Pacific Coast Highway: Big Sur to LA
Highway 1 is open all the way through Big Sur again. Ocean views, a real castle and beaches full of elephant seals.
6 hrs to LA drive · 4–5 days · Best for little kids to teens · Jan–Feb & Apr–Jun & Sep–Nov
Day 1: Big Sur coast
- 8:00 Leave SF, head south through Monterey
- 10:30 Stop at a Bixby Bridge pullout for photos
- 12:00 Picnic at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
- 2:30 Short walk to see McWay Falls
- 5:30 Overnight in Cambria or San Simeon
Day 2: Hearst Castle & seals
- 9:00 Grand Rooms tour at Hearst Castle (booked ahead)
- 12:30 Lunch in Cambria
- 2:00 Elephant seals at Piedras Blancas, 7 miles north of San Simeon
- 4:30 Tide pools at Moonstone Beach
Day 3: On to Santa Barbara
- 9:30 Drive south on Hwy 1 and 101
- 11:00 Beach break in Pismo
- 2:00 Arrive Santa Barbara, walk Stearns Wharf
- 4:00 Play on the beach
Day 4: Santa Barbara to LA
- 9:00 Morning at the Santa Barbara Mission
- 11:30 Drive about 2 hrs to LA
- 3:00 Santa Monica Pier and beach
Day 5: Drive home
- 9:00 Leave LA on I-5 north (about 6 hrs)
- 12:00 Lunch break in Kettleman City
- 3:30 Home
From parents who have been
- The McWay Falls overlook is about a 10-minute walk from the highway. The fence has big gaps, so hold toddlers. You can see the beach but can't get down to it. Mommy Poppins
- Nepenthe has a kids' menu and cliff-top views. Cafe Kevah downstairs is a cheaper counter-service option with similar views. Pack snacks before you leave Carmel, because full stores are far apart in Big Sur. Mommy Poppins
- Kids can wade in the creek at Pfeiffer Beach, but don't let them into the ocean alone, because big waves hit even at low tide. Sand Dollar Beach is easy to reach from its lot and sheltered from wind by the cliff. Mommy Poppins
- Elephant seal season at Piedras Blancas peaks December to March, and a boardwalk keeps kids at a safe distance. Watch for zebras grazing along Highway 1 near Hearst Castle, left over from Hearst's private zoo. Upparent
- Parents say Hearst Castle works best for older kids. If you go, first-timers should book the Grand Rooms Tour. In Cambria, parents like Linn's for brunch. Upparent
- The Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove at the south end of town has butterflies from late October through February, with daily volunteer docent talks that kids enjoy. Upparent
Good to know
- Highway 1 reopened through Big Sur on Jan 14, 2026, so you can drive from Carmel to Cambria without a detour for the first time in about 3 years.
- Hearst Castle Grand Rooms tours cost $35 for adults and $18 for kids 5–12. Book up to 60 days ahead at ReserveCalifornia.com or 1-800-444-4445, and arrive 20 minutes early.
- Hearst Castle is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
- The Piedras Blancas elephant seal viewing area is free and open every day. Pups start arriving in mid-December and births peak in late January.
Sources: Santa Barbara Independent: Hwy 1 reopens · Hearst Castle ticket info · Visit Cambria elephant seals