Off Shift

All the stops between SF and LA

Driving California’s Pacific Coast Highway is about so much more than getting from Point A to Point B. In fact, some of the best memories from our trip came from the unexpected pull-offs, scenic overlooks, and charming coastal towns we discovered along the way.

Whether you’re driving the entire route or just a portion of Highway 1, these are the stops we think are worth adding to your itinerary.

Pro Tip: Don’t try to stop everywhere. Pick your must-sees, but leave room for spontaneous detours—you’ll likely stumble upon incredible viewpoints that aren’t marked on any itinerary.

Click here for the google maps route from SF to Carmel-by-the-Sea

Click here for the google maps route from Carmel-by-the-Sea to Santa Barbara

Click here for the google maps route from Santa Barbara to LA

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Day 1: San Francisco → Carmel-by-the-Sea

On the morning we left San Francisco, we picked up our rental car at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and officially began our Pacific Coast Highway adventure.

Our route included:

• Half Moon Bay
• Santa Cruz (coffee and snack stop)
• Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
• 17-Mile Drive
• Overnight in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Planning Tip: Don’t underestimate how much time you’ll want to spend on 17-Mile Drive. Depending on how often you stop for photos and sightseeing, the drive can take anywhere from 1–3 hours. The scenic route features numerous viewpoints, beaches, and iconic landmarks—including the famous Lone Cypress—and it’s well worth taking your time. to see.

Day 2: Carmel-by-the-Sea → Santa Barbara

Day two was easily the most scenic day of the entire road trip as we drove through Big Sur and along California’s dramatic coastline.

Along the way, we stopped at:

• Bixby Bridge
• Big Sur
• Pfeiffer Beach
• McWay Falls
• Elephant Seal Vista Point
• Morro Bay
• Solvang (coffee and ice cream stop)

We ended the day in Santa Barbara, arriving just in time to catch the sunset before dinner.

Day 3: Santa Barbara → Los Angeles

Our final day on Highway 1 was a shorter, more relaxed drive into Los Angeles.

Before reaching the city, we made a few final coastal stops:

• Malibu
• Santa Monica Pier

After exploring Santa Monica, we returned our rental car at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), officially marking the end of our Pacific Coast Highway road trip.

Looking back, this route gave us the perfect balance of iconic landmarks, charming beach towns, and breathtaking coastal scenery without feeling overly rushed.