The Ultimate American Road Trip: A 10-Day Itinerary for the Pacific Coast Highway

There are road trips, and then there is the Pacific Coast Highway. More than just a drive, it’s a pilgrimage for travelers, a ribbon of asphalt clinging to the edge of a continent, offering some of the most dramatic and diverse scenery on the planet. Officially designated as California State Route 1 for its most famous stretch, this journey is a symphony of crashing waves, ancient redwood forests, sprawling vineyards, and iconic cityscapes.

This isn’t just a list of directions; it’s a curated 10-day itinerary born from multiple trips, local insights, and a passion for showing you the very best of the California coast. We’ll guide you from the City by the Bay to the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles, ensuring you experience the quintessential highlights and discover a few hidden gems along the way. Our goal is to equip you with all the practical knowledge, historical context, and logistical tips you need for an unforgettable, seamless adventure.

Why This 10-Day San Francisco to Los Angeles Itinerary Works

Many travelers attempt the entire coast from north to south in a rushed five or seven days. While possible, 10 days is the sweet spot. It allows you to drink in the views without feeling constantly hurried, spend two nights in key locations to explore deeper, and handle the unpredictable coastal weather and traffic with grace. Driving southbound is highly recommended, as it places your vehicle in the lane closest to the ocean, offering unobstructed views and easier pull-over access for those breathtaking photo stops.

Pre-Trip Essentials: Your Road Trip Checklist

Best Time to Go: Late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) offer the ideal combination of sunny days, minimal fog, and fewer crowds. Summer can be foggy along the central coast (especially in Big Sur), and winter brings the risk of landslides and road closures.

Vehicle Choice: While any car will do, a comfortable, reliable vehicle is key. A hybrid is excellent for saving on gas. Convertibles are popular for a reason, but ensure you have sunscreen and hats.

Booking in Advance: This is crucial, especially for accommodations in Big Sur, which are limited and book out months in advance.

Packing Smart:

Layers are your best friend. Coastal temperatures can swing dramatically from morning to night and from one cove to the next. Pack a warm fleece, a waterproof/windproof jacket, and comfortable t-shirts.
Sturdy walking shoes for exploring trails and rocky beaches.
Binoculars for whale watching and spotting sea otters.
A cooler for picnics, drinks, and farmer’s market finds.
A quality camera and a phone mount/charger for the car.
Download offline maps and playlists. Cell service is notoriously spotty, especially through Big Sur.

Driving Tips:

Take your time. The road is winding and demands attention. Let faster drivers pass at designated turnouts.
Fill up your gas tank whenever you see a station, particularly before entering remote sections like Big Sur. Prices are significantly higher in isolated areas.
Check road conditions before you set out each day. Caltrans QuickMap is an invaluable resource for real-time updates on closures and construction.

The 10-Day Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary

Day 1: San Francisco – The Gateway City

Drive Time: Minimal city driving.

Your adventure begins in the magnificent and hilly city of San Francisco. Rather than rushing out, today is for acclimating to the West Coast vibe and exploring the city’s iconic landmarks.

Morning: Start at Fisherman’s Wharf. It’s touristy, but for good reason. Feel the energy, watch the sea lions bark and bask at Pier 39, and grab a fresh, sourdough bread bowl filled with clam chowder for a true San Francisco lunch.
Afternoon: Embark on a tour of Alcatraz Island. This is a non-negotiable highlight. Booking tickets weeks in advance is essential. The audio tour, narrated by former guards and inmates, is incredibly powerful and evocative. After returning, take a scenic cruise along the waterfront or explore the historic ships at the Maritime National Historical Park.
Evening: Hop on a cable car (a moving National Historic Landmark) and ride it to Chinatown. Explore the vibrant streets and enjoy a delicious dinner. For a nightcap, head to the rooftop bar at the Top of the Mark for stunning, panoramic city views.

Accommodation: Stay in a central neighborhood like Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, or Nob Hill for easy access.

