fame, and immerse yourself in celebrity and movie-related attractions.

Along the picturesque coastline, discover numerous beaches and boardwalks, from the lively Venice Beach to the iconic Santa Monica Boardwalk and the scenic El Matador State Beach in Malibu.

Santa Monica also marks the end (or beginning) of Route 66, offering a nod to classic American road trips.

Sports aficionados can catch a game featuring prominent professional teams such as the L.A. Dodgers, Kings, Lakers, Galaxy, and Clippers.

With a myriad of activities to choose from, visitors can tailor their Los Angeles itinerary based on their interests.

Opt for walking, buses, or the metro to navigate the city efficiently. Driving and parking can present challenges in this bustling metropolis.

Final Thoughts. Planning Ppacific Coast Highway Road Trip

Here you have it, a compilation of my Pacific Coast Highway road trip insights and suggestions, along with details on my top 15 recommended stops. Exploring California’s Pacific Coast Highway was an exhilarating experience for me, and I wish you an equally fantastic trip.

For additional travel inspiration, peruse my US road trip article, which delves into more of the state’s wonders, and don’t miss my guide on budget-friendly strategies for your USA road trip!

Have you ventured along the California coastline via the Pacific Coast Highway? If so, I’d love to hear about your cherished stops and memorable moments along this scenic route. Feel free to share your favorite spots and recollections.

Additionally, don’t hesitate to offer your own travel tips and insights—it’s always a joy to exchange experiences and ideas!  

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MakeupMuddle

Wow SF to LA has to be the ultimate road trip! I’ve never been to either, but they’re both on my travel bucket list so I think a road trip between the two would be the perfect way to enjoy them both and everything inbetween xo

I have ALWAYS wanted to take a road trip like this! Thanks for all the tips!

Heidi Slowinski

This sounds like such a fun trip!

Elliot Hammond

I have not visited the states yet but honestly reading your post in making me think about planning a vacation to the United stated and i would like to also experience this road trip.

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Best Destinations

Best Monterey Hotels

Best Pismo Beach Hotels

Bed-and-Breakfasts Along the Coast

Where to Camp

Things to Do in Big Sur

Big Sur Hot Springs

Big Sur Beaches

Things to Do in Monterey

Things to Do in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Things to Do in Paso Robles

Things to Do in San Luis Obsipo

San Luis Obispo County Beaches

Hearst Castle Guide

What to Do in Pismo Beach

Food to Try

Best Restaurants in Paso Robles

Best San Luis Obispo Restaurants

Best Monterey Restaurants

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Driving the Pacific Coast Highway

Los Angeles to San Francisco on the Pacific Coast Highway

Didier Marti / Getty Images

If you want to get from LA to San Francisco while also seeing some of the best views in California, pack up a car and take a road trip on the Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 1.

However Highway 1 doesn't start until San Luis Obispo around 200 miles north of Los Angeles. So first take US Highway 101 from LA to San Luis Obispo, then you're on your way along California's most scenic route. The trip will cover around 230 miles and can be done in a day with minimal stops, though we recommend stopping frequently and enjoying the ride.

Drive From San Luis Obispo to Hearst Castle

Carol Polich Photo Workshops / Getty Images

US Highway 101 and California Highway 1 diverge in San Luis Obispo. Going north, you'll pass the entrance to California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) and soon drive out of town. About 10 miles from where you left US Hwy 101, the road meets the coast near Morro Bay.

North of Morro Bay, the highway runs close to water. The dark-colored patches in the water are the canopy of an underwater kelp forest. Individual kelp fronds grow more than 100 feet (31 meters) long and as fast as 2 feet (0.75 meters) in a single day. Sea otters find food in the kelp and wrap themselves in the fronds when they sleep.

Points of Interest and Side Trips

• Morro Rock:  You can't miss the big rock that gives the town of Morro Bay its name. It's the last of the Seven Sisters, a chain of worn-down, ancient volcanoes that lie between Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo.
• Morro Bay : A side trip into this laid-back town with a nice, protected harbor, especially popular with families could last a few hours or overnight.
• Cayucos : One of California's cutest little beach towns, a bit old-fashioned, with a nice pier and beach. Even if you don't stop, it's worth a driving detour. Exit at Ocean Avenue, the town's main street which intersects the highway on both its north and south ends.
• Harmony: This tiny place got a lot of press coverage a few years ago, so you may have heard about it. You'll find a winery there and a small pottery shop, but not much else.
• Cambria : Pronounced cam-BREE-uh, it is the most sophisticated of the area towns, with lots of art galleries, bed and breakfast inns and lodging strung along a pretty coastal road, good for an overnight stop or a day's visit. You'll find another short but scenic side drive north of town, along Moonstone Beach Drive.
• If you're lucky, you may see one of the oddest sights to be experienced in this part of California—a herd of zebras grazing alongside the highway. They are the descendants of animals brought to California for William Randolph Hearst's personal zoo near call box number 1-538 just south of San Simeon, but it's easy to know they're around because of the cars parked beside the road and people out photographing them.
• San Simeon: Its name is most closely associated with Hearst Castle, but it offers little except some places to sleep.

Distance: 50 miles

Driving time: 1 hour

Stop at Hearst Castle

William Randolph Hearst's monumental home at San Simeon is one of California's most popular tourist destinations. The 165-room, Moorish-style "castle" sits amidst 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools, and walkways, furnished with Spanish and Italian antiques and art, flanked by three large guesthouses. It's on the hilltop above the highway, too far away to see much unless you take a tour.

During busy times, tours sell out fast. If you arrive mid-morning without reservations, you may be disappointed to find that all the tours are sold out until late afternoon or even the next day. You can avoid this by reserving your tour online. Hearst Castle tour reservations are available up to 120 days in advance.

Hearst Castle is a good place to visit the restroom and get something to eat, even if you don't take the tour. Depending on when you arrive, the 45-minute-long film "Building the Dream" gives an overview of the historic home and takes less time than a full tour.

How long to spend there:  3 hours to a day

Drive From Hearst Castle to Big Sur

Michael Mike L. Baird / Getty Images

It's 65 miles between Big Sur and Hearst Castle, but likely to take longer than you expect. You'll stop for photographs, slow down to negotiate curves, and slow again to enjoy the views.

Between Hearst Castle and Piedras Blancas, bucolic grazing land can make you want to spend your next life as a bovine. Further north, the road wrinkles like a slept-in shirt. The pavement plunges into the forest south of the town of Big Sur.

Points of Interest

• Ragged Point: The hotel and restaurant may tempt you to spend the night and enjoy the cliffside scenery, but it's also good for a short break.
• Elephant Seal Vista :  December through February, Northern Elephant Seals use the coastline for pupping and mating. One of only two places where you can see the spectacle on the mainland is about four miles north of Hearst Castle.
• Piedras Blancas Lighthouse : The original lens is in Cambria, but a modern light keeps the old beacon going.  
• Jade Beach: In winter, jade washes up on the sand between Gorda and Plaskett Creek
• Willow Creek: One of the best vista points, with cliffside and water level stops and restrooms.
• Little-known and seldom-traveled, Nacimiento-Fergusson Road heads east over the mountains toward a historic Spanish mission and William Randolph Hearst's Hacienda . This side trip takes over an hour to navigate 17 scenic miles.
• Pfeiffer Beach : Exit Hwy 1 at the road to this pretty beach where purple-colored sand washes down from the hillside and a dramatic hole in the rock is just offshore.
• McWay Falls:  a dramatic waterfall dropping onto the beach: Enter Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, park at the McWay Falls lot and take a short walk to the overlook.
• Condor Watch: California condors soar between Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and the town of Big Sur. With 9-foot wingspans and steady flight, they're so black they look like they're drawn with a felt-tip marker.
• Henry Miller Library: The writer's fans enjoy visiting his Big Sur home.
• Nepenthe : Restaurant and gift shop with spectacular views.

You'll find gasoline and food at Ragged Point and in Gorda near Monterey County mile marker 10. The Lucia store also offers a few food items (mile 23).

You'll also find restrooms at the Washburn Day Use Area between San Simeon State Park and Cambria.

Distance: 65 miles

Driving time: 1.5 to 2 hours

If your schedule allows a stop, you can explore more of Big Sur. You'll find some luxurious lodgings here, or you can camp in the woods or spend the night in a yurt.

How long to spend there: A few hours to a day

Drive From Big Sur to Monterey

Gunter Marx Photography / Getty Images

The road stays in trees for a while north of Big Sur, then emerges from the forest, continuing inland a short distance north of the town of Big Sur before returning to the sea. The landscape is different than it is further south, with the road running close to the water, its sides lined with red ice plant and yellow-blooming fennel.​

• Point Sur Lighthouse : The lonely lighthouse you see on the big rock warned mariners of danger for almost 90 years. Tours are given on weekends. The entrance is located at mile marker 54.
• Big Sur River Vista Point: It's one of the imponderables of traveling in California, but if the sign says it's a "vista point," you can be 99% sure it doesn't have much of a view. Instead of stopping at the marked spots, try a couple of our favorites. Between miles 55 and 56, it's particularly scenic: the beach widens as a stream cuts it way through the sand toward the ocean, curving around a big rock that seems determined to stop its progress.
• Vista Point: For one of the best views between Monterey and Big Sur, stop in the paved parking area on the ocean side of the highway between miles 58 and 59, where you'll find a spectacular scene of jagged coastline and crashing waves. If you're driving north, resist the urge to pull off in the unpaved area you'll reach first—the best views are blocked from there.
• Bixby Bridge : You can't avoid the Bixby Bridge, the arched span you've no doubt seen in countless automobile advertisements. The best place to stop and get a look or snap a picture is in the parking area just north of it. It's between mile markers 59 and 60.

Gasoline and food are not available between Big Sur and Carmel, but it's only a short drive.

Distance: 30 miles (to the town of Monterey) Driving time: 45 minutes

Stop at Monterey, Carmel, and Pacific Grove

The Monterey Peninsula is home to the towns of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pacific Grove, and Monterey , each of them unique and fun to visit. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is here, as are Cannery Row, Pebble Beach, and the 17-Mile Drive.

If you're in a hurry, you can get a quick look by exiting Highway 1 at Highway 68 (Forest Ave). Turn left onto Sunset Drive, which will become Ocean View Blvd. Follow the water's edge and you'll end up at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, where Del Monte Avenue will take you back to Highway 1. You can take a quick drive into Carmel on Ocean Avenue.

How long to spend there: A few hours to a few days

Drive From Monterey to Santa Cruz

Between Monterey and Santa Cruz, the climate is just right for growing artichokes, strawberries, lettuce and more crops of all kinds. The artichokes are the big, silvery-spiky-leafed plants, bearing their produce atop tall stems. If you see lots of plastic covering the ground, it's strawberries (plastic helps keep them clean and away from pests).

Near the town of Marina, hang gliders float over the ocean. Further north, Elkhorn Slough is home to a lively cross-section of coastal birds and mammals.

Near Santa Cruz , the highway gets very busy on any sunny weekend day and at rush hour on weekdays. Try to time your drive so you don't have to sit in a traffic jam, or take the side drive through town described on the next page.

Staying on Hwy 1 while traveling southbound from Santa Cruz can be tricky, but is easier if you focus on the fact that you're headed toward Watsonville and Monterey. Traveling in either direction, observe the daytime headlights-on section of the road, which is quite busy and requires extra-attentive driving skills.

This drive goes inland for most of its length, flirting briefly with the ocean at Moss Landing before returning oceanside near Monterey or Santa Cruz.

• Pezzini Farms: Exit the highway at Nashua Rd., just north of Monterey to visit their farm stand, where you can buy fresh artichokes, artichoke products, and sometimes even pick up an artichoke plant.
• Moss Landing:  It's quite small, but it's the home of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Center (MBARI) and a small fishing fleet. Elkhorn Slough Safari offers a great way to get close to sea otters and wild creatures and Phil's Fish Market is a local favorite dining shop. After you get into town, just follow Sandholdt Street across the small bridge to get to it.
• Watsonville Farmers Market : The produce is so good here that it makes you suspect the growers are keeping all the best stuff for themselves.

Gasoline and food are available in Castroville and Watsonville, but you'll have to get off Hwy 1 to find them.

You can find public restrooms in the parking lot just behind the Little Baja pottery shop, which is just north of Moss Landing.

Distance: 43 miles

Driving time: About an hour

Stop in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is one of California's iconic beach towns, home to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk , a classic oceanside amusement park. It's also one of two California cities who squabble over the title of "Surf City," with legendary Steamer Lane just off the coast and plenty of nice, sandy beaches to wiggle your toes in. Besides all the oceanside ambiance, you'll find a thriving arts community and a walkable downtown.

Side Drive Through Santa Cruz

• Traveling south: Exit CA Hwy 1 at Bay Street, turn left onto Beach St, past the pier and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Turn left on 3rd Street and left again onto W. Cliff Drive. Follow that along the cliff tops past Lighthouse Field State Beach and the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. Turn right onto Swift St. to rejoin Hwy 1.
• Traveling north: Turn right onto Swift St, shortly after you notice that you're entering the town. Make a left on W. Cliff Dr., veering right onto Beach St near the pier and passing the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. A few blocks after crossing the river, turn left onto Seabright Avenue, then right on Soquel Ave and follow that until you rejoin Hwy 1.

How long to stay there: A few hours to a day

What's Between Santa Cruz and San Francisco

The section of Hwy 1 between Santa Cruz and San Francisco is more pastoral than parts south and north, the hills lower and rounded, with the land flattening just enough to make room for farms whose fields end at the coastal cliffs. Brussels sprouts are a popular crop here, and you may see and/or smell them if you pass during harvest season.

Just one word of caution: They call it Devil's Slide and it certainly bedevils local residents by periodically disrupting traffic on Hwy 1 between Pacifica and Half Moon Bay. If the road is closed, I-280 and CA Hwy 92 form the detour between San Francisco and Half Moon Bay.

You'll see a number of attractive beaches along the road, and any of them is fine for a quick stop. Other attractions listed in order from south to north:

• Coastways U-Pick (Swanton Berryfarm): Located just north of the Santa Cruz/San Mateo County line. Harvest your own strawberries (spring), olallieberries (summer) and kiwi fruit (winter).
• Año Nuevo State Beach : Northern elephant seals use the Año Nuevo beach for birthing and breeding and it's spectacle well worth seeing if you're nearby in January or February.
• Pigeon Point Lighthouse : One of the most scenic (and most-photographed) lighthouses in California.
• Pescadero:   The drive into town is well worth the hour or so. Look for the signs near Pescadero Beach. It's between Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay. Drive about two miles off Hwy 1 and turn left at the four-way stop. Stop at the Country Bakery for artichoke-garlic bread, browse local craftsmen's handiworks, visit the old rock guy or stop into Duarte's Tavern for a bowl of artichoke soup before continuing your trip north.
• Half Moon Bay : boasts a small downtown that's good for a stroll, too. It's well-marked no matter which direction you're driving.

Gasoline and food are available in Half Moon Bay and in the town of Pacifica near San Francisco. Depending on the time of year, you may find farm stands open selling seasonal produce.

Distance: 73 miles

End in San Francisco

Marco Simoni / Getty Images

Options abound for getting in and out of San Francisco , and the one you use depends on exactly where you're going. You may need a good map to figure it out.

Highway One runs between the town of Pacifica (on the coast south of San Francisco) to the Golden Gate Bridge , where it merges with US 101 north for several miles before splitting off to continue along the ocean.

In San Francisco, Highway One is 19th Street. It's a busy and mostly uninteresting route, with lots of stop lights and heavy traffic.

Instead of following 19th Street, sitting bored and frustrated in the traffic, try this:

Going North Into San Francisco 

Turn right onto Sharp Park Road shortly before you reach Pacifica, going up the hill to connect with CA Hwy 35 north. Turn left (north) when you reach Hwy 35 (Skyline Drive). Turn left onto Great Highway, traveling north past Ocean Beach and the Cliff House. The road curves there and becomes Geary Blvd., which will take you straight into Union Square and the middle of San Francisco.

A faster but less scenic way to get to the same area is to stay on Hwy 1 north through Pacifica until it merges with I-280 north, then stay on I-280 to get to the city.

Continuing North Without Stopping in San Francisco 

Use the directions above. Follow Geary, turn left on 25th Avenue and right when you reach Lincoln Blvd. Shortly after you see the Golden Gate Bridge on the left, you'll go under ​a small bridge. Turn left immediately after that and you can get onto the bridge from there.

Going South Out of San Francisco 

Leave San Francisco going west on Geary Blvd to the Cliff House. The road curves south along Ocean Beach, where the street name becomes Great Highway. When you reach CA Hwy 35 (Skyline Drive), turn right (south) and stay on Skyline, ignoring the highway signs for Hwy 1. Continue south to Sharp Park Road (near the San Francisco city limits, where the signs point toward Pacifica), turn right and go down the hill, following the signs for Half Moon Bay. You will connect with Hwy 1 just south of the town of Pacifica.

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12 Awesome Stops on a San Francisco to Los Angeles Road Trip

Let me show you where to stop on a San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip – so good, I’ve done the route twice!

The San Francisco to Los Angeles drive is still one of my absolute favourite I’ve ever done. In fact, it’s so good I’ve done the Pacific Coast Highway road trip twice. Wouldn’t mind driving the California coast again TBH. 

The San Francisco to LA drive is well known as one of the prettiest and most scenic routes in the world, never mind America. It’s the ultimate California coastal road trip.

Highway 1, as it’s also known, actually starts as soon as you arrive in California. It begins at the northern border with Oregon and stretches all the way down to finish in San Diego. If you steamed ahead the whole route would take ten hours to do, but then you’d miss out on all the joys of the 1000km of impressive roads, views, and cool places to stop along the way. 

Road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles and you’ll enjoy stunning coastal views, Californian sunshine villages, epic forests, cool towns and a wine making district or two, too. I wouldn’t really recommend a rental car for the start and finish cities, but to rely on a professional car service in Los Angeles to navigate the city’s bustling streets, and to use public transport in San Fran. In between? Enjoy the freedom of your own wheels!

Of course you can do Highway 1 the other way, and drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco on a road trip, but this way is generally considered the best. And it’s the only way I’ve ever done it!

Where to stop on the San Francisco to Los Angeles drive

Drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles and you’re in for an incredible trip!

1. San Francisco 

San Francisco is a great city, and an excellent place to start your trip driving the California Coast. There’s a good reason why it’s used in so many films as a backdrop, and why it’s on the dream list for so many people to visit.

The Golden Gate Park is an absolute must do while you’re in the city. Have a few days to explore Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz Island and just relaxing with a coffee in Union Square. Get around via the famous San Francisco tram and make sure to walk down crazy Lombard Street too – don’t attempt to drive it! 

Pick up your rental car and drive over the Golden Gate Bridge to get off to a memorable start to your San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip. It’s the most recognisable bridge in the world, and is actually surprisingly long. A great opportunity to get used to the glory of those wide lanes in the USA. 

