This food & wine itinerary reshuffles the schedule around food & wine activities — local cuisine, wine tastings, and food tours. A moderate mix of walking and active experiences, with a mix of self-guided and guided activities. Includes 9 must-see landmarks.
Highlights: Griffith Park and Observatory, Santa Monica and Venice Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Downtown Santa Barbara, Big Sur day trip
This 10-day Pacific Coast Highway itinerary is built around food and drink experiences — 16 activities focus on local cuisine, markets, cooking classes, and tastings across San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Monterey, and Santa Barbara.
Your Route — ordered to minimize backtracking
San Francisco
3 nights
Los Angeles
2 nights
San Diego
2 nights
Monterey
1 night
Santa Barbara
1 night
17+ activities scored and ranked · route optimized across 5 cities
Day-by-Day Schedule — heavy and light days alternate so you don’t burn out
San Francisco
San FranciscoExplore the oldest Chinatown in North America — temples, dim sum, markets, and hidden alleys
Year-round; Chinese New Year parade (Feb) is spectacularDay-trip to world-famous Napa and Sonoma wine country for tastings, vineyard views, and farm-to-table dining
Year-round; harvest (Sep-Oct) is peak season; spring mustard blooms are beautifulUnion Square / SoMa and FiDi / Nob Hill
Explore Chinatown with a small group and learn directly from a local expert. This is recommended for those interested in
$38 Verified Mar 2026 Book this tour →Travel to Sonoma and Napa and explore at your own pace with the step-by-step guidance in your App Guide. This is recomme
Union Square / SoMa and FiDi / Nob Hill
Enjoy a personalized tour led by your very own private guide. This is recommended for those interested in creating their
$173 Verified Mar 2026 Book this tour →Explore Napa and Sonoma with a small group and learn directly from a local expert. This is recommended for those who do
$179 Verified Mar 2026 Book this tour →Union Square / SoMa and FiDi / Nob Hill
Los Angeles
Los AngelesStroll the Santa Monica Pier, walk Abbot Kinney, and soak in Venice Beach's legendary boardwalk scene
Year-round; summer is peak season but also most crowdedExplore DTLA's arts district, Grand Central Market, The Broad museum, and vibrant food scene
Year-round; best in cooler months for walkingSanta Monica / Hollywood / Downtown LA
Browse the Sunset Strip, explore the Design District, and enjoy WeHo's vibrant nightlife and dining
Year-round; Pride month (June) is especially festiveHike to the free Griffith Observatory for panoramic views of LA, the Hollywood Sign, and the Pacific
Year-round; clearest views in winter/spring; avoid hot summer midday hikesSanta Monica / Hollywood / Downtown LA
San Diego
San DiegoDiscover Old Town, the Gaslamp Quarter, Hillcrest, and North Park — San Diego's most vibrant neighborhoods
Year-round; outdoor dining best in spring and fallGet a taste of San Diego's burgeoning brewery scene via a Vintage Swiss Safari Vehicle. In this unique whip, visit 2 cra
$125 Verified Mar 2026 Book this tour →Gaslamp Quarter / La Jolla / Little Italy
Grab your passport and cross over the Mexican border into Valle de Guadelupe. Visiting one of the oldest wine regions on
$230 Verified Mar 2026 Book this tour →Gaslamp Quarter / La Jolla / Little Italy
Monterey
MontereyWander fairy-tale cottages, ocean-view galleries, and the white sand of Carmel Beach
Year-round; fall has best weather; summer fog is commonTravel to Big Sur and explore at your own pace with the step-by-step guidance in your App Guide. You will have no shorta
Cannery Row / Carmel-by-the-Sea / Pacific Grove
Santa Barbara
Santa BarbaraWalk State Street, explore the Funk Zone, and taste local wines in the American Riviera
Year-round; spring and fall are ideal; June gloom can bring fogWith a full day to hike, you can grab some picnic food and enjoy a full day outdoors taking in the views and getting som
Funk Zone / Downtown / Montecito
Check out of your hotel, grab a final breakfast, and head to the airport. Safe travels from Santa Barbara!
Where You’ll Stay
Estimated total: $1,192–$1,788
Trip Budget Estimate
Estimates based on listed activity prices and hotel rates. Actual costs vary by season, availability, and personal spending.
Typical range for Pacific Coast Highway
$1,000 – $5,000 per person for 10 days
Similar Destinations
Similar vibes, fewer crowds — destinations our algorithm rates as close matches to Pacific Coast Highway.
🧳 Practical Info for Pacific Coast Highway
- Visa
- ESTA required for Visa Waiver Program countries. CA citizens visa-exempt. See US entry requirements.
- Tipping
- 18–20% tip expected at restaurants. Standard US tipping culture applies.
- Currency
- US Dollar ($ USD). Cards accepted everywhere.
- Power
- 120V, Type A/B plugs. EU/UK/AU travelers need an adapter.
- Connectivity
- Good coverage in cities. Big Sur and remote coastal stretches may have no signal.
- Emergency
- 911 (general emergency)
🚗 Getting Around Pacific Coast Highway
The drive is the trip — rent in San Francisco or LA. Highway 1 has tight curves and occasional closures; check Caltrans.
Fly into SFO or LAX and rent a car. One-way rentals are available but cost more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit?
Spring and fall offer the best weather and fewer crowds. Summer is peak season. Check regional weather patterns for specific conditions.
Do I need to rent a car?
A car is essential for road trips and national parks in the US. Public transit is limited outside major metro areas.
How much does a week cost?
Budget: $100-150/day. Mid-range: $200-350/day. Luxury: $500+/day. Costs vary significantly by region and season.
