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The Ultimate California Coast Road Trip Itinerary

last Updated: March 27, 2024 big sur california carmel central coast half moon bay highway 1 Los Angeles monterey orange county pismo beach road trip san francisco santa barbara santa cruz santa monica solvang

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Planning a California coast road trip?! Taking a drive down the PCH?! You’re in the right place! I’ve got loads of info for you!

A road trip down the California Coast on the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) is an unforgettable way to see so much of what the state has to offer.

From waterfalls and castles (yes, really), to spectacular beaches and theme parks, there’s absolutely no shortage of things to do on the California Coast.

Whether you’ve got a weekend or a few weeks to travel, you can fill your time with a wide array of California experiences. Let’s get this Pacific Coast Highway road trip under way!

Being one of the most scenic drives in the world (and rightfully so), I advise you to take your sweet time to really savor all the charming beauty of this west coast road trip down California.

And before we go into it, if you’ve got even more time in California and you’d like to visit a few spots off the coast, check out my latest post: 45 (Extremely) Beautiful Places in California (opens in new tab, don’t worry!) << lots more itinerary inspiration for your California road trip!

Recommended Route down the California Coast

Stop 1: San Francisco, California
Stop 2: Half Moon Bay
Stop 3: Santa Cruz
Stop 4: Monterey/Carmel-by-the-Sea
Stop 5: Big Sur
Stop 6: San Simeon
Stop 7: San Luis Obispo/Pismo Beach
Stop 8: Solvang
Stop 9: Santa Barbara
Stop 10: Ventura → Channel Islands
Stop 11: Malibu
Stop 12: Los Angeles/Santa Monica
Stop 13: Anaheim
Stop 14: Orange County
Stop 15: San Diego

ALL 75 of my favorite PCH stops RIGHT over here ! There’s tons of ideas in this California coast road trip itinerary, but those are my absolute favorites.

Note that the number of stops you’ll be able to make highly depends on how much time you have allotted for this California road trip.

Suggested One-Week Itinerary: If you have a week or so for this drive down the California Coast, I recommend a day in SF (depending on whether you’ve been or not), a day in Carmel/Monterey, a day in Big Sur , stopping at Hearst Castle in San Simeon, dune-bashing (if that’s your thing) in Pismo Beach, a day in Santa Barbara, stopping in Malibu en route of LA, checking out the main sights of LA/Santa Monica , then some beach time in Orange County .

Yes , it’ll be pretty jam-packed , but highly doable if you plan your drives correctly. You can really spend an infinite amount of time on the California Coast, so it’s hard to say exactly how long this road trip will take. It highly depends on your interest, how much time you wanna spend in the cities, and how much driving per day you wanna do.

Note that you can drive directly from San Francisco to LA in roughly 6 hours, but this route (via Highway 101 and Highway 5) will take you inland, meaning you’ll miss out on so much of the Central Coast.

If you’re planning to drive round trip, I highly recommend that you drive South down the coast via Highway 1 – the Pacific Coast Highway , and then venture back up North via Highway 5 and Highway 101.

You can drive either way (from SF to LA/San Diego -or- LA/San Diego to SF), but I prefer driving South, starting in the SF Bay Area and making my way down to LA/SD. Pssst: the views are better this way as the car will be closer to the water. 😉

Renting a Car: Since this is in fact a road trip , you’ll need a vehicle to get you from place to place! Worth mentioning so you don’t forget to account for the cost of a rental car when following this California coast road trip itinerary!

I like to search via this site in order to compare rental companies to see who has the best price.

Note that many rental car shops charge extra for returning their cars at different pick up/drop off locations – just something to keep in mind (it may be worth the extra 6 hour drive back to your original starting point to avoid this pesky fee).

Search for the cheapest car rentals over here !

WHERE TO GET THE BEST FLIGHT DEALS TO CALIFORNIA:

First things first, if you’re not a resident of San Francisco (or LA), you’ll of course need to get yourself there. Since SFO is a major international airport, and a hub for many airlines, you can easily find cheap airfare within the states.

I swear by Skyscanner and Google Flights , and always always always use these two sites when looking for airfare. The option to watch prices and get email notifications are top notch and one of my favorite features of the two.

Always check budget airlines that may not be listed, especially if you are coming from other areas of the US with shorter flight times. A great list of budget airlines can be found here .

If you’ll be following this itinerary and heading south (without driving the direct 6+ hours back to San Francisco ), you’ll want to book two one-way tickets. 1) HOME → SFO, 2) LAX→ HOME. Make sure to search for one-way flights when booking tickets.

Totally your call, but I suggest flying round trip from the same airport so you can avoid one-way drop off rental car fees.

When to Drive Down the California Coast

Keep in mind that the summer months (June, July, and August) are usually rather foggy in San Francisco and down the California coast. Because of this, some mornings will be pretty damp and misty. For best weather and best chance of sunshine, plan for a road trip in either late September or October.

If summer is your only option, you may get lucky with clear skies, but don’t count on it. However, with this in mind, the fog usually clears up by mid-morning/afternoon. Normal summer temps are in the low-60’s to mid-70’s, so bring a jacket and reconsider that convertible! “May Grey, June Gloom” is a real thing out here.

*All drive times are approximations. Traffic can be heavy at some points along the drive, and you’ll likely be getting out of your car occasionally to take photos along the way.

Stumped on what to pack for a California road trip itinerary? Check out this ultimate road trip essentials packing guide (opens in new tab)!

What to Pack for your Pacific coast highway road trip (rotate sideways on Mobile)

Now let’s get this California coast road trip planning on it’s way!

California Coast Road Trip Itinerary:

1) start in san francisco.

Ahhh, SF, my favorite city; although technically I’m biased because I chose to move to the city by the bay from NYC a few years ago. 😉

A few San Francisco must do’s include either walking or driving over the Golden Gate Bridge, wandering around Fisherman’s Wharf (and stuffing your face with an ice cream sundae at Ghirardelli’s), getting spooked at Alcatraz Island (go on the night tour!), relaxing with some coffee in Union Square, walking down twisty Lombard Street, and riding a cable car.

Get some great views at either Twin Peaks or the top of Coit Tower, check out the Painted Ladies, commonly known as the “Full House” houses, and nosh on some sourdough bread, fresh pasta in North Beach, and a burrito in the Mission District.

Other things to do in San Francisco include taking a panoramic night tour of city , cruise around the bay in a catamaran (champagne included!), see the Golden Gate Bridge from above on a seaplane tour , and taking a day trip to Napa Valley (not to be missed on any PCH road trip !)

Visiting San Francisco for the first time? Read THIS and THIS . 🙂 And make sure to check out this perfect 3-day SF itinerary !

Beware, parking is not the greatest (and garages are expensive), and public transportation is somewhat lacking. I’ve lived here for 4 years now and still don’t love touring the city via car.

I recommend playing tourist and taking a full tour of the city instead of trying to do everything on your own. Or rent bikes , electric bikes (!!!), or even a really fun (and kind of cheesy) goCar if you’d prefer to fly solo. Uber is always a good suggestion, and with my discount code (jessicak148), you can get a few bucks off your first ride!

2) Half Moon Bay (45 minutes from SF)

Your first official stop on your California coast road trip (unless you wanna make a few stops in Pacifica /Pescadero – I’ve got a whole road trip guide from San Francisco to Santa Cruz here )! Say goodbye to the city and venture on over to Half Moon Bay, a cozy little seaside village right on the coast.

You could easily plan a full day’s worth of activities here, but I suggest spending either a morning or afternoon, unless you want to take the plunge and stay at the ever-so-beautiful Ritz Carlton .

A few must do’s: go for a stroll on one of the many beaches that dot this area of the coastline (my favorites: Poplar, Mavericks, and Miramar), wander around Half Moon Bay Main Street, walk the coastal trail, and indulge in a lobster roll from Sam’s Chowder House.

3) Santa Cruz (1 hour from Half Moon Bay)

Drive a bit further on Highway 1 and you’ll reach Santa Cruz, where I suggest stopping for a few hours . Walk on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, ride the Giant Dipper and/or the Ferris Wheel right on the beach, and stop for a snack or two (churros and funnel cake are my favorites). You can also head to Shark Fin Cove if you’re looking for a unique beach!

Also, don’t miss the Mystery Spot, which I won’t give away for obvious reasons, and make sure you try Marianne’s before heading out (the absolute BEST ice cream in the area).

4) Monterey/Carmel-by-the-Sea (45 minutes from Santa Cruz)

Next up on our Pacific Coast Highway road trip – Monterey and Carmel! California is just full of sweet little seaside towns, and this area, despite being rather touristy, is definitely one to stop at.

Monterey and Carmel are only a few miles apart, and I highly suggest spending the night in either of these towns (Monterey being the more affordable option) while on your California coast road trip.

Looking for the best road trips in California? Whether you’ve got a long weekend or a full 2 weeks to explore, look no further - this huge post covers over 15 of the best California road trips!

A few recommended activities and bites: bundle up on a whale watching tour , indulge in clam chowder at Old Fisherman’s wharf, walk around Cannery Row, and spend a few hours at the Monterey Bay Aquarium (included in the San Francisco CityPASS if you’ve gotten it previously).

Don’t miss a walk around the charming little town of Carmel, cruising around the area in a Sea Car , watching the sunset at Carmel Beach Park, and stopping at the viewpoints along the 17 Mile Drive.

On our most recent visit, I couldn’t stop raving about the food, with my favorites being the Monterey Crepe Company, Red’s Donuts, and The Poke Lab. I really should make an-depth guide to Monterey soon!

5) Big Sur (50 minutes from Monterey)

Next up: Big Sur , famous for a reason and many people’s favorite stop on this California coast road trip itinerary. Most people are surprised at how little “civilization” is around here – no traffic lights, strip malls, or banks.

It’s more of a state of mind rather than a specific point on a map, encompassing about 90 sunny Californian miles down the coast.

With this being said, plan to drive down the coast and consider setting up camp/hotel in another location, unless you want to fork over some big bucks for a luxury hotel. I recommend everyone spend a bit of time in Big Sur on a California coast road trip (at least half a day)– it’s too remarkable to miss!

Heading to California and wondering what to do in Big Sur? Read on for my favorite Big Sur activities, where to stay, and (most importantly), what and where to eat! This Big Sur road trip itinerary will have you booking flights to California ASAP, promise!

You’ll be stopping on the side of the highway so many times you’ll lose count – the coast line is just that spectacular! It’s known for its winding turns, seaside cliffs, and breathtaking views of the often misty coastline.

A few must-do’s here in Big Sur : see McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, wiggle your toes in purple sand at Pfeiffer Beach (yes, parts of it really are purple, I was surprised too…), marvel at the Bixby Creek Bridge, and check out all the views from Point Lobos. OH, and if you’re visiting between February and April, definitely find the hidden blooms at Calla Lily Valley !

6) San Simeon (2 – 4 hours drive, depending on how many stops you make in Big Sur)

Did you think you’d be stopping at a castle on your California coast road trip? When I first learned about Hearst Castle, I was mesmerized. Being a historic landmark on the coast, tours do fill up in advance, so be sure to book your spot ahead of time .

California Coast Road Trip Itinerary! Everything you could ever wonder! Super informative post! Re-pinning for later - hope to get to California this summer!

First time visiting? Sign up for the Grand Rooms Tour – and that’s exactly what you’ll see – plenty of spectacularly ornate rooms, plus lots of time to explore the absolutely stunning grounds.

Non-negotiable on any California Coast road trip, in my opinion. Be sure to look out for the zebra on the side of the highway as you enter/leave. Bizarre, opulent, and oddly satisfying.

And while you’re in the area, make sure to stop at Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery, a popular spot to observe elephant seals with its own boardwalk and viewing areas.

The best times to visit the rookery are in late January, late April, and late October, but visits are encouraged year round. Have you seen an elephant seal use their large, inflatable noses to make noise? It’s pretty wild!

7) San Luis Obispo/Pismo Beach/Morro Bay/Paso Robles (45 minutes from San Simeon)

So there’s kinda a lot to do in this little area – so best to pick and choose your favorites (if not, you can easily spend a whole week here!).

In SLO (what locals refer to as San Luis Obispo), sip pink drinks at the Madonna Inn , stuff your face with bbq are Firestone Grill, blow bubbles at the Bubble Gum Wall in downtown, and grab donuts at SLO Donut Company (SloDoCo). All my favorites, and I can’t image an afternoon not doing any of these.

Looking to stretch your legs? Opt for the Bluff Trail at Montaña de Oro State Park, a 3.4 mile round trip relatively flat path with (better-than-okay) ocean views.

Thought Napa/Sonoma were the only wine countries in California? Winos – you’re in luck. This part of your California coast road trip (in Paso Robles ) features over 100 wineries, and deciding which to visit is the hardest part!

The DAOU Vineyards gets constant praise, and with it’s wonderful wine, olive oil, and views, it’s hard to beat!

Want someone else to take you around? Probably a good idea if you’ll be drinking lots of wine! Hop on a full-day hop-on, hop-off wine tasting tour (yes, they exist!) and you can choose your own itinerary in Paso Robles Wine Country.

Or take the easy way out and let someone else decide for you on this Ultimate Wine Experience in San Luis Obispo (foodie lunch and 3-5 wineries included!).

You need to include a dune buggy ride on Pismo Beach on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip ! One of the most epic things to do in this area! More info on that here . Nowhere else in California can you drive a vehicle on a public beach!

Before getting to SLO, you may as well make a pit stop in Moro Bay. If the weather cooperates (always a gamble over here), you’ll be rewarded with views of the giant monolith. Be sure to walk around the nearby beach to find sand dollars, and grab a cinnamon bun from one of the local bakeries.

If you’re thinking of stopping here for the night (or have had too much to drink…), consider staying at no other than the wildly famous Madonna Inn . But be sure to save your breakfast appetite for SLO’s legendary Big Sky Café. Oh, and there’s always beach time as well if the weather cooperates.

8) Solvang (1 hour from San Luis Obispo)

A bit in-land, but well worth the few miles off the highway. This cute little area will feel as if you’ve been transplanted to a Danish village, with authentic Dutch bakeries and international cuisine. Worth a quick pit stop, for the pastries alone (try the aebleskiver – pancake puffs). 🙂

Stroll the village to spot Danish icons including the Little Mermaid Fountain, a handful of historic windmills, the giant red clog, and Round Tower. There’s also two historic churches to check out, Old Mission Santa Ines and Bethania Lutheran.

Looking for something a bit more active? See the unique architecture of the only Danish city in The West via segway tour ! They are so much fun and an easy way to get around!

9) Santa Barbara (45 minutes from Solvang)

An absolute must-stop on any Pacific Coast Highway road trip ! Here in Santa Barbara – dubbed the American Riviera – you’ll find widespread beaches and a truly relaxed atmosphere.

Downtown you’ll find Mediterranean-style white stucco buildings with red-tile roofs, which accurately reflect the city’s Spanish colonial heritage.

And the food! Oh, the food here! Consider joining a historic Santa Barbara Food Tasting Tour to get a true feel for what the locals love here (hint hint: includes Northern Italian dishes, gourmet cheese, local wine and handcrafted chocolates… yum).

Rather take a beer tour? Sign up for the Self-Guided Santa Barbara Lagoon Loop Craft Beer Trail (yes, it’s a thing down here).

Don’t miss Old Mission Santa Barbara, a historic church known for its beauty, a panoramic view of the city from the Clock Tower observation deck of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, and the Santa Barbara Public Market.

Save some time for Stearn’s Wharf and then beach it up, you deserve it! If you haven’t noticed by now, I’m all about that ice cream – satisfy your sweet tooth at McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams (worth the wait and then some).

And whatever you do, don’t leave Santa Barbara without taking a surf lesson (<– reserve your spot now, as they can fill up pretty quickly during the warmer months).

Where to Stay in Santa Barbara:

Inn by the Harbor (romantic and Mediterranean two blocks from the waterfront)

Recommended Tours in Santa Barbara:

El Paseo Wine and Photo Tour
Santa Barbara Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure
Santa Barbara Funk Zone: Food and Photo Tour

10) Ventura for Channel Islands National Park (40 minutes from Santa Barbara)

Usually not very common on a ‘traditional’ California coast road trip, but I couldn’t leave this destination off the list. In Ventura, be sure to check out Mission San Buenaventura, Olivas Adoble, and Oxnard Beach Part.

This vibrant town is the unexpected spot to make your way to Channel Islands National Park, located just off the coast via ferry, plane, or private boat.

Take a break from the crazy urban life and go for a hike on the Channel Islands, literally! The park is comprised of 5 islands and their surrounding mile of ocean, so it’s best to decide beforehand where and what to go/do.

Head to Inspiration Point on Anacapa Island for some of the best views of the National Park, and/or you can snorkel/dive/kayak in Landing Cove (Anacapa Island) or at Scorpion Anchorage (Santa Cruz Island). If you’re on Santa Cruz Island, be sure to check out Cavern Point, which provides a spectacular view after a short hike. You can even go whale watching around here!

FYI – there is NO transportation available on the islands – you have to either walk, kayak, or cruise around via private boat. Bicycles are not allowed. Plan a day trip here from Ventura to get your nature fix.

Recommended Channel Islands Tours

Channel Islands Full-Day Private Sailing Trip

11) Malibu (50 minutes from Ventura)

Just the name “Malibu” sounds exotic and beachy to me. Here on your California coast road trip you’ll find wide stretches of beaches, celebrity homes, and The Getty Villa (which is said to be absolutely stunning).

But Malibu is more than just that, including stunning canyons, horse ranches, waterfront restaurants, acres of land, and lots and lots of hiking trails. You can also take a private surf lesson if you missed out in Santa Barbara!

A few spots not to miss: Paradise Cove (the only restaurant you can actually drink on the beach), Geoffrey’s Malibu for a wonderful lunch view (get some fresh seafood here!), Point Dume Beach (you’ll always see dolphins!), Malibu Pier, a tour of celebrity homes , and wide and sandy Zuma Beach, known for its excellent surf.

Don’t leave without some gelato from Grom Gelateria, the absolute best of the best! And if you’re a sucker for fantastic views like me, don’t miss out on a Malibu scenic airplane tour ! Your pictures will be epic, I promise!

12) Los Angeles/ Santa Monica (50 minutes from Malibu)

I highly suggest you spend at least 2-3 days here as there is just SO much to do . You’ll want to divide your time between Downtown LA (DTLA) and Santa Monica/Venice Beach, with possible other stops to make as well.

Heading to Southern California soon? Make sure to check out these hot spots in LA, Santa Monica, and Venice, including the best food, murals, and museums! LA and Santa Monica are full of character and are super trendy!

After checking out all the necessary tourist hot spots , you’ll have more time to envelope yourself in the “true” feeling of Los Angeles. Promise me you won’t miss a Warner Brothers Hollywood Studio Tour !

In DTLA , I highly suggest the Broad Museum (FREE, but usually a long wait time), getting an egg sandwich at Eggslut, The Last Bookstore, macaroons at Bouttega Louie, and culture and snacks in Little Tokyo.

Don’t feel like walking? Take a segway tour of DTLA ! Don’t feel like figuring out public transportation? A hop-on, hop-off bus of the LA area is always the way to go!

In Santa Monica and Venice , be sure to check out the Santa Monica Boardwalk (ride the ferris wheel and/or the coaster during sunset), Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice Canals, and the Venice Beach Boardwalk.

In addition, you can’t miss the Urban Lights exhibit at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)! You’ll find pretty cool murals all around the area as well if that’s your type of thing (it most definitely is mine)!

Hike in the Hollywood Hills , take an airplane tour of Santa Monica and the coastline , go on a tour of some movie stars’ homes ,

Read More about Los Angeles/Santa Monica:

The Ultimate SoCal Guide: 25 “Very LA” Things to do in Los Angeles, California
The Perfect Way to Spend A Day (or Two) in LA
The Cool Girl’s Guide to LA: What to See, Do, Eat, and Enjoy

Where to Stay in Los Angeles/Santa Monica

The Orlando Hotel (middle of West Hollywood and lots of great Mexican nearby!)
HI Hostel (perfect for solo travelers, and around the block from the beach)

13) Anaheim for Disneyland (45 minutes from LA)

Disney lovers will enjoy this spot for sure, but just for the record, Disneyland is not as large and/or “wow!!!!” as Disney World. I had a Disney-fanatic-friend visit Disneyland a few months back and she was not impressed to say the least.

Save this stop if you’ve never been to the location in Florida, or if you can’t stand not to check it out for yourself. Regardless, you’ll have a grand ol’ time on the rollercoasters and indulging in all things Mickey.

A few parks to check out (click to buy tickets): Universal Studios Hollywood , Disneyland Park , Adventure City, and Disney California Adventure Park.

I highly recommend getting these theme park tickets in advance to by-pass any super-long lines and spend more time in the parks. You’ll save yourself lots of time, that’s for sure!

Universal Studios Hollywood 1-Day Ticket with Options
Anaheim: Disneyland Resort 1-Day Entrance Ticket

14) Orange County: Huntington Beach/Newport Beach/Laguna Beach (35 minutes from Anaheim)

This stretch of coast is absolutely BEAUTIFUL and should not be missed if your itinerary has you driving down to San Diego (or even as an extra stop from the LA/Ahaheim area).

Here you’ll find manicured beach towns, a hell of a lot of beautiful people, and even more beautiful stretches of sand with mesmerizing sunsets.

The beaches are plentiful, but my favorites include Huntington Beach , Newport Beach, and Laguna Beach, all within a few miles of each other. We recently spent a bit of time in San Clemente , and fell in love with the town! Don’t miss gelato at Gelato Paradiso and the views from Heisler Park and Dana Point.

You won’t want to skip “The OC” on your California coast road trip – I can promise you that!

Read More about Orange County/Southern California

My Birthday in Sunny Southern California
4 Days in Huntington Beach: Everything You Need to Know
The Complete Guide to San Clemente

Want to extend your PCH road trip?!

15 Best Places to See Redwoods Near San Francisco - all the popular spots plus a few others!

1) GO FURTHER SOUTH! You could choose to venture even further south to San Diego, as there’s lots and lots to do! Watch this space for updates and more information on California, including best things to do in San Diego as well!

2) START UP NORTH! Interested in starting this Pacific Coast Highway road trip a bit north of San Francisco? Check out the drive from San Francisco to Mendocino , highly recommended in my opinion if you’ve got a few more days to explore! A weekend in Mendocino is the perfect way to start your trip! And if you’re looking for some redwoods, you’ll find lots around here !

3) HEAD ALL THE WAY TO SEATTLE! Yes, it’s possible! If you have ample extra time, say another week (or more), check all these stops on a San Francisco to Seattle road trip ! Crater Lake and donuts, anyone?!

Have you ever take a California coast road trip?! Is taking a road trip down the Pacific Coast Highway on your bucket list?!

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The Ultimate California Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary (2024 Guide)

Last Updated: February 4, 2024

Plan the ultimate itinerary for the famous California Pacific Coast Highway road trip highlights of the west coast!

The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most famous road trips in the USA and one of the best places to visit in California ! Snaking up the dramatic coastlines of California, Oregon, and Washington, the Pacific Coast Highway, or Highway 1, offers an incredibly scenic drive.

This article will outline an ideal California coast road trip that covers the highlights of the iconic Pacific Coast Highway. Though you can take the highway all the way up to Washington, we will just be focusing on California .

There is simply so much to see along the USA’s west coast that it’s easier to focus on one area at a time! So this Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary will cover the best places to stop from San Diego up to San Francisco and the Redwoods in Northern California.

So get ready for an epic road trip itinerary full of beaches, state parks, cities, wine countries, historic landmarks, and more.

From the wineries of Santa Barbara to the impressive Hearst Castle, to the stunning Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur, to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, you will get to see it all on this Pacific Coast Highway road trip!

Table of Contents

Where Does The Pacific Coast Highway Start And End?

How long do you need for this california pacific coast highway itinerary, laguna beach, newport beach and huntington beach, santa monica, santa barbara, pismo beach and san luis obispo, carmel by the sea and pebble beach, half moon bay, san francisco, humboldt redwoods state park, additional ideas for a pacific coast highway road trip itinerary.

If you ask how long the Pacific Coast Highway actually is, you’ll see there are a few different responses.

The southern end of the Pacific Coast Highway begins in San Diego. But the northern point of the route is a little fuzzy. Some consider it to end in Northern California , and some consider it to end up in Washington in either Olympia or Seattle .

The entire Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary from San Diego up to northern Washington is around 1,600 miles long.

But because this article will focus on a California road trip up the Pacific Coast Highway, we’re covering a distance of about 780 miles from San Diego to the Redwoods just north of San Francisco. If you extend this California road trip further north into Oregon and Washington, you’ll of course cover more miles.

But just to keep it simple, we’re focusing on a PCH road trip itinerary that just includes California.

Find an alternative, 10-day California road trip itinerary here !

The time it takes you to complete this California road trip is up to you! It’s about 13-14 hours of driving time, so it just depends on how often you want to stop.

If you want to take your time and spend at least one night in each place, you could easily spend 2-3 weeks driving up the Pacific Coast Highway. But you could also do the drive in just a few days if you’re short on time.

To keep this California road trip itinerary flexible, we’ll just include the recommended stops. How long you spend in each place is up to you! You can stop in each place for a few hours, or you can stay overnight for a few days.

But the sweet spot for this Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary is about 1-2 weeks! This gives you plenty of time to stay overnight in hotspots like San Diego, Santa Barbara, Big Sur, and San Francisco. You wouldn’t want to rush this stunning road trip!

California Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary

Now let’s get into our ultimate Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary! We’ll be starting in downtown San Diego, where you should definitely spend a few days before you hit the road. There are lots of places to rent a car in San Diego as well!

This road trip itinerary takes you north up the coast towards San Francisco and the Redwoods. But you can also reverse the journey so you’re headed south instead.

No matter which direction you’d prefer to travel, here are all the recommended stops on a Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary!

Note: Check local websites for road conditions and closures before you embark on your road trip! For the Pacific Coast Highway, visit this website and see current closures for Highway 1. Road conditions are constantly changing in California, so it’s always smart to double-check before you travel!

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Begin your Pacific Coast Highway in the sunny city of San Diego . This vibrant coastal metropolis in Southern California offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication.

The city’s picturesque coastline stretches for miles, attracting surfers, sunbathers, and beach enthusiasts from around the world. From Pacific Beach and Ocean Beach to the lively Mission Beach boardwalk, there are endless opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation.

La Jolla Cove is a hub for outdoor activities where you can kayak through sea caves and spot sea lions lounging on the rocks.

San Diego’s vibrant neighborhoods, such as the historic Gaslamp Quarter and trendy North Park, buzz with a lively atmosphere, boasting an array of exceptional dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

Additionally, San Diego is home to numerous world-class attractions, including the renowned San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park’s museums and gardens, and the USS Midway Museum , offering visitors an enriching cultural and educational experience.

Whether exploring the historic architecture of Old Town, embarking on a harbor cruise, or catching a Padres baseball game at Petco Park, San Diego offers an enchanting blend of natural wonders, cultural treasures, and warm hospitality that leaves visitors and residents alike captivated by its charm.

Make sure you take time to soak it all in before you head off on your PCH road trip!

Consider booking the San Diego CityPASS to save money on some of the city’s top attractions!

Driving time from San Diego: 1 hour and 10 minutes

After exploring San Diego , you can continue your road trip up the Pacific Coast! The city is truly packed with fun things to do. But once you’ve had your fill of San Diego, head north up the Pacific Coast Highway to your next destination: Dana Point.

Nestled along the beautiful coastline of Southern California, this picturesque seaside city embodies the epitome of coastal living. Located in Orange County, Dana Point is renowned for its stunning beaches, enchanting harbor, and laid-back atmosphere.

The city’s most iconic feature is Dana Point Harbor , a bustling marina that serves as a gateway to endless ocean adventures. From here, visitors can embark on whale-watching excursions, fishing trips, or simply take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, admiring the colorful boats and enjoying the fresh sea breeze.

In addition to its natural beauty, the city offers a range of recreational activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Surfers flock to the famous Doheny State Beach, known for its excellent waves and pristine sand. The surrounding cliffs and bluffs provide picturesque hiking trails with breathtaking ocean views.

It’s a truly gorgeous spot along the Pacific Coast Highway that deserves a visit, whether it’s a full day or a few hours. Next, continue north towards the world-famous beaches of Los Angeles!

Read next: 25 Best Things To Do In Southern California

Driving time from Dana Point: 20 minutes

As the Pacific Coast Highway travels along the coast of Los Angeles , there are so many beaches to stop at. Though every Southern California beach is beautiful, we’ll only recommend the ones that have the most to offer!

Laguna Beach is definitely one of the best beaches in LA, so it’s worth spending a day or two here. Nestled between majestic cliffs and crystal-clear waters, Laguna Beach offers a picturesque backdrop that has long captivated visitors and artists alike.

The city is dotted with pristine beaches, such as Main Beach and Crescent Bay, where sunbathers can relax on the golden sand or explore the tide pools teeming with marine life.

The iconic Heisler Park showcases meticulously manicured gardens, scenic walking paths, and breathtaking ocean views, making it a favorite spot for locals and tourists to immerse themselves in the area’s natural splendor.

Laguna Beach has fostered a thriving arts community that has earned it the title of an artist’s haven. The city is home to numerous art galleries, showcasing a diverse range of styles and mediums. Visitors can wander through the quaint streets of Laguna Village, where they’ll discover unique shops, boutiques, and coffee houses.

Find more things to do in Los Angeles here !

Driving time from Laguna Beach: 30 minutes

From Laguna Beach, continue north up the Pacific Coast Highway. Your next stop is Huntington Beach, known as “Surf City, USA”, but you may want to stop in Newport Beach on the way up. It’s only a 10-minute drive in between Newport Beach and Huntington Beach, so you can choose where you’d like to spend your time!

Newport Beach, situated along the stunning Orange County coastline, is a picturesque seaside city renowned for its amazing beach, upscale shopping, and a vibrant harbor filled with luxury yachts. Newport Beach is also known for its excellent whale watching !

Huntington Beach is more known for its consistent surf breaks and rich surfing culture, attracting surfers from around the world. If you love to surf, this spot is a must-visit on your PCH road trip.

Huntington Beach boasts a laid-back atmosphere, charming beachfront neighborhoods, and a bustling downtown scene. Both towns are truly captivating and perfect for beach lovers!

Spend as much time soaking in the sun here as you please, and then continue up the Pacific Coast Highway to Santa Monica!

Driving time from Huntington Beach: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Next on your Pacific Coast Highway itinerary is the gorgeous city of Santa Monica . Located on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, Santa Monica seamlessly blends beachside relaxation with a lively urban atmosphere.

The iconic Santa Monica Pier serves as a centerpiece, offering a myriad of attractions, including thrilling amusement park rides, delicious dining options, and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.

The bustling Third Street Promenade, a popular pedestrian-only shopping district, features a variety of upscale boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment venues, making it a haven for shopaholics and culture enthusiasts alike.