Distance from San Francisco to Los Angeles

Here’s a map of the drive from San Francisco to LA.

The San Francisco to Los Angeles drive is 6 h 16 mins (383.1 mi) via I-5 S – the most direct route. 

If you want to drive from SF to LA the scenic route, as described here, then you’re looking at around 9 h 19 mins (454 miles) via Highway 1. 

ACCOMMODATION IN SAN FRANCISCO: HOTEL ZEPHYR IN FISHERMAN’S WHARF

After landing in San Francisco we went straight to the Hotel Zephyr in Fisherman’s Wharf to freshen up. It had only opened a week before and is in a great location right on the waterfront – it was easy to walk to the famous Pier 39 sea lions and the Golden Gate Bridge viewing point from the front desk.

For dinner I’d recommend the Boudin Bakery over the road for chowder in bread bowls, fish and chips and their signature sourdough bread and butter pudding for dessert. I pretty much carb coma’d into bed that night.

2. San Jose

San Jose could be described as the centre of the western world right now, thanks to the huge companies that now call Silicon Valley home. Facebook and Google HQs are here, and the famous Hewlett Packard Garage from where it all began.

There’s a lot of money floating about in San Jose and if you can get an invite into any of the head offices, take up the offer. 

As well as possibly controlling all of our futures, San Jose also has a fascinating past. Galleries, museums, an open air market and a lively downtown make San Jose a must on your road trip from San Francisco to LA. 

Also, make sure to swing by the famous Winchester Mystery House. It’s full of curiosities, including dead end hallways, staircases that run up to the ceiling and 165 rooms. The late Sarah Winchester built the place at a cost of over $20m, as instructed by her Medium. Imagine having the money to just follow that advice on a whim – joyful!

You NEED to stop here on a road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles – to really say you’ve done a coast of California road trip. If you’re driving for a while, you’ll want to have some snacks in supply. Check out this list of food to take on a road trip for inspiration.

ACCOMMODATION IN SAN JOSE : HOTEL VALENCIA SANTANA ROW

Hotel Valencia Santana Row is the only hotel on Santana Row, and is a real experience after you’ve been on the road all day. With Spanish-style architecture and beautiful interiors, this is a luxury hotel offering two restaurants and a rooftop wine bar with views of the Santa Cruz Mountains. There’s also a great swimming pool to cool off from the day. Stay here and you’ll be in the centre of the action of San Jose, but in a wonderful retreat.

3. Santa Cruz

Look out the window to see the stunning Half Moon Bay as you pass from San Jose, Santa Cruz bound. Even better, pull over and snap a moody pic from the cliff edge before you rush away. 

Put “Ano Nuevo State Park” into your sat nav where you can visit the Elephant Seals in the marine park, and take a look at a San Francisco Garter Snake too.

Seriously, don’t miss the Elephant Seals when you’re driving the California Coast. I’ve never seen so many in one place, it was amazing. Definitely one of the highlights of the San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip.

Ninety minutes from San Jose in your rental car (with no stops) you’ll find yourself in Santa Cruz. The 60s live on here, especially along the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk with its old-school Americana vibe. Explore the lighthouse on the beautiful beach, and the Big Dipper along the boardwalk. The Mystery Spot – a collection of strange phenomena from the last 70 years – also makes for an entertaining few hours.

On Pacific Avenue you’ll find all kinds of vintage goodies, visit Palomar for night time salsa dancing, Wilder Ranch State Park for hiking and the Rio Theatre for local music. The Wharf is a great place to start for restaurants and shops and if you have the time you can go on a whale watching boat or fishing expedition too.

Lots to do in Santa Cruz so don’t skip it on your Pacific Coast Highway trip!

ACCOMMODATION IN SANTA CRUZ: CASABLANCA ON THE BEACH

Casablanca Inn on The Beach just makes me want to book this road trip all over again. This gorgeous hotel overlooks Monterey Bay, and is located across the street from the Santa Cruz Wharf and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The perfect location for Santa Cruz – and if you’re only staying a night or two, that’s exactly what you want. Most rooms here have ocean views, and the Sawasdee by the Sea Restaurant means you can enjoy those views with some outdoor dining too.

READ MORE on US Road Trips  

The best advice on planning a road trip in the USA is here, and if you’re looking for help in planning your road trip budget , just click here.

One of my favourites is the drive from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon – the sites are awesome. And this road trip from Miami to Key West is pretty sweet too!

4. Monterey Bay

Just an hour from Santa Cruz you’ll find Monterey Bay on the curve of the coast. Lots to do here, including the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, and the Old Fisherman’s Wharf. You can also go whale watching at Monterey Bay too.

Don’t miss the scenic ’17 Mile Drive’ and have a mooch around Carmel-by-the-Sea – a cute seaside village with shops, cafes and restaurants. Whale watching, sailing, kayaking, golfing and biking are also popular in Monterey.

A gentle uphill drive from here takes you out to the Big Sur, where the fun really begins on your San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip.

If you want to spend two days in Monterey , check out this post from California Crossroads.

ACCOMMODATION IN MONTEREY: THE JABBERWOCK

If you’re looking for somewhere great to stay in Monterey The Jabberwock is loved by all who stay there. Now, it’s a little different to the other hotels I’ve recommended here – but that’s one of the reasons why it’s so great. This unique 7-bedroom B&B will give you a stay to remember, thanks to the charming guest rooms and excellent location near the beach and the aquarium. There’s free parking here, and your foodie needs are guaranteed to be catered for all day long!

The Bixby Bridge is your best route into the Big Sur, well, pretty much the only one from Highway 1 TBH. It’s one of the tallest single span concrete bridges in the world and one of the most photographed bridges on the West Coast – bar the Golden Gate that you’ll have already driven over. The Bixby Bridge is 714 feet long and 280 feet high.

There are many beautiful sights along the Big Sur driving from San Fran to LA – Pfeiffer Beach, McWay Falls, Point Sur State Historic Park, Ragged Point – lap them up by stopping often. If you have time, take a few days to relax along the route, soak up some of the scenery and just generally chill out.

The journey is as important as the destination, right? 

The Big Sur holds an arty, hippy community that, in my experience were quite unwelcoming to anyone who wasn’t in it. We tried to visit the Esalen Institute for the views and natural hot spring baths. Two of my friends were wearing baseball caps and I saw them eye them up before refusing our entry.

If you’re part of the said hippy / arty community then go along and enjoy. If not, just soak up the views and take your money elsewhere!

If this is your vibe you might want to mark out a few nights on your San Fran to LA road trip to stay here.

ACCOMMODATION IN BIG SUR: VENTANA INN & SPA

I stayed at the Ventana Inn & Spa in Big Sur and had a hot tub, and a hammock on my balcony and life was all kinds of amazing. After a delicious dinner looking out over the Big Sur countryside we had a hot tub party and made the most of the mini bar. This was a real luxury trip for us and this place was incredible!

Big Sur also has several campgrounds with coastal access and views, and given the climate and setting it can be a great place to camp. If you are the adventurous type who carries a  small tent  along on your roadtrips, that could be a more primitive lodging option. 

6. San Simeon

Ok, next stop on the San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip is San Simeon. The highlight of San Simeon is Hearst Castle high up on The Enchanted Hill. More than 1 million people visit every year – it’s the number one attraction in San Simeon. Lady Gaga filmed a video here, and you can explore the 250,000 acres of rooms, suites, cottages, kitchens and grounds. 

Moonstone Beach is also a popular spot in San Simeon, as is the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery and shopping at Cambria Village too. All three are great stops on your California coastal road trip.

ACCCOMMODATION IN SAN SIMEON: SAN SIMEON LODGE

San Simeon Lodge may not be as luxury as the other recommendations for your San Fran to LA road trip, but, just look at that location. Right next to the Pacific Ocean, it’s the perfect spot for a sea dip. The pool is also amazing, and you’ll be just a few miles from Hearst Castle – meaning you can get there early before the crowds!

Make sure you get your travel insurance sorted before you go on a solo road trip. HeyMondo offer 24/7 worldwide assistance with travel cancellation and interruption cover. They also have tailor made policies and cover medical expenses up to $10 million. Click here and you’ll get 5% off your travel insurance with HeyMondo.com too. Check out their App for more details. 

7. San Luis Obispo

Right, this is actually kinda absolutely disgusting but in San Luis Obispo there’s a 15-foot high, 70-foot long alley lined with bubblegum. Like, on purpose. You can go and add your mark on the world, if you like. 

If you’ve got time to spare in San Luis Obispo hike up Black Hill, Islay Hill, Bishop Peak and round the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden . The Fremont Theatre is also worth a visit, if only for the awesome facade in the evening. Soda Lake is an awesome sight too, especially for anyone with an eye for design.

Pismo Beach is a close enough walk and you can enjoy the tasty restaurants, ATV rentals, wine tasting, fishing, surfing, skydiving, bowling and mineral springs there. Also, they like to feed you clams. 

We went sand dune buggying – ever tried it? It’s a lot harder than I thought, and at times pretty damn scary too. It’s perfectly safe as you’re in a roll car and the guys from Sun Buggy in Oceano said there’d never been an accident, but as I was stuck in the sand trying to traverse the huge dunes I was sure I’d be the first.

ACCOMMODATION AT PISMO BEACH: COTTAGE BY THE SEA

We finally arrived at Cottage Inn by the Sea , right on Pismo Beach in a sea view room in San Luis Obispo County. It was straight out again ready for the wine tasting with the the  Adelaida Winery . Reds, whites and an 11% cider later and we went off to the famous Madonna Inn for chicken, rice and their famous creamy cakes.

On your way to the famous Santa Barbara you’ll travel on the 101 with great views of the area’s picturesque mountains and vineyards. It’s totally worth a detour here to visit Solvang – a pretty town that will take you back to Europe, but you’re in Cali.

You need to see it to believe. Solvang was founded by Danish immigrants who wanted to feel at home in the USA. Nowadays it’s a great tourist attraction, as well as a place where people actually live.

Visit and you can expect Northern European architecture and shops, and lots of replicas of iconic spots in Copenhagen. Keep an eye out for the Little Mermaid Statue and the Hans Christian Anderson Museum.

You’ll only need an hour or two here, but it’s a cute stop along the San Francisco to LA road trip route.

And if you have even longer to spend, check out the Santa Ynez Valley here too.

ACCOMMODATION IN SOLVANG: HOTEL CORQUE

Located just 5 minutes’ walk away from Old Mission Santa Ines, the Hotel Corque has an outdoor pool and hot tub, and prides itself on their spacious rooms. Some rooms have amazing views of Solvang Village or the Santa Ynez Hills. There’s an onsite restaurant, Root 246, serving farm fresh American cuisine and a good variety of local wines. There’s also a steakhouse offering steaks and seafood. Solvang town centre is just a one minute drive away.

9. Santa Barbara

Next up on your California coast drive is Santa Barbara. It’s the perfect stop off before you hit up the craziness of LA. Hug the coastline here and you’ll get to see Stearns Wharf and East Beach too. Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden and Lotusland are all popular things to do in Santa Barbara, while culture vultures can hone in on the Lobero Theatre, the Arlington Theatre and the Santa Barbara Historical Museum.

Keep an eye on the road markings and signs, rather than the sat nav, to be in the right lane for Ventura on the Pacific Coast Highway to carry on with your drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

ACCOMMODATION IN SANTA BARBARA: DRIFT SANTA BARBARA

At Drift Santa Barbara in Downtown Santa Barbara you’ll find free bikes, a terrace, a restaurant and a bar. With free WiFi, this 4-star hotel offers a concierge service. The property is less than 1 km from East Beach, and within 1.3 km of the city centre. It’s a great location to enjoy some of what the city offers, while also having a comfortable and safe space to retreat to at the end of the day. And just LOOK at that bed, I want to get in it!

10. Ventura

Do the San Francisco to LA road trip right and you’ll end up on Ventura Beach, right in front of the pier. This is the spot if you want to do some surfing. If not, take a look around the historic Downtown Ventura and make the most of the vintage boutiques and second hand stores.

On a typically sunny day, Ventura really is an amazing stop to enjoy – beautiful sunsets too. 

ACCOMMODATION IN VENTURA: CRYSTAL LODGE MOTEL

Crystal Lodge Motel is perfectly situated between Santa Barbara and Malibu, just 800m from the beach. Stay here and you’re guaranteed a comfortable guest room, or a suite. It’s easy to walk to the beach from here, and many of the local attractions too.

Oh Malibu – not the Barbie, or the drink, but the destination. The drive from Ventura to Malibu is stunning. Follow signs to Point Dume and you’ll find a beautiful sandy beach, headlands, cliffs and rocky coves. Wander around Malibu and you’ll find piers, sickeningly beautiful weekend homes and super healthy restaurants – and maybe even the odd celebrity or two.

Stay on Route 27 and you’ll come across offbeat stores, diners and ramshackle saloons along the roadside. Get out at the top for an awesome view over the San Fernando Valley at the top of Topanga Overlook.

You just can’t get a bad view on a San Francisco to LA road trip. 

ACCOMMODATION IN MALIBU: MALIBU BEACH INN

The Malibu Beach Inn is a beautiful hotel, with plush, relaxing rooms that are perfect for falling asleep to the sound of the waves in. Featuring a soothing luxury spa and rooms with private balconies overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean, Malibu Beach Inn lies 10 miles outside downtown Malibu.

All the rooms are oceanfront with contemporary wood furnishings and a hand-picked selection of wines. The digital entertainment features music, games and a flat-screen TV with extended cable channels. The Malibu’s Carbon Beach Club serves coastal cuisine indoors and on a beachfront terrace. The restaurant’s specialty seafood and meat dishes contain fresh produce from local growers. Malibu Beach Inn guests have direct access to the private beach. Veronica’s Skin and Body Care Spa offers offers a menu of exotic massages and treatments that can also be performed in guests’ rooms.

THIS is the place to stay near Malibu!

12. Los Angeles

And you’ve made it!

Your LA to San Francisco road trip is done. In LA you can visit the Kodak Theatre, walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, check out the Santa Monica Pier, drive down Sunset Boulevard and stroll down Rodeo Drive. You could check out the awesome views of the Hollywood sign from Griffith Observatory, or go on a stars homes tour.

Universal Studios is awesome.

They’ve got a whole Springfield area set up where you can drink at Moe’s Tavern, eat a Krusty Burger and go on the new Simpsons simulator ride. I also thoroughly enjoyed being turned into a minion on the Despicable Me simulator and screaming when the bugs came to get me on the Mummy Returns ride.

We also got to go on a Movie Set tour and saw them filming Home and Family (yeah, never heard of it either) and Access Hollywood, we saw the set for Jaws and the stages they used for Jurassic Park 3 and Pitch Perfect 2 too.

LA is such an exciting place, with so much to do in Los Angeles on a budget – you can enjoy the people watching when the inevitable city traffic stops play! 

ACCOMMODATION IN LOS ANGELES: HOLLYWOOD HOMES

How about booking an apartment for your time in LA ? Once you’ve done the road trip San Francisco to Los Angeles, you’ll want somewhere comfortable to stay, especially if you’re there a few days. This studio from Hollywood Homes is in a great location to get to everything, and you’ll have your own space to relax in too.

Bonus stop: San Diego

If you have time after your San Fran to LA road trip, I’d definitely recommend going to San Diego – loved it there! Check out the San Diego Zoo (one of the largest zoos in the world ) and Coronada Island too.

Visas for the USA

If you need an ESTA visa for the USA you can order one on that link. Sort your visas for the USA before you go to make sure you’re ready for your trip and don’t have any last minute worries. You don’t want to be worrying about getting one in the airport! And if you’re looking for airport parking voucher codes click that link.

Q&A on the SF to LA road trip

What do you need to know driving from San Francisco to Los Angeles?

Everything you need to know for your California road trip route is above. Other road trip tips include making sure you’re not travelling with annoying people, having enough money for snacks and petrol, knowing where the gas stations are, and making sure you stick to the correct side of the road and know the local laws.

That should do it!

I’d strongly recommend booking your car hire in advance , so you can get the best deals. Use the price checker below to get an idea of price for your journey.

1. How long to drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles?

The San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip time is approximately 6 hours direct, but that’d be missing all these great California attractions along the way. You don’t want that!

You can do this San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip itinerary in 3 days, to an infinite amount. There’ll be more cool spots to stop along the way that aren’t listed too.

2. How many times should I stop on the San Fran to LA drive?

Your California road trip itinerary is totally up to you! There’s no golden ratio of the perfect amount of times to stop on the SF to LA drive, it depends how long you have, how long you want to take, and whether you have some place to be or not.

3. When’s the best time to drive from San Fran to LA?

The first time I did the Pacific Coast Highway road trip I did it in April, just before Coachella Festival . This was a beautiful time of year, and there was still a fresh chill in the air.

The second time I drove from San to LA, I did it in July, in a Mustang soft top. Gawd it was incredible. It was definitely warmer, but with the breeze from the fresh coastal air in my air, it was great!

I can recommend spring or summer, and I’m sure autumn would be a pretty sweet time too. Maybe spend winter saving up your pennies / cents, for a better time of year for this California road trip.

4. What does a road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles look like?

San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip brings a relaxing drive while having the great sights of the beautiful coastal waters. Expect a lot of twist and turns but the view would be taking your breath away.

5. What does San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip look like on the map?

If you check the map, you would notice that the trip from San Francisco and Los Angeles outlines the edge. Now, bring that visual into real life and you’ll get a sight of breathtaking coast, clear waters, and beautiful landscape.

6. What is the distance to cover on a San Fran to LA road trip?

The driving distance of a road trip from San Fran to LA covers over 617 kilometers (383 miles).

7. What is the best way to travel from San Francisco to Los Angeles?

Well, I may be a bit biased here but San Francisco to Los Angeles by car is probably the best. Not only that the route is scenic but I was very immersed in the stops I visited while on our way. It’s that amazing! Other transportation options from San Fran to LA are by plane, train (requires transfers), and bus.

More tips for your coastal road trip California 

My top tips for driving from San Francisco to LA

How to Save Money on Your USA Road Trip

PIN SAN FRANCISCO TO LOS ANGELES ROAD TRIP FOR LATER

Related Posts:

• Road Trip Around the USA: How Much Does the Dream Cost?
• 7 Ways to Make the Most of Your Road Trip Budget
• Planning a Road Trip in the USA: 13 Best Routes!
• 10 Greatest Stops on the LA to Vegas Drive
• 15 Must-See Stops on Your LA to Grand Canyon Road Trip
• 25+ Top Tips for a Solo Road Trip You NEED To Know

Hi, I'm Vicky! I wrote this. You can find me on all the social media @VickyFlipFlop. I love a bit of adventure, will try anything once, and have a strong passion for the local food and drink, whatever it may be. I'm here to help inspire you to travel to places a little out of your comfort zone, or at least to explore the usual destinations in a different way. Stay, have a look around, and if you have any questions – let me know below.

