Pacific Coast Highway: The Ultimate California Road Trip

The Route

The Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1 / US-101) from San Francisco to San Diego is 650 miles of the most scenic driving in America. Plan 4-5 days minimum to do it justice — rushing this drive defeats the purpose.

Day 1: San Francisco to Big Sur (150 miles)

Cross the Golden Gate Bridge and head south through Half Moon Bay. Stop at the artichoke capital of Monterey for lunch. Drive 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach (free for those passing through). Arrive in Big Sur for sunset. Camp at Pfeiffer Big Sur or splurge on Post Ranch Inn.

Day 2: Big Sur (0 miles — stay put)

Big Sur deserves a full day. Hike the McWay Falls trail, drive to Bixby Bridge for photos, visit Nepenthe restaurant for lunch with views. If you're adventurous, hike down to Pfeiffer Beach (purple sand at sunset).

Day 3: Big Sur to Santa Barbara (225 miles)

Stop in San Luis Obispo for coffee, then drive through wine country. Detour to Solvang (a Danish village — weird but fun) for lunch. Arrive in Santa Barbara by afternoon — walk State Street, watch sunset from the pier.

Day 4: Santa Barbara to Malibu to LA (100 miles)

Hug the coast through Ventura, past Point Mugu (stunning coastal views), and into Malibu. Stop at Neptune's Net for seafood. End in LA — Venice Beach or Santa Monica for the evening.

Day 5: LA to San Diego (125 miles)

Take the I-5 through Camp Pendleton (the PCH isn't continuous here). Stop in Encinitas or Cardiff-by-the-Sea for a last beach walk. Arrive in San Diego — Old Town for Mexican food, then Sunset Cliffs for the finale.

Vehicle Tips

Any car will do, but the winding sections of Highway 1 through Big Sur are more fun in something with decent handling. Convertibles are popular for a reason. If you're in a larger vehicle or towing, note that some sections have tight turns and no guardrails. Keep your gas tank above half — stations are sparse through Big Sur.