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United States
PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY: GOLDEN GATE TO HOLLYWOOD DREAMS
Fog rolling beneath Golden Gate cables, cliffs plunging into surf, kelp forests swaying beneath otters. Highway One, freedom defined.
≈ 11
Days
782
Km
7
Stops
Cross San Francisco under Golden Gate fog, then stop at Monterey between otters, kelp and cannery memories. Follow Big Sur, cliffs and surf, before settling in Santa Barbara, Californian elegance. End in Los Angeles, palm trees and Pacific light, where every sunset looks like a movie scene.
- Big Sur: cliff drama, redwood meets sea
- Monterey: sea otters, cannery row
- Santa Barbara: spanish tile, riviera calm
- San Francisco: golden gate, fog romance
Your day-by-day itinerary
1
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Golden Gate Bridge — Cross this iconic 2,737-meter suspension bridge inaugurated in 1937, an Art Deco engineering masterpiece designed by Joseph Strauss. Its two 227-meter towers dominate the bay in a distinctive international orange hue.
2
Alcatraz Island — Explore the former federal prison perched on its rocky island that housed Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly from 1934 to 1963. The immersive audio guide recreates the oppressive atmosphere of the cells and the legendary escape attempts.
3
Fisherman's Wharf — Stroll through this lively maritime district where fishermen still unload their daily catches. Sea lions bask noisily on Pier 39 while the smell of fresh crab perfumes the market stalls.
4
Cable Car — Board a historic streetcar designated a historic monument since 1964, the only cable transport system still operated manually. These wooden cars have climbed the steep slopes of Nob Hill since 1873.
Activities
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Chinatown Walk — Stroll through the oldest Chinese quarter in North America founded in 1848, where red lanterns illuminate Grant Avenue and traditional herbalists stand alongside steaming dim sum. Pass through the Dragon's Gate adorned with golden dragons.
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Tasting at Ferry Building Marketplace — Savor Californian artisanal products in this gourmet market housed in the former ferry terminal from 1898. Local cheeses, fresh oysters and roasted coffees will delight your taste buds.
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Sunset at Twin Peaks — Climb up these twin hills culminating at 281 meters for a 360° panoramic view of the city. The spectacle is magical in late afternoon when the sun sets the bay ablaze and illuminates the skyscrapers.
Next stop
Distance:
180.2 km
Travel time:
2h15
2
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
17-Mile Drive — Travel this private scenic route winding along the Monterey Peninsula since 1881. Century-old cypresses twisted by the wind frame the fairways of Pebble Beach Golf Links and the wild coves battered by the Pacific.
2
Carmel Mission Basilica — Discover this Franciscan mission founded in 1771 by Father Junípero Serra, the second of the 21 California missions. The Spanish colonial architecture with adobe walls and the Mediterranean garden invite contemplation.
3
Carmel-by-the-Sea — Explore this bohemian coastal village with streets that have no numbers or commercial signs. Art galleries occupy former dollhouses while literary cafés perpetuate the artistic spirit dear to Jack London.
4
Point Lobos State Reserve — Hike in this nature reserve nicknamed the jewel of the California park system. Coastal trails reveal turquoise coves where sea lions and sea otters bask among giant kelp forests.
Activities
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Seafood lunch in Monterey — Taste creamy clam chowder served in sourdough bread on Fisherman's Wharf. Family restaurants prepare freshly caught fish since Monterey was the world capital of sardines.
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Visit to Monterey Bay Aquarium — Marvel at the hypnotic ballet of jellyfish and three-story kelp forests in this revolutionary aquarium installed in a former sardine cannery. More than 35,000 marine creatures evolve in their reconstructed habitats.
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Kayak trip in the bay — Paddle among sea otters and sea lions in the protected waters of Monterey Bay. Naturalist guides share their knowledge of this marine ecosystem designated as a national sanctuary since 1992.
Next stop
Distance:
48.7 km
Travel time:
1h37
3
Day
10 photos
Discover
1
Bixby Creek Bridge — Photograph this 218-meter arch bridge suspended 80 meters above the canyon since 1932. An emblematic structure of Big Sur, it stands majestically against cliffs plunging into the turquoise Pacific.
2
McWay Falls — Admire this 24-meter waterfall flowing directly onto an isolated sandy beach in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. The Overlook Trail offers the ideal viewpoint of this rare natural spectacle accessible only by sight.
