Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Guide
Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)? Buckle up, because this California Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary will take you from Arroyo Grande to Santa Barbara, with breathtaking views, charming towns, and delicious eats along the way.
Day 1: Arroyo Grande to Monterey
- Arroyo Grande: Start your journey in this quaint town. Explore the nearby Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area for some off-road fun.
- Drive along the PCH, passing through Pismo Beach and Morro Bay. Don’t miss the iconic Morro Rock!
- Spend the night at an RV park in Monterey. Consider staying at the Veterans Memorial Park (which offers military discounts) or the Laguna Seca Recreation Area.
- Logistics:
- Distance: Approximately 120 miles (193 km)
- Estimated drive time: Around 2.5 to 3 hours
Day 2: Monterey to Big Sur
- Explore Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row.
- Drive south to Big Sur, where you’ll encounter jaw-dropping coastal cliffs, redwood forests, and the famous Bixby Creek Bridge.
- Camp at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park or Kirk Creek Campground for stunning ocean views.
- Logistics:
- Distance: Approximately 40 miles (64 km)
- Estimated drive time: About 1 to 1.5 hours (but allow extra time for sightseeing)
Day 3: Big Sur to San Simeon
- Continue south through Big Sur. Stop at McWay Falls (a must-see waterfall that drops into the ocean).
- Visit Hearst Castle in San Simeon (book a tour in advance).
- Stay at San Simeon State Park or San Simeon Creek Campground.
- Logistics:
- Distance: Approximately 70 miles (113 km)
- Estimated drive time: Around 2 to 2.5 hours (including stops)
- Important 2024 Travel Update: Multiple sections of the Pacific Coast Highway around Big Sur are closed due to landslides, including the section you would normally take to get to San Simeon. Construction will likely last through summer 2024. You’ll want to take alternate routes, like Highway 101, or plan for long, meandering detours – and make your plans BEFORE you start driving, because you won’t have much service. More details on the closures can be found here and here.
Day 4: San Simeon to Santa Barbara
- Drive through San Luis Obispo and Pismo Beach.
- Explore Solvang, a charming Danish-style town.
- Whether you’re craving fine dining, local eats, or budget-friendly bites, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the best restaurants in Solvang:
- Mad & Vin: Located at the Mirabelle Inn.
- Cuisine: American
- Price: $$
- Cecco Ristorante: Enjoy their delicious offerings.
- Cuisine: Italian, Pizza
- Price: $$
- Paula’s Pancake House: A local favorite for breakfast.
- Cuisine: American, Scandinavian, Danish
- Price: $$
- Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery: Try their pastries and baked goods.
- Cuisine: Cafe, European, Scandinavian, Danish
- Price: $
- Succulent Cafe: Known for its farm-to-table dishes.
- Cuisine: American
- Price: $$
- Arrive in Santa Barbara and enjoy its beautiful beaches and vibrant downtown.
- Consider staying at Rancho Oso RV & Camping Resort.
- Logistics:
- Distance: Approximately 130 miles (209 km)
- Estimated drive time: About 2.5 to 3 hours
Day 5: Santa Barbara to Arroyo Grande
- Visit Santa Barbara Mission and Stearns Wharf.
- Head back north to Arroyo Grande.
- For military discounts, check out Pismo Coast Village RV Resort.
- End your trip with a delicious meal at Ember Restaurant in Arroyo Grande.
- Logistics:
- Distance: Approximately 100 miles (161 km)
- Estimated drive time: Around 2 to 2.5 hours
What’s the best time of year to do a trip along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)?
The best time of the year to drive the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is in mid-to-late February through April. California’s rainy season typically ends in early February, turning its golden hills bright green and covering the coast with colorful wildflowers, which last through April and into early May. During this period, you’ll experience the best weather and witness stunning coastal views along the PCH, but great weather conditions continue through the summertime.
Where does the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) begin and end?
The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), also known as California State Route 1, is a scenic highway that runs along the California coast. It begins in Leggett, Mendocino County, in Northern California, and extends southward to Dana Point in Orange County (The Mandagies) (Lazytrips).
Starting your journey in Leggett, you’ll travel through picturesque coastal towns and stunning landscapes, including notable stops like San Francisco, Big Sur, and Santa Barbara, before reaching the laid-back surf town of Dana Point (California.com) (The Soloist). This iconic route covers approximately 655 miles and offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, making it a popular choice for road trips (Lazytrips).
Where can I find an RV rental near Arroyo Grande, CA?
Right here! RVbyMilitary.com is the first peer-to-peer Veteran owned & operated RV marketplace by military, for everyone. When you rent through RVbyMilitary.com, you are giving back to the community that’s given so much to our country to ensure we enjoy our freedoms! Check out these travel trailer listings for your next adventure: 2022 Forest River Cherokee (sleeps 6) and 2017 Highland Ridge (sleeps 8).
Feel the wind in your hair, soak in the coastal beauty, and create memories that will last a lifetime with the ultimate pacific coast highway road trip. Feel free to change up these plans to suit your preferences, like adding on a few days in your favorite spot, or taking your pacific coast highway road trip further north to San Francisco. Book your RV rental today and hit the open road!
Note: Driving times are approximate and may vary based on stops and road conditions.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only. Always verify details and availability before planning your trip.
RV By Military is not affiliated with any specific RV parks or attractions mentioned in this post.
For more travel inspiration, visit our website at www.rvbymilitary.com.