10-Day Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary

Arrive at LAX and pick up a one-way rental car

Pick up a car for the drive to San Francisco and head about 20 minutes to Santa Monica.

Santa Monica Pier and beach

Walk the historic pier, see the end of Route 66 sign, then stroll the beach path to Venice.

Drive the PCH through Malibu

Cruise up Highway 1 past Malibu's beaches and stop at Point Dume for coastal views.

Sunset at El Matador State Beach

Climb down to this cove of sea stacks for sunset. Overnight in Malibu, Ventura or push on to Santa Barbara.

Drive the coast to Santa Barbara

Continue about 1.5-2 hours via Highway 1 and US-101 along the Rincon coast.

Old Mission Santa Barbara

Tour the Queen of the Missions and its gardens, then visit the rose garden across the street.

State Street and the Funk Zone

Browse Spanish-style downtown and sample wines in tasting rooms near the beach.

Sunset on Stearns Wharf

Walk the wooden wharf for sunset and dinner of fresh seafood.

Downtown San Luis Obispo

Drive about 1.5-2 hours north, then stroll past Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa and quirky Bubblegum Alley.

Santa Maria-style tri-tip lunch

Try the Central Coast's signature barbecue at a local spot.

Pismo Beach and its pier

Walk the pier, watch the surfers and, in winter, look for monarch butterflies at the Pismo grove.

Drive to Cambria for the night

Continue about 45 minutes north and walk Moonstone Beach Boardwalk at sunset.

Tour Hearst Castle

Take an early Grand Rooms Tour of the hilltop estate and its Neptune Pool.

Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery

Stop at the free boardwalk to watch hundreds of elephant seals on the beach.

McWay Falls in Big Sur

Check Caltrans QuickMap first. If Highway 1 is open, drive north to see the 80-foot waterfall; if not, detour via US-101.

Bixby Creek Bridge and arrival in Carmel

Stop at the north pullout for the iconic bridge view, then continue to Carmel-by-the-Sea for dinner.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Arrive at opening to see sea otters, the kelp forest and the jellyfish galleries.

Cannery Row and the Monterey waterfront

Walk Cannery Row and have clam chowder near Fisherman's Wharf.

17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach

Drive the toll road past the Lone Cypress, golf courses and rocky coves.

Drive to San Francisco

Head about 2.5 hours north via Highway 1 or US-101 and celebrate with dinner in the city.

Ferry Building and the Embarcadero

Browse food stalls and the farmers market (on market days) at the Ferry Building.

Alcatraz Island tour

Take the official ferry to the former prison; book tickets well in advance.

Golden Gate Bridge and the Presidio

Walk or bike part of the bridge and look back at the city from the Presidio.

Dinner in North Beach or Chinatown

Finish with Italian food in North Beach or dim sum in Chinatown.

Drive to Napa Valley

Head about 1-1.5 hours north; consider a tour or designated driver.

Wine tasting along Highway 29

Visit two or three wineries; most require tasting reservations.

Lunch in Yountville or St. Helena

Enjoy a relaxed lunch in one of the valley's charming towns.

Return to San Francisco

Drive back for an evening in the city.

Devil's Slide Trail

Walk the former highway turned trail with sweeping ocean views.

Half Moon Bay

Browse Main Street and walk the coastal trail along the bluffs.

Pigeon Point Light Station and Pescadero

Stop at one of the tallest lighthouses on the West Coast, then visit tiny Pescadero.

Sunset dinner by the harbor

Have fresh seafood at Pillar Point Harbor before returning to the city.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Walk the easy Redwood Grove Loop among towering old-growth trees.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Ride the 1924 Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster at this historic amusement park.

West Cliff Drive

Walk the cliffside path to watch surfers at Steamer Lane.

Drive back to San Francisco

Return about 1.5 hours north, or stay the night in Santa Cruz.

Coffee and a stroll in the Mission District

Grab coffee and see the colorful murals.

Golden Gate Park

Visit the Conservatory of Flowers or the Japanese Tea Garden.

Return your rental car

Drop off your car near SFO, allowing time for one-way rental paperwork.

Fly home from San Francisco (SFO)

Allow 2-3 hours before your flight.