California Coast view
California Coast view

Classic Pacific Coast Highway • 14 Day Road Trip

A sun-soaked journey along California’s most legendary coastal road

Set off on one of America’s most iconic drives, where every curve of the coast reveals another postcard-perfect view. From the vibrant streets of San Francisco to the golden beaches of San Diego, this unforgettable Pacific Coast Highway adventure blends big-city energy with charming seaside towns, dramatic cliffs, and laid-back California sunshine.

With handpicked hotels, scenic stops, and plenty of chances to explore at your own pace, it’s the ultimate coastal escape, relaxed, scenic, and full of that classic West Coast sparkle.

Virgin Atlantic Flight Information

Outbound flight: London Heathrow (LHR) → San Francisco (SFO)
Inbound flight: Los Angeles (Lax) → London Heathrow (LHR)
Best time to travel: April to October for warm weather, clear coastal views, and ideal driving conditions.

Girl on bike looking at bridge

Days 1–3: San Francisco

Nights: 3

 

Must-do things: Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz, Chinatown, Golden Gate Park, cable car rides.

 

Recommended hotels:

  • Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf
  • Westin St. Francis

 

Drive to next stop: → Monterey 119 miles / ~2 hours

Monterey Whale watching

Days 4: Monterey

Nights: 1

 

Must-do things: 17 Mile Drive, Cannery Row, Monterey Bay Aquarium, whale watching, Carmel-by-the-Sea.

 

Recommended hotels:

  • Hyatt Regency Monterey
  • Embassy Suites Monterey

 

Drive to next stop: → San Luis Obispo 141–144 miles / ~2 h 20 m

Bixby Bridge

Days 5–6: San Luis Obispo

Nights: 2

 

Must-do things: Bixby Creek Bridge (en route), Pfeiffer Beach, McWay Falls, Hearst Castle (optional), elephant seals at Piedras Blancas.

 

Recommended hotel:

  • El Colibri Hotel & Spa

 

Drive to next stop: → Santa Barbara 94 miles / ~1 h 45 m

Santa Ynez Valley,

Days 7–9: Santa Barbara

Nights: 3

 

Must-do things: Wine tasting in Santa Ynez Valley, stroll State Street, waterfront beaches, Santa Barbara Mission.

 

Recommended hotel:

  • Best Western Plus Santa Barbara

 

Drive to next stop: → Huntington Beach 129 miles / ~2 h 15 m

Huntington-pier.

Days 10–11: Huntington Beach

Nights: 2

 

Must-do things: Huntington Pier, Surfing Museum, beachfront cycle path, sunset views.

 

Recommended hotels:

  • Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach
  • Pasea Hotel

 

Drive to next stop: → Dana Point 32 miles / ~40 minutes

Bryce canyon

Days 12–13: Dana Point

Nights: 2

 

Must-do things: Dana Point Harbor, whale-watching cruise, Dana Point Headlands hike, Salt Creek Beach.

 

Recommended hotel:

  • Hilton Garden Inn Dana Point

 

Drive to next stop: → San Diego 60 miles / ~1 hour

Huntington-pier.

Final Stop: San Diego

Nights: Last night or extend as desired

 

Must-do things: San Diego Zoo & Balboa Park, Gaslamp Quarter dining & nightlife, Coronado Beach, La Jolla Cove.

 

Recommended hotels:
• Hotel del Coronado
• Catamaran Resort Hotel

 

Drive to airport: → Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

From the foggy romance of San Francisco to the sun-drenched beaches of San Diego, this PCH adventure delivers the very best of California’s coastline. Each stop offers new flavours, new views, and new stories you’ll carry long after the wheels stop turning. And if you want to sprinkle in extra experiences, scenic stops, or a little luxury along the way, our team is here to craft the perfect road trip, simple, flexible, and unforgettable from start to finish.

How to book