Pacific Coast Highway Family Road Trip: The Ultimate Guide
Drive California's iconic Highway 1 from San Francisco to San Diego with kids in tow. This comprehensive guide includes family-friendly stops, SmartStops recommendations, and insider tips for an unforgettable coastal adventure.
Your Pacific Coast Highway Route
Route Overview: San Francisco → San Diego
Northern Section
San Francisco to Monterey
120 miles • 1-2 days
Central Section
Monterey to San Luis Obispo
270 miles • 3-4 days
Southern Section
San Luis Obispo to San Diego
265 miles • 3-4 days
Day-by-Day Family Itinerary
Day 1: San Francisco to Santa Cruz (75 miles)
Morning: San Francisco Departure (9:00 AM)
Quick City Highlights:
- • Golden Gate Bridge photo stop (30 mins)
- • Pier 39 sea lions (if time allows)
- • Lombard Street drive-by
SmartStops Recommendation:
Shell Station - Golden Gate: Convenient facilities, snacks, and playground nearby at Crissy Field
Midday: Half Moon Bay Stop (11:30 AM)
Family Activities:
- • Beach walk and tide pool exploration
- • Pumpkin patches (seasonal)
- • Main Street shops and treats
Lunch Recommendation:
Sam's Chowder House: Kids menu, high chairs, and ocean views. Perfect for families!
Evening: Santa Cruz Arrival (3:00 PM)
Must-Do Activities:
- • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- • Vintage roller coaster rides
- • Arcade games and prizes
- • Beach time before sunset
Where to Stay:
Dream Inn: Beachfront location, pool, and family-friendly amenities
Day 2: Santa Cruz to Monterey (45 miles)
Morning: Monterey Bay Aquarium (10:00 AM)
Family Highlights:
- • Interactive tide pool exhibit
- • Sea otter feeding shows
- • Jellyfish gallery (mesmerizing for kids)
- • Ocean viewing deck
Pro Tips:
Book tickets in advance! Allow 3-4 hours. Stroller-friendly with family restrooms throughout.
Afternoon: 17-Mile Drive & Carmel
Take the scenic 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach, stopping at Seal Point to watch harbor seals. End in charming Carmel-by-the-Sea for fairy-tale cottages and dog-friendly beaches.
SmartStops Alert:
Fill up before 17-Mile Drive! Limited (expensive) gas options. Use SmartStops to find best prices in Monterey.
Day 3: Monterey to Big Sur (30 miles)
Big Sur Adventure Day
Family-Friendly Stops:
- • McWay Falls overlook (easy 10-min walk)
- • Bixby Creek Bridge photo stop
- • Nepenthe Restaurant (famous views)
- • Point Sur Lighthouse (if open)
Important Notes:
Limited cell service. Fill up gas tank and pack snacks. Some road sections can be narrow - drive carefully!
SmartStops: Your PCH Secret Weapon
Essential PCH Stops in SmartStops:
📍 Shell Station - Moss Landing
Perfect halfway stop between Santa Cruz and Monterey
📍 Chevron - San Simeon
Last stop before Hearst Castle, elephant seal viewing nearby
📍 76 Station - Pismo Beach
Beach access, family restaurants, and ATV rentals nearby
Money-Saving PCH Tips:
- 💰Use SmartStops for planning: Coast cities offer varying amenities. Plan family-friendly stops ahead.
- 💰Plan fuel stops in cities: San Francisco, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo have the best family amenities. Avoid remote Big Sur areas for family stops.
- 💰Pack snacks: Tourist area prices are high. SmartStops shows you grocery stores along the route.
Real Family Savings:
"SmartStops saved us over $150 on our week-long PCH trip. The kids loved the playground stops, and we never stressed about finding clean bathrooms again!"— The Rodriguez Family
PCH Family Packing Checklist
🌊Beach Essentials
- • Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- • Beach towels
- • Sand toys and buckets
- • Water shoes
- • Beach umbrella or tent
- • Waterproof phone case
🚗Car Comfort
- • Travel pillows
- • Cozy blankets
- • Car organizers
- • Phone/tablet chargers
- • Motion sickness remedies
- • First aid kit
🎒Activities
- • Coloring books and crayons
- • Travel games
- • Downloaded movies/shows
- • Audiobooks
- • Binoculars for wildlife
- • Camera for kids
Best Times to Drive the PCH with Kids
🌞 Best: April - June & September - October
- • Perfect weather (60-75°F)
- • Less fog and clearer views
- • Smaller crowds at attractions
- • Lower accommodation prices
- • All attractions open
☀️ Busy: July - August
- • Warmest weather but crowded
- • Higher accommodation prices
- • Long wait times at attractions
- • Book everything well in advance
- • Best beach weather
🌧️ Challenging: November - March
- • Rainy season (especially Dec-Feb)
- • Possible road closures in Big Sur
- • Limited attraction hours
- • Cooler temperatures (50-65°F)
- • Best whale watching season
📱 SmartStops Weather Feature
Check real-time weather conditions and road closures for all your planned stops. Get alerts about fog, construction, or seasonal attraction closures before you hit the road.
Ready for Your PCH Family Adventure?
Download SmartStops to discover all the best family-friendly stops along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Join thousands of families who've made their PCH dreams come true with SmartStops