The Ultimate 7-Day Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary (2025)

From San Francisco to Los Angeles, this iconic California road trip delivers coastal cliffs, redwood forests, and unforgettable sunsets. Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary Here’s your complete guide to the perfect 7-day PCH adventure.

Quick Overview

• Route: San Francisco → Los Angeles via Highway 1
• Distance: ~500 miles
• Best Time to Go: April to October
• Ideal Direction: North to South (for ocean-side driving)

Day 1: San Francisco to Santa Cruz

Distance: 75 miles Drive Time: 2 hours (without stops)

Highlights:

• Golden Gate Bridge (sunrise photo op)
• Half Moon Bay (coastal trails & seafood)
• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (classic Americana)

Where to Stay:

• Budget: Ocean Pacific Lodge
• Mid-Range: Dream Inn Santa Cruz
• Luxury: Chaminade Resort & Spa

Food Tip:

Try the fish tacos at The Picnic Basket—local, fresh, and right by the beach.

Day 2: Santa Cruz to Monterey

Distance: 45 miles Drive Time: 1.5 hours

Highlights:

• Capitola Village (colorful beach town)
• 17-Mile Drive (iconic coastal route)
• Monterey Bay Aquarium (world-class marine life)

Where to Stay:

• Budget: Monterey Bay Lodge
• Mid-Range: Spindrift Inn
• Luxury: InterContinental The Clement Monterey

Day 3: Monterey to Big Sur

Distance: 30 miles Drive Time: 1 hour (but plan for stops!)

Highlights:

• Bixby Creek Bridge (Instagram-famous)
• Pfeiffer Beach (purple sand!)
• McWay Falls (a waterfall into the ocean)

Where to Stay:

• Budget: Big Sur River Inn
• Luxury: Ventana Big Sur (glamping or resort)

Pro Tip:

Cell service is spotty—download offline maps and playlists.

Day 4: Big Sur to San Simeon

Distance: 70 miles Drive Time: 2.5 hours

Highlights:

• Ragged Point (dramatic cliffs)
• Elephant Seal Vista Point (hundreds of seals!)
• Hearst Castle (guided tours available)

Where to Stay:

• Budget: Silver Surf Motel
• Mid-Range: Cavalier Oceanfront Resort

Day 5: San Simeon to Santa Barbara

Distance: 135 miles Drive Time: 3.5 hours

Highlights:

• Morro Bay (kayaking with sea otters)
• Pismo Beach (sand dunes & clam chowder)
• Solvang (Danish-style village)

Where to Stay:

• Budget: The Presidio
• Mid-Range: The Wayfarer
• Luxury: Hotel Californian

Day 6: Santa Barbara to Malibu

Distance: 65 miles Drive Time: 2 hours

Highlights:

• Stearns Wharf (sunset stroll)
• El Matador Beach (hidden coves)
• Malibu Pier (surf culture & seafood)

Where to Stay:

• Budget: The M Malibu
• Luxury: The Surfrider Malibu

Day 7: Malibu to Los Angeles

Distance: 35 miles Drive Time: 1.5 hours

Highlights:

• Santa Monica Pier (classic SoCal)
• Venice Beach (street performers & skate park)
• Griffith Observatory (panoramic LA views)

Where to Stay:

• Budget: Freehand Los Angeles
• Luxury: The Line Hotel

What to Pack

• Layers (foggy mornings, sunny afternoons)
• Reusable water bottle
• Portable charger
• National Parks Pass
• DSLR or drone for epic shots

Final Thoughts

This 7-day Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary is more than a checklist—it’s a love letter to California’s wild, sun-drenched coast. Whether you’re chasing sunsets, sipping wine, or hiking redwood trails, this road trip will leave you breathless in the best way.

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