This history itinerary reshuffles the schedule around history activities — historic sites, UNESCO heritage, and ancient landmarks. A moderate mix of walking and active experiences, with a mix of self-guided and guided activities. Includes 10 must-see landmarks.
Highlights: Alcatraz Island, Monterey Bay Aquarium, San Diego Zoo, Monterey and 17-Mile Drive, La Jolla
This 10-day Pacific Coast Highway itinerary follows the historical thread — 12 activities take you through ancient sites, monuments, and stories that shaped 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 FranciscoFerry to the notorious former prison island for the award-winning audio tour and Bay views
Year-round; book 2-3 months ahead for summer; night tours Thu-Sat are atmosphericExplore the Bohemian Heart of SF with a small group and learn directly from a local expert. On this tour, you'll get a u
$95 Verified Mar 2026 Book this tour →Union Square / SoMa and FiDi / Nob Hill
Explore the oldest Chinatown in North America — temples, dim sum, markets, and hidden alleys
Year-round; Chinese New Year parade (Feb) is spectacularWalk from Haight-Ashbury to the Painted Ladies, Castro, and Mission Dolores Park
Year-round; Mission is SF's sunniest neighborhoodUnion Square / SoMa and FiDi / Nob Hill
Enjoy a personalized tour led by your very own private guide. This is recommended for those who are looking for private
$512 Verified Mar 2026 Book this tour →Union Square / SoMa and FiDi / Nob Hill
Los Angeles
Los AngelesWalk the Hollywood Walk of Fame, see the TCL Chinese Theatre, and hike Runyon Canyon
Year-round; avoid peak summer heat for Runyon Canyon hikesExplore the Sunset Strip with a small group and learn directly from a local expert. On this tour, you'll get a unique ex
$40 Verified Mar 2026 Book this tour →Santa Monica / Hollywood / Downtown LA
Visit 13 city blocks across four acres on the historic Universal studio lot, which is the busiest motion picture and TV
$129 Verified Mar 2026 Book this tour →Explore one of the most historic and legendary studio lots on this guided tour. Visit soundstages once home to iconic fi
$50 Verified Mar 2026 Book this tour →Santa Monica / Hollywood / Downtown LA
San Diego
San DiegoThis is recommended for those who want to whale watch on a historic ship. This replica of a historic sailing schooner is
$85 Verified Mar 2026 Book this tour →Hop on a Catalina-style sailboat with you and five other guests for a semi-private saling experience. You'll take in the
$108 Verified Mar 2026 Book this tour →Gaslamp Quarter / La Jolla / Little Italy
Spend a half day at the world-famous San Diego Zoo, home to 12,000+ animals across 100 acres in Balboa Park
$76 Verified Mar 2026 Year-round; animals most active in cooler morning hours; less crowded weekdays Book this experience →Explore La Jolla's sea caves, tide pools, seal colony, and upscale village perched on dramatic cliffs
Year-round; harbor seals pupping Jan-Mar at Children's PoolGaslamp Quarter / La Jolla / Little Italy
Monterey
MontereyDrive the legendary 17-Mile Drive, walk Cannery Row, and explore Monterey's waterfront
Year-round; fog common Jun-Aug; fall has clearest skiesVisit one of the world's best aquariums with mesmerizing kelp forest and open sea exhibits on Cannery Row
$65 Verified Mar 2026 Year-round indoor attraction; less crowded weekdays and winter months Book this experience →Cannery Row / Carmel-by-the-Sea / Pacific Grove
Santa Barbara
Santa BarbaraSpend a half-day exploring the top sights. With the help of your personalized App Guide, you can pick and choose what yo
Walk 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 fogFunk 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.
