Today I want to share my California road trip itinerary for 5 days with you. This is one of the most popular ways to see California, and you can visit some of the best places in the Golden State while you’re traveling. There are lots of fun spots along the famous Highway 1 between San Francisco and Los Angeles, and you’ll find a variety of places to discover as you go. I do this drive a lot, so I know from personal experience. Read on for my 5-day Pacific Coast Highway itinerary. I’ve included an interactive map of the route I recommend as well.
California Road Trip Itinerary for 5 Days
A lot of people ask me how many days you need to drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles. 5 days is a good amount of time if you want to take the scenic route along the California coast and make a number of stops along the way. You won’t have to spend too much time in the car each day, either.
The whole drive takes around 10 to 12 hours, so it’s nice to split it up over multiple days. You’ll have plenty of time to see the major sites and landmarks along the Pacific Coast Highway and stop off at key places as you go. You’ll be able to stay in some fun towns and cities overnight, too.
Whether you want to visit the main attractions, go to the best beaches, shop, dine, or check out iconic filming locations from movies set in California, you’ll find no shortage of things to see and do as you drive from SF to LA.
My 5-day Pacific Coast Highway itinerary includes a variety of experiences and destinations. It’s an ideal guide for first-time visitors and people who want to discover the coastal highlights of California.
You can use my itinerary as a template and tailor it to fit your interests, travel style, and budget. If there’s something in particular you want to see or do, you can add it in wherever you want to.
I hope my California road trip itinerary will give you a good introduction to the Golden State and make you want to come back again to see more. It’s certainly inspired me to explore more of my home state.
Where to Stay on a California Road Trip
If you’re driving from San Francisco to Los Angeles, there are plenty of places you can stay on the way. Whether you want to base yourself in hotels by the Pacific Ocean or apartment rentals on the coast, there’s no shortage of accommodation available to you.
Given I do this drive a lot, there are a number of go-to places I like to call home-away-from-home. They’re all fun spots to stay, and I can recommend each one from personal experience.
START: In San Francisco my top pick for accommodation is Hotel Triton. It’s in a convenient location right by Union Square, and I love the decor. If you want to follow in my footsteps, you can book a room here.
If you want to see more options, you can take a look at my guide to the best area to stay in San Francisco for your style. It will help you choose a place that’s right for you.
Day 1: In Santa Cruz, I enjoy staying at the West Cliff Inn. It’s a gorgeous bed and breakfast right by Cowell Beach and Santa Cruz Wharf. Housed in a 19th-century Victorian, its spacious rooms have Pacific Ocean views, high ceilings, seaside decor, and spa bathtubs. There’s also a daily complimentary happy hour and beach-cruiser bikes guests can borrow.
If you want to see more options, you can take a look at the best accommodation in Santa Cruz here. There are plenty of good ones in the city, from beachfront apartment rentals to hotels and more.
Day 2: In Big Sur, there are a lot of fun places to stay. From camping to glamping and famous luxury hotels, you’re spoiled for choice here. I’ve stayed everywhere from Treebones Resort to Deetjen’s and Glen Oaks, and they’ve all been great.
If you want to explore more options, you can see other accommodation in Big Sur here. Whether you want to stay somewhere in the redwoods or at a hotel with a view in Big Sur, you can take your pick.
Day 3: In San Luis Obispo County, I recommend the Avila La Fonda Hotel in Avila Beach. It’s in a great location near the Pacific Ocean and it has spacious guest rooms. The hotel is dog-friendly and it offers delicious breakfast and a complimentary happy hour, too. If you want to follow in my footsteps, you can book a room here.
If you want something different, you can stay at the famous Madonna Inn. This classic destination resort in San Luis Obispo is one of the most unique places to stay in California. With individually-themed guest rooms, a spa, a pool, restaurants, a bar, shopping, and horseback riding, this quirky place is one-of-a-kind. You can book a room here.
Day 4: In Santa Barbara, I love staying at El Encanto. This hilltop hideaway is a five-star Belmond luxury hotel with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. With expansive grounds and an inviting pool, it’s a real treat. You can book a room here.
If you want to see more options, you can check out places to stay in Santa Barbara here. There’s great accommodation throughout the city and surrounding area, from iconic hotels in Montecito to beachfront apartments and more.
