Driving from San Francisco to Los Angeles on the Pacific Coast Highway is an iconic American road trip experience. The California Coastal Drive features majestic coastline, amazing forests and incredible viewpoints.
We meticulously planned our Coastal California Drive – and are sharing our CA Route 1 itinerary details to help you plan your perfect trip!
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San Francisco to Los Angeles: Pacific Coast Highway
The SF to LA drive on the Pacific Coast Highway – also called Cabrillo Highway or just PCH – rolls through small California seaside towns and crosses magnificent bridges.
The scenery along the way is simply breathtaking, with The Big Sur section certain to be a highlight!
Planning a California Coastal Trip on Highway 1
In this itinerary, we outline a 4-Day California coastal trip on PCH from San Francisco to Los Angeles.
In addition to suggestions to help you plan your Cali coast vacation, we include tips of where to stay, what to pack in your suitcase and alternate Route 1 stops.
We even share a San Francisco to Los Angeles coastal drive map at the end of the article.
Pro Tip: Get (and stay) organized for your central California road trip by using our Travel Planning Printables!
Our California Coastal Drive Itinerary
Okay, are you ready to dive into our coastal drive of California? Great, let’s do this!
Day 1: Drive from San Francisco to Monterey
- Destinations: San Francisco, Pacifica to Monterey Bay via Highway 1
- Route: HWY 1 from Pacifica to Monterey
- Distance from SF to Monterey Bay: 120 miles
- Driving Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
The San Francisco to Monterey Pacific Coast Highway route features beautiful beaches, parks and hiking trails.
Pacifica, California
Pacifica is an excellent place start to your San Francisco coastal drive. Featuring wide beaches and deep coves, this will be your first proper look at the coastline.
Shortly after starting your southbound California Coast drive, stop at Devil’s Slide Trail. This 1.3-mile section of Old Route 1 has been converted into a pedestrian path and provides stunning ocean views.
Lunch at Half Moon Bay
Eat lunch at Moss Beach Distillery, which has an outdoor patio that overlooks Seal Cove. The cliffside spot features an abundance of seafood and classic American fare.
If you’re looking for something more casual, stop by Sam’s Chowder House (3 miles further south on PCH). They serve award-winning clam chowder and legendary lobster rolls, plus there’s a great view of Half Moon Bay!
Work off your lunch with a stroll on the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail (you can also rent bikes). Alternatively, just put your feet in the sand and walk along the string of beaches along the bay.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
If you’re ready to make a detour on your San Francisco to LA road trip, Big Basin Redwoods State Park is a super sight off the Pacific Coast.
Just keep in mind that it will take up a big portion of the day unless you head there directly from SF.
Big Basin was designed as a state park in 1902. The area features hiking trails, waterfalls and the famous Coast Redwood Trees. They can live for more than a thousand years and are among the tallest in the world.
Santa Cruz
If time allows on your Highway 1 San Francisco to Los Angeles trip, stop in Santa Cruz to walk the wharf and boardwalk.
With ample time, consider making the 6-mile roundtrip walk on West Cliff Drive to the Natural Bridges State Beach Vista Point.
Monterey
The first overnight stop on our Pacific Coast Highway trip planner is Monterey. With heaps of attractions, history and natural beauty, Monterey is one of the best California coastal cities to visit!
Check out the fascinating Jellyfish Exhibit at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, walk from historic Cannery Row to Fisherman’s Wharf and stand on the shore to spot Sea Otters and Sea Lions.
Where To Eat and Drink in Monterey
There’s so many to choose from! We started with sipping locally produced wine at the waterfront A Taste of Monterey. Then indulged in cozy pub fare and craft beers at Peter B’s Brewpub.
Where To Stay in Monterey Bay
We stayed at the Portola Hotel and Spa – and highly recommend it to fellow travelers. Centrally located, the property offers excellent amenities and has an on-site spa.
Day 2: Big Sur Drive – Monterey to Morro Bay
- Destinations: Monterey, Big Sur and Morro Bay
- Route: 17-Mile Drive to PCH South
- Distance from Monterey to Morro Bay: 123 miles
- Driving Time: 3 hours
Leave Monterey via the 17-Mile Drive (rather than California Route 1) and drive to Carmel-by-the-Sea. Then follow SR 1 through the incredible beauty of Big Sur and on to Morro Bay.
California 17-Mile Drive
This scenic route hugs the coastline of California through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove.