Day 2: San Francisco to Monterey – From Cityscapes to Seascapes

Drive Time: ~2 hours (120 miles) – but you’ll be stopping often!

Bid farewell to San Francisco, but not before one last iconic stop.

Morning: Drive across the Golden Gate Bridge. Stop at the northern viewpoint (Vista Point) for that classic photo looking back at the city. Then, continue to the Marin Headlands for an even more spectacular, elevated perspective. Your next stop is the picturesque coastal town of Sausalito. Stroll its waterfront pathways, admire the houseboats, and enjoy a coffee with a view.
Afternoon: Continue south on Highway 1. Consider a detour to Point Reyes National Seashore for a taste of wild, windswept coastline and the historic Point Reyes Lighthouse. Otherwise, continue to the charming, slow-paced town of Santa Cruz. Experience the nostalgic fun of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, one of the last remaining seaside amusement parks on the West Coast.
Late Afternoon: Arrive in Monterey, a city steeped in Californian history. Check into your accommodation and take a leisurely stroll along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. Keep your eyes peeled for sea otters floating in the kelp forests just offshore.

Accommodation: Monterey or nearby Pacific Grove.

Day 3: Exploring the Monterey Peninsula

Drive Time: Minimal; a day of exploration on foot and via the 17-Mile Drive.

Today is dedicated to the unparalleled beauty of the Monterey Peninsula.

Morning: Immerse yourself in one of the world’s best aquariums: the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Its stunning exhibits, particularly the Open Sea and the Kelp Forest, are mesmerizing. Plan to spend at least 3-4 hours here. Book tickets online in advance.
Afternoon: Embark on the famous 17-Mile Drive. This scenic toll road ($11.75 per vehicle) winds through the exclusive community of Pebble Beach, showcasing legendary golf courses, multi-million-dollar homes, and iconic landmarks like the Lone Cypress Tree. Stop at Spanish Bay to feel the sand between your toes and at Pebble Beach to watch golfers play the famous 18th hole.
Evening: Head to the nearby town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. This storybook village is known for its fairytale cottages, upscale boutiques, art galleries, and white-sand beach. Enjoy a romantic dinner here before returning to Monterey.

Day 4: Monterey to Big Sur – Entering the Sublime

Drive Time: ~2-3 hours (90 miles) – but this is the core of the PCH experience. Plan for a full day.

Today, you enter the crown jewel of the Pacific Coast Highway: the Big Sur coast. This is a day to drive slowly, stop frequently, and let the raw, untamed beauty sink in.

Morning: Depart Monterey and make your first major stop at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Often called the “greatest meeting of land and water in the world,” it’s a haven for hikers and wildlife enthusiasts. The Cypress Grove Trail and Sea Lion Point Trail are must-dos.
Mid-Morning: Continue south. The vistas become increasingly dramatic. Pull over at Bixby Creek Bridge. This single-arch concrete bridge is perhaps the most photographed structure on the entire coast. For a different perspective, stop at the newer turnout just south of the bridge.
Afternoon: Your next stop is Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Don’t confuse this with the adjacent Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. This park offers magnificent walks through coastal redwood groves along the Big Sur River. It’s a perfect place for a picnic lunch. Further south, prepare to be awestruck at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. A short, easy walk leads you to an overlook of McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that cascades directly onto a pristine beach. It is one of the most iconic sights in California.
Late Afternoon: Check into your accommodation in Big Sur. This is a place to disconnect (Wi-Fi is limited) and immerse yourself in nature.

Accommodation: Big Sur (booked far in advance). Options range from rustic cabins to the luxurious Post Ranch Inn.

Day 5: The Depths of Big Sur & Hearst Castle

Drive Time: ~2.5 hours (100 miles)

Enjoy a slow morning in Big Sur. Perhaps enjoy a hike on a trail you missed yesterday or simply relax with a book and the sound of the ocean.

