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Epic 11-Day PCH Road Trip: From Cannon Beach to Malibu

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Day 1: Start in Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach, OR

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sleepy Monk Coffee Roasters

Fuel up with energizing coffee and freshly baked pastries to kick-start your adventure.
Located right off the main street; easy walk.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Haystack Rock

Stroll along the stunning beach to witness the iconic Haystack Rock and the vibrant tide pools.
Walk from the café; just 10 minutes away.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Wayfarer Restaurant

Savor delicious seafood with beachfront views while enjoying the salty ocean breeze.
A short drive to the restaurant.
USD30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Ecola State Park

Take in panoramic views from the cliffs and explore the scenic hiking trails in the area.
10-minute drive from the restaurant.
USD5 parking, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Sunsets at the Beach

Enjoy casual dining with homemade pizzas while overlooking the Pacific sunset.
Short drive back to Cannon Beach.
USD25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Cannon Beach

Day 2: Tillamook Adventures

Tillamook, OR

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Old Oregon Smokehouse

Indulge in a hearty breakfast of smoked salmon and scrambled eggs to energize the day.
Drive along Highway 101 to Tillamook; about 30 minutes.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Tillamook Cheese Factory

Learn about cheese-making processes and sample delightful cheeses.
A quick drive of about 5 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Creamery Café

Taste the famous Tillamook grilled cheese sandwiches or an ice cream cone.
Located in the same building as the cheese factory.
USD15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint

Witness stunning ocean vistas and a charming lighthouse at this picturesque snapshot.
20-minute drive from the cheese factory.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at the Pelican Brewing Company

Dine on locally crafted beer and delicious West Coast dishes with beautiful ocean views.
30-minute drive into Pacific City.
USD35, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Tillamook

Day 3: Newport Discovery

Newport, OR

8:00AM

Breakfast at Nana's Irish Pub

Enjoy a full Irish breakfast to start the day with hearty flavors and warmth.
Drive 50 minutes to Newport.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Oregon Coast Aquarium

Explore marine life exhibits and engaging educational experiences for all ages.
5-minute drive from the café.
USD25, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Mo’s Seafood & Chowder

Taste award-winning clam chowder in a quintessential seaside café atmosphere.
5-minute drive from the aquarium.
USD20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Relax at Nye Beach

Enjoy the sandy shores and charming shops along this peaceful beach community.
Short drive of about 5 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at The Chart Room

Savor delicious coastal cuisine with fantastic views of the Yaquina Bay.
5-minute drive from Nye Beach.
USD30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Newport

Day 4: Florence's Gems

Florence, OR

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Little Brown Hen Café

Dig into a delightful breakfast burrito or pancakes to fuel up for the day.
Drive 1 hour to Florence.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

Experience breathtaking vistas and hiking through the vast sand dunes that lead to the ocean.
Short drive from the café.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the Waterfront Depot

Enjoy fresh fish dishes with a side of stunning river views.
Located on the waterfront; 10-minute drive.
USD25, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Heceta Head Lighthouse

Enjoy this iconic coastal lighthouse and its picturesque grounds for a great photo op.
Drive 15 minutes from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at Companeros Mexican Grill

Savor flavorful Mexican cuisine in a friendly setting after a day of sightseeing.
Short drive back to Florence.
USD20, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Florence

Day 5: Brookings Bliss

Brookings, OR

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Crabby Crab Restaurant

Dig into local specialties with a seafood-inspired breakfast to start your morning right.
Drive 1.5 hours to Brookings.
USD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Harris Beach State Park

Relax at this beautiful beach renowned for its scenic beauty and picturesque views.
Short drive from the café.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Boat House

Indulge in freshly caught seafood options along the beautiful harbor.
Easy drive from the park.
USD30, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor

Discover breathtaking coastal trails with stunning views and hidden beaches to explore.
20-minute drive from The Boat House.
Free, 3 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at the Green Sea Turtle

Savor tropical-inspired cuisine with a creative menu that reflects the coastal vibe.
Short drive into downtown Brookings.
USD30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Brookings

Day 6: Crescent City Retreat

Crescent City, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Good Harvest Café

Awaken with a hearty breakfast featuring local produce and delicious baked goods.
Drive 1 hour to Crescent City.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Battery Point Lighthouse

Get breathtaking coastal views and learn about local lore at this charming lighthouse.
A quick drive of around 5 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

Wander through some of the tallest trees on Earth in this stunning redwood forest.
20-minute drive from the lighthouse.
USD5 parking, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at SeaQuake Brewing

