When it comes to the ultimate road trip in California, the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) offers some of the most stunning scenery on the West Coast. From the cultural heart of San Francisco to the sun-soaked shores of San Diego, this 7-day itinerary will take you through charming coastal towns, rugged cliffs, and tranquil beaches. Each stop along the way is rich with experiences that will leave lasting memories, and we’ve included the perfect hotels for relaxing after a day of exploring. Let’s dive into this journey of a lifetime.
Day 1: Touchdown in San Francisco – The Adventure Begins!
After landing at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), pick up your rental car (I recommend a convertible to fully enjoy the drive down the PCH). Your first stop is just a short 16-mile drive to Hotel Zoe Fisherman’s Wharf. You will need to valet park your vehicle here. This modern, cozy hotel is the ideal place to unwind and prepare for your adventure.
Where to Stay:
425 North Point Street, San Francisco, CA
Day 2: Iconic San Francisco – A Day of Landmarks and Local Flavors
Begin your second day breakfast at Cafe Capriccio at the corner of Mason and Chestnut, very close to Hotel Zoe. Next stop is Pier 39 to see the Sea Lions and do a little shopping. Stop for lunch and cocktails in the upstairs restaurant at Boudin Bakery, Bistro Boudin.
Following lunch head over to meet your Painted Ladies Tour, where you’ll marvel at the colorful Victorian homes that define the city’s architectural charm, the Golden Gate Bridge, The Presidio and Lombard Street while sipping wine. After the tour, head to Baker Beach for a photo-op with the Golden Gate Bridge and a relaxing stroll. Round out your San Francisco portion of the day on the way to the next location with a visit to the stunning 16th Avenue Tiled Steps, a hidden staircase covered in mosaics offering panoramic views of the city.
Make a stop at the delightful Mazzetti’s Bakery in Pacifica to grab a snack for later and then grab some dinner near by; there is a quaint taqueria, Taqueria la Mordida that offers authentic Mexican food. From there, explore Mori Point, a coastal bluff offering hiking trails and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
Continue to Pacifica State Beach for a leisurely beach walk, and don’t forget to visit the Devil’s Slide Bunker, a quirky, abandoned military structure from WWII. End the day with a sunset at Montara State Beach for some of the best coastal views in California.
Head on over to Seal Cove Inn to check in for the evening. You self park your car here. Once you are there, be sure to let them know your breakfast order and ask for a map of the local trails (you will want to explore tomorrow morning before moving on to your next stop).
Where to Stay:
221 Cypress Ave, Moss Beach, CA
Points of Interest:
- Caffe Capriccio
- Bistro Boudin
- Golden Gate Bridge
- The Presidio
- Lombard Street
- Painted Ladies Tour
- Baker Beach
- 16th Avenue Tiled Steps
- Mazzetti’s Bakery
- Taqueria la Mordida
- Mori Point
- Pacifica State Beach
- Devil’s Slide Bunker
- Montara State Beach
Day 3: Enchanting Half Moon Bay – Coastal Serenity Awaits
Wake up at the peaceful Seal Cove Inn and enjoy the delicious breakfast they deliver to your room. Take a walk around the gardens and then head out for a morning walk around the property and nearby trails.
Make a pit stop to explore Half Moon Bay State Beach and venture out to the hidden gem of Martin’s Beach, a semi-private cove. For a more tranquil experience, head to San Gregorio State Beach, where the coastline offers dramatic views and quiet spots for a picnic. Pompanio State Beach and Bean Hollow State Beach are a few other beaches along the way that are worth a stop to see the views.
Be sure to stop at Pigeon Point Lighthouse, sadly it was under renovations when we stopped this trip. As you make your way down the coast, stop by the famous Santa Cruz Wharf for an afternoon of shopping, dining, and sea lion sightings. We had lunch at Namaste Indian Cuisine; it was very tasty, but a ton of food.
Afterward, head to the vibrant coastal town of Capitola, where colorful beach cottages line the shore, and local boutiques and restaurants beckon you to stay a while.
Once you arrive to Seven Gables Inn, check in and enjoy wine time at the Inn. You self park here. Then head to eat dinner at Passionfish, it is walkable from Seven Gables. You can also enjoy time at Lover’s Point Park, located right across the street from the Inn.
Where to Stay:
555 Ocean View Blvd, Pacific Grove, CA
Points of Interest:
- Half Moon Bay State Beach
- Martin’s Beach
- San Gregorio State Beach
- Pompanio State Beach
- Beach Hollow State Beach
- Pigeon Point Lighthouse
- Santa Cruz Wharf
- Namaste Indian Cuisine
- Capitola Village By The Sea
- Lover’s Point Park
- Passionfish
Day 4: Majestic Carmel & Breathtaking Big Sur – Nature’s Masterpieces
Wake up early and enjoy the peaceful morning at Lover’s Point Park followed by breakfast at the Inn. Then it is time to hit the road. If you want to try a local bakery/coffee shop attached to a book store and have a bonus coffee for the road check out Bookworks; I am no coffee drinker, but my daughter, had to have a fru fru one for the road. Sadly we were there before the bookstore was open. It was a very cute establishment.
The scenic drive from Carmel to Big Sur is one of the most awe-inspiring legs of the trip. Begin with a leisurely drive along the 17-Mile Drive, making sure to stop at the Lone Cypress, one of the most photographed trees in the world. Continue to the historic Bixby Bridge and marvel at the rugged beauty of McWay Falls, where a waterfall tumbles into the Pacific. Once you make it to McWay Falls, you will have to turn around and head back North. Currently, as of 2024, the PCH is still closed South of McWay Falls due to a rock/land slide South of McWay Falls that happened a few years ago.
