Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary: San Diego to San Francisco

Few drives rival the beauty and variety of the Pacific Coast Highway.

This legendary route hugs the California coastline from San Diego to San Francisco, winding through surf towns, cliffside vistas, vibrant cities, and peaceful coastal retreats.

Whether you’re in search of natural beauty, cultural landmarks, or simply the joy of the open road, this guide will help you savor every stretch of the journey with thoughtfully chosen Sonesta stays offering comfort and convenience at every stop.

🛎️ Start Your Adventure with Sonesta International Hotels

Planning the Drive

There’s no better way to experience California’s stunning coastline than with an unhurried road trip from San Diego to San Francisco.

Stretching roughly 500 miles, the Pacific Coast Highway winds past sun-soaked beaches, dramatic cliffs, and vibrant coastal towns, each offering its own distinct flavor, both literally and figuratively.

The Pacific Coast Highway spans 500 miles

Pacing the Drive

Driving straight through from San Diego to San Francisco takes roughly 10 to 12 hours, but where’s the fun in rushing?

For a fuller experience, plan for 5 to 7 days with drive times between 1.5 and 4 hours per day. Take the slower road, explore coastal towns, and enjoy the ride.

When to Go

Spring and fall are ideal.

April to early June or September to October offer mild temperatures, clearer skies, and smaller crowds, ideal for hikes, beach walks, and photo ops. Summer is stunning too, but expect more visitors.

What to Bring

Layered clothing is key for coastal weather shifts.

A camera and travel journal help preserve the journey. Bring snacks, a reusable water bottle, a pair of binoculars for wildlife spotting, and offline maps for areas with limited service.

What It Might Cost

Gas for the full route runs about $200–$300, depending on your vehicle.

Park entries and attractions typically range from free to $30 per person.

Sonesta hotels ranges from $100 to $300 per night, depending on location and amenities. Budget around $700–$1,500 total for hotel accommodations, depending on your pace and preferences.

Total: $1,000 – $2,000 per person

A Few Handy Tools

Apps like Roadtrippers, AllTrails, and the California State Parks app offer route guidance, activity ideas, and real-time updates on traffic or trail conditions.

Coastal Gems Along the Way: Where to Stop, Savor, and Stay

As you journey up the Pacific Coast Highway from San Diego to San Francisco, each stop reveals a new chapter in California’s story, laid-back surf towns, historic missions, lush wine country, and cultural hubs brimming with local flavor.

Here’s a guide to the standout cities and towns to visit along the route, each one ideal for exploring, indulging, and recharging at your own pace.

Sunset Cliffs, San Diego, California

1. San Diego, CA: Laid-Back Beaches and SoCal Culture

Start your journey in sunny San Diego, where ocean views, cultural gems, and a relaxed vibe set the tone for the days ahead. With mild weather year-round and an endless coastline, this city is the ideal place to ease into your coastal adventure.

Before you hit the road, take some time to explore the city’s sun-drenched shores and laid-back energy.

Top Highlights of San Diego

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to explore more, these top highlights showcase the best the city has to offer, from sun-soaked adventures to cultural gems:.

• La Jolla Cove: Kayak or snorkel among sea lions and kelp forests in this scenic cove.
• Balboa Park: Wander through 1,200 acres of gardens, museums, and Spanish-style architecture.
• Sunset Cliffs Natural Park: Ideal for an oceanfront walk and spectacular views at golden hour.
• Old Town San Diego: Discover California’s birthplace with historic sites, Mexican cuisine, and vibrant local shops.
• Coronado Beach: Enjoy the wide, sandy beach and views of the iconic Hotel del Coronado.
• USS Midway Museum: Step aboard this historic aircraft carrier for interactive exhibits and panoramic harbor views.
• Little Italy: Savor handmade pasta, craft cocktails, and the lively atmosphere of this walkable neighborhood.

Where to Stay

San Diego offers an ideal blend of coastal relaxation and urban convenience.

Sonesta properties in San Diego provide easy access to popular beaches, dining districts, and cultural hubs, making it a seamless start to your journey.

Los Angeles, CA skyline during sunset

2. Los Angeles, CA: City Buzz and Coastal Charm

Roughly 120 miles north, Los Angeles blends cultural energy with iconic beaches. Whether you’re drawn to celebrity hotspots, contemporary art, or surfing scenes, LA offers something for every type of traveler.

