Pacific Coast Highway road trip - Iconic 7 day itinerary

About Pacific Coast Highway

Pacific Coast is a 1650-mile stretch in the west of the USA, starting from Seattle and ending in San Diego. It is famous for its mesmerizing beauty and panoramic views that accompany a driver all the way. Highways 1 and 101 run along this coast and cover everything from beaches lined with palm trees to misty, rainforest-covered mountains.

The best place to start your road trip on the West Coast is from the south, that is San Diego. Once you arrive in San Diego, commence your journey via either Highway 1 or Highway 101. Usually, 7 days are ideal for the perfect Pacific Coast Highway road trip. However, you can add more days to your itinerary if you wish to visit Oregon, Washington, Las Vegas, etc.

The trip is loaded with restaurants, attractions and beaches, making your travel memorable! Enjoy the nightlife of famous cities, soak your feet in the crystal clear waters and take your pictures in the breathtaking scenery to make every moment worthwhile.

Pacific Coast Highway road trip

Pacific Coast Highway is one of the main attractions of the USA and is on the bucket list of many. It is the perfect getaway for friends, couples, and family from the monotonous life. A drive along this coast will offer you peace and the vibrant cities will simmer you down.

The PCH represents surfing bays with golden sand, mountains framed by woods and a plethora of natural scenery with towering cliffs on either side. Then there are the cities which are all destinations unto themselves and host glamorous nightlife, culinary experiences and of course, must-see sights.

The best time to visit the Pacific Coast is from March to May and from September to November. During these months, the weather is neither too hot nor too cold. The breezy winds that pass by your hair make the drive even more pleasant.

In case you do not have a personal vehicle, it is recommended to hire a car for the drive on the Pacific Coast Highway. Having a car at your disposal will give you the freedom to stop the car anywhere and at any time to enjoy the panorama and take candid photographs. Several top-notch companies such as Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, etc. offer rental cars of all segments so that you can have a perfectly luxurious road trip experience.

7-day Pacific Coast itinerary

If you are thinking of escaping from the hustle-bustle of your busy life, then we have a perfect trip planned for you! Indulge in the tranquility and calmness of the PCH road trip and have the best time of your life. This 7-day itinerary starts from San Diego and ends in Seattle, covering all highlights of the West Coast.

Pro Tip: Add a navigation system in your car/rental car to travel conveniently along the coast.

Day 1: San Diego to Los Angeles

Start your road trip from San Diego and embark upon a memorable journey to Los Angeles. The distance between these two is 120 miles which takes around 2 hours to cover. The roads are wide and smooth which makes your ride comfortable and enjoyable.

Now since the travel time is less, this means you get to visit more places. While traveling, you may visit Carlsbad, Dana Point, and Anaheim. Carlsbad is full of attractions such as Tamarack Surf Beach, South Carlsbad State Beach and The Legoland California theme park. You can go on dolphin and whale-watching cruises and relax at Doheny State Beach and Salt Creek Beach.

When in Anaheim, fulfill your fantastical dreams at Disneyland. Hop into adventurous rides, Disney-themed attractions, eateries and stores. You can visit iconic sites in Los Angeles such as the Hollywood Sign, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, The Getty Center and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Spend a night in city lights to give your first day a perfect ending.

Below we have mentioned some places to stay and eat which are within 3 km distance from Hollywood Sign.

Day 2- Los Angeles to Santa Barbara

Continue your journey on the second day of your itinerary to Santa Barbara. This city lies at a distance of 114 miles from Los Angeles. Your whole journey of this day will be jampacked with captivating views and charming cities.

When en route to Santa Barabara, you can visit Malibu, Santa Monica, El Matador Beach, Oxnard, Ventura and Mussel Shoals. You can also drive inland to see Santa Clarita, Santa Paula and Ojai.

Beautiful roads with palm trees on both sides, Spanish architecture and mountains in the background, Welcome to Santa Barbara! You will be spellbound by seeing the natural beauty of this place. It is the perfect place to dine with your loved ones in the evening.