Sights of along this section include the Point Pinos Lighthouse, Bird Rock Vista Point, the Lone Cypress tree, Pescadero Point and the famous Pebble Beach Golf Course.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Rated as one of the best state parks in California, Point Lobos is well-worth a stop. If you are feeling ambitious, complete the 6.7-mile Point Lobos Loop Trail.
Otherwise, just take in the stellar views by making short jaunts from a few of the parking lots.
Big Sur
Driving to Big Sur on the Pacific Coast Highway is an absolute highlight of any California road trip! The route features rugged coastline to the west and the Santa Lucia Mountains to the east.
Some of the best places to see in Big Sur are Rocky Creek Bridge, Bixby Bridge, Point Sur Lighthouse, Nepenthe restaurant, McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and Big Creek Bridge.
After crossing Big Creek Bridge, consider stopping at Limekiln State Park to explore the waterfalls on one (or more) of the three short trails.
Elephant Seal Vista Point & Hearst Castle
A fun (and sometimes smelly) stop on a PCH road trip is at the Elephant Seal Rookery in San Simeon.
A shoreline boardwalk offers fantastic views of the mammoth Elephant Seals as they dwell in their natural habitat. Plus, volunteers are on hand to answer questions.
A landmark sight between Big Sur and Morro Bay, Hearst Castle is one of the top places to stop between San Francisco and Los Angeles. That said, we skipped it for more hiking.
Morro Bay
Quaint, peaceful and an Underrated US Destination, Morro Bay is an ideal place to relax after two full days on a scenic California coastal drive.
The seaside town is defined by the massive Morro Rock. The volcanic 581-foot-tall monolith is home to numerous bird species, as well as sea lions, otters, seals and other wildlife.
Besides Morro Rock, the town has a charming center comprised of cozy restaurants, cafes, inns and shops.
Morro Bay State Park sits to the south, while The Stacks – three chimneys formerly part of a power plant – mark the north end.
Where To Eat in Morro Bay
We recommend dining at Dorn’s Breakers Cafe. It’s been a local institution since 1942 and offers fine views of the bay and Morro Rock from the elevated patio.
Where To Stay in Morro Bay
We struggled somewhat here. Desiring to be on the water in the center of town at an affordable price (not asking too much, right?), we chose to stay at the Bayfront Inn.
While the property doesn’t necessarily dazzle guests, the staff were friendly and the rooms clean and comfortable.
Day 3: Drive from Morro Bay to Santa Barbara
- Destinations: Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara
- Route: CA SR 1 South
- Distance from Morro Bay to Santa Barbara: 126 miles
- Driving Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Continuing south from Morro Bay, the landscape shifts from dramatic seaside cliffs to vine-covered rolling hills.
State Route 1 deviates inland and merges at different points with Highway 101 as it wiggles its way south. The road eventually turns back to the shoreline as you approach Santa Barbara.
San Luis Obispo & Pismo Beach
Get a jump on the third day of your California Coast trip itinerary and leave Morro Bay early for San Luis Obispo – or just SLO, for short.
Stop at the iconic Madonna Inn for breakfast in Copper Cafe. Then duck into the historic town center to visit the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, get a glimpse of Fremont Theater and leave your mark on Bubblegum Alley.
From SLO, it’s a short drive on Route 1 to Pismo Beach, where you can walk out on the pier or visit the Monarch Butterfly Grove (best from autumn to mid-winter).
Alternatively, take Route 227 south for a beautiful drive through the vineyards of Edna Valley. For more wineries, consider detouring to nearby Santa Maria Valley.
Solvang
Dubbed the “Little Denmark in California,” Solvang in the Santa Ynez Valley was established by a group of Danes in the early 1900s.
The town features European-style architecture, replicas of Copenhagen sights and an array of bakeries and restaurants serving Danish treats.
In addition to the strong ties to the city’s founders, Solvang is home to numerous tasting rooms from local Cali wine producers.
Santa Barbara: One of our Favorite Coastal California Towns
Stylish Santa Barbara is brimming with a multitude of tourist attractions, delectable eateries and breezy wine bars.
Also featuring an abundance of nature, history, art and gastronomy, Santa Barbara just might be the best California coastal town. It certainly makes our list of Super US Weekend Destinations.
Top things to do in Santa Barbara include visiting the Old Mission, stepping inside the opulent Santa Barbara County Courthouse, and viewing exhibits at the SB Museum of Art.
Additionally, shopping at Paseo Nuevo, going to the Botanic Gardens and exploring the many hiking trails are all excellent Santa Barbara activities.