Beyond the beach, Santa Monica boasts an abundance of recreational opportunities. The picturesque Palisades Park, overlooking the ocean, offers a serene escape and breathtaking views, while the Marvin Braude Bike Trail attracts cyclists and walkers who wish to traverse the stunning coastline.

Additionally, the city is home to the iconic Santa Monica Mountains, providing ample opportunities for outdoor adventures, including hiking, horseback riding, and even wildlife spotting.

With its unbeatable combination of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and a laid-back yet energetic vibe, Santa Monica offers visitors a quintessential California experience that captures the essence of coastal living.

If you need a change in scenery while staying in Santa Monica, walk over to Venice Beach, another iconic LA coastal neighborhood. Check out the Venice Beach Boardwalk or Venice Beach Skatepark, or just absorb the melting pot of creativity.

Santa Monica and the surrounding attractions like the mountains and Venice Beach could easily entertain for days on end. When you’re ready to continue on your California road trip, head back to the Pacific Coast Highway and venture up to Santa Barbara!

Driving time from Santa Monica: 1 hour and 45 minutes

Santa Barbara is a must-see destination on any California coast road trip. Nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara is a picturesque coastal city on the central coast of California.

Known as the “American Riviera,” Santa Barbara offers a stunning combination of natural beauty, Spanish colonial architecture, and a thriving cultural scene. The city’s red-tiled roofs, white adobe buildings, and palm-lined streets exude a charming Mediterranean vibe.

Stearns Wharf, the city’s iconic pier, provides panoramic ocean views and is dotted with seafood restaurants and boutique shops. Santa Barbara’s beaches, such as East Beach and Butterfly Beach, are ideal for sunbathing, surfing, or simply taking a leisurely stroll along the shoreline.

If you’re looking for a more adventurous activity and you plan to spend at least a full day in Santa Barbara, consider a kayaking day trip through the neighboring Channel Islands!

Aside from its natural beauty, Santa Barbara is also home to a vibrant wine country. The Santa Ynez Valley, located just a short drive from downtown Santa Barbara, is renowned for its wineries and vineyards. Visitors can indulge in wine tastings, tour the picturesque vineyards, and savor delicious farm-to-table cuisine.

Whether it’s exploring the urban charms of the city or venturing into the idyllic wine country, Santa Barbara captivates with its natural beauty, cultural treasures, and relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance.

Find more things to do in Santa Barbara here !

Driving time from Santa Barbara: 2 hours

Next, your Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary continues north into the Central Coast of California. Pismo Beach is a great place to stop for a few hours or overnight. This charming coastal town beckons visitors with its pristine beaches, coastal bluffs, and laid-back atmosphere.

Known for its sandy shores and huge sand dunes, Pismo Beach is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and beach lovers. The iconic Pismo Beach Pier offers breathtaking ocean views and is a popular spot for fishing and strolling. Along the bustling Shell Beach Road, visitors can explore local shops, quaint cafes, and seafood restaurants, indulging in the coastal town’s delectable cuisine.

After enjoying Pismo Beach, you’re heading north to Morro Bay. But it’s well worth stopping in San Luis Obispo on the way! It’s only a short drive of about 15 minutes from Pismo Beach to San Luis Obispo, so the two could be considered one stop.

With its charming downtown, lined with historic buildings and a bustling farmers’ market, San Luis Obispo offers a delightful blend of small-town charm and urban amenities. Enjoy a quick visit here and then continue up to Morro Bay!

Driving time from Pismo Beach: 30 minutes

Another beautiful place to stop on any Pacific Coast Highway road trip is Morro Bay. This picturesque seaside town is renowned for its iconic landmark, Morro Rock. Rising majestically from the water, this volcanic plug attracts visitors with its striking presence.

The town offers a charming blend of natural beauty and coastal charm, with its pristine beaches, scenic coastal trails, and a bustling waterfront filled with fishing boats and sailboats.

Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the rich marine life of Morro Bay National Estuary through kayaking, paddle boarding, or embarking on a wildlife cruise. With its relaxed atmosphere, stunning vistas, and abundant recreational opportunities, Morro Bay is a coastal gem that captivates visitors with its unspoiled beauty and coastal charm.

Continue up the dazzling Pacific Coast Highway towards San Simeon and its fascinating Hearst Castle – a highlight of any California coast road trip!

Driving time from Morro Bay: 30 minutes

Just 30 minutes north of Morro Bay is the historic and charming town of San Simeon. If you’re looking for something a little different as you drive the Pacific Coast Highway, San Simeon offers unique attractions other than the classic dramatic coastal views.

The crown jewel of San Simeon is undoubtedly Hearst Castle, the opulent mansion built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. The architectural marvel of Hearst Castle showcases stunning Mediterranean Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival styles, with lavish interiors and expansive gardens.

Visitors can take guided tours to explore the grandeur of Hearst Castle, immersing themselves in its fascinating history and experiencing the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the Pacific Ocean.

Beyond the iconic Hearst Castle, San Simeon offers a wealth of natural beauty and outdoor activities. The nearby Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery is a must-visit, where visitors can witness hundreds of elephant seals in their natural habitat, lounging on the beach and engaging in fascinating social behaviors.

Elephant Seal Vista Point in San Simeon is one of the best places on the California coast for viewing elephant seals! Once you’ve seen enough seals and castles, you can continue north from San Simeon up to Big Sur, a highlight of this PCH road trip!

Looking for more epic US road trips? Check out our Las Vegas to Los Angeles road trip guide !

Driving time from San Simeon: 2 hours

Continue north until you reach the crown jewel of the Pacific Coast Highway: Big Sur. Situated right in the middle of the California coast, Big Sur is a breathtaking region known for its rugged beauty and dramatic landscapes. This iconic stretch of coastline stretches for approximately 90 miles and is characterized by towering cliffs, beautiful beaches, and lush forests.

Big Sur is home to several state parks, including Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, which offer a plethora of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife spotting. Pfeiffer Beach, in particular, is a gorgeous spot, with huge cliffs and rock formations scattered across the sand.

In addition to its natural wonders, Big Sur also boasts a vibrant arts and cultural scene. The region has long been a source of inspiration for artists, writers, and musicians, who are drawn to its ethereal beauty and peaceful ambiance.

Numerous art galleries and studios can be found throughout Big Sur, showcasing the works of local artisans. Big Sur is also home to the renowned Esalen Institute, a retreat center known for its workshops, hot springs, and breathtaking coastal views.

The serene and unspoiled environment makes Big Sur an ideal retreat for nature lovers, artists, and those seeking a tranquil escape from the bustling city life.

And because Big Sur is centrally located on this Pacific Coast Highway road trip, it’s a convenient place to stop for a few days. Grab a hotel in Big Sur and chill out for a few days as you admire this gem of the Pacific Coast!

From Big Sur, continue north over the Bixby Creek Bridge as you head towards Pebble Beach and Carmel by the Sea. Make sure you stop and snap a few photos at Bixby Creek Bridge, as this is an iconic landmark on the famous California highway! The bridge is about 10 miles north of downtown Big Sur, or a half hour drive from Pfeiffer Beach.

Driving time from Big Sur: 40 minutes

Another one of the best Pacific Coast Highway stops is Carmel By The Sea. Known for its storybook-like architecture, flower-lined streets, and pristine white-sand beaches, Carmel by the Sea offers a unique blend of natural beauty and artistic charm.

Carmel Beach, with its azure waters and stunning views of Pebble Beach and Point Lobos, is a haven for beach lovers and a perfect spot for picnics, sunset strolls, and even dog-friendly adventures.

Pebble Beach is undoubtedly a highlight of this Pacific Coast Highway road trip. Pebble Beach boasts one of the most prestigious golf courses in the world, Pebble Beach Golf Links . Golf enthusiasts flock to this legendary course to experience its breathtaking oceanfront holes and challenging greens.

Aside from golf, Pebble Beach offers a plethora of recreational activities, including scenic drives along the iconic 17-Mile Drive, which showcases awe-inspiring coastal vistas, dramatic cliffs, and the iconic Lone Cypress.

Visitors can also explore the enchanting Del Monte Forest, where hiking trails wind through beautiful landscapes and offer glimpses of local wildlife. With its blend of natural beauty, luxurious resorts, and world-class golf, Carmel by the Sea and Pebble Beach create an irresistible destination that combines relaxation, outdoor adventures, and a touch of sophistication.

Driving time from Pebble Beach: 13 minutes

Situated right next to Carmel By The Sea and Pebble Beach is Monterey , another quaint seaside town that is a beautiful place to stop on any California road trip. You can explore all three of these stunning locations in one day, or stay in the area for a few days to really soak it all in.

Monterey is one of the best places along the California Highway for whale watching . March through November offers excellent whale watching in Monterey. Look out for gray whales, humpback whales, and even seals, sea lions, sea otters, and more.

Or visit the iconic Monterey Bay Aquarium, which showcases a mesmerizing array of aquatic creatures and educates visitors about marine conservation.

Other highlights of Monterey include the historic Cannery Row. Once a bustling sardine canning district, this area has been transformed into a lively waterfront area with charming shops, restaurants, and wine-tasting rooms.

Monterey’s rich history is reflected in attractions such as the historic adobe buildings of Monterey State Historic Park and the storied Monterey Old Fisherman’s Wharf. Once you’ve made the most of this amazing area, head north toward Santa Cruz!

Driving time from Monterey: 50 minutes

Continue along the stunning Pacific Coast Highway for about an hour until you reach Santa Cruz . Travelers in Santa Cruz can soak up the west coast sunshine at the city’s beaches such as Main Beach and Natural Bridges State Beach.

The iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a historic seaside amusement park, provides a delightful mix of thrilling rides, arcade games, and delicious treats, making it a favorite spot for families and thrill-seekers.

Nature enthusiasts in Santa Cruz can head to the majestic redwood forests of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, where they can hike through towering trees, spot wildlife, and even take a ride on the scenic Roaring Camp Railroad .

Santa Cruz also has a vibrant downtown, with its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and street performers. Pacific Avenue is a bustling hub of activity, lined with boutique stores, art galleries, and cafes, providing a haven for shoppers and art enthusiasts.

With its stunning coastal scenery, diverse outdoor activities, and lively cultural scene, Santa Cruz captures the essence of California beach living and welcomes visitors with open arms.

From Santa Cruz, continue your journey along the Pacific Coast Highway as you make your way toward San Francisco. Consider stopping at the Pigeon Point Lighthouse shortly after you leave Santa Cruz for an extra special viewpoint!

Read Next: Don’t forget these great things to do in Santa Cruz !

Driving time from Santa Cruz: 1 hour

On the way to San Francisco, make sure to stop in Half Moon Bay! This picturesque town has gorgeous beaches, dramatic cliffs, and idyllic coastal views. It’s just an hour from San Francisco, so here is where you can enjoy some peaceful vibes before you hit the city!

Half Moon Bay is a beautiful coastal gem perfect for surfers and nature lovers, and it’s a highlight of any California road trip. Surfers flock to Mavericks, a legendary surf break known for its massive waves, while beachgoers can relax and unwind on the pristine shores of Half Moon Bay State Beach.

The town’s charming Main Street is lined with quaint shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes, inviting visitors to stroll and explore the local charm. Take all the time you need to relax here, as your next stop is the bustling San Francisco Bay!

Read next: The 25 Best Things To Do In Northern California

Driving time from Half Moon Bay: 50 minutes

Next on this California road trip is the mighty city of San Francisco. Often referred to as the “City by the Bay,” San Francisco is a vibrant and iconic metropolis nestled along the northern part of the California highway.

Known for its hilly streets, cable cars, and artistic culture, San Francisco boasts a unique charm that captivates visitors from around the world. The city offers a wealth of cultural experiences, from exploring the historic neighborhoods of Chinatown and the bustling shops of Union Square to indulging in the diverse culinary scene and vibrant nightlife.

Visitors can take a ferry to the infamous Alcatraz Island , wander through the picturesque streets of the colorful Victorian houses in the Painted Ladies, or take in panoramic views of the city from Twin Peaks.

Of course, no visit to San Francisco is complete without seeing the Golden Gate Bridge. The Golden Gate Bridge is a breathtaking architectural marvel that spans the entrance of San Francisco Bay.

Another quintessential San Francisco experience is checking out Fisherman’s Wharf. Located on the northern waterfront of San Francisco, Fisherman’s Wharf has delectable seafood restaurants and iconic attractions like Pier 39 and Ghirardelli Square.

With its iconic landmarks like Fisherman’s Wharf and the Golden Gate Bridge, to its rich cultural diversity and progressive spirit, San Francisco truly embodies the essence of the American West Coast. It’s a must-visit on a California road trip, and it’s worth spending at least three days here!

Find more things to do in San Francisco here !

Driving time from San Francisco: 45 minutes

It’s common for a PCH road trip itinerary to stop in San Francisco. If you’re looking to fly back home from the end of your road trip, then ending in San Francisco is convenient as there is a major international airport here.

But if you have more time to spare, it’s worth continuing north from San Francisco to check out the natural beauty of Northern California. Just 45 minutes away from downtown San Francisco is Muir Woods National Monument . For nature lovers, you won’t regret adding this spot to your Pacific Coast Highway road trip!

Muir Woods is a tranquil and awe-inspiring destination that immerses visitors in the majesty of towering ancient redwood trees. This breathtaking national monument, named after renowned environmentalist John Muir, allows visitors to marvel at the colossal redwoods that have stood tall for centuries.

The peaceful trails winding through the woods provide an opportunity for contemplation and connection with nature, allowing visitors to witness the grandeur and beauty of one of the last remaining old-growth redwood forests in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Muir Woods is not only a natural wonder but also a place of reflection and appreciation for the incredible resilience and magnificence of these ancient giants.

Driving time from Muir Woods: 3 hours and 45 minutes

After checking out Muir Woods, it’s a bit of a trek up to Humboldt Redwoods State Park . If you’ve seen enough redwoods already and you’d rather return to San Francisco and wrap up your PCH road trip, that’s fine!

But if you do want to admire even more magnificent old-growth redwood forests, Humboldt Redwoods State Park is well worth the trip. It’s a popular weekend trip destination from San Francisco, and it’s a highlight of the Pacific Coast Highway.

Spanning over 53,000 acres, this awe-inspiring park is home to some of the tallest and oldest living organisms on Earth, including the famous Avenue of the Giants, where visitors can drive or hike through a scenic 32-mile stretch surrounded by towering redwoods.

The park offers a variety of trails, from leisurely walks to challenging hikes, allowing visitors to explore the peaceful serenity of the ancient forest, witness sunlight filtering through the dense canopy, and listen to the gentle whispers of nature.

In addition to its majestic redwoods, Humboldt Redwoods State Park also boasts picturesque rivers, lush fern-covered meadows, and abundant wildlife. The park offers opportunities for camping, picnicking, fishing, and swimming, inviting visitors to fully immerse themselves in the natural splendor of the surroundings.

Visitors can also learn about the rich cultural history of the area by visiting the park’s visitor center, which provides insights into the indigenous peoples who have long revered the redwoods and the logging industry that has shaped the region.

Humboldt Redwoods State Park serves as a haven for those seeking solace, tranquility, and a deep connection with nature amidst the awe-inspiring grandeur of ancient redwood forests.

Though this PCH road trip only covers the California coast, there is much more to see and do further north!

We’ve covered the California coast road trip from San Diego up to the Redwoods, including highlights like Santa Barbara, Big Sur, Hearst Castle, Santa Cruz, San Francisco, and more. But the Pacific Coast Highway does continue past Northern California and into Oregon and Washington.

If you have time, take the Pacific Coast Highway all the way up the Oregon Coast! Stop in stunning state parks and maybe make a detour to the artsy and inviting city of Portland .

Then continue up into Washington and check out Seattle and the majestic Olympic National Park. If you’re extending your Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary all the way up to Seattle , you should definitely leave yourself at least a few weeks.

You may need to cut some of the stops from the California coast if you want time for all the locations in Oregon and Washington, or you may need to carve out more time for your road trip.

Or if you have time for more inland travel, consider blending this PCH road trip itinerary with some day trips to iconic places like Yosemite National Park near San Francisco or Death Valley National Park near San Diego.

Either way, from the east coast USA to the west, there are few road trips that are more memorable than the Pacific Coast Highway!

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Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

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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.

Big Sur coastal drive: Rocky Point. Woman and coastline

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.

Point Lobos Indian Paintbrush orange flowers

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.

Big Sur Nacimento road. overlooking the ocean

(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 .

Half Moon Bay beach bean hollow state park

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.

Santa Cruz Weekend Getaway- Natural Bridges state park

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.

Pacific Coast Highway Drive: Monterery Bay Coastline

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.

Big Sur Bakery on the Big Sur coast drive. two women ordering

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.)

Cayucos Estero Bluffs hike. woman looking at ocean

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 .

Los Olivos General Store Santa Ynez Valley

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.

Buellton MendenHalls Museum of Gas Pumps and Petrolania

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.

“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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Pacific Coast Highway drive road trip itinerary.

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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!

California , Travel , USA

Pacific coast highway road trip itinerary.

The Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip is one of the most iconic road trips in the world. Growing up in California, it was sort of a right of passage to drive the PCH. This beautiful stretch of road along the California Coast will not disappoint! Keep reading for some amazing Pacific Coast Highway stops.

The Best Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary

Feeling stuck? Me, too. Sigh. I know a lot of us travelers have set our sights a bit closer to our own backyards these days. Literally… that is where we spend most of our time- our backyard. And oh boy, are we thankful to have it!

Soon enough, I hope we can all get out to regain our sanity and travel in some healthy and responsible ways. I’m looking forward to exploring some of the National Parks in California and beyond.

One of the best ways for us to do that in the United States is the tried and true road trip ! Since road trips are perhaps the most feasible option for traveling these days, (and the most affordable since gas is cheap right now), I will be highlighting some of our favorites over the next couple of months.

One favorite road trip we have taken is driving the Pacific Coast Highway in California. It’s one of my favorite stretches of our epic USA West Coast Road Trip Itinerary. Planning and then going on a Pacific Coast Road Trip may be the literal breath of fresh air your family needs this season.

Other than Route 66, the west coast road trip on Pacific Highway 1 is one of the most iconic road trips you can take in the USA. I’ll highlight the best places to stop on Pacific Coast Highway 1. I decided to do this post list-style so you can pick and choose what interests you and fits your timeframe.

For our purposes, I will lay out the Pacific Coast Highway road trip North to South. The great thing about this is that the weather will get nicer and nicer as you go and the passenger (me, with camera in hand!) gets all the great views while you travel.

The Best Pacific Coast Highway Stops

When you start your Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip from San Francisco, you will be near my old stomping grounds in Sacramento. California definitely feels like home and I’m so happy to share some of its gems with you in this Pacific Coast Highway itinerary with the best stops on highway 1.

Point Reyes National Seashore

We are going to start this trip a bit north of San Francisco in a place that can’t be missed- Point Reyes National Seashore. This gem is definitely one of the best stops on the Pacific Coast Highway. Some parts are windswept and beautiful.

Other parts are simply CUTE, like its gorgeous lighthouse and darling shops in the small beachside town, Point Reyes Station. The feel of this place is unlike much of the California coast because it’s a slower vibe with tons of unspoiled beaches due to it being a protected National Seashore.

Be sure to see the Cypress Tree Tunnel on the way to the lighthouse. In my opinion, it’s even more impressive than the Dark Hedges in Ireland !

San Francisco

In a normal year, I would suggest spending a day or two in San Francisco. Here’s a post I have written on Adventures for Kids in San Francisco just in case you are reading this in a less social-distancy kinda time.

For now, this is no normal year! I will focus on lots-of-space-between-people outdoorsy stops on the PCH. There is certainly no shortage of jaw-dropping outdoor spaces along this route.

Golden Gate Bridge Picnic

While you will indeed start at the beginning of the PCH in San Fran, I recommend picking up some groceries, parking at Golden Gate Bridge Park and having a picnic lunch to start your drive. Bring your windbreakers! It’s California, but San Francisco weather is unpredictable.

After your picnic, and taking some iconic photos with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background, it’s time to make the 2 hour drive to Monterey. As you don’t want to miss any views, make an effort to get to Monterey before dark.

First of all, Monterey totally deserves its own post and has one! For more of what to do in Monterey , check it out. One of my favorite highlights was watching seals at Fisherman’s Wharf while we grabbed some food. There are some great restaurants for clam chowder, especially. Café Fina has a toasted clam chowder bowl and Loulou’s Griddle in the Middle is rumored to have the best chowder around.

If it’s open at the time you’re reading this, be sure to stop by the Monterey Bay Aquarium (considered one of the best in the world), and if you’re traveling with kids, you need to play at Denis the Menace Park (closed as of 6/25/2020).

17 Mile Drive Monterey

This is SUCH a great way to spend an afternoon or a whole day. For $10.50 per vehicle, you will have all-day access to pristine beaches and eye-popping cliff views. The earlier you get to one of the entrance points, the better as there is usually a line.

I loved seeing the famed Lone Cyprus, which has seen 250 years of the Pacific Coast while precariously perched on a cliff! I have to be honest, it was also fun to gawk at the crazy gazillion dollar mansions along the route, too.

Point Lobos State Park

Just south of Monterey is Carmel-by-the-Sea, where you will find Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. The color of the water here, it is just an unbelievable shade of turquoise and will make your heart sing.

On top of the jaw-dropping beauty of this relatively small park, you may run into some wildlife while you explore. It is pretty common to spy walruses lounging or even pods of whales off the coast. On the smaller end of the wildlife spectrum, at low tide there are all manner of little creatures in the tide pools.

Pfieffer Big Sur State Park

I recommend driving the stretch around Big Sur at a time of day when you are still feeling perky, as there is usually fog combined with curvy roads. Be careful! But also be sure to spend a morning exploring Big Sur State Park because it is the southernmost point where you can see the famous gargantuan Redwoods. Redwood trees are definitely a must when you visit Cali.

Dinosaur Caves Park

The picnic tables in this cliffside park make it a great option for having a meal al fresco. If you are tired of road trip sandwiches, Pismo Fish & Chips is nearby and a great option for takeout nearby.

There are bathrooms, free parking, and dogs are allowed. It is the perfect place to stretch your legs and let the kids run around the grounds or the fun playground while you take in some views.

Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach is one of the top small beach towns in California . What makes the Pismo beach area a special part of the PCH highway is that it has a bit of something for everyone. It’s near the central coast wine region so it has fabulous wine bars. For those of you who don’t drink like me, maybe you’d fancy a soak in some hot springs. There are several resorts around where you can take advantage of these naturally mineral-rich waters.

The Monarch Butterfly Grove is a nature preserve where you can surround yourself with thousands of monarchs dancing around you between the months of October and February. Oceano Dunes is another nature preserve filled with a wide expanse of beautiful sand dunes right along the coast. Or you can just grab an ice cream and wander along the fishing pier in town.

While you’re there, be sure to check out outdoor photographer Chris Burkard’s studio !

How could I forget the main attraction in Pismo beach? The beach itself! If you want to walk on a beautiful sandy beach in this area, there are several options. Elwayden Ocean Park and Spyglass Park are good choices with grassy areas and stairs to the beach. Then there is Pismo State Beach itself, with miles of flat sandy shore to enjoy.

Los Angeles & Hollywood

Dip into Los Angeles and Hollywood and explore all that this huge city has to offer. You could spend weeks here, so it might be good for a separate trip. There is so much to do and see here.

Crystal Cove State Park

I love this beach in Orange County and I think it’s the most beautiful one. More than 3 miles of sandy beaches leave you plenty of room to spread out. At low tide you can explore the tide pools, which is always a win with curious kids (and adults)!

Heisler Park

Lawn bowling, Tide Pools and Gardens by the ocean with oh-so-California palm tree ocean views? Check, Check, Check. Want a budget dinner with 5 star views? Grab some fish tacos from Taco Loco to go on Hwy 1 in Laguna Beach. Then backtrack half a mile to a Heisler Park picnic table to enjoy. Don’t forget the baby wipes because…. tacos.

Table Rock Beach

With water so turquoise it brings tears to the eyes, this beach is less crowded than others in the area. Perhaps it’s the 100+ steps down to the beach… and back up? Honestly, after all the tacos, built-in cardio for a break from the crowds is not a bad idea.

Pacific Coast Highway Map

Here’s a Pacific coast highway road trip map with the best things to do on Pacific Coast Highway 1.

Where to Stay Along the Pacific Coast Highway

Camping- .

For Camping by RV or tent, the California Parks website will be one of your best resources. If you’d like a spot in one of these beach campgrounds, do your planning early.

Spots open up for reservations 6 months ahead at 8 AM Pacific Time. I’m not kidding that you should set an alarm. All spots go quickly but the ocean view ones go in minutes and are worth the trouble and cost.

Make a list of your preferred sites ahead of time by using campground maps for each location and this awesome website with photos of each spot. You can even use their search tool to see if they have already highlighted the best spots in the campground you like.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park- South of San Jose and while it’s not on the beach or on Hwy 1, it’s only 10 min north of Hwy 1 in Santa Cruz. And… Redwoods!!

Pfieffer Big Sur State Park- 26 miles south of Carmel. While it’s not on the beach, this campground is in one of the most popular parks along the PCH. It’s a 15-minute drive inland from the coast.

Point Mugu State Park- This park north of Malibu has a couple campgrounds, Thornhill Broome State Beach is right by the ocean. Sycamore Canyon Campground is only ½ a mile from the water.

Moro Campground at Crystal Cove State Park- Make it through LA and the most beautiful beach in Orange County that I mentioned as a must-see stop is your reward!

South Carlsbad State Beach – Beautiful views, reserve as soon as they open reservations to get one of the cliffside spots. This beach is not far from Legoland, if you want to combine your trip with a theme park.

Airbnbs or Hotels

There are some places I would recommend basing for a night or two on a road trip due to the broad range of Airbnbs & hotels (yay for competitive pricing!) and the proximity to other great places on the Pacific Coast Highway.

Though this is meant to be a more outdoorsy itinerary, if you simply can’t resist San Francisco, with some planning you could focus on the less-crowded outdoor spaces. Obviously there will be tons of accommodation options.

Monterey/Carmel-by-the-Sea

This area has tons of Airbnbs & hotels and is definitely a destination in its own right. When we lived in California, we loved exploring this area!

There is a total lack of accommodations from Big Sur for a couple of hours drive. But there is an area one hour north of Pismo Beach called Cambria that has tons of accomodations right on the coast.

Santa Barbara

The next concentration of accommodations is in Santa Barbara. This area is the last real place to base before you reach the chaos of Los Angeles.

A bit more than halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, you will find the city of Carlsbad. It’s a pretty area and it’s convenient to stay in with plenty of hotels and Airbnbs.

You’ll find any hotel chain you fancy in San Diego and the beach communities just north. I really like the Oceanside area.

Well, that’s a wrap on your Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip. It’s one I know you won’t regret.

Wanderlust Crew

10 Days California Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Welcome to our California Coast Road Trip Planner! You will find this itinerary useful if you are planning 10 Days in California road trip.

Planning a road trip along the Pacific Coast of California from Los Angeles to the redwoods in Northern California? This Highway 1 road trip planner will guide you in planning a spectacular road trip through the coastal attractions.

California Coast Road Trip along Highway 1 or the Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most thrilling, memorable, and beautiful road trips in the world.

The road trip has panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the rocky cliffs of the central coast. Route 1 passes through some of the most gorgeous natural areas including Big Sur, Point Reyes, foggy redwood state and national parks, and charming laid-back towns.

For the most part of the trip, you have the mountains on one side and the sparkling blue water of the Pacific Ocean on the other side. And if you are lucky to drive during the off-season, you will have the road all to yourself!

The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the reasons California is a top bucket list destination the world over. And there is no better way to experience the coast than on a road trip along the most scenic part of the coast.

Highway 1 takes many forms in coastal California: near Malibu, you have sandy beaches and luxurious villas, in Big Sur, you have the rocky coastal cliffs and tidepools, in Monterey, you have multi-colored canning factories and sea lions, in San Francisco, you will find yourself driving amid skyscrapers! At the northern end, you will find the coastal redwoods – among the oldest trees in the world, these trees have been around since the times of the dinosaurs.

A road trip along the California Coast is made for falling in love. With each other, with the road, with the journey, with the destination, with nature, with driving, and with life itself! This is truly the best road trip that California and the West Coast have to offer and it’s up for grabs for anyone who has a car!

This California coast road trip itinerary will take you up the coast, exploring hidden gems and underrated attractions along the way. It will show you historic lighthouses and tell you bits of forgotten history such as Henry Miller’s eternal connection with Big Sur!

While the itinerary follows the California Coast from south to the north, you can also use it to drive north to south. Here is a sample itinerary for a 10 Day California Coast drive.

Day 1 – Los Angeles

Welcome to Los Angeles, one of our favorite cities to start a Pacific Coast Highway road trip. The city is everything you have heard of and much more! Here’s where Hollywood dreams come true. The city is truly the melting pot of the West and is the ultimate land of opportunity on the Pacific Coast. The city has many incredible attractions for everyone.

The city makes the best of the famous SoCal sunshine by hosting a variety of outdoor events and celebrations. From sports and famous teams (Lakers, Angels, Trojans) to celebs walking down the road, you will have dozens of unique experiences in Los Angeles. Add in the beaches, boardwalks, and piers, and you are bound to have a mighty good time. LA’s beach lifestyle is certainly to be envied!

Head to Downtown LA and Hollywood Blvd to enjoy the city’s most famous attractions including the Walk of Fame, Chinese Theater, movie studios, the Museum Row on Miracle Mile, and the Griffith Observatory. Read our post on the Best Things to do in Los Angeles to plan your day in the city.

From finger-licking good Mexican food to a thriving nightlife scene, the list of attractions in Los Angeles never seems to end! Enjoy a California style burrito that reflects the city’s blended Hispanic heritage. Try vegan foods, fresh farm to table cuisines, and a bevy of health-conscious options. Sip on smoothies and cocktails. End the night at a dive bar or enjoy a world-class cultural event at the city’s famous venues on your California Coast Trip.

Day 2 – Santa Barbara and Ventura

After having fun exploring Los Angeles, head up the coast to charming Ventura and sunny Santa Barbara. On the way north, you will pass through Malibu and Santa Monica. This is where Highway 1 starts getting really pretty.

California Route 1 attractions in Santa Monica include the Pier. While you are here, see the canals of Venice. Then make your way past the celebrity beach homes in Malibu and maybe, make a surfing pit stop at Zuma Beach! Even if you don’t want to get into the water, you can just observe the surfers taking advantage of the excellent wave action. Drive past Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area and Oxnard to reach Ventura.

Ventura, California is a charming beach town that is both arty and expensive to live in! Most of the city attractions are centered around the Ventura Pier. From here you can take cruises to the Channel Islands National Park or just walk along the wooden pier to see more of the city. Visit Surfer’s Point to see surfers riding the waves. Visit the beaches or the Mission in downtown Ventura.

After exploring the streets of Ventura, continue to Santa Barbara on your California road trip itinerary of 10 days. This city is popularly called the American Riviera and has a very relaxed vibe.