Top Highlights of Los Angeles

With its sprawling neighborhoods and scenic coastline, Los Angeles invites you to discover its many personalities, one stop at a time. Here are some must-see highlights:

• Getty Center: Explore art and architecture with sweeping views of the city.
• Griffith Observatory: A classic viewpoint and gateway to scenic hiking trails in the hills.
• Venice Beach to Santa Monica Pier: From boardwalk artists to beachfront rides, this stretch offers iconic SoCal experiences.
• Hollywood Walk of Fame: Stroll past the stars on Hollywood Boulevard and visit famous sites like the TCL Chinese Theatre.
• The Broad: Dive into contemporary art at this popular museum featuring works by Basquiat, Koons, and Yayoi Kusama.
• Rodeo Drive: Window-shop or splurge in Beverly Hills’ luxury retail district, a hotspot for fashion and celebrity sightings.
• Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA): Home to the iconic Urban Light installation and a vast collection of global art.
• Runyon Canyon: A favorite local hiking spot offering rewarding views of the city and frequent celebrity sightings.
• The Original Farmers Market & The Grove: Shop, dine, and enjoy live entertainment in this charming open-air complex.
• El Matador State Beach: A bit north in Malibu, this dramatic beach is ideal for photography, picnics, and sunset views.

Where to Stay

Sonesta hotels in the LA area put you close to the action while offering restful comfort. Whether you’re exploring city landmarks or seeking beachside serenity, you’ll have a convenient retreat waiting.

View of Santa Barbara from the city’s Courthouse

3. Santa Barbara, CA: Spanish Architecture and Seaside Relaxation

Just under 100 miles north, Santa Barbara offers Mediterranean-style architecture, wine tasting rooms, and golden beaches. Its walkable downtown and scenic coastline make for an idyllic stop.

Top Highlights in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara blends coastal charm with historic elegance, offering travelers a relaxed yet refined escape. From wine tasting to seaside strolls, here are some of the city’s top experiences:

• Funk Zone Wine Tasting: Hip, artsy tasting rooms just steps from the beach offer local wines in a creative, walkable setting.
• Santa Barbara Mission: Explore this historic 1786 site, often called the “Queen of the Missions,” with its rose gardens, Spanish architecture, and mountain views.
• State Street Promenade: A pedestrian-friendly stretch lined with boutiques, cafes, galleries, and vibrant local life.
• Stearns Wharf: Visit California’s oldest working wharf for fresh seafood, ocean views, and family-friendly attractions.
• Santa Barbara Courthouse: Climb the clock tower of this Spanish Colonial Revival landmark for 360-degree city and ocean views.
• Butterfly Beach: A serene spot ideal for sunsets, beach walks, or a peaceful break from the crowds.
• Lotusland: Discover a lush botanical garden oasis with exotic plants, whimsical design, and a fascinating backstory.

Classic charm of Pismo Beach, a vintage coastal town on California’s Central Coast

4. Pismo Beach, CA: Ocean Views and Small-Town Vibes

Continue 90 miles up the coast to Pismo Beach, a laid-back town known for its charming pier, sea life, and classic California sunsets. It’s a great place to stretch out, relax, and recharge.

Top Highlights on Pismo Beach

From scenic bluffs and sandy beaches to nearby villages and wildlife sanctuaries, it’s a laid-back destination with plenty to discover. Here are some must-see spots to explore during your stay:

• Pismo Pier: A central hub for ocean views, beach strolls, and local eats, ideal for sunset watching and people-watching.
• Dinosaur Caves Park: A family-friendly blufftop park with walking paths, ocean-view picnic spots, and whimsical play areas.
• Avila Beach: Just a short drive away, this sunny coastal village offers calm waters, fresh seafood, boutique shops, and nearby hot springs.
• Monarch Butterfly Grove: Visit between late October and February to see thousands of monarch butterflies clustered in eucalyptus trees.
• Oceano Dunes SVRA: One of the few places in California where you can drive ATVs or 4WD vehicles right on the beach.
• Pismo Preserve: Hike or bike scenic coastal trails with sweeping views of the Pacific and surrounding hillsides.
• Splash Café: A local institution famous for its rich, award-winning clam chowder, don’t miss it.

Svendsgaard’s Danish Lodge Americas Best Value Inn

Where to Stay

After a day of soaking up sun, surf, and coastal charm in Pismo Beach, Svendsgaard’s Danish Lodge Americas Best Value Inn offers a comfortable and budget-friendly place to relax, with clean, convenient accommodations and a location just minutes from the pier and downtown.

Bixby Creek Bridge along the breathtaking Big Sur coast, Monterey County, California

5. Big Sur, CA: Cliffs, Curves, and Coastal Majesty

Big Sur is California at its most dramatic, where rugged cliffs meet crashing waves and the road hugs the edge of the continent. The drive along Highway 1 offers nonstop views that demand you slow down, pull over, and simply take it all in.