On the way to Santa Barbara, be sure to make a pitstop in Solvang. Inland detours are worth it, especially when visiting the charming Danish village of Solvang. With windmills, bakeries, and charming streets, this stop feels like stepping into a European town. After exploring head towards Santa Barbara, a city known for its Mediterranean charm and vibrant beach culture.
Once you arrive to the hotel, you self park in public pay parking close to the hotel; there are multiple options. After checking into the hotel, enjoy dinner at Sandbar, a short walk from Drift Santa Barbara. They have great vegan options and margaritas too.
When we were there, there was a festival going on and then Saturday morning there was also a market; be sure to check out current events happening if you plan to travel to Santa Barbara, it is a very happening place.
Where to Stay:
524 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA
Points of Interest:
Day 5: Next Stop is Beverly Hills – Hidden Beaches and Luxe Vibes
After a peaceful night in Santa Barbara, its time to find breakfast! Then your next stop is Malibu, where you’ll visit El Matador State Beach, famous for its hidden coves and rugged cliffs. Continue your coastal journey with a stop at the iconic Santa Monica Pier, where you can enjoy fun-filled activities and ocean views.
After visiting the pier head towards Beverly Hills. Check into Sixty. I hate to admit this, but after a snafu of me accidentally booking Sixty in Manhattan instead of Beverly Hills (I guess I was tired when I made my reservations), they had a few rooms available still. One they had was on Floor Two, the cost wasn’t that different, so I decided to chose it. If at all possible, ask to stay on Floor Two, you will not be disappointed.
We were on floor two with one other person, and I only saw him once. We had drinks and snacks 24/7, complementary wine in the evening, pastries in the morning, a private lounge with games, books, etc. You will need to valet your vehicle here.
Be sure to explore Rodeo drive and have a Michelin experience as well. We indulged at Gucci Osteria. They gladly catered to my vegan diet needs and of course, like every other Michelin restaurant I have been to, treat you like royalty. I even made friends with a near by table who wanted to order one of the vegan dishes I had.
Where to Stay:
9360 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA
Points of Interest:
Day 6: La Jolla Bliss – Coastal Gems
Be sure to wake up early to enjoy Beverly Hills like no other. Walk Rodeo Drive when it is empty, enjoy the sites all by yourself as the sun rises. You will not regret it!
On the way out, be sure to grab breakfast at Lumiere, located in Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel. It is best to make reservations and you will have to valet your vehicle. After a delicious breakfast, head to view the Hollywood Sign. Stop by Long Beach, Seal Beach, Sunset Beach, and Newport Beach. We stopped at Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach for lunch at their A+O Restaurant, you can sit on the patio and enjoy the views. There are yachts larger than any that I have ever seen.
After lunch you should stop by Laguna Beach and Oceanside as you continue to travel to La Jolla.
Check into the hotel at La Jolla Cove Hotel. You can self park here. Be sure to book one of the renovated rooms; whatever you do, DO NOT book a non-renovated room!
On the final leg of your journey, make your way to La Jolla Cove, a picturesque beach known for its sea life, crystal-clear waters, and stunning cliffside views. Be sure to watch the seals and sea lions and you might even see snorklers and divers out there with them in the water.
I will not recommend somewhere to eat here, as I did NOT enjoy our meal here in La Jolla at all. But I will recommend a sweet treat from Bobboi, Natural Gelato; yes of course, they have vegan options too.
Where to Stay:
1155 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA
Points of Interests:
- Lumiere
- Hollywood Sign
- Long Beach
- Seal Beach
- Sunset Beach
- Newport Beach
- A+O Restaurant
- Laguna Beach
- Oceanside
- La Jolla Cove
- Bobboi, Natural Gelato
Day 7: Farewell California – Chill in Coronado and Soak Up the Sun
Before you head to Coronado, stop by Breakfast Republic in La Jolla for a fabulous breakfast for vegan and omnivores alike. Be sure to drive by the San Diego California Temple; it was closed for renovations, but it is a beautiful sight to behold from the outside.
End your road trip by relaxing on the sandy shores of Coronado, a charming island town just across the bay from San Diego. Enjoy the laid-back beach vibes and soak in the beauty. Travel the 7-mile long isthmus, south, to Imperial Beach to enjoy the pier and watch the surfers.
Points of Interest:
Tips for Planning Your PCH Road Trip
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to drive the PCH is between late spring and early fall when the weather is pleasant, and the roads are clear.
- Packing Essentials: Make sure to pack layers, sunscreen, a camera, and a good playlist for those long stretches of scenic drives. You’ll also want to carry snacks and water, as some sections of the highway are remote.
Conclusion: A Road Trip for the Ages
From San Francisco’s bustling piers to the serene beaches of San Diego, the Pacific Coast Highway is a journey like no other. Every stop offers something unique, and by the end of your adventure, you’ll have memories filled with breathtaking sunsets, hidden coves, and charming towns. This isn’t just a road trip; it’s a true Californian experience that will stay with you long after the trip ends.
FAQs
1. What’s the best time of year to drive the PCH?
The best time to travel the PCH is from May to September when the weather is sunny, and the roads are free from winter closures.
2. How can I find affordable accommodations?
Booking early and considering motels, hostels, or Airbnb options can help you save on accommodation along the PCH. I will tell you, my accommodations were probably not considered affordable for most, but this was a very special trip for my daughter and I so, we indulged at every step.
3. Is driving the Pacific Coast Highway safe?
Yes, the PCH is safe to drive, but be cautious around narrow curves, especially in areas like Big Sur. Taking your time and driving during daylight hours is recommended.
-S