Santa Barbara is a quintessentially Southern California city. Here you will find a gentle ocean breeze, pretty beaches, white Spanish colonial architecture, and lots of water activities. There are a lot of things to do in Santa Barbara. Take a beachside stroll on the famous East Beach. This lovely beach has fewer crowds and great views of the Pacific. It is also very clean and a favorite with families.

Adjacent to East Beach, you will find Stearns Wharf. This is the best place in the city to enjoy the coastal atmosphere of the city. Here you will find an impossibly long boardwalk that extends deep into the Pacific Ocean. Along the wharf, there are several excellent seafood restaurants, ice cream shops, and souvenir stores. This is also the place to take boat rides around the harbor, go whale watching, or fishing.

You must also visit the Historic downtown. The Old Mission Santa Barbara is located here. The historic buildings around the mission are built in a similar style of architecture and look very pretty. Another must-visit attraction is the courthouse and clock tower. The view from the top of the tower is just stunning.

Spend the night in Santa Barbara and enjoy the charms of the Pacific Ocean by the night on your California Coast Road Trip Itinerary.

Day 3 – Solvang and San Luis Obispo

Early the next morning, take the PCH north up to the exit for Solvang. This pretty Danish town is not on the Pacific Coast Highway but it is absolutely worth the detour. Solvang was founded in the late 19th century by Danish people who moved to California. They built in the traditional style of architecture and even raised monuments iconic to Denmark including windmills, chalet-style buildings, etc. Here, you will find lots of eclectic shopping and Danish restaurants.

You can either spend the whole day in Solvang or take the time to explore the pretty coastal cities of Pismo Beach and Morro Bay.

Pismo Beach is a great place to stop for an hour or so on California Coastal Road Trip. You can take a romantic stroll through the quaint downtown or go ATV riding on the Oceano Dunes. Munch on fish and chips by the beach or go surfboarding if the weather is good.

Morro Bay might seem familiar to some of you! Its name was featured in the movie Finding Dory. This cute PCH pitstop is most famous for the volcanic Morro Rock that juts out from the ocean. The rock and surrounding coastal wilderness are part of the Morro Bay State Park. Here you will find hiking trails, a museum, tide pools, and excellent birding.

Follow California Pacific Coast Highway 1 further inland and end your day in San Luis Obispo. This college town is trendy and has great nightlife. The city also has cultural attractions, you can read about them in our post Things to do in San Luis Obispo .

Day 4 & 5 – Big Sur

The next day, head up to Big Sur from San Luis Obispo. This is where the road opens up to most iconic sights and attractions along the West Coast. The nature in Big Sur is unspoiled, dramatic, and spectacular. In fact, it is really amazing that this 90 mile stretch of the coast was saved from development and left undisturbed to be the paradise that it is.

Big Sur is the best pit stop on a Pacific Coast Highway road trip. It is home to many natural attractions, hiking trails, wildlife encounters, campgrounds, state parks and federal lands, incredible photo ops, and amazing adventures. Trust us, the two days spent in Big Sur are going to be a pretty memorable part of your Coastal California road trip.

Some of the essential stops in Big Sur include the San Simeon Elephant Seal Rookery, the McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Point Sur Lighthouse, Point Lobos , and Bixby Creek Bridge. To plan your time in Big Sur and decide where to stay, read our post on Best Things to do in Big Sur .

While you can certainly spend both days exploring Big Sur, here are some options if you want to see other parts of the coast. Wine lovers can go wine tasting and tour the wineries in Paso Robles. Couples can spend a quiet evening enjoying the sunset in Cayucos. See the mission and bears statue in Los Osos. Visit Hearst Castle in San Simeon. Explore the fog-covered town of Cambria and hike among the coastal pines.

Day 6 – Monterey and Half Moon Bay

After you say goodbye to Big Sur and promise to come again soon – no, really, because no one can visit Big Sur just once – drive along the Pacific Coast Highway to Monterey, Santa Cruz, and Half Moon Bay. That’s right, you are slowly inching closer to our favorite California city of San Francisco but you won’t arrive yet another day!

Your first stop after Big Sur will be charming Carmel-by-the-Sea. It has beginnings as an art community and has a hipster vibe, but don’t be fooled!

The fairytale-like cottages and wide open pristine coast may seem alluring, but Carmel is one of the most expensive places to live in California. Houses here average around 1.5 to 2 million and facilities like the world-famous Pebble Beach Golf Course can run you into thousands!

But Carmel is absolutely beautiful to explore. Wander into the art galleries, dine in the cafes, visit Carmel Beach, and go birding along the Carmel River. It is fun to spend an hour or two in the town.

Next, pull yourself away from the ridiculously beautiful and charming coastal town and drive north on Route 1 towards Monterey. The city is most popular for the Monterey Aquarium located on Cannery Row. This is quite popular with the kids and a great place to see West Coast marine life at close quarters. Monterey also has great restaurants, museums, and is great to stop by for lunch. You can also visit the nearby city of Pacific Grove or take the highly scenic 17 Mile Drive. Read our post on Things to do in Monterey to plan your trip.

Next, follow Highway 1 north. You can either continue all the way to Monterey and make a short pit stop in Santa Cruz. Take a stroll along the wharf, explore the eateries and shops, and ride the vintage carousel and coaster at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

Then it’s time to visit Half Moon Bay. Here also you will find a historic downtown that is perfect for antiquing. If you have the time, explore the tide pools at Scott Fitzgerald Marine Reserve and see the sunset by Pigeon Point Lighthouse in Pescadero. Visit Half Moon Bay State Beach and admire the Pacific Ocean. Read our post on Things to do in Half Moon Bay for more information.

Day 7 – San Francisco

And finally, it’s time to explore this big and beautiful city of San Francisco. The city has felt like home since I lived in the Bay area a couple of years ago.

The most iconic attraction of San Francisco is of course the Golden Gate Bridge. You would be surprised to know that the bridge is right on Highway 1! Walk, bike, or drive the bridge and admire the view of San Francisco from the Marin Headlands. See the city’s other popular attractions including the Palace of Fine Arts, Chinatown, Lombard Street, and Fisherman’s Wharf. There are so many amazing things to do in San Francisco , that spending just one day here is not enough!

If you have the time, we suggest keeping a couple of days to explore San Francisco after you end your California Coast Drive along the Pacific Coast Highway.

Day 8 – Point Reyes

Follow the Pacific Coast Highway over the Golden Gate Bridge and across the Golden Gate Strait to the Marin Headlands. On the way, you can stop at Muir Woods, the largest coastal redwood forest near San Francisco.

Then head north towards Point Reyes National Seashore. This is the windiest place on the continent! Hike to the beach or the lighthouse, go through the Cypress tunnel and admire the wildlife at Point Reyes. You might spot migrating whales, sea otters, seals, nesting seabirds, land birds, and more in Point Reyes.

For seafood lovers, your next perfect PCH pitstop is Tomales Bay. This area is known for its oyster farms and oyster companies. Here you can eat freshly shucked oysters to your heart’s content. Spend the night in the vicinity of Point Reyes or reach Mendocino and call it a day.

Day 9 – Mendocino and Fort Bragg

While southern California is sunny and warm, Central California is beautiful and charming. But none of them can quite compare to the fog covered mystery and allure of northern California. Here you will find beautiful coastal cities like Mendocino and Fort Bragg.

Mendocino is one of the best places to stop on a Pacific Coast Highway road trip. The pretty whitewashed architecture reminds visitors more of New England than California! It is really pretty to take a stroll but Mendocino’s main attractions are all found outside the city limits. Here you will find three state parks with miles and miles of hiking trails. Read our post on the Best Things to do in Mendocino to plan your trip here.

After seeing Mendocino, visit Fort Bragg. The main attraction of Fort Bragg is its world-famous Glass Beach. The sea glass here is really pretty and makes the beaches one of the unique attractions in California. Visit Mackerricher State Park to see Glass Beach.

Day 10 – Avenue of the Giants

From Fort Bragg, make your way north up to the northern end of California’s Pacific Coast Highway 1 in Leggett. Here you will find the Chandelier Drive-Through Tree, an iconic PCH attraction.

While Highway 1 ends here, the Pacific Coast Highway doesn’t! It simply becomes Highway 101 and meanders all the way north up to Seattle along the Pacific Coast. But don’t worry, you will be following it only as far as the Avenue of the Giants.

Avenue of the Giants is this gorgeous, dark, dreamy, foggy scenic drive through some of the tallest coastal redwoods on the West Coast. The trees here are quite tall and craning your neck that far up is tricky! The road parallels Highway 101 and is worth the exciting trip.

The Avenue of the Giants is 31 miles long but takes about two to three hours to drive because of scenic spots and hiking trails. You can park and walk to see the redwood groves up close. We recommend keeping your camera ready as there are incredible views at every turn of the road.

That’s it! You have completed an amazing California Coast Road Trip all the way from Los Angeles to the north of Mendocino.

California Coast Road Trip Itineraries: Map, Routes and Ideas

California has one of the most spectacular coastlines in the country. It is the perfect place for an unforgettable road trip. Along the coast, there are beautiful cities, such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, and stunning landscapes like those of Big Sur, and fascinating historic settlements. Here are some itineraries and ideas that will make your California coast road trip truly unforgettable.

Pacific Coast Highway: The Road of the American Dream

Visit the most beautiful beaches in california, el camino real – itinerary of the spanish missions in california, whale watching in california: tours and best spots along the coast, best california lighthouses to visit from san diego to crescent city, the best things to do in santa barbara: top 10 attractions and places to visit, big sur road trip: a thousand wonders on california’s central coast, hearst castle: the castle on the enchanted coast of california, a guide to monterey and the monterey peninsula, los angeles to san francisco drive: all possible road trip routes, point lobos state natural reserve: a natural wonder on the california coast, visit solvang, a slice of denmark in california, morro bay: the californian city in the shadow of morro rock, visit san luis obispo, a pleasant city on the pacific coast highway, where to stay between los angeles and san francisco: best stops along highway 1, santa cruz: beaches and picturesque views along the california coast, pfeiffer beach: enchanting sunsets in the heart of big sur, best things to do in pacific grove, the “butterfly town” in california, 17-mile drive: pebble beach’s scenic road in california, laguna beach: visit the most beautiful beaches in california, best 9 things to do in orange county for a day trip, from los angeles to san diego: drive time, best route and stops, discover the main filming locations of top gun and maverick, redwood parks in california: the tallest trees in the world, star wars in california: visit the locations where the star wars saga was filmed, visit mendocino: jessica fletcher’s cabot cove in… california, point reyes national seashore and lighthouse: breathtaking views on the california coast, bowling ball beach: discover the beach in california covered with “bowling balls”, how to plan a visit to the historic point arena lighthouse in mendocino, california, pigeon point light station state park, a fascinating lighthouse on the california coast, napa valley and sonoma valley wineries: best places to visit on a wine tour, silicon valley in california: tour of the headquarters of major high-tech companies, best things to do in oakland and how to get to san francisco, best places to visit in san jose, the gateway to silicon valley, san francisco travel guide: tips for planning a vacation, los angeles travel guide: tips for planning a vacation, san diego travel guide, california coast road trip map, destinations all along the california coast.

Central California Coast Road Trip Itineraries

Southern California Coast Road Trip Itineraries

Northern California Coast Road Trip Itineraries

When talking about Redwood National Park it would be more correct to say “parks”, because in northern California, a few miles from the Oregon border, the Redwood National and State Parks system includes four national and state parks that make giant redwood forests their undoubted strength. Organizing an on the road trip to this part of California is not for …

Surroundings of San Francisco

Major California Coast Cities

Our guides to the most important cities on the California coast:

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Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip - Big Sur

The Perfect Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary (25 Stops + 3 Itineraries!)

Post Summary: The Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary + All The Stops Along The Way

The Pacific Coast Highway is easily considered to be one of the most iconic road trip routes in the world !

It’s not hard to believe either. From the moody beaches in Washington to the spectacular natural bridges in Southern Oregon to the winding roads of Big Sur, California , there is something new to see around every bend.

Berty and I drove the entire route back in 2017, and have returned to deeply explore sections every year since then!

Because we know this route so well, we wanted to create this comprehensive guide for iconic stops and places to see along the entire length of the Pacific Coast Highway, all 1,700-ish miles between Seattle, Washington and Orange County, California !

In this power, we’ll share the best PCH stops in Washington, Oregon, and California to make your Pacific Coast Highway road trip your most epic trip yet.

Let’s get planning!

Step By Step Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Directions (Download)

Where is the pacific coast highway how long is it.

The Pacific Coast Highway has many names.

You can also recognize it by its abbreviation (PCH), and referred to as the California Coast road trip , Pacific Coast Highway road trip, Route 1, Highway 101 (through Washington and Oregon), or even just Highway 1 (in California).

All names aside, they all lead you down the same road, which is the route that parallels the Pacific Ocean and the western border of the contiguous United States.

The traditional Pacific Coast Highway (Route 1) is 655 miles long. The full Pacific Coast Highway (Orange County to Seattle) is just over 1,700 miles.

We’ll be talking about the entire Pacific Coast Highway itinerary in this blog post. (Seattle to Orange County)

Pacific Coast Highway Map, Directions, & Best Times

Which direction to drive the pacific coast highway.

Where should you begin your Pacific Coast Highway itinerary? Northbound or Southbound?

There are two directions to do a Pacific Coast Highway road trip – driving south or driving north! Honestly, both are great options but being from Washington, Berty and I began in Seattle and made our way south.

If you are searching for the best weather conditions, here are pros of each direction:

Southbound (Seattle to Orange County): Driven during spring break, you can escape the Pacific Northwest rain and enjoy the warmth of Southern California.
Nortbound (Orange County to Seattle): Driving north will help you escape California’s hot weather in late summer and fall.

The Hoh Rainforest - Twilight Tour in Forks

Pacific Coast Highway Start and End Points

Traditionally, the Pacific Coast Highway is considered to be the entire Highway 1 of the California Coast. This spans between Capistrano Beach is Orange County to Legget in Nortoerhn California. Highway 1 is 655.84 miles.

However, we like to think of this drive spanning three Pacific Coast states: Washington, Oregon, and California.

The traditional starting point in Washington is Seattle (with a detour through the Olympic National Park). The traditional starting point in California is San Diego .

When To Drive The Pacific Coast Highway

We also began our trip in June, but this trip is good to take any time of year.

If you decided on making it a winter road trip route , that means you’ll have a lot fewer crowds to deal with! Driving along the coast, the weather is more temperate and usually doesn’t get cold enough for snow, so you won’t run into many driving issues.

However, if you’re looking for the “windows-down, sunsets every night” kind of trip, we recommend taking this drive any time between June-September for the best chance of good weather.

Pacific Coast Highway Map

Top Tips For Driving The Pacific Coast Highway

So, how can you plan a Pacific Coast Highway road trip? Here are our suggestions of things to do before your trip:

Plan Your Stops Carefully: Carefully creating an itinerary will help make reserving hotels and activies a LOT easier. However, make sure to leave just a little wiggle room for surprises! Book Accommodations In Advance: The Pacific Coast Highway is a popular road trip route. Once you know your trip dates, plan to book hotels and campgrounds ASAP. We like to split accommodations between car camping and hotels for a good mix. On a budget? Here are 20 car camping hacks to consider. Check Road Closures: Check you route for any major road closures. This actually happens a lot more often than you might think Big Sur often has landslides. Rent a Great Car (or RV!): You can rent a car and book hotels, OR you can rent a campervan and book campgrounds for a budget-friendly trip. Outdoorsy has cool recreation vehicles vans to rent – it’s like Airbnb but for RVs! Decide When To Embark: Determine when to plan your PCH trip and how many days you have. Keep scrolling to the bottom of the post for PCH itinerary examples. Use a Good Navigation App : Good navigation apps make a huge difference. Read our favorite road trip planner apps here. Get a Convertible…or a Harley! If you are driving only a small section of the PCH, rent a fun vehicle! This isn’t mandatory, but it sure is iconic to drive on the highway in one of these cool rides. Ask Great Questions: You’re in the car for a long time. Make sure to have these road trip questions ready to brighten those dull moments. Download Podcasts + Playlists : Download these road trip podcasts and personalized playlists when you have wifi. You’ll thank me later. Pack Your Car With The Essentials: Here’s a list of road trip essentials you need to be packing. Prepare To Stop Frequently: The whole point of driving the Pacific Coast Highway is to take in the sights!

Cape Kiwanda Oregon, Pacific Coast Road Trip Stops

How To Choose a Car For The Pacific Coast Highway

Choosing the right vehicle for your Pacific Coast Highway road trip is probably THE most important decision you will make.

Option 1: Drive Your Own Car Make sure your car has had a tune-up, and its oil changed. It’s worth it to get checked out now, than risk something going wrong mid-way through your trip.

Option 2: Rent a Regular Car Renting a car is a great option for a reliable drive down the Pacific Coast Highway. Personally, we like Avis becuase they have a great rewards program. You can find cheap options

Option 3: Rent a Campervan or RV Renting a campervan is an awesome way to experience a little bit of vanlife. Search for the best campervans at Outdoorsy . Just note, it may be a little tricky to drive a campervan one-way. You may have to return it at your starting point via I-5!

Option 4: Take The Public us (Kind of possible, but not recommended) Yes, it’s possible to cobble together transportation on local transit. You’ll find that you can get around easiest in Southern California and the central Oregon Coast. However, there will be stretches of road with no transporation avaiable, or you may have to leave the coast and venture inland to find a route. It’s cheap yes, but takes quite a bit of pre-planning.

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip On A Budget

Are you hoping to plan a Pacific Coast Highway road trip route on a budget ? Here are some budgeting hacks we like to use to plan a budget PCH trip:

Use The Dyrt To Find Campgrounds: The Dyrt is the largest online campground database. We use the offline campground search feature to find spots on the go (no service needed!). The Dyrt gave us a code for you, our epic reader, to try the pro membership for 30 days free! Click here to unlock your 30-day free trial . Find Free Campsites: Road tripping around the west coast for years, we’ve learned a thing or two about finding free campsites in the USA . Our guide includes campground searching hacks, backcountry packing guides, and tips on how to find the best camping spots on the PCH. Cook Your Own Meals: Save money on the road by making your own quick & easy camping meals . Manage Money On The Road: Learn how we travel on a budget in the Pacific Northwest .

Grab your gear and let's go! If you are like us and love to be outside, we've written this comprehensive post about the best winter coats & jackets to wear in the Pacific Northwest this season. We're covering everything from rain gear, parkas, to puffers, even utility jackets! TheMandagies.com

What To Pack For A Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

A good Pacific Coast Highway road trip will take you through the rainy gloom of Washington, as well as the sunny beaches of California. This makes packing slighly more challenging – you’ll have to account for tons of variable weather!

Rain Jacket: You’ll need one in Washington and Oregon, especially during winter and spring. Here are our favorite rain jackets to wear in the Pacific Northwest . Light Layers: Once you reach California, it’s nice to have light, packable layers to bring on your day adventures. We like this windbreaker and this colorful fleece for easy layering. Down Jacket: Down jackets are an excellent option for extra warmth, especially when paired with a rain jacket. Get this packable one to save space in your suitcase. Sunglasses: You’ll need some, since you’ll be watchin the sunset every night! Grab this pair of inexpensive but HIGHLY rated sunglasses to knock around on your adventures. Hiking Shoes: Hiking in the PNW for over a decade, we know a thing or two about boots! Read our list on the best hiking boots , to pick the right ones for you. Walking Sandals : From walking around Huntington Pier to strolling around your campsite, walking sandals are essential to your Pacific Coast Highway packing list. Portable Phone Charger: This Goal Zero 24 is the perfect companion to charge your phone on a day trip. Camera: Here’s our guide on how to take smartphone landscape photography, or you can check out the travel photography gear as media professionals. Hiking Clothes: You’ll want to bring these highly-coveted hiking shorts , a day pack , and the 10 hiking essentials .

Here are some posts we’ve written about what to pack for certain parts of the Pacific Coast Highway:

5 Essentials to Bring On The Washington Coast
The Ultimate Packing List For San Francisco
What To Pack For A Weekend in Los Angeles

The Best Pacific Coast Highway Stops (State By State)

If you’re planning to experience the entire Pacific Coast Highway (including extending it to Oregon and Washington), you probably know that there is an insane amount of beautiful stops to take.

We’re going to break locations down state by state, to give you bite-sized chunks of information for each place.

Each state provides something unique and exciting for your Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary, so read below for location inspiration in Washington, Oregon, and California!

Cape Flattery - Pacific Coast Road Trip Stops

Pacific Coast Highway Stops In Washington

Washington is not all rain and gloom!

While the movies portray this evergreen state in a constant shroud of clouds and moodiness (Thanks, Twilight) , its nothing farther from the truth.

Here, you can find powerful waterfalls, secret coves, and lush green forest, and amazing hikes in every corner of this beautiful state.

Keep on reading to read about some highlights along the Pacific Coast Highway in Washington!

Seattle, Washington

This is where we suggest starting your Pacific Coast Highway road trip.

Seattle is a great place to stock up on all the road trip essentials , grab rental cars, and arrive by plane to stay on your journey on the Pacific Coast Highway. If you’re flying in to begin your journey, you’ll fly into Sattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).

Have a little bit more time on your hands? Stick around for a few days and try these unique things to do in Seattle , or take these incredible day trips from Seattle .

Fun things to do in Seattle, Washington:

Visit Pike Place Market
Go to the first-ever Starbucks Coffee store
Visit The Museum of Pop Culture
Watch the sunset at Jose Rizal Park
See the Space Needle up close at Kerry Park
Have a bonfire with friends at Golden Gardens Park
Go to A Husky Football game in the University District

Read More: What To Pack For The Pacific Northwest

Port Angeles

If you are starting in Seattle or Vancouver, chances are you’ll need to take a ferry across the Puget Sound to reach the Olympic Peninsula . It’s also possible to drive around through Olympia, if you don’t want to put your car on the ferry.

From here, you will pass the cities of Sequim and Port Angeles. Before hitting to Pacific Coast Highway, we recommend taking a stop by Lake Crescent for some classic PNW vibes and maybe a quick lunch break too.

If you want to see what the lake looks like from above, test your limits and hike Mount Storm King . The 4.7-mile round trip hike gains over 2,000 feet in elevation, including scrambling up the side of a cliff with the help of a few installed ropes.

This hike isn’t for the faint of heart, but your attempts will be rewarded with experiencing one of the most spectacular places to see in the Olympic Peninsula .

Stay Overnight: Book a stay at The Olympic Lodge in Port Angeles . It’s right in town, and central to other adventures like Hurricane Ridge, Salt Creek, and Lake Crescent.

Sol Duc Falls

Sol Duc Falls is located in the Olympic National Park , and along Highway 101 on your way towards the coast.

It’s a small detour before heading to the ocean. However, the detour is worth every minute! The short trail to Sol Duc Falls leads to one of the most gorgeous waterfalls in Washington state.

If you are wanting a unique place to stay in the Olympic National Park, consider staying at the Sol Duc Hot Springs, a natural pool resort in the park.

Doing this, you can wake up early to visit the falls and beat the crowds!

Cape Flattery

If you’re looking for the most northwest location in the lower 48 United States, you’ve found it at Cape Flattery !

This jaw-dropping piece of coastline is owned by the Makah Tribe. It includes beautiful sea stacks just offshore and expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

If you are planning your Pacific Coast Highway itinerary for epic photo spots, don’t miss this place! You’ll need an entry pass ($10 per vehicle) and you can pick it up at the gas station or grocery store at Neah Bay.

Forks, Washington

Emily at La Push Second Beach - Pacific Coast Road Trip Stops

La Push Beaches (First, Second, and Third)

You may know these beaches from the movie Twilight but rest assured there are no vampires in sight. (Partly because it’s werewolf territory anyway, DUH) In fact, we’ve seen some of the most incredible sunsets right here on Second Beach.

When visiting, it’s important to note that there are three beaches to choose from. First Beach provides easy and instant beach access, so it’s a popular choice for families.

Second Beach requires a hike on a short trail to reach the beach, and you can also camp on this beach. Second Beach is also the most popular option for its beautiful rock formations and vast shoreline.

Third Beach requires a longer hike and is the least visited of all the beaches.

Any of these Washington beaches you choose, don’t forget to pack these 5 beach essentials!

Read More: La Push Beach + and Beach Camping Tips

Ocean Shores, Washington

Ocean Shores is a quaint little town on the Washington Coast, just north of Grays Harbor.

Here, you will find tons of vacation rental homes, small seafood restaurants, and tons of beach activities. Berty and I came with our friends last summer and opted to rent motorbikes on the beach, eat our weight in crab, and explore the jetty!

Restaurants to try in Ocean Shores:

Murphy’s Candy & Ice Cream Shop
Galway Bay Irish Pub
Ocean Beach Roasters and Bistro
Oyhut Bay Bistro

Want more beach fun on the Washington Coast? Check out Ruby Beach and Rialto Beach !

Read More: 7 Fun Things To Do In Ocean Shores, Washington

Pierce County Area (Gig Harbor, Tacoma, and Puyallup)

If you’re looking to spend a little extra for a comfortable room and some great food, spend some time exploring Gig Harbor and boating around the South Puget Sound . You will be able to spot wildlife all around you, whether it’s jellyfish or a pod of orcas!

Some of our favorite cities in Pierce County to explore: Puyallup (Washington State Fair), Tacoma, and Gig Harbor!

Mount Rainier National Park

Take your journey slightly inland to explore Mount Rainier National Park. Here, you can test your limits and backpack up to the summit (training required!) or simply take a nice stroll at the base of the mountain like on Nisqually Loop Trail .

Mount Rainier is best explored if you spend 2-3 days in the park! There are so many different areas to cover (Paradise Area and Sunrise Area are the most popular), so give yourself time to enjoy the beautiful outdoors here in the Pacific Northwest.

Most Popular Activities To Do At Mount Rainier:

Hike the Grove of the Patriarchs Trail
See Silver Falls
Hike the Skyline Divide Trail
Visit the Longmire Museum

Cape Disappointment State Park

Cape Disappointment is located in the far southwestern corner of Washington State. Here, you can discover miles of trails, play on the beaches, and maybe even spot an orca offshore!

For a memorable photo opportunity on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip, take the trail down to Deadman’s Cove and capture this hidden beach at sunset!

Read More: Cape Disappointment + Deadman’s Cove

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Stops In Oregon

Emily Mandagie at Secret Beach on the Oregon Coast

The Oregon Coast itself is worthy of its own road trip but lucky you – you get to see it all and more!

We’re sharing all the best stops along this part of the Pacific Coast Highway and what you can expect in this beautiful state.

Not enough time for the whole thing? Take an Oregon Coast Road Trip instead!

Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach is a family and dog-friendly beach located 1.5 hours west of Portland. Here, you can explore the many quaint seaside shops, take a walk on the beach, and explore the many tide pools.

There are many services available here, so it’s a great stop for camping, resting, or even getting a seaside Airbnb! (By the way, y ou can get $40 off your first reservation at this link! )

Read More: Spending The Day At Cannon Beach

Cape Kiwanda

Cape Kiwanda is a popular beach on the Oregon Coast. Here, you can walk along the beach and enjoy Pacific City’s own “Haystack Rock”, or climb the nearby sand dunes to discover incredible views, coves, and rock formations!

Too busy for you? Venture just a 5-minute drive south to Bob Straub State Park, where you can walk along the less-traveled and peaceful beachfront.

The area of Oregon can be rainy and cloudy year-round, but if you’re lucky you can experience one of its gorgeous sunsets (that is if the weather cooperates!). Make sure to pack a rain jacket!

Read More: 10 Epic Adventures To Take Aroun Cape Kiwanda

God’s Thumb Hike, Lincoln City

The hike to God’s Thumb is a moderately difficult hike along the Oregon Coast. A 4.6-mile round trip hike will bring you to a curved landscape on an oceanside cliff.

It gets its name “God’s Thumb” because it slightly resembles a thumb… but we think it kind of looks like a soft-serve ice cream swirl!

Located in Lincoln City, Oregon , this is a perfect place to get out of the car, stretch your legs, and see a beautiful area of the Oregon Coast.

Read More: Hike To God’s Thumb in Lincoln City On The Oregon Coast

Devil’s Punchbowl

Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area is a perfect stop on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip. Here, you can experience the power of the ocean slamming and swirling into a carved-out bowl.

From the top, you can see down inside the “punchbowl”. During high tide, the waves swirl and crash around inside, but during low tide, you can walk down on the beach and explore inside.

Stay a while for a roadside picnic, to explore tide pools, or climb around on the rocks on the shore.

Thor’s Well

Thor’s Well in another one of the Oregon Coast’s amazing natural phenomena. You can experience the most dramatic sights at high tide, but beware – it’s the most dangerous time to visit too.

Similar to the Spouting Horn in Kauai , this sinkhole looks like water is just draining into a huge abyss, but it’s actually a natural rock tube that sucks and shoots water our according to the adjacent waves.

Don’t get too close to it though, it pushes and pulls water with a powerful force , meaning if you get too close you risk being swept off your feet into the hole!

This area is located just south of the Cape Perpetua Visitor’s Cente r, with lots of wheelchair accessible walkways AND walk-at-your-own-risk paths too.

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area is an amazing spot on the Pacific Coast Highway, and probably home to one of the best photo spots on the PCH!

For a quick side trip, take the drive up to Cape Perpetua Lookout , where you can see the Oregon Coast meet the winding highway below. It’s an incredible view – make sure to bring your camera!

This is also a great stop for some camping on the Oregon Coast, as well as exploring the many ocean features and scenic trails in the area.

Read More: 10 Epic Things To Do In Cape Perpetua Area Of The Oregon Coast

(Bonus Side Trip!) Umpqua Hot Springs + Toketee Falls

Got an extra day to spare?

Since you’re already in Oregon, consider taking a side trip east to the Cascade Mountains. The Umpqua National Forest has a lot to see, but it’s shining stars have got to be Toketee Falls and the Umpqua Hot Springs.

Both of the trails to Toketee Falls and Umpqua Hot Springs are nearby one another, short, and easy to follow.

They can be accomplished in a morning or afternoon trip. If you haven’t visited a Pacific Northwest hot springs yet, this is the perfect chance to do it!

We would suggest that you Visit Toketee Falls first, so you can save your soak for last!

Read More: 5 Essential Tips For Soaking at Upmqua Hot Springs

Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor

Of all the stops on the Oregon Coast, Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor is a MUST visit. Offshore rock formations, dramatic cliffs, and crashing waves make this place a magical stop on the Pacific Coast Highway.

To fully experience this area, we suggest scheduling your visit for sunset. The sun sets over the Pacific Ocean, and on a clear day the skies light up with beautiful colors. Don’t forget to stop at other iconic spots in the park including Secret Beach, Natural Bridges, Arch Rock, and Indian Sands Trail!

Located on the Southern Oregon Coast , Samuel H Boardman spans around 10-miles of rugged, scenic coastline. There are many hikes to choose from around Samuel H Boardman Scenic Corridor . Take some time to explore a few (many trails are short) , and pick your favorite spots for sunset.

Pacific Coast Highway Stops In California

Congratulations! You’ve made it to California!

