9 days on the Pacific Coast Highway
Experience the ultimate Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) road trip with this nine-day itinerary, traveling from Los Angeles to San Francisco along the Golden State’s most breathtaking landscapes, from towering redwoods to hidden beaches.
Days 1 and 2
:
Los Angeles & Santa Monica Mountains
Los Angeles
Start your adventure with a morning visit to the Griffith Park for panoramic views of the Los Angeles skyline and Hollywood Sign. Then head west to the ocean, where you can bike along the boardwalk, relax at Venice Beach, or stroll along the Santa Monica Pier.
Santa Monica Mountains
Enjoy countless miles of mountain and canyon treks in this national recreation area. Stop at Point Dume, a rugged coastal bluff with tide pools, cliffs, and seasonal whale sightings. Hike the Mishe Mokwa Trail (7.5 miles) to Sandstone Peak.
Evening in Ventura
After your second day of adventure, head up the coast to Ventura, a laid-back beach town with great seafood, surf culture, and a relaxed vibe.
Days 3 and 4
:
A day in the Channel Islands
Wild and remote islands
Take the ferry from Ventura Harbor to Channel Islands National Park's Santa Cruz Island. After setting up camp in Scorpion Canyon Campground, hike to secluded island beaches or coastal cliff vistas. Keep an eye out for the island fox while exploring.
Kayaking & wildlife watching
Rent a kayak to explore expansive sea cave systems, or go snorkeling in clear waters teeming with marine life. Lookout for seabirds, migrating whales, and other marine life before returning to the mainland.
Evening in San Luis Obispo
Drive north to San Luis Obispo, a charming town known for its historic downtown, craft breweries, and lively atmosphere.
Days 5 and 6
:
Driving the Pacific Coast Highway to Big Sur
Morro Bay & elephant seals
Begin the day with a stop at Morro Bay to see the iconic Morro Rock and watch sea otters bob in the harbor. Continue north to the Elephant Seal Vista Point, where you can observe elephant seals basking on the beach.
Big Sur’s scenic views
Wind through Big Sur’s dramatic cliffs, stopping at Bixby Bridge to capture a classic Pacific Coast Highway photo.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Explore the Ewoldsen Trail (5 miles), which winds through redwood groves and provides ocean peeks through the trees. Spend the night at nearby Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park beneath towering redwoods, or drive to Monterey for lodging.
Day 7
:
Exploring Monterey & the central coast
Point Lobos and wildlife watching
Start your morning at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, often called the “crown jewel” of California’s state parks. Hike the Cypress Grove Trail (0.8 loop miles) to admire windswept cypress trees and rugged cliffs.
Marine life and coastal culture
Explore Monterey’s famous Cannery Row, visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, or take a kayak tour of Elkhorn Slough wetlands, home to sea otters, harbor seals, and migratory birds.
Sunset at Half Moon Bay
Continue north along Highway 1, stopping in Half Moon Bay to watch the sun dip into the Pacific. Spend the night here or drive into San Francisco.
Day 8
:
Exploring San Francisco’s maritime past
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
Spend your final day at San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park at Fisherman’s Wharf. Explore Hyde Street Pier, where you can step aboard historic ships, and visit the Maritime Museum.
Walking the Golden Gate and coastal trails
Cross the Golden Gate Bridge and hike the Batteries to Bluffs Trail (1.4 miles round-trip) for spectacular ocean and bridge views.
Golden sunset
End your road trip with a walk along the Golden Gate Beach to the Palace of Fine Arts, a historic event venue with Greco-Roman architecture. Take in the sunset with the Golden Gate Bridge as your backdrop.
Optional add-on
Inland adventure to Pinnacles National Park
If you have extra time, take a detour inland to Pinnacles National Park, home to dramatic rock spires, talus caves, and California condors.
Visit Smart
Plan ahead
Many stops along the Pacific Coast Highway have limited facilities, so bring plenty of food and water. Channel Islands ferries and campgrounds fill up quickly—reserve in advance.
Stay informed
Check park websites for trail conditions, ferry schedules, and potential closures, especially in fire-prone areas like Big Sur and the Santa Monica Mountains.
Stay hydrated
Coastal weather varies greatly, with foggy mornings, sunny afternoons, and cool evenings. Carry plenty of water and sun protection.
Leave no trace
These landscapes are important to many Indigenous peoples. Respect fragile coastal and island ecosystems by staying on designated trails, packing out all trash, and avoiding wildlife disturbance.
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