The Most Epic Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary (SF to LA)

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Are you researching for an epic Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary? If so, you have come to the right place. This is one of our favorite road trips in the world, especially between California’s most vibrant cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles. When we first moved to California we planned to slowly work our way down from our temporary home in San Francisco to our permanent home in Los Angeles. What better way to experience all that California has to offer than to plan the most epic Pacific Coast highway road trip itinerary!

This trip can easily be completed in reverse, but I do think starting in the cool foggy weather of San Francisco makes for a great start. The beauty about this road trip is you can do it in a short amount of time or over a week or more like we did. We would also highly recommend considering hiring a Jucy campervan to provide even more opportunities for outdoor adventures along the way. 

After more than 15 years in California, we have completed this trip many times, but none were as grand as our first family trip along the Pacific Coast Highway. There were a lot of firsts for us on that trip. It was our first official family road trip. It was our son’s first real experience with hiking. It was also his first time to ride an amusement park ride. For our first adventure back in the US, this was the perfect route to explore.

To ensure everyone had the best time possible, we planned the most amazing Pacific Coast highway road trip itinerary with a maximum of 2-3 hours of driving per day mixed in with plenty of family friendly activities along the way.  

Travel Tip: If you are visiting from outside California, plan to spend a few days in San Francisco, soaking up the sights, foggy cool air and beautiful vistas.

The Best Family Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary From San Francisco to Los Angeles

Pacific coast highway road trip itinerary includes this amazing tree on the 17 mile drive

Day 1 & 2 on the Pacific Coast Highway: San Francisco to Santa Cruz

Assuming you have already spent a good deal of time in San Francisco exploring all the wonderful sights and sounds of Fisherman’s Wharf and the city itself, it is time to move on. Leaving the gorgeousness of San Francisco behind, make your way through Pacifica and Half Moon Bay heading down Highway 1. We were lucky to have clear blue skies on this portion of the road, as it is often quite fogged in until later in the day.

It was beautiful looking out in half-second glances. As the sole driver I felt a bit jealous of my son and husband’s ability to stare out uninterrupted over the mesmerizing blue ocean. That was part of the point though, I wanted them to fall in love with California’s beauty just as I had more than 20 years before.

Family Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary

Several stops and almost 2 hours later on our Pacific Coast road trip itinerary, we pulled into Santa Cruz. This makes an ideal first night stop. There are a variety of hotel options,but if you can get one within walking distance of the boardwalk, you won’t be disappointed.

What’s not to love in Santa Cruz? The beach, the boardwalk and the laid back beach town vibe are the perfect ingredients for family fun. My son loved gaining his first bit of independence by going on amusement park rides on his own as there are rides for even small toddlers. My husband also took the challenge himself by riding his first roller coaster ever!

Family Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary

But as with every adventure, something manages to go wrong. On day 2, we were forced to scrap our plans when I, the sole driver in the family, ended up getting a fever and sleeping all day long. While I slept away my illness, my husband and son enjoyed another fun day exploring the boardwalk and beach. There is so much more to see in Santa Cruz, but being sidelined for a day meant we missed out. Looks like we will be back again! If you have time, check out the Mystery Spot, hiking opportunities and so much more. 

Day 3 on the Pacific Coast Highway: Monterey

Family Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary

With less than an hour drive to reach the next destination on our epic Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary, we didn’t have to get moving too early. However, as it is with kids, we were up early anyway, packed and at the Monterey Bay Aquarium at opening.

Travel Tip: Buy your tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line. Go early before the crowds and return later in the afternoon (with a hand stamp) if you haven’t seen everything you planned.

There is so much to see and do at the aquarium that it’s difficult to do it all in one visit. Our advice is to see as much as you can before the little ones get ancy. Once they get wiggly, head to the children’s exploration area for play time and hands-on exhibits. Don’t miss the kelp forest and open sea exhibits, which are even better during feeding times.

When the wiggles won’t stop, get your hand stamped and head outside for some fresh air, head over to Cannery Row for lunch and a walk around the wharf area. 