Dine on locally brewed craft beer and gourmet pizzas right by the harbor.
10-minute drive from the park.
USD25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax at Crescent Beach

Unwind on the sandy beach, enjoying the sound of waves and the beauty of the coast.
Short drive to the beach.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Ocean World Restaurant

Experience wonderful seafood dishes in Crescent City’s lively harbor.
Easy drive back into town.
USD30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Crescent City

Day 7: Eureka Exploration

Eureka, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Café Marina

Enjoy ocean-view breakfast featuring fresh local ingredients right by the waterfront.
Drive 30 minutes to Eureka.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Sequoia Park Zoo

Explore this small but charming zoo known for its beautiful giant redwoods.
15-minute drive from Café Marina.
USD10, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Wander Historic Old Town Eureka

Take a leisurely stroll, admiring the stunning Victorian architecture and local shops.
Short drive back to downtown Eureka.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Lost Coast Brewery

Try out the craft beers and delicious burgers in a lively atmosphere.
A few blocks from Old Town.
USD25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Carson Mansion

Explore this historic building, known as one of the most photographed in California.
10-minute walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Dinner at the Wharfinger Restaurant

Indulge in exceptional seafood dishes while enjoying gorgeous waterfront views.
Short drive from Carson Mansion.
USD30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Eureka

Day 8: Arcata and Nature

Arcata, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Plaza Grill

Savor a farm-to-table breakfast that highlights local and seasonal ingredients.
Drive 15 minutes to Arcata.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary

Take a walk through picturesque marshlands while spotting various bird species.
10-minute drive from the café.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Stroll through Humboldt State University Campus

Admire the architectural design and explore the campus’ botanical gardens.
5-minute drive away.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Local Beer Bar

Enjoy craft beer selections and tasty bites in a casual and friendly atmosphere.
Short drive from the campus.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Redwood National and State Parks

Marvel at the ancient coastal redwoods in a stunning natural setting.
About a 30-minute drive from Arcata.
USD5 parking, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at the Samoa Cookhouse

Experience a slice of history and hearty meals that are served family-style in a historic cookhouse.
30-minute drive from the park.
USD30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Arcata

Day 9: Mendocino Magic

Mendocino, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mendocino Café

Start with fresh baked goods and coffee surrounded by the beautiful coastal scenery.
Drive 2 hours to Mendocino.
USD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Mendocino Headlands State Park

Hike along the rugged coastline with stunning ocean vistas and scenic trails.
A few minutes drive to the park.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the Big River Restaurant

Taste local flavors while overlooking the serene Big River estuary.
10-minute drive from the park.
USD25, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Point Cabrillo Light Station

Tour this historic lighthouse and explore the surrounding coastal trails.
About 15-minute drive from the restaurant.
USD10, 2 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at Cafe Beaujolais

Wrap up your day with elegant dining featuring local ingredients in a cozy ambiance.
Drive back to Mendocino town; just 5 minutes.
USD50, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Mendocino

Day 10: San Francisco Vibes

San Francisco, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mama’s on Washington Square

Delight in inventive brunch dishes made with the freshest ingredients on the corner of North Beach.
Drive 3 hours to San Francisco.
USD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Alcatraz Island

Tour the infamous former prison and explore its rich history.
Catch a ferry from the Pier 33.
USD40 (ferry included), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf

Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere and indulge in clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl.
Walk along the waterfront to Fisherman’s Wharf.
USD20, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Relax at Golden Gate Park

Explore beautiful landscapes, gardens, and museums in one of the largest urban parks.
A short drive or public transport to the park.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The House

Savor Asian-fusion cuisine with delicious flavors in a stylish setting.
Drive to North Beach; about 15 minutes.
USD30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in San Francisco

Day 11: Final Destination: Malibu

Malibu, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Malibu Farm

Relax in the serene atmosphere with farm-to-table breakfast options right on the beach.
Drive 5 hours to Malibu.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Enjoy Malibu Beaches

Spend the day soaking in the sun, surfing, or exploring beautiful beaches.
Beach access is everywhere along Pacific Coast Highway.
Free, 3-5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Nobu Malibu

Indulge in exquisite Japanese cuisine with oceanfront views, a perfect luxury experience.
Located on the beach; just a short drive.
USD60, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Getty Villa

Explore stunning art collections and beautiful gardens in a Mediterranean-style villa.
Drive about 20 minutes from lunch.
Free (advance reservations recommended), 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Malibu Seafood

Enjoy fresh, locally caught seafood in a casual setting while enjoying stunning ocean views.
Short drive from the Getty Villa.
USD30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Malibu
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