Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip: 5 Days from SF to LA
Ocean on the right the whole way down.
A 5-day Pacific Coast Highway road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles — clifftop viewpoints and beach towns, paced day by day with real stops.
Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point
Iconic postcard view of San Francisco's most photographed landmark before heading south.
Pigeon Point Lighthouse
One of the tallest lighthouses on the West Coast, a classic Highway 1 photo stop.
Duarte's Tavern
Beloved roadside stop for local artichoke soup and pie, perfectly timed for lunch along the coast route.
Natural Bridges State Beach
Iconic sea arch and tide pools right at the edge of Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz Wharf
Fresh seafood over the water as the sun sets.
Overnight in Santa Cruz
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Browse places to stay
Santa Cruz · $$
Booking happens on the partner's site.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
World-class aquarium showcasing the very bay you're driving alongside, a marquee stop on this coast.
17 Mile Drive
Legendary scenic loop past cypress trees, rocky coves, and the Lone Cypress.
Old Fisherman's Wharf
Local clam chowder and seafood right on the harbor.
Cannery Row
Historic waterfront district with easy bay views and photo ops.
Bixby Bridge
The most photographed bridge on the California coast, an essential Highway 1 icon.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Home to McWay Falls, a rare waterfall that drops directly onto a beach.
Nepenthe
Cliffside dining with sweeping Pacific views, a Big Sur institution.
Pfeiffer Beach
Purple-streaked sand and dramatic rock arches make this a top coastal photo spot.
Elephant Seal Vista Point
Easy boardwalk viewing of wild elephant seals lounging right on the beach.
Hearst Castle
An opulent hilltop estate and classic detour stop along this stretch of Highway 1.
Downtown SLO
Charming walkable center with comfort-tier dining options.
Overnight in San Luis Obispo
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Browse places to stay
San Luis Obispo · $$
Booking happens on the partner's site.
Santa Barbara Harbor
Palm-lined waterfront and beach views, a scenic midpoint before the final stretch.
State Street
Lively strip with great lunch options and coastal charm.
East Beach
Classic Southern California beach photo stop with mountain backdrop.
Santa Monica Pier
The iconic end-of-the-road landmark, a fitting finale for a Highway 1 journey.
Make this trip your own
Plan your own road trip →This route was drafted with AI. Please double-check roads, opening hours and local conditions before you go.
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