3
Pfeiffer Beach — Descend to this secret beach with sands tinted purple by manganese garnets. Pierced rock formations create natural arches where the setting sun projects spectacular golden rays.
4
Andrew Molera State Park — Hike in this wild 1,900-hectare park where trails wind between coastal meadows and redwood forests. The Beach Trail leads to a deserted beach perfect for observing gray whales and dolphins.
Activities
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Lunch at Nepenthe — Savor an Ambrosia burger on the panoramic terrace of this legendary restaurant perched 244 meters above the Pacific. The establishment opened in 1949 was frequented by Henry Miller and Orson Welles.
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Exploration of artisanal galleries — Discover artist workshops installed in former pioneer cabins. Potters, painters and sculptors draw inspiration from the changing light and dramatic nature of Big Sur to create their works.
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Meditation at Esalen Institute — Visit this personal development center founded in 1962, birthplace of the Human Potential movement. The natural hot springs overlooking the ocean offer a unique relaxation experience at sunset.
Next stop
Distance:
196.3 km
Travel time:
2h27
4
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Hearst Castle — Explore the extravagant palace with 56 bedrooms and 61 bathrooms built between 1919 and 1947 for press magnate William Randolph Hearst. Architect Julia Morgan created this Hispanic-Moorish fantasy perched on La Cuesta Encantada, the enchanted hill.
2
Elephant Seal Vista Point — Observe the northern elephant seal colony sprawling lazily on the beaches of Piedras Blancas. These marine mammals that can weigh up to 2 tons have gathered here for molting and breeding since 1990.
3
Morro Rock — Contemplate this 176-meter volcanic dome emerging majestically from the ocean. Formed 23 million years ago, this volcanic neck sacred to the Chumash shelters nesting peregrine falcons and marks the entrance to the bay.
4
Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa — Visit this mission founded in 1772 by Father Junípero Serra, fifth in the chain of California missions. Its museum traces the tumultuous history of interactions between Franciscans and the native Chumash population.
Activities
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Stroll through the Farmers Market — Wander through the Thursday evening farmers market that has transformed Higuera Street into a lively street festival since 1983. Local producers, street musicians and barbecue vendors create a festive atmosphere typically Californian.
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Wine tasting in Edna Valley — Wind through the rolling vineyards planted with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in this renowned wine appellation. Family tasting rooms offer food and wine pairings in a bucolic setting 8 kilometers from downtown.
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Hiking to Bishop Peak — Climb to the summit of this 474-meter volcanic peak, highest point of the Nine Sisters. The steep 6.5-kilometer trail rewards the effort with panoramic views of the valley and sparkling ocean.
Next stop
Distance:
168.9 km
Travel time:
2h07
5
Day
8 photos
Discover
1
Old Mission Santa Barbara — Discover the queen of California missions founded in 1786, the only one to have remained under continuous Franciscan administration. The neoclassical church with its double-tower facade houses a golden altarpiece and Chumash wall frescoes.
2
Santa Barbara County Courthouse — Admire this Spanish-Moorish architectural masterpiece completed in 1929 after the destructive 1925 earthquake. The El Mirador clock tower offers a 360° view of the red tile roofs and sparkling Pacific.
3
State Street — Stroll the main palm-lined shopping artery where designer boutiques, art galleries and fusion restaurants sit alongside Spanish colonial style buildings. The uniform architecture creates a Mediterranean atmosphere unique in California.
4
Stearns Wharf — Walk along California's oldest wooden pier built in 1872. Artisan shops and the Sea Center aquarium occupy the historic buildings while fishermen and pelicans share the docks.
Activities
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Wine tasting on the Urban Wine Trail — Explore the thirty or so tasting rooms concentrated in the Funk Zone, a former industrial district converted into an urban wine paradise. Winemakers from Santa Ynez Valley present their award-winning vintages in renovated warehouses.
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Beach bike ride — Pedal along the bike path running 5 kilometers of golden sand beaches lined with palm trees. Stop at East Beach for an impromptu beach volleyball match or a surfing session in the gentle waves.
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Sunset at Butterfly Beach — Settle in on this exclusive Montecito beach where celebrities blend incognito with locals. The sun plunging into the Pacific behind the Channel Islands creates memorable flaming skies.