This is technically the beginning of the official Pacific Coast Highway (also called Highway 1) , but we all know you’ve put in too many miles on your car and see too much epic-ness for it to be just starting.

While you’ll be encountering a lot more sunshine in this section of the road trip, the Northern California coast can be a little temperamental! Don’t put away your rain coast just yet.

California road trip stops on the Pacific Coast Highway are some of the most breathtaking and beautiful areas of the whole trip. Read on to discover where to go and what to see below in the sunshine state.

Redwood National and State Parks

If your Pacific Coast Highway road rrip is taking you southbound, your first California stop will be at the Redwood National and State Parks.

The Redwoods are known for their spectacularly tall and beautiful trees. Furthermore, this area is home to some of the tallest trees on earth!

There are several scenic drives to take here, but the prettiest Northern California drives are through the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park (the scenic route) and the Avenue of The Giants at Humbolt Redwoods State Park. For a lot of stops and viewpoints of the ocean, consider stopping at Patrick’s Point State Park !

Read More: 10 Things To Do In The Redwood National Park

Fern Canyon

Wait, did we just travel through time? You’re not far off if you felt like you just stepped foot into Jurassic Park. In fact, scenes from the movie were filmed right here in Fern Canyon!

Fern Canyon Trail in the Redwoods is a very short route – just 1.1-miles to revel in the 50-foot tall fern-covered walls and lush surrounding forest. The hike is easy, but getting there is a different story. The trip requires a few creek crossings and winding, narrow dirt roads to reach the trailhead. We’ve got everything you need to know about Fern Canyon right here !

Black Sand Beach

Have you been looking at thos e famous black sand beaches in Iceland ? Get a taste of the beauty (without the price of a plane ticket) and come visit a look-alike on the California Coast.

Shelter Cove is a little town located in the King Range National Conversation Area. Here, there are craggy coastlines, dramatic scenery, and a black sand beach. The waves are tall and powerful here.

Warning: The road is winding and treacherous, which can be dangerous in bad weather.

This is also an extremely out-of-the-way detour, with one route going in and out from the beach. Make sure to have a full tank of gas, and be prepared to drive on narrow roads and near tall cliff edges!

Read More: How To Get To California’s Iconic Black Sands Beach

Point Reyes National Seashore

Love the California beach? Explore the Point Reyes National Seashore , a protected coastline of rolling pastures, historic landmarks, and even a secret docked ship!

Start your journey in the town of Inverness, where you can stock up on food, gas, and even camping gear if you choose to spend the night in one of their many campgrounds .

Some of the best things to do in Point Reyes National Seashore are visiting the historic lighthouse (make sure to pay attention to its hours of operation! ), driving down the canopy of Cypress trees , and even whale watching if you come at the right time of year!

Read More: Spending The Day At Point Reyes National Seashore

Bolinas Ridge

If you have a scheduled stop in San Francisco on your Pacific Coast Highway itinerary, make sure to make a sunset stop just north of the city , on Bolinas Ridge .

This area of golden, glimmering rolling hills is located on the edge of Mount Tamalpais State Park in Marin County, California.

Our favorite scenic road to drive is Ridgecrest Boulevard , which includes pullouts ever so often to quickly park your car and enjoy the beautiful and consistent sunsets on this piece of the California coast.

Read More: A Golden Sunset At Bolinas Ridge

Mount Tamalpais

Keep the spirit of adventure alive , even in a bustling city like San Francisco !

If you’ve got a pit stop in the Golden City, journey just north of the Golden Gate Bridge and experience Mount Tamalpais State Park for a quick break from city life.

Here, you can take many amazing trails with stunning views of big city buildings across the bay. Some of our favorite trails for city views are the East Peak Hike (to a stone lookout tower) and the Verna Dunshee Trail.

Going when it’s cold outside? Read our San Francisco Winter Packing List .

Read More: 10 Adventurous Things To Do Outside of San Francisco

Golden Gate Bridge

No trip along the Pacific Coast Highway is complete without seeing the iconic Golden Gate Bridge!

On either side of the bridge, there are several incredible viewpoints to check out. Some of the best places to view the Golden Gate Bridge are from Battery Spencer, Kirby Cove, and the North Vista Point.

Remember: The Golden Gate Bridge is a toll bridge . Motorcycles and regular cars will get through and be billed $8.00 to the address your car is registered at.

San Francisco, California

Pacific Coast Road Trip Itinerary - San Francisco Stop

If you’ve been driving southbound on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip, San Francisco will be the first large city you will encounter.

Here, you can experience many iconic and famous landmarks. Here are some places to see while in San Francisco :

See the sunrise at the Golden Gate Bridge
Visit Fisherman’s Wharf
Stop By The Painted Ladies
Wander through the neighborhoods and see the beautiful Victorian-era houses

Need a place to stay in San Francisco? Click here and get $40 off your first booking on Airbnb!

Shark Fin Cove

Click here to see more amazing pictures from our visit to Shark Fin Cove.

Shark Fin Cove is a beautiful California coast beach located south of San Francisco – in Davenport, California. It’s named for its rock formation just off the shore that resembling a shark’s top fin.

You aren’t able to see this cove from the road, which makes finding access a little difficult . There are no signs indicating the location, so you must rely on Google Maps to help guide to you the parking lot off the California Coast Highway 1.

This place provides absolutely stunning views from above AND below. Start your visit at the top and walk along the trails near the cliffs (but be careful!). Finally, climb down into the cove via a steep trail to find beach access.

On a weekday, it’s very likely you will get this beach all to yourself!

Read More: What To Expect At California’s Shark Fin Cove

Big Sur State Park

When you think of driving down the California Coast , Big Sur is what Pacific Coast Highway dreams are made of. Sunny coastline, winding roads, dramatic cliffs, and beautiful bridges are scattered along 90 miles of this beautiful West Coast drive.

Some of the highlights on this part of the PCH include:

Pfeiffer Beach
McWay Falls
Bixby Creek Bridge
Pebble Beach
17-Mile Drive (Monterey/Pacific Grove)

Pro Tip: A day trip to Big Sur, California is absolutely the most quintessential activity of any good Pacific Coast Highway road trip. Don’t miss this.

Read More: How To Pull Off A Day Trip To Big Sur, California

(Detour Off Highway 1) Yosemite National Park

While you’re in the area, might as well take a little detour to one of the greatest national parks in America!

Yosemite is home to the tallest waterfall in North America, home to giant Sequoia trees, and has more than 800 miles of trails for hikers to enjoy.

Only have 24 extra hours to spare for Yosemite? Click here for our 24-hour guide to Yosemite National Park.

Pro Tip: If you are hoping to spend a few days in the park, make camping reservations extremely early in advance.

Camping spots generally get full six months before the reservation date. A trip to Yosemite National Park requires a lot of pre-planning.

Los Angeles, California

Pacific Coast Road Trip Stops - Los Angeles

Another major city on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip will be Los Angeles California. For many going northbound, this is a common starting point (as well as San Diego).

If you’re like us and coming to LA on a southbound Pacific Coast Highway trip, this is a fun pit stop to take a few days and recharge from all that driving.

Again, if you are looking to book a place on Airbnb, click here to get $40 off your first booking!

Here are some fun things to do in Los Angeles:

Santa Monica Pier + the Amusement Park on the boardwalk.
Venice Beach
Griffith Observatory
The Getty Museum
Hollywood Boulevard
Hike to the Hollywood Sign

Read More: How To Spend a Fun Weekend in West Hollywood, California

Orange County, California

Orange County California is just south of the city of Los Angeles. With a slower lifestyle, less traffic, and a lot more beach space, this place is a perfect getaway for sunshine lovers and surfers alike.

There are a few opportunities to camp on the coast, like RV sites in Huntington Beach and tent sites at Crystal Cove State Park. Either way, it’s definitely worth it to spend a few days in Orange County and experience all it has to offer!

Must-see spots to visit in Orange County:

La Tour (Secret Oceanside Castle in the cliff)
Huntington Beach (Sur City, USA)
Newport Beach Harbor and Balboa Island
Laguna Beach
Here are our favorite restaurants in Orange County to try!

Looking to travel to the OC on a budget? Check out our list of free things to do in Orange County to have maximum fun, with money still left in your pocket!

Read More: 10 Amazing Outdoor Activities in Orange County, California

San Diego, California

You did it!

San Diego will be the likely the end (or the beginning!) to your Pacific Coast Highway itinerary.

However, it’s still worth visiting for a few days. There are so many amazing things to do in San Diego that this city is an excellent way to kick off or wrap up any Pacific Coast Highway road trip.

Don’t miss out of Torrey Pines State Reserve! This network of outdoor trails have some of the best views in the entire city. Spend some time exploring the trails during sunset for a magical stay in San Diego.

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary Examples

Wondering if you can see all these iconic landmarks in one trip?

To accommodate different trip lengths, we’re sharing some example itineraries for a five-day trip , one-week trip , and two-week trip down the Pacific Coast Highway.

Read below to find your perfect one!

5 Day Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary

Five Day Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary

Five days to drive down the Pacific Coast is absolutely doable! During these days, you have time to experience the highlights of the coast, and whet your appetite for another future trip!

Day 1: Seattle, WA to Coos Bay, OR
Day 2: Coos Bay OR, to Redwood National Park, CA
Day 3: Redwood National Park, CA to San Francisco, CA
Day 4: San Francisco, CA to Los Angeles, CA
Day 5: Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA

7 Day Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary

One Week Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary

One week on the Pacific Coast Highway will allow you to see the most iconic locations. One week is great for travelers who want to fit in the entire trip during a school break, or only have so many days to take off of work.

A one-week Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary will allow you to see the highlights without feeling rushed. Here’s an example PCH itinerary:

Day 1: Seattle WA, to Forks, WA
Day 2: Forks, WA to Cape Kiwanda, OR
Day 3: Cape Kiwanda, OR to Redwood State Park, CA
Day 4: Redwood State Park, CA to San Francisco, CA
Day 5: San Francisco CA, to Big Sur, CA
Day 6: Big Sur, CA, to Orange County, CA
Day 7: Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA

10 Day Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary

Two-week pacific coast highway road trip itinerary.

Two Week Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary

If you have two weeks to spare, this is the ideal amount of time for a Pacific Coast Highway road trip!

Two weeks gives you ample time to see all the highlights, take some day hikes, and even some off-coast detours like Yosemite or Toketee Falls! You will be able to see everything you want and more, and not feel rushed in your process.

Day 1: Seattle, WA to Port Angeles, WA
Day 2: Port Angeles, to Forks, WA
Day 3: Forks, WA to Astoria, OR
Day 4: Astoria OR, to Cape Kiwanda, OR
Day 5: Cape Kiwanda OR , to Brookings, OR
Day 6: Brooking OR, to Redwood State Park, CA
Day 7: Redwood State Park, CA to Mendocino, CA
Day 8: Mendocino, CA to San Francisco, CA
Day 9: San Francisco, CA to Santa Cruz, CA
Day 10: Santa Cruz, CA to Big Sur, CA
Day 11: Big Sur, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Day 12: Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA
Day 13: Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA
Day 14: End in San Diego

Some of our Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Inspiration

Creating this Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary was quite the workload! Lucky for us, this is the kind of work we live for, and it was fun, inspiring, and most of all helpful!

We hope this helps in your own Pacific Coast Highway road trip and makes planning a little bit easier for you.

Here are some of the pins we’ve created to share with our followers on Pinterest. Feel free to save some too for your own inspirational road trip!

Pinterest ( Find us at @themandagies )

Have you taken a pacific coast highway road trip what were some of your favorite stops, ready to plan your own pacific coast highway road trip read these helpful posts:.

8 Steps For Planning A Flawless Weekend Trip

2o Energizing Hikes In The PN W

The Essential 2017 PNW Bucket List

Want more Pacific Coast Highway road trip inspiration? Follow our curated board on Pinterest!

Looking for the best route to take on the Pacific Coast Highway? We're sharing the complete PCH route, including the best stops in Washington, Oregon, and California for the ultimate west coast road trip! #westcoast #PNW #california #oregon #washington #roadtrip #PCH #pacificcoasthighway #Pacificcoastroadtrip

So excited for you guys! My hubby and I did a similar (but quicker, so we didn’t see everything) trip in the summer of 2010 (a LONG time ago!). It was amazing. There is an amazing hike in Redwood National Park (Gold Bluffs Beach Section) that leads down to this secret beach. Even in summer (August) there wasn’t anyone on the trail. We were pretty new to the “planning” travel business so didn’t really plan anything when we went, but this hike was a highlight of our trip. I’m dying to go to the Painted Hills and Hot springs so excited to see what you guys think. Have so much fun!!! We’re secretly living through both of your photographs and blogs dreaming of our move one day back to this beautiful region of the world. We love Ireland, but the PNW truly can’t be beat.

Hi Danielle! I’m so glad you like our photographs and blog! That means so much to us 🙂 I’m so intrigued about the Gold Bluffs Beach Hike in the Redwoods. Now we need to go back and do that one!!!

6-Day California Central Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Plan a California coast road trip from Ventura to Cambria with this itinerary packed with outdoor adventure, amazing food, and unique places to stay.

Plan a Central California coast road trip with this itinerary packed with outdoor adventure, amazing food, and unique places to stay.

A California Coast road trip is a rite of passage for any outdoor adventure traveler, and the central coast of California is particularly iconic. This stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway provides incredible ocean views, beautiful sights, easy access to quaint California beach towns, and of course, endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.

A few years ago, I joined forces with Visit California in search of the best adventures along the Central California Coast. I’ve compiled what I discovered into this itinerary along with recommendations from the rest of the Bearfoot Theory team who have spent lots of time exploring this region.

This itinerary combines outdoor adventures with top-notch opportunities to experience the local culture of the Central California Coast from Ventura to Cambria, with information on visiting additional destinations like Big Sur, Monterey, and Santa Cruz if you have the time.

From sea-to-spoon and farm-to-fork meals to hikes with sweeping views, boutique hotels, and hidden gems that are just off the beaten path, this itinerary will not disappoint.

Be sure to check out the video of my Central California Coast Road Trip below as well.

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Central California Coast Road Trip Basics

What is the central california coast.

Most people are familiar with Northern California (San Francisco and above) and Southern California (Los Angeles south), but what is the Central California coast?

While there’s no exact definition of what makes up the Central California Coast, it’s commonly accepted that this section stretches between Ventura County in the south to Santa Cruz in the north .

In between Ventura and Santa Cruz, there is an amazing array of stunning beaches, wild mountainsides, small coastal towns, great restaurants, the famous Big Sur , and so much more.

Here are the top destinations on the central coast of California at a glance from south to north:

Santa Barbara
Avila Beach
Pismo Beach
San Luis Obispo
Montaña del Oro State Park
Cambria/San Simeon
Carmel by the Sea

Landscape photo of Sand Dollar Beach in Big Sur California

How much time do you need to road trip the Central California Coast?

This itinerary is for 6 days, which is a good amount of time to get a feel for the region, although if you have more time you can certainly dive deeper. If you only have a weekend, I recommend picking one area to explore – like Ojai, Santa Barbara, or Big Sur for example.

My biggest tip – don’t rush it. The Central California Coast operates at a slower pace and is meant to be enjoyed at a slower pace as well. Use the information here to customize your own trip based on your priorities and the amount of time you have.

Best Way to Explore the Central California Coast

You’ll definitely want a car or campervan for any central California coast road trip. If you plan on staying in hotels or accommodations, a car will be fine. A rental car can be picked up in Ventura or the Los Angeles area if you’re going south to north or in San Francisco if you’re going north to south.

If you want to experience some of California’s best campgrounds, I highly recommend renting a campervan. Not only will this allow you to be more flexible, but you really can’t beat camping on the beach! Check out our list of campervan rental companies for ideas.

The winding Pacific highway along the Central California Coast with the ocean on the left and mountains on the right

Best Time for a California Central Coast Road Trip

California is known for its sunny weather and mild climate, so you can really plan a road trip any time of the year. Here are a few considerations based on the season:

Spring is a great time to plan a California Central Coast road trip, especially if you want to see California’s beautiful springtime wildflower blooms. Temps can still be a bit chilly, though, so pack layers and be prepared for windy days.

Summer is typically the busiest time of year for California, so you’ll see lots of crowds and will need to make camping or hotel reservations in advance. The weather tends to be great, though, with temperatures in the 70s and little to no rain.

Fall in central California brings fewer crowds and cooler temps, making it a great time to visit. Days are often clear as well whereas in summer you may experience “June gloom” where the coast is often shrouded in clouds.

Winter on the California coast can be really nice if you enjoy cooler temperatures and a more laid-back vibe. Some places do close for the winter and the days are shorter so you’ll have less daylight to explore, so that’s something to keep in mind when you plan your trip.

Read next: Best Time to Visit California’s Central Coast.

Central California Coast Road Trip Itinerary

There are infinite ways to explore the central California Coast with so many things to see and do. Below is my 6-day itinerary with a few options for extending or customizing your trip.

Day 1: Arrive in Ventura
Day 2: Ventura
Day 3: Ojai
Day 4: Santa Barbara
Day 5: Avila Beach and Cambria
Day 6: Morro Bay

If you have more time, continue on to Big Sur , Monterey Bay, and Santa Cruz which I’ll touch on below as well.

Day 1: Explore Downtown Ventura & Hit the Beach

We started our California road trip in the energetic beach town of Ventura. Ventura is known for its iconic beach boardwalk where you can walk, pedal, or skate past bustling shops, restaurants, and wide-open sandy beaches that lead right down the Pacific Ocean.

There is no shortage of things to do in Ventura, but here’s how we spent our days exploring this iconic coastal town:

Grab a quick bite and morning coffee at Palm & Boy Coffee in the center of downtown Ventura. This cozy indoor and outdoor café is a great spot for people-watching as you slowly perk up and begin your day.

With coffee in hand, walk a couple of blocks towards the beach to the Visit Ventura Visitors and Convention Center . Here you’ll find lots of inspiration and ideas to plan out your day. We suggest chatting with one of the super-friendly folks who work at the Tourism Center.

Visit Ventura // Plan a Central California coast road trip with this itinerary packed with outdoor adventure, amazing food, and unique places to stay.

The morning and early afternoon in coastal California can be a bit overcast depending on the time of year, which makes it the ideal time to pop in and out of Ventura’s unique and colorful shops. Check out Passport Habits , an eclectic travel-themed shop, located on East Main Street in downtown Ventura, Jockamo Records , Iron & Resin , and the Patagonia Flagship store to name a few.

Inside of a boutique shop in Ventura California

For lunch, chow down some tacos at Beach House Tacos at the historic Ventura Pier. If the weather is nice, head to the beach in the afternoon. Alternatively, Grant Park is a great place to spot wildflower blooms and get a city-wide view if you aren’t keen on heading down to the water.

If you’re into beer tasting, walk back into town and cool off with a round of beers at the Ventura Coast Brewing Co. , a cool, laid-back brewery with indoor/outdoor seating and a friendly local crowd. The beers and tacos will hold you over until it’s time for a late dinner – after sunset, of course.

Platter of fresh tacos on counter with window looking out onto Ventura Beach in Callifornia

Surfer’s Point is a prime beachfront spot to watch the sky shift to shades of pink, orange, purple, and blue over the horizon line. I recommend scoring a seat on the rocks near the estuary. You might even be rewarded with a show from local surfers taking on the world-class waves.

After watching the sunset, head to Rumfish & Vino for dinner. This gastropub serves Central American-inspired food with several vegan options and a great outdoor patio. If you want something a little more casual, check out Fluid State Beer Garden , which serves pizza and creative bar food.

Sunset over the ocean at Ventura Beach in California

Where to Stay in Ventura

Faria Beach Campground: This campground is situated in a quiet and scenic beachfront spot off the Pacific Coast Highway. Many of the sites have unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands National Park . You’ll want to book in advance to score sites 6-13 which have the most space and the best views (although there are no hookups at these specific site numbers). This campground is best for camper vans and truck campers because it’s on pavement and campsites are more like parking spaces.

Waypoint Ventura Vintage Trailer Hotel & RV Park: If you want a unique experience, book a vintage trailer at Waypoint Ventura Vintage Trailer Hotel & RV Park . These trailers have been impeccably remodeled for a luxurious vintage stay. You can also bring your own camper, but they have criteria for what vans and campers they accept.

Faria Beach Campground // Plan a Central California coast road trip with this itinerary packed with outdoor adventure, amazing food, and unique places to stay.

Day 2: Ventura Area Activities

After getting a taste of what Ventura has to offer, it’s time to really explore!

If you’re looking for a place to grab a tasty and nourishing breakfast, head to Harvest Cafe . They serve delicious vegetarian and vegan food as well as a variety of coffee drinks.

After you’ve eaten breakfast, fill your backpack with snacks, water, and sunscreen to get ready for a day of biking on the local bike paths. You can rent bikes at Bike Depot , which is located right on the outskirts of downtown Ventura.

The friendly staff at Bike Depot can give you suggestions on where to ride. Ventura is an extremely bike-friendly city with well-marked paths that lead in and out of town, connecting you to must-see sights around Ventura.

Two women on bikes in front of a water fountain in Ventura, California

Ventura bike route suggestions

Ventura River Trail to Ojai : This 17-mile one-way paved path runs all the way from downtown Ventura to Ojai. It’s a nice way to get some exercise and see a different side of Ventura, especially in the spring when everything is green.

Of course, you don’t have to pedal the full 34 miles out and back to enjoy it! If you’re looking for a fun stop along the way, check out Ventura Spirits Company. The tasting room is open for drop-ins Monday through Friday 12 pm – 5pm and by reservation on the weekends.

Directions to the Ventura River Trail start

Ventura Coastal Bike Trail : During the warmer months when the River Trail gets too hot, you’ll be better off riding the Ventura Coastal Bike Trail to catch a cooling ocean breeze. Take a bike map with you from the Bike Depot, since the coastal trail has some sections that are on the street.

Directions to the Ventura Coastal Bike Trail start

Ventura bike path // A 6 day california coast road trip itinerary that combines outdoor adventure travel and local California beach town culture.

When you return from your ride, make time to visit the Art City Studios , located right around the corner from Bike Depot for a taste of Ventura’s local character and culture.

This world-famous sculpture studio and garden is owned by sculptor Paul Lindhard whose mission is to support and bring together local and global artists in an inspiring outdoor space.

You can walk around the artist studios, chat with the sculptors about their work, and browse the gallery. If you get the chance, go see if Ramon is around to check out his incredible stonework!

By this time, you’ll be ready for a cold drink, so quench your thirst at Topa Topa Brewery for happy hour drinks. Then head to one of Ventura’s lively restaurants like Social Tap or Rice By Mama , two eateries that the locals rave about.

Tip: If you’re looking to expand your vacation with another day of sightseeing I recommend heading out to the Channel Islands National Park . Anacapa & Santa Cruz Islands are the most popular for day trips to hike, kayak, and/or snorkel. Check out the Channel Islands Adventure Company for sea cave kayaking tours on Santa Cruz Island. Camping is also available on both islands.

Day 3: Explore Ojai

Leaving the coastal vibes of Ventura, head inland for a day to the charming SoCal town of Ojai.

Downtown Ojai is quaint, unique, and easy to explore with many shops and restaurants in walking distance. Outside the downtown area, you’ll find beautiful open spaces for hiking plus olive oil tasting in local olive orchards, wine tasting, and more.

The 30-minute drive from Ventura to Ojai is very scenic as it transitions from beach town to bucolic landscapes filled with farms, wineries, and mountains.

Whether it’s a sunny day or not, you’ll have fun exploring Ojai. I loved it for the local flavors and handmade culture that thrives in this town.

Stores like FiG Curated Living , Bungalow by FiG , and Bart’s Books provide a quintessential Ojai vibe that is a must-see while you’re there.

Narrow walkway lined with a wall of ivy and shop souvenirs in Ojai, California

For lunch, take a break from browsing the shops and refuel over at Hip Vegan for a nourishing meal made from 100% vegan ingredients. It’s a little off the main drag but has a phenomenal menu that’ll hit the spot when you’re craving classic California health food.

If you’re just looking for a little energy kick don’t miss Revel Jun Bar . Jun is like Kombucha but made with green tea & honey instead of black tea & sugar.

Woman sitting at counter sipping from stainless steel mug with plate of food in front of her

Tip: If you’re in town on Sunday don’t miss the bountiful Ojai Farmer’s Market . It’s from 9-1 pm rain or shine at 300 E. Matilija Street. Grab picnic supplies and head out on a picnic hike , visit a local winery, or go olive oil tasting at Ojai Olive Oil Co .

After lunch, drive to the outskirts of town to spend your afternoon at the beautiful Lake Casitas .

There are plenty of hiking trails, bike paths, picnic areas, and view points . You can also rent a boat or bring your own kayak or SUP. There’s a $10 entry fee for vehicles, however, it does vary depending on holidays and weekends — check the Lake Casitas website for updated information.

There’s also camping at Lake Casitas if you want to spend more time there.

Woman standing at beautiful overlook of Lake Casitas near Ojai, California

After visiting the reservoir, drive back into town so you can hit up some of Ojai’s best wineries. Our favorites were the Majestic Oak Winery and Tasting Room and The Ojai Vineyard Tasting Room .

Beer lovers can sip on some pours at the Ojai Beverage Company , or as the locals call it, OBC, or at the Ojai Valley Brewery .

For dinner, check out Ojai Rotie , The Nest , Ojai Pizza , or Nocciola .

Woman at wine tasting bar in Ojai, California

Where to Stay in Ojai

Emerald Iguana Inn: This boutique hotel is located in the heart of Ojai. It has a relaxed yet upscale vibe and beautiful rooms decorated in a tranquil, Southwestern style. I highly recommend enjoying a soak in their hot tub or a swim in the pool. Their sister hotel, the Blue Iguana Inn , is equally wonderful and is located on the bike path so you can bike right into town on one of their rental bikes.

Caravan Outpost: For a unique stay that matches Ojai’s eclectic vibe, book an Airstream at Caravan Outpost . Each Airstream is beautifully decorated and surrounded by lush gardens.

Woman lying on bed in boutique hotel with southwestern decor

More Road Trip Inspiration

Day 4: head to santa barbara.

The next stop on your central California coast road trip is sunny Santa Barbara, California where there are tons of things to do depending on your interests.

Important: It is illegal to park oversized vehicles – including vans and RVs – on the streets in Santa Barbara. Learn more about where to park your oversized vehicle here.

In the morning, grab breakfast near where you’re staying. The options are endless but a few favorites include The Daily Grind , Handlebar Coffee Roasters , and Alessia Patisserie & Cafe . Then walk or bike on the beachfront coastal path from Butterfly Beach , where the famous Biltmore Hotel is, all the way to the West Beach/Marina area.

Next, head downtown to the Santa Barbara Public Market and sample some of the Asian fare at Empty Bowl . Get the curry soup, you won’t regret it! Or for those craving tacos, hit one of the many taquerias near Milpas Street, including Julia Child’s favorite taco stand, La Super-Rica Taqueria.

Wash down lunch with a stop at one of Santa Barbara’s many urban wineries or breweries in the Funk Zone . A few Bearfoot Theory team favorites for wine tasting include Carr , Pali , and Municipal Winemakers (locally known as Muni). For local beer, check out Topa Topa , Figueroa Mountain , and Rincon Brewery .

After sampling Santa Barbara’s eats and treats, make sure you save some time to get to Hendry’s Beach before sunset. It’s a dog-friendly spot with towering seaside bluffs and plenty of space to meander along the shoreline with your furry friend.

Woman walking down sandy beach at low tide with sand dunes topped with vegetation on her left

Here you’ll also find the Boathouse Restaurant which is pretty much the best place in Santa Barbara to grab happy hour.

While you’re over in the Mesa neighborhood, you’ll also want to get a different viewpoint of Hendry’s Beach from above at Douglas Preserve . This is a prime spot to watch the sunset over the Pacific.

Woman sitting on large piece of driftwood watching sunset off the coast of California

If you’re looking for a great atmosphere, try Zaytoon (Lebanese & Middle Eastern cuisine) for dinner where you can sit around fire pits while listening to live music.

Outdoor dining at Zaytoon Restaurant in Santa Barbara lit up with lights

Tip: If you’re looking to expand your stay in the Santa Barbara area I recommend checking out the town of Los Olivos which is in the Santa Ynez Valley. Santa Barbara Wine Country Tours offers biking & van tours to the valley for a day of wine tasting and exploration.

Where to Stay in Santa Barbara

Hotel Santa Barbara: A historic hotel located right downtown, Hotel Santa Barabra is definitely a splurge, but worth it if you want to be within walking distance of everything.

Camping : Refugio State Beach is 25 minutes north of Santa Barbara and has a small campground along oceanfront cliffs. Carpinteria State Beach is 20 minutes south of Santa Barbara and has a nice beachside campground along the sand. These are your best bets if you want to camp.

Day 5: Avila Beach + Cambria

Located midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles is San Luis Obispo County, otherwise known as SLO Cal.

Many people love this part of the Central Coast for its picturesque California beach towns that are more laid back than those closer to city life.

On your way out of Santa Barbara on Highway 154, take a quick detour up Painted Cave Road . Follow the winding road up to a scenic lookout where you can pull off the road into a dirt parking lot. Soak up the breathtaking panoramic views of the city and coast from this unique vantage point.

Woman laying on bed in back of converted Sprinter van looking out open back doors onto scenic California view point.

From Painted Cave Road, it’s only a short drive to Cold Springs Tavern , a divey local favorite tucked away in the hills. This biker bar is famous for its BBQ Tri-Tip Sandwich and live music on the weekends.

If you have time, the area surrounding the tavern is full of great hikes. I recommend using All Trails or another hiking app to look up a well-rated hike that suits your experience and preference.

As you continue north on Highway 101, I highly recommend grabbing a bite at Bob’s Well Bread Bakery in Los Alamos, which is known for its artisan baked goods and mouthwatering sandwiches. Stop and eat in their courtyard or take it go.

Continue your drive for another 40 minutes up the 101 to get to the colorful town of Avila Beach. Take some time to scope out the vibrant downtown scene and then head straight over to Avila Beach Paddle Sports , situated right outside of town.

Get set up with a kayak or paddleboard for the afternoon, but before you get going, chat with the staff to get some insight on how to best scout out the seals and sea otters that live in the bay.

I recommend paddling all the way out to see the Port San Luis Lighthouse . This is a historic area right above a sandy beach that has wildflowers, eucalyptus trees, old maritime structures, and most importantly, a wooden swing!

Lone kayak pulled up on a sandy beach near Avila, California

If you’re hungry when you get back, head to Fat Cats Cafe . It’s a local favorite and conveniently located across the parking lot from the Paddle Sports storefront.

Hop back in the car and coast up Route 1 to Cambria. Time your arrival to catch the sunset in Cambria at Moonstone Beach where you can walk along the beach boardwalk. You can also continue a few miles up the Pacific Coast Highway to San Simeon for a good chance to see elephant seals bask in the rookeries.

Cap off your day with dinner at Robin’s , which offers mouthwatering comfort food in a restored adobe home. It’s a favorite spot among locals and visitors.