For nappers, let them fall asleep in the stroller and head back into the aquarium to catch everything you missed on your morning visit. We couldn’t get enough of the stunningly gorgeous jellies!

Family Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary

Finishing up for the day, head over to the spectacular Dennis the Menace playground for some late afternoon fun. My son loved the massive red rolling slide, watching skaters at the adjacent skate park, the snow cones and of course the statue of Dennis the Menace! This park is a must visit if you have kids who need some kid time. If you have more time in Monterey, consider kayaking or even whale watching

Day 4 on the Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip: Carmel & The 17 Mile Drive

Family Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary

One of my first memories of California was visiting my aunt and cousins when I was 10. They brought me to Carmel for a day and I was mesmerized. The weird shaped trees, the cold foggy air and the fancy feel (and name) of Carmel-by-the-Sea. I hadn’t been back since then, so I was curious to see how it compared to my childhood memories. It was similar, except the ‘famous’ tree in my mind had died and been removed. But the fog was still there, rolling in right on schedule.

Even early in the day, the beach starts to get crowded with people setting up for the day.  Carmel is often not a warm, laze in the sun kind of beach, so make sure to bring layers. Don’t worry though, kids are usually too busy playing in the sand and with seaweed to notice the cold air or the thick fog blanketing the area.

Travel Tip: Before heading out of Carmel, grab a sandwich to go or supplies for a picnic to enjoy along the 17 mile drive route

Family Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary

Following the beach, spend some time pottering around this quaint town checking out it’s boutique shops, cafes and great toy stores! Pick up lunch and then head out for the 17 mile drive. While our son napped, we quietly enjoyed the first half of the drive, slowly meandering along soaking up the drastic scenery between sections of thick fog. This scenic route is self-directed with frequent turnouts in many locations along the way. Some of the more familiar stops on this popular drive are the Lone Cypress tree, Bird Rock and the famous Pebble Beach Golf Course.

Worried this might be boring for a toddler, we were surprised how much he enjoyed the frequent stops, getting out to explore the different views, plants and animals at each stop. His favorite was Pebble Beach Golf Course where he was able to walk down next to the course and even play a few holes on the kid course in the courtyard.

Family Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary

Finishing up the day’s drive, head back to Monterey in search of dinner and a mellow night around town. We always recommend searching out the best Tex-Mex in town!

Day 5 on the Pacific Coast Highway: Monterey/Carmel to Big Sur

Family Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary

Picking up where you left off the day before, drive past the 17 mile drive to Point Lobos State Natural Preserve for a hike in the Allen Grove Memorial. Our arrival coincided with a guided walk by a volunteer docent who took us through the woods and on cliffs with deer eating below on the short .8 mile Cypress Grove Trail. The ocean vistas were breathtaking. This is a perfect trail for a toddler’s first hike, with most of the trail flat and easy for little feet to maneuver.

Family Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary

Dirty, dusty and exhilarated from hiking along the cliffs, eat a quick picnic lunch at the park before heading back on the road, ready to spot the famous Bixby Bridge.

Family Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary

I don’t remember what the allure of the bridge was for me (maybe the Death Cab for Cutie song?) or how I got it in my mind that we needed to detour off of Highway 1 on the Old Coast Road to see the bridge. Our little detour took us on an hour long off roading adventure (scare!) through beautiful woods and along streams criss-crossing over our tiny one lane dirt road. At one point I almost flipped the car trying to get up a sandy hill. EEK. Luckily our little one slept the entire way!

Family Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary

And there it was, the Bixby Bridge…on the road that we were on originally. And the bridge we had already passed. Oops. But hey, at least it was an adventure!

Exhausted after our day of off roading, we stopped in Big Sur to rest our bones. In hindsight I wish we had planned more time here. Due to our detour, we only had time to drive through Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park rather than explore the Partington Cove and McWay Falls hikes we had planned. Just another reason to return for us, but don’t miss these as you venture along Highway 1!