Late Morning: Begin driving south. Stop at the Henry Miller Memorial Library, a quirky tribute to the famous writer and a bohemian cultural hub. Continue to Nepenthe for a coffee or lunch on their cliffside patio, boasting phenomenal views.
Afternoon: As you leave the dense redwood forests of Big Sur, the landscape opens into rolling, golden hills. Your destination is one of America’s most famous private residences: Hearst Castle. This monumental hilltop estate, built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, is a testament to extravagance and ambition. The “Grand Rooms Museum Tour” is an excellent choice for first-time visitors. You must book your tour tickets online well in advance.
Evening: After your tour, drive just 10 minutes south to the charming coastal village of Cambria. Check into your accommodation and explore the town’s Main Street or its moonstone-strewn beach.

Accommodation: Cambria (more affordable and available than Big Sur).

Day 6: Cambria to Pismo Beach – Seals, Smell, and Sand Dunes

Drive Time: ~1 hour (45 miles) – another day for leisurely exploration.

Morning: Just a short drive north of Cambria is the Elephant Seal Vista Point at Piedras Blancas. Thousands of these massive, fascinating creatures haul out on the beaches year-round to molt, breed, and rest. It’s a spectacular (and loud!) wildlife viewing opportunity that is completely free.
Late Morning: Continue south to the historic town of San Simeon to see the Piedras Blancas Light Station, if you have time for a tour.
Afternoon: Drive south to Morro Bay, dominated by the massive volcanic plug known as Morro Rock. Stroll the Embarcadero, watch the fishing boats, and look for otters in the harbor. Then, continue a short distance to Montaña de Oro State Park, a hidden gem with rugged cliffs, tidal pools, and wildflower-covered bluffs (in spring).
Evening: Arrive in Pismo Beach, a classic California beach town known for its wide, sandy beach, pier, and… the distinct smell of garlic from the surrounding fields. Enjoy a relaxed dinner and a beautiful sunset over the Pacific.

Day 7: Pismo Beach to Santa Barbara – The American Riviera

Drive Time: ~2 hours (105 miles)

Morning: Enjoy Pismo Beach. You can go dune buggy riding on the Oceano Dunes, stroll the pier, or simply relax on the sand.
Afternoon: Head south on Highway 101 (the PCH merges with it here). Consider a detour into the Santa Ynez Valley, a world-renowned wine region featured in the movie Sideways. A stop in the Danish-themed village of Solvang for aebleskiver (Danish pancake balls) and a bit of wine tasting is a delightful break from the coast.
Late Afternoon: Arrive in Santa Barbara, the “American Riviera.” Check into your accommodation, preferably somewhere near the waterfront or in the downtown State Street area. As the sun begins to set, walk along Stearns Wharf, the oldest operating wharf in California.

Accommodation: Santa Barbara

Day 8: Santa Barbara – Mission, Museums, and Beaches

Drive Time: Minimal.

Dedicate today to exploring the sophisticated beauty of Santa Barbara.

Morning: Visit the Old Mission Santa Barbara, often called the “Queen of the Missions.” Its beautiful architecture and tranquil gardens offer a profound look into California’s Spanish colonial past. Afterwards, explore the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. Climb the clock tower for a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city, mountains, and ocean.
Afternoon: Choose your adventure: relax on East Beach or Butterfly Beach in nearby Montecito, explore the upscale shops and restaurants on State Street, or visit the MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, if you’re traveling with kids.
Evening: Indulge in Santa Barbara’s fantastic food scene. The Funk Zone, a neighborhood of converted warehouses now housing wineries, breweries, and restaurants, is the perfect place for a lively dinner.

Day 9: Santa Barbara to Malibu – Beaches and Celebrities

Drive Time: ~1.5 hours (70 miles)

The coastal drive becomes more populated and urban as you approach Los Angeles, but the beauty remains.