Woman walking along boardwalk through vegetation next to the Pacific Ocean at sunset

Tip: If you have an extra day, Montaña de Oro State Park has amazing beachfront hiking and a great campground or you can head north to San Simeon to see elephant seals and Hearst Castle (be sure to make a reservation). The historic town of San Luis Obispo is also a stone’s throw away.

Where to stay in Cambria

Cambria Beach Lodge: I highly recommend staying at Cambria Beach Lodge – a beach-inspired boutique hotel with a low-key vibe and elevated minimalist design that’s located on the scenic Moonstone Beach Drive with beautiful views of the sparkling Pacific Ocean from the hotel. I loved the natural aesthetic, the soothing colors, and the small details that made a big impact. Spend as much time here as you can! It’ll leave you feeling relaxed and inspired.

Two women sitting at open bar area next to a beach in California

Day 6: Morro Bay + Tin City

Make the final day of your central California coastal road trip an adventurous one that’s full of exploration in Morro Bay and Tin City in nearby Paso Robles.

Drive 30 minutes back down from Cambria to Morro Bay on the Pacific Coast Highway where you can soak in the coastal views and get a glimpse of famed Morro Rock as you make your way into the downtown area.

Stop at Frankie & Lola’s for a hearty and classic breakfast. Don’t fill up too much, though, because whale watching is next. Depending on the time of year, swells can get big and the boat ride can be a bit rocky.

Morro Bay Whale Watching offers guided tours on the open water to give you a glimpse of SLO Cal’s most famous visitors.

If you time it right, you can catch:

Humpbacks on their northbound migration from late March through April into May
Blue Whales from April through the summer
Gray whales from March to May

Or catch them all going southbound from December through February.

Once you’ve made your way back to land, grab a nourishing California-style vegetarian lunch to go at Shine Café and head out for a short but scenic hike at Black Hill Trail in Morro Bay State Park.

This is a moderate 2.5-mile hike that can be cut short if you want to drive up to the parking lot near the hilltop instead.

It’s an enjoyable and moderate hike with just over 500 feet of elevation gain that ultimately has you topping off with 360-degree views of the coast, city, and hills behind you.

Eat your lunch here and snap a few pics. Make sure you bring sunscreen, bug spray, sun protection , and plenty of water as there is very little shade.

Woman hiking on trail above the ocean in Morro Bay, California

To wrap up your road trip, cruise out to Tin City in Paso Robles. Located in Central California Wine Country, Tin City is a cool and eclectic place to walk around and sample the local brews, wine, and food that the region is known for.

Check out Barrelhouse Brewing Co. (where they also have live music in the summer!), Tin City Cidery , and a variety of food trucks.

Flight of four ciders at cidery in Tin City, California

When you’re ready to eat dinner, grab a bite from one of the food trucks at Tin City, or go to the historic downtown of Paso Robles to scope out the different restaurants this vibrant city has to offer.

You can dine al fresco and enjoy the night, as many of the restaurants have outdoor seating and a view of the square.

Fill up on something tasty and take your time as you enjoy the last night of your central California coast road trip before your return home.

Extending Your California Central Coast Road Trip

If you want to extend your trip, you can easily make your road trip a one-way adventure and drive all the way to San Francisco. This will allow you to check off even more of California’s coastal gems like Big Sur, Monterey, and Santa Cruz.

Here’s an extended itinerary:

Day 7: Head up Highway 1 to Big Sur, stopping to see the famous McWay Falls and do some hiking (see our full Big Sur guide for more).
Day 8: Start the morning with a hike at Big Sur River Gorge before driving up the coast to Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey. Be sure to stop for photos!
Day 9: Explore the many hiking and biking trails and sights around Monterey, including the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. If you want to get out on the water, book a whale-watching tour or go kayaking with sea otters .
Day 10: Drive north through Santa Cruz, stopping for a walk and lunch along the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Continue on to the cozy town of Half Moon Bay where you can stretch your legs on one of the many beaches.
Day 11: Finish in San Francisco! You could spend another week exploring San Fran, but if it’s your first time, you’ll definitely want to take a picture at the Golden Gate Bridge and stroll around Golden Gate Park. Find more of our favorite outdoorsy things to do in San Francisco here .

What to Pack for Your Central California Coast Road Trip

What you pack will really depend on what kind of trip you’re planning. To start, be sure to check out our Road Trip Essentials Packing List .

If you want to car camp or stay in a camper van, here are some camping resources:

Car Camping Essentials + Packing List
Car Camping 101: A Beginners Guide
Van Life Essentials

If you plan on hiking or doing a lot of outdoor activities, check out these gear guides for our favorite gear recommendations:

What to Wear Hiking
Best Women’s Hiking Daypacks
Best Women’s Hiking Boots & Shoes
Best Women’s Hiking Shirts
Best Women’s Hiking Pants & Leggings
Best Women’s Sun Hats for Hiking

Woman hiking in the Oboz Katabatic shoes through a field of flowers with the ocean in the background in Montana de Oro State Park

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Bearfoot Theory | Planning the ultimate California road trip? Dive into our 6-day Central Coast itinerary. From Big Sur's towering cliffs to Carmel's serene beaches, uncover the gems of the Golden State's highway.

Make the most of your visit to California. Use these related posts to help plan your epic road trip:

Best California Beach Campgrounds
Best California Road Trip Stops
Best Bodega Bay Campgrounds
Best Things to do in Yosemite National Park
Best Joshua Tree Hikes
Best Things to do in Big Sur

Got any questions about doing a California Central Coast road trip? Do you have any tips or favorite stops to add? Let us know in the comments below.

Portrait of woman at sunset on the Trans-Catalina Trail

With two decades of hiking and seven years of van life under her belt, Kristen has dedicated her life to helping people experience the positive effects of nature. As a pioneer in the outdoor blogging space, she founded Bearfoot Theory in 2014 and has since authored more than 350 blog posts about outdoor travel, hiking, camping, and van life. Her work has been featured in National Geographic, Outside Magazine, and Backpacker, and when she’s not on the road, she lives in Park City, Utah with her partner Ryan, their son, and two adventure pups.

The Ultimate Northern California Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Creating itineraries has long been a passion of mine. So, I wanted to share my ultimate Northern California road trip itinerary for exploring the coast.

When I think back to my fondest memories from travel these last years, it has certainly been exploring the Northern California coast.

Navigate Northern California Like a Local!

Unlock the best-kept secrets of Northern & Central California with my curated Google Map, showcasing 600+ accommodations, eateries, coffee shops, and unique experiences. Get the map here!

The Ultimate Northern California Coast Road Trip Itinerary

As a Northern California native, I’ve spent most of my life exploring these coastal towns, cities, and outdoor destinations. I feel like I know them better than anywhere else. But with that said, each time I visit, I find something new. Maybe I see it in a new way or the weather is different so the atmosphere feels entirely changed.

It’s these little things that make the coast of Northern California so dynamic and appealing to visit over and over again.

Having lived in San Francisco for almost a decade, the drive up the scenic Highway 1 is one I adore. You can go as far as you like or even just go for an hour or two and still have a wonderful experience. The Pacific Coast Highway goes as far south as San Diego and stretches right through the heart of the Northern California coast.

So I’m taking the best of these California road trips and compiling them into what would be my ultimate Northern California road trip itinerary.

As you read this post, the best part is you can pick and choose from any of these stops . You can spend as little or as much time as you want. It will help you create your ultimate bucket list road trip in Northern California.

Short on Time? Here’s How I Would Spend 1-2 Weeks Roadtripping the Northern California Coast

Stop 1: san francsico — 2-3 nights.

San Francisco Proper , for the best overall hotel
1 Hotel , for the best waterfront stay
Fairmont San Francisco , for the best luxury hotel
Hotel Kabuki , for the best neighborhood hotel

Stop 2: Point Reyes Station — 1-2 nights

Olema House , for the best overall hotel
Nick’s Cove , for the best waterfront stay

Stop 3: Timber Cove & Jenner — 1-2 nights

Timber Cove Resort , for the best overall hotel
Jenner Inn , for the best Jenner hotel

Stop 4: Mendocino — 2 nights

Heritage House Resort and Spa , for the best oceanfront hotel
Brewery Gulch Inn , for the best Mendocino hotel
SCP Mendocino Inn & Farm , for the best bed-and-breakfast stay
Mendocino Grove , for the best glamping stay

Stop 5: Trinidad — 2-3 nights

Whalesong House , for the best home rental stay

What to Know Before Choosing Your Itinerary

Where to Start or Fly Into

I’d recommend flying into San Francisco Airport or Oakland Airport in the Bay Area — Kayak has great flight deals . Both of these international airports have the best flight itineraries for several domestic destinations.

You’ll most likely want to start your trip in San Francisco as well if you haven’t been there before. Keep in mind that road trips will require a car (which isn’t need in San Francisco). I’d recommend Hertz as a reputable car rental company or searching Discover Cars for the best car rental rate s .

Amount of Time Needed

This is a tricky and frequently asked question. You could spend two weeks and not see it all. I always recommend a minimum of two full days for San Francisco and then a night or two for each major destination after that.

So anywhere from a week to ten days will give you a great experience.

Weather and Time of Year

Weather on the coast of Northern California is tricky — it’s often the opposite of what you’d expect. San Francisco runs the foggiest and coldest from June to August.

The rest of the coast is actually pretty mild year-round with definitive colder temperatures in the winter. I’d recommend reading this in-depth post on the best time to visit Northern California.

If I were to pick my ideal months, it would be April – May, and September – October.

How to Use this Northern California Road Trip Itinerary

You can pick and choose from this itinerary as you like! If there is a stop that may not be of interest, then skip it and spend more time elsewhere. And vice versa, if you’re limited on time, pick what will fit your itinerary.

I have my recommended stops here in a one-way order from San Francisco, heading north. It means that the way back will be longer than the way there so you could consider doing the reverse.

I personally don’t mind doing one long stretch back as often that’s a travel day anyways.

This map below has all of the stops saved with recommendations for restaurants and things to do in each destination.

Stop 1: San Francisco, California

Recommended Time

Things to do in san francisco.

I suppose I’m biased after living there, but San Francisco is truly a wonderful city. There is so much to do there — everything from a visit to the SF MOMA and the De Young Museum to walking Crissy Field Beach.

Two full days here would definitely give you the right amount of time to explore the city and its wonderful neighborhoods.

I love heading to the Mission to grab a coffee at Ritual and perusing the local boutiques on Valencia Street. Golden Gate Park and Sutro Baths are wonderful green escapes within the city limits if you’re looking for some greenery as well.

One other bucket list item to do is walking over the Golden Gate Bridge!

Don’t forget to watch the sunset from Twin Peaks (my old hood!) and head to the weekend farmer’s market at the Embarcadero.

Helpful San Francisco Guides to Plan Your Trip

When it comes to food, here’s my secret list .
For coffee, these are my personal selects.
And for photography lovers, you’ll love these locations .

San Francisco Hotel Recommendations

With the latest Proper Hotel opening here, this would be my first choice for design and a centralized location. There are wonderful boutique hotels and incredible luxury hotels as well like the 1 Hotel near the Embarcadero, the Fairmont in Nob Hill, and Hotel Kabuki in Japan Town.

Stop 2: Point Reyes, California

Things to Do in Point Reyes

Point Reyes is a special place for me. I’ve grown up coming to this magical and very intriguing coastal destination for years. The foggy inlets surrounded by towering trees make it mysterious. I feel like it’s one of those “best-kept secrets” in Northern California.

I love coming here for two things: getting outdoors and eating locally.

The pastoral lands here are home to some of the best dairy farms in the state and the local produce and seafood are incredible. I love grabbing oysters at Nick’s Cove or at Hog Island. The farm tours at Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co are also a major win for foodies. The town of Point Reyes Station itself is incredibly charming, great for a bite and stroll.

The nearby outdoor destinations are incredible. Point Reyes National Seashore is home to hiking, wild elk, and the beautiful Cypress Tree Tunnel.

You can rent kayaks for the day on the inlet and explore by water as well. Point Reyes has a truly lovely, slowed-down pace to it.

Helpful Point Reyes Guides to Plan Your Trip

Get my list of recommendations with the weekend guide to Point Reyes .

Point Reyes Hotel Recommendations

I’ve stayed at Nick’s Cove several times and it’s wonderful. These adorable cottages on the water are cozy. Breakfast is served in-room and what better way to start a day than a crackling fire and hot coffee. Read more about my most recent Nick’s Cove stay here .

There are only a few rooms, so if they sell out, many options are available on Airbnb.

Stop 3: Timber Cove + Jenner

Recommended time

Things to do in timber cove and jenner.

As you make your way up north, be sure to stop at Bodega Bay along the way — mostly to eat at Spud Point Crab Company for their crab sandwiches.

The coast along this way has the most accessible beaches so if you’re looking to sit out on a beach, this is when to do it. You’ll notice the cliffs getting steeper as you pass into Sonoma County.

Timber Cove is your next destination, a personal favorite for a wild coastline. Anywhere between Jenner and Timber Cove is a great home base as you have access to a few key points of interest nearby. You can hike in Salt Point State Park or take an afternoon to explore the eccentric town of Guerneville.

Kayaking with Watertreks Eco-Tours in Jenner will get you up close with the local wildlife and be sure to go wine tasting at Fort Ross Vineyards for one of the closest wineries to the Pacific Ocean.

There is plenty to do within 20 minutes in every direction from Timber Cove, so it’s my favorite last stop in Sonoma County on the coast before going much further north.

*A little further north is Sea Ranch with the scenic Pebble Beach and Gualala Point for hiking as well.

Timber Cove Hotel Recommendations

Arguably the best and most expensive hotel in Timber Cove is Timber Cove Resort . It’s splurge-worthy and has incredible views. The food here is also great, so you could also pop in for a bite. Since this one is often very expensive, I’d recommend the Jenner Inn as another option or consider staying in Guerneville which is about a 20-minute drive to the coast. There are great rentals there for homes.

Stop 4: Mendocino, California

Things to Do in Mendocino

One of the longer stretches of drives up the coast is from Timber Cove to Mendocino. There’s not a ton to do on the way, at least that I found, but you could stop in Sea Ranch if you hadn’t done so already. One other option is the town of Elk which I love for the hotel there , but there is an amazing local store in town that has sandwiches to go.

As you get into Mendocino, you’ll see that it’s the hub of life in this area. There is so much to do in this coastal town. I’ve come here at least a half dozen times and am always excited to return.

Some of my favorite things to do include: renting an outrigger at Catch-a-Canoe , hiking in Russian Gulch State Park , walking the headlands at Van Damme State Park , exploring Fort Bragg (home to Glass Beach ) further north, and more.

The food here is also amazing, so be sure to book a few reservations in advance at restaurants like Café Beaujolais .

Helpful Mendocino Guides to Plan Your Trip

For all of my recommendations, please read the weekend guide to Mendocino.

Mendocino Hotel Recommendations

There are several options for hotels here ranging in different prices. I love the experience of glamping at Mendocino Grove Glamping , the views from Little River Inn , the upscale experience at Brewery Gulch Inn , and the charming stay at SCP Mendocino Inn & Farm .

For those looking for an even more upscale and unique stay, I’d recommend booking a night at the Harbor House Inn that is further south in Elk. Their restaurant has been awarded a Michelin Star and it’s one of the most incredible stays I’ve had on the coast. You’ll have to drive a bit further to get to Mendocino to enjoy the town but still worth it.

Stop 5: Trinidad, California

Things to Do in Trinidad

The final stretch of the drive will be the longest in miles, but the rewards at the end are worth it.

You’ll cut back into Highway 101 as you work your way up to Trinidad, where along the way you can stop at the famed Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt Redwoods State Park . The park is home to some of the tallest redwoods in the world.

As you pass further north, you’ll go through the town of Eureka, home to Lost Coast Brewery (great lunch stop) and a historic town. Your final destination and the best place to rent a home for a few nights in Trinidad.

I fell in love with this part of Northern California last year and could have spent a week here. There is so much to do as you’re close to Redwoods National State Parks and the iconic Fern Canyon (a must-visit). Nearby, the scenic beaches of Moonstone Beach or College Cove Beach are great to hang out for a walk or afternoon hang. You can go kayaking with Kayak Trinidad if you want to get out on the ocean.

The local restaurants are good here (a little pricey) but serve fresh seafood — The Larrupin Cafe and Moonstone Grill were my favorite. Be sure to go to Beachcomber Cafe for breakfast as well. This area is a good spot to end a road trip and makes for a great finale to your time in Northern California.

Helpful Trinidad Guides to Plan Your Trip

I did a north coast trip last year, this guide talks about the time in Trinidad.
For those interested in the Avenue of the Giants, read this post.

Trinidad Hotel Recommendations

When I was there, I stayed in this home rental called the Whalesong House right in the heart of Trinidad. There are several options for home rentals and b&bs in the area.

Other Nearby Destinations to Consider

Yosemite national park.

A lot of trips in Northern California include a few nights in Yosemite. It’s certainly an iconic destination for California road trips but not necessarily in the route of this itinerary. You can go out there for a night from San Francisco if you got an early start. It takes around three hours from San Francisco one-way with no traffic. Read the Ultimate Weekend Guide to Yosemite National Park for all the details.

Sonoma and Napa Valley

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Sonoma, California

If you’re looking for a day in Northern California that is not on the coast, the wine regions of Sonoma and Napa are a great choice. You can easily pop in from San Francisco and could consider going there first before continuing up the coast. Read the The Ultimate Travel Guide to Sonoma, California and A Mid-Week Getaway: Napa Valley Guide for more.

Looking to Explore More of Northern California?

The Best Time to Visit Northern California
Where to Visit Along the Northern California Coast
The Best Hotel Restaurants in Northern California

What to Pack for a Northern California Trip

One thing I learned quickly in Northern California is how fast the weather can change. I really recommend having good layers for any outdoor adventures on the coast. You’ll definitely want to have a good windbreaker as well for any windy days.

Here are some of my favorite outdoor pieces:

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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!

These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you . If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here .

1. Book Your Flights

Use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.

2. Book Your Accommodations

Use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.

4. Book Your Car

Use Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com to find the best car rental deals. I recommend comparing rental agency reviews on Google to ensure you are booking with the best company in that destination, as the reviews are often more accurate than the car rental search engines.

5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access

Get a Priority Pass membership to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.

My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:

World Nomads (best for all-around)
Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)

Xx, Jessica

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THANK YOU!! My husband & I celebrate our 25th next July (2022) & we are totally doing your itinerary! you made this so super easy for us to plan…and then enjoy our 2nd trip exploring Cali. Our first (& only) trip was a year before we were married & we made it as far North as San Fran…cannot wait for the 2nd trip! Many thanks+++++

Love this. So many ideas. Thanks!

Thanks for sharing your Google MyMaps. That’s very helpful. Is there a way for me to bookmark it to my Google Maps to recall at a later date?

I’m actually highly interested in the area north of Patrick’s Point to Crescent city, which seems beautiful and less populated. Do you have any insight on that section? It seems most Californians stop before that section, likely due to time constraints for their trip, which is why it’s probably less touristy.

Love the recommendations from someone with experience. However, you missed a great little restaurant in Fort Bragg. It’s at 326 N Main Street and called Eggheads. It is Wizard of Oz themed decor inside and the food is awesome. Don’t be surprised to see people lined up on the sidewalk waiting to get in.

There is also a wonderful ice cream shop called Cowlicks. The mushroom ice cream is definitely a reason to go back again and again. The address is 259B N Main St.

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The Ultimate California Road Trip Itinerary: Pacific Coast Exploration

December 28, 2023 in Activities , Discover , San Antonio

Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? California’s Pacific Coast is calling your name, and we’ve got the perfect road trip itinerary to help you explore its breathtaking beauty. From the stunning beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see to the picturesque coastal towns nestled along the rugged shoreline, this journey promises unforgettable moments at every turn. Let’s hit the road and discover the best of the Pacific Coast in three exciting stops!

As you embark on this unforgettable adventure, you’ll witness the magic of the Pacific Coast unfold before your eyes. With each passing mile, you’ll be greeted by awe-inspiring vistas, charming communities, and opportunities to connect with nature in ways you’ve never imagined. Whether you’re a beach lover, a nature enthusiast, or a history buff, this road trip has something special in store for you. So, fasten your seatbelt, roll down the windows, and let the journey of a lifetime begin!

Stop 1: San Diego to Santa Barbara

Our Pacific Coast road trip kicks off in sunny San Diego, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture. After soaking up the sun and surf, we’ll head north to Santa Barbara, a charming coastal town known for its Spanish architecture and wine country.

Start Your Adventure in San Diego

San Diego is a paradise for beach lovers, where golden sands stretch as far as the eye can see. Begin your day by lounging on the sandy shores of La Jolla Cove or Mission Beach, feeling the warmth of the California sun on your skin. Don’t forget to explore the world-famous San Diego Zoo, home to incredible wildlife from around the globe. Take a leisurely stroll in Balboa Park, surrounded by lush gardens and fascinating museums, making it an ideal spot for delightful outdoor activities like picnics and leisurely bike rides.

Heading North to Santa Barbara

As we leave the sun-kissed beaches of San Diego behind, the scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) will take your breath away. Rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, and endless ocean vistas will accompany you on this mesmerizing journey. In Santa Barbara, immerse yourself in its rich Spanish heritage by visiting the historic Old Mission Santa Barbara. Stroll along the charming State Street, lined with boutiques, cafes, and restaurants, where you can savor delicious local cuisine and shop for unique souvenirs.

Stop 2: Santa Barbara to Big Sur

Our next destination is the iconic Big Sur, a rugged stretch of coastline known for its dramatic cliffs and ancient redwood forests. This part of the trip promises jaw-dropping views and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Exploring Santa Barbara’s Wine Country

Before we bid adieu to Santa Barbara, don’t miss the chance to explore its wine country. The Santa Ynez Valley is famous for its wineries, offering an opportunity to savor exquisite local wines. Visit some of the most picturesque vineyards in California, where rolling vine-covered hills meet endless blue skies. Wine tasting in this idyllic setting is a treat for the senses, allowing you to sip on local wines while taking in the stunning landscapes that surround you.

The Enchanting Beauty of Big Sur

As we journey northward, the Pacific Coast Highway will lead us to Big Sur, a place where nature’s grandeur knows no bounds. This rugged terrain offers some of the most incredible views you’ll ever witness. Make sure to stop at McWay Falls, a hidden gem where a waterfall cascades onto a pristine beach, creating a magical scene. Bixby Creek Bridge is another must-see, offering breathtaking photo opportunities with the vast Pacific Ocean stretching out below. For those seeking adventure, the hiking trails in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park will immerse you in the ancient, towering redwood forests, creating an unforgettable connection with nature.

Stop 3: Big Sur to San Francisco

Our final destination on this epic Pacific Coast road trip is the vibrant city of San Francisco. Famous for the Golden Gate Bridge and its diverse neighborhoods, San Francisco offers a perfect blend of urban charm and natural beauty.

Adventures in the Redwoods

Before we bid farewell to the enchanting landscapes of Big Sur, take some time to immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the redwood forests. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and Limekiln State Park, nestled amidst these towering giants, offer awe-inspiring redwood groves and pristine waterfalls that seem to flow from the heart of nature itself. The peacefulness of these ancient trees and the gentle whispers of the streams create a serene and refreshing experience that will stay with you forever.

Arriving in San Francisco

The drive to San Francisco along Highway 1 is a breathtaking journey. As you approach the city, prepare to catch your first glimpse of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. This majestic landmark welcomes you to the “City by the Bay” in style. Once in San Francisco, you can explore the lively atmosphere of Fisherman’s Wharf, where street performers and delectable seafood create a vibrant scene. Don’t miss the opportunity to ride the famous cable cars, a true San Francisco experience. And, for a dose of history, make your way to Alcatraz Island, where you can step back in time and discover the fascinating stories of this former prison.

As your Pacific Coast exploration comes to an end, you’ll carry memories of stunning coastlines, charming towns, and unforgettable experiences. California’s Pacific Coast offers a diverse range of adventures, from relaxing on sandy beaches to hiking in majestic redwood forests and immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of San Francisco.

This road trip itinerary is just a glimpse of what the Pacific Coast has to offer. Feel free to extend your journey, explore more coastal towns, or simply take your time to soak in the natural beauty of this remarkable region. No matter how you choose to experience it, one thing is certain: this road trip will leave you with a sense of wonder and a deep appreciation for the beauty of California’s Pacific Coast. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

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Ultimate California Road Trip Itinerary: From the Pacific to the Redwoods!

Are you looking for the best California road trip itinerary to explore the most beautiful places in the Golden State? Our 10 days in California itinerary will take you from the rugged coast and beautiful beaches to the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevadas. Hike the Mojave desert, sleep underneath a yucca tree, and visit the lowest place on the continent while you road trip in California. Read our 10 day California Road Trip guide now. You may also like our post on 20 Best Road Trips in the USA .

Welcome to our ultimate California road trip planner!

We created this planner to help you plan the perfect road trip around California and it contains all the essential information you need to plan your trip today including budget and costs, what to eat, where to stay, etc.

Here you will find recommendations for a variety of California itineraries as well as get more information on California road trip must-see attractions including the Golden Gate Bridge, Big Sur, Yosemite, and Los Angeles.

Our mission? To make sure you have a blast in California!

Pacific Coast Highway near Big Sur is the most scenic drive in the world

Also Read: Portland to San Francisco Road Trip Itinerary California To Texas road trip planner Best Things to do in Washington State

California is our favorite destination ever.

I have been enamored with California long before I visited it.

California, San Jose, and the West coast are randomly thrown around in conversations in India – because everyone knows someone working in Silicon Valley – and you can’t help but know about this slice of America.

Growing up, I knew more about Cisco, Apple, Google, and Yahoo (remember when everyone used Yahoo?!) than San Francisco, Yosemite, and Big Sur.

And Disney – because everyone knows Disney!

California has such a unique history.

The oldest, tallest, and widest trees live here and guess what, they have been around since prehistoric times – yes, even dinosaurs lived among the redwood trees!

One of the lowest, aridest, and hottest places on earth is right here in California in Badwater Basin.

And as for scenic places: California has so many of them!

We love Big Sur and its rocky coast, the wildflower super blooms, blue Lake Tahoe, Mono Lake and its tufas, unique shapes of Joshua trees!

There are so many things to see in California road trip that the list just goes on!

General Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park during the winter

Also Read: 24 Best Places to Visit in California in winter

Dotted Globe contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read my full Disclosure here. Thank you!

And that’s why in our California road trip itinerary of 10 days, we take you around all these unique and beautiful places in the Golden State.

Our California 10 day road trip itinerary is perfect for driving around dreamy landscapes of yellow poppies, orange orchards, purple foliage, and lush green vineyards.

We have divided this California roadtrip itinerary into 4 essential stretches as per the geographic features of the state – yepp, we are that geeky – and you can customize it as you want.

Best waterproof walking shoes for California beaches

If you are a beach person like me, then extend the Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary to 10 days.

If you are a mountain lover like my hubby, then take a 10 day road trip from San Francisco to Yosemite.

Yosemite Valley Tunnel View in the winter

Pick your favorite area and stay there as long as you want. Or follow our California in 10 days itinerary exactly as described!

As always, we have also included suggestions for if you have more or less time.

Whatever you chose, you are going to have the time of your lives – because this is California!

Balboa Park's Casa de Balboa Building in San Diego, California

“Every time I come, I’m still amazed at the breadth California has. Big Sur, Yosemite, the desert… I love it.” – Theo James, the English actor

Best of California Road Trip 10 Days Itinerary

We, like most people, have seen California in bits and pieces rather than in one go.

We first visited California almost a decade ago and did San Francisco, Los Angeles, and the theme parks.

Second time around, we visited Death Valley National Park on a road trip from Vegas.

Then I lived and worked in the Bay area in tech (oh, the irony!) and that’s when we explored the California National Parks, North Coast, and the Sierra Nevada side of the state.

Our most popular posts: 22 Best City Breaks in the USA The Best Things to do in New York on your first visit Ultimate List of Best Places to visit in the USA

Most recently, we did the San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip along the gorgeous Pacific Coast Highway – oh and also road-tripped Southern California and Disney with the kids.

On our next trip – we plan to do the North Coast and Redwoods Scenic Highway AGAIN.

Yeah – that’s how much we love California – have been to many destinations several times and still can’t have enough.

The best way to tour California is obviously by driving. The state is beautiful but huge and it’s not easy planning California trip that covers all the major attractions with limited time in hand.

Huntington Beach, California is sunny and warm in winter

And planning a California road trip with kids is even more difficult – how do you prioritize between theme parks and natural attractions?

And that’s where we rush in – your knights in shining armor – delivering the ultimate 10 day California road trip itinerary.

Our California trip planner is more like going on a series of best California road trips – each more gorgeous than the previous.

Also, we follow this road trip along two of California’s most popular routes: south on the SR1 or Pacific Coast Highway and then back north along the scenic SR 395 through Eastern California .

That’s what makes our itinerary the absolute best California driving trip planner!

You can also call it the California National Parks road trip because we will be visiting the most popular of them on an epic road trip.

We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Stretch 1: Down The Pacific Coast – 4 Days

Often enough, when someone talks about a California driving holiday, this stretch along the Pacific Coast Highway is the one they actually mean.

Constantly ranked among the top scenic drives in the world, the coastal drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles is the best of both worlds.

It combines the urban getaways of California’s two largest cities with the natural panoramas of Big Sur and the Pacific.

If you have limited time, we would recommend spending 3 to 4 days along this route.

If you want to focus only on this coastal road trip, then just drive south on a road trip from San Francisco on SR1.

Take your own time to enjoy roadside stops like Carmel-By-The-Sea, Morro Bay, and the stunning Big Sur.

Hike or camp and explore nature.

Here’s our suggestion for this stretch of 10 day California itinerary planner.

Union Square is the heart of Christmas festivities in San Francisco

San Francisco – 1 Day

Start with our San Francisco road trip planner.

San Francisco is our favorite city to start a 10 day California trip.

The city is quite easy to fly into; the 3 airports of San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland are located close by and many airlines have deals to the Bay area.

We would recommend spending a minimum of one day in San Francisco before picking up your rental car and driving south.

Or you can rent a car before, see SF, and then drive the PCH.

You can also start your 10 day road trip from Los Angeles, in that case, adjust your plans accordingly.

San Francisco street cars look charming during the holidays

Read this now! Whatever you do – don’t casually park your car at an empty garage in San Francisco. Car Break-ins in San Francisco are very common, as we discovered to our ill-fortune . On our latest trip to San Francisco, we had parked in a garage two blocks away from Pier 39 and came back to find the rear glass broken and both our children’s suitcases gone! We had to spend quite some time to sort the issue and it left a sad memory on an otherwise awesome road trip around California in 10 days. We would recommend parking at your hotel while taking a cab or the tram to explore the city.

San Francisco has many names – SF, San Fran, Fog City, the City by the Bay, Frisco (though don’t say that in front of locals) or simply, the City – going back to the days of the Wild West when there was nothing much in Northern California but the city.

San Francisco is colorful, vibrant, and bohemian.

