Roadtrips

San Francisco to Los Angeles: The Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Guide

This iconic road trip down California’s Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) is pure road trip magic — think seaside cliffs, charming beach towns, towering redwoods, and ocean views for days. Whether you stretch it out over a week or squeeze it into a few days, this journey will deliver unforgettable West Coast memories.

📅 Trip Overview

Route: San Francisco → Los Angeles (via Pacific Coast Highway / Highway 1)
Distance: ~750 km / 470 miles
Recommended time: 3-7 days
Best time to go: April – October (for clearer skies & milder weather)

San Francisco

Your starting point: a city of bridges, hills, and unbeatable energy.
Must-do:

  • Walk the Golden Gate Bridge

  • Explore Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39

  • Ride a historic cable car

  • Check out Alcatraz Island

Half Moon Bay & Santa Cruz

📍 45-120 km south of SF
Why visit: Rugged coastline, famous surf spots, and laid-back coastal towns.
Must-do:

  • Walk Half Moon Bay State Beach

  • Surf or watch the waves at Mavericks Beach

  • Ride the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk rollercoaster

  • Stroll along West Cliff Drive

Monterey & Carmel-by-the-Sea

📍 185 km from SF
Why visit: Sea otters, whale watching, and storybook towns.
Must-do:

  • Visit Monterey Bay Aquarium

  • Drive the famous 17-Mile Drive (don’t miss Lone Cypress)

  • Wander the quaint streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea

  • Eat seafood at Old Fisherman’s Wharf

Big Sur

📍 200-320 km from SF
Why visit: One of the most scenic coastal stretches on earth.
Must-do:

  • Stop at Bixby Creek Bridge

  • Hike McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

  • Camp or picnic at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

  • Watch sunset at Nepenthe Restaurant or Garrapata State Park

San Simeon & Hearst Castle

📍 350 km from SF
Why visit: Majestic castle, elephant seals, and beachy stops.
Must-do:

  • Tour Hearst Castle (it’s wild and wonderfully weird)

  • See elephant seals at Piedras Blancas Rookery

  • Stop for coastal views at Moonstone Beach

Paso Robles & San Luis Obispo (SLO)

📍 400-450 km from SF
Why visit: California wine country with small-town charm.
Must-do:

  • Wine tasting in Paso Robles

  • Stroll Bubblegum Alley in SLO

  • Visit the quirky Madonna Inn

Pismo Beach & Santa Barbara

📍 480-560 km from SF
Why visit: Laid-back surf towns with sun-soaked beaches.
Must-do:

  • Watch surfers at Pismo Pier

  • Go wine tasting in Santa Ynez Valley

  • Explore Spanish-style architecture in Santa Barbara

  • Walk Stearns Wharf and the Funk Zone district

Malibu & Santa Monica

📍 670-700 km from SF
Why visit: Classic California beaches, surfing, and sunsets.
Must-do:

  • Soak up the sun at Zuma Beach or El Matador Beach

  • Check out the Santa Monica Pier & Pacific Park

  • Shop or dine at Third Street Promenade

Los Angeles

📍 750 km from SF
Your final stop: the entertainment capital of the world.
Must-do:

  • Hike to the Hollywood Sign

  • Stroll Venice Beach Boardwalk

  • Shop and celebrity spot on Rodeo Drive

  • Explore The Getty Center

  • Tour Griffith Observatory at sunset

Where to Stay

Beach campgrounds: Big Sur, Pismo Beach, Malibu (book early!)

Charming inns & B&Bs: Carmel, Cambria, Santa Barbara

Motels: Classic roadside options like Pacific Blue Inn or Blue Sands Motel

Airbnb: Plenty of beachside stays and quirky homes along the route

Road Trip Tips

  • Take your time — the PCH is winding, with plenty of photo stops

  • Book Big Sur campsites and Hearst Castle tours in advance

  • Watch fuel levels — limited stations between Carmel and San Simeon

  • Carry layers — foggy mornings can turn into hot afternoons

  • Stop often — this road trip is as much about the stops as the drive itself

From city skylines to rugged cliffs, tiny beach towns to palm-lined boulevards — the San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip is California at it's best.

Do this roadtrip from only $1 per day with Imoova RV relocations and even get some gas costs reimbursed on selected routes!

San Francisco to Los Angeles Fuel Calculator

San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip scenery

Estimated Fuel Cost

$50.70

Based on average gasoline price $3.50 per gallon

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