Your Ultimate 10-Day Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip: Seattle to Los Angeles Itinerary & Must-Try Food Guide

Recently, my husband Anees and I returned from an unforgettable 10-day adventure down the iconic West Coast, a journey that had long topped our travel bucket list. Driving from the vibrant city of Seattle all the way to the sun-drenched beaches of Los Angeles, we immersed ourselves in the breathtaking landscapes and unique cultures found along the legendary Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), also known as Highway 1. This meticulously planned road trip unveiled a tapestry of experiences, from majestic redwood forests and charming coastal towns to bustling cityscapes and serene ocean views. While ten days flew by, leaving us with a touch of post-vacation blues, the memories created were truly priceless.

For those dreaming of a similar West Coast exploration, I’m thrilled to share our comprehensive 10-day itinerary, highlighting the best places to visit, things to do, and, of course, all the incredible food we discovered. A huge thank you to all the sweet people who messaged and Facebooked their wonderful recommendations – your suggestions truly enriched our journey! Saying that I obsessively planned this trip is an understatement; it’s been a big bucket list item for years, and crossing it off feels both exhilarating and a little bittersweet. Just watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean was a truly incredible experience, a highlight of our drive along Highway 1, taking in both its magnificent and occasionally nerve-wracking scenery.

Though we managed to pack a lot into our ten days, looking back, a two-week journey would have allowed for deeper dives into places like Portland and more leisurely drives along certain stretches of Highway 1, particularly through the Big Sur area. We didn’t get as much time in Portland as we would have liked, and another couple of days dedicated to the winding beauty of Highway One would have been ideal. But as every seasoned traveler knows, sometimes an incomplete journey just means a perfect excuse for a return trip! So, get ready to hit the road and discover the magic of the West Coast with us.

Our Epic 10-Day West Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Seattle, Washington: Where Our Adventure Began

Day 1-2: Our journey kicked off in the Pacific Northwest, with plans to drive south along Highway One. We initially had a solid 36 hours carved out for Seattle before heading to Medford, Oregon. However, travel plans took an unexpected turn when our flight experienced a staggering five-hour delay. While I admittedly pouted, stressed, and muttered in frustration, in the end, we made the best of it. This setback meant we missed out on some iconic Seattle sights like the Space Needle, the stunning sunset skyline view from Kerry Park, or the unique Mural Amphitheater. Yet, I got all the time I desired at Pike Place Market, which, I’ll shamelessly admit, was the primary reason I wanted to visit Seattle. That chowder alone made the trip worthwhile!

Top Things to Do in Seattle:

Pike Place Market: A true gem for foodies and sightseers alike. Don’t miss the flying fish!
Fremont Troll: A quirky, fun photo opportunity under a bridge.
Gum Wall: A unique, albeit slightly gross, public art installation that surprisingly smells like bubble gum.
Kerry Park: Offers postcard-perfect views of the Seattle skyline, including the Space Needle (even if we missed it at sunset!).
Space Needle: An iconic observation tower with panoramic city views.

Where to Eat in Seattle:

Serious Pie: Known for its delicious gourmet pizzas. We highly recommend the buffalo mozzarella with tomato sauce and the roasted mushroom with truffle cheese pizza.
Biscuit Bitch: For hearty, Southern-inspired breakfast and brunch.
Daily Dozen Doughnuts: Grab a warm, fresh doughnut right from the market. The chocolate with sprinkles is a classic, and the cinnamon sugar looked equally enticing.
Pike Place Chowder: Their smoked salmon chowder is absolutely phenomenal and a must-try.
Beecher’s Handmade Cheese: Home to what’s touted as the “World’s Best Mac and Cheese,” and it truly lives up to the hype.
Piroshky Piroshky: A popular bakery with a variety of sweet and savory Russian pastries.

Oregon: A Glimpse of the Pacific Northwest

Day 2: After our Seattle adventures, we embarked on a lengthy eight-hour drive south to Medford, Oregon, where we rested just long enough to catch some much-needed sleep. This segment of our West Coast road trip is where we felt the pinch of our tight schedule the most. We only had time to swing through Portland for a quick dinner and, of course, a steaming hot cappuccino from the renowned Stumptown Coffee. While Voodoo Doughnuts was on our list, after indulging in Daily Dozen Doughnuts earlier in the day, neither of us could realistically handle more sugar. Having tried Voodoo Doughnuts in Denver previously, I wasn’t too disappointed, but if you’re planning your trip, definitely factor them in – their doughnuts are warm, fluffy, and everything a perfect donut should be.

Little River, California: Coastal Enchantment & Redwood Majesty

Day 3: This was undeniably one of my absolute favorite days of our West Coast journey. We crossed into California from Oregon in the early morning, driving through endless evergreen trees. Then, a truly magical moment unfolded. It began to snow, transforming the landscape into the most majestic winter wonderland, straight out of a Christmas movie. The trees glistened with snowflakes as we sipped coffee, listened to an audiobook, and savored the quiet beauty of being the only car on the road for miles. A piece of my heart will forever remain in that serene, snowy forest.

