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Pacific Coast Highway route inspiration

Curated Adventure route

Pacific Coast Highway

San Francisco to Los Angeles

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Route preview

6 days through San Francisco, Monterey & Carmel, Big Sur, and beyond.

Pacific Coast Highway is a 6-day curated route with 6 destinations and 15 suggested stops. Preview the itinerary, best season, and open it in TripsCircle.

  1. 1
    San Francisco on the Pacific Coast Highway route

    Destination 01

    San Francisco

    3 stops
    • Golden Gate Bridge near San Francisco

      Golden Gate Bridge

      Iconic photo stops and bay views to start the drive

      sight
    • Fisherman's Wharf near San Francisco

      Fisherman's Wharf

      Seafood, sea lions, and supplies before heading south

      sight
    • Ferry Building Marketplace near San Francisco

      Ferry Building Marketplace

      Local food stalls and bayfront views near the route start

      food
  2. 2
    Monterey & Carmel on the Pacific Coast Highway route

    Destination 02

    Monterey & Carmel

    2 stops
    • 17-Mile Drive near Monterey & Carmel

      17-Mile Drive

      Scenic loop through Pebble Beach and cypress groves

      sight
    • Cannery Row near Monterey & Carmel

      Cannery Row

      Waterfront dining and aquarium before Big Sur

      food
  3. 3
    Big Sur on the Pacific Coast Highway route

    Destination 03

    Big Sur

    3 stops
    • Bixby Bridge near Big Sur

      Bixby Bridge

      The postcard PCH pullout — best in late afternoon light

      sight
    • McWay Falls near Big Sur

      McWay Falls

      Waterfall onto the beach; short trail from the highway

      nature
    • Pfeiffer Beach near Big Sur

      Pfeiffer Beach

      Purple sand, sea stacks, and a memorable coastal detour

      beach
  4. 4
    San Simeon on the Pacific Coast Highway route

    Destination 04

    San Simeon

    2 stops
    • Hearst Castle near San Simeon

      Hearst Castle

      Guided estate tours — book ahead on busy weekends

      culture
    • Elephant seal viewpoint near San Simeon

      Elephant seal viewpoint

      Free roadside stop; peak season Dec–Feb

      nature
  5. 5
    Santa Barbara on the Pacific Coast Highway route

    Destination 05

    Santa Barbara

    2 stops
    • State Street near Santa Barbara

      State Street

      Walkable downtown with shops, wine bars, and tacos

      food
    • Old Mission near Santa Barbara

      Old Mission

      Historic adobe mission and rose gardens

      culture
  6. 6
    Los Angeles on the Pacific Coast Highway route

    Destination 06

    Los Angeles

    3 stops
    • Santa Monica Pier near Los Angeles

      Santa Monica Pier

      Classic PCH finish with beach and sunset views

      sight
    • Griffith Observatory near Los Angeles

      Griffith Observatory

      Hollywood Sign and skyline panoramas

      sight
    • The Getty Center near Los Angeles

      The Getty Center

      Art, architecture, gardens, and broad city views

      culture

Route highlights

The moments that shape this trip.

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