It’s amongst our favorite US cities – right there at the top along with New York , Chicago , and New Orleans.

San Francisco City Hall decorated for Christmas

There are quite a few things to do in San Francisco: unsurprisingly most of them begin at or near the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, San Francisco’s gigantic urban park.

Begin your visit at the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center near the southern end of the bridge.

Learn interesting facts and see construction relics from the building of the Golden Gate Bridge before visiting the bridge itself.

Next walk across all 1.7 miles of this engineering marvel and icon of America.

The views of the bay from the bridge are beautiful and you feel an indescribable thrill while walking across it.

Definitely the highlight of your California travel itinerary!

Up for more adventure?

Bike the Golden Gate!

We have done it twice – most recently with our 3 yrs and 6 months old kids – it is a superb experience.

We love biking across to Sausalito, exploring the quaint town, and taking the ferry back to San Francisco.

You can also bike to the redwoods if you have more time.

Read our ultimate guide to biking the bridge here.

If not biking, then use the rest of your day to explore San Francisco’s highlights: Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39, Lombard Street, and Ghirardelli Square.

If you want to spend more time in San Francisco, see the Painted Ladies – those famous SF houses shown in Full House!

You can also check out the city from the Twin Peaks.

The Golden Gate Park is perfect for a stroll.

Ride the cable car to Chinatown and have some dumplings and noodles for lunch.

Spend an afternoon admiring the beautiful architecture of the Palace of Fine Arts or visit the prison of Alcatraz Island.

Visit the beautiful redwood trees at Muir Woods National Monument or whale watch and hike at Point Reyes.

San Francisco is a beautiful city and you can easily spend a couple of days there as a part of your 10 day trip to California.

Read our San Francisco posts now to plan this part of the trip: San Francisco 3 to 5-day itinerary ideas 17 Best Things to do in San Francisco on your first visit

The area around San Francisco is also full of activities and tourist attractions.

Here are some suggestions if you want to spend a few more days exploring around the Bay Area during your California itinerary of 10 days:

Napa & Sonoma

Take a day trip from San Francisco to Napa Valley along the Silverado Trail.

Sonoma County is also a great place to visit for wine lovers.

You can tour the many vineyards, taste local wines, dine at Michelin starred restaurants, and visit famous tasting rooms.

If you happen to visit in the fall, you will see beautiful fall colors in the vineyards and be able to attend grape stomping.

San Jose is popular with millennials and those working in Silicon Valley.

You will find plenty of trendy nightclubs and bars in San Jose.

If you enjoy shopping, check out the high fashion brands on Santana Row.

For outdoor lovers, a hike to Mission Peak is a must while families will love the Winchester Mystery House.

Silicon Valley

If you love tech then you need to visit Silicon Valley.

It boasts the largest concentration of geeks and nerds – and as a fellow geek, I say it quite fondly!

Start your visit at the Computer History Museum to know everything about the machine that changed our lives.

Then see Google’s Android lawn sculptures in Mountain View or the garage where Hewlett Packard began in Palo Alto.

Visit Stanford University’s sprawling campus as well as Facebook and Apple!

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip – 2 Days

On to the next part of the 10 day road trip in California.

After seeing San Francisco, drive south along the SR1 or Pacific Coast Highway.

Over the next 2 days, you will follow the coastal route to Los Angeles while making plenty of stops along the way.

Check the coastal communities of Half Moon Bay and Davenport before reaching Santa Cruz.

If you have kids, spend some time at the Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk.

Next visit Monterey and Carmel by the Sea. Hike in Point Lobos or walk the coastal bluffs at Garrapata State Park.

On the way, you will see secret beaches, hidden coves, and beautiful views.

Wineries near paso Robles in Central California

As you begin driving PCH1 while following our 10 days in California itinerary, you understand why artists settle here, photographers and writers both wax lyrical about this region, and why the drive is called the most beautiful in the world.

We recommend staying somewhere in the vicinity of Carmel Highlands for the night.

The next day, rise early for the star attraction of the drive: the 90-mile long rugged, wild Big Sur.

Big Sur is 6 hours from Los Angeles and you have a big day ahead.

It is really hard to describe Big Sur.

Rocky cliffs, foaming waves, spring wildflowers, lighthouses, migrating whales, turquoise water, redwood trees: Big Sur has everything.

December in California is the perfect time to go whale watching near Monterey

It is gorgeous in a wild way.

In Big Sur, you will find amazing state parks, some of California’s best hiking trails, iconic beaches, and tons of marine life, including otters, elephant seals, and dolphins.

Some areas of Big Sur can be closed at any given time of the year due to floods or landslides – so we recommend checking out the PCH status before your 10 days road trip California.

Beach hiking trails in Monterey California

Read more about all the attractions including the beautiful McWay Falls in our post One day in Big Sur .

Other attractions of the Pacific Coast Highway drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles include Monterey’s famous 17-mile drive, the seaside towns of Pismo Beach and Morro Bay, the famous Hearst Castle, Santa Barbara, and the beaches of Malibu.

For the purposes of this California Itinerary of 10 days, we would suggest 2 to 3 days on PCH.

However, if you have more time then the PCH is easily a 4 day to week-long road trip in itself.

To read more about all the awesome stops on PCH and planning a detailed itinerary, check out our article on Planning a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway .

Also Read: Top 10 Convertible drives in the USA

Los Angeles – 1 Day

While San Francisco and Silicon Valley are for tech lovers, Los Angeles is for Hollywood fans.

How long to stay in Los Angeles is a tricky question.

If you only have one day in Los Angeles, start by seeing the famous Hollywood sign and then visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame to take selfies with your favorite stars.

Also, see the Kodak Theatre (now Dolby Theatre) which hosts the Oscars and tour the movie star homes on Rodeo Drive.

Venice canals at Christmas in Los Angeles

If you have more time to explore Los Angeles, we suggest starting with lunch at the Santa Monica Pier.

Then visit the Griffith Observatory and see Los Angeles from above.

Or you can take a behind the scenes VIP studio tour at one of your favorite studios: pick from Warner Brothers, Paramount Pictures or Sony!

You can also check out the beautiful exhibits at the Getty Center or the beautiful modern art at the Broad.

LA also has many other top museums and a large number of attractions – read our post on Best Things to do in Los Angeles for more ideas.

For more help in planning your day, read our Los Angeles itinerary for first-time visitors .

Here are some suggestions to explore the area beyond Downtown Los Angeles:

No California family road trip is complete without a trip to Disney.

Both of California’s Disney Parks are located close to Los Angeles in Anaheim.

On the best California vacation itinerary, you have to meet Mickey, Goofy and other beloved cartoon characters!

Kids also get to meet Disney’s princesses in full attire at the parks.

To plan a California family vacation itinerary including a trip to Disney, read our Disney posts .

Universal Studios

To understand all about movie-making, see movie sets, and enjoy thrilling rides visit Universal Studios.

This theme park has really cool attractions and the Studio Tour will take you through sets based on Shutter Island, Jaws, King Kong, and more.

Harry Potter fans will love visiting Hogwarts and taking thrilling rides based on the books and movies – and is a must-visit if you are spending 10 days in California.

Colorful houses near Santa Cruz, California

Channel Islands National Park

For a unique experience, customize our itinerary for California 10 days and visit the remote Channel Islands.

Comprised of 5 islands, the park has excellent wildlife, sea caves, and lots of natural beauty.

You can take a ferry to the park from Ventura.

Optional: San Diego – 1 Day

From Los Angeles, you can venture on the next part of California 10 day itinerary or extend your trip down the coast by visiting San Diego.

Not many people know that San Diego is the oldest city on the West Coast.

It has beautiful Spanish Colonial architecture and lots of history.

Read our post 22 Best Things to do in San Diego now to know more about this beautiful city.

If you have one day, you can visit the Historic Old Town and understand the Mexican and Wild West roots of the city.

Next, visit the famous Balboa Park with its beautiful architecture, renowned museums, and the San Diego Zoo.

Round off your time in the city by exploring the historic Gaslamp Quarter and its Victorian architecture and trendy eateries, hotels, and pubs.

This area is perfect for ending the day with dinner and drinks.

If you have more than a day, visit the famous San Diego Sea World and see the dolphins in action.

San Diego is home to many beautiful beaches; the Mission Beach boardwalk is very popular.

Other things to see include Mission San Diego, Sunset Cliffs Park, and the bustling waterfront area of Seaport Village.

If you have more time on 10 day itinerary California, check out the dramatic sculptures in the desert city of Borrego Springs.

Related: For more California road trip ideas, check out our post on 12 Best California road trips

Christmas decorations in Old San Diego Town California

Stretch 2: Through The Arid Californian Desert – 2 Days

Continue on the California road trip route planner through deserts of southern California.

While most people associate California primarily with the coast and then with the dense redwood forests, the state is also renowned for its unique desert landscapes.

Most of these parts of southern California have a desolate beauty.

It is full of desert cities like Palm Springs which offer unique tourist attractions for visitors.

In this post, we focus our California 10 days itinerary on exploring two of the region’s national parks: Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley National Park.

Joshua Tree National Park – 1 Day

Located partly over the Colorado desert and the Mojave desert, Joshua Tree National Park is named after the iconic Joshua tree.

This is a type of Yucca tree that is twisted, scraggly, and found only in the Mojave desert of California.

The easily recognizable tree looks even more dramatic in the desert landscape and bare rock formations of Joshua Tree National Park.

The national park is one of the most underrated California road trip destinations.

Its unique vistas have drawn photographers and artists to the park for decades.

Read our post on One Day in Joshua Tree to plan your trip.

There are many things to do in Joshua Tree and its otherworldly landscape.

One of the best ways to see Joshua Tree is by driving around the paved road in the park.

Campsites in Joshua Tree are spectacular and hikes through Yucca trees and cacti adventurous.

The Hidden Valley Trail is a short mile-long trail that offers great desert landscape views.

The park has many popular geological rock formations that are used for rock climbing.

The park also has a dark night sky and is good for stargazers, astronomy enthusiasts, and night sky photographers.

Wildlife and birding opportunities around the park are also numerous.

Barker Dam in Joshua Tree National Park at sunrise

Read more in our post 24 Best Things to do in Joshua Tree National Park .

While deciding how to plan a trip to California, we recommend keeping more time aside to explore the many attractions surrounding Joshua Tree.

You can easily include them on a South California road trip from San Diego to Joshua Tree in this order: San Diego – Anza Borrego – Galleta Meadows – Salton Sea – Palm Springs – Joshua Tree.

Here’s some more information about these desert experiences that are worth adding to your itinerary if you have the time.

Salton Sea

The Salton Sea is an inland lake created by flooding from an irrigation canal of the Colorado River that carries water to the Imperial Valley in 1905.

Several resort communities were built along the new lake.

However, the lake has no discharge and as a result, the water became unusually saline causing the death of marine life.

As a result, the communities were abandoned and are extremely popular with ruin photographers.

If you have teens, then definitely include Bombay Beach ruins in your California vacation itinerary – they will love to see random objects lying on the beach.

Today, the Salton Sea shoreline is filled with deteriorating structures and RV communities.

The Salton Sea is also located directly on top of the San Andreas fault and geothermal activity including mud pools are present along the coast.

The Salton Sea State Recreation Area is popular for birding, boating, picnicking, and camping.

Beautiful interior of the church at the Santa Barbara Mission in California near Christmas

Palm Springs

Palm Springs, located in the Colorado desert region, is one of the biggest Californian desert cities.

If you want a relaxing vacation, then Palm Springs is one of the best California ideas.

One of its main attractions is the Palm Springs aerial tramway which takes you up Mount San Jacinto and offers great views of the surrounding area.

Palm Springs also has many great museums, boutique stores, restaurants, and resorts.

It is one of the most popular winter vacation destinations in the USA.

If you plan to visit Palm Springs, then check out our post on 30 Best Things to do in Palm Springs, California.

Palm Springs California in amazing to visit in December

Anza Borrego and Galleta Meadows Sculptures in Borrego Springs

While California has many beautiful state parks, few know about its largest – Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

This park is at its most beautiful in the spring when the cacti flower and the desert landscape comes alive with colors.

Anza Borrego Desert State Park is just two hours away from San Diego and can be seen on a San Diego Joshua Valley road trip.

In nearby Borrego Springs, you can see the unusual Galleta Meadows Estate sculptures.

These sculptures created by artist Ricardo Breceda are free to visit and beautiful works of art.

By driving all over the land you can spot dragons, serpents, wooly mammoths, and other fantastic creatures.

Also, read our post on Planning the ultimate Southern California itinerary.

Coachella Valley Preserve

Coachella’s Thousand Palms Oasis is a unique chance to see the oasis environment in the middle of the desert.

The oases directly sit on fault lines and the water seeping through the faults has given life to California Fan Palms and other big palms in the arid desert.

Wildlife including sheep, goats, bobcats, etc, also can be spotted at the oasis.

Entry to the reserve is free and it has many hiking trails plus offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

There are also other hiking areas close to Coachella Valley Preserve including Indian Canyons where you can hike through slot canyons.

Scenic road to Death Valley National park, California

Death Valley National Park – 1 Day

Comprising of areas of the Mojave desert and the Great Basin desert, Death Valley is vastly different than Joshua Tree National Park.

For the most part, Death Valley is devoid of vegetation and is home to a variety of geological formations including the badlands, sand dunes, and the famous salt flats.

Death Valley also has the distinction of being the lowest point in North America and is also one of the hottest and driest places in the country.

No trip to Death Valley National Park is complete without visiting the Badwater Basin salt flats.

The salt flats, at 282 feet below sea level, are the lowest place in North America.

Death Valley National Park has many scenic drives that are perfect for exploring around the park.

Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes are good for taking a stroll, exploring the desert plants, viewing animal tracks, and sunrise/sunset photography.

The park has many interesting geological formations.

Death Valley also has a dark night sky and is great for stargazing and photographing the Milky Way.

Read our post on 14 Best Things to do in Death Valley National Park for more information.

Badlands view from Zabriskie Point in Death Valley National Park at Dusk, California

We know you are planning to roadtrip California, but we can’t talk about Death Valley without mentioning Las Vegas.

Las Vegas is also a great city to begin your road trip to California.

The distance between Vegas and Death Valley is just over 2 hours and the route is quite scenic.

In fact, it is one of our favorite road trips from Las Vegas.

You can see the Sin City and then go on a road trip through California – an epic Las Vegas Los Angeles San Francisco trip, if you will!

Or you can also go on a memorable Las Vegas Grand Canyon road trip from California.

For Las Vegas travel inspiration, read our post on 52 Best Things to do in Las Vegas .

Frozen Convict Lake surrounded by mountains on a winter day;

Stretch 3: Up Through The Sierra Nevada – 4 Days

After seeing Death Valley, take a road trip on California’s Scenic Highway 395.

This road trip is scenic whether you do it from north to south or like we recommend here, from south to north.

The best time to see the aspens turn yellow here is in fall.

The total distance from Death Valley to your final destination of Yosemite is 4 hours when the Lee Vining road to Yosemite is open in the summer.

However, we recommend keeping aside 4 days for this road trip as it has some of the most underrated road trip destinations in California including the Manzanar National Historic Site, Alabama Hills, Ancient Bristlecone pine forest, Bodie Ghost Town, etc.

For more information on these Route 395 stops, see this article .

Roads in Kings Canyon National Park in winter

For the purposes of this itinerary, we focus on the popular attractions of Mammoth Lakes, Yosemite, and Lake Tahoe.

Route 395 will take you high up into the Sierra Nevada mountains, known for their spectacular beauty.

The Sierra Nevadas are home to many national and state parks including the mighty Yosemite and crystal clear high mountain lakes.

For the rest of your Californian road trip, you will be exploring the High Sierras and its many breathtaking attractions.

This is a welcome respite after the desert landscapes of Death Valley and Joshua Tree and depending on when you visit you will be able to see beautiful meadows, wildflowers, fall foliage, and even snow!

Lake Tahoe looks spectacular even in the winter

Mammoth Lakes And Mono Lake – 1 Day

Contrary to their name, Mammoth Lakes is not a lake but a winter ski town in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Mammoth Mountain is the main winter skiing area with a variety of ski runs.

In summer, it is a favorite with mountain bikers and hikers.

The town does have several beautiful lakes that are accessible only in the summer but none of them are named Mammoth.

The area has beautiful alpine meadows with wildflowers in spring and natural hot springs for some R&R.

In one day, we recommend taking the roughly one hour drive around the Lakes Basin and visiting all the lakes.

You can hike, picnic, kayak, and fish in whichever lake you like.

Or maybe just hang up a hammock and read a book by the lake.

Nearby Mono Lake is a saltwater lake surrounded by unique towering limestone formations called the tufa.

The lake visitor center has great information about the formation of the lake and the tufa while the short South Tufa trail is great for exploring the surrounding area.

The trail takes you along the lakeshore and among the tufas.

We suggest stopping here for an hour or so; Mono Lake accepts National Park Pass for entry.

On the way from Mammoth Lakes to Mono Lake, you will pass by June Lake and Devils Postpile Monument.

Enjoy snowshoeing on Lake Tahoe in winter

June Lake Loop Road is a great place to see the fall colors while the Devils Postpile National Monument is a unique geological formation of basalt columns.

Rainbow Falls, a 31m plunging waterfall, is another popular attraction of the monument.

Past Mono Lake, take the Lee Vining Road into Yosemite.

The official name of the road is Tioga Pass Road and it is closed in winter and spring (usually November to May) due to snow.

In that case, you can’t really visit Yosemite from the eastern side.

To know alternative routes in winter, check here .

Yosemite National Park – 2 Days

Best known for its giant sequoia trees, bald granite cliffs, and spectacular waterfalls, Yosemite National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Yosemite along with Yellowstone National Park and Grand Canyon National Park is known as the ‘Big Three’ and receives over 4 million visitors each year.

Yosemite is a must-stop on any Ca road trip itinerary.

The best time to visit Yosemite National Park is from the summer to fall when Tioga Pass Road is open.

Beautiful winter scenery in Yosemite National Park, California

We suggest spending 2 days in Yosemite National Park to hike, drive along scenic roads, and see the major attractions.

On your first day, start by taking a Yosemite Valley Tour.

The Yosemite Valley is surrounded by the bald granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome.

Most of the waterfalls including Yosemite Falls are also located in the valley.

The Valley is also where most of the park services including accommodations, shuttle buses, etc are located.

The Valley has hiking trails for all difficulty levels that lead to stunning views of Yosemite.

Lower Yosemite Falls hike is a short and easy trail that goes to the base of the falls.

Touring the Yosemite Valley via the free shuttle bus is the easiest way to see the national park.

However, if you are visiting in summer (especially long weekends) it can get very crowded – so plan to start early in the morning.

The Valley Visitor Center has great information and exhibits about the history and geology of Yosemite, plus it is a good place to get souvenirs, postcards, and magnets.

The aptly-named Mirror Lake reflects Half Dome peak and is beautiful to visit.

However, it dries up towards the end of summer and is best seen in spring/summer.

Another must in the Valley if you’re visiting in summer is Glacier Point.

Located along the valley rim, it can be reached only by car or private tour.

The views from Glacier Point are stellar. It is also the base for many of Yosemite’s rim hikes.

We suggest spending one day exploring the valley. Yosemite also offers paid guided tours if you prefer them.

On the next day, you can go up the Tioga Pass road if it is clear of snow.

This is your chance to experience Yosemite devoid of the crowds.

The shuttle bus will take you up the Tioga Pass road to Tuolumne Meadows.

To see Yosemite’s giant sequoia trees, visit the Mariposa Grove.

This area is also accessible by the park shuttle.

End your day by visiting Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite Village.

Photographer Ansel Adams’s stunning black and white photos of Yosemite are a great reminder of how Yosemite looked over half a century ago.

Lake Tahoe And Emerald Bay – 1 Day

If you continue along Route 395 from Yosemite, you will reach lake Tahoe.

Note: Route 395 itself does not reach Lake Tahoe, so you will be following 207 from the Nevada side.

The deep blue water of Lake Tahoe surrounded by snow-clad mountain peaks of the Sierra Nevadas is one of California’s iconic images.

Located on the California-Nevada border, Lake Tahoe is a popular travel destination for Californians throughout the year.

In winter it is popular for snowshoeing, skiing, and sledding.

Summer in Lake Tahoe is made for biking and camping.

In fall, the area around Lake Tahoe comes alive with spectacular fall foliage and is one of the top fall drives in the country .

South Lake Tahoe or the California side is best for enjoying the outdoors and nature with family while the Nevada side has lots of casinos and is more touristy.

Crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe (CC 2.0 – Christian Abend )

The drive around Lake Tahoe is 72 miles long and takes about three hours.

It is highly scenic and one of the best road trips in California.

Much of the shoreline of Lake Tahoe is public and the views of the lake from the drive are stunning.

The lake looks a pretty shade of blue during the day and taking a beautiful picture of the water is a highlight of your visit.

An essential stop along the drive is the Emerald Bay State Park.

The drive here is spectacular and the views of the turquoise lake are lovely.

There are many other ways to enjoy Lake Tahoe.

You can take a helicopter tour or enjoy watersports on the lake.

The Sierra Nevada mountain ranges are an absolute delight for outdoor and nature lovers.

What you will see in these 4 days is just the tip of the iceberg.

The High Sierras have many beautiful alpine valleys, lakes, ghost towns, waterfalls, and hiking trails worth exploring.

If you can spend more time in the Sierra Nevada, then here are some other must attractions:

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

These are the two other national parks located in the High Sierras.

The giant sequoias surround you as you drive the park roads creating a surreal and unique experience.

The twisting and turning roads here are not for the faint-hearted (hint: carry some Dramamine!).

Both national parks have great hiking trails and lots of wildlife.

John Muir Trail

While it is not possible to hike in a short time, John Muir Trail deserves a special mention.

This is a long-distance trail in the Sierra Nevada and passes through Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks.

It is as renowned as the Appalachian or the Pacific Crest Trail.

Bodie Ghost Town

The old mining ghost town of Bodie is an hour away from Mammoth Lakes.

Preserved as a state park, the town is full of historic saloons and deserted buildings.

While Sacramento is not in the Sierra Nevada mountain ranges, the city is on the way while returning to San Francisco from Lake Tahoe and makes for a great addition to our California road trip itinerary recommendations.

One of the top attractions in Sacramento is the California State Railroad Museum.

Stretch 4: Along The Wild North Coast

There are many things to do in Northern California including national parks, scenic drives, beautiful coastal towns, and more.

You will need another 5 days minimum to fully explore the Northern part of the state.

Hence, we do not recommend covering the North Coast if you are following this California Road Trip Itinerary for 10 Days – you simply won’t have time.

The best way to explore this region is to plan a separate road trip in the northern part of the state, the details of which you can read here in our post, Ultimate Northern California road trip itinerary .

California’s North Coast is less visited, unspoiled, and partially unexplored compared to the famous central Coast and the crowded southern coast.

The prehistoric coastal redwood trees grow in groves along the road all the way up to Oregon.

Hwy 1 ends at Leggett where it joins Hwy 101.

While the road follows the coast, for the most part, it turns inward in the area of the Lost Coast.

The remote Lost Coast as the name suggests is devoid of major highways and remains the ultimate adventure for a 10 day trip to California.

However, the coast is not the only unique thing about Northern California.

The northern part of the state is also home to geothermal activity.

You can climb lava tunnels at Lava Beds National Monument and see volcanic craters, domes, mud pools, etc at Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Here are a few attractions of the region:

Redwoods National and State Park

The Redwoods National and State Parks were created to preserve the old-growth redwood forests.

The Redwoods are the tallest living trees on Earth and also among the oldest.

The National Park and state parks are also home to a number of endangered animals including spotted owl, species of sea lions, etc.

The unique environment of the dense redwood forests by the coast has resulted in the park being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Seeing the Redwoods covered in fog during winter or spring is a surreal experience.

Point Reyes

Point Reyes National Seashore, located in Marin County, preserves a large swath of northern California’s coastal wilderness.

Most popular attractions at Point Reyes include Alamere Falls on Wildcat Beach and Point Reyes Lighthouse.

Other attractions include the endangered tule elk herd that can be seen around Tomales Point, Native American redwood houses, earthquake trail, and dramatic cliffside beaches.

Avenue of the Giants

Avenue of the Giants is an over 30 miles long scenic highway that passes through the Humboldt Redwoods State Park and its mighty coastal redwood trees.

Roadside attractions include tunnels cut into redwood trees, giant groves, and unique roadside attractions like a house created from a single redwood log and a Redwood RV.

We suggest hiking in the Redwood groves to experience the truly gigantic trees.

The quaint seaside town of Mendocino is quite different from the coastal towns on the Central Coast.

It reminded me of Maine and the coastal upper East coast due to its Victorian mansions painted in pretty pastel colors.

The town is a historical landmark and very pretty to wander and explore.

Nearby Mendocino Headlands State Park and Russian Gulch State Park are worth a visit.

Nearby Fort Bragg is no fort but a lumber town on the North Coast.

The famous ‘Glass Beach’ of which I’m sure you have seen pics floating around on social media is in Fort Bragg.

The beach is a part of MacKerricher State Park, a state park with amazing views of the undeveloped headlands, beaches, and tide pools.

Another popular attraction in Fort Bragg is the Skunk Train – a railroad built to haul timber logs from the redwood forests.

Other attractions on the North Coast include the pretty Victorian towns of Ferndale and Eureka, Del Norte Redwood State Park, and the seaport community of Crescent City.

More 10 Day California itinerary ideas for slow travelers

You can use our California road trip planner to customize your itinerary based on your interests.

If you can only spend 10 days in California, then seeing all the above attractions can be overwhelming; here are a few suggestions for those who like slow travel.

California coast road trip itinerary

One great option is to go on a 10 day pacific coast highway trip or 10 day west coast road trip.

That way you can spend more time in the cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles while seeing Big Sur at a leisurely pace.

On this San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip in 10 days, you can tour the lighthouses, hike the trails, picnic on the beach, visit the wineries of the Central Coast, and enjoy nature – seriously the best road trip in California.

You can even do the San Francisco to San Diego road trip in 10 days.

In that case, we would recommend keeping aside 2 days each for the 3 major cities and spending the rest of the time in the Big Sur region.

This San Francisco 10 days trip lets you enjoy the beauty of the coast while visiting the Sierra Nevadas and the desert later.

California National Parks itinerary

California has 9 national parks – all of them are unique and make for an exciting California National park road trip.

You can visit either the most popular ones or all of them, depending on how much time you want to spend in each park.

We would suggest starting from Los Angeles, then seeing Joshua Tree and Death Valley before visiting Kings Canyon and Sequoia.

Then see the beautiful Yosemite Valley. From Yosemite, head north to Lassen and then finally see Redwoods parks before returning to San Francisco.

You can also see Pinnacles and Channel Islands if you have the time, to complete the national parks in California road trip.

You can also use this route for creating your own California RV trip itinerary, since most national parks have RV campgrounds.

Northern California road trip itinerary

Another great option for those who like slow travel is to plan a Northern California itinerary for 10 days.

Start your road trip from San Francisco and drive along the less visited North Coast and see the majestic redwood trees.

Drive along the Redwoods Scenic Byway before turning towards the mountains and exploring the caves at Lava Tubes National Monument.

Visit Mount Shasta on your way to Lassen Volcanic National Park and end your trip in Sacramento, a couple of hours away from San Francisco.

For more information on how to plan a California road trip focusing on the northern part of the state, read our in-depth post on Northern California road trip .

If you have less time: California itinerary 7 days

If you can’t spare 10 days, then we also have suggestions for 7 day California road trip routes.

With only 7 days in california, we would recommend focusing on one region and exploring it at a leisurely pace.

Of course, you can opt for a 7 day southern California itinerary or a 7 day California coast road trip along the PCH, but you can also consider some unique road trip ideas in California which explore its most popular attractions.

Here are our favorites if you want to see the best of California in a week:

7 day road trip from San Francisco to Yosemite

If you are wondering how to spend a week in California but still see the most popular attractions, then this itinerary is for you.

Start your road trip in San Francisco, see the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, Mission District, Fisherman’s Wharf etc in two days.

Then spend a day in Napa Valley and nearby Calistoga before seeing Sacramento.

In Sacramento, see the state capitol and the railroad museum then make your way to Yosemite National Park.

Take a tour of the Yosemite Valley and see the famous El Capitan as well as the many waterfalls.

Enjoy the panoramic view from the Tunnel View Outlook.

Then depending on the season, visit the Tuolumne Meadows area.

Return to San Francisco to complete 7 day road trip in California.

North California coast road trip

This California 1 week itinerary is perfect for slow travel.

Land in San Francisco and take a day or two to explore it’s many attractions.

Then rent a car and drive north.

Part of this road trip is on the Pacific Coast Highway 1 till Legett, after which you will be driving along the famous Redwood scenic byway.

For your first stop, explore the beautiful Point Reyes.

See the lighthouse and the shipwreck, then eat oysters in Tomales Bay.

Drive along the Avenue of the Giants and pass through the Redwood tunnels.

Hike in the prehistoric Fern Canyon and visit the glass beach at Fort Bragg, then last stop at Eureka or Crescent City to finish the California coast 7 day itinerary.

7 Day Southern California trip itinerary

For this ca road trip planner, begin your trip with a day or two in San Diego or Los Angeles and then wind your way around Southern California’s desert attractions.

See famous Joshua Tree and Palm Springs.

Enjoy the fantastic landscape of the Mojave desert and drink a delicious date shake.

See the sculptures in Borrego Springs.

Then visit Anaheim and enjoy the theme parks.

There are also many things to do in Anaheim besides Disney.

7 Day California Coast Road Trip

This is one of the most popular california driving holidays itineraries.

Follow this California road trip itinerary 7 days along the world famous Pacific Coast Highway.

See the major cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Explore the charming mountain side towns of Pismo Beach and Morro Bay. Learn to surf and spot the elephant seals.

Spend some time hiking and enjoying the wild, rugged vibe of Big Sur.

Take a tour of the Point Sur Lighthouse and hike down to Keyhole Rock. Go whale watching.

If you have more time: California road trip itinerary 14 days

This two week california driving itinerary is perfect for long summer vacations, when most parts of the state including the High Sierras are completely accessible.

Just use our main California trip planner, but add in all optional ideas including San Diego and the beautiful northern coast.

Then see the Lassen Volcanic National Park area and visit the beautiful Burney Falls from Redding.

Spend some time in Mount Shasta and head back to San Francisco to complete California 2 week itinerary.

We hope you liked our California road trip blog.

Now you have everything ready to plan your perfect California trip itinerary, so make the most of it.

Did we miss any hidden gems in the Golden State?

Which part of the road trip did you enjoy the most? Let us know in the comments!

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The Perfect 5 to 7-Day Northern California Coast Road Trip

Published on September 26, 2023

by Audrey Webster

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Most visitors to California’s coastline head for the southern half of the state. Yet, if you set out for a northern California coast road trip, you’re met with rugged coastlines, historic lighthouses, and tasty food—as well as some stops that are a little more off the beaten path.