That night, we stayed in Little River, a quaint town just off the coast of Mendocino, at the charming Heritage House. Arriving after dark, it was challenging to discern the view beyond our balcony doors. The next morning, we eagerly drew back the curtains, expecting to see more rooms. Instead, we were greeted by the most breathtaking panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, a truly unforgettable sight.

🌊 The incredible view from our room’s patio at Heritage House.

Things to Do in Little River/Mendocino:

Drive through Humboldt Redwoods State Park: If time allows, take the scenic exit for the Avenue of the Giants. This 31-mile stretch is adorned with some of the most beautiful redwood trees you’ll ever see.
Shrine Drive Thru Tree: A fun and unique stop where you can literally drive your car through an ancient redwood!
Stay at The Heritage House: Experience stunning ocean views and coastal charm.

Where to Eat in Mendocino:

Mendocino Cafe: We tried their “healing bowl” and the “Thai burrito,” both of which were incredibly delicious and have inspired me to recreate them at home!

Inverness and Sausalito, California: Gateway to San Francisco

Day 4: This day was dedicated to soaking in the diverse hills and valleys of California as we drove from Little River towards San Francisco. Our drive took us past vast dairy farms, countless cows, and eventually led us to the picturesque Monterey Cypress Tree Tunnel. As the sun began to set, we finally caught our first glimpse of that iconic red bridge – the Golden Gate Bridge. It was much larger and more imposing than I had imagined! I know it sounds silly, but did anyone else expect it to be… smaller?

Things to Do in Inverness & Sausalito:

Bodega Bay: A picturesque coastal town. Keep an eye out for whales in the water, though we weren’t lucky enough on this trip!
Monterey Cypress Tree Tunnel: A beautiful natural tunnel formed by ancient cypress trees.
Point Reyes Lighthouse: Perched at the world’s edge, offering stunning views and often shrouded in fog.
Muir Beach Overlook: Provides spectacular panoramic views of the Pacific coastline.
Battery Spencer Park: Known for its iconic, unobstructed views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline.
Sausalito: A charming waterfront town with unique boutiques and dining options.
Drive across the Golden Gate Bridge: An absolute must-do for any West Coast road trip. Remember, the toll is $7.50 and there’s no cash booth. Our rental car didn’t have a toll pass, so we paid online before crossing. You can also pay up to 48 hours after crossing.

Where to Eat in Inverness & Sausalito:

Inverness Park Market: I thoroughly enjoyed their shrimp salad sandwich, which had a refreshing hint of lemon zest and dill.
Bar Bocce (Sausalito): The mushroom pizza with caramelized onions and fontina was absolutely out of this world. We also tried the margherita pizza, a standard for us, but it was just average.

San Francisco, California: The City by the Bay

Day 5-6: Let me start by saying: two days for San Francisco is simply not enough, especially if you’re like me and want to see the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge from every conceivable angle! Navigating traffic and finding parking in this city consumes a significant amount of time. The locals were right in advising us that this isn’t a city for driving. It’s far easier and often comparably priced to use ride-sharing services like Uber to get around. San Francisco, you are truly amazing, and we are absolutely coming back for you!

Must-Do Activities in San Francisco:

Alcatraz Tour: Absolutely take the audio tour; it’s incredibly immersive and interesting. Be sure to wear extra layers, as it’s always chilly on the island!
Drive down Lombard Street: Experience the “crookedest street in the world.”
Watch the sunset at Baker Beach: A spectacular view of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific.
The Painted Ladies / Alamo Square: Admire the iconic Victorian houses against the city skyline.
Ferry Building Marketplace: A foodie paradise. Don’t forget to sample the diverse olive oils here!
Crissy Field: Offers fantastic walking paths and stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Walk or bike the Golden Gate Bridge: An exhilarating way to experience this engineering marvel up close.
Visit Golden Gate Park: Explore its vast gardens, museums, and serene landscapes.

Where to Eat in San Francisco:

Wise Sons Jewish Deli: Visit their Fillmore Bagel and Bakery for authentic Jewish deli fare.
Mr. Holmes Bakehouse: You absolutely must try their cruffin – they feature a different flavor every day!
The Codmother Fish and Chips: For classic, delicious fish and chips.
CREAM: Four words: ice cream cookie sandwiches. Enough said!
Blue Bottle Coffee: Known for their exceptionally good cappuccinos.
Tartine Bakery: A legendary spot for baked goods; make sure you grab a croissant.
Sushirrito: It’s a sushi burrito, and it is divine! I highly recommend the Sumo Crunch, their most popular option.

Highway 1 South to Monterey and San Luis Obispo, California: Coastal Charms & Unexpected Detours

Day 7-8: This was the part of our West Coast trip I had been looking forward to the most. Pictures of the breathtaking McWay Falls had graced my desktop for what felt like forever, and unfortunately, this particular segment of our journey wasn’t meant to be. Parts of the iconic Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) were closed off just two days before our arrival due to recent mudslides in the area. Big Sur State Park, Pfeiffer Beach, and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park (home to McWay Falls) were all located beyond these road closures. We drove as far as we safely could on Highway 1, then turned back towards Monterey and took Highway 101 to San Luis Obispo, adapting our plans with a “making lemonade” attitude. This unfortunate turn of events simply means there absolutely has to be another trip in the future to explore Big Sur!