16 Comments

Really great read, so interesting as my wife & I are planning on doing it next year! Before we go to San Francisco, is Sacramento & Oakland worth visiting? Our plan is to fly into Denver and spend some days there before we do our Californian dream.

I look forward to taking this trip from SF to LA by car. Thank you for the tips.

As of today (8/7/23), route is closed 40 miles after Monterey and not going to be opened for another year due to landslide. Please check before you decide to travel, very disappointed 😔!

Hi, great post thank you. We’re planning a 3 week road trip in May 2024, starting in San Fran. Would you recommend hiring a car from the airport or when we leave the city? TIA x

Can’t wait to go this year

have you any details about whether route 1 from San Francisco to Los Angeles is closed and what alternative do i have if it is closed. Travelling early June 2023

Ich habe mit großem Vergnügen die vorangegangenen Zeilen gelesen. Es hat mir sehr viel Freude gemacht und große Lust, diesen Trip zu machen. Leider weiß ich nur nicht, ob er auch so seniorengeeignet sein würde. Trotzdem danke.

@Elli, What a great read, we’re coming over end of Feb , few days in SF then down H1 to LA , few days there then onto Vegas to meet friends, then down to Phoenix, Tucson for a few weeks , want to tour Arizona and New Mexicohttps://buggyrents.com/

What a great read, we’re coming over end of Feb , few days in SF then down H1 to LA , few days there then onto Vegas to meet friends, then down to Phoenix, Tucson for a few weeks , want to tour Arizona and New Mexico…then make our way back to SF, we’re over for 5 weeks…Any recommendations , where to go or what to see

Helpful tips incredible

Sounds amazing

Great guide

This is a perfect road trip plan. As the per the information I am going to make road trip on my Harley Davidson.

Oh fab! That makes me so happy to read. I know you’re going to have an incredible time. Enjoy every second!

Thank you a lot for giving everyone remarkably memorable possiblity to read in detail from this blog

No worries. I’m glad you enjoyed it and hope it’s given you a few ideas on what to do and where to go on the road trip!

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The Ultimate San Francisco to Los Angeles Road Trip (+Map!)

November 12, 2023 //  by  Follow Me Away //   Leave a Comment

A San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip is one of my favorite things to do. I grew up traveling California and the Pacific Highway and when I say this journey is breathtaking I mean it.

I have done the road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles multiple times both as a child and an adult so I know what is worth visiting and what isn’t. In this article, I will take the guesswork out of all the planning.

I remember driving the PCH [Pacific Coast Highway, for those new!] in my 40-foot RV growing up, covering my eyes with my Mom being so scared that we would go careening off the side as Dad drove the hairpin turns.

The places to stop between SF and LA have all been tried and tested and are places I feel you just MUST visit. I’ve just made your San Francisco to Los Angeles drive 10 times easier.

This drive is one of my favorites. The landscape at times leaves you breathless, the beaches are some of the best in the world and this road trip has a vibe that is hard to replicate elsewhere. Let’s just say the San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip is iconic.

In my opinion, this is one of the must-do American road trips . It’s scenic, and beautiful and takes you to some of the U.S.A.’s most well-known destinations.

So grab a chair get comfy and let me share my thoughts on how best to do a San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip.  

Distance from San Francisco To Los Angeles

I am assuming if you are here that you want to do the San Francisco to Los Angeles drive the scenic way. This means you will be driving down Highway 1. This route is approximately 454 miles and takes anywhere from 9 to 11 hours to drive in full.

There is a faster route along the I-5 which takes six hours and is 383 miles but you miss all the sights and it’s boring.

Highway 1 starts at the northern border of California with Oregon and stretches down to San Diego. Most believe driving from San Francisco to Los Angeles is one of the best stretches of road in the world and it would make my top ten.

San Francisco To Los Angeles Drive Map

No San Francisco to Los Angeles itinerary would be complete without a map so here is one with the route I believe you should take. This route has you traveling mainly on Highway 1 from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

I would suggest downloading a map or even having a paper map to hand. There may be some areas where you find cell or satellite signals spotty and unreliable.

Enjoy your drive from SF to LA, I know you are going to love it.

Best Stops On The Drive From San Francisco To Los Angeles

I am now going to walk you through my favorite San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip stops. You can either stretch out your journey by spending a night in each location or shorten the journey with stops along the way. The time you spend on this road trip is up to you but I would say take it as slow as you can.

And remember this San Francisco to Los Angeles itinerary can be done in reverse. I’m going to start at San Franciso and work my way down but you could start at L.A. and work your way up. You choose.

Explore San Franciso

No San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip couldn’t include a stop at San Francisco . I adore this city it’s a quirky mix of history, culture, charm, and cool.

If I was you I would spend at least a few days here as there is so much to see and do. My top three things you must see here are Golden Gate Park , Alcatraz Island , and Fisherman Wharf.

If you have more time San Francisco has many museums to explore and Union Square and Chinatown are also great to see. The thrift stores here are amazing as is the nightlife and food with so much variety.

And of course, a trip on the San Francisco Tram, a walk down Lombard Street, and a drive over the Golden Gate Bridge are things you absolutely must do in San Francisco.

Stay At Hotel Zephyr San Francisco

Have Fun In Santa Cruz

About two hours 98 miles away from San Franciso you will reach Santa Cruz. There is plenty to see here if you want to stay a while. This hip, fun beach town has a lot to offer.

The big draw here is Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk . It has that old-school Americana vibe and I just love it. Not only does it look picture-perfect but it also has an amusement park, mini golf, a casino, and much more. The Broadwalk is a destination all in itself.

If the boardwalk isn’t your thing there is much more on offer. Pacific Avenue is the place to go for vintage finds, Wilder Ranch State Park for hiking and The Wharf for whale watching.

One of the places I feel is a must-see is Ano Nuevo State Park , which is home to many Elephant Seals. I have never seen so many seals in one place.

After your visit to Santa Cruz, your Pacific Coast Highway road trip between San Francisco and Los Angeles continues to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.

Oh, one last thing as you are driving to Santa Cruz when you pass San Jose make sure you stop to view Half Moon Bay if you can. You will get some incredible pictures of the bay from the road.

Stay At Hotel Paradox

Hug A Tree At Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

This is a little detour from Highway 1, about 14 minutes to be exact but I think it is worth it. Most mention this place in passing but I think it deserves more than a mere mention.

You can drive here or get a vintage train from Santa Cruz Broadwalk that takes you through the mountains into the park. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is most famous for its 40 acres of huge redwood trees, believe me, they are like nothing you have ever seen.

The tallest tree here is approximately 277 feet tall, about 16 feet wide, and around 1,500 years old. The park is perfect for hiking, horseback riding, swimming, and camping and is perfect for a picnic.

There is a campground here if you want to stay a while and spend some time in nature. I feel this is one of those places that makes the San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip so special.

Stay At Fern River Resort

Do A Bit Of Everything At Monterey 

This is one of the places to stop between SF and LA where you will find a lot happening. Whether you drive here from the State Park or Santa Cruz it will take you about an hour.

Highlights in Monterey include the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Old Fisherman’s Wharf, and Cannery Row. These places are all quintessential Monterey and what makes this area so special.

If you have more time whale watching here is fantastic, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is beautiful and the nearby Pacific Grove Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary is well worth a visit particularly if you are traveling between October and February.

And if you fancy a bit more driving the scenic 17 Mile Drive through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove on the Monterey Peninsula is something you won’t want to miss. If you can do this drive as early as possible as it gets very busy.

We are now moving on to my favorite part of the San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip the journey to Big Sur. The scenery is about to get a whole lot more dramatic.

Stay At The Victorian Inn

Marvel At Big Sur

Most agree the most impressive part of the Pacific Coast highway between LA and San Francisco is Big Sur. The route is by The Bixby Bridge which is one of the tallest single-span concrete bridges in the world it is one of the most photographed bridges on the West Coast. At 714 feet long and 280 feet high It’s an awesome sight.

The drive here from Monterey should take just under an hour.

If you were going to take your time anywhere I would make it here. Sights that you must see include Ragged Point, Pfeiffer Beach, Point Sur State Historic Park, and McWay Falls. Here is our guide to Big Sur .

Be prepared for beautiful waterfalls, dramatic coastlines, trees as far as your eyes can see, and incredible views. Oh, and a simple must-do is to see the sun setting through a natural archway at Pfeiffer Beach.

When I say you are going to fall in love with this area I’m not joking. Be prepared as it’s simply stunning you might not want to leave, but you must. Onto San Simeon we go.

Stay At Bir Sur Lodge

Explore The Castle At San Simeon

Of all the San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip stops I love this one. I’m a girl who loves castles and Hearst Castle high up on The Enchanted Hill is just as magical as it sounds. This castle is the main reason people stop here.

This historic estate was conceived by William Randolph Hearst, the publishing tycoon, and brought to life by his architect Julia Morgan. It was built between 1919 and 1947 and honestly, it’s spectacular. There are 250,000 acres to explore and book a guided tour before you go, it’s worth it.

Oh and a bit of trivia for you Lady Gaga filmed a video here.

Other popular places in San Simeon include Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery, Moonstone Beach, and Cambria Village.

Stay At Quality Inn near Hearst Castle

Spend A Day At The Beach In Morro Bay and Cayucos

On a San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip, most people will suggest a trip to Pismo Beach, and while it’s worth a visit I’m going to recommend someone else for you. Morro Bay and Cayucos are lesser known but in my opinion much better.

These two beach towns are close neighbors and both offer something different. Morro Bay has more of a sleepy fishing village vibe and in terms of facilities has a little more to offer Cayucos has more of a California Beach town vibe.

I prefer Cayucos as I find it a little more unique and they also have the Brown Butter Cookie Company which is divine. This place has a slow, laid-back, chill vibe which I love.

Morro Bay is a great place to see sea life. Morro Rock and Morro Strand State Beach are perfect places to enjoy as a family.

These two beach towns are a place I feel you must stop at and are about a 30-minute drive from San Simeon.

Stay At Cayucos Sunset Inn

Admire Archetiture At San Luis Obispo

Just a 16-minute drive from Morro Bay is San Luis Obispo. This city is known for its historic architecture, incredible scenery, and the 1700s Spanish mission Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosawith with a museum.

Perhaps one of the more unique things is an alley lined with bubblegum . This 7-foot-long alley is lined with bubblegum and you can add your own ‘artwork’ if you choose to.

If you are here for a while the hiking around here is very impressive. Black Hill, Islay Hill, and Bishop Peak are all incredible places, and the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden provides some easier walking.

Pismo Beach is great for all the adventurous out there offering all kinds of outdoor activities including ATV rentals, skydiving, and sand buggies.

Stay At Apple Farm Inn

Get A Taste Of Europe At Solvang 

Just over an hour from San Luis Obispo is Solvang. This town looks like it has been transported from Switzerland, Germany, or the Netherlands. If you love European architecture you will love this place.

Founded by Danish immigrants they created a town that reminded them of home. They even created replicas of Copenhagen spots, yes, the Littel Mermaid Statue is there. There is even a Hans Christian Anderson Museum here.

I love this place it’s so cute and unique. It’s also small so you won’t need a long stay here unless you want to stay longer. It’s the perfect spot on the way to Santa Barbara.

If you want to spend a little longer here the vineyards in the Santa Ynez Valley will keep you busy for hours.

Stay At Vinland Hotel and Lounge

Relax A While At Santa Barbara

About 40 minutes from Solvang you will get to Santa Barbara. It’s the perfect place to stop for a few days before you hit L.A.

The coastline here is beautiful and Santa Barabar has a lot to offer. Highlights include the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden , the Santa Barbara Zoo , and the Old Mission Santa Barbara . The Santa Barbara Historical Museum is also worth visiting.

If you are a little more laid back the harbour and Stearns Wharf are great areas to explore. If you are staying a bit longer the Urban Wine Trail is a lot of fun. And of course, you have the white sand beaches to enjoy.

I think the journey from Ventura to here is one of the prettiest parts of the Pacific Coast highway between LA and San Francisco so make sure you are looking out the window.

Stay At Best Western Plus Santa Barbara

A World Famous Sunset At Ojai

I feel any San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip should include a stop at Ojai. It is 45 minutes from Santa Barbara and feels like it’s in a different world.

Ojai is a small city set in a valley in the Topatopa Mountains. The city has a distinctive new age, spiritual vibe with many boutique shops catering to this clientele.

But it’s nature here that is the. It’s the sunsets here that steal the show. There is a certain point where the fading light hits the Topatopa Mountains turning the valley pink and it’s a phenomenal sight to see.

The best place to see this sunset Is Meditation Mount a 32-acre garden perched above Ojai. It’s a hike up there but well worth it.

Stay At Ojai Retreat & Inn

Enjoy Nature At Ventura and the Channel Islands

About 20 minutes away from Ojai on your drive from SF to LA, highway 1 from San Francisco to Los Angeles, you will find Ventura Beach. If you are a surfer you are going to love this place.

Surfers Point, Ventura Harbor, and the downtown area are the must-see here. If you love shopping this place will also make you happy as there are vintage boutiques and second-hand stores galore.

The city also has a great park system with 32 parks and 800 acres of green space. You will also find many historic sites to enjoy.

While here I highly recommend taking a trip to The Channel Islands National Park. Known as The American Galapagos these five islands are off the Ventura Coast and are stunning. Anacapa and Santa Cruz islands are the closest to Ventura and an hour’s ferry trip away.

Stay At La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Ventura

Live Like A Millionaire In Malibu

As your San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip comes to an end let’s end it in style with a stop at Malibu. 50 minutes from Ventura the drive here is beautiful and the multi-million pound houses that line the beach are even more so.

Zuma Beach is well worth visiting and if you drive towards Point Dume you will find the sea and beach in all her glory. Other areas on your must-see list are the abandoned M*A*S*H set at Malibu Creek State Park and Topanga Overlook where you get a great view of the San Fernando Valley.

What’s so beautiful about this area is that it mixes beaches, mountains, and canyons to create something rather special.

Stay At Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club

Let Go In LA

34 minutes from Malibu you finally reach the end of your road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles. And now you are in LA you get to live it up.

There is so much to do here so pick what’s most important to you. Some of my recommendations are Disneyland, Warner Bros Studio , the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Santa Monica Pier, Sunset Boulevard, and Rodeo Drive. I could go on and on.

A hike to the Hollywood sign is always fun and I suggest taking one of the tours to make the most of your trip.

LA is a city like no other it is bustling, glamorous, unique, and exciting. It’s one of those places that everyone needs to see once.

Stay At Hotel Figueroa

Take a look at our The Ultimate 2 Days In Los Angeles Itinerary

Where To Stay Along The SF To LA Drive

There are so many accommodation options for your San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip it’s hard to know where to start. So I have picked an option at the start and finish and one halfway. I have chosen places that I feel will add something extra special to your vacation.

I have also included accommodation options under each suggestion.

The Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square – San Francisco

If you want to make your trip to San Franciso even more special then a stay at The Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square. With incredible San Francisco Bay views and luxurious interiors, this hotel will delight you.

Rooms contain a high-end entertainment system, and an enclosed glass shower and some have bay views. Coupled with the terraces and fire pits throughout the property and a 2-minute walk away from some of the main attractions this hotel is a great option.

Check Prices At The Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square

Alila Ventana Big Sur 

This adult-only hotel will make a perfect destination for a romantic layover in Big Sur. Alila Ventana Inn & Spa is situated on a hillside overlooking the Pacific coastline and it’s beautiful.

Set on 160 acres the resort has 2 swimming pools and a Japanese hot bath. The guest rooms are spacious well-appointed and come with a view of the forest, ocean, meadow, or canyon and all have a window seat, balcony, or patio from which to enjoy it.

This hotel will make your stay extra special. It’s the perfect stop on The Pacific Coast Highway road trip between San Francisco to Los Angeles.

Stay At Alila Ventana Big Sur 

The Beverly Hills Hotel – L.A.

For a stay at a truly Iconic hotel, it has to be The Beverly Hills Hotel. On Sunset Boulevard this hotel offers a full-service spa, an incredible pool, and bragging rights.

If you are not familiar with this hotel it is a bright, light quirky playground loved by many celebrities. Rooms on offer start from superior rooms up to bungalow suites.

The coffee shop is 1950s style the pool plays underwater music and free fruit and juices are available in the fitness center. `

If you want to top your California road trip off this is the place to stay.

Get Prices For The Beverly Hills Hotel

What To Pack For Driving Between San Francisco To Los Angeles

You might be wondering what should I pack for my road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles. I have you covered. When I say I plan and organize all my trips believe me. I’m someone who is prepared for everything.

Things I think you need on your San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip.

• A paper map or a downloaded map of the area. Cell reception can be spotty in some areas of this drive so you won’t be able to rely on your phone and satellite. Be Prepared.  
• Snacks and water, I know we are in California but you never know what you will and will not be able to find on the way. If you have food intolerances like me it can be hard to find food I can eat at roadside stops so I have to come prepared. Get a refillable water bottle and any food you will need before you set off.
• A camera if you can the scenery is incredible. If you are bringing a camera make sure you have a charge spare battery. If you are using your phone bring a car charger or a portable charger that you always charge at each stop.
• A small Bluetooth speaker . If like me you LOVE to listen to music when you drive make sure you download the music onto your phone and get a Bluetooth speaker for the car. It makes listening to music so much better.
• A roadside emergency kit because you never know. You never know what might happen and where you will be at the time. While this road is a well-traveled route you never know. So if you can get a roadside emergency kit which will contain things like first aid, kit, a flashlight, jumper cable, and things like that.
• A Blanket , I know this might be over-planning but I always have a blanket with me because who knows what might happen, I mean I am from Florida so the weather here can sometimes feel chilly to me. It is always a good idea to have a few blankets on board at the very least they also make great picnic blankets.

Where To Fly Into And Out Of

If you are thinking of driving from San Francisco to Los Angeles where to fly depends on which way you are going to the trip and which city is nearest to you.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Oakland International Airport (OAK) will work if you are nearer San Francisco and both have car hire. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is also perfect particularly if you are flying internationally.

There are a few smaller regional airports like Burbank (BUR) and John Wayne (SNA). These are great if you can find a flight and want a less stressful experience.

Wherever you fly from it doesn’t change the places to stop between SF and LA. It just means you might not do them in the order I have listed here, and that is fine.

The Pacific Coast Highway road trip between San Francisco to Los Angeles is like no other and I hope this article helps you plan a little more. You really can’t go wrong on this road trip as everywhere you go you will find something interesting.

This itinerary is the thing I like the best but there are so many different stops so please do your research and stop at the places you want to see. I hope you have an incredible time and please come back and tell me all about your adventures.

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The Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway California Road Trip | San Francisco to Los Angeles

By Author Emily Junda

Posted on Last updated: January 11, 2024

Categories California , Road Trips , Travel Guides

The Pacific Coast Highway, AKA Highway 1, is one of the most stunning scenic drives in the U.S. The highway stretches 655.8 miles long. In this specific road trip itinerary, we will be covering the section of Highway 1 from San Francisco to Los Angeles, CA.