Next stop
Distance:
123.7 km
Travel time:
2h04
6
Day
5 photos
Discover
1
Getty Villa — Explore this spectacular recreation of a 1st century Roman villa housing J. Paul Getty's collection of Greek and Roman antiquities. The 44,000 works displayed in the peristyle gardens and galleries evoke Herculaneum.
2
El Matador State Beach — Descend the steep stairs to this wild cove hidden between sculpted cliffs and rock arches. The geological formations create sea caves and natural pools at low tide, a photographer's paradise.
3
Malibu Pier — Stroll along this historic 230-meter pier built in 1905, anchor point of the Malibu surfer lifestyle. Malibu Farm restaurant serves farm-to-table cuisine while dolphins and sea lions patrol the crystal-clear waters.
4
Adamson House — Visit this 1929 Spanish-Moorish residence adorned with 3,000 colorful Malibu Potteries ceramic tiles. The artisanal azulejos decorate fountains, stairs and patios of this property listed as a historic monument overlooking Surfrider Beach.
Activities
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Hiking at Solstice Canyon — Explore the shaded trails of this coastal canyon leading to the romantic ruins of the Roberts Ranch House destroyed by fire in 1982. The Tropical Terrace Trail crosses an unexpected tropical oasis with waterfalls and ferns.
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Seafood lunch at Nobu Malibu — Savor chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa's Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine on the glass terrace directly overlooking the Pacific. The black cod miso is legendary and the people-watching opportunities unmatched.
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Surf session at Surfrider Beach — Learn to surf at this legendary spot with long, regular waves, birthplace of modern California surfing in the 1960s. Local schools provide equipment and coach beginners on this beach classified as a World Surfing Reserve.
Next stop
Distance:
64.3 km
Travel time:
1h04
7
Day
9 photos
Discover
1
Venice Beach Boardwalk — Immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere of this iconic promenade where Muscle Beach bodybuilders, eccentric street artists and tie-dye vendors create a permanent spectacle. Skaters defy gravity in the historic skate park.
2
Getty Center — Explore this museum complex perched on a Brentwood hill designed by Richard Meier and opened in 1997. The European paintings collection rivals Robert Irwin's gardens and panoramic views of glittering Los Angeles.
3
Hollywood Walk of Fame — Walk Hollywood Boulevard searching for the 2,700 terrazzo and brass stars honoring entertainment icons since 1960. The neighboring Chinese Theatre displays handprints and footprints of Hollywood legends.
4
Griffith Observatory — Admire the spectacular panorama of Los Angeles from this 1935 Art Deco building overlooking Hollywood. Free public telescopes allow observation of planets and stars while the planetarium projects immersive cosmic shows.
Activities
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Brunch at Grand Central Market — Taste authentic tacos, steaming ramen and artisanal coffee in this historic 1917 food market in the heart of Downtown. The multicultural stalls reflect Los Angeles' culinary diversity in a preserved architectural setting.
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Shopping on Rodeo Drive — Window shop along this luxurious Beverly Hills artery concentrating Chanel, Gucci and Prada in architectural statement boutiques. The glamorous atmosphere and majestic palm trees embody the Hollywood California dream.
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Sunset at Santa Monica Pier — End your road trip on this century-old pier opened in 1909 with its solar Ferris wheel and 1922 carousel. The sun blazing over the Pacific while neon lights illuminate perfectly concludes the coastal adventure.
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❓ Frequently asked questions
What weather should you expect?
Spring (April-May): Perfect weather across most regions (15-25°C) with blooming landscapes, moderate crowds, and excellent conditions for national parks and cities. Ideal for diverse activities nationwide.
Autumn (September-October): Excellent temperatures with spectacular fall foliage, harvest festivals, and comfortable weather. Perfect for outdoor activities, cultural events, fewer crowds than summer.
Summer (June-August): Peak season with warmest weather but highest crowds and prices. Excellent for northern regions, challenging in southwestern deserts, perfect for beaches and national parks.
Winter (December-February): Variable conditions from tropical Florida to snowy Colorado. Perfect for skiing, southern destinations, indoor attractions, lowest prices outside holiday periods.
How many days should I plan?
We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 9 and 13 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.
What to discover in United States?
Continental diversity with iconic landmarks, cultural melting pot, and endless possibilities. Experience natural wonders, vibrant cities, and authentic American dreams from coast to coast. The country offers incredible diversity with modern amenities and cultural richness. United States provides life-changing experiences with natural beauty and cultural authenticity.