Cliffs, Coves, and California Sunsets
Cliffs, Coves, and California Sunsets
Davenport, CA 95017Los Angeles, CA 90027
Trip overview
Embark on the ultimate California dream, a sun-drenched road trip down the iconic Highway 1 from San Francisco to Los Angeles. This journey winds along dramatic coastal cliffs, stops in charming seaside towns, and offers unforgettable views of the sparkling Pacific Ocean.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — Davenport
Shark Fin Cove
A stunning and easily accessible beach known for its distinctive shark fin-shaped rock formation rising from the sea. It's a perfect first stop to capture the dramatic beauty of the Northern California coast.
Cabrillo Hwy, Davenport, CA 95017
Bixby Creek Bridge
Pull over at the Castle Rock Viewpoint to photograph one of the most iconic and photographed bridges on the West Coast. This soaring concrete arch offers a breathtaking introduction to the engineering marvels and scenic grandeur of Big Sur.
Bixby Creek Bridge, Highway 1, Monterey, CA 93940
Nepenthe
Perched on a cliff 800 feet above the Pacific, this legendary restaurant offers world-class views alongside its famous Ambrosia Burger. It's an essential Big Sur experience, perfect for a memorable lunch with an unparalleled backdrop.
48510 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920
Big Sur Lodge
Nestled deep within Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park among the redwoods, this lodge offers serene, rustic cottages. It's an ideal base for exploring the park's trails and the Big Sur River.
47225 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920
Day 2 — Big Sur
McWay Falls
Witness a magical 80-foot waterfall cascading directly onto a pristine, inaccessible beach. The short, level Overlook Trail provides an iconic and unforgettable view of this natural wonder.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, 52801 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920
Hearst Castle
Explore the opulent estate of publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst. Perched atop 'The Enchanted Hill,' this lavish mansion is filled with priceless art and offers stunning views of the California coast.
750 Hearst Castle Rd, San Simeon, CA 93452
Madonna Inn
A whimsical and flamboyant hotel where each of the 110 rooms has a unique, elaborate theme. Even if you just stop for a peek or a slice of their famous Pink Champagne cake, it's a must-see kitsch landmark.
100 Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Day 3 — Santa Barbara
Stearns Wharf
Stroll along California's oldest working wooden wharf, browse the unique shops, and grab a bite at Santa Barbara Shellfish Company right at the end of the pier for fresh seafood with incredible ocean views.
217 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Butterfly Beach
A pristine, west-facing beach in the upscale enclave of Montecito, making it one of the few spots on this coast to watch the sunset directly over the ocean. It's a perfect place for a relaxing late afternoon walk.
1260 Channel Dr, Montecito, CA 93108
Hotel Californian
A luxurious Spanish Colonial Revival hotel located steps from the beach and Santa Barbara's vibrant Funk Zone. It offers beautiful architecture, rooftop pool views, and is the perfect place to explore the city on foot.
36 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Day 4 — Malibu
El Matador State Beach
Descend a steep staircase to discover Malibu's most stunning beach, famous for its dramatic sea stacks, hidden caves, and massive rock arches. It's a photographer's paradise, especially during golden hour.
32350 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
Malibu Farm Restaurant & Bar
Enjoy fresh, organic, farm-to-table cuisine at this iconic restaurant at the end of the Malibu Pier. The unbeatable views of Surfrider Beach and the Pacific Ocean make for an quintessential Southern California dining experience.
23000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
Santa Monica Pier
Experience the classic California beach scene at this historic landmark. Ride the Ferris wheel, try your luck at arcade games, and mark the symbolic end of the legendary Route 66.
200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
The Georgian Hotel
Stay at this iconic, turquoise Art Deco hotel directly across from the Pacific Ocean. A historic gem, it offers classic Hollywood glamour, stunning sunset views, and easy access to the Santa Monica Pier and shopping districts.
1415 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Day 5 — Venice
Venice Beach Boardwalk
Immerse yourself in LA's most eclectic and vibrant subculture. Watch street performers, see bodybuilders at Muscle Beach, browse quirky shops, and observe the skateboarders at the famous skate park.
1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291
Gjelina
Experience one of LA's most celebrated restaurants on the trendy Abbot Kinney Boulevard. Known for its rustic, vegetable-forward Californian cuisine, it's the perfect spot for a final, memorable meal.
1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
Griffith Observatory
End your trip with a spectacular panoramic view of the Los Angeles basin, the Pacific Ocean, and the iconic Hollywood Sign. This landmark offers a perfect vantage point to reflect on your coastal journey.
2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Experiences & guides
Bookable tours and stops worth a detour along this route.
Experiences
Guide content may not reflect current conditions. Always verify information before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
The Pacific Coast Hwy road trip covers about 574 mi and roughly 13h 29m of driving, comfortably spread across about 5 days.
This itinerary maps out 17 stops from Davenport, CA 95017 to Los Angeles, CA 90027. Highlights include Bixby Creek Bridge, McWay Falls, and El Matador State Beach.
It begins in Davenport, CA 95017 and ends in Los Angeles, CA 90027, following a mapped, road-following route the whole way.
The estimated cost is around $2,355, covering fuel, lodging, food, and activities. Your actual total varies with the season, your pace, and the choices you make along the way.
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