Day 5: In LA, my top pick is the STILE Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. It’s in a central location and it has great guest rooms. If that sounds good, you can book a room here.
If you want to stay in a different part of the city, you can see some of the most popular hotels in Los Angeles here. There’s no shortage of fun places to stay in LA for every travel taste, style, and budget.
If you’re interested in checking out more options, you can see some of the most popular hotels in California here. There’s lots of great accommodation in the Golden State, and you’re sure to find places you love.
Tips for a 5-Day Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary
Before you set off, it’s worth noting a few things that will make your California road trip smoother and easier. First, don’t assume you’ll find gas stations everywhere you go. This is especially true in coastal areas like Big Sur, where gas stations are sparse (and extremely expensive). It’s wise to fuel up when you’re starting to run low.
Second, keep in mind that traffic in places like the San Francisco Bay Area, Santa Barbara, and the greater Los Angeles area can make for a slower journey. There can be congestion around Santa Cruz and other parts of the Central Coast at rush hour as well. It’s a good idea to travel at off-peak times and account for delays to make sure you don’t run behind schedule.
Third, it’s worth checking for road closures before you set off. This is particularly true in places like Big Sur, which often suffer from landslides in the winter months. You may have to take a detour or alter your route if there’s construction going on, so it’s good to know ahead of time.
Finally, if you’re traveling in the summer, during school vacation dates like spring break, or over peak holidays like Martin Luther King Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve, it’s wise to reserve things like rental cars and hotels well in advance.
Even if you’re not traveling in high season, booking ahead of time is always nice for peace of mind.
Day 1: San Francisco to Santa Cruz
My California road trip itinerary for 5 days starts with a drive from San Francisco to Santa Cruz. After leaving the City by the Bay, you’ll head south along Highway 1, passing through places like Pacifica and Half Moon Bay on the way to the famous surf city on the coast.
Half Moon Bay
Once on the road, you’ll reach Half Moon Bay in 45 to 60 minutes. This place is famous for its beaches. It’s a great spot to stop and soak up the sun. Whether you go to Poplar Beach or Half Moon Bay State Beach, you can’t go wrong.
There’s also great shopping downtown. It’s worth walking down Main Street to check out the boutiques while you’re passing through.
If you happen to be here in September or October, you’re in luck. This city is one of the most famous places in California for Halloween pumpkin patches. People come from all over to visit Half Moon Bay in fall, and there are lots of seasonal events and activities in the run-up to October 31st. Traffic can be heavy on weekends, so make sure to plan ahead.
Pescadero
From Half Moon Bay it’s a scenic 25-minute drive along the coast to Pescadero. This town is known for its historic buildings and great shops. It’s fun to walk down the main street and take it all in. There’s a beautiful beach on the coast here, too.
But what really puts Pescadero on the map is Duarte’s Tavern. Established in 1894, the famous restaurant serves country cuisine with a Portugese influence. It’s worth timing your trip so you arrive for lunch. The artichoke soup is my favorite, but you can’t go wrong here. Make sure to leave room for dessert, too. Their pies are legendary.
Ano Nuevo State Park
When you’ve finished lunch, hop in your car for the 20-minute drive to Ano Nuevo State Park. This place is famous for its resident elephant seal population, and it’s worth stopping to see them.
The viewing area requires visitors to go on a moderate hike over varied terrain and sand dunes, so make sure to leave yourself enough time so you’re not rushed. It’s worth it to see (and hear!) these funny-looking creatures in their natural habitat.
Santa Cruz
From Ano Nuevo it’s a 30-minute drive to Santa Cruz via coastal towns like Davenport. Once you arrive in the famous surf city, you can check into your accommodation and start exploring.
I recommend starting in downtown Santa Cruz. There are famous surf shops and lots of cafes on and around Pacific Avenue. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs and get a snack if you’re hungry.
From there you can head to the coast. From the rock formations at Natural Bridges State Beach to the surfing museum, Santa Cruz Wharf, and the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, you can’t go wrong here. They’re all close to one another, so you can easily see them in one go.
In the evening you can head back to downtown Santa Cruz for dinner. There are lots of great places to eat here, so you’re bound to find something good no matter what you’re in the mood for.
