3-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.