Road trip palm desert to Monteray and back

Question

Looking to do a round trip via car from

Palm desert to Monteray, CA. 5-6 nights. Sight seeing wineries good hotels and restaurants. Would like to use the pacific coast highway

Answer

A round-trip road trip from Palm Desert to Monterey using the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is a fantastic way to experience California’s diverse landscapes, from desert to coastline, with opportunities for wineries, scenic stops, and charming towns. With 5–6 nights, you can pace yourself and enjoy both driving and sightseeing.

Suggested Route and Stops:

Day 1 – Palm Desert to Santa Barbara (~6–7 hours driving): Depart Palm Desert early morning, take Highway 10 west, and then connect to Highway 101 north. Stop in Solvang for Danish-style architecture, pastries, and wine tasting at nearby Santa Ynez wineries.
Day 2 – Santa Barbara to Pismo Beach / San Luis Obispo (~2–3 hours): Continue north along the coast on US-101 or CA-1 for a scenic detour. Explore Santa Barbara’s waterfront, wine tasting in Santa Ynez Valley, then drive to Pismo Beach for ocean views and comfortable overnight stay.
Day 3 – Pismo Beach to Monterey via Big Sur (~4–5 hours): Drive along Highway 1 through the iconic Big Sur coastline. Stop at Elephant Seal Vista Point near San Simeon, McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and Bixby Bridge. Arrive in Monterey, check into a nice hotel, and enjoy dinner along Cannery Row or Fisherman’s Wharf.
Day 4 – Monterey / Carmel / Wine Country: Explore Monterey Bay Aquarium, 17-Mile Drive, and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Visit local wineries in Carmel Valley or nearby Santa Lucia Highlands for tastings. Evening dinner in Carmel or Monterey.
Day 5 – Monterey to Santa Barbara (~5–6 hours driving): Start early to drive back down the PCH, stopping at scenic overlooks, Big Sur again, or small coastal towns like Cambria, Morro Bay, and Pismo Beach. Overnight in Santa Barbara for a more relaxed pace.
Day 6 – Santa Barbara to Palm Desert (~5–6 hours driving): Return inland via US-101 south and then Highway 10 east, or take a more direct inland route if preferred. Optional stop in Santa Ynez Valley for any last wine tasting or lunch before heading back.

Hotel Suggestions:

Santa Barbara: Spanish Garden Inn, Kimpton Canary Hotel, or a boutique oceanfront hotel.
Pismo Beach / San Luis Obispo: Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa, Inn at the Pier, or Apple Farm Inn.
Monterey / Carmel: Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, InterContinental The Clement Monterey, or Carmel Valley Ranch for a vineyard experience.

Food & Dining:

Santa Barbara: The Lark for upscale local cuisine, Los Agaves for casual Mexican fare.
Pismo Beach: Splash Cafe for clam chowder, Ventana Grill for seafood with a view.
Monterey / Carmel: Sardine Factory for seafood, Dametra Cafe for Mediterranean cuisine, local Carmel wine tasting rooms.

Tips:

Book hotels in advance, especially along Big Sur and Monterey, as accommodations fill quickly.
Highway 1 (PCH) is scenic but winding; allow extra time for stops and slower driving.
Bring layers as coastal areas can be cooler and foggy, even in summer.
Check winery opening hours; some require reservations for tastings.
Plan for some flexibility – driving along the coast offers many spontaneous stops at beaches, lookout points, and small towns.

This itinerary gives a balance of scenic drives, wine tasting, coastal exploration, and comfortable hotel stays while keeping daily driving manageable. You’ll get a full experience of California’s coast and wine regions without feeling rushed.

Road trip palm desert to Monteray and back

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