There are so many stunning views from the road and many highway pull-offs that will simply blow you away. And if you want to venture out of the car, there are even more incredible sights.

Jake and I spent a week traveling this beautiful section of coast to find all the most beautiful sights. There are TONS of stops along the Pacific Coast Highway, and many different State Parks to enjoy. But ultimately, you just need to decide what resonates with you and can fit in your itinerary.

This itinerary leaves from the San Francisco Bay Area. If you are looking explore SF and the Bay Area specifically, be sure to check out our Ultimate San Francisco Road Trip . 

This post may contain affiliate links. Disclosure policy .

HALF MOON BAY:

Mavericks beach.

After leaving San Francisco, the first stop on the Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway California Road Trip is Mavericks Beach. It is a legendary spot for surfers during the months of November to March.

After a strong winter storm in the Northern Pacific Ocean, waves in Mavericks Beach can be over 50 feet tall. This is not a beginner surfers area, and you have to be tracking the weather to know when the best waves will come. 

It is also a local spot for a nature walk. We parked at Tide Pools Parking Lot and walked the nature trail along the shore. If you get lucky you might be able to spot some great surfing following a winter storm. 

Davenport Pier:

The Davenport pier is the remains of a old pier. The pier (aka: wharf) was built back in 1867 as a way for ships to transport lumber from the hills to Santa Cruz. But the only thing that remains is the concrete pillars the pier once stood on.

Many people venture here to see the history and get a popular Instagram photo of someone swinging in the remains of the old pier (which often gets torn down). You can grab a view from the top of the bluffs or you can hike down to the water. But beware because it is a super steep trail down to the beach.

Shark Fin Cove:

The next stop on the Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway California Road Trip is Shark Fin Cove. It got its name from a rock in this bay that replicates a shark fin. There is no parking lot for this short hike, rather a highway pull-off. 

You follow a dirt path to a steep stair-like path down to the ocean floor. Be careful, because it is a man-made path where it can be easy to lose your grip. This can be a great spot to see a beautiful West Coast sunset!

SANTA CRUZ:

Santa Cruz Wharf:

Santa Cruz, a city on Monterey Bay, is most known for its wharf and surfer culture. The wharf is great for sightseeing, dining and shopping.

You can even see birds, dolphins, sea otters, sea lions and sometimes whales from the wharf.

Just a short walk from the wharf you will find the Santa Cruz Boardwalk with a ferris wheel, roller coasters, games, food, etc. Santa Cruz is a popular tourist stop along the Pacific Coast Highway California road trip to get the ultimate feel of West Coast California. 

Waterfront Walk:

Walk along Santa Cruz’s many scenic walks along the coast. You will see many surfer’s out and people playing in the sand. Choose from these 5 scenic waterfront walks along the Pacific Coast Highway if you are looking for exercise surrounded by California’s beauty.

Santa Cruz Brewery:

If you know us, then you know we stopped at a few breweries along the road trip. Santa Cruz Brewery had a very cool vibe and great artwork. Plus they had an awesome taco truck out back that was very reasonably priced.

There was limited inside seating but plenty of outdoor seating with heaters for those colder months. We highly suggest taking a pit stop here!

Lovers Point Park:

Across Monterey Bay to the south is another stop is Lover’s Point Park. Lover’s Point Park is a marine reserve protected park in the cute seaside town of Pacific Grove.

There is a beautiful walk along the ocean to take in the views of aqua blue water with nature surrounding you. There is also a great beach off the shore where many people hang out during the hotter months. 

“Big Sur” is the largest portion of this road trip. It’s famous for massive cliff and mountains that rise out of the Pacific Ocean. The area of Big Sur is loosely used to refer to the coast between the towns of Carmel By The Sea (North) and San Simeon (South).

In our opinion it is the most beautiful stretch along the Pacific Coast Highway. Also, don’t expect to have much cell service in the area.

Carmel by the sea:

Carmel by the sea is a unique beach town known for its village-like setting with old historic cottages aligned with history.

Therefore, one thing you must do while visiting Carmel-by-the-sea is walk downtown. There are many shops, restaurants and great photography opportunities.

Also, we suggest walking down to the beach afterword to take in the view of the coast. You also might catch some surfers or many people enjoying the ocean. 

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve:

One fun thing to do while in Carmel by the sea is to visit Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. There is an admission fee, but there are many beautiful hikes where you can catch some fresh air and enjoy the beautiful natural reserve along the Pacific Coast Highway.

There is great opportunities to see birds and marine wildlife.

Two of our favorite hikes in the area were: Cypress Grove Trail & China Cove

If you are up for a real adventure consider scuba diving the natural reserve. The offshore is known to be one of the richest underwater habitats in the world. 

Bixby, Rocky, And Big Creek Bridges:

Next up on the Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway California Road Trip are three famous bridges: Bixby Creek, Rocky Creek, and Big Creek.

The most famous one is probably Bixby Creek Bridge. If you have ever seen a photo from the Pacific Coast Highway then you most likely saw this bridge. The bridge was established in 1932. 

There is a highway pull-offs near all of these bridges so you can snag one of the famous Bixby Bridge Photos.

Pfeiffer Beach:

Pfeiffer Beach has blown up in popularity over the years. It truly is a beautiful beach in the Big Sur area. Many surfers come to this location to catch some waves, while others come to enjoy the beauty. 

The beach is surrounded by bluffs and large rock formations that remain standing in the ocean today. You can sit and watch the waves crash into the rocks and take in the beauty of the ocean. 

Be sure to check this spot out early in the day, as it often fills up and they only allow a certain amount of people in per day (small daily fee required).

McWay Falls:

I think the coolest viewpoint along the whole Pacific Coast Highway is McWay Falls. There is a highway pull-off right along the highway where you can grab an awesome view of these falls. The water is bright aqua blue with a waterfall streaming down over a bluff. 

You can go into Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park to walk to a viewpoint, but we think the better view is from the highway pull off (pictured above).

Salmon Creek Falls:

Salmon Creek Falls is a hidden gem along the Pacific Coast Highway California Road Trip. It’s a short hike right off the highway to a beautiful mossy waterfall.

Salmon Creek Falls is a rather easy hike that stretched .3 miles roundtrip. It’s a great way to get out of the car and stretch your legs. 

Though, the last little section to get right up to the falls itself required a little climbing over rocks.  Otherwise you can view the falls from a little farther downstream.

Elephant Seal Vista Point:

Another cool viewpoint is the Elephant Seal Vista Point. The whole beach is lined with elephant seals. It’s like a natural zoo for Elephant Seals. You will hear many of them barking, flipping sand onto themselves to stay cool and many fights for territory between a few seals. It’s really an entertaining sight!

Note : This is where you will finally get cell-phone service again after driving the Big Sur stretch. 

Morro Rock:

Morro Bay is iconically known for Morro Rock, an ancient volcanic mound. Great leisure activities in the area consist of sailing, fishing, biking, hiking and bird watching. You can easily walk around the bay to grab a nice picture of Morro Rock. 

Montana de Oro State Park:

This State Park took us by surprise. It’s most known for its rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, coastal plains, streams, canyons, and hills, and the stunning Valencia Peak.

Our favorite trail was Montana Del Oro Bluff Trail which followed along the coastal bluffs, with many spur trails to the ocean floor. There are many beautiful hikes in the area, you could easily spend multiple days exploring. 

PISMO BEACH:

Wooly’s:.

If you are looking for great food at a great price, check into Wooly’s. We were looking for a seafood place that had a good environment, location on the beach and a great alcohol selection without breaking the bank.

And for all my Wisconsin lovers out there, they have CHEESECURDS!! Plus I got a delicious seafood roll with lobster, crab, shrimp and bacon which I highly recommend. Jake got the fish and chips which were splendid too! 

They also have a great Happy Hour , so if you are around on the weekdays, be sure to check it out.

SANTA BARBARA:

Santa Barbara is the city with those beautiful spanish colonial heritage houses and the stunning view of the Santa Ynez Mountains.

Explore Downtown:

One fun thing to do is explore the town of Santa Barbara. But if you are on a budget, this might be a scenic shopping trip rather than a purchasing shopping trip. The town is lined with upscale shops and restaurants. 

Another super fun activity to do in the area is go on a wine tour. Santa Barabara has an assortment of vineyards in the area, where you can taste some of the finest wines. You can book a guided wine tour where they will drive you around to different vineyards or you can self guide yourself to different vineyards in the area, but make sure you have a DD. 

Scenic Drive:

Malibu is an upscale suburb of LA where you can see the beautiful million dollar dream mansions that line the coast. If you are following the Pacific Coast Highway then you will automatically see some of these famous houses along the route.

And if you are feeling adventurous, drive around some of the surrounding neighborhoods and you will see some massive mansions. 

Zuma and El Matador Beaches:

Malibu is also known for its beautiful white sandy Zuma Beach, and rocky El Matador Beach.

Zuma Beach can be accessed right from the highway. You will find many surfers and people swimming around the shore.

El Matador State Beach has cliffs, arches, and caves that are a photographers dream. It does require a steep staircase to get down to the beach from the parking lot.

Solstice Canyon Hike:

If you are up for an adventure, then you could hike the short 3.2 mile hike to Solstice Canyon . You will encounter stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and end at a waterfall.

SANTA MONICA:

Jake has family in Santa Monica so we explore this beautiful city a little extra. Santa Monica has many of the most famous oceanfront attractions in Los Angeles.

Topanga State Park:

Jake’s Uncle volunteers as a docent at Topanga State Park, so we went on a guided tour and got to learn all about the different plant life and animals that live within this State Park.

There are a variety of beautiful hikes within the park, but we would suggest Musch Trail To Eagle Rock . It’s a 4.4 mile hike with 921 feet elevation gain. It leads you up a beautiful luscious path to a stunning view of the ocean. 

Santa Monica Pier:

Santa Monica is known for its boardwalk. Which is also the endpoint of the famous Route 66. It has many different shops, restaurants, entertainment and an amusement park. It’s both great during the day or nighttime with the beautiful lights. 

Marvin Braude Bike Trail:

One of our favorite things we did in the area was ride on the Marvin Braude bike path that parallels the Venice Beach Boardwalk and the pacific ocean. Many people ride bikes, rent scooters or walk on the path parallel. 

The Venice Beach Boardwalk is a famous location that has many different cultures that line the beach. Be sure to check out Muscle Beach and the Venice Skate Park . 

Stout Burger & Beers:

This place might have the best burgers in town! We had a friend working here, so we decided to stop by and it definitely has some tasty food and had a great selection of beers!

Plus they have a cool patio outside with a view of the ocean in the distance.

And be sure to leave room for desert, because there is a brownie sundae on the menu, and it is HUGE! More than enough to share! 

LOS ANGELES:

You made it to the end point! Now time to explore to massive city of Los Angeles! Some popular activities are:

Hollywood Sign:

Of course, if you’re in Los Angeles, you gotta check out the famous Hollywood Sign. There are a few different hiking trails you can take to get a great view. But because of the smog in the area, the view of Hollywood itself is sometimes too foggy to see.

We took the trail to the Griffith Observatory where you could see the Hollywood sign in the distance! Expect most of the trails in the area to be busy.

Universal Studios:

Be the audience on one of your favorite shows. Jake and I are fans of the show “The Voice”, so we signed up to get tickets on 1iota and actually got tickets!

If you are planning this trip in advance, you can apply to all sorts of shows! A dream of mine is still to be on “The Price is Right”!

Honorable Mention:

Garrapata state park:.

At this point of the trip, we felt like we had seen so much beauty of the ocean, we had to start picking and choosing where to spend our money. But Garrapata State Park is a stunning area with many coastal hikes into the dense Redwood Forest. 

You can catch some of the most stunning views in the area of the Pacific Coast. If you want to visit Garrapata State Park add this right after Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. One very popular hike in the area is Soberanes Canyon . 

Arroyo Seco: 

A cool cliff jumping spot South of San Francisco is the Arroyo Seco. But beware, it’s difficult to get to. For more details check out the Outbound Collective . 

Slates Hot Springs: 

One stop along the road trip we wanted to hit up were the Slates Hot Springs, but you need reservations before you go. You can make reservations here . These hot springs are in a retreat center and clothing is optional. 

Andrew Molera State Park: 

This is a relatively undeveloped State Park in California. It offers hiking trails, bluffs, beaches and hilltops. It one of the less popular State Parks in the area, so if you are trying to escape the crowds, this might be a great stop for you. 

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park: 

Near Pfeiffer Beach, you will find Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and has the nickname of “mini Yosemite”. It has many trails that wind through beautiful redwood groves. It’s also a great spot to camp if you snag reservations for the campground in advance. 

Limekiln State Park:

Another beautiful spot along the Pacific Coast Highway is Limekiln State Park. It’s a great spot to camp if you are lucky to grab a reservation . A popular hike in the area is Cascade on Hare Creek which is through a redwood grove and follows a beautiful creek to a waterfall. 

Camping/Accomodation Along The Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway California Road Trip From San Francisco to Los Angeles: 

We used the app iOverlander to find spots to camp along Hwy 1. Many of the spots were either highway pull-offs or public land spots that were well off the highway. Some of the spots we stayed at, may or may not still be viable choices, that’s why we left them out. But we did this whole road trip from our campervan so we could take it at a leisurely pace.

The picture from above is from Plaskett Ridge.  It was one of the craziest drives we have ever done.  But if you have a capable 4×4 high-clearance vehicle, it has some of the coolest campsites in the whole country , perched thousands of feet up in the mountains looking over the Pacific Ocean.  We didn’t make it all the way because the road got too gnarly for our RWD campervan.

If you want to ensure you have a campsite, then there are many campgrounds around the area, but do note you will need to book them well in advance. There are also many luxurious hotels along the route if budget isn’t an issue! 

Hotels or VRBO’s:

If camping isn’t your thing, there are tons of great hotels and vacation rental homes in many of the coastal towns. You can find great deals on Kayak to book hotels along the route. Or browse VRBO for more home-like rentals.

Takeaway For The Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway California Road Trip | San Francisco to Los Angeles

This truly is one of the most scenic drives in the U.S. and definitely should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Prepare to see epic mountains and cliffs dramatically rising from the ocean, beautifully remote coastal forests, and laid-back seaside towns. You can make the road trip as long or as short as you would like.

From San Francisco to Los Angeles, Highway 1 is only 442 miles, so you could easily drive this in 1 or 2 days. But in order to enjoy its true beauty, we suggest taking 5-7days.

We hope you enjoy this guide to the Pacific Coast Highway California Road Trip!

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A Perfect San Francisco to Los Angeles Road Trip Itinerary

California is our home, and we wouldn’t trade it for the world. Except for the sky-high cost of living. We’d like to trade that, please. But there’s a reason it’s expensive to live in California – it’s a pretty amazing place with unbeatable weather. Our recent California road trip reminded us of just how incredible this state is.

We made our way from San Francisco to Los Angeles, spending four weeks meandering through California, exploring our home state in a way that we hadn’t before. California is known worldwide for its beauty. From breathtaking beaches, to rolling hills lined with vineyards and groves of towering redwoods, coastal California has it all.

On a road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles, you’ll encounter all of those things and more. It’s a picturesque, exhilarating drive with jaw-dropping landscapes, world-class wine tasting, and more hikes than you could complete in a lifetime. The drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles along Highway 1 is a road trip that should be on everyone’s bucket list. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through all of the best stops along the way, and give some of our picks for what to check out, eat, and drink in each spot. 

Note : You can absolutely reverse this itinerary for a Los Angeles to San Francisco road trip. 

Before we get to the best stops on your San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip, a few logistics you’ll need to plan the perfect road trip. 

Disclaimer: Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means that if you click on one and purchase something, I make a small portion of the sale at no additional cost to you. It goes without saying that I would never recommend something I wouldn’t use or do myself.

Where to Fly In and Out Of?

If you’re not already near the San Francisco area, you will want to fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Oakland International Airport (OAK) and rent a car that you can comfortably drive down to Los Angeles. 

Plan on flying out of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) , which is going to be your best bet as far as finding flights for most cities.

There are two smaller airports, Burbank (BUR) and John Wayne (SNA), which will be less of a hassle than super busy (and majorly trafficky) LAX but may not offer as many flight options.

How Many Days to Spend Driving from San Francisco to Los Angeles?

The fastest route driving from San Francisco to Los Angeles is straight down Interstate-5 (I-5), which only takes about six hours but is an incredibly boring drive and you miss out on all the best sights along the California coast.

Definitely don’t do that unless you’re in the mood for barren landscapes, lots of big trucks, and the occasional whiff of cattle ranches. We’ve done it and it’s not fun.

When we did the drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles, we did it in about 10 days, with plenty of stops on the gorgeous California coast along the way. 

Our number one tip is to take it slow .

We recommend spending at least three to five days driving down the coast (sample itineraries below!) so that you can take in all of the beautiful coastal California views.

This route is only about nine hours of drive time, so you’ll be able to make plenty of stops for sightseeing, hikes, and picnics at the beach. 

The Route for Driving from San Francisco to Los Angeles

Basically, you’re going to drive highway 1 from San Francisco to Los Angeles. 

Follow Highway 1 from San Francisco along one of the most scenic coastlines in the world.

When you reach Santa Barbara, you’ll continue onto Highway 101 for a short stretch and then hop back on Highway 1 to drive through glitzy Malibu into Los Angeles.

Recommended Itineraries for Driving from SF to LA

Wondering exactly how to spend your time on your drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles? Here are some itinerary ideas based on our own personal experience.

Below, in the “best stops” section, we have a bit more detail on each place to help you plan your time. 

Note : We’re not counting the day you fly into San Francisco in the number of days. 

If you only have three days, here is what we’d recommend. 

Day 1: Leave San Francisco early, head to Monterey and walk around Cannery Row, stop at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve before driving through Big Sur , stop at Pfeiffer Beach and McWay Falls, and don’t miss the elephant seals at San Simeone. Spend the night right on the beach at White Water in Cambria, a sleepy coastal town.

Day 2: Grab coffee in San Luis Obispo (we like Scout Coffee A LOT) before heading out to Morro Bay and Montana de Oro . Hike along the coastal bluffs – this is one of our favorite coastal California hikes. Continue the journey south to Avila Beach (stop at the Avila Barn) and Pismo Beach . Both are worth getting out and walking around to stretch your legs. Drive through the Santa Ynez Valley, the best wine region in Southern California, and taste some wine at either Foxen Vineyard & Winery or Babcock Winery & Vineyards. Head into Santa Barbara for the evening – stay at either the Hotel Indigo or the Wayfarer , two of the best places to stay in Santa Barbara . Head to the Funk Zone for some urban wine tasting for the evening, and enjoy dinner at Loquita, a Spanish restaurant right in the heart of Santa Barbara. 