You could spend weeks exploring all the ins and outs of this pristine coastline, but 5 to 7 days in northern California is usually plenty for a first trip to the area.

This article takes a deep dive into everything you need to know about driving the northern California coast.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Northern California?

The sweet spot is 5 to 7 days in northern California. With this amount of time, you can cover a lot of ground without feeling rushed or switching accommodations every night.

With 5 days in northern California, you’ll have plenty of time to drive from the Bay Area to Redwoods National and State Parks. You could opt to turn around sooner and spend more time at each stop. You’ll have time to spend a day or so exploring the towns, overlooks, and beaches you visit without feeling terribly rushed.

Should you have 7 days in the northern part of California, you have two options for how to spend your trip. First, you can go beyond Redwoods National and State Parks to explore the coastline closest to the California-Oregon border.

Our itinerary below offers a few suggestions for places to stop for the extra two nights. Your second option is to simply spend more time at each stop between SF and the Redwoods.

No matter how much time you spend in northern California, set aside time to check out the highlights as well as wander off the beaten path. Here is where you’ll find the hidden gems!

Getting To & Around Northern California

You’ll want a car for a northern California road trip—there’s really no way to make the trip without your own vehicle.

If you’re flying in from out of state, you can rent a car from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and return it to the same place when your trip concludes.

There are no places to rent cars along the drive outside of SF, nor are there any options for guided tours to get you between cities. Renting a car or having your own is absolutely needed. You can browse Rentalcars.com to compare prices or alternatively have a look at Outdoorsy if you prefer to rent an RV or campervan.

For most of the drive, you’re heading along Highway 101 or Highway 1 – also known as the Pacific Coast Highway or the PCH. This highway is well-known for its stunning views and curvy roads though it most popular when driving between LA and San Francisco . It’s important that you drive slowly.

If you’re easily carsick, have some remedies on hand to help ease it. While the road is curvy and narrow in places, you get incredible views of the coastline as you drive, so you’ll want to take your time. Stop anywhere there’s a safe pullout or parking lot to pause and admire the view.

5 to 7 Day Northern California Coast Itinerary

Our itinerary starts in San Francisco. If you’re flying into the state, you’ll most likely begin here. However, if you’re driving in, feel free to mix and match the itinerary stops in the way that makes the most sense for you. Plan for one long travel day at the end to return to San Francisco.

Day 1 – San Francisco

Plan to spend a day exploring San Francisco upon arrival. If you’ve flown in from a different time zone, spend some time readjusting to Pacific time and resting before kicking off your northern California coastal road trip.

If you’ve never visited the Bay Area before, now is a great time to check out the city. Walk along the Golden Gate Bridge, stroll through Golden Gate Park, visit Chinatown, or ride the famous cable cars. With enough time, you can even visit Alcatraz Island and wander Pier 39.

You could easily spend several days getting to know San Francisco, but for this itinerary, budget one or two days, depending on how much total time you have. Tonight, you can either spend another night in the city or head out to the coast in the evening. The drive from SF to Point Reyes Station is just shy of two hours.

Where to Stay in San Francisco

Orchard Hotel – Located in downtown San Francisco, this cute boutique hotel is a great base in the city. They have a great location within walking distance of all of San Francisco’s top attractions and there is also breakfast available in the mornings. Click here to check availability

Axiom Hotel – Those after a luxury option to kick start their Northern California road trip will love this hip hotel right off Union Square. They have an array of lovely rooms to choose from and plenty of amenities available to guests. Click here to check availability

Green Tortoise Hostel – Budget and solo travellers looking to save a bit of cash or meet some other people will love this centrally located hostel. They have a number of dorms and privates along with good common areas and free breakfast. Click here to check availability

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in San Francisco!

Day 2 – Point Reyes Station

Point Reyes is the jump-off point to visit Point Reyes National Seashore and Tomales Bay State Park.

This charming small town is home to some lovely boutique hotels and rentals where you can decompress after enjoying a day on the coastline. Oysters are a must-try here, and there are several places where you can taste local seafood.

In terms of how you spend your time in Point Reyes, the short answer is to head out to the seashore! Visit Point Reyes Lighthouse, hike to Chimney Rock, and relax on Drakes Beach. One of the most picturesque spots is the Cypress Tree Tunnel. You can also seek out the elephant seals, visit local creameries, rent kayaks if the weather is on your side, and shop at local stores in town.

Tonight you can stay again in Point Reyes or head to Timber Cove in the evening. The drive is about an hour and a half.

Where to Stay Near Timber Cove

Jenner Inn – This quaint inn in the town of Jenner makes for an excellent base for this part of your Northern California road trip itinerary. They have a number of lovely rooms to choose from and plenty of good amenities for guests to enjoy. Click here to check availability

Timber Cove Resort – Located in a dramatic cliffside setting, this is a great choice for those after a luxury option while visiting Northern California. They have a range of gorgeous rooms on offer along with countless plush amenities on offer to guests. Click here to check availability

Private Rental – A private vacation rental is another great option on your road trip. There are countless properties – like this dramatic oceanfront house – available to choose from across a variety of booking platforms. Click here to browse more Timber Cove private rentals!

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Timber Cove hotels!

Day 3 – Salt Point State Park & Timber Cove

Day three brings you to Timber Cove and Salt Point State Park. Located in Sonoma County (the wine regions of Napa and Sonoma are located just inland!), the state park covers over six miles of rugged coastline.

There are over 20 miles of hiking trails, but the area is well known for its diving. However, if you’d rather stick to dry land, Salt Point Trail, North Trail Loop, and Pygmy Forest Trail are all great options for easy-to-moderate hikes.

Tonight, head into Timber Cove. This quaint and secluded town is perfect for a quiet evening. There are several accommodations—all with incredible views of the rocky coastline. This area is known for its craggy sharp cliffs that drop down into pockets of sandy beaches.

Pay a visit to Goat Rock Beach, Fort Ross, and Gualala’s Sand Dunes. If you’re a wine lover, there are five coastal AVAs here for you to explore. Spend tonight in Timber Cover before heading to Mendocino early in the morning.

Day 4 – Mendocino

The drive from Timber Cove to Mendocino is just under two hours. It’s one of the longer stretches of coastline you’ll drive on this northern California road trip.

The town of Mendocino is charming, so set aside some time to walk around. There are plenty of delicious seafood restaurants and local bakeries to explore.

Mendocino is unique in that you have access to coastal landscapes and lush forested state parks. Russian Gulch State Park features the historic Russian Gulch Bridge and moderately difficult trails like the Falls Loop Trail that takes you to a 36-foot waterfall.

Along the coast, Big River Beach, Mendocino Bay, and Jug Handle State Natural Reserve are all worth a visit. At Jug Handle, hike the Ecological Staircase Trail takes you along the cliff, through a redwood forest, and to the pygmy forest filled with stunted and ancient trees.

Where to Stay in Mendocino

Headlands Inn Bed and Breakfast – This cosy bed and breakfast is a great, mid-range option in Mendocino. They have a number of cute and quaint rooms to choose from and makes for an excellent base for this part your your road trip in Northern California. Click here to check availability

Agate Cove Inn – Boasting incredible coastal views of the Pacific Ocean, this inn is a great base in Mendocino for those looking for a bit of an upscale stay. They have a number of bright and comfortable rooms to choose from, free parking and an excellent breakfast. Click here to check availability

Private Rental – There are also plenty of private vacation rentals – like this cute cottage in Mendocino village – to choose from in this area along the Pacific coast if that suits your travel style more. Click here to browse Mendocino private rentals!

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Mendocino hotels!

Day 5 – Humboldt Redwoods State Park

No visit to northern California is complete without hiking amongst the impressive redwoods. There are pockets of protected national and state redwood parks throughout northern California.

If you only have a 5-day itinerary, make a stop at Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Here, you can drive the Avenue of the Giants.

The 31-mile route should be at the top of your to-do list if your time in the park is limited. Founders Grove, Rockefeller Forest, and the Lost Coast Drive are all great ways to spend your time.

Now, if day five is the last day of your trip, here is where you’ll turn around and head back down to San Francisco. In total, the drive back to the city is 5 to 6 hours.

Day 6 – Trinidad

If you have 7 days to devote to exploring northern California’s coast, continue driving until you reach Trinidad.

This tiny coastal town features some of the best beaches along the route and several that are reminiscent of the Oregon coast.

Trinidad State Beach and College Cover are two iconic stops. Sue-Meg State Park with its rim trail and Wedding Rock climbs are well worth the visit.

For your overnight accommodation, there are several cabins or vacation rental homes that provide a comfortable stay.

Where to Stay in Trinidad

View Crest Lodge – This lodge located close to Agate Beach is an excellent place to stay in Trinidad. They have a number of rustic rooms and cottages to choose from along with free parking and a good breakfast available each morning. Click here to check availability

Trinidad Bay Bed and Breakfast Hotel – This is another great option right on the coast in Trinidad. They have a number of quint rooms on offer to guests, an excellent breakfast and a perfect location directly on the beautiful beach. Click here to check availability

Private Rental – If you’re looking for your own space in the Trinidad area, there are plenty of properties to choose from – like this romantic cottage near the beach . There is something to suit everyone across a range of platforms. Click here to browse Trinidad private rentals

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Trinidad hotels!

Day 7 – Redwoods National & State Parks

First thing first—there are actually four redwood parks throughout the state of California. They include Redwood National Park, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.

All the parks are clustered in northern California, so you can visit all four parks if time allows. Within the parks, you’ll find some of the world’s most pristine old-growth redwood forests.

During your visit to Redwood National Park , make a stop at the Kuchel Visitor Center to learn about the park and get the latest updates about its trails.

Ladybird Johnson Trail, Redwood Creek Overlook, and Tall Trees Grove Trail are the three most popular routes. Within the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, head over to the wildly famous fern canyon for a truly unique hike.

Each park has its own unique trails, scenery, and hikes. If you’re pressed for time, pick just a couple to visit. The national park tends to see bigger crowds, so if you want to get away from other visitors, head for one of the lesser-trafficked state parks.

Have More Time?

If you have a little more time on your California north coast road trip, stop at Anderson Valley. It sits between Highway 101 and the coast. It’s a beautiful stretch of land filled with giant oak trees and sprawling vineyards.

There are two towns: Philo and Boonville. Anderson Valley is a wine lovers’ paradise. It’s one of the lesser-known wine regions in California, which makes it great if you want to enjoy the state’s iconic wine without fighting the crowds you’ll find in Napa or Sonoma . Hendy Woods State Park is full of great hiking trails. You could easily spend a day or two exploring this area.

It’s also worth your time to linger in San Francisco at the start or end of your trip. There is so much to do in this city that you could spend an entire week here and never run out of ways to fill your time. Relax in Dolores Park, visit the Painted Ladies, take iconic photos at Lombard Street, or visit any of the city’s amazing art museums.

Should you have more than two weeks in your itinerary, head inland to visit places like Lassen National Park, Yosemite National Lake, and Lake Tahoe . The area around Mount Shasta is also amazing for camping, hiking, and overlooks.

Finally, if you have more than 7 days to dedicate to the northern California coast, we recommend spending even more time in each destination. Ideally, a minimum of two days allows ample time to admire the location and relax. The redwood forests in particular warrant an entire trip on their own. You’ll be able to catch the highlights on this road trip.

Of course, you could continue north from your final destination in California and venture along the Oregon Coast and terminate in lively and eccentric Portland. Otherwise, you could even go for an entire San Francisco to Seattle road trip and see a good part of the coastal Pacific Northwest !

The Oregon Coast is a highlight of the Pacific Northwest

The northern California coastline is full of stunning landscapes and hidden gems. There’s so much to do and see that the trick is narrowing down exactly how to spend your time. No matter how long you visit or where you stop, your itinerary will be jam-packed with unforgettable sights.

Are you visiting northern California? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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About Audrey Webster

Audrey Webster is a writer for The World Was Here First. She is an Oregon native who has visited countries across the globe and currently spends her weekends exploring the Pacific Northwest and surrounding states. Her approach to traveling combines exploring famous tourist sites and wandering off the beaten path to discover new destinations.

The Ultimate California Road Trip Itinerary

Written By: The Planet D

Road Trips , United States

Updated On: February 8, 2024

This California road trip itinerary will take you along incredible the famous Pacific Coast highway, through deserts, and around lakes and mountains. It is one of the most diverse road trips you can take in the United States.

We have personally driven these roads and highways on different road trips in California and we visited all the sights recommended. This two week itinerary can easily be mixed and matched to create different California road trips as long or short as you like.

California Road Trip Itinerary

Make sure to download your Pacific Coast highway Self Drive tour before embarking on your California road trip. Explore the California Coast at your own pace as you follow the app to discover monuments, towns, and points of interest along the route. It will track your route and play automatically to tell you about your stops as you drive from Monterey to Pismo Beach.

Table of Contents

California Road Trip Map

1. San Francisco – 2 Days

We’ve planned the initial stage of our California road trip itinerary from San Francisco . It is easy to fly into from all major hubs and car rentals can be picked up directly at the airport. Plus, traffic in San Francisco isn’t as congested as it is in Los Angeles making it the perfect start for any California road trip itinerary.

Spending two days in San Francisco will give you the chance to see all the iconic sites like the incredible Golden Gate Bridge before moving South. We have an excellent 72 hours in San Francisco guide where you can plan your entire stay in San Francisco .

Tip: When we visited San Francisco for the first time, we bought a City Pass and explored all the neighborhoods by bus. It was a great way to get acquainted with the layout of the city and have the option to hop on and hop off whenever we wanted with a 24 or 48-hour pass.
Click here to search all the car rental agencies and get the best price for your California Road Trip!

Things to do in San Francisco

San Francisco Cable Car
Golden Gate Park – one of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge
The Painted Ladies – made famous by Full House
Hippie district of Haight Ashbury and China Town
Palace of the arts
See our complete guide to the Best Hikes in San Francisco

Make sure to get out on the Bay to see the city when in San Francisco, this Golden Gate Bay Cruise let’s you see many of San Francisco’s top attractions. You’ll cruise along the waterfront, sail under the Golden Gate Bay Bridge, go around Alcatraz and see the former hippy enclave of Sausalito. Whatch for marine life such as sea lions, dolphins and whales as you cruise the Marin Headlands wildlife reserves.

Where to Stay in San Francisco

For first-time visitors to San Francisco, we suggest staying near Fisherman’s Wharf. You will be close to all the iconic places in the city.

Luxury: Argonaut Hotel – A 4-star hotel located next to the SF Maritime National Historic Park for about $300 per night. TripAdvisor / Booking.com
Mid-Range: Pier 2620 Hotel – This eco-friendly hotel is close to the beach. It is a new and modern design, with a fitness center. $200 per night TripAdvisor / Booking.com
Budget: Hotel Zephyr – This boutique has nautical-themed rooms, central, near Pier 39, Lombard Street, and Ghirardelli Square. TripAdvisor / Booking.com
Read our full guide for San Francisco Neighborhoods and Accommodation Where to Stay in San Francisco

2. Monterey / Carmel By the Sea – 1 Day

Drive just 2 hours and 45 minutes from San Francisco to Monterrey

After leaving San Francisco, we make our way down the Pacific Coast Highway to Monterey. You can stay either stay in Monterey or Carmel by the Sea. Monterey and Carmel by the Sea are only 10 minutes from each other. We stayed at Carmel by the Sea and it was a great location to get around Big Sur.

When visiting Monterey, you’ll want to get out on the water as it is one of the best places in the world for whale watching. This Monterey Bay tour departs from Old Fisherman’s Wharf to set sail for some whale watching. You’ll see Californian Sea Lions basking in the harbor as you pass Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Things to See and Do

Cycling 17 Mile Drive – If there is one thing to do in Carmel before moving on, you must take a tour of 17-Mile Drive. We had a blast on e-Bikes with Big Sur Adventures . Read about our full experience at 17-Mile Drive – California’s Most Scenic Drive.
Cannery Row – The Historic Cannery Row has been transformed from old warehouses to colorful buildings lining the waterfront filled with eateries and shops.
Monterey Aquarium – The Monterey Aquarium is the centerpiece of the city where they study the waters of Monterey Bay and tackle the oceans health problems.
Kayaking Monterey Bay – Don’t miss getting on the water in Monterey. We highly recommend taking a kayaking tour of Monterey Bay with Adventures by the Sea to view sea otters and sea lions.
Surfing Carmel – Beginners will love the easy break and sandy shallow waters of Carmel Bay. We spent the morning taking a lesson with the Carmel Surf Company

Hotels and AirBnBs in Monterrey

The Hideaway – Centrally Located on Juniper Street, a short walk to restaurants, and just a few blocks from the beach. This luxury boutique hotel has in-room fireplaces and offers a modern design. TripAdvisor / Booking.com

Suggested Place to Eat – La Belana Cucina Toscana takes you straight to the heart of Tuscany with a traditional setting. Sit outside on the heated patio and enjoy a fresh farm to table menu drizzled in olive oil and truffles.

4. Big Sur – 1 Day

Continue down the Pacific Coast Highway 1 for an hour from Monterrey to Big Sur .

The Pacific Coast Highway is the Grand Dame of all California road trips. We suggest a minimum of 2 days exploring the coast along Big Sur. You can easily keep your base in Monterey to explore these sights.

A great compliment to your Big Sur road trip is to download this Pacific Coast Highway Self Drive tour. The app showcases the top scenic stops and views from Monterey to Pismo Beach. It tracks your route and the audio guide plays commentary to tell you stories and suggest points of interest. On this leg, you’ll see places like Garrapata State Park, Pfeiffer Canyon, McWay Falls, and the Bixby Bridge.

Considered by many the world’s most scenic drives, The Big Sur portion of California Coastal Drive on Highway 1 is a must for any road trip lover. In our opinion, all California road trips should include this leg as there are so many gorgeous stops from sea cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Things to See in Big Sur

Bixby Bridge – Don’t miss stopping at the Bixby Bridge. Made famous by many a film and TV Show (most recently Big Little Lies . Tip : Go for sunrise no tourists were there at all when we were up before dawn.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – This a good place to go for hikes and walk along the trails. It’s most famous for the McWay Waterfalls and offers beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.
Pfeiffer Beach – One of the best beaches on the route. Pfeiffer Beach is a bit of a drive off the main highway down a narrow and bumpy road, so it attracts fewer tourists than other viewpoints on Highway 1. Check out: 24 Of The Best Beaches in California
Garrapata State Park – Hiking trails along the coast, Karst formations, sea arches, and jagged rocks make for extraordinary views of a rugged coastal landscape at Garrapata State Park. For a complete breakdown of photography stops with GPS Co-ordinates visit our Photography Guide to Big Sur

Where to Stay in Big Sur – Ventana Resort

When exploring Big Sur we made a home base at Ventana Resort and spent two days exploring the surrounding area. We spent one night in their glamping tents and one night in a luxurious suite overlooking the ocean. Ventana is the perfect base for exploring Big Sur as it’s in the heart of everything.

Check out our guide to The Best Places to Camp in Big Sur

Where to eat in Big Sur

The Sur House – Located at Ventana Big Sur , The Sur House is an upscale dining establishment using locally sourced cuisine created by Executive Chef, Paul Corsentino. $90 Fix menu offers a divine three-course meal. Location: 48123 Highway 1
Big Sur River Inn – The Big Sur River Inn was the first hotel and restaurant in the area. Enjoy the photographs from a bygone era dating back to 1932.
Nepenthe – Open since 1949, Nepenthe is a staple of Big Sur attracting artists, poets, and travelers to its 800-foot sea cliff views. Location: 48510 Highway One
Big Sur Roadhouse – This locally run eatery has a funky vibe with family-style seating. Designer Steve Justrich transformed the roadhouse into a unique design that they claim as homegrown modernism.

5. Coastal Highway Stops

This drive takes 3 hours from Big Sur to Santa Maria, but take you time to see all the sights.

We continue down the coast from Big Sur to the charming town of Santa Maria, which is one of our favorite California road trip stops. Be sure to give ample time for breaks on this route. There is still a lot more to see on this portion of the California Coast and you can easily spend a day exploring the sites as you make your way to your next overnight stop.

Hearst Castle – Built by San Simeon, this incredible estate was built on 127 acres on a hill overlooking San Simeon. Pop in for a tour of America’s castle before driving on to spend the night in the lovely town of Santa Maria.
Morrow Bay – Another beautiful beach, Morrow Bay’s main attraction is Morrow Rock, a 180-meter tall volcanic plug standing proud offshore.
Pismo Beach is another place to stop if you still have time before spending the night in Santa Maria.

6. Santa Maria – 1 Day

So it is a good time to park your car and get out to explore the nearby vineyards for a proper “Sideways” wine tour experience. We have it as one day on your California road trip itinerary, but if you can spend two days here, we recommend it.

Things to do in Santa Maria

Wine Tours – There are several vineyards to choose. Hire a private car through Gold Coast Executive Transportation to take you on a wine tour. We had an amazing time touring Wine Caves of Cottonwood Canyon .
Dune Buggy Adventure – To explore even more of the highest dunes in the world, go on a Dune Buggy adventure with Steve’s ATV Rentals, 332 Pier Ave. Oceano. Get in a dune buggy and hit the dunes.
Hidden Hollywood – Don’t miss this very cool Hidden Hollywood at the Dunes Center museum in Guadalupe Cecil B. Demille created an entire set of the pyramids of Egypt in the middle of the California Sand Dunes. He didn’t want anyone to use his set again, so he buried it in the desert and didn’t tell anyone where it was. It was nearly forgotten by everyone, until the 1990s when the director, Peter Brosnan decided to search for the hidden city.

Hotels and AirBnBs in Santa Maria

Check in to the historic Santa Maria Inn in the center of town. It has been a staple in Santa Maria since 1917. Be sure to peruse the halls to see legendary movie stars that have stayed here.

Santa Maria Style Barbecue – If you want to try authentic Santa Maria Style Barbecue, go to Far Western Tavern Tavern in Orcutt.

7. Santa Barbara – 1 Day

Today we drive a short distance of just 1 hour from Santa Maria

california coast road trip | deb and Dave

Continuing on through wine country and making our way through our California road trip itinerary, we arrive in Santa Barbara for a night before stopping in Los Angeles.

Santa Barbara is considered one of the world’s most beautiful wine regions with nine different wine routes to explore. It is a popular escape from Los Angeles, and there are many things to do here.

Things to do in Santa Barbara

Sunset Sail – We suggest a sailing trip to enjoy the beautiful sunset and the California Coast followed by dinner on a patio by the waterfront.
Stearns Wharf – Historic deep-water pier dating back to 1871.
Shopping – Santa Barbara is all about the upscale experience, stroll the Spanish style shops lining State Street.
Museums – Check out the many museums. The Museum of Art, MOXI – The Wolf Museum of Exploration and Innovation and Museum of Natural History and the Sea Center.

Santa Barbara Hotels and AirBnBs

We stayed at the luxurious Four Seasons Biltmore Santa Barbara. This estate is the perfect place to relax after all that driving.

8. Los Angeles – 2 Days

It’s an hour and a half to Los Angeles so you can start enjoying the city immediately

Click here for map CA coast

We’ve come to the next metropolis on our California Road Trip and it is time to explore L.A. Los Angeles is a good place to start for southern California road trips. Who doesn’t love Los Angeles? There are so many things to do in LA , that you could have your entire California road trip right here.

Things to do in Los Angeles

The possibilities are endless for sightseeing in L.A. so you can decide how long you want to stay here. From Universal Studios and Disneyland to hiking up to see the Hollywood sign or follow the Hollywood Walk of Fame. You must get out to see the beaches of Los Angeles. Our favorite beach is Manhattan Beach where you can see the famous 90210 beach house. But everyone loves popping over to Venice Beach too. I hope you’ve rented a nice car to drive along Rodeo Drive but if not, don’t worry, you’ll fit right in with the Bohemian atmosphere of Venice Beach. Read 25 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles – Hollywood, Hikes, And More

Note: You seriously need a car to explore L.A. It is spread out and it was made for driving.
Check out our post: Where to Stay in Los Angeles – 4 Hotels to Make You Feel Like a Star.

Option: Continue to San Diego – Or Turn North

From Los Angeles you can continue south to San Diego or start heading north to make your way back to San Francisco.

The Best Things to Do in San Diego – A Local’s Guide to the City
Where To Stay In San Diego – The Best Neighborhoods & Areas

For our road trip, we turned north up towards the National Parks .

9. Joshua Tree National Park – 1 Day

From Los Angeles we drive two hours to the iconic Joshua Tree National Park .

california road trip joshua tree national park

Get the link to this portion of your road trip ideas in California.

Joshua Tree National Park is where two deserts meet: The Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert. There are lookout points and there’s even a cactus garden. You can camp overnight in Joshua Tree and there’s also rock climbing. It’s one of the premier places on earth for bouldering. We only suggest spending a day here on this California Road Trip Itinerary, but if you have more time, put a tent in the back of your car and spend a couple of days hiking Joshua Tree and exploring more of California

10. Death Valley National Park

It takes about 2 hours to drive through non stop

If you are planning a California road trip, you must try to include a day driving through Death Valley. It’s very hot, dry, and it’s a beautiful drive, but this portion of your California road trips planner should involve some precautionary steps. The average temperature is 48 degrees Celcius. (120F) Luckily there are enough stops at viewpoints along the road that keep you from having to trek too far for viewing in the heat.

Safety in Death Valley : Pack plenty of water, cover-up, and wear sunscreen.
Get the Google maps of road trips California with a detour to Vegas .

11. Yosemite National Park – 2 Days

From Death Valley we drive 7 hours to Yosemite National Park

California Road Trip: Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is one of the Big 3 National Parks in the USA and it did not disappoint. It is where the legendary photographer Ansel Adams set up shop and took some of the most recognizable nature photographs of all time.

Things to See in Yosemite

Yosemite has all those iconic formations that you’ve all heard of like “The Nose” and “El Capitan”. Here you’ll find Bridalveil Falls, and the famous Tunnel View Lookout. Glacier Point is another not-to-miss stop. It’s also a place for adventurers to get out an enjoy nature. There are so many hiking trails you will need days to complete them all. Read more at Things to do in Yosemite National Park

En route to Yosemite, be sure to stop at Sequoia National Forest. We combined our stay in Yosemite with seeing the sequoias as they are less than an hour away. A highlight for us was taking the park tour to see the Grand Sequoia Trees of Mariposa Grove. It is a bit of a drive from Yosemite, but hey, you’re on a road trip so it’s right up your alley!

When booking accommodation in Yosemite, plan in advance. During high season, things sell out fast! Curry Village has a range of canvas tents and wooden cabins plus hotel rooms. Accommodation range from basic tents with shared bathrooms to private hotel rooms with bathrooms. Check out TripAdvisor for prices .

Yosemite Valley Lodge is a great location to make a base in Yosemite. There’s free parking, free Internet and a pool. Read more: Where to Stay in Yosemite National Park

12. Lake Tahoe – 2 Days

From Yosemite it is 2 hours and 30 minutes to Tahoe.

There are two major tourist areas to make a base in both South and North Lake Tahoe. The south is certainly the busier of the two sides of the lake with casinos, nightclubs and lots of people. While the north side of the lake is all about nature, quiet family run lodges and rugged and historic ski hills, the South sits directly on the Nevada border and feels kitschy and commercial.

Things to do in Lake Tahoe

Scenic Drive – The best views most certainly happen when driving between South and North Tahoe via Emerald Bay State Park. It takes an entire day to really explore the lake and you must give a lot of time for sightseeing at Emerald Bay.
Emera l d Bay State Park – Emerald Bay has several different scenic stops and each one is a must! When you pull over, be sure to get out of your car and hike to the viewpoints. They get more spectacular with each turn! Hike down to the bay and see the famous Vikingsholm Castle or go on a lake cruise.
Camp Richardson – If you are up for more hiking, there are trails all around Camp Richardson that are less steep than the hike down from Emerald Bay. They also offer hotel and cabins for lodging.
Skiing – Sugar Bowl Ski Resort is the closest skiing to San Francisco and receives the most snowfall out of all the hills in California. After driving up the long and winding road, we stopped for a magnificent view of Donner Lake. North Star offers the luxury end of the spectrum of skiing with the only slope-side five-star lodging in the area, and don’t forget Mt.Rose offering Tahoe’s Highest Base elevation. Heavenly Mountain located in South Tahoe.
Read Things to do in Lake Tahoe in Winter

Hotels and AirBnBs in Lake Tahoe

Where to stay in Lake Tahoe Cedar Crest Cottages

There are plenty of lodging options in North Lake Tahoe and a good stay for families would definitely be our lodge at Cedar Crest Cottages .
Sunnyside Resort is a welcoming resort located on the Shore of Lake Tahoe. Your stay includes continental breakfast and afternoon tea.

Where to Eat – We loved our meal and the friendly staff at Sunnyside Restaurant and Resort located at 1850 W Lake Blvd, Tahoe City. It has been a Sunnyside tradition since 1965.

13. Sacramento – Bonus Night

It’s about a five-hour drive from Lake Tahoe to San Francisco, so if you want to split up the 5-hour drive we suggest stopping in Sacramento . Even if it’s not on your California road trip itinerary from the start, it’s worth the time to see all of this history. The state capital of California is worth a visit even if you only see the historic downtown landmark of Old Sacramento. This 28-acre district is filled with old town saloons and bars taking you back to the 1800s.

Where to Stay in Sacramento

A great place to stay is The Kimpton Sawyer Hotel that is just a short 15-minute walk from Old Town. This new upscale hotel is located in the heart of Sacramento overlooking the Golden 1 Center, home of the Sacramento Kings.

How much does it cost to Road Trip in California?

As you’ve seen, your California road trip itinerary can move in a lot of different directions. There were a lot of stops we didn’t even make because this state is so enormous. As such, the cost can vary greatly depending on lodging.

Accommodation – If you stay in a campground you will pay $35 per night but you can also spend up to $1000 per night in luxury lodges like Ventana in Big Sur or the Four Seasons in Santa Barbara.

This road trip is 1500 miles in total . If the average car gets 20 miles per gallon and the average cost of fuel is $3.50 per gallon, you can expect to pay $262 in fuel for this trip.

Meals too can have a broad range. If you want a multicourse meal at some of the luxury hotels, you can spend up to $200. but you can also hit roadside diners for $20. We mixed and matched packing lunches, eating in diners and sometimes splurging on gourmet meals. We suggest you do the same to make the most of your trip.

If you can get breakfasts included and pack sandwiches and waters for lunch, you have just saved a lot of money for a romantic dinner out.

Full Map of Our Road Trip in California

Whatever route you choose, you will go through some of the best scenery in all of California . We hope to have given enough information to create your own tour by offering these California road trip ideas.

You have now completed the route and can make your way back to The San Francisco Bay area to return your rental car. Or feel free to stick around California. There are so many places to visit , you can spend months exploring.

Did you enjoy this California Trip Planner? Why not pin it to use as a reference for future road trips.

And that ladies and gentlemen are our picks for the best road trips California has to offer. So, now you are ready to hit the road with a solid plan of all the things to do in California!

To see our full itinerary through California check out Follow ThePlanetD from Oceans to Mountains on the Visit California Website.