Day 6 on the Pacific Coast Highway: Big Sur to San Luis Obispo

Family Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary

After a beautiful night’s sleep at a picturesque roadside lodge, and a slow morning observing the view, we headed further south to the elephant seal rookery – our big plan of the day. Thankfully our son is easily impressed by nature otherwise this could have been a long day!

Family Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary

Elephant Seal Rookery is a fun place to stop off. You will see the crowds, so don’t worry about missing it! This beach is popular with seals for mating, molting and resting. During our visit, several volunteers from Friends of the Elephant Seal were on hand to answer questions and provide background information on these amazing creatures. They are noisy, fight and smelly, just like most of our kids! Bundle up, it can get chilly here even in the middle of the summer.

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For many, the next stop would be to Hearst Castle. After reading reviews, we decided it would be too difficult to keep a toddler entertained during the tours, so we gave it a pass. If you have grade school kids (or none!), this would be a perfect stop off point. Reservations are required so plan in advance.

Instead, we since we had a toddler, our next stop was further south to Moonstone Beach near Cambria for our mid-day break. Many visitors head straight to the wooden boardwalk with stunning views and restaurants nearby. For more kid focused fun, head down the coast a bit to the neighborhood gem Shamel Park & Playground adjacent to Moonstone Beach.  Prepare to spend much longer here than you originally planned. Searching through the rocks for moonstone is addicting! The littles will leave with their pockets full!

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Getting our fill, literally, we hopped back in the car for a jaunt off the Pacific Coast Highway towards our hotel for the night, the famously quirky Madonna Inn. Being so close, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to stay there.

Day 7 on the Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip: San Luis Obispo to Solvang

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After a week of staying in roadside motels and lodges, we were spoiled with our massive digs at the Madonna Inn. We scrapped our plans to explore San Luis Obispo on arrival to instead soak up some sun at the pool. Even if you don’t have time to stay here, the food is fabulous and is available for all visitors.

Family Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary

Morning arrived too soon. Not ready to say goodbye to the awesomely crazy Madonna Inn, we spent a leisurely morning around the grounds checking out the various buildings. Coincidentally, we stayed in the Solvang room, the next stop on our road trip!

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Finally forced to move on by check-out times, we quickly headed to the main drag of SLO (what the locals call San Luis Obispo). The only must see on my agenda was bubble gum alley! What a silly concept, but for some reason I wanted to see it. Keeping little hands off the gum, was an exercise in patience however! We added our contribution, coincidentally found my initials, and headed out. If you have time, there is a ton to see and do in San Luis Obispo, including the Children’s Museum that is walking distance from Bubble Gum Alley.

San Luis Opisbo

From SLO we continued our detour off the Pacific Coast Highway onto the 101 to the unique little town of Solvang.  I couldn’t wait to set eyes on this slice of Denmark in the middle of the San Ynez Valley.  This area of the valley is known for its wineries and Danish goodies! It was such a stark contrast of scenery to what we had been used to for the previous 6 days. The land was either barren or covered in grape farms. We began to miss the beauty and the cool coastal breezes we had become accustomed to.

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That said, Solvang was right up my alley. European shoe stores, laffy taffy shops and everyone in bed by 9pm! It is a cute town with a unique feel. Having spent a good deal of time in Europe, it didn’t feel particularly European, but we could feel the pull that draws tourists here again and again.

Alternative: Pismo Beach

If you want to stay on the coast rather than detour inland to the town of San Luis Obispo, we recommend stopping off at the adorable Pismo Beach area. In this area, you can visit the Monarch Butterfly Grove, ride sand dune buggies on the beach and enjoy some delicious eats. You can find out all the things to do and see in the area here.

Day 8: Solvang to Santa Barbara

Pacific Coast Highway

From Solvang, the 101 takes you back to the ocean merging with Highway 1 for a while. We were happy to see the cliffs, beaches and beautiful blue ocean return to our view. Santa Barbara will pleasantly surprise you with it’s cute and so beautifully manicured streets! With our short drive from Solvang, we had an entire day to hang out at the beach and visit the adorably cute Santa Barbara Zoo where my son was ecstatic to be licked by a giraffe while feeding him!

