This past May I went to California for one of the most epic road trips ever! I rented a convertable and embarked on a journey down the PCH from San Fransisco all the way to San Diego (my second home). I have provided below my day by day itinerary with pictures below.

Day 1

San Fransisco (Golden Gate Park, Fishermans Wharf, Golden Gate Bridge)

Day 2

Natural Bridges State Park

Santa Cruz Boardwalk

17-mile Drive at Pebble Creek (in Carmel-by-the-Sea)

Carmel By The Sea

World Famous Bixby Bridge

Big Sur State Forrest (Redwoods)

Pfieffer Beach State Park

Night in Salinas

Day 3

Because the road from Pfieffer to San Simeon was closed due to landslides, we had to double back from the beach to Salinas where we slept that night, then drive all the way down and up around to San Simeon. On the PCH it is important to be aware of road closures on your route so you do not waste time driving to a dead end. I knew about the above closure and planned my hotel in Salinas strategically.

Elephant Seal View Point in San Simeon

Morrow Bay/Morrow Rock

Lompoc Flower Fields

Solvang

Night in Ventura

Day 4

Malibu Pier

Santa Monica Pier

Night on The Queen Mary

Day 5

Catalina Island

We spent a whole day and night on Catalina Island. See view from our room below. The day here was fun we spent the day walking around the town, eating the food, and we went scuba diving in the famous kelp forests near the Casino.

Day 6

Huntington Beach

Balboa Island (Newport Beach) – There’s always money in the Banana stand!

Arrive in San Diego

Day 7-9

San Diego (Coronado Island, Whale Watching)

We stayed at the Coronado Island Marriott Resort. The resort itself was beautiful. Most of my time in San Diego was spent visiting my parents and siblings. I did happen to book a whale watch for the family. During the whale watch we saw tons of marine life, we even got to see a sunfish/Mola Mola!

I spent so much of my life in California and always thought about driving the PCH. Here we are many years later after moving from San Diego over 15 years ago, I finally decided to do it and it was totally worth it. If you ever find your self in California with enough time, I definitely recommend doing this trip. Thank you for stopping by and as always Saif Travels!