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The Pacific Coast Highway is known for being one of the most scenic drives in the U.S. It travels along the coast from San Francisco all the way to San Diego. Along the rugged coastline, the highway twists and turns next to the Pacific Ocean and passes through many state parks and quaint towns for travelers to stop and explore. The drive from Carmel to Big Sur is one of the most rugged and scenic stretches of highway in the U.S. This itinerary starts in San Francisco and travels south along the highway, stopping in Monterey, Carmel, and Cambria along the way. |
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Model Itinerary
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Day 1:
A great starting Point for a trip down the Pacific Coast Highway is San Francisco. The two closest airports to the city are San Francisco International Airport and Oakland International Airport. You can take the subway from the airport to your hotel downtown. We stayed 2 nights at the Hyatt Embarcadero. This hotel has a great location close to the pier, China Town, Fisherman’s Warf and other attractions downtown. |
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Day 2:
I think one of the best ways to explore the city is on foot. Walk from your hotel to China Town. Then catch a Cable Car on Powell & Market and ride down to Fisherman’s Warf, Pier 39. From Fisherman’s Warf, pier 33, you can to take a boat out to tour Alcatraz. Make reservations at least a month in advanced. If you miss the tour, you can also take a boat tour of the harbor which goes around Alcatraz and under the Golden Gate Bridge. From the Warf, walk up to Coit Tower Telegraph Hill. The Filbert Steps on your way back to the Hyatt. |
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Day 3:
Rent a car and drive around town to visit Lombard Street, which is known as being the “crookedest” street in the world. Then drive over to Alamo Square Park to take in the iconic view of the Victorian row houses and the San Francisco skyline. From there, head over to Golden Gate Park to walk through the Japanese Tea Garden and the Conservatory of Flowers. Finally, end your day by walking across the Golden Gate Bridge. Check into the nearby Presidio Hotel for the next two nights. |
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Day 4:
Get out of town and spend some time seeing the giant Redwood tress of Muir Woods National Monument. The park is located just 19 miles north of San Francisco. From the visitor’s center, take the Ocean View Trail (moderate 3.1 mile loop) and go left of the Lost Trail and return on the Fern Creek Trail to complete the loop. On your return trip, stop in the small town of Sausalito for dinner and some shopping. |
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Day 5:
Before leaving town, stop at The Letterman Digital Art Center and see the Yoda Fountain. Walk down to the Golden Gate Promenade for a nice view of the bridge. Start driving down the Pacific Coast Highway 1 through Santa Cruz and explore the coast on your way down to Monterey Bay. Find a room for two nights in either Monterey or Carmel. |
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Day 6:
In the morning, plan a visit to the Monterey Aquarium. After lunch rent a kayak and paddle down the coast in front of the Aquarium and around the harbor. You will most likely see sea otters and harbor seals while kayaking. You can go on your own, or with a tour guide. Next, drive down the coast to Carmel and take the 17 mile scenic drive to Pebble Beach. In the evening, enjoy dinner and shopping in Carmel. |
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Day 7:
Before you leave Carmel, plan a stop to tour the Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Carmelo which is one of several Spanish Missions that are still open to the public. From there, don’t miss a stop in Point Lobos State Reserve and walk some of the short trails to hidden coves to see sea lions, harbor seals, and sea otters. As you continue south on Highway 1, stop for lunch at Nepenthe. This section of Highway 1 has some of Big Sur’s most spectacular coastline views. Don’t miss a stop at McWay Canyon, where you can take the short walk to a bluff overlooking an 80 foot high waterfall on the beach. Head to San Simeon and spend the night at the Best Western Cavalier Oceanfront Resort. |
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Day 8:
The highlight of this area of the California coast is the National Historic Landmark of Hearst Castle. The mansion and estate was a popular vacation destination for the Hollywood elite in the 1920’s. Visitors can schedule a guided tour of Casa Grande, the 60,000 square foot mansion, and walk around the property on their own to explore the grounds and pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Don’t miss a stop along the Highway in Cambria, which is 4 miles north of the castle, to see the elephant seal colony on the beach. If you are returning to San Francisco to fly home the next morning plan to stay the night at the Oyster Point Inn near the airport. |
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Day 9:
Return home and start planning your next adventure! Or continue your trip with the Yosemite National Park Itinerary |
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