If you need more ideas, you can take a look at my itinerary for spending 1 day in Santa Cruz. It goes into detail about all the things I mentioned above, plus other fun ways to spend your time while you’re in town.
Day 2: Santa Cruz to Big Sur
My California road trip itinerary for 5 days continues with an early departure from Santa Cruz. You can drive south along Highway 1, passing through Capitola, Aptos, Moss Landing, and Castroville on the way to Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur.
Capitola
Once on the road, you’ll reach Capitola in around 10 minutes. There’s a famous bakery here called Gayle’s. It’s an ideal place to get breakfast. Gayle’s serves a wide range of baked goods and other food, and it’s worth a special trip.
While you’re here, make sure to pop over and see the picturesque village. It’s home to great shops and a sandy beach, not to mention one of the most unique hotels in California. The Capitola Venetian’s colorful waterfront buildings are hard to miss.
Monterey
From Capitola it’s a 45-minute drive to Monterey. This coastal city is known for the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It’s a fun place for kids of all ages to learn about marine ecosystems and get up close to everything from jellyfish to adorable sea otters.
While here, you can also cruise along the famous 17 Mile Drive, walk around Old Fisherman’s Wharf, or shop for souvenirs on Cannery Row.
Carmel
Just south of Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea might just be the cutest town in California. It’s famous for its thatched-roof cottages, boutiques, restaurants, and beaches. Walking down Ocean Avenue is a treat, and you can find everything from chocolate to art and clothing on the side streets around it.
There’s wine tasting in Carmel Valley and stunning natural scenery at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, too. The latter is a great place to walk around and see some of the most beautiful coastline in the area.
If you’re hungry for lunch while you’re here, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to places to grab a bite. Rise + Roam is my go-to spot to have a quick sandwich or pizza, but you can’t go wrong.
Big Sur
Just south of Point Lobos you’ll come to Big Sur. This is a must on any California road trip itinerary, not least because it’s one of the most beautiful places on the West Coast. Big Sur is known throughout the world for its bolder-studded beaches and abundance of natural scenery.
From Calla Lily Valley and Garrapata Beach in the north to Bixby Bridge, Andrew Molera State Park, McWay Falls, and Nepenthe, there’s no shortage of places to love here. Whether you want to hike through the redwoods, take in the views, or go to the beach, there’s plenty to do.
My Big Sur itinerary can give you more ideas. It has everything I mentioned above, as well as a range of other things to see in the area.
Day 3: Big Sur to San Luis Obispo County
My California road trip itinerary for 5 days continues with an early departure from Big Sur. You can drive south on the Pacific Coast Highway (or Highway 101 if there are road closures), making your way to San Luis Obispo County.
San Luis Obispo County
There’s a lot to see and do in and around San Luis Obispo (SLO). Whether you want shop in downtown SLO, browse the farmers’ markets (there’s a night market on Higuera Street on Thursdays), or find somewhere delicious to eat (my favorite is Giuseppe’s), you can’t go wrong.
If you want to stick to the coast, you can see Morro Bay, explore Avila Beach, visit Cambria, or walk around Pismo Beach. Morro Bay is known for Morro Rock, an ancient volcanic mound at the end of Morro Rock Beach.
Avila Beach is beloved for its cute shops and restaurants, Cambria has fun boutiques, and Pismo Beach is famous for its sandy shoreline, cinnamon rolls, and Monarch Butterfly Grove.
If you’re into history and architecture, it’s worth touring Hearst Castle. This whimsical historic mansion was the hilltop home of publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst. His Spanish-style house overlooking the Pacific Ocean is packed with European art and furniture. The grounds feature stunning gardens, too.
If you like wine tasting, Paso Robles is just the place. Not only does it have a great downtown with lots of shops, but also tasting rooms and wineries in and around the city.
Vineyards blanket the hills in this part of the Golden State, and the area is best known for its GSM blends (that’s Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre if you’re not familiar with the term).
Whatever you do, you’ll want to visit Sensorio in the evening. It’s home to one of California’s largest immersive art exhibitions. Nestled in the hills of Paso Robles, this outdoor experience is known for its illuminated valley with over 100,000 glowing bulbs that brighten up the night sky.
