Are you planning a California road trip with your kids? What about an epic California Pacific Coast Highway road trip?
Driving along the Pacific Coast on Highway 1 and hitting all the cool stops on a road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles was a dream of mine, and we finally got to go on a fantastic road trip with the kids. And it was memorable.
The Pacific Coast Highway road trip with kids is one of the best family road trips in the US. There are plenty of things to do for adventurous families.
But to help you plan this trip, I’ve created a detailed California Pacific Coast Highway itinerary for 7 days.
California Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary 7 Days RECAP
- Day 1: San Francisco
- Day 2: San Francisco to Santa Cruz
- Day 3: Santa Cruz to Monterey
- Day 4: Monterey to San Simeon
- Day 5: San Simeon to Santa Barbara
- Day 6: Santa Barbara to Los Angeles
- Day 7: Los Angeles
Day 1: San Francisco
San Francisco is where you’ll kick off your exciting road trip along California’s Pacific Coast Highway! San Francisco is a vibrant city full of iconic landmarks and unique neighborhoods.
Golden Gate Bridge
Start your day with a visit to the Golden Gate Bridge. This famous red bridge is a must-see! You can walk or bike across it to get the amazing city and bay views. Don’t forget to take lots of pictures!
💡 PRO-TIP: My absolute favorite place to admire the Golden Gate Bridge is at the Golden Gate Bridge Viewpoint in Marin County.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Next, head to Fisherman’s Wharf. This bustling area is great for families. You’ll find street performers, souvenir shops, and many seafood restaurants. Check out the sea lions lounging at Pier 39 – kids love watching them!
You can also try to find the heart sculpture. It’s a great photo opportunity.
Alcatraz Island
In the afternoon, take a ferry to Alcatraz Island. Known for its historic prison, Alcatraz offers fascinating tours. You’ll learn about famous inmates like Al Capone and enjoy more stunning views of San Francisco.
💡 PRO-TIP: Make sure to book your Alcatraz Island tour in advance. In the busy season, they can sell out quickly.
Chinatown
As the evening sets in, stroll through Chinatown, one of the oldest and most established Chinatowns in the U.S. It’s a colorful and lively area.
You can enjoy a family dinner here and try some delicious Chinese dishes. From dim sum to fortune cookies, there’s something for everyone.
🛏️ Where to stay overnight in San Francisco? We recommend the Marriott Fisherman’s Wharf. This hotel is located in one of the most popular areas in San Francisco.
Day 2: San Francisco to Santa Cruz
🚗 Driving distance: 78 miles (126 km)
Get ready for Day 2 of your Pacific Coast Highway road trip adventure. Today, you’ll be driving from San Francisco to the charming town of Santa Cruz. It’s a short drive.
Drive to Santa Cruz
Start your day with a scenic drive to Santa Cruz. This drive takes about 1.5 hours if there is no traffic and you don’t stop too much. It’s a beautiful journey along Highway 1.
You’ll see the ocean on one side and lovely landscapes on the other. I recommend making a few stops along the way, including:
- Half Moon Bay, one of the best day trips from San Francisco
- Big Basin Redwoods State Park (this is a detour, but it’s worth it)
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Once you get to Santa Cruz, drive to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. This park is famous for its towering redwood trees. You can walk easily on the Redwood Grove Loop Trail, which is great for kids. It’s a peaceful place to enjoy nature and maybe even spot some wildlife.
If time permits, I suggest you also visit the Roaring Camp. It’s walking distance from the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park parking lot.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
You can then head to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, where you’ll end your stay. This historic amusement park is right on the beach. It has rides and games for all ages.
Don’t miss the classic wooden roller coaster!
The kids can play games, ride the carousel, and enjoy tasty treats like cotton candy and ice cream. Honestly, though, it was a bit too much for me. We didn’t stay long, but I know the kids wanted to.
🛏️ Where to stay overnight in Santa Cruz? There are many cozy places to stay, from hotels to beachside rentals. We recommend the Hotel Solares.
Day 3: Santa Cruz to Monterey
🚗 Driving distance: 42 miles (68 km)
Day 3 of your California coast road trip takes you from the lively Santa Cruz to the picturesque Monterey. This short drive is packed with exciting activities and stunning coastal views, making it a day for the whole family to remember.
