✈️ Travel
Pacific Coast Highway: The Ultimate California Road Trip
The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most scenic drives on Earth. Here's the perfect itinerary from LA to San Francisco with all the best stops.
Must-Stop Highlights
| Stop | Mile Marker | Highlights | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Monica | Start (LA) | Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach | 2 hours |
| Malibu | PCH miles | Zuma Beach, El Matador | 2 hours |
| Santa Barbara | Mile 101 | State Street, beaches, wine | Half day |
| Big Sur | Mile 45 | Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls | Full day |
| Monterey | Mile 68 | 17-Mile Drive, aquarium | Half day |
| Santa Cruz | Mile 72 | Boardwalk, surfing | 2 hours |
| San Francisco | End | Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf | 2-3 days |
The Big Sur Experience
- Bixby Bridge: Most photographed bridge on the coast
- McWay Falls: 80-foot waterfall onto beach (viewpoint only)
- Pfeiffer Beach: Purple sand, keyhole arch
- Nepenthe: Restaurant with cliffside views, great for sunset
Driving Tips
- Drive northbound " — better ocean views on the driver's side
- Fill up gas before Big Sur " — stations are scarce and expensive
- Start early " — Big Sur traffic backs up on weekends
- Pull over at viewpoints " — don't stop in the middle of the road
The Big Sur secret: Most tourists only see Bixby Bridge and McWay Falls. For fewer crowds, continue past Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park to Limekiln State Park " — stunning redwoods, waterfalls, and almost no one there.
⚠️ PCH Tips:
- Don't drive Big Sur at night " — no streetlights, sharp curves
- Don't skip the 17-Mile Drive " — worth the$11.25 toll
- Don't forget to stop at viewpoints " — the best views require short walks
- Don't underestimate the distance " — LA to SF is350 miles, 8-10 hours without stops
The bottom line: The PCH is best done over 3-5 days. Budget: Gas ($100-150), Hotels ($200-400/night), Food ($50-100/day). Must-stops: Big Sur, Monterey, Santa Barbara. Drive northbound for better views. Fill up gas before Big Sur.