Pacific Coast Highway: Here's How Much This Scenic California Road Trip Costs (2024)

The United States is full of scenic and even famous road trips. Driving through the states is not only a great way to experience the country's diversity and majestic beauty, but it also symbolizes the heart and soul of exploration.

When it comes to the most famous road trip in America, there is always one that everyone has heard of, and that is the Pacific Coast Highway. PCH is the backbone of California and an essential addition to any traveler's bucket list.

From Los Angeles to San Francisco with stops such as Monterey, Big Sur and Santa Barbara, traversing California's coast is a trip of a lifetime. However, when deciding to go for it, it's important to consider a few things before heading off, such as where to start from, how many days to travel, where to stay, what to see and, of course, just how much a PCH road trip will cost.

So Just How Much Will a PCH Road trip Cost?

Expect to pay around $200/per person per day and around $1,500 for a 7-day trip

Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) at southern end of Big Sur, California

There are countless road trips showing off California's coastal beauty, and while California may not be the cheapest state to travel in, it can be one of the most rewarding with priceless experiences.

There are a lot of things to factor in when planning a road trip on the PCH. From flights and car rentals, hotels, restaurants, and which route to take, where to stop, and the best time of year.

With so many bits and pieces in constructing a Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary, costs and budgeting are an essential part of the process to ensure a stress-free trip with no lingering financial regrets when returning home.

So, how much will a PCH road trip cost? Factoring in car rentals, gas, food, and hotels as the prominent expenses, a PCH road trip will cost roughly $200 per person, per day for the trip.

When considering the quintessential 7-day itinerary, travelers can expect to pay around $1,500. This will fluctuate based on the season. However, travelers should expect to pay no less than $1,000 — not including flights for those traveling from out of state or internationally.

Navigating Rental Cars & Costs For A California Road Trip

A standard rental will cost an average of $50-$60 per day

The Pacific Coast Highway

When renting a car, there are different things to take into consideration for individual needs, such as traveling with a family, as a couple, or solo. However, when deciding on which car will be best, it's always worth investigating a state's gas prices and different car's gas mileage to know just how much the trip will cost.

Looking at a basic sedan such as the Toyota Corolla, travelers can expect to pay an average of $50-$60 per day with a company like Enterprise Car Rentals.

The Pacific Coast Highway route from Los Angeles to San Francisco is 442 miles long. Renting a sedan such as the Toyota Corolla is a great choice, especially when considering California's gas prices, which are currently $4.60 per gallon. The Toyota Carolla gets roughly 33 miles per gallon with a 13.2-gallon tank, which will cost about $60 to fill the tank.

Taking all of this into consideration, one could technically make the trip on less than two tanks of gas.

It's worth noting that travelers who are close enough to California's coast to make the drive there for this road trip won't have a rental car cost, but will have extra gas costs and other expenses outside of the PCH road trip.

Deciding The Perfect Route (& Stops Along The Way)

Endless coastal views, redwood forests, wine tastings & a historic castle along the Pacific Coast Highway

Route 1, Pacific Coast Highway, California

While the PCH runs from San Diego all the way up to Washington, the most well traveled part of the route is up the coast of California from Los Angeles to San Francisco. This will give travelers the essence of the Pacific Coast Highway with some of the truly memorable stops along the way.

When it comes to the best time of year to make the road trip, April and October tend to offer the most mild weather with fewer crowds, but the PCH is accessible and offers stunning beauty and safe conditions all year round.

The question will arise of which way to start from, and while both directions will provide scenic views and a memorable trip, traveling from San Francisco to Los Angeles will provide travelers with access to more seaside pull offs and parking.

There is also something special about arriving in the city of Los Angeles with the downtown skyline coming into view and a list of unmissable attractions as a grand finale.

When it comes to how many days are needed for the 442-mile trip, a seven-day road trip will allow for the perfect itinerary and travelers won't feel rushed and can feel confident in knowing a seven-day trip will cost around $1,500. While it can be done in five or even four days, and is still highly worth considering, a seven-day trip is the perfect amount of time.

With so many places to stop and spend the night, it can be overwhelming when deciding, but luckily there are some key points along the route that present some of the best places to stop and enjoy what this special road trip has to offer. Here is a look at a seven-day itinerary that will give travelers an epic road trip down the sweet coast of California.

Seven-Day PCH Road Trip Itinerary

• Day 1: San Francisco - Upon arrival, spend the day exploring the beautiful city of San Francisco
• Day 2: Muir Woods/Sonoma/Napa-Head north and explore the Muir woods and stay over in Sonoma or Napa to do some countryside sightseeing and wine tasting.