Santa Barbara was technically the last stop of our road trip as tourists – however our final stop was Los Angeles, our new home. After a week exploring the beautifully rugged coastline, it was an abrupt awakening to find ourselves in the middle of LA!

If you are ending your trip in LA, there is still more beauty to be found along the coast and Highway 1. Leo Carrillo State Park in Malibu, the boardwalk and pier in Santa Monica, shopping on Abbot Kinney in Venice and head on even further to Laguna Beach and Dana Point for more hiking, tide pools and beautiful scenery. For a list of things to do while in Los Angeles, check out our list of must do’s in the city.

Have you driven the Pacific Coast Highway in California? What are your favorite spots?

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The ultimate Pacific Coast highway itinerary road trip guide

15 thoughts on “The Most Epic Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary (SF to LA)”

  1. Great road story (and a great road trip with so much meaning for your family!) we went on a faster one last summer but saw many of the same spots. Hope you can now build many more memories in your new home state.

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  2. This sounds like a fantastic trip! I’m a big roadtripper. I love stopping and seeing so many different things along the way. You highlighted somethings I haven’t heard of like Solvang and Moonstone Beach. They are on my list now! Thanks for sharing!

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  3. Sounds like a fun road trip! We did this quite a few years back when my now-grown kids were grade schoolers. Think it might be time to do it again!

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  4. What a great time you all had! One thing I love about the PCH – whether you have a day or a week, it’s always a great trip and there seems to always be something else to come back for. Plus, whenever someone else tells you about their trip, you find even more things to go back for! BTW: Love the little golfers – what an adorable photo! 🙂

    Reply
  5. What a lovely little trip! I have always wanted to do a roadtrip down this coastline. I love the picture of the jellyfish, and of the Bixby bridge! So gorgeous!

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  6. We’re attending a wedding in Monterey in a couple of weeks and then are going to drive south. Unfortunately, we don’t have enough time to drive the entire way on the PCH, but will do bits and pieces. You’ve given me several ideas on places to stop. Thank you!

    Reply
  7. We’re planning on a road trip with 2 kiddos. I was a bit hesitant as they might not enjoy it but after reading your post, I’m going for it. I hope we’d all have a great time. 🙂

    Reply
    • There is so much fun stuff for the kids on the Pacific Coast! We just tried to break up the driving as much as we could. But we are ok moving hotels every night. If you need more of a home base, look to stay in Santa Cruz/Monterrey for a few days, then big sur, then maybe Santa Barbara. It’s so beautiful and has so much to offer! Enjoy!

      Reply
  8. What a good list! Been dreaming about this since last year and we are finally doing it next year!!! So excited! Definitely bookmarking this

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    • It is such a beautiful road trip! You will love it. Take your time if you can – there is so much amazing hiking to do all along the coast!

      Reply
  9. I’m just beginning our road trip planning from Seattle to San Diego, and this was a really wonderful article. Thanks for putting it together!

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  10. Thanks for this great resource! We didn’t make it to all of the places on our trip from LA to Monterey and back but whatever we managed to see was great. Our favorites were the Moonstone beach (we arrived late and stayed at a hotel right at the beach and used the morning to go searching for moon stones before heading up north to see the elephant seals) and then the visit with the seals. My kid loved the beach so much she wants to come back and stay for 6 days (she was very specific about it – LOL). We might do so in the summer. Cambria seems to be a decent base to do other trips. We couldn’t go up the One Highway because it was blocked north of the elephant seal vista point. Instead we ended up driving through a beautiful stretch from Cambria via Route 46 to reach the 101 and it had breathtaking views of grassy hills and valleys. Thanks again for this great article!

    Reply
  11. You definitely need a Santa Cruz “Do Over” so you can experience (and enjoy) more of it when you’re feeling well! We LOVE the Boardwalk and our vaca rental is a short walk away from it. Let us know when you’re coming back and we’ll suggest some great local restaurants and things to do. http://www.beachhavenatseabright.com

    Reply

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