Day 3 : Grab coffee at either Dart Coffee or Dune Coffee Roasters and spend the morning exploring the coast around Santa Barbara. Finish your road trip by heading down the coast to Malibu , getting out at Zuma Beach and Point Dume, before continuing down highway 1 and hitting the western edge of Santa Monica . You’ve arrived in LA!

If you have a bit more time, you’ll be able to make a few more stops along the way.

Day 1 : Spend a full day exploring San Francisco. Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge and hike down to Baker Beach for the best view of the bridge. Check out Lombard Street, the crookedest street in the city, which has amazing views of the Bay. Browse the shops and food stalls at the Ferry Building, a collection of San Francisco’s finest artisans like Blue Bottle Coffee, Heath Ceramics, and Dandelion Chocolate. Do dinner and drinks in the Mission, which is the best neighborhood for foodies in San Francisco. Stay overnight at either Beck’s Motor Lodge or the Kabuki , two of the best places to stay in San Francisco.

Day 2: Head out of the city to the south, stopping in Pacifica and Half Moon Bay , before arriving in Santa Cruz . Walk Westcliff Drive and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and don’t miss coffee at Verve and ice cream at the Penny. Hop back on Highway 1 and head south to Monterey and Carmel , your stop for the evening. Spend the night at Hotel Abrego in Monterey, which is a solid value and will put you in a great position to tackle Big Sur early the next day.

Day 3: Today, head out early with a coffee from Captain + Stoker in Monterey in your hands, and start what we think is the best day on this trip. First, head to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and hike the short and easy trail along the coastal bluffs. Then continue on to Big Sur . The stops to make here, in order, are Bixby Bridge, Andrew Molera State Park (great place for a hike along the coast!), Pfeiffer Beach, McWay Falls, and Limekiln State Park. This should take you a full day, so spend the night in Cambria at White Water , a lovely boutique hotel that is literally across the street from the beach. 

Day 4: Continue the coastal drive down to Morro Bay , where you should stop to admire Morro Rock (and catch a glimpse of the resident sea otters) from Morro Rock Beach. Then, head to Montana de Oro State Park and hike the Bluffs Trail (there are other options below for a more strenuous hike). Head into San Luis Obispo for lunch at Old SLO BBQ Co and cider at SLO Cider Co before making the journey to Santa Barbara through the Santa Ynez Valley, stopping in Los Olivos for cider at Tin City Cider and wine tasting. Stay overnight in Santa Barbara at Hotel Indigo or the Wayfarer and explore the Funk Zone for the evening. 

Day 5 : Grab coffee at either Dart Coffee or Dune Coffee Roasters in Santa Barbara in the morning and spend the first half of the day exploring the coast around Santa Barbara. Finish your road trip by heading down the coast to Malibu , getting out at Zuma Beach and Point Dume, before continuing down highway 1 and hitting the western edge of Santa Monica . You’ve arrived in LA!

If you have a couple of extra days, I would spend them in San Francisco or LA. Two days in each would be perfect, which would make this an 8 day adventure. 

That’s a very, very high level look at what a San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip looks like. Continue reading for a detailed look at the best stops to make on the drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles. 

The Best Stops on a San Francisco to Los Angeles Road Trip

Here are our favorite stops along the Pacific Coast of California that you should make sure to add to your itinerary.

San Francisco

San Francisco is so much more than a starting point for your road trip or a place to pick up your rental car. It’s a vibrant city, full of some of the best food and drinks on the west coast. And hills. Lots of hills. 

We called San Francisco home for almost a decade, and we still love the city even though it has become a bit too expensive for our “jobs” (read: exploring the world untethered). 

If you want to spend a day or two exploring San Francisco, we have some travel guides to help you find the best spots.

We’d recommend picking up your rental car at the END of your time in San Francisco, because parking is a veritable nightmare in the city.

If you do have a car, plan on paying for parking at your hotel, or paying for at least one parking ticket over the course of your San Francisco itinerary. 

If you want to stay overnight in San Francisco, we’d recommend choosing a hotel. Most of the hotels in San Francisco are in Union Square, but it’s really not a great place to stay. We think you should stay at either Beck’s Motor Lodge or the Kabuki .

Here are some San Francisco travel guides to help you plan your time. 

• 4 Days in San Francisco: A Complete SF Itinerary (Local’s Guide)
• Where to Stay in San Francisco (and Where Not to Stay)
• Gluten Free San Francisco: A Travel Guide for Celiacs
• The Best Day Trips from San Francisco

Whether you love the beach or you’d rather explore the mountains, you’re in luck. Santa Cruz has both!

Known for its gorgeous beaches, Santa Cruz has small-town, surfer beach vibes even though it’s not that small. 

In the mountains above Santa Cruz, you’ll find some of the tallest Redwood trees in the world. You literally can’t go wrong stopping here, and you might have a hard time leaving!

Take Surfing Lessons

If it’s been your dream to learn how to surf, then Santa Cruz is the place to do it. Surf School Santa Cruz has five-star reviews on Yelp and even has private two-person surfing lessons if you have someone with you who wants to join in on the fun. 

Visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Who doesn’t love a good boardwalk? The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk will not disappoint. It’s like a time warp, taking you back into the 1950’s with a wooden roller coaster, arcade games, and other rides like bumper cars. 

Take a few hours to walk around, grab some food, and maybe even play some games or go on a couple of rides.

There are rides for daredevils and little kids, so it’s enjoyable for the whole family and such a wholesome, nostalgic way to spend the day!

Walk or Bike Westcliff Drive

If you’re up for a little fresh air and exercise with stunning views of the ocean, then head over to Westcliff Drive. 

It’s a scenic three mile biking and walking path along the Pacific Ocean with amazing views of Monterey Bay.

Lighthouse Point has a grassy area to relax and play frisbee looking over Steamer Lane, where you can watch surfers on some of the best waves in the United States.

See the Redwoods at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Nature lovers, do not miss this stop. This 40-acre grove of old-growth Redwood trees dates back over 1,500 years, with the tallest tree standing 277 feet tall.

These trees are strikingly massive and totally take your breath away. Pictures just genuinely do not do this state park justice.

If you’re lucky, you’ll also get to see some wildlife, including the famous banana slug, which is the mascot for UC Santa Cruz, the university in town. 

Hike the Old Landing Cove Trail

Hop out of the car, throw on your hiking boots (or just your sneakers will do), and head to the Old Landing Cove Trail .

The trail is a 2.3-mile loop that will lead you to views of cliffs along the Pacific Ocean. We’re pretty sure there may literally be no better place to stop and take an easy hike to stretch your legs on a road trip.

Continuing down the coast, next you’ll hit Monterey. Monterey is home to beautiful, uncrowded beaches, all the seafood you could ever want, and the best places to explore the Pacific Ocean.

Well known for its marine life, including the adorable sea otter, it’s also home to the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. 

The Monterey Bay Aquarium

The aquatic life of the Monterey Bay can be seen up close at the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium .

With over 20,000 marine animals from sharks to jellyfish to otters, this aquarium is one of the best in the world and a must see if you’re interested in marine life.

Whale Watching

Have you ever been whale watching? It’s truly a unique experience! The best time to go whale watching depends on what you want to see.

Orcas and gray whales? December through May. If you’re more interested in seeing Humpbacks, you’ll have a better chance May to November.

Want to see the Blue Whale (the largest animal on earth)? Your best bet is July through October.

Luckily this means that no matter when you visit you can hop on a whale watching tour and have a good chance at seeing some of these giant, majestic creatures.

Get Out On the Water

A popular activity for those who are a little more adventurous and want to get out there is to rent a kayak or a paddleboard. Rent one from Monterey Bay Kayaks . Take a few hours to explore this beautiful stretch of coast from a new perspective.

Head to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a protected coastal area where you can hike and explore the wildlife of Monterey.

View the bluffs and cliffs unique to the California coast and hike the trails to check things out on foot. If you’re lucky you’ll spot some sea lions playing in the ocean below.

It’s a unique spot to see all sorts of wildlife – last time we were there we saw hundreds of giant white pelicans perched all over the trees and cliffs.

Big Sur is known for its rugged coastal cliffs and awe-inspiring views. It’s a popular spot to camp and even to just drive through because you can see so much of it from the car.

Stop for the Amazing Sights (North to South)

Bixby Bridge: While you may not know it’s name, it’s likely that you’ve seen this iconic bridge as it’s one of the most photographed bridges in California.

Andrew Molera State Park : With its undeveloped, raw beauty, this state park has trails along the coastline and a beach where you can stop to rest and enjoy the scenery.

Pfeiffer Beach: The striking rock formations here are perfect for exploring and stopping for a quick photo opportunity.

Mcway Falls : Have you ever seen a waterfall right on the beach? Featuring a 80 foot tall, year round waterfall, that switches from emptying on the beach to directly into the ocean depending on the tide.

Ragged Point: The perfect pit stop! A nature trail leads down to the Pacific Ocean and you can often see elephant seals along the beaches.

Take a Hike

• Andrew Molera State Park loop : Just off Highway 1, this trail is an 8 mile long loop featuring scenic ocean bluffs and a river crossing.
• Buzzards Roost : For a shorter hike, Buzzards Roost comes in at just 2.6 miles and features the beautiful wildflowers of California. Best to hike March to October.

Treat Yourself

If you want to take a self care day and splurge, then a spa day at Ventana Big Sur offers luxury spa services.

If you want to make this one of your stops for the night, they even have options for glamping in their 20-acre redwood canyon campground.

For a bit more of a rustic, budget friendly self care day check out Esalen Hot Springs to soak in the relaxing, healing waters. 

Morro Bay and Cayucos

This is the peak of the Central Coast of California. These small beach towns are pretty sleepy, but filled with cute local shops and nature trails. We spent a full four days in the area, and loved every second of it.

Stop in San Simeone to See the Elephant Seals

This is a quick stop that does not disappoint! Located 7 miles north of San Simeon, you’ll know you’re in the right place when you open your car door and instantly hear their calls.

It’s a popular spot to observe elephant seals as they hang out here year round. However, the best time of the year to see them is October through May.

Eat Beachside at Hidden Kitchen in Cayucos

We are obsessed with the 100% gluten-free blue corn waffles at Hidden Kitchen ! Whether you enjoy savory or sweet, there are options for all taste buds and they’re all gluten free.

Not feeling waffles? They’ve got great tacos too. Get the weirdo, a combination of peanut butter, maple syrup, banana, and BACON.

Hike Around the Base of Morro Rock

Morro Rock stands 576 feet tall above the surrounding ocean, but that’s not even the most impressive thing about it. Morro Rock is actually a volcanic plug that was estimated to have formed about around 23 million years ago.

While you can no longer climb it, you can hike around the base and if you can stick around for sunset you’ll be handsomely rewarded with a breathtaking view.

Make sure to look for sea otters in the calm water flowing from Morro Bay into the open ocean – it’s a favorite hangout for the furry little creatures! They’re Alysha’s favorite.

Explore Montana de Oro State Park

It’s best to enjoy this beautiful state park by hiking one of the many great trails.

• Bluffs Trail is a 4.1 loop trail that is rated easy and located near Los Osos. It features wildflowers and if you’re looking for a place to get in your morning run before hitting the road it’s good for a quick trail run too.
• Valencia Peak is 4.2 miles long and rated moderate. It allows you to gain elevation to look at the scenic central California coast from above. 
• Hazard Peak is a harder trail, but completely worth the climb! At 11.2 miles it’s a bit longer for those who are looking for a more rigorous hike that has an 1,800 foot elevation gain.

San Luis Obispo

Welcome to central California! Once you hit San Luis Obispo, you’re about half way through your San Francisco to Los Angeles drive. 

Drink Cider at SLO Cider Co

If you’re stopping in SLO (San Luis Obispo), you have to enjoy some cider! SLO Cider Co has dry hard cider that is made in California and is gluten free.

Another great option to try some cider is Cider Bar , San Luis Obispo’s first cider bar.

If you’d rather avoid the hard stuff (because you’re driving), head to Whalebird Kombucha for a refreshingly bubbly probiotic pick me up. 

Stop by The Creamery Marketplace

Want to stop and take a walk around to maybe grab a bite to eat or hit a bar?

Make sure you check out The Creamery Marketplace, a collection of bars, restaurants, and shops in Downtown SLO. This open-air public market features a close community of local businesses to support.

Grab Lunch at Old SLO BBQ Co (Gluten Free Options!)

With a walk up window and craft beers on tap, make sure you stop by Old SLO BBQ Co for authentic barbecue.

Many of their recipes date back nearly a century and though it’s not noted on the menu, most of their dishes are gluten free and they have gluten free prep procedures if you let them know your needs.

Make a Stop, or Three, For Coffee

• Field Day Coffee has that friendly outdoor, plant filled coffee shop vibe with amazing coffee – and they make their own almond milk.
• Scout Coffee Co has two locations in SLO where they feature pastries from their in house bakery and craft roast coffee.
• Kreuzberg California is a low key, art-adorned coffee house with good food and space to hang out and enjoy yourself. 

Head to Nearby Avila Beach

A short drive from San Luis Obsipo is Avila Beach, a smaller beach town with a few fun sights to check out.

The quick hike down to Pirate’s Cove is one of our favorite stops on this stretch of coast – just note that it is a clothing optional beach, so it’s up to you if you want to avert your eyes or join in.

Another fun stop is the Avila Barn which has the exact farm vibe you’d expect it to!

With tons of produce and baked goods you can pick up a few snacks for the road after feeding some goats and visiting with all the other farm animals.

The Santa Ynez Valley: Solvang and Los Olivos

Wine tasting.

Are you a fan of wine tasting? This is your chance and here are our top choices in the Santa Ynez Valley.

Babcock Vineyards is located in Lompoc with beautiful views and lots of recommendations from locals in the area. Rancho Sisquoc Winery is part of a 37,000 acre cattle ranch and has been crafting small quantities of quality wines for over 40 years.

Priding themselves on minimalist winemaking and sustainable wine-growing, Foxen Vineyard is a solar-powered winery located in nearby Santa Maria.

A town full of tasting rooms! Wine tasting is basically all there is to do here and we’re not complaining.

You can take your pick from the dozens of tasting rooms, but make sure you make a stop in Tin City Cider for a taste of their amazing dry cider.

Well known for its Danish style architecture, Solvang is a bit touristy, but still a fun stop on your way down the coast.

We recommend checking out The Book Loft , Solvang Spice Merchant , and stopping by to check out the Solvang windmill.

Santa Barbara

One of our favorites! There’s a reason many celebrities have homes away from the congestion of Los Angeles in Santa Barbara. It has been coined “The American Riviera” with its dramatic backdrop of mountains and expansive ocean views.

Explore the Funk Zone

Spanning the area between the ocean and Highway 101, the Funk Zone is a district of Downtown Santa Barbara that has become more popular in recent years as tasting rooms, shops, galleries, and cafes have started to pop up.

We love the Valley Project , which focuses on unique wines from the nearby wine regions and has a gorgeous map of the area behind the bar. 

Tackle the Urban Wine Trail

Within the Funk Zone is the Urban Wine Trail , which is a self-guided route of over 20 tasting rooms representing Santa Barbara County wines. 

Hike to Inspiration Point

A 3.5 mile trail that gives you a chance to experience the beauty of the mountains of Santa Barbara with amazing views of the ocean.

It’s open year round and has a decent amount of shade if you’re there during the summer and are looking for a trail with some relief from the California sun.

Hit the Beach

• Leadbetter Beach does get a bit busy in the summer, but if you’re there during the week or off season it’s not too bad. You can grab a blanket, have a picnic and watch the sailboats from the nearby Santa Barbara Harbor.
• Butterfly Beach , located in ritzy Montecito just south of Santa Barbara, is a long narrow stretch of beach that’s perfect for walking or relaxing.
• Arroyo Burro Beach is a dog friendly beach considered a hidden gem by the locals and has a few restaurants to stop in to eat at if you get hungry. 

Where to Eat & Drink in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is full of great food and drinks, including a bunch of gluten free restaurants . Here are our favorites.

• For coffee, go to Dune Coffee Roasters , the best coffee in Santa Barbara, or Dart Coffee , whose outdoor patio (“coffee garden”) is a lovely place to enjoy your morning coffee on one of the seemingly unlimited gorgeous days in Santa Barbara.
• For incredible Spanish food, head to Loquita and order the paella.
• For 100% gluten free brunch, featuring amazing french toast and about as many baked goods as you can possible imagine, Lilac Patisserie is your spot.
• Lily’s Tacos are some of the most authentic tacos I’ve had in the US, and it’s all gluten free. And super affordable – you can easily feed a couple for $15.

If boho-chic were a town it would be Ojai. If that’s your vibe, then you’ll definitely want to pass through on your San Francisco to Los Angeles drive.

Lunch at Food Harmonics

Health foodies, there are a lot of great restaurants in Ojai, but this is one you need to check out.

They focus on delicious healing, balancing food and their menu is 100% organic, gluten, sugar, soy, and GMO free.

Browse New and Used Books at Barts Books

Have you ever visited an outdoor bookstore? Barts Books is a quirky bookstore in the middle of a pretty quirky town. If you love being surrounded by books, then you definitely need to stop in because it’s a book lovers paradise.

Grab a Treat at Revel Kombucha Bar

Known for its fresh kombucha on tap, you can also get decadent acai bowls as well as probiotic matcha and coffee.

Fuel Up at Beacon Coffee

Looking for the best coffee in town? Beacon Coffee is the place to stop in if you need a quick caffeine fix and want to support a local business that works with family owned farms around the world.

As a bonus they have several gluten free pastries available for you to snack on – but be sure to come early for these treats, they sell out fast!

Ventura and the Channel Islands

Heading down the coast a bit, you’ll hit Ventura and off the coast in the Pacific Ocean nearby are the Channel Islands.

If you want to take a full day excursion to check out the Channel Islands National Park, book a cruise with Island Packers which offers rides to Santa Cruz (most popular to visit) and Anacapa islands.

The last stop of your road trip has got to be Malibu. To get there, hop back on Highway 1 (locals call this section the Pacific Coast Highway, or PCH for short) and drive the coastal route past Malibu into Santa Monica, the western edge of Los Angeles.

Soak in the Sun at Zuma Beach

Zuma is one of the biggest and most popular beaches in Los Angeles county. Plus, it’s a great place to surf if that’s your thing.

Even though there are tons of spaces, parking can get tough in the summer months so make sure you bring some shoes for walking to the beach just in case you have to park farther away.

Watch Surfers at Malibu Lagoon

Where Malibu Creek meets the Pacific Ocean, you’ll find Malibu lagoon. On the east side, you can visit Malibu pier and right next door you’ll find Surfrider Beach, one of the best places in California to hang out and watch the surfers.

Hike Los Liones Trail

Because of the location of this hike, it can get a little crowded on weekends, but it’s totally worth checking out!

Make sure you make it all the way to the top for the gorgeous views of the ocean and nearby Pacific Palisades.