Distance from San Francisco to Sonoma - 1 hour

• Day 3: Monterey - Start heading south, stop in Santa Cruz for lunch, enjoy the views of Half Moon Bay, then spend the night in the seaside town of Monterey or head a little further south to the quieter Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Distance from Sonoma to Monterey - 2 hours and 30 minutes

• Day 4: Big Sur - Spend the night in Big Sur, where redwood forests meet dramatic cliff side ocean views.

Distance from Monterey to Big Sur - 41 minutes

• Day 5: Cambria - Head to the funky seaside town of Cambria and spend the afternoon strolling down Moonstone beach and enjoying the evening in this relaxing seaside hidden gem.

Distance from Big Sur to Cambria - 2 hours 54 minutes

• Day 6: Solvang/Los Olivos Wake up early and drive to San Luis Obispo, stop at Elephant Seal vista point and visit the Hearst Castle then head inland to spend the night in the Danish-rooted town of Solvang or the charming village of Los Olivos for some central valley wine tasting.

Distance from Cambria to Solvang - 1 hour 37 minutes

• Day 7: Santa Barbara/Los AngelesStop in Santa Barabara for lunch, and continue on to the final destination... Los Angeles.

Solvang to Los Angeles - 2 hours and 34 minutes

Where To Stay Along The Pacific Coast Highway

The PCH is dotted with boutique inns with seaside views & budget-friendly motels

Danish Street in Solvang, a perfect vacation destination in California

Travelers will find a wide range of hotels along the Pacific Coast Highway, from cozy boutique inns to budget-friendly motels and hotels. For the ocean view rooms, always expect to pay more.

Either way, there is a range of accommodations for all travelers' needs and desired level of comfort and amenities. Here are a few spots along the route that won't break the bank and are great places to stay.

Monterey -The Monterey Hotel

• Address: 407 Calle Principal, Monterey, CA 93940
• Price: $$
• Why to Stay: A great deal for the central location with comfortable rooms.

Big Sur-Deetjen's Inn Big Sur Inn

• Address: 48865 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920
• Price: $$-$$$
• Why to Stay: Cozy, rustic and intimate and a great deal for Big Sur.

Cambria - Cambria Beach Lodge

• Address: 6180 Moonstone Beach Dr, Cambria, CA 93428
• Price: $$
• Why to Stay: Pay a little more for this beachside lodge with clean and modern rooms and an epic rooftop view of the Pacific Ocean.

Solvang - Svengaard's Danish Lodge

• Address: 1711 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA 93463
• Price: $$
• Why to Stay: Danish style architecture with basic, clean and affordable rooms.

What To Eat & Restaurants Along The Way

Taste the coast from clam chowder bread bowls in San Fran, to fresh seafood in Santa Barbara

The Harbor Restuarant in Santa Barbara

Eating your way down the coast of California is an essential part of the trip. The Pacific Coast Highway is known for having some of the best restaurants in the United States.

California is known for hosting local and seasonal cuisine and, with the Pacific Ocean within arms reach, some of the world's freshest seafood, as well as local vineyards with world-class wine. Here are a few restaurants worth stopping at along the way.

San Francisco - Boudin Bakery & Co

• Address: 160 Jefferson Street
• Hours: Mon - Sun 8 am - 9 pm
• Price: $$
• Why to Go: Experience the classic clam chowder in a sourdough breadbowl at San Fran's Fisherman's Wharf.

Big Sur - Big Sur TapHouse

• Address: 48510 CA-1, Big Sur
• Hours: Mon-Fri 12-9 pm Sat-Sun-11 am - 9 pm
• Price: $$
• Why to Go: A roadside taproom with local craft beer and wine and affordable bar-style food and outdoor seating.

Los Olivos - Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Cafe

• Address: 2879 Grand Ave, Los Olivos, CA 93441
• Hours: Sun - Thurs 11: 30 am - 8:30 pm Fri-Sat 11:30 am - 9 pm
• Price: $$
• Why to Go: From personal farm-to-table California/ Mediterranean cuisine paired with local wine. Enjoy lunch on their terrace under a canopy of Wisteria.

Santa Barbara - Santa Barbara Shellfish Company

• Address: 230 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA
• Hours: Mon - Sun 11 am - 9 pm
• Price: $$
• Why to Go: Fresh and seasonal seafood located directly on the pier.

The Pacific Coast Highway may be the perfect way to experience the diversity and contrast of beauty in California. For around $200 per day and $1,500 for a seven-day trip per person, it is an investment that will provide an unforgettable trip and priceless memories.

With some careful planning, the road trip is possible for a wide range of budgets. Cruising Highway 1 down the sunny coast of California is a trip that is surely worth every penny.