Things to do in Napa Valley
16 Best Cities in California
27 Best Beaches in California
15 Best Hikes in California – Inspiration to Get Outdoors

You may also like these other great road trips:

25 of The Best Road Trips in the World – That We’ve Taken
13 of the Best Canadian Road Trips – That We’ve Done
Arizona Road Trip – The Ultimate 10 Day Itinerary
Dempster Highway Road Trip – Yes You Can Drive to the Arctic
The Cowboy Trail – A Southern Alberta Road Trip
Driving the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper Alberta

Our trip to California was in partnership with Visit California. For more information on California travel and itineraries, visit their website. As usual, all opinions are our own.

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO .

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

Join thousands of others who get our monthly updates!

49 thoughts on “The Ultimate California Road Trip Itinerary”

Wow, what a great itinerary! I remember my California road trip like it was yesterday – an unforgettable experience. Starting in San Francisco was a smart choice – it’s such a diverse city with so much to see and do. I couldn’t get enough of the panoramic views from Golden Gate Park! And that City Pass was definitely a worthwhile investment. Made getting around the city super convenient. The drive along the Pacific Coast Highway was absolutely stunning. It’s a journey I think everyone should experience at least once. For anyone planning this road trip, don’t rush it! Take your time and really soak in the breathtaking views. It’s worth every second.

Oh wow! This is a great itinerary. Super detailed – thank you. We love California.

Thank You for sharing! This detail very use full for me!

This is really an ultimate road trip! I live in CA and have done so much of this but only little bits at a time. Beautiful photos!

This California road trip is really amazing and very useful for road trippers. Thank you for sharing.

Thanks Sharon, I’m glad we could help! And have a great road trip! When do you leave for California?

This is incredible and you travel photography is totally shocking! In spite of the fact that I live in California, there are a few places on your excursion that I haven’t visited at this point! I’m anticipating getting to Lake Tahoe and Death Valley sooner rather than later! A debt of gratitude is in order for sharing!

You are going to love Lake Tahoe. In the winter it’s a great destination. They really have it figured out as a four season destination. Make sure to bring plenty of water for Death Valley. I am sure you are used to the heat, but we were amazed with how hot it actually was.

Santa Barbara, California is a nice place to vacation and travel to often.

Santa Barbara is gorgeous. I’ve always wanted to go there since the soap opera called Santa Barbara. It didn’t disappoint.

I’m looking forward to getting to Lake Tahoe and Death Valley in the near future! Thanks for sharing!

Enjoy! They are two great and very different locations.

Super detailed – thank you!

Thanks, I’m glad we could help!

This is a great itinerary! There is so much to see in California. I have been creating CA road trip itineraries for 4 years of different duration and covering various interests. I currently have 35 and counting on my blog.

Oh wow! There are so many places to see in California, it really does take years. This road trip planner is from several different trips we’ve taken as well. It would be a dream to do it all again at one time!

I could not agree with you more about California being one of (if not the) best destinations for a road trip. Have you ever thought of renting a campervan to make the trip? It really makes the trip all the more immersive when you can stop and sleep right in the middle of it instead of having to venture off the beaten path to find lodging. And in most cases, you can do that in Cali. I recommend Travellers-Autobarn for an awesome campervan rental. They have locations in San Francisco and LA. I put their link in the website field. Happy Trails!

A campervan would be amazing. We love camping and meeting people on the road and we find that campgrounds are so much fun. Thanks for the tip!

Good to see wonderful snapshot of California and California road trip itinerary.

Thank you for sharing with us.

Great guide. Brings back so many California road trip memories. Planning one now with kids in tow!

Thanks! We love California

California is just amazing and blog was so informative about the Joshua Tree,Los angles ,South Lake Tahoe,Yosemite,Death Valley i love these kinda places actually nice write-up thanks or posting!

This post made me move towards road trip to California. Incredible post along with awesome photograph which is central attraction of the blog. Reading this post made my day. I wish I could travel like you without any worry of time.

Appreciate it for your great effort that made my day with motivation.

I hope you get the chance to road trip in California. We also have a photography guide to Big Sur with all the GPS coordinates so you can make the most of yoru trip. https://theplanetd.com/visual-guide-to-big-sur-coastal-drive-california/

A California road trip has been on the top of my travel bucket list for so long and this post hasn’t changed my mind. I’ve been to both LA and SF but would love to see all the amazing scenery in between.

Two great locations! You already have a great start to your road trip? Where would you like to go next?

This post makes me want to move home and go on a road trip! Thanks for giving me so many places to book mark. Can’t want to visit Cali again now!

Lucky you being from California. It is one of the greatest states in our opinion 🙂

Yes indeed it is great

This is great and you photography is absolutely stunning! Although I live in California, there are several places on your road trip that I haven’t visited yet! I’m looking forward to getting to Lake Tahoe and Death Valley in the near future! Thanks for sharing!

Wow, that is a serious road trip, filled with so many gorgeous things! When I was growing up, we did the Highway 1 trip several times, and I have so many great memories of it. This route takes you to all kinds of places I am yet to explore! Love it!

This is some great advice for our upcoming trip. I’m currently planning a road trip from San Francisco, so this is super helpful! Beautiful pictures you captured. Thank you so much for sharing this post.

I just want to tell that your photographs are really very inspiring and they just got me. I wanted to meander in the streets of this state. Thank you for taking us on this part.

Okay … just read over all the comments and I see a lot of people don’t care for Las Vegas. Fair enough. Please don’t right the whole city off as wasteful and uncaring for the environment. I’d ask you to please be open minded and learn more about our city before jumping to that conclusion. There’s more to Las Vegas than the four miles people know as the Strip.

Get in touch regarding Las Vegas and anything you want to know about the Southwest. I’ve lived in Vegas for five years and know the Southwest well. Would love to chat about your plans and provide recommendations/answer questions. You know where to find me!

We’ve been living in the bay area our whole lives and still haven’t done this route. SF direct to LA yes, but not this kind. Sounds like an adventure! I heard you two were at a Travel Massive event in SF late last year no? It was at a beer shop I believe. We were there too!

Hi. That trip sounds amazing. I’ve actually been to all those places on a Trek America tour. Alcatraz is a must see, there is plenty to do in Vegas without gambling and if you get the chance to take a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon do it because the views are to die for. You’ll have a blast! l look forward to reading about it.

You guys are going to have such a great trip! I’m from the SF area, went to college in LA and spent several summers on family backpacking trips in Yosemite, so I have to admit I’m actually a little jealous. Enjoy it extra for me, please!

Too bad you will be missing Lake Tahoe! One of the most beautiful places in the country! You definitely have to plan a trip to visit here at some point 🙂

Did a similar road trip last year and Cam is right, you need to stop by Sequoia National Park and see the General Sherman Tree (it’s basically on the way from Yosemite to Bakersfield!). With that said, still looks like tons of fun and I’m sure it’ll be a blast!

Thanks for the report : ) We will be doing about the saem route in September: Denver-Ouray-Arches-Bryce-Zion-Grand Canyon-Las Vegas-Death Valley-Mammoth Lakes-Yosemite-SFO 🙂

— Anton Way Any Way – Airfare search done right http://www.wayanyway.com

Sounds like a lot of fun. I’ve always wanted to do a west coast road trip. I have driven from the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas, and I definitely did not spend enough time at the Grand Canyon. Las Vegas is fun, and as for shows any Cirque du Soleil show will be a good bet. I saw O which was fantastic.

Seriously–you are driving right by some really amazing places with no time to stop. You have to add several more days and visit Sequoia National Park (world’s largest trees), and Death Valley National Park.They are both incredible! Las Vegas is soulless and weird and there’s nothing to do if you don’t like gambling (my friend Jane who lives there slaps me every time I say that–well, not really, but I can tell she wants to). Replace your time in Las Vegas with time in Sedona, Arizona, about an hour’s drive south of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Plus, Zion isn’t all that far from Bryce Canyon National Park, which is way better! How’s that for unsolicited advice!

If you want to get out of California, these are all great suggestions. We need a year to really visit California and all the great States that Surround it.

Wha?! You’ve never been to Vegas…? Looks like a fun road trip, we’ve done a couple Californian road trips but we’ve never made it to Utah or Arizona. We originally planned to due a Utah, AZ, NV, CO road trip combined with TBEX this year, but Baby B is not a fan of long car trips, so that ones on the shelf for a few years

What a great route, including some mind-blowing scenery. Don’t spend too long in Vegas. We were disgusted by the excess and waste also. A sidetrip to the Hoover Dam would be an eye-opener as to just how much water is being sucked up. The water of Lake Mead will be so low by 2017 that they dam may not be able to produce any power.

Whoa! I met Felipe from Twtvite in Berlin last summer. Cool guy! Sounds like the road trip will be a blast. Zion National Park is amazing!

You’re not doing Highway 1 at all????

That’s by far one of my favourite road trips, between SF and LA!

Thanks for your great and motivating article.

San Francisco To Seattle: The Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary

Road trippers can choose between two main routes from San Francisco to Seattle, each with its own advantages and unique views.
The more direct route follows I-5 and takes approximately 12 hours and 45 minutes of non-stop driving.
The coastal route along the Pacific Coast Highway is more scenic but takes longer, with a total trip time of approximately 17 hours and 10 minutes.

The majority of people are used to the most famous road trip in the United States, from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Road-tripping individuals will have the chance to behold the unique views on the Pacific Coast Highway in California . With several stops on their way, allowing them to see the beautiful nature, relaxed beach towns, busy cities, and unique attractions, commuters will experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that they have never gone through before.

However, another road trip that allows visitors to the western side of the US to explore the Pacific Northwest is equally attractive to the Los Angeles-San Francisco drive . That journey consists of the Drive from San Francisco to Washington's largest city, Seattle. Many people wonder what the best stops from San Francisco to Seattle are, and there are plenty.

UPDATE: 2023/08/06 02:46 EST BY NICOLE HANSEN

More To Know When Planning A Roadtrip From Boston To San Francisco

There's always more to add to create the perfect road trip itinerary. This article has been updated with additional route details, including maps, stop suggestions, and highlights in California, Oregon, and Washington. Have fun, and be safe!

Related: Road Trip Patagonia: Driving Scenic Ruta 40 From Esquel To Bariloche

Best Routes From San Francisco To Seattle

There are two main routes for a road trip from San Francisco to Seattle, each with its own advantages and unique views.

The more direct route follows I-5, stopping through Redding, California, Portland, Oregon, and Olympia, Washington on its way to Seattle. When venturing along the I-5 highway, the trip takes approximately 12 hours and 45 minutes of non-stop driving, much of which is through the granite Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. However, if one wants to enjoy most of the attractions along the San Franciso-Seattle road, they must spend at least an extra 5–7 days.

San Francisco to Seattle Via I-5

Distance: 819 miles
Time to Drive: ~12 hours 45 minutes
Recommended Road Trip Time: 5–7 days
I-5 Road Trip Route Outline: San Francisco, California → Mt. Shasta, California → Ashland, Oregon → Eugene, Oregon → Portland, Oregon → Olympia, Washington → Tacoma, Washington → Seattle, Washington

For a more meandering drive from San Francisco to Seattle, The famous Pacific Coast Highway, the most well-known California road trip, turns into Highway 101 and extends into Oregon and Washington before connecting with Highway 30. Travelers follow Highway 30 until they reach I-5, which returns them to the north-south route until Seattle.

This coastal route from San Francisco to Seattle is arguably the most scenic but does take longer to complete. The entire trip takes approximately 17 hours and 10 minutes non-stop. A coastal road trip from San Francisco to Seattle also demands a slightly longer time frame, taking 7–10 days to fully enjoy.

San Francisco to Seattle Via The Pacific Coast Highway

Distance: 901 miles
Time to Drive: ~17 hours 10 minutes
Recommended Road Trip Time: 7–10 days
Pacific Coast Highway (California to Washington) Road Trip Route Outline: San Francisco, California → Fort Bragg, California → Crescent City, California → Gold Beach, Oregon → Astoria, Oregon → Olympia, Washington → Tacoma, Washington → Seattle, Washington

Related: 10 Best Routes To Take On The Ultimate Cross-Country Road Trip

Planning For A Drive From San Francisco To Seattle

A trip from San Francisco to Seattle involves driving for 800 or more miles along the Pacific Northwest and watching the most attractive views while on the way. Before hopping onto the automobile, visitors must rent a car from legitimate and affordable sources, such as RentalCars.com , which offers rentals from various car brands. Another better option is to rent a Campervan or an RV from Outdoorsy to make one's life easier regarding accommodation. A crucial step to take is to issue a car insurance policy to hedge against any sudden accidents.

Cost of a Campervan: depending on its size, a Campervan costs an average of $130 per night to rent.

Top Road Trip Stops In California

The first stop on the San Francisco to Seattle drive is the Town of Sausalito, known for its breathtaking nature and relaxing atmosphere. People can go on hiking trips in Sausalito and learn about the natural habitat and the preserved seashore, among other activities.

Next on the road is the Muir Woods National Monument, which boasts 600-year-old, 246-foot-long redwood trees and diverse wildlife. Another stop worth embracing is the picturesque wine region of Sonoma. The iconic Napa Valley in California is the most famous stop on the San Francisco to Seattle road trip.

Additionally, a lot of visitors head to Domaine Chandon to taste the US's best sparkling wines. People on a high budget go to world-class Michelin-starred restaurants, such as The French Laundry or Auberge Du Soleil, to eat in Napa Valley. The Coast of California offers even more unique stops, perfect for a road trip from San Francisco to Seattle. An artistic stop full of galleries in the coastal town of Mendocino that boasts a gallery in a water tower. The most beautiful city to visit on the road trip from San Francisco to Seattle is Fort Bragg, famous for its Glass Beach in the Noyo Headlands Park, which boasts mesmerizing views of the Pacific Ocean.

Another popular stop is the marvelous Shasta Lake, surrounded by mountains with barren trees that create a magnificent effect with the lake's crystal clear waters and the blue color of the sky. It is also worth stopping at Crescent City to visit Redwood National and State Parks.

Related: Need A Day Trip from Las Vegas? Try Off-Roading In The Mojave Desert

Unique Stops In Oregon And Washington

Visiting Crater Lake National Park is a must when on a road trip from San Francisco to Seattle. Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the US and was formed by a super-volcanic eruption 7,700 years ago. Next is a stop at the most beautiful waterfall in Oregon, the unique Toketee Falls.

Eugene City, the birthplace of NIKE, is next on the list and is best to visit during summer for hiking trails. Another good stop for hiking is in the city of Bend in Oregon. A gem of the Pacific Northwest is the Willamette Valley, known for its 1300 wineries and vineyards. Additionally, visiting the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum would be a good idea when in Willamette Valley. Flying kites on the beach in Lincoln City, Oregon, is fun during the road trip.

Next, people usually stop in Tillamook to have ice cream and cheese tasting. They can also visit The Tillamook Creamery for free. The jewel of the Pacific Northwest, the city of Portland is a popular stop for nature and hiking lovers and foodies. For those taking the coastal route through Oregon, the port city of Astoria is arguably the best road trip stop in the Pacific Northwest , offering ocean views, hiking trails, and a unique downtown vibe consistent with traveler's favorite Oregon cities.

Next comes Washington in the road trip from San Francisco to Seattle, where most commuters stop at the iconic Mount Rainier National Park and the Gig Harbor for a couple of calming and relaxing days. Washington also has a number of short detours for those looking to get outdoors on their road trip adventure, including nearby Olympic National Park, one of the most beautiful national parks in the US .

Next: Every Wine Aficionado Needs To Visit These Napa Valley Vineyards

San Francisco To Seattle: The Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary

Protect Your Trip »

The 7 best 3-day cruise itineraries for 2024.

Plan a long weekend getaway aboard a cruise for fun, scenery and entertainment.

The Best 3-Day Cruise Itineraries

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Hop aboard the Carnival Radiance for a short but fun-filled cruise weekend.

Whether you're short on vacation days or you only have a long weekend to spare, three-night cruises offer a fun and affordable way to get a change of scenery. These shorter sailings from the U.S. often amount to a weekend cruise and only depart from Florida and California for now. However, short cruises still let you dine and dance on board, enjoy world-class entertainment, and visit nearby destinations like Nassau in the Bahamas; Key West, Florida; or Ensenada, Mexico.

If you're looking for short cruises that pack a lot of good times into a weekend vacation, you should know that many cruise lines offer these trips, including Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises. Read on to find out which short cruises we recommend, where they depart from, and everything you can see and do over the span of three incredible nights.

3-Day Cruises From Florida

Norwegian sky from miami.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Dates: Aug. 2 to 5, 2024

Departure port: Miami

Stops: Key West, Florida; Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas

Starting price: $399 per person

This three-night cruise on Norwegian Sky departs from Miami in August 2024 with stops at two iconic tropical destinations. The vessel's first stop is Key West , where cruise passengers will have the day to visit the southernmost tip of the United States, book a snorkeling or kayaking tour, or bar hop along the world-famous Duval Street. From there, the cruise stops at Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, which is a private island paradise that's only for cruise passengers. Here, visitors can enjoy some beach time, plan a WaveRunner adventure or snorkel the clear waters to watch out for wildlife.

When not at port, passengers on Norwegian Sky can enjoy the ship's 10 dining options, onboard spa, casino at sea, and variety of pools and hot tubs. The Norwegian Cruise Line vessel even has a sushi bar and a Starbucks onboard, and it was completely renovated from top to bottom in 2019.

Book a Norwegian cruise on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

MSC Seashore from Port Canaveral

Conrad Schutt | Courtesy of MSC Cruises

Dates: Multiple dates in November and December 2024

Departure port: Port Canaveral, Florida (Orlando)

Stops: Nassau and Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, Bahamas

Starting price: $169 per person

This three-night cruise on MSC Seashore departs from Port Canaveral near Orlando and takes passengers to two tropical destinations in the nearby Bahamas . The first is the island of Nassau, which is known for its luxury resorts (including the exclusive Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas), huge casinos and powder white sands. After that, guests can spend a second day at port at MSC Cruises ' private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. This island offers a perfect beach retreat for people who just want to relax, including several expansive white sand beaches with ample seating, an interior ocean lagoon for swimming, and beach bars and eateries dotted throughout.

MSC Seashore features huge pools, an onboard water park for kids, the expansive MSC Aurea Spa and 11 distinct dining venues for passengers to choose from. The ship also boasts the exclusive "ship within a ship" Yacht Club area, which offers the best of everything for discerning guests.

Find an MSC Cruises deal on GoToSea.

Celebrity Reflection from Fort Lauderdale

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Dates: Ongoing in 2024

Departure port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Stops: Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas

Starting price: $273 per person

This three-night cruise on Celebrity Cruises ' Celebrity Reflection departs from Fort Lauderdale and leaves for two days in the sunny Bahamas. The first stop gives guests a full day to enjoy at Perfect Day at CocoCay, a cruise line private island that's typically reserved for Royal Caribbean guests. This island paradise features an exclusive beach club, idyllic white sand beaches for swimming and floating, a water park, a zip line, and plenty of places to eat and drink all day. The next stop is Nassau: Visitors can dine and shop their way through the port area or book a fun day pass to the Baha Bay water park, which is located at resort Baha Mar and features waterslides, an expansive lazy river and incredible cuisine options right at the park.

Celebrity Reflection was recently refurbished in 2022. It features an incredible array of included dining options, eight specialty and exclusive dining establishments, and bars and lounges throughout the ship. The Retreat, a VIP ship-within-a-ship concept, is also offered on board for those who want an elevated cruising experience.

Explore Celebrity Cruises on GoToSea.

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Disney Dream from Fort Lauderdale

Disney Cruise Line's Disney Dream at Castaway Cay in the Bahamas.

Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Dates: Nov. 6 to 9, 2024

Stops: Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and Disney Castaway Cay, Bahamas

Starting price: $1,973 per stateroom

This three-night Bahamian cruise on Disney Dream stops at two exclusive destinations in the Bahamas – Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, then Disney Castaway Cay. The first stop offers incredible beaches with play areas and crystal-clear water for swimming, as well as the Bahamian Arts and Culture Pavilion for families who want to learn something about the local culture on vacation. At Disney Castaway Cay, families can relax the day away on white sand beaches, go biking or kayaking, ride two waterslides, and more. Both destinations even have adults-only beach areas for cruisers who are traveling kid-free.

Disney Dream holds a maximum of 4,000 passengers and has everything you would expect on an exclusive Disney Cruise Line vessel, including kids and family areas, adults-only dining options and pools, and two large theaters. The ship also has several supervised kids clubs as well as dedicated clubs for teenagers and tweens .

Read: The Top Cruises for Babies and Toddlers

Liberty of the Seas from Fort Lauderdale

Guests on Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas Sport Court.

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Stops: Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas

Starting price: $263 per person

Royal Caribbean International also boasts a Bahamas cruise from Fort Lauderdale that stops in Nassau and at the line's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. In Nassau, cruisers get the chance to explore one of the most popular cruise ports throughout the Caribbean, where you can book an excursion to a local beach, plan a snorkeling adventure or play in one of the two biggest casinos throughout the region at Atlantis or Baha Mar. At Perfect Day at CocoCay, families can stay active with waterslides, book a kayaking tour or ride a hot air balloon up to 450 feet in the air.

Liberty of the Seas is also an ideal ship for families thanks to fun features like a huge onboard water park with slides, an ice skating rink with shows and the Broadway at Sea theater. The Royal Caribbean vessel also has nearly a dozen different dining venues, including Cupcake Cupboard, Johnny Rockets, a pizza kitchen and an old-world Italian eatery called Giovanni's Table.

Compare Royal Caribbean International cruises on GoToSea.

3-Day Cruises From California

Navigator of the seas from los angeles.

Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas pool deck.

Dates: Throughout 2024

Departure port: Los Angeles

Stops: Ensenada, Mexico

Starting price: $282 per person

Royal Caribbean offers a three-night West Coast adventure on Navigator of the Seas that includes a fun day at sea and a full-day stop in Ensenada, Mexico. This Mexican destination is known for the many activities that can be enjoyed along its rugged shores, which can include leisurely days at nearby Estero and Mona Lisa beaches, hiking experiences, exploration of Baja California's wine region, whale watching and more.

Dates for this sailing are offered throughout 2024, and the ship itself has plenty to keep passengers enthralled while at sea. For example, Navigator of the Seas features the longest waterslide at sea, enlarged pool deck areas for relaxation, ice skating shows and shopping – not to mention Broadway-style shows with dancers, acrobats and singers. There are also 12 unique dining options onboard, including Starbucks, Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver and Johnny Rockets.

Carnival Radiance from Los Angeles

Dates: Jan. 26 to 29 and Sept. 24 to 27, 2024

Departure port: Long Beach (Los Angeles)

Starting price: $244 per person

Carnival Radiance also embarks on three-night journeys to Mexico from Los Angeles throughout the year, including in January and September 2024. This Carnival Cruise Line itinerary includes a fun day at sea and a stop in Ensenada, Mexico, where passengers can plan a sightseeing trip, nosh on the unique Baja cuisine the area is known for, shop for silver jewelry and other keepsakes, or spend the day relaxing on the beach.

Carnival Radiance itself serves as the perfect floating vessel for this fun weekend vacation, with onboard amenities that span the Cloud 9 Spa and WaterWorks water park with slides to a comedy club and special clubs for kids and teens. The ship also boasts an adults-only solarium and 10 different bars to choose from.

Book a Carnival cruise on GoToSea.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer and cruise expert who has covered family travel and cruises for more than a decade. She has cruised more than 40 times across most of the major cruise lines in destinations throughout the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to curate the itineraries for this article.

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IMAGES

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√ Road Trip California National Parks Map
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California Road Trip Itinerary: Driving LA to San Francisco & Central
Complete California Coast Road Trip from Tip to Tip
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COMMENTS

The Ultimate 10-Day California Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary
Drive Time: About 3.5 Hours. The majority of this California road trip will take place on Highway 1, AKA the Pacific Coast Highway, AKA the PCH, AKA Cabrillo Highway, AKA Shoreline Highway, AKA The Prettiest Highway in the World. But all of those are just ways to say "The 1.".
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Now let's get this California coast road trip planning on it's way! California Coast Road Trip Itinerary: 1) Start in San Francisco. Ahhh, SF, my favorite city; although technically I'm biased because I chose to move to the city by the bay from NYC a few years ago. 😉 . A few San Francisco must do's include either walking or driving over the Golden Gate Bridge, wandering around ...
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The entire Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary from San Diego up to northern Washington is around 1,600 miles long. But because this article will focus on a California road trip up the Pacific Coast Highway, we're covering a distance of about 780 miles from San Diego to the Redwoods just north of San Francisco.
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Day 4 - Santa Cruz to Carmel-by-the-Sea. In the morning, depart Santa Cruz on this short of driving. The first stop is Monterey, about 60 minutes south of Santa Cruz along the California Coast. Spend the morning in Monterey: the two best sights are the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row.
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Stop 2: Big Sur, California Recommended Time: 1-2 nights Things to Do in Big Sur. Big Sur might just be the star of your Central Coast road trip. It's all about nature here, and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park—referred to as a "mini Yosemite"—is one of my favorite places to experience it, with ample redwoods and creeks to explore. Andrew Molera State Park and Garrapata State Park are two ...
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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.
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We've done the California coast drive several times, so in this post I'm sharing all my tips for creating a perfect two-week Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary. It goes from San Francisco down to San Diego, but could easily be done the other way round. And you could also extend it up to Mendocino to cover the whole route.
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Take the CA-154 E/San Marcos Pass Rd to the US-101 S for 1.5 hours. On your way to Santa Barbara, stop in California's Little Denmark (AKA Solvang). This quaint European-style town will transport you to the other side of the world. Wander around with your camera, then stop by one of their many wine-tasting rooms.
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This Highway 1 road trip planner will guide you in planning a spectacular road trip through the coastal attractions. California Coast Road Trip along Highway 1 or the Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most thrilling, memorable, and beautiful road trips in the world. The road trip has panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the rocky cliffs ...
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California Coast Road Trip Itineraries: Map, Routes and Ideas. California has one of the most spectacular coastlines in the country. It is the perfect place for an unforgettable road trip. Along the coast, there are beautiful cities, such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, and stunning landscapes like those of Big Sur, and ...
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This Pacific Coast Highway itinerary takes 7 days and starts in San Francisco, loops up a bit North to see some of the best sights north of San Francisco, then spends the rest of the time heading south and ends in San Diego. This means this PCH itinerary moves at a fairly quick clip, with one-night stays rather than two-night stays where you ...
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Don't put away your rain coast just yet. California road trip stops on the Pacific Coast Highway are some of the most breathtaking and beautiful areas of the whole trip. ... A one-week Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary will allow you to see the highlights without feeling rushed. Here's an example PCH itinerary: Day 1: Seattle WA, to ...
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There are infinite ways to explore the central California Coast with so many things to see and do. Below is my 6-day itinerary with a few options for extending or customizing your trip. Day 1: Arrive in Ventura. Day 2: Ventura. Day 3: Ojai. Day 4: Santa Barbara. Day 5: Avila Beach and Cambria. Day 6: Morro Bay.
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And if you have four glorious weeks for your California road trip, we have a 4-week California road trip itinerary you can follow. The Best Time for this California Road Trip California is known for its beautiful weather, but you have to keep in mind that this California road trip itinerary covers coast, desert, and mountains, with wildly ...
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California's Pacific Coast is calling your name, and we've got the perfect road trip itinerary to help you explore its breathtaking beauty. From the stunning beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see to the picturesque coastal towns nestled along the rugged shoreline, this journey promises unforgettable moments at every turn. ...
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The perfect 10 Day California Road Trip itinerary for must-visit places to see in California including San Francisco, Los Angeles, things to do along the Pacific Coast Highway and Big Sur, San Deigo, the Californian desert - Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley, the Sierra Nevada mountain ranges, Lake Tahoe, etc.
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5 to 7 Day Northern California Coast Itinerary. Our itinerary starts in San Francisco. If you're flying into the state, you'll most likely begin here. However, if you're driving in, feel free to mix and match the itinerary stops in the way that makes the most sense for you. Plan for one long travel day at the end to return to San Francisco.
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13. Sacramento - Bonus Night. It's about a five-hour drive from Lake Tahoe to San Francisco, so if you want to split up the 5-hour drive we suggest stopping in Sacramento. Even if it's not on your California road trip itinerary from the start, it's worth the time to see all of this history.
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The Ultimate California Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Recommended Route down the California Coast

WHERE TO GET THE BEST FLIGHT DEALS TO CALIFORNIA:

When to Drive Down the California Coast

What to Pack for your Pacific coast highway road trip (rotate sideways on Mobile)

California Coast Road Trip Itinerary:

2) Half Moon Bay (45 minutes from SF)

3) Santa Cruz (1 hour from Half Moon Bay)

4) Monterey/Carmel-by-the-Sea (45 minutes from Santa Cruz)

5) Big Sur (50 minutes from Monterey)

6) San Simeon (2 – 4 hours drive, depending on how many stops you make in Big Sur)

7) San Luis Obispo/Pismo Beach/Morro Bay/Paso Robles (45 minutes from San Simeon)

8) Solvang (1 hour from San Luis Obispo)

9) Santa Barbara (45 minutes from Solvang)

10) Ventura for Channel Islands National Park (40 minutes from Santa Barbara)

11) Malibu (50 minutes from Ventura)

12) Los Angeles/ Santa Monica (50 minutes from Malibu)

13) Anaheim for Disneyland (45 minutes from LA)

14) Orange County: Huntington Beach/Newport Beach/Laguna Beach (35 minutes from Anaheim)

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The Essential Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary

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Day 1: San Francisco to Santa Cruz

3 Things to Do Between SF and Santa Cruz

Where to Eat and Drink

Where to Stay in Santa Cruz

Day 2: Santa Cruz to Carmel

3 Things to Do Between Santa Cruz and Carmel

Where to Stay in Monterey or Carmel

Day 3: Carmel to Big Sur

3 Things to Do in Big Sur

Where to Stay in Big Sur

Day 4: Big Sur to Paso Robles or Cambria/Cayucos

3 Things to do in Paso Robles

Where to Eat & Drink in Paso Robles

Where to Stay in Paso Robles

3 Things to Do in Cambria & Cayucos

Where to Stay in Cambria or Cayucos

Day 5: Paso Robles/Cambria to Santa Ynez Valley

3 Things to do in Santa Ynez Valley

Where to Stay in Santa Ynez Valley

Day 6: Santa Ynez Valley to Los Angeles

3 Things to Do on the Way to LA

PCH Road Trip Planning Essentials

Other Packing Essentials

Head North on the PCH

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California , Travel , USA

The Best Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary

The Best Pacific Coast Highway Stops

Point Reyes National Seashore

San Francisco

Golden Gate Bridge Picnic

17 Mile Drive Monterey

Point Lobos State Park

Pfieffer Big Sur State Park

Dinosaur Caves Park

Pismo Beach

Los Angeles & Hollywood

Crystal Cove State Park

Heisler Park

Table Rock Beach

Pacific Coast Highway Map

Where to Stay Along the Pacific Coast Highway

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