It’s a 4.5 mile hike with 1,200 feet of elevation gain, which means it’s in the moderate category as far as difficulty goes. 

Los Angeles

Congratulations! You made it! 

Los Angeles is a pretty incredible city, and neither of us had spent much time there until we recently spent over a week exploring the city. 

Whether you want to eat and drink, relax on the beach, or hit the theme parks, there’s something for everyone in Los Angeles. 

Here are some of our Los Angeles travel guides to help you plan your time if you have a couple of extra days at the end of your road trip. 

• A Complete Los Angeles Itinerary
• Where to Stay in Los Angeles: The Best Hotels & Airbnbs
• Gluten Free Los Angeles: A Travel Guide for Celiacs

California has so many diverse landscapes, all beautiful in their own right. But if we were to recommend a road trip, San Francisco to Los Angeles would definitely be at the top of our list.

It’s one of the most beautiful drives in the world… if you take the coastal route instead of the inland route, that is.

We hope you enjoy your San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip! Did you discover a new spot that we didn’t cover? Let us know so we can add it to our list of places to explore in California!

More to Explore in California

Heading to the great state of California?  Here are some other posts you might like.

• One Day in San Francisco: How to See the Best of San Francisco in a Day
• 4 Days in San Francisco: How to Plan an Amazing San Francisco Itinerary
• Where to Stay in San Francisco: A Local’s Guide to the Best Places to Stay
• Gluten Free San Francisco: A Complete Travel Guide for Celiacs
• The Best Day Trips from San Francisco: 10 Amazing San Francisco Day Trips
• 5 Days in Los Angeles: How to Plan a Perfect Los Angeles Itinerary
• Where to Stay in Los Angeles: A Complete Guide to L.A.’s Best Places to Stay
• Gluten Free Los Angeles: A Complete Guide for Celiacs
• 3 Days in San Diego: How to Plan a Perfect San Diego Itinerary
• Where to Stay in San Diego: A Complete Guide to the Best Places to Stay
• Gluten Free San Diego: A Complete Guide for Celiacs
• How to Plan an Amazing San Francisco to Los Angeles Road Trip
• Northern California Road Trip: The Best of the Northern California Coast

Matt is the founder and main writer behind Wheatless Wanderlust, which he started back in 2018 as a way to share his gluten free travel guides with his fellow Celiac travelers.

Since then, Matt and his wife Alysha have visited 18 national parks, spent three months in Europe and six weeks in Colombia, and have explored every corner of the Pacific Northwest, which is where Matt grew up.

He writes super detailed guides to the places they visit, bringing together personal experience and historical context to help YOU plan an amazing trip.

Hi, Is December a good month to travel the San Fran to L.A. coast trip?

December would be a great time to do this. You might get a little bit of rain, and it’s not going to be hot, but December generally has decent weather and it’ll be far less crowded than other times of year. Plus, sunrises/sunsets in December in California are amazing!

Hi, between February and March, which month is a better time to drive down the San Fran to L.A. coast trip?

Hey Tracy! Both are going to be roughly the same in terms of weather. I’d go with March, but there’s not a huge difference between those two months. Enjoy!

I have just booked flights to San Fran for next April, with my hubbie and 2 kids 13 & 11 we plan to take 8 days to drive San Fran to LA then 2 days to vegas, then fly to New York. Your blog giving me great ideas for planning our Road trip, I know we are trying to fit in alot but coming from Ireland this will be a huge adventure for adults and kids. ( I love hiking, hopefully by then I will have converted my family also)

Fun fun! That is a lot to see over a couple of weeks, but eight days between San Francisco and LA is a decent amount of time to see the highlights. Let us know if you have any specific questions as you’re planning – happy to help!

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The Most Epic Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary (SF to LA)

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Are you researching for an epic Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary? If so, you have come to the right place. This is one of our favorite road trips in the world, especially between California’s most vibrant cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles. When we first moved to California we planned to slowly work our way down from our temporary home in San Francisco to our permanent home in Los Angeles. What better way to experience all that California has to offer than to plan the most epic Pacific Coast highway road trip itinerary!

This trip can easily be completed in reverse, but I do think starting in the cool foggy weather of San Francisco makes for a great start. The beauty about this road trip is you can do it in a short amount of time or over a week or more like we did. We would also highly recommend considering hiring a Jucy campervan to provide even more opportunities for outdoor adventures along the way. 

After more than 15 years in California, we have completed this trip many times, but none were as grand as our first family trip along the Pacific Coast Highway. There were a lot of firsts for us on that trip. It was our first official family road trip. It was our son’s first real experience with hiking. It was also his first time to ride an amusement park ride. For our first adventure back in the US, this was the perfect route to explore.

To ensure everyone had the best time possible, we planned the most amazing Pacific Coast highway road trip itinerary with a maximum of 2-3 hours of driving per day mixed in with plenty of family friendly activities along the way.  

Travel Tip: If you are visiting from outside California, plan to spend a few days in San Francisco , soaking up the sights, foggy cool air and beautiful vistas.

Jump to a Heading Below

The Best Family Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary From San Francisco to Los Angeles

Day 1 & 2 on the Pacific Coast Highway: San Francisco to Santa Cruz

Assuming you have already spent a good deal of time in San Francisco exploring all the wonderful sights and sounds of Fisherman’s Wharf and the city itself, it is time to move on. Leaving the gorgeousness of San Francisco behind, make your way through Pacifica and Half Moon Bay heading down Highway 1. We were lucky to have clear blue skies on this portion of the road, as it is often quite fogged in until later in the day.

It was beautiful looking out in half-second glances. As the sole driver I felt a bit jealous of my son and husband’s ability to stare out uninterrupted over the mesmerizing blue ocean. That was part of the point though, I wanted them to fall in love with California’s beauty just as I had more than 20 years before.

Several stops and almost 2 hours later on our Pacific Coast road trip itinerary, we pulled into Santa Cruz . This makes an ideal first night stop. There are a variety of hotel options,but if you can get one within walking distance of the boardwalk, you won’t be disappointed.

What’s not to love in Santa Cruz? The beach, the boardwalk and the laid back beach town vibe are the perfect ingredients for family fun. My son loved gaining his first bit of independence by going on amusement park rides on his own as there are rides for even small toddlers. My husband also took the challenge himself by riding his first roller coaster ever!

But as with every adventure, something manages to go wrong. On day 2, we were forced to scrap our plans when I, the sole driver in the family, ended up getting a fever and sleeping all day long. While I slept away my illness, my husband and son enjoyed another fun day exploring the boardwalk and beach. There is so much more to see in Santa Cruz, but being sidelined for a day meant we missed out. Looks like we will be back again! If you have time, check out the Mystery Spot, hiking opportunities and so much more. 

Day 3 on the Pacific Coast Highway: Monterey

With less than an hour drive to reach the next destination on our epic Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary, we didn’t have to get moving too early. However, as it is with kids, we were up early anyway, packed and at the Monterey Bay Aquarium  at opening.

Travel Tip : Buy your tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line. Go early before the crowds and return later in the afternoon (with a hand stamp) if you haven’t seen everything you planned.

There is so much to see and do at the aquarium that it’s difficult to do it all in one visit. Our advice is to see as much as you can before the little ones get ancy. Once they get wiggly, head to the children’s exploration area for play time and hands-on exhibits. Don’t miss the kelp forest and open sea exhibits, which are even better during feeding times.

When the wiggles won’t stop, get your hand stamped and head outside for some fresh air, head over to  Cannery Row  for lunch and a walk around the wharf area. 

For nappers, let them fall asleep in the stroller and head back into the aquarium to catch everything you missed on your morning visit. We couldn’t get enough of the stunningly gorgeous jellies!

Finishing up for the day, head over to the spectacular  Dennis the Menace playground for some late afternoon fun. My son loved the massive red rolling slide, watching skaters at the adjacent skate park, the snow cones and of course the statue of Dennis the Menace! This park is a must visit if you have kids who need some kid time. If you have more time in Monterey, consider kayaking or even whale watching . 

Day 4 on the Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip: Carmel & The 17 Mile Drive

One of my first memories of California was visiting my aunt and cousins when I was 10. They brought me to Carmel for a day and I was mesmerized. The weird shaped trees, the cold foggy air and the fancy feel (and name) of Carmel-by-the-Sea . I hadn’t been back since then, so I was curious to see how it compared to my childhood memories. It was similar, except the ‘famous’ tree in my mind had died and been removed. But the fog was still there, rolling in right on schedule.

Even early in the day, the beach starts to get crowded with people setting up for the day.  Carmel is often not a warm, laze in the sun kind of beach, so make sure to bring layers. Don’t worry though, kids are usually too busy playing in the sand and with seaweed to notice the cold air or the thick fog blanketing the area.

Travel Tip:  Before heading out of Carmel, grab a sandwich to go or supplies for a picnic to enjoy along the 17 mile drive route

Following the beach, spend some time pottering around this quaint town checking out it’s boutique shops, cafes and great toy stores! Pick up lunch and then head out for the  17 mile drive . While our son napped, we quietly enjoyed the first half of the drive, slowly meandering along soaking up the drastic scenery between sections of thick fog. This scenic route is self-directed with frequent turnouts in many locations along the way. Some of the more familiar stops on this popular drive are the Lone Cypress tree , Bird Rock and the famous  Pebble Beach Golf Course .

Worried this might be boring for a toddler, we were surprised how much he enjoyed the frequent stops, getting out to explore the different views, plants and animals at each stop. His favorite was Pebble Beach Golf Course where he was able to walk down next to the course and even play a few holes on the kid course in the courtyard.

Finishing up the day’s drive, head back to Monterey in search of dinner and a mellow night around town. We always recommend searching out the best Tex-Mex in town!

Day 5 on the Pacific Coast Highway: Monterey/Carmel to Big Sur

Picking up where you left off the day before, drive past the 17 mile drive to Point Lobos State Natural Preserve for a hike in the Allen Grove Memorial. Our arrival coincided with a guided walk by a volunteer docent who took us through the woods and on cliffs with deer eating below on the short .8 mile Cypress Grove Trail. The ocean vistas were breathtaking. This is a perfect trail for a toddler’s first hike, with most of the trail flat and easy for little feet to maneuver.

Dirty, dusty and exhilarated from hiking along the cliffs, eat a quick picnic lunch at the park before heading back on the road, ready to spot the famous Bixby Bridge .

I don’t remember what the allure of the bridge was for me (maybe the Death Cab for Cutie song?) or how I got it in my mind that we needed to detour off of Highway 1 on the Old Coast Road to see the bridge. Our little detour took us on an hour long off roading adventure (scare!) through beautiful woods and along streams criss-crossing over our tiny one lane dirt road. At one point I almost flipped the car trying to get up a sandy hill. EEK. Luckily our little one slept the entire way!

And there it was, the Bixby Bridge …on the road that we were on originally. And the bridge we had already passed. Oops. But hey, at least it was an adventure!

Exhausted after our day of off roading, we stopped in Big Sur to rest our bones. In hindsight I wish we had planned more time here. Due to our detour, we only had time to drive through Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park  rather than explore the Partington Cove  and McWay Falls hikes we had planned. Just another reason to return for us, but don’t miss these as you venture along Highway 1!

Day 6 on the Pacific Coast Highway: Big Sur to San Luis Obispo

After a beautiful night’s sleep at a picturesque roadside lodge, and a slow morning observing the view, we headed further south to the elephant seal rookery – our big plan of the day. Thankfully our son is easily impressed by nature otherwise this could have been a long day!

Elephant Seal Rookery is a fun place to stop off. You will see the crowds, so don’t worry about missing it! This beach is popular with seals for mating, molting and resting. During our visit, several volunteers from Friends of the Elephant Seal were on hand to answer questions and provide background information on these amazing creatures. They are noisy, fight and smelly, just like most of our kids! Bundle up, it can get chilly here even in the middle of the summer.

For many, the next stop would be to Hearst Castle . After reading reviews, we decided it would be too difficult to keep a toddler entertained during the tours, so we gave it a pass. If you have grade school kids (or none!), this would be a perfect stop off point. Reservations are required so plan in advance.

Instead, we since we had a toddler, our next stop was further south to  Moonstone Beach near Cambria for our mid-day break. Many visitors head straight to the wooden boardwalk with stunning views and restaurants nearby. For more kid focused fun, head down the coast a bit to the neighborhood gem  Shamel Park & Playground  adjacent to Moonstone Beach .  Prepare to spend much longer here than you originally planned. Searching through the rocks for moonstone is addicting! The littles will leave with their pockets full!

Getting our fill, literally, we hopped back in the car for a jaunt off the Pacific Coast Highway towards our hotel for the night, the famously quirky Madonna Inn . Being so close, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to stay there.

Day 7 on the Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip: San Luis Obispo to Solvang

After a week of staying in roadside motels and lodges, we were spoiled with our massive digs at the Madonna Inn . We scrapped our plans to explore San Luis Obispo on arrival to instead soak up some sun at the pool. Even if you don’t have time to stay here, the food is fabulous and is available for all visitors.

Morning arrived too soon. Not ready to say goodbye to the awesomely crazy Madonna Inn, we spent a leisurely morning around the grounds checking out the various buildings. Coincidentally, we stayed in the Solvang room, the next stop on our road trip!

Finally forced to move on by check-out times, we quickly headed to the main drag of SLO (what the locals call San Luis Obispo). The only must see on my agenda was  bubble gum alley ! What a silly concept, but for some reason I wanted to see it. Keeping little hands off the gum, was an exercise in patience however! We added our contribution, coincidentally found my initials, and headed out. If you have time, there is a ton to see and do in San Luis Obispo , including the Children’s Museum that is walking distance from Bubble Gum Alley.

From SLO we continued our detour off the Pacific Coast Highway onto the 101 to the unique little town of Solvang .  I couldn’t wait to set eyes on this slice of Denmark in the middle of the San Ynez Valley.  This area of the valley is known for its wineries and Danish goodies! It was such a stark contrast of scenery to what we had been used to for the previous 6 days. The land was either barren or covered in grape farms. We began to miss the beauty and the cool coastal breezes we had become accustomed to.

That said, Solvang was right up my alley. European shoe stores, laffy taffy shops and everyone in bed by 9pm! It is a cute town with a unique feel. Having spent a good deal of time in Europe, it didn’t feel particularly European, but we could feel the pull that draws tourists here again and again.

Alternative: Pismo Beach

If you want to stay on the coast rather than detour inland to the town of San Luis Obispo, we recommend stopping off at the adorable Pismo Beach area. In this area, you can visit the Monarch Butterfly Grove, ride sand dune buggies on the beach and enjoy some delicious eats. You can find out all the things to do and see in the area here .

Day 8: Solvang to Santa Barbara

From Solvang, the 101 takes you back to the ocean merging with Highway 1 for a while. We were happy to see the cliffs, beaches and beautiful blue ocean return to our view. Santa Barbara will pleasantly surprise you with it’s cute and so beautifully manicured streets! With our short drive from Solvang, we had an entire day to hang out at the beach and visit the adorably cute Santa Barbara Zoo where my son was ecstatic to be licked by a giraffe while feeding him!

Santa Barbara was technically the last stop of our road trip as tourists – however our final stop was Los Angeles, our new home. After a week exploring the beautifully rugged coastline, it was an abrupt awakening to find ourselves in the middle of LA!

If you are ending your trip in LA, there is still more beauty to be found along the coast and Highway 1. Leo Carrillo State Park in Malibu , the boardwalk and pier in Santa Monica , shopping on Abbot Kinney in Venice  and head on even further to Laguna Beach and Dana Point for more hiking, tide pools and beautiful scenery. For a list of things to do while in Los Angeles , check out our list of must do’s in the city.

Have you driven the Pacific Coast Highway in California? What are your favorite spots?

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15 thoughts on “The Most Epic Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary (SF to LA)”

Great road story (and a great road trip with so much meaning for your family!) we went on a faster one last summer but saw many of the same spots. Hope you can now build many more memories in your new home state.

This sounds like a fantastic trip! I’m a big roadtripper. I love stopping and seeing so many different things along the way. You highlighted somethings I haven’t heard of like Solvang and Moonstone Beach. They are on my list now! Thanks for sharing!

Sounds like a fun road trip! We did this quite a few years back when my now-grown kids were grade schoolers. Think it might be time to do it again!

What a great time you all had! One thing I love about the PCH – whether you have a day or a week, it’s always a great trip and there seems to always be something else to come back for. Plus, whenever someone else tells you about their trip, you find even more things to go back for! BTW: Love the little golfers – what an adorable photo! 🙂

What a lovely little trip! I have always wanted to do a roadtrip down this coastline. I love the picture of the jellyfish, and of the Bixby bridge! So gorgeous!

We’re attending a wedding in Monterey in a couple of weeks and then are going to drive south. Unfortunately, we don’t have enough time to drive the entire way on the PCH, but will do bits and pieces. You’ve given me several ideas on places to stop. Thank you!

We’re planning on a road trip with 2 kiddos. I was a bit hesitant as they might not enjoy it but after reading your post, I’m going for it. I hope we’d all have a great time. 🙂

There is so much fun stuff for the kids on the Pacific Coast! We just tried to break up the driving as much as we could. But we are ok moving hotels every night. If you need more of a home base, look to stay in Santa Cruz/Monterrey for a few days, then big sur, then maybe Santa Barbara. It’s so beautiful and has so much to offer! Enjoy!

What a good list! Been dreaming about this since last year and we are finally doing it next year!!! So excited! Definitely bookmarking this

It is such a beautiful road trip! You will love it. Take your time if you can – there is so much amazing hiking to do all along the coast!

I’m just beginning our road trip planning from Seattle to San Diego, and this was a really wonderful article. Thanks for putting it together!

That will be an epic trip!!

Thanks for this great resource! We didn’t make it to all of the places on our trip from LA to Monterey and back but whatever we managed to see was great. Our favorites were the Moonstone beach (we arrived late and stayed at a hotel right at the beach and used the morning to go searching for moon stones before heading up north to see the elephant seals) and then the visit with the seals. My kid loved the beach so much she wants to come back and stay for 6 days (she was very specific about it – LOL). We might do so in the summer. Cambria seems to be a decent base to do other trips. We couldn’t go up the One Highway because it was blocked north of the elephant seal vista point. Instead we ended up driving through a beautiful stretch from Cambria via Route 46 to reach the 101 and it had breathtaking views of grassy hills and valleys. Thanks again for this great article!

This has been on our bucket list for awhile now… Pinning for future reference, thank you!

You definitely need a Santa Cruz “Do Over” so you can experience (and enjoy) more of it when you’re feeling well! We LOVE the Boardwalk and our vaca rental is a short walk away from it. Let us know when you’re coming back and we’ll suggest some great local restaurants and things to do. http://www.beachhavenatseabright.com

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The Essential Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary

The Pacific Coast Highway is unarguably California’s most famous scenic drive . It’s got a dramatic coastline, tons of marine mammals, wine tasting, foodie destinations, hiking and glamping.

