Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip from Big Sur to San Diego September 14th-20th

Day 1: Arrival in Big Sur & Coastal Exploration

Morning: Arrive in Big Sur and visit the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge for breathtaking ocean views and photo opportunities.

Afternoon: Hike the trails at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and enjoy a picnic surrounded by towering redwoods and scenic creekside spots.

Evening: Dine at a local restaurant like Big Sur River Inn and watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

Day 2: Big Sur to San Simeon

Morning: Drive south along the Pacific Coast Highway stopping at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park to see the famous McWay Falls.

Afternoon: Explore the Elephant Seal Vista Point near Piedras Blancas and then continue to San Simeon to tour the famed Hearst Castle.

Evening: Relax in San Simeon and enjoy coastal dining with fresh seafood options at a local eatery.

Day 3: San Simeon to Morro Bay

Morning: Visit Morro Rock and take a stroll along the Morro Bay waterfront.

Afternoon: Kayak or take a boat tour in the Morro Bay Estuary to observe wildlife such as sea otters and birds.

Evening: Explore downtown Morro Bay and enjoy dinner at a harbor-side restaurant.

Day 4: Morro Bay to Santa Barbara

Morning: Drive to Pismo Beach, stop for a walk along the pier and possibly try clam chowder at a local cafe.

Afternoon: Continue to Solvang for a charming Danish-inspired village experience and wine tasting opportunities.

Evening: Arrive in Santa Barbara and dine along State Street with views of the sunset over the Pacific.

Day 5: Santa Barbara to Los Angeles

Morning: Explore the Santa Barbara Mission and nearby botanical gardens before hitting the road.

Afternoon: Drive towards Los Angeles with a stop at Malibu’s Zuma Beach for some beach time and scenic views.

Evening: Arrive in Los Angeles, visit Santa Monica Pier, and enjoy dinner by the ocean.

Day 6: Los Angeles to San Diego

Morning: Tour Venice Beach Boardwalk, enjoy street performers, and grab a late breakfast.

Afternoon: Drive down the coast stopping at Laguna Beach for art galleries and beach strolls.

Evening: Arrive in San Diego and relax with a casual dinner in the historic Gaslamp Quarter.

Day 7: San Diego Exploration & Departure

Morning: Visit the San Diego Zoo, one of the world’s premier zoological parks.

Afternoon: Explore Balboa Park museums and gardens or enjoy the waterfront at Seaport Village.

Evening: Final dinner with views at Point Loma Lighthouse before departure or overnight stay.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Bixby Creek Bridge: 1 hour, Free
• Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park: 3 hours, $15 parking fee
• Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park (McWay Falls): 2 hours, $10 parking fee
• Elephant Seal Vista Point: 1 hour, Free
• Hearst Castle Tour: 2.5 hours, $30
• Morro Rock & Waterfront: 2 hours, Free
• Morro Bay Kayak Tour: 2 hours, $50
• Pismo Beach Pier: 1 hour, Free
• Solvang Wine Tasting: 2 hours, $20
• Santa Barbara Mission: 1.5 hours, $10
• Malibu Zuma Beach: 2 hours, Free
• Santa Monica Pier: 2 hours, Free
• Venice Beach Boardwalk: 2 hours, Free
• Laguna Beach Galleries and Beach: 2 hours, Free
• Gaslamp Quarter Dining: 2 hours, $40 (meal)
• San Diego Zoo: 4 hours, $65
• Balboa Park Museums and Gardens: 3 hours, $20 (museum entry)
• Seaport Village Waterfront: 2 hours, Free
• Point Loma Lighthouse: 1 hour, Free

Total Estimated Cost: $312

Tips

To extend your trip, consider adding extra days to explore more of Big Sur’s hiking trails and local art galleries, or spend a day visiting the wineries in Santa Ynez Valley near Solvang. For a shorter trip, focus on key highlights such as Big Sur, Hearst Castle, and San Diego, skipping some smaller stops like Morro Bay or Laguna Beach to reduce driving time and simplify logistics.