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Pacific Coast Highway: Land of Crashing Waves and
Barking Seals
10 Days/9 Nights
Some consider it the most scenic road in America.
Heading up the spectacular highway that hugs the
California coast, riding above waves crashing into
windswept cliffs, over dramatic bridges anchored in
rugged outposts, and through unspoiled pristine natural
areas showered with endless California sunshine, this
journey is like no other.
Even though the region welcomes millions of visitors
each year, the natural beauty has remained untainted.
Historic towns have a quaint and quiet silence at times
broken only by the sound of barking seals. Farther
inland, the road threads through quiet countryside that
produces rich agricultural bounty. We design our trips
along the Pacific Coast Highway to maximize the special
sections of the roadway where two portions are
designated National Scenic Byways. It’s a slice of
California at its most breathtaking, coupled with
serene, gently rolling, vineyard-filled terrain farther
south.
Yet, this journey is not just about driving. Time to
explore the heritage and culture along the way has been
built in. In addition to natural attractions like the
Point Sur State Historic Park and Lighthouse, the Santa
Monica Mountains Natural Recreation Area and Morro Bay,
you can also visit locations such as the Hearst Castle
San Simeon State Historical Monument, original
California missions, and the National John Steinbeck
Center.
There are also a number of unique cities along the way.
Solvang, California is the Danish Capital of America.
San Louis Obispo traces its roots back to an early
mission. Monterey is the quintessential California
seaside resort. And then of course, there’s San
Francisco, America’s most visited destination! Enjoy the
trip as much as the places you visit.
Day 1: Arrive Los Angeles
Welcome to Southern California! Los Angeles is one of
the most unusual cities in America, covering the largest
land area of any metropolitan region stretching from the
Pacific Ocean to the California desert. Yet, the
downtown is quite small. Incredibly famous suburbs make
up for it, include Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Long Beach,
Anaheim and Santa Monica. The Getty Center with
spectacular art, views and structure is not to be
missed. Of course, there’s the original Disneyland, the
Queen Mary, Universal Studios and great museums.
Overnight: Los Angeles, California
Day 2: Explore Los Angeles Area
Los Angeles is built around “freeways” the famous
highways that connect the various locations. You’ll find
some of the best shopping in the world on Rodeo Drive.
The Sunset Strip is the part of Hollywood Boulevard that
connects Los Angeles and Hollywood. Mulholland Drive
through Beverly Hills shows you the cream of the homes.
The Santa Monica Freeway gets you to the beach. Take a
city tour of LA and the stars homes. Other greats
include the Hollywood Bowl, Armand Hammer Museum and
Grumman’s Chinese Theater.
Overnight: Los Angeles, California
Day 3: Los Angeles to Santa Barbara
Art lovers can get their fix at the Pacific Design
Center and the LA Music Center while nature lovers can
hit the Zoo and the California Science Center. An LA Go
Card lets you explore more. Spend one more day exploring
Los Angeles before departing for the Reagan Presidential
Library and the drive up the coast to Santa Barbara. Try
to time it while the sun is setting over the water.
Overnight: Santa Barbara, California
Day 4: Santa Barbara to Pismo Beach
Before leaving Santa Barbara we suggest visiting the
Santa Barbara Mission, one of the missions on the El
Camino Real established by Jesuits in the late 1700s.
Explore the surrounding area on the Santa Barbara
Historic District Walking Tour. There’s some great
antique shopping. Up the coast, stop at the Rancho
Guadalupe Dunes Center where you can even take a Hummer
out on the Dunes for a spin. Catch the Downtown Trolley
through the Red Tile District of San Luis Obispo before
settling in at Pismo Beach.
Overnight: Pismo Beach, California
Day 5: Explore Pismo Beach Area
You can take a side trip to Paso Robles and California’s
“other” Wine Country before heading north on the Pacific
Coast today. It’s California’s oldest “watering place.”
The Hearst Castle, officially the San Simeon State
Historical Park is a must see. What started out as a
“camp” for the Hearst family transformed into an 165
room mansion. Swing back around through Morro Bay with
its famous rock before turning back to Pismo’s beach.
Overnight: Pismo Beach, California
Day 6: Pismo Beach to Monterey/Carmel via the Big Sur
Get ready for the most scenic drive on the Pacific Coast
Highway! Rugged coasts, crashing waves, massive cliffs
and awesome sight s await! When you leave Morro Bay,
you’ll be on the official National Scenic Byway portions
of the road up to the Big Sur. Get to the coast at every
chance you have at the State Parks that line the road.
At the end of the drive, round the bend to Monterey and
Carmel, two of the most quaint and beautiful villages in
California.
Overnight: Carmel, California
Day 7: Explore Monterey/Carmel Area
Today provides a day to explore the Monterey peninsula
and take a side trip a bit inland. We recommend starting
with the 17-Mile Scenic Drive around Pebble Beach. After
passing through Pacific Grove and Seaside, head west to
Gilroy and Salinas. The National Steinbeck Center
commemorates the work of this literary giant whose
characters from the Salinas Valley inspired his greatest
work.
Overnight: Carmel, California
Day 8: Carmel to San Francisco, California
Explore the Big Basin Redwoods State Park with the
largest stand of ancient redwoods south of San
Francisco, before landing in the city where everyone
“leaves their heart.” Take a deep breath as you head
down to San Francisco Bay, it’s as beautiful as the
photographs. Everything you’ve heard about the city is
true. The 3.8 mile Barbary Trail introduces you to the
historic heart of the city. Explore Fisherman’s Wharf,
Ghirardelli Square and the San Francisco Maritime
National Historic Site.
Overnight: San Francisco
Day 9: Explore San Francisco
Take the opportunity today to explore as much of the
Golden Gate National Recreation Area as possible. The
Presidio of San Francisco and Muir Woods National
Monument are must sees. And of course, everyone should
take the ferry to Alcatraz, the famous island that is so
much more than the infamous penitentiary and Nob Hill is
a not to be missed too. Squeeze in as much as possible
today, this is a fabulous city.
Overnight: San Francisco
Day 10
We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home, taking
with you memories of barking seals and crashing waves. |
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