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

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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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