Drive to Monterey
After breakfast, set off for Monterey, about an hour’s drive from Santa Cruz. The drive itself is part of the adventure, offering beautiful ocean views along the way. Keep your camera ready for some breathtaking sights!
You’ll want to stop at a few nice beaches along the way:
- Salinas River State Beach,
- Moss Landing State Beach,
- Rio Del Mar Beach.
But our favorite is the Seacliff State Beach.
If you’re looking for a tranquil place to spend the morning, you’ll love Seacliff State Beach. It’s where you can see the old SS Palo Alto concrete ship lying in the water.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Once you arrive in Monterey, a must-visit is the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Known for its impressive marine exhibits, this aquarium is a wonderland for all ages. You’ll see everything from playful sea otters to mesmerizing jellyfish.
Cannery Row and Fisherman’s Wharf
After exploring the aquarium, stroll down Cannery Row, famous for its historic sardine canning factories. It’s a vibrant area with shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Then, visit Fisherman’s Wharf, another great spot for dining and shopping. You might also enjoy a whale-watching tour from here, as Monterey Bay is one of the best places in the world for whale-watching.
Also, you can’t miss the Dennis the Menace playground if you have kids. It’s one of the coolest playgrounds we’ve been to across Canada and the USA… And we’ve tested A LOT of them.
🛏️ Where to stay overnight in Monterrey? We recommend The Stevenson Monterey.
Day 4: Monterey to San Simeon
🚗 Driving distance: 150 miles (241 km)
Today, we’re taking you further down the Pacific Coast Highway to the quaint town of San Simeon. This stretch of the road is known for its dramatic coastal cliffs and stunning ocean views.
⛔ Warning: Since spring 2023, there has been a road closure on Highway 1 in the Big Sur area. It means that the typical route isn’t possible. You can stay up to date here. Until further notice, here is the alternative route to still enjoy so part of Big Sur:
17-Mile Drive
Start your day driving along the scenic 17-Mile Drive. This famous road winds through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove. You’ll see spectacular coastline views, many viewpoints, luxury homes, and renowned golf courses.
Big Sur
Continue your journey to Big Sur. This is one of the most beautiful stretches on the California Pacific Coast Highway itinerary. The Big Sur coastline is renowned for its natural beauty.
💡 PRO-TIP: There is no cell reception for some sections of the drive.
Stop for lunch at one of the cliffside restaurants, where you can enjoy delicious food with breathtaking views. But the absolute best is to pack a lunch and stop at one of the breathtaking viewpoints for an outdoor lunch.
- Make a stop at Garrapata State Park and walk in the fields of wild white lilies and other wildflowers.
- Take pictures of the Bixby Creek Bridge
- Go on a 1.3-mile Pfeiffer Falls Trail
- Visit the beautiful McWay Falls
- Admire the Redwood tree at Limekiln State Park
- Relax at Sand Dollar Beach.
- Look at the seals at the Elephant Seal Viewpoint
This should take you most of the day.
💡 PRO-TIP: My #1 advice on this stretch is to take your time, soak up the views, and stop everywhere!
End your day with a sunrise stroll along the beach. The sunset views here are particularly stunning.
Overnight Stay: Stay overnight in San Simeon. The town offers a range of accommodations, from cozy bed and breakfasts to comfortable hotels.
🛏️ Where to stay overnight in San Simeon? We recommend the San Simeon Lodge.
Day 5: San Simeon to Santa Barbara
🚗 Driving distance: 135 miles (217 km)
Today, you’ll head towards Santa Barbara, enjoying the scenic views along the way.
Hearst Castle
Start your day with a visit to the Hearst Castle in San Simeon. This historic estate is a National Historic Landmark and was the home of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. The castle is known for its magnificent architecture, beautiful gardens, and impressive art collection.
After a couple of hours at the castle, it’s time to hit the road again and slowly drive down to the beautiful city of Santa Barbara, known for its Mediterranean-style architecture and lovely beaches.