Things to Do along the Central Coast:

Half Moon Bay: A beautiful coastal town known for its beaches and harbor.
Old Davenport Pier: Explore the remnants of a historic pier, a popular spot for photography.
Shark Fin Cove: A unique geological formation resembling a shark’s fin.
Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf: Enjoy seafood, watch sea lions, and take in the bustling harbor atmosphere.
Monterey Aquarium: One of the world’s best aquariums, a fantastic stop for all ages.
Pebble Beach: Take the iconic 17-mile drive. There’s a $10 admission fee, but the stunning coastal scenery and golf courses are worth it.
Carmel-by-the-Sea: A fairytale village known for its charming cottages, art galleries, and white sand beach.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: Often called the “crown jewel” of the State Park System. The admission is $10, offering incredible hiking and wildlife viewing.
Big Sur, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Pfeiffer Beach, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, McWay Falls: These are all the places we couldn’t reach due to road closures, but they remain high on our list for a future West Coast adventure!
San Luis Obispo Downtown: A charming city with a mission, historic architecture, and a lively downtown area.

Where to Eat on the Central Coast:

Sea Harvest Fish Market & Restaurant (Monterey): While the interior isn’t the most romantic, the food is exceptional. We opted for takeout and enjoyed our dinner at the hotel. Try the garlic butter tilapia with rice and veggies – absolutely delicious!

Santa Barbara and Malibu, California: Sun-Kissed Beaches & Coastal Vibes

Day 9: This day brought a more relaxed and laid-back pace to our West Coast journey. We made a short, scenic drive to Santa Barbara, where we enjoyed a leisurely stroll along Butterfly Beach. From there, we continued to Malibu, and let me tell you, Malibu weather was unexpectedly hot! I was completely unprepared, and the vest I was wearing came off within the first 30 minutes of being outside. My absolute favorite part of Malibu was El Matador State Beach, with its dramatic sea stacks and caves. We even spotted a music video being filmed and numerous models posing for pictures – it was a lively Saturday! We concluded our day by watching a spectacular sunset at the Santa Monica Pier, serenaded by the many talented street musicians.

Things to Do in Santa Barbara & Malibu:

Santa Monica / Butterfly Beach: Enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery and peaceful atmosphere.
Malibu: Explore this famous coastal city, known for its celebrity homes and stunning beaches.
Neptune’s Net: A classic roadside seafood shack, perfect for a quick picture stop.
El Matador State Beach: Marvel at the dramatic rock formations and sea caves – a photographer’s dream.
Venice Beach: Experience the vibrant and eclectic boardwalk culture.
Santa Monica Pier: Enjoy amusement rides, street performers, and breathtaking sunsets.

Where to Eat in Santa Barbara & Malibu:

The Nautical Bean Coffee House (San Luis Obispo): For breakfast, try their “California Egged” – a delicious bagel with cheese, eggs, tomatoes, onions, and avocado.
Malibu Seafood & Fresh Fish Market: Famous for its fresh seafood, especially their fish and chips!
Komodo: Offers excellent Asian fusion cuisine, including tasty bulgogi burritos, blazin’ shrimp, rice bowls, and their famous kimchi nachos.
Mexican Fruit Salad on Santa Monica Pier: A refreshing and flavorful snack, perfect for a warm day.

Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, California: Glamour & City Exploration

Day 10: Our final day was packed with quintessential Los Angeles and Beverly Hills experiences before we headed back to our hotel in Marina Del Rey. It was a fun but distinctly more urban and fast-paced segment of our West Coast trip, a true dive into vibrant city life.

Things to Do in Beverly Hills & Los Angeles:

Bradbury Building: Admire the beautiful architecture, often called the “Taj Mahal of LA,” known for its stunning ironwork and open cage elevators.
Lake Hollywood Park: Offers an excellent, unobstructed view of the iconic Hollywood Sign.
Walk of Fame: While not entirely my kind of thing, my husband hadn’t seen it, so we made a quick stop to check out the famous stars.
Silver Lake (Heart Stairs): Discover these charming, often overlooked public art installations.
The Bates Motel: If you’re a film buff, you might recognize this iconic set.
Beverly Hills / Rodeo Drive: Experience the epitome of luxury shopping and celebrity spotting.
Greystone Mansion: Explore this magnificent estate. It’s a popular filming location, featured in movies like X-Men, Rush Hour, Spiderman, and even Gilmore Girls!
Griffith Observatory for Sunset: A truly magical experience. Go early if you’re hoping for parking closer to the top; we almost missed the sunset because we weren’t expecting such a huge crowd.

Where to Eat in Beverly Hills & Los Angeles:

Eggslut: A