Pro Tip - Reach Santa Barbara by evening to enjoy its scenic beauty.

Below we have mentioned some places where you can stay and eat in Santa Barbara.

Day 3 - Santa Barbara to Big Sur

Kickstart your day by having a nice breakfast in Santa Barbara and en route to Big Sur which is a nearly 5-hour journey. This road is a perfect blend of coastal views, palm trees and breezy winds. Put on your favorite playlist and get in the peaceful mood for your road trip.

You can stop by and relax at beaches or take coastal hikes. While you are on your journey, you can explore some hidden places as well by going a little away from your route. Enjoy the local seafood made with authentic herbs and coastal magic.

The main attraction of this day will be Bixby Bridge which is also the most photographed bridge in America. It is an ideal place to get a picture perfect of you and your dear ones.

Other main attractions of Big Sur are Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Pfeiffer Beach, Andrew Molera State Park, Mc Way Falls, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and Limeklin State Park. You can go for trails and spend a night in camp to add some adventure to your trip.

Pro Tip: Make sure you check the traffic congestion in Big Sur beforehand.

Here is a list of a few eateries to particularly enjoy the evening aesthetic and a few wonderful places to stay near Pfeiffer Beach.

Day 4: Big Sur to San Francisco

Take a morning walk in Big Sur’s lovely Carrmel-by-Sea and then head to San Franciso. It will take you around 3 hours to cover the distance and reach your destination. There is so much to do in San Francisco. So, we recommend you start early to get more time for this swanky city and make the most out of it.

The city is home to several tourist attractions such as Madame Tussauds, The Walt Disney Family Museum, San Francisco Zoo & Gardens, Aquarium of the Bay, California Academy of Sciences, Ripley's Believe it or Not!, the Museum of 3D Illusions and the Cartoon Art Museum.

If you are someone who loves to party, then you are in for a treat in San Francisco. This city has one of the most happening nightlives in the world. You can visit Valencia Street, Duboce Triangle, Polk Street, Union Street, Union Square, 11th Street, Mission District and Divisadero Street for an amazing time.

Below is a list of decent places to eat and stay near Union Square that you can consider during your trip.

Day 5: San Francisco to Eureka

When you commence your journey from San Francisco to Eureka, the first thing you will pass through is the Golden Gate Bridge. The enchanting sight of this site will leave you speechless. Once you witness this spectacular place fully, continue your journey to Eureka.

The journey of this day is 7 hours long and is mostly covered with bushy trees. The beauty of this road is enhanced in the rainy season where it is surrounded by misty fog and cold winds adding magic to the journey. Enjoy this day completely in your car by watching panoramic landscapes and savoring mother nature.

Pro Tip: Leave early in the morning to see the sunrise on Golden Gate Bridge.

Once you reach Eureka, you can relax at places and explore good food in the places we have mentioned below.

Day 6: Eureka to Astoria

Enjoy a peaceful night in Eureka and resume your road trip. On this day, travel to Astoria which is 445 miles away and will take 9.5 hours to reach, the longest one in your itinerary. No matter the distance, the route is filled with beaches and attractions to make your trip enjoyable.

Dune Country, Newport, Gold Beach, Cannon Beach, Pacific City and Florence are some spots you can stop by while traveling. Diverge a little from your route and visit Youngs River Falls in Astoria. It is an extremely short trail (0.3 miles) that leads to the waterfall and hence can be taken by people of all age groups.

As you reach Astoria after a long trip, consider dining and relaxing at the following places that we have mentioned.

Day 7: Astoria to Seattle

Start your journey for the final destination of your road trip which is Seattle. To reach this location, you have two options. You can either take the Pacific Coast Highway or you can head east and take a shortcut. The former is a longer route and through the latter, you will reach in around 3 hours. Most people choose the latter option as they are already tired from the entire trip.

In case you plan to stay for a day in Seattle, we have mentioned some places where you can stay and some eateries where you can dine.

After you have spent a cozy night in Seattle, en route to your hometown with a fresh mind. In case you have rented a car, as you drop off your car at the supplier's location enjoy the sweet journey back home.