Prismo Beach
Make a fun stop at Prismo Beach. You can relax at the beach and let the kids burn off energy at Dinosaur Park Playground.
Solvang
Then, you’ll drive off Highway 1 for a little while and drive on Highway 101 to reach Solvang. It’s a Danish-style village, a real California hidden gem.
Take your time to wander around the town. You can even go on a Solvang Trolley ride. But you can’t miss tasting aebleskiver, a Dutch jam-filled donut at the Solvang Restaurant.
On your way out of town toward Santa Barbara, you’ll pass an Ostrich Land. If time allows, your kids will love it.
Santa Barbara
End your day in Santa Barbara. You can walk on the Santa Barbara Pier before enjoying a family dinner on State Street, the main thoroughfare in Santa Barbara. It offers a variety of restaurants and shops.
🛏️ Where to stay overnight in Santa Barbara? Spend the night in Santa Barbara, where you’ll find a range of accommodations to suit your preferences. We recommend:
Day 6: Santa Barbara to Los Angeles
🚗 Driving distance: 108 miles (174 km)
Day 6 of this Pacific Coast highway itinerary brings you to the bustling city of Los Angeles, a stark contrast to the quiet coastal towns you’ve visited so far.
Carpinteria State Beach
Drive outside Santa Barbara and make a stop at Carpinteria State Beach. You can see seals on the beach.
It’s a nice place for a walk on the beach. You’ll also find a fun playground called the Tomol Interpretive Play Area for the kids.
Malibu
On your way to Los Angeles, drive through Malibu. You can stop at one of the many beautiful beaches, like Zuma Beach. Don’t miss Point Dune.
But our favorite beach near Los Angeles was Will Rogers State Beach in Santa Monica.
Santa Monica
You can end your day in Santa Monica. You’ll want to spend some time at the Santa Monica Pier, where you can enjoy the beach, the amusement park, and a lovely dinner with ocean views.
🛏️ Where to stay overnight in Santa Monica? We recommend the SureStay Hotel by Best Western Santa Monica
Day 7: Los Angeles
This is the last day on our epic California Pacific Coast Highway itinerary. 7 days filled with beautiful views and sandy beaches.
Griffith Observatory
Spend your final day exploring more of Los Angeles. I recommend starting your day at the Griffith Observatory. First, you’ll have one of the most panoramic views of the city. Plus, it’s where the famous Hollywood sign is. It’s also the largest urban-wilderness municipal park in the United States. It’s filled with trails, trees, trains, and attractions.
Hollywood and Beverly Hills
Spend the afternoon exploring Hollywood. You can walk along the Walk of Fame and see the TCL Chinese Theatre there. Then, take a drive through Beverly Hills to see the luxurious mansions.
Manhattan Beach
I recommend ending your trip to Manahan Beach. It’s a family-friendly area where you’ll find beautiful beaches to relax in and plenty of activities for kids and adults.
We enjoyed visiting the Roundhouse Aquarium. It’s a small aquarium, but it’s free.
Enjoy a farewell dinner in one of Los Angeles’ many diverse neighborhoods, reflecting on the amazing experiences of your road trip.
Final Thoughts: California Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary
This concludes your epic 7-day journey along the California Pacific Coast Highway, filled with unforgettable memories and adventures!
We started in San Francisco, seeing famous spots like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. Then, we enjoyed the quiet redwood forests near Santa Cruz and saw lots of sea creatures at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The drive-through places like 17-Mile Drive and Big Sur showed us beautiful ocean views and cliffs.
The trip ended in Los Angeles, where we saw a different side of California. We relaxed on beaches like Malibu and had fun at the Santa Monica Pier. We also saw famous places in Hollywood and Beverly Hills. This road trip was a great mix of calm nature and exciting city life, giving us lots of special memories and making us want to come back to see more.
Will you be adding this road trip to your family bucket list?
Emilie is the founder of Love Life Abroad. She helps moms plan epic road trips and outdoor adventures with their families. Because who said adventuring had to stop once we have kids? She’s based in the Canadian Rockies and shares her love for the region as well as other unique places in Canada & USA. She works with tourism boards and outdoor brands to inspire families to experience new unique destinations and outdoor activities.