Morning: Depart Santa Barbara and head south. The first must-see stop is in Ventura to see the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center. While you likely won’t have time for a boat trip to the islands themselves (an adventure for another time!), the center provides great context for the “Galapagos of North America” just offshore.
Afternoon: Continue south into Malibu. This is the day for beaches. Stop at El Matador State Beach, a stunning, rugged pocket beach with sea stacks and caves—a favorite for photographers. Further south, pull over at Point Dume, a headland with a bluff-top trail offering incredible views back toward Malibu and the Santa Monica Mountains.
Late Afternoon: Check into your accommodation in Malibu. Drive along the fabled Malibu Pier and try to spot the famous “Malibu Houses” of celebrities perched on the cliffs.

Accommodation: Malibu or Santa Monica.

Day 10: Malibu to Los Angeles – The Grand Finale

Drive Time: ~1 hour (30 miles) – traffic dependent.

Your final day on the PCH is a transition from serene coastal beauty to the electric energy of Los Angeles.

Morning: Enjoy one last Malibu beach walk. Then, begin the iconic drive into Santa Monica. Your final official stop on the PCH is the Santa Monica Pier. Ride the solar-powered Ferris wheel, play some carnival games, and walk to the end of the pier to mark the symbolic end of Route 66.
Afternoon: Stroll along the Venice Beach Boardwalk, a vibrant, chaotic, and endlessly entertaining spectacle of street performers, skateboarders, muscle beach gyms, and eclectic shops. It’s a cultural experience unlike any other.
Evening: Your Pacific Coast Highway journey concludes as you merge into the vast network of Los Angeles freeways. Check into your hotel, raise a glass, and celebrate completing one of the greatest road trips on Earth.

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip FAQ

Q1: What is the best direction to drive the PCH?
A: Southbound (San Francisco to Los Angeles) is overwhelmingly recommended. This places your car in the coastal lane, making it easier and safer to pull over for viewpoints and offering the most dramatic, unobstructed ocean vistas.

Q2: Is it safe to drive the Pacific Coast Highway?
A: Yes, if you drive responsibly. The road is well-maintained but has sharp curves, steep drop-offs, and narrow sections. Key safety tips: Obey speed limits, use designated turnouts to let faster traffic pass, never stop in the travel lane, avoid driving unfamiliar roads at night, and always check for road conditions and closures beforehand.

Q3: How much will this trip cost?
A: Costs vary widely. A rough estimate for a 10-day trip for two people:

Budget: $2,500-$3,500 (camping, budget motels, picnics)
Mid-Range: $4,500-$7,000 (hotels, occasional nice dinners, paid activities)
Luxury: $8,000+ (high-end hotels, fine dining, all activities)
Major cost factors are accommodation, food, and gas.

Q4: What if there is a road closure in Big Sur?
A: Landslides are a reality. Always check the Caltrans QuickMap website or app before and during your trip. If Highway 1 is closed in Big Sur, there is no coastal alternative. You will have to detour inland via Highway 101, re-joining Highway 1 south of the closure. This can add several hours to your drive.

Q5: Are there electric vehicle (EV) charging stations along the route?
A: Yes, but planning is essential. Chargers are readily available in major cities (SF, Monterey, Santa Barbara, LA) but can be sparse in Big Sur. Plan your charging stops around overnight destinations and use apps like PlugShare to locate stations. Never let your battery get too low in remote areas.

Q6: Can I do this trip in an RV?
A: It is possible, but not ideal for first-timers. Large RVs are difficult to maneuver on the tight, winding roads of Big Sur, and parking at key viewpoints is often impossible. If you choose an RV, opt for a smaller Class B or C model and research RV-friendly parks for overnight stops well in advance.

Q7: What are the “can’t-miss” food experiences?
A:

San Francisco: Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl.
Monterey: Fresh seafood on the wharf.
Big Sur: A meal or drink with a view at Nepenthe.
Santa Barbara: Wine tasting in the Funk Zone.
Solvang: Danish pastries and aebleskiver.
Overall: Visit local farmer’s markets for picnic supplies!