two week trip of PCH including Redwoods

Question

Hello! Has anyone done ten days or two weeks of the Pacific Coast Highway with an itinerary they loved and are willing to share? I may be going in October/November.

Answer

Planning a 10–14 day Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) trip in October or November is a fantastic idea — the crowds are lighter, lodging is easier, and fall colors in Northern California and the Redwoods can be stunning. Weather can be mixed (sunny days + fog + some early rain), so having a flexible mindset is helpful.

Below is a detailed sample itinerary that many travelers find ideal for a full, scenic, and relaxed PCH adventure. It includes the Redwoods, multiple coastal towns, and time to enjoy each stop instead of rushing.

This is written from south-to-north, starting in Los Angeles and ending in the Redwoods, but you can reverse it based on flights.

Day 1–2: Los Angeles → Santa Barbara (stay 1–2 nights)
- Stop in Malibu for beach viewpoints.
- Explore Santa Monica or Venice before leaving LA.
- In Santa Barbara enjoy the Funk Zone, the Mission, Stearns Wharf, coastal walkways.
- Great place to settle into “coastal road trip mode.”
Day 2–4: Santa Barbara → San Luis Obispo / Pismo Beach / Morro Bay (stay 2 nights)
- Stop at Solvang, a small Danish-style town.
- Visit Pismo Beach, Dinosaur Caves Park, and Morro Rock.
- Spend time in San Luis Obispo — a great food & wine hub.
- This is a calm and beautiful stretch before entering Big Sur.
Day 4–6: SLO → Big Sur → Monterey / Carmel (stay 2 nights)
- Drive early so you can take your time — Big Sur is the most iconic part of the PCH.
- Stops include Ragged Point, McWay Falls, Pfeiffer Beach, Bixby Bridge.
- Stay in Monterey or Carmel for restaurants, the aquarium, and the 17-Mile Drive.
- October/November is less crowded, but check for any road closures.
Day 6–7: Monterey → Santa Cruz → Half Moon Bay (stay 1 night)
- Visit Santa Cruz Boardwalk (fun even in shoulder season).
- Detour to Año Nuevo if elephant seal walks are open.
- Half Moon Bay is charming and peaceful with great bluffs and beaches.
Day 7–9: San Francisco (stay 2 nights)
- Enjoy Golden Gate Bridge viewpoints, the Presidio, Lands End, Chinatown, North Beach.
- October can be warm and sunny — it’s SF’s best weather month.
- November may bring fog or drizzle, but still beautiful.
Day 9–10: SF → Point Reyes National Seashore (stay 1 night)
- Incredible coastal cliffs, lighthouse views, elk preserve, and remote beaches.
- This area feels very different — much wilder and quieter.
Day 10–11: Point Reyes → Mendocino (stay 1 night)
- Stop in Bodega Bay or Jenner on the way up.
- Mendocino is artsy, rugged, and incredibly scenic — botanical gardens, cliff trails, wineries inland.
Day 11–13: Mendocino → Humboldt Redwoods (stay 2 nights)
- Drive the Avenue of the Giants — one of the world’s best scenic drives.
- Stay in Ferndale, Fortuna, or near the park.
- Walk among the giant groves (Founders Grove, Rockefeller Grove).
Day 13–14: Humboldt → Redwood National & State Parks (stay 1–2 nights)
- Explore Prairie Creek, Fern Canyon (permit required), Gold Bluffs Beach.
- Walk the Stout Grove, Lady Bird Johnson Grove, or James Irvine Trail.
- This is the most magical part of the Redwoods — lush and quiet in fall.

If you want alternative pacing, here are additional ways to customize:

Add extra time in Big Sur if you want more hiking (Pfeiffer Falls, Andrew Molera).
Spend 3 nights in Redwood National & State Parks if you're a hiker — the trail system is world-class.
Include Oregon Coast if you’re taking the full two weeks and want even more dramatic scenery.
Skip San Francisco if you’ve been before and want more slow coastal time.

For October/November travel, keep these seasonal considerations in mind:

Days are shorter — plan major scenic drives earlier in the day.
Bring layers: it can swing from warm sun to fog to chilly rain in one day.
Road closures sometimes affect Big Sur — check before traveling.
Redwoods may be misty or rainy, but that makes them even more atmospheric.

Overall, a 10–14 day PCH trip with the Redwoods is absolutely doable, and fall is a perfect time. With a balanced pace like the itinerary above, you can enjoy coastal views, forest hikes, charming towns, and peaceful evenings without rushing.

two week trip of PCH including Redwoods

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