So load up the car and pack your camera because this Pacific Coast Highway road trip will take you from San Francisco to Los Angeles along America’s most scenic coastal route. Get ideas for a five night itinerary along the Pacific Coast Highway drive with scenic stops, favorite spots and great places to stay.

I live in California and have done sections of this itinerary many times, most recently on a chick trip with some dear friends. And I live not far from Monterey and Carmel and visit that section of this drive quite frequently.

On one of our epic chick road trips, we cruised the best bits of the Pacific Coast Highway, driving from San Francisco to Los Angeles, hitting up Monterey Bay, Carmel, Big Sur, Paso Robles the Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Barbara.

There is a lot of information in this itinerary, so read straight through or use the table of contents to skip around.

Designing Your Best Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary What and Where is the Pacific Coast Highway? When is the Best Time to Take a California Coast Road Trip Three tips for the Best Pacific Coast Highway Stops Day 1: San Francisco to Santa Cruz Day 2: Santa Cruz to Carmel Day 3: Carmel to Big Sur Day 4: Big Sur to Paso Robles or Cambria Day 5: Paso Robles/Cambria to Santa Ynez Valley Day 6: Santa Ynez Valley to Los Angeles PCH Road Trip Planning Essentials Explore More of California

Designing Your Best Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary

Taking Highway 1 from San Francisco to Los Angeles is 479 miles and will require about ten hours if you are in a hurry. But please, don’t hurry. The whole purpose of a road trip is to take it slow and the PCH will give you plenty of reasons to stop along the way. I’ve done sections of this trip many times, most recently with my husband and pup. So, I know first hand that there are many different ways that you can put together this trip.

This particular Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary suggests taking five nights/six days to do the drive. By averaging about 100 miles per day, you can evenly space your stops with plenty of time ogle the coastline, eat, hike and go wine tasting.

You can do this drive in either direction, but I recommend doing it from San Francisco to Los Angeles. The southward direction means that you will be on the ocean side of the road with better views and easier access to pull-outs.

What and Where is the Pacific Coast Highway?

Google “Pacific Coast Highway route” and you’ll get quite a variety of conflicting answers as to it’s length and location.  California has officially designated three sections of coastal Highway 1 which runs from Mendocino (north of SF) south to Dana Point (near San Diego). From Mendocino to Marin it’s called the “Coast Highway”, from San Francisco to Santa Barbara, it’s called the “Cabrillo Highway” and from Santa Barbara to Dana Point, it’s called the “Pacific Coast Highway”, or “PCH”.

However, most people think of the Pacific Coast Highway drive as the scenic section between San Francisco and Los Angeles. So for the purpose of this Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary, I’m going to focus on that stretch of road.

Work on Highway 1 started in 1912 but really got rolling in the 1920’s. Depression-era public works projects in the 1930’s funded the extensive construction of roads and bridges, like the graceful Bixby Bridge in Big Sur, which is one of the most tricky sections of the route. By the 1950’s, America’s interstate highway system and the PCH were complete, fueling California’s mid-century love affair with road tripping.

I encourage you to think about this history during your California coastal road trip. As you drive the road, through the artfully engineered tunnels, bridges and tight stretches of road, you’ll feel gratitude for the engineering and vision that has made this stretch of coastline so accessible to travelers.

When is the Best Time to Take a California Coast Road Trip?

We have great weather in California and you can do this drive any time of the year. The sweet spot for avoiding both the wet weather and the crowds is to travel in April/May or September/October. California’s rainy season is November to March, although even the wettest sections of this drive only sees rain for eight days a month.

As for temperature, the summer fog layer means that coastal parts of the drive will be warmer in September/October and the inland sections of the drive are hottest in August.

All of the locations along this route are popular weekend getaway destinations so if your itinerary includes weekends, you’ll want to book those nights in advance, especially in Big Sur where the limited lodging options book up.

(This article contains affiliate links. This means that if you choose to purchase, I’ll make a small commission.)

Three tips for the Best Pacific Coast Highway Stops

If you are doing your research, you are going to get a lot of ideas for the best places to stop on the Pacific Coast Highway. Regardless of whether you take my suggestions as a complete itinerary or you cobble together your own, here are three things that you absolutely must do on your San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip:

• Brake for Marine Life . There is so much marine mammal activity on this coastline. You can stop at Año Nuevo state park (elephant seals), Elkhorn Slough (sea birds and otters) or take a Monterey Bay whale watch .
• Don’t Rush Through Big Sur . It’s so worth visiting Big Sur , so take the time to hike the coast, stop at viewpoints and explore Big Sur’s quirky spots.
• Have a Picnic on the Beach– More than Once . Grab some central coast wine, a hunk of delicious cheese and make time to hang out on the beach. Then do this again the next day. And the next.

Read More : If you want to add time to the trip with an extra stay in SF, check out this guide for cool things to do in the city and these suggestions for where to stay .

Day 1: San Francisco to Santa Cruz

Take highway 380 over Skyline drive over to Pacifica and head south on Highway 1. Download the song “ Cabrillo ” (by my musician husband)–it was specifically written to chronicle the charming drive from San Francisco down to Half Moon Bay.

3 Things to Do Between SF and Santa Cruz

• Stop for wildlife . If you are on the road between mid December and March, reserve yourself a spot on a guided walk at Año Nuevo state park . The park is a nesting ground for huge elephant seals. Alternatively, you can seek out the resident sea lions at Bean Hollow State Park. Use the north parking lot for the park and take the coastal trail just a short way south. There are usually sea lions hanging about on the rocks below.
• Have a picnic at Half Moon Bay State Beach Park or Natural Bridges State Beach Park . This beautiful beaches both have nice wide sand, perfect for a picnic. The Half Moon Bay State Beach Park is just a few blocks from downtown HMB and right off Highway One. The Natural Bridges State Beach Park just north of Santa Cruz has cool geology and is a mellow place to chill on the beach. It’s also awesome at sunset.
• Ride the Roller Coaster . The Santa Cruz beach boardwalk is a fun oldey timey theme park. They sell single ride passes so you can do a quick visit and ride the roller coaster or, my favorite, the carousel.

Read More : Get more info with this weekend getaway guide for more  fun things to do in Santa Cruz .

Where to Eat and Drink

• Moonside Bakery : Because sometimes you need to fortify yourself with home made baked goods. Moonside is in downtown HMB and they bake up yummy cakes, tarts and cookies.
• Half Moon Bay Brewing, Princeton Harbor : In addition to a rotating tap of local brews, this fun spot has an outdoor patio, fire pits and killer nachos.
• Hula’s Island Grill and Tiki Room : This is a fun place for steaks, seafood, rum drinks and a whole lotta kitsch.

Where to Stay in Santa Cruz

• Beachside basic : Beach Street Inn & Suites offers nice but not fancy rooms and suites that are located just across the street from the beach. They have a pool area, picnic area and coffee shop. Check reviews and book at  Booking.com .
• Cute B&B : The Rio Vista Suites is a sweet little inn with cozy rooms, breakfast, a great outdoor deck and fireplaces. Get reviews and book at  Booking.com .
• Check out this list of amazing tree house rentals in Santa Cruz .

Day 2: Santa Cruz to Carmel

The drive from Santa Cruz to Carmel is only an hour and a half, which gives you plenty of time for stops along the way. When leaving Santa Cruz, you drive inland for a while before hitting the coast again at Moss Landing. The gem on this section of the PCH drive features the wide Monterey Bay. The bay is a national marine sanctuary which houses an astonishing variety of marine diversity including; humpback, Orca and blue whales, sea otters, great white sharks, harbor seals, sea lions and three kinds of dolphins.

3 Things to Do Between Santa Cruz and Carmel

• Take an otter safari . This road trip begs for a dose of the adorable and otters will gladly provide it. Reserve a tour with Elkhorn Slough Safaris and they’ll take you up the river estuary to see otters, seals, sea lions and sea birds.
• Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium . Visiting this world class aquarium is like a master class in marine biology. My favorite exhibit is the jellyfish with their trippy, dreamy quality. They fill up so get your tickets in advance .
• Go gallery hopping in Carmel . Carmel has a very cute downtown well-stocked with boutiques and galleries. Do Carmel in a day using our guide.

• Walnut Ave Cafe, Santa Cruz : This place has huge breakfast scrambles that will fuel you for a full day.
• Haute Enchilada Cafe, Moss Landing : Good Mexican food and cute decor, conveniently located near the Elkhorn Safari.
• La Balena : Authentic Italian in Carmel with amazing short ribs, risotto, and gnocchi.

Where to Stay in Monterey or Carmel

Carmel is only fifteen minutes south of Monterey so you can stay in either. You’ll find more budget accommodations in Monterey or Pacific Grove and better views in Carmel.

• Dog-Friendly Budget : Try the Green Lantern Inn, which is budget friendly (and dog friendly too!). It’s within walking distance to amazing restaurants, wine tasting rooms and the beach. Check reviews and book with Booking.com .
• Luxury Views : Hyatt Carmel Highlands is a 5-star hotel with 6-star views of the ocean. The rooms have kitchenettes, a luxurious bathroom and the dining room and bar have amazing sunset views. Read reviews or book at Booking.com .

Day 3: Carmel to Big Sur

This stretch of rugged coastline is the reason why people want to do a Pacific Coast Highway road trip. The winding road gives up one jaw dropping surprise after another and it’s the main reason to visit Big Sur .

Big Sur isn’t very far south of Carmel but I’m recommending that you spend the extra day here so that you can take the time to explore the landscape.

Use our full day trip guide for Big Sur get plan how to get the most of your day. But here are some top highlights:

3 Things to Do in Big Sur

• Do the 17 Mile Drive : This popular drive follows the coastal route between Pacific Grove and Carmel. It skirts the famous Pebble Beach golf course and has a lot of spots to pull off and go tide pooling. However, this rich enclave has made the greedy decision to charge $10.25 per vehicle to enter the drive. If this annoys you as much as it did me, you can skip it and spend more time exploring the beaches further south in Big Sur.
• Hike in Point Lobos Natural Reserve : The reserve has miles of looping trails with killer cliff-side views and resident sea lions. Go early or late because they have very small parking lots. Alternatively, you can park out on the main road and walk in, thereby avoiding the state park fees.
• Stop at Bixby Creek Bridge : This bridge is one of those engineering marvels that helped to connect the PCH drive through Big Sur. The graceful arches belie its humble beginnings as a Depression-era work project.

There is so much to see in Big Sur that three things isn’t quite enough. So here are three more  things to do in Big Sur.

• Henry Miller Library : This quirky spot is a both a bookstore and a library where Miller used to hang out. The guy who runs it will give you the scoop on local culture and hidden spots. Check their schedule because they often have events in the evenings and on the weekends.
• Pfeiffer Beach : This quiet spot is part of the Los Padres National Forest. There is a sandy beach flanked by huge arched boulders and the incoming tide crashes through the arches in a dramatic display. The beach is hard to find– turn right onto Sycamore road before the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge, if you get to the Big Sur Bakery, you’ve gone too far.
• McWay Falls : The picturesque falls are part of Julia Pfeiffer State Park (and not located in the same spot as Pfeiffer Beach). The eighty foot falls drop from the cliffs right into the ocean. If you are only doing the falls and not otherwise hiking in the park, then I don’t recommend that you pay the day use fee. Just park on the main highway road and walk down to the viewing spot for the falls.

• From Scratch Restaurant, Carmel : Breakfast spot known for their corned beef and biscuits, and french toast.
• Rocky Point Restaurant, Big Sur : The salads, burgers and cheese bread are good but what makes the restaurant special is it’s location on a rocky promontory that has coastal views in both directions. Even if you don’t want to eat there, stop in for a drink and hang out in one of their Adirondack chairs.
• Fernwood Resort Bar & Grill : They offer Mexican basics, burgers and a good beer selection in a casual setting. They have a nice back deck and have music on the weekends.

Where to Stay in Big Sur

Most of the lodging in Big Sur books up way in advance and you’ll usually need to contact them directly for rates and dates.

• Funky Cabins and Glamping : Fernwood Inn and Resort has a range of lodging options from camping, glamping, cabins and motel rooms. Check reviews and book with Booking.com .
• Modern luxury : Post Ranch Inn has a clean architecture with views for days. Check reviews on Trip Advisor .

Read More : Get the full downlow on all CA parks with our complete California State Parks list (with map).

Day 4: Big Sur to Paso Robles or Cambria/Cayucos

From here, you have two choices, you can choose wine and olive oil tasting via Paso Robles or you can choose Hearst Castle and extended coastal views via Cambria and Cayucos. If you get up very early, you may be able to do both in one day but you probably wouldn’t do justice to either.

If you choose to go to Paso Robles, head over the mountain on the Nacimiento-Fergusson road, then turn right on Jolon road. You’ll end up on Highway 101 north of Paso Robles. The drive itself is very pretty and you get a eagle eye’s view of the coastline as you drive up. If you choose to go to Cambria or Cayucos, then just keep truckin’ down the PCH along the coast road. But check before committing to this route as the road is sometimes closed.

If there is a section of Highway 1 in Big Sur that’s closed (which happens frequently after storms), then you’ll need to back up and go to Paso anyway

3 Things to do in Paso Robles

If you decide to go this way, we have a whole article featuring cool things to do in Paso Robles .

• Go Wine Tasting : Paso’s wine growing region is known for its Zinfindel, Cabernet and Rhone blends. There are over 200 wineries in the area. We had fun doing the wine and cheese pairing menu at Broken Earth, where they also have music on the weekends. We also tried some delicious Zins at the nearby Ebberly winery. Alternatively, you can do a lovely winery drive along the tree lined canyons between Adelaide Road, Peachy Canyon Road and Vineyard Drive west of town.
• Go Olive Oil Tasting : They also make some excellent olive oil in Paso. I came home with a pantry full of oils from Pasolivo. They have a downtown tasting room but you can also taste on site at their grove on Vineyard Road.
• Go Beer Tasting : There are six breweries in or near Paso Robles. Some are just brew houses and others also serve food, which you are going to need if you do all three of the things on this list.

Where to Eat & Drink in Paso Robles

• Big Sur Bakery : On your way out of Big Sur, stop into the bakery to pick up some buttery home-baked goodness.
• Barrel House Brewing Company : Since you are already drinking, you may as well get some food. This brewery makes a wide selection of beers and they always have a delicious food truck on site serving grub. They have a huge outdoor seating area and are dog-friendly.
• Brother’s Cafe 3:16 : Carb up for the road ahead at this popular breakfast spot in Paso. Try the biscuits and gravy or the green chili omelet.

Where to Stay in Paso Robles

• Downtown Convenience : The Paso Robles Inn is a comfortable large hotel located right on the town square. Check reviews or book at Booking.com .
• Bed, Breakfast and Wine : The Wild Coyote is offers lodging along with their winery and distillery. It’s located on a quiet stretch of Adelaide Road. Check reviews and book at Booking.com .

3 Things to Do in Cambria & Cayucos

• Hearst Castle, San Simeon : Hearst’s “country estate” is festooned with suggestive statuary, ornately carved ceilings and all manner of gilded gee gaws. They have several different tours, which you can reserve in advance. They do sell out during very busy times, but if you are planning to visit on a weekday, just keep an eye on their tour schedule . If it seems that they aren’t filling up, then don’t purchase in advance. This will give you maximum flexibility. Check before you go because it has been closed for road repairs.
• Cambria Historical Museum, Cambria : This beautifully restored little Victorian house has an oddball assortment of historical items from the founding of Cambria, presided over by an enthusiastic band of volunteers.
• Estero Bluffs State Park: This lovely state park between Cambria and Cayucos has fantastic ocean views and a dog-friendly trail. It’s part of our list of the best things to do in Cayucos (which you should check out if you are planning to spend the night in the area.)

• Sandy’s Deli : Pick up a sandwich to take to either Hearst Castle or down to Morro Bay. Sandy’s is known for their BLTs, French Dip and tuna sandwiches.
• Ruddell’s Barbeque : This lunch spot in Cayucos serves smoked meat and fish with unusual dressings. It’s great for takeaway and a picnic on the beach.
• Harmony Cellars : This small winery is located in quirky Harmony and they have nice reds for a reasonable price paired with a fantastic deck.

Where to Stay in Cambria or Cayucos

• On the Beach : The Cambria Beach Lodge is a well appointed, pet-friendly spot located right on Moonstone beach with complimentary breakfast and bike rentals. Check reviews or book at Booking.com .
• Bed, breakfast and a hot tub : The On the Beach Bed & Breakfast has a lot going for it. You are just steps away from City Beach, they offer a full breakfast and their hot tub has pretty sweet views. Check reviews and book at Booking.com .

Day 5: Paso Robles/Cambria to Santa Ynez Valley

This section of the Pacific Coast Highway drive travels inland to the Santa Ynez Valley. The valley sits in a triangle bordered by the towns of Buellton, Los Olivos and Solvang. Like Paso Robles, it’s also a prime wine growing region with just the right amount of cute and kitsch.

If you have time on the way down to Solvang, try to stop and spend some time in Pismo Beach. It’s got a one of the best beaches in California and there are lots of fun things to do there . They’ve also got many easy to access wineries near Pismo .

3 Things to do in Santa Ynez Valley

• Go Wine Tasting : Hopefully you didn’t drink too much wine in Paso because there is more of it in the Santa Ynez Valley. The valley is known for their cabernet, pinot noir and merlot. I also tasted some delicious crisp rose while there. Louise and I were kindly hosted by both the Demetria and Andrew Murray Vineyards. Demetria’s rose and pinot noir really kill it and their outdoor patio is a relaxing spot for a chill pill and a slow tasting session. Andrew Murray is just up the road and they specialize in Syrah blends. They have a very modern, friendly tasting room with a summer concert series.
• Mendenhall’s Museum of Gas Pumps Petrolanalia : I do love offbeat museums and Mendenhall’s is right up there, because this family is passionate about petrol. The museum is a one acre plot that includes their home, event space and collections of: classic cars, gas pumps, license plates, antique neon signs, race cars and racing memorabilia. The Mendenhall museum is the perfect stop if your want a strong dose of retro. They don’t have regular hours, so you’ll need to email them to arrange a tour.
• Drive Slowly Between Solvang and Los Olivos, Then Wander Around : Talk about retro…Solvang is absolute kitsch. They have totally embraced their Danish ancestry, filling the town with windmills and Danish pastries. Be sure to stop into the Book Loft, which is a good indy bookstore with a Hans Christian Anderson museum upstairs. Los Olivos is an adorable one horse town with tasting rooms and home goods shops. The Alamo Pintado road is the main thoroughfare between the two and it takes about seven minutes to drive it. However, I recommend taking the back way on Ballard Canyon Road so that you can enjoy the scenery.

• Mortensen’s Danish Bakery : If you are going to visit America’s Denmark, then you need to eat the pastry. There are many bakeries in town but Mortensen’s smells the most buttery.
• Copenhaven Sausage Garden : Keep the Danish thing going with this beer garden and sausage joint. Beer, brats and outdoor seating for a casual dinner.
• Leonardos Restaurante : An unassuming but excellent Italian place. Try the piccata, chiopino or the pizza.

