Driving from SF to Los Angeles via PCH itinerary

Question

Hello,

We just came back from our road trip from Portland to Redwood NP, Lassen Volcanic NP, & Crater Lake NP. Thinking to do the drive from SF to LA next year, either late May or mid June. Which month would you recommend it? I have some tentative ideas:

Day 1 - Sat: fly to SFO in the morning We visited SF 10 yrs ago( saw Alcatraz, Fisherman’s Wharf, Lombard St). Thinking to stay near the airport, maybe in Pacifica. Rent a car. Not sure what to fill the afternoon.

Day 2: day trip to Muir Woods

Day 3: Winery Tours to either Napa Valley or Sonoma. Any recommendations?

Day 3: drive along the coast to Monterey. Lunch at Sam’s Chowder House( good view of Half Moon Bay). Walk the wharf & boardwalk in Santa Cruz or visit the Monterey Aquarium. Overnight in Monterey

Day 4: drive to Big Sur & Morro Bay. Take the 17 mile drive travel through Carmel by the Sea. Make many stops in Big Sur and Morro Bay. Lunch at Nepenthe in Big Sur.

See Elephant seals. Overnight in Morro Bay.

Day 5: Drive from Morro Bay to Santa Barbara.

Day 6: drive from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles

Day 7&8: visit families in Southern CA. Red eyes fly back to the East Coast.

Please critique. TIA

Answer

Your proposed itinerary from San Francisco to Los Angeles via the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is ambitious but very doable, and it includes many of California’s iconic coastal and wine regions. I’ll provide detailed feedback and suggestions for each day, along with timing and seasonal considerations.

Timing: Late May vs Mid-June

Both late May and mid-June are good times to do this drive. A few considerations:

Weather: May can still be a bit cooler and foggy along the coast, especially in San Francisco and Monterey. June tends to be slightly warmer but can also bring the famous “June Gloom” (morning fog) along the coast.
Crowds: Late May is generally a bit quieter before schools are out, whereas mid-June can be busier with early summer travelers and weekend traffic along the coast.
Wildlife & Nature: Both months are great for spotting marine life like elephant seals near Morro Bay. Wildflowers along Big Sur and Santa Barbara are still good in May, while June is generally greener and warmer.

Recommendation: If you prefer fewer crowds and slightly cooler weather, late May is ideal. If you want warmer days and don’t mind slightly more traffic, mid-June is fine.

Day-by-Day Critique & Suggestions

Day 1: Arrival & Afternoon in SF/Pacifica

Flying in and renting a car is straightforward. Staying in Pacifica is a good choice for proximity to the airport and coastal scenery.

Afternoon options: Explore the Pacifica coast, hike the Coastal Trail, or visit nearby Linda Mar Beach. You could also consider a short drive into SF to visit Golden Gate Park or the Lands End area for coastal views and the Sutro Baths ruins.
Alternative: Some prefer staying closer to SF downtown for the first night for convenience, but Pacifica works well if you want a coastal vibe.

Day 2: Muir Woods

Morning visit is ideal to avoid crowds. Consider booking a timed-entry reservation for Muir Woods in advance.
If time allows, you could combine this with a drive to Sausalito for lunch and harbor views before returning to your hotel.

Day 3: Wine Country + Drive to Monterey

Napa Valley and Sonoma are both excellent. Napa tends to be more commercial and touristy, Sonoma more relaxed. Recommended wineries:
- Napa: Castello di Amorosa (castle winery), Domaine Carneros (sparkling), Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars.
- Sonoma: Benziger Family Winery (biodynamic tours), Kunde Estate (scenic hikes), Cornerstone Sonoma (art and wine).
Driving to Monterey afterward: Half Moon Bay for lunch at Sam’s Chowder House is great. Santa Cruz for a short beach or boardwalk stop works if you have time.
Overnight in Monterey is perfect for accessing the Monterey Bay Aquarium and 17-Mile Drive the next day.

Day 4: Big Sur & Morro Bay

17-Mile Drive and Carmel are must-sees. Consider starting early to avoid midday traffic and secure parking at scenic stops.
Big Sur: Nepenthe is great for lunch with views. Stop at McWay Falls, Bixby Creek Bridge, and Pfeiffer Beach if possible.
Morro Bay: Check out Morro Rock and the waterfront. Seeing elephant seals at Piedras Blancas (just north of Morro Bay) is highly recommended.
Driving notes: The Big Sur stretch is slow and scenic; allow plenty of time and drive carefully along winding roads.

Day 5: Morro Bay to Santa Barbara

This is a shorter drive (~2.5–3 hours), giving time for a leisurely stop in San Luis Obispo or Pismo Beach.
Santa Barbara: State Street and the waterfront are beautiful for dinner and evening strolls.

Day 6: Santa Barbara to Los Angeles

Depending on traffic, this drive can take 2–3 hours. Try to leave early to avoid morning or late-afternoon congestion.
If time allows, make a scenic stop in Malibu or Santa Monica before reaching Los Angeles proper.

Days 7–8: Southern CA & Return

These days are reserved for visiting family. Red-eye flights are convenient but ensure you have enough time to drop off the rental car and check in at LAX.

Additional Tips

Consider booking hotels in advance for Monterey, Big Sur/Morro Bay, and Santa Barbara — these areas fill quickly in May–June.
Check for any road closures on Highway 1, especially in Big Sur, which occasionally has landslides.
Keep flexibility in your schedule; allow extra time for scenic stops and wildlife viewing.
Use a mix of cash and credit cards; some smaller coastal stops may be cash-preferred.

Overall, your itinerary is well-balanced, covering wine country, iconic coastal scenery, and city highlights. Minor tweaks include early starts for Big Sur, and possibly splitting Napa/Sonoma into a slightly more relaxed schedule to avoid rushing. Either late May or mid-June works, but late May is slightly quieter and comfortable weather-wise.

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