To be perfectly honest, what we love most about Santa Barbara is the fun beach atmosphere and fabulous places to wine and dine!
Where To Eat and Drink in Santa Barbara
After getting settled in, take a stroll on West Beach and out on Stearns Wharf. Then drop into the Funk Zone for an afternoon wine tasting.
If you can tear yourself away from the fun vibes, head up State Street to pick a place to eat dinner. We suggest classic Southern California Mexican cuisine at Carlitos Cafe y Cantina or go old school American and Joe’s Cafe.
Where To Stay in Santa Barbara
Our sentimental pick is The Milo; it’s where we stayed on our honeymoon! With a prominent location, the boutique property has a heated pool and stylishly decorated rooms.
Day 4: Los Angeles Coastal Drive from Santa Barbara
- Destinations: Santa Barbara, Malibu and LA
- Route: Highway 1 South
- Distance from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles: 100 miles
- Driving Time: 2 hours
On the final morning of your San Francisco coastal drive to Los Angeles, spend some time enjoying just a bit more of Santa Barbara.
Eat a classic California breakfast at Chad’s Cafe and go for a ride along the Cabrillo Bike Path to Butterfly Beach. Then, start the final leg of your California coast drive to Los Angeles.
Malibu
Home to movie stars and millionaires, Malibu is a posh seaside town that seems to embody the iconic California lifestyle.
For lunch, eat at the renowned Neptune’s Net seafood diner. Established in the 1950s, it has been featured in many films and television shows.
Just a bit further down the road, Point Dume Lookout is worth a stop for another elevated view of the coastline from the rocky bluff.
Top Tip: Be sure to plan your visit using our Best Things To Do in Malibu article!
Santa Monica
As you roll through Santa Monica, you may be tempted to visit the famous landmark pier.
In addition to the giant Ferris wheel and other amusement rides at Pacific Park, there is an aquarium and a few classic eateries. Just south is the original Muscle Beach, designed in the 1930s.
Fun Fact: The Santa Monica Pier marks the western end of Route 66, which begins in Chicago, Illinois, and is another epic American road trip!
Complete Your California Coastal Drive
From Santa Monica, the Pacific Coast Highway turns inland, passing through Venice Beach (but not on the shore) and leads straight to LAX Airport.
You may want to drop off your car rental to avoid outrageous fees for parking at most hotels. Then use Uber to get to your accommodation.
Where To Stay in Los Angeles
Choosing where to stay in LA is quite the conundrum. Because of LAX’s close proximity to the beach, we have often opted for an LA airport hotel for the convenience.
The Hilton Los Angeles Airport Hotel is one of our top picks if you decide to stay near LAX. The sleek (in a 1980’s way) property offers spacious rooms, comfortable beds, a pool and free airport transport.
That said, we love the local vibes at Manhattan Beach. There are a few places right on SR 1 – like Best Western Plus and Wave Hotel – but the chic boutique Shade is an absolute gem!
California Coastal Map & PCH Road Conditions
Use this Google Map to follow our route on California Highway 1. Our SF to LA map is interactive and even color-coded for your viewing pleasure!
It is also essential to check driving conditions (including SR 1 road work and HWY 1 road closures) online prior to your trip. We suggest using the official Caltrans site.
What You Need For a Road Trip on the California Coast
Before you set off on your CA Coast scenic drive, we have a few final tips and packing hacks!
Weather Appropriate Clothing
The coastal climate varies from north to south – and from season to season. It is best to be prepared with layers.
A warm jacket may be required in the north, while you will want to pack your swimsuit for Southern California!
A wide-brimmed hat, sufficient sunscreen, a lightweight raincoat and umbrella are also suggested when traveling from San Francisco to LA via Highway 1.
Versatile Shoes
Short hikes and city exploration are sprinkled throughout our California Coast drive trip. We recommend bringing a few different pairs of travel shoes to ensure you have the proper footwear.
I like these by New Balance or Columbia. Kris wears Merrell trail shoes. Flip flops are great for the beaches and you may want hiking boots if your PCH trip planner includes some treks.
Find it all and more on our Ultimate Packing List!
Binoculars
The scenery on a West Coast California drive is nothing short of spectacular! With a good pair of binoculars, you will be able to scan the water for whales and clearly appreciate the surrounding nature.
Camera with Zoom Lens
If you’re anything like us, you’ll be snapping a ton of pictures on your California Pacific Coast Highway trip!
We strongly suggest upgrading to an actual travel camera for this adventure. We carry a Canon Rebel with a 18-135mm lens.
Start planning your trip to the US! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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