Where to Stay in Santa Ynez Valley

• Retro Glamping : We stayed at the Flying Flags resort and loved it. They are an RV park that also rents cabins and glamping tents. We had the surf cabin and it was so retro-chic. The back bedroom has a porch which faced grass and trees. The front porch faced the neighbors and the kitchen was designed with an enormous folding window that, when open, felt like you were completely outside. In the interest of full disclosure, Flying Flags gave us a discount for our stay (blogger privilege), but I’d be raving even at full price because it was so fun to stay there. Check reviews and book at Booking.com .
• Downtown Solvang : I used Hotels Tonight to score a screaming deal at the Hotel Corque. It’s a full service hotel and my room was very modern and comfortable. There is a fair amount of hotel inventory in Solvang but it will fill up on the weekends so book ahead if you need a Friday or Saturday stay. Check reviews or book at Booking.com .

Day 6: Santa Ynez Valley to Los Angeles

LA is a whole other itinerary, but there are a few fun stops that you can make between Solvang and Los Angeles before ending your Pacific Coast Highway drive.

3 Things to Do on the Way to LA

• Santa Barbara Mission : The Santa Barbara Mission is not only beautiful, but it’s also one of the best preserved missions in California. They have an extensive museum which does a good job of explaining the establishment of the missions and the history of the Spaniards and Mexicans in the founding of California. There are also well preserved missions in Carmel and San Luis Obisbo. In Santa Barbara, however, their museum does a poor job of acknowledging the devastating affect that colonization had on California’s native population. These missions held Native American slaves and they don’t even admit it!
• Carpinteria Beach : Hit one more cute little beach town by stopping in Carpinteria. They have good parking there and a nice long beach.
• Take an Electric Bike Tour : This 2.5 hour electric bike tour  covers the historic downtown Santa Barbara and includes beach views.

PCH Road Trip Planning Essentials

Preparing your car.

If you need to rent a car, all of the major companies are located at SFO, Oakland and San Jose airports You can use our guide to find the best and most convenient airport for Monterey County . Prices  from Budget  for a six day one-way rental from SF to LA run ~$470 for the cheapest car and $500+ for a convertible. If you are willing to drive back up to SF to return the car, then the prices drop to ~$180. Get your best rental car deal by comparing prices with Rentalcars.com .

If you are driving your own car, don’t forget to check your oil and tire pressure before you leave and you should also invest in roadside assistance. It comes with a AAA membership, most new car purchases or a credit card like the American Express Rewards Gold Card. You should also purchase a roadside safely kit which includes things like a warning triangle, jumper cables, glass breaker, multi tool, cable ties and small first aid kit. These kits also make a thoughtful, if tragically practical Christmas or birthday gift.

Be sure to stock your car with a cooler , drinks and snacks, which will keep you well supplied for beach picnics.

Other Packing Essentials

Here are a few other essentials that you’ll want to be sure to bring on your road trip.

Wine Opener | Sun Screen | California Road & Recreation Atlas | On the Road , by Jack Kerouac | Teva Sport Sandals | Road Trip Play List

“Whither goest thou, America, in thy shiny car in the night?” –Jack Kerouac

Take your shiny car on a classic California coast road trip and goest through the best scenery this side of the Mississippi. Have fun and happy trails.

Head North on the PCH

If you want to head north as well as south, then check out these additional ideas to add to your itinerary.

• Head north for a weekend getaway in Guerneville .
• Get epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge .
• Find more coastal views with these cozy beach towns in Northern California .
• Take a 5 day Northern California redwoods road trip .

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2 thoughts on “The Essential Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary”

Hello ! Très bon post, même si il y faudrait rajouter quelques petits points à rajouter, celui-ci reste vraiment intéressant.

This Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary is incredibly helpful. You’ve really thought through everything you need to know before planning a trip. Thank you for this helpful resource. Saving this guide for later!

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The Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Planner

Planning to go on the best road trip in the world? You have come to the right place.

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:

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.

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 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

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The Perfect Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

Where to stay, eat, and sightsee on the drive between San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Laura Itzkowitz is a freelance writer and editor based in Rome. She has been contributing to Travel + Leisure since 2014, when she started as a fact checker before becoming a contributing digital editor in 2015 and going freelance in 2016. She has also held positions as a contributing editor at The Points Guy and the NYC cities editor at DuJour Magazine. In addition to Travel + Leisure , her writing has appeared in Architectural Digest , Surface Magazine , Brooklyn Magazine , T Magazine , The Wall Street Journal , Vogue, GQ, Departures, Afar, Fodor's, Town & Country , Condé Nast Traveler , Robb Report , Hemispheres, and others. When she's not jetsetting around Italy and beyond, she can be found in Rome, enjoying some cacio e pepe or relaxing at home with her husband and two dogs. Originally from the Boston area, Laura moved to New York City in 2011 to pursue a master's degree in creative writing and translation at Columbia University. She also holds a bachelor's degree in French from Smith College. * 10+ years of experience writing and editing * Co-wrote "New York: Hidden Bars & Restaurants," an award-winning guide to New York City's speakeasy scene published by Jonglez Editions in 2015 * Contributed to "Fodor's Brooklyn," published by Penguin Random House in 2015, which won silver in the Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism competition * Contributed an essay to "Epic Hikes of Europe," published by Lonely Planet in 2021 * Updated the 2022 edition of "Fodor's Essential Italy"

California’s Pacific Coast Highway is one of America’s most scenic drives, with stunning bluffs and designated vista points featuring sparkling ocean views. While Highway 1 extends more than 600 miles, the most photogenic stretch can be found along California’s Central Coast between San Francisco and Los Angeles. In addition to picturesque panoramas, this classic road trip offers plenty of restaurants (Korean barbecue!), beaches (Santa Barbara!), and attractions (the Henry Miller Memorial Library!) along the way.

I hit the road with the mission of plotting out the best itinerary for a weekend trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Here's my play-by-play guide, complete with stops for photos in Big Sur, antique shopping in Solvang, and craft cocktails at one of L.A.'s coolest bars.

Looking to finally take that perfect Pacific Coast Highway road trip? Read on.

Breakfast at the Ferry Building Marketplace in San Francisco.

If you're departing from San Francisco, it's a good idea to kick-start your Pacific Coast Highway road trip with a hearty breakfast. Welcome to the Ferry Building Marketplace on the Embarcadero, an 1898 transit hub that's something of an icon thanks to its handsome white clock tower. Inside, you'll find artisanal bakeries, cheese shops, cafes, and a mushroom shop. Grab a cup of joe from the Oakland-born Blue Bottle Coffee and a pastry at the Acme Bread Company .

Stop for photos at Bixby Bridge in Big Sur.

Valerie de Leon/Travel + Leisure

It'll take you about three hours to reach Big Sur from San Francisco, and by then you'll be ready to stretch your legs. As soon as you hit the section of the Pacific Coast Highway connecting Carmel-by-the-Sea to Big Sur, you'll start seeing vista points where you can pull off the road and take photos. Be sure not to miss the one approaching Bixby Bridge. Sure, there will be plenty of other tourists getting out of their cars to take selfies, but with a stunning view like that, how can you blame them? Join in and snap away — you'll want to remember this landscape forever.

Lunch in Big Sur with breathtaking views.

After you've filled your camera roll, it's time to fill your stomach. If you feel like splurging, the Post Ranch Inn's restaurant Sierra Mar offers a $75 prix fixe lunch menu and a chance to dine at a clifftop restaurant with a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. For more casual fare with equally fantastic ocean views, stop at Nepenthe , which serves sandwiches and salads in a rustic lodge dating back to the 1940s.

Visit the Henry Miller Memorial Library.

Big Sur has inspired many famous writers, and seeing the natural beauty of the cliffs overlooking the Pacific, it's easy to understand why. Walt Whitman wrote about its charms, and the Beats were drawn to the enchanting landscape and bohemian way of life. Henry Miller lived in Big Sur from 1944 to 1962, and his experiences informed his book "Big Sur and the Oranges of Hieronymous Bosch." After Miller died in 1980, his good friend, the painter and writer Emil White, founded the Henry Miller Memorial Library within his own home — now an art-filled reading room, bookstore, and performance venue in the heart of the woods.

Spend a night in Big Sur.

If you want to stay overnight in Big Sur, the Post Ranch Inn is an excellent choice. There's also Alila Ventana Big Sur , which landed a spot on the T+L 500 best hotels of 2023 list and boasts villas and glamping tents spread out over 160 acres of redwood forest, a restaurant overlooking the ocean, and a spa that uses organic and locally made skin care products. As you sip your morning coffee with views of the Pacific, you might never want to leave.

Stop to see the elephant seals in San Simeon.

As you continue south on the Pacific Coast Highway, you won't want to miss the Elephant Seal Rookery at San Piedras Beach in San Simeon. Over 15,000 elephant seals migrate here every year. From the viewing platform, you can watch them sunbathe and flop around on the sand.

Get your retail fix in Solvang.

Nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley is the charmingly anomalous town of Solvang , which was settled in the early 20th century by Danish pioneers. Take a quick detour off the Pacific Coast Highway to explore quaint streets full of Danish architecture, antique shops, restaurants, and more. The town square features a bust of Hans Christian Andersen and a replica of Copenhagen's famous Little Mermaid statue. Pop into the family-owned Mortensen's Danish Bakery for strudel, butter cookies, and other treats.

Rest and refuel near Santa Barbara.

After a full day of driving, you'll be ready for a good meal and some R&R. The Leta Santa Barbara Goleta, Tapestry Collection by Hilton , just outside of Santa Barbara, offers both — plus cocktails and SoCal vibes. The easygoing hotel centers on the pool, where bands perform some evenings, and people gather around fire pits with margaritas and beers. Grab a table at the restaurant and order fish tacos, ahi poke nachos, and cauliflower tempura for an eclectic feast. After dinner, unwind with a nightcap at the bar or head up to your room, with its plush bed, coastal furnishings, and turntable.

Breakfast at Renaud's Patisserie in Santa Barbara.

In the morning, head over to Renaud's Patisserie , a Santa Barbara institution just a short drive from the Leta. Sample their excellent pastries, or order organic eggs prepared any style for a heartier meal.

Enjoy the art and views at the Getty Center.

Before heading into the heart of Los Angeles, stop at the Getty Center to get your culture fix. Oil tycoon and art collector J. Paul Getty originally built the Getty Villa in Malibu to house his collection of European art. His foundation continues to fund the museum and the Getty Center, designed by Richard Meier. Ride the tram up to the top of the hill and spend a few hours exploring the galleries and grounds — they have excellent views thanks to their elevated vantage point.

Explore Los Angeles' most dynamic neighborhood.

The Line LA is not only a great base for exploring the city's hip Koreatown neighborhood, but it's also a destination in and of itself. The hotel's revamped midcentury building features a raw but polished aesthetic (think exposed concrete custom furnishings and original art), a great restaurant by renowned chef Josiah Citrin, a cafe, an outdoor pool, and multiple bars including the '80s-themed Break Room 86 (complete with private karaoke chambers). Be sure to request a room with a view of the Hollywood Hills — the beds face the windows. so you can wake up to a stunning vista.

Feast on Korean barbecue at Park's BBQ.

While you could easily stay within the bounds of the Line and dine at Openaire , you'd be remiss not to venture out and see what else the neighborhood has to offer. Beeline to Park's BBQ , a no-frills restaurant in a strip mall, for authentic Korean barbecue that draws locals and celebrities alike. Feast on shrimp or Wagyu beef grilled tableside and a smorgasbord of sides, including veggies and savory kimchi pancakes.

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I am planning a big family road trip for summer 2025. We will start in Seattle and work our way down to San Francisco with a side trip to Portland and another to Yosemite. 25 nights, so not rushing, but we want to fit in as much as we can! Never been to the US and want to make the most of the trip as we are unlikely to get the chance for a redo!!!

We have a whale watching trip that is high up our to do list (ideally in Washington so we can see orcas) and we will maybe ride the dunes.

My question is that I really want to get the most out of the trip without completely breaking the bank and without feeling like everyday is too full to really appreciate the ride. So… what is absolutely not to be missed and how long should I give myself for each section. I have a rough itinerary planned - does this look like a decent plan?

Kids will be 13 and 16. One is nuts for everything marine life related, both love an adventure, we don’t need theme parks - we have been to Disney in Paris recently and have theme parks nearby so… outdoors is great, nice food, we like kayaks 😁

www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Trips?tt=bb399754-19d6-4682-a911-a1d736fd9589

14 replies to this topic

For 25 nights you have lots of time. When are you thinking of going?

Consider places like

Seattle - 2 to 3 nights - whale watch

Olympic National Park - minimum 3 nights different locations (book far ahead for lodging

such as Port Angeles, Crescent Lake

Mt. Ranier 2 nights

Leavenworth - Chelan Lake Area - 2 nights'

Astoria-Seaside-Cannon Beach - Manzanita - 2nights

Yachats - 1 to 2 nights

Florence for dune buggy 1 night

so about 14 days Washington/Oregon

Gold Beach - Jerry's Mail boat ride 1 night

then head south to Brookings 1 night

(decide also if you want to see Crater Lake or not - easier without)

and into California to see the redwoods

Jedidiah Smith State Park

crescent city harbor area

Trees of Mystery

Klamath River and Requa road

Prarie Creek State Park and elk

Newton b. Drury scenic highway

stay in trinidad, california for 2 to 3 nights

then see Avenue of the giants, humboldt state park and nature triail and drive to wine country

Healdsburg, Napa for 2 to 3 nights

also see in this area Armstrong Redwoods, Sonoma Coast (Jenner to Bodega Bay)

and Point Reyes National Seashore, Muir woods

then to Yosemite for 3 days (make reservations far ahead

Monterey - also good for whale watching, aquarium, Big Sur, Carmel, Asilomar, 17 mile drive, Fisherman Wharf and Cannery, etc.

then to Santa Cruz for the boardwall

and to San Francisco.

Your only stated preferences are a love of marine life and a love of adventure. You haven't said whether or not you want to hike, and you have expressed no particular interests in mountains, rain forests, or redwoods. Therefore, I will focus on your family's interest in marine life and adventure. I suggest that you spend three to four nights in the San Juan Islands and sign up for both a whale watching tour and a guided kayaking trip. Maya's Legacy gets a lot of praise for its environmentally sensitive, educational whale watches. I'm sure one of the destination experts for the San Juans could suggest a kayaking tour. That should provide all the adventure your son craves. The San Juans are one of the best places in the lower 48 states to see marine life, and they also offer agritourism and excellent hiking.

I would recommend doing this instead of visiting Olympic National Park. Your chances of seeing marine mammals are better, and you would not face the many logistical challenges imposed by ONP, which is very spread out and which will not provide you the same wild life and scenery you can find in Yosemite.

The redwoods should not be missed. They are breathtaking.

You asked about the best time frame for this trip. I would suggest as early in June as possible. There are several reasons for doing the trip earlier in the summer as opposed to later. For one thing, June is fresh, green, and beautiful. The waterfalls in the Columbia Gorge area will be full. The forests are particularly lovely then, and if you decided to visit Central Oregon, say, you would enjoy cooler weather. June is less crowded than July and August and slightly less expensive. June is also the time to see young wildlife, such as elk fawns and baby seals. Most importantly, June is well before fire season. Fires can be horrific in the PNW and there's no predicting where the smoke goes. You would miss the best time for Mt. Rainier and the other mountains, but you could still visit Mt. St. Helens, a fascinating and unusual site.

I must be doing something wrong if you have a sample itinerary because I don't see it.

Some ideas:

Mt. Rainier

Mt. St. Helen's

Columbia River Gorge

Oregon coast (including Oregon Dunes) down to Reedsport then cut inland on OR-138 to Crater Lake

From Crater Lake, take OR-62 along the Rogue River down to Grants Pass; do a jet boat ride

Take OR-199 to the Redwoods and Jedidiah Smith State Park; stop at Oregon Caves if that is of interest

Head to Mt. Lassen NP then down through CA Gold Country to Yosemite then to SF.

I couldn't find your itinerary, either.

You won’t be able to do everything.

Day 2-3 Seattle, night day 3 in anacortes

Day 4 ferry to Friday harbor

Day 5 orcas tour

Day 6 ferry back to port Townsend/ port angeles via another ferry

Day 7 Olympic np to forks

Day 8 Olympic, night forks

Day 10 Olympic, to mt rainier

Day 11 mt rainier

Day 12 to Astoria/ cannon beach

Day 13 to Portland

Day 14 Columbia gorge to bandon

Day 15 to redwoods

Day 16 redwoods

Day 17-18 to Yosemite

Day 18-19 Yosemite

Day 20 SEKI

Day 21 to Monterey

Day 22-23 Monterey

Day 24 -25 SF

Day26 fly home

Day 17 to crater lake

Day 18 to brnd

Day 19 to hood river

Day 20 to walla walla

Day 21 Palouse area

Day 22 to chelan/ Leavenworth

Day 23 WA 20 by north cascades np

Day 24 mt baker area

Day 25 back to Seattle

Day 26 fly home

In option B you would end by doing the San Juan island and push everything up.

My question is that I really want to get the most out of the trip without completely breaking the bank

--> It costs what it costs. Coming all this way and then not doing things because you can't afford them doesn't make a lot of sense. I do think you want to make the most of the money you are spending by making sure you spend enough time to really see and explore the place. I like to leave thinking "Well, I've seen that. I don't need to come back." I hate rushing away thinking "I've only seen half of it! I need to come back!"

and without feeling like everyday is too full to really appreciate the ride.

--> and that's the rub. Its always the tough decisions to make sure you can see the things you really want to see. A few guides I follow:

1. Set clear priorities, and when lots of people are travelling, make sure everyone has one thing. Book those things into the itinerary first, then fill in the rest.

2. Plan for variety. You don't need to do all the lighthouses or all the mountain peaks or all the aquariums or whatever. You need to pick what you want to see and see that, skip the rest. When we were in Italy, I decided Siena cathedral would be the one we would visit, and we skipped the rest.

So… what is absolutely not to be missed and how long should I give myself for each section.

--> Other people's priorities will not match yours. I've seen other people plan trips that i would absolutely hate, and they loved their experience. Everyone is different. The two points above is how I approach it to try and get the best trip we can with the time we have.

The official concessioner for Yosemite begins taking lodging reservations one year in advance. Popular room configurations book quickly.

Top Questions on the right side of most forums includes great tips.

I think Vancouverite67's Suggestion #1 in Reply 6 is excellent, especially with teens. Each member of the travel group gets to choose one Must Do / Must Experience / Must See (whatever you want to call it) for the family.

Places to consider

MacKerricher State Park

Sonoma Coast State Park

Point Reyes National Seashore (1 day)

McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park

Lake Tahoe 2 nights

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