Top Highlights in Big Sur

Big Sur is where nature speaks in widescreen, towering redwoods, rugged coastline, and endless ocean horizons. Here are a few must-see highlights that capture Big Sur’s untamed beauty:

• Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park: Wander beneath towering redwoods and follow the Big Sur River through this lush, wooded haven, ideal for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife spotting.
• Bixby Creek Bridge: A stunning feat of engineering and one of the most photographed landmarks on the California coast, offering breathtaking views of the surroundings.
• McWay Falls: Witness one of the few waterfalls in the world that drops directly onto the beach, an unforgettable sight from the overlook trail in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

Where to Stay

While Big Sur’s lodging is limited, Sonesta’s nearby properties in Monterey offer a comfortable base for exploring this iconic coastal region. Enjoy a day trip through Big Sur’s wonders, then return to cozy accommodations that let you unwind in style.

Scenic Monterey Coast, Beautiful California Coastline

6. Monterey & Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA: Natural Wonders and Storybook Streets

Just north of Big Sur, Monterey and Carmel offer a captivating mix of coastal beauty and small-town charm. Monterey brings historic charm and ocean adventures, while Carmel enchants with its European-style streets, art scene, and natural beauty.

Together, they create an unforgettable Central Coast experience where every stop offers a new way to unwind, explore, and connect with the coast.

Top Highlights in Monterey & Carmel-by-the-Sea

From dramatic shorelines and marine life encounters to walkable streets lined with boutiques and cafes, these neighboring gems invite you to slow down and savor every moment.

• Monterey Bay Aquarium: Dive into the wonders of the Pacific at this world-renowned aquarium featuring sea otters, jellyfish, kelp forests, and deep-sea exhibits.
• 17-Mile Drive: This scenic drive through Pebble Beach showcases dramatic coastal cliffs, the iconic Lone Cypress, and some of California’s most luxurious real estate.
• Carmel Village: Wander through charming streets lined with storybook cottages, artisan shops, wine tasting rooms, and inviting art galleries.
• Cannery Row: Once the setting of Steinbeck’s novel, this revitalized waterfront district now hosts seafood restaurants, shops, and oceanfront paths.
• Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: Just south of Carmel, this coastal preserve is a haven for hiking, wildlife watching, and jaw-dropping views of the Pacific.
• Pacific Grove: A quiet gem next to Monterey, known for its Victorian homes, butterfly sanctuary, and scenic coastline along the Pacific Grove Marine Gardens Park.
• Carmel Beach: A favorite for sunset walks and picnics, this white-sand beach is framed by rugged cliffs and cypress trees, just steps from downtown Carmel.

View of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA

7. San Francisco, CA: A Grand Finale by the Bay

Conclude your road trip in San Francisco, a city that rewards the curious with history, innovation, and iconic views. Its hilly streets and diverse neighborhoods offer endless exploration.

With iconic landmarks and steep streets packed with personality, San Francisco delivers a vibrant finale to your coastal journey.

Top Highlights in San Fracisco

San Francisco is a city of bold views, rich stories, and distinct neighborhoods. Every turn reveals something unexpected.

• Golden Gate Bridge: No trip is complete without crossing this engineering marvel—walk, bike, or drive to take in sweeping views of the bay, city, and Pacific.
• Alcatraz Island: Hop on a ferry to tour the legendary former prison. The haunting audio guide brings stories of escape attempts and inmate life to life.
• Cable Cars & Lombard Street: Ride the city’s iconic cable cars and visit the famously winding, flower-lined curves of Lombard Street.
• Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39: A bustling waterfront with sea lions, street performers, fresh seafood, and family-friendly attractions.
• Chinatown: One of the oldest and most vibrant in North America—explore herbal shops, dim sum spots, and colorful lantern-lined alleys.
• The Painted Ladies & Alamo Square: Snap a photo of these iconic Victorian homes with the San Francisco skyline in the background.
• Golden Gate Park: Larger than NYC’s Central Park, it features gardens, lakes, museums, and even bison—ideal for biking or a peaceful stroll.
• Mission District: Discover bold murals, taquerias, and local boutiques in one of the city’s most colorful and culturally rich neighborhoods.
• Coit Tower: Climb to the top for panoramic views of the city, or admire the New Deal-era murals inside this art deco landmark.

Where to Stay

Sonesta’s San Francisco-area hotels offer everything from boutique luxury to airport efficiency, ideal for celebrating your journey’s end or catching an early flight home. Relax in style and reflect on a road trip well traveled.

Unlock Exclusive Rates at Sonesta Hotels

With Sonesta hotels at key stops along the route, the Sonesta Travel Pass loyalty program adds extra value to your stay.

Members earn points toward free nights and enjoy exclusive rates, room upgrades, and other tier-based perks like late checkout and bonus point multipliers. It’s free to join and worth considering if you’re planning more than just one trip.

Sonesta Hotels Along the Pacific Coast Highway

Find a Sonesta hotel for each day of your California adventure.

Wrapping Up the Route

From beach strolls to redwood hikes, the Pacific Coast Highway is an unforgettable experience.

Let Sonesta be your host along the way, where comfort, local character, and warm hospitality make every night as rewarding as the day’s discoveries.

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