If you want more ideas, you can take a look at my Central Coast itinerary. It has lots of fun things to do in San Luis Obispo County.
Day 4: San Luis Obispo County to Santa Barbara
My California road trip itinerary for 5 days continues with an early departure from San Luis Obispo County. You can drive south on Highway 101 and Highway 154, passing through Santa Maria and the Santa Ynez Valley on your way to Santa Barbara.
Santa Ynez Valley
It takes just under an hour to get from San Luis Obispo County to the Santa Ynez Valley. Situated between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the San Rafael Mountains, this part of California is known for its pretty towns, great wineries (the movie Sideways was filmed here), and scenic landscapes.
From Los Alamos to Los Olivos and Santa Ynez, there are plenty of places to stop here. Whether you want to do some shopping, go wine tasting, or just walk around the local towns, there’s something for you.
Los Alamos is full of historic charm, Los Olivos has one of the most exciting main streets in the area, and Santa Ynez has great boutiques and restaurants.
But the most famous place in this part of California is Solvang. A Danish-inspired town, it’s known for its colorful buildings, windmills, themed shops, and range of spots to eat and drink. It’s fun to stroll around town, check out the boutiques, and do some sightseeing while you’re visiting.
Santa Barbara
From Solvang it’s less than an hour’s drive to Santa Barbara. If you take Highway 154 you’ll enjoy scenic views of Cachuma Lake along the way. You can also make a quick detour to see the legendary Cold Spring Tavern, a historic stagecoach stop that’s now a bar and restaurant complex (the tri-tip sandwich here is famous). Hours can vary, so check before you go.
Once in Santa Barbara, there are lots of fun things to do. You can shop your way down State Street, go to the beach, see Stearns Wharf, admire the street art murals in the Funk Zone, check out the food stalls in the Santa Barbara Public Market, sip your way along the Urban Wine Trail, or see the historic mission.
You can also visit museums and cultural sites, cycle along the waterfront, or head out to Channel Islands National Park. If you need more ideas, my itinerary for 1 day in Santa Barbara can help. It has a lot of the activities I mentioned above, plus more options for things to see and do in and around the city.
Day 5: Santa Barbara to Los Angeles
My California road trip itinerary for 5 days continues with an early departure from Santa Barbara. You can drive south on Highway 101 and Highway 1, taking in beautiful oceanfront scenery and passing through Malibu on your way to Los Angeles.
Malibu
It takes less than 90 minutes to get from Santa Barbara to Malibu. There’s plenty to do and see in this part of Southern California, from beaches to views and restaurants.
Zuma Beach is often considered the best stretch of sand in Malibu. Other popular ones include Paradise Cove Beach and Carbon Beach. If you’re traveling with a dog, part of the one in Leo Carrillo State Park is dog-friendly if you keep your four-legged companion on a leash.
Santa Monica
From Malibu, it’s fun to cruise down the Pacific Coast Highway (call it PCH if you want to sound like a local) and into Santa Monica. There’s lots to do and see in this part of Los Angeles County, from the famous Santa Monica Pier to the farmers’ markets and the 3rd Street Promenade.
Los Angeles
When you’re done seeing Santa Monica, you can continue your drive by heading into downtown LA (DTLA). It’s packed with cultural venues, landmarks, famous filming locations, great restaurants, and fun nightlife.
If you need some direction, you can take a look at my Los Angeles itineraries. Whether you stay for 1 day or 5 days, there’s plenty to do and see in the City of Angels.
California Road Trip Itinerary Map
If you want to follow my 5-day California road trip itinerary, you can find my interactive Google map of all the places on the route here. It will give you an overview of where things are in relation to each other so you can make the most of your time on the journey.
5-Day California Road Trip Itinerary
I hope my 5-day Pacific Coast Highway itinerary has helped you plan how to spend your time in California. The route shows off some of the best places in the Golden State, and it’s worth a special trip. There are so many things to do and see that you’re bound to have a good vacation.
There are lots more places to discover along the way as well. If you have time, it’s worth taking a bit longer to do the drive. You’ll be able to experience more coastal highlights and other famous parts of the state.
If you’re interested in seeing additional California road trip itineraries, you can take a look at my blog posts about a road trip from Monterey to Malibu and a 2-day San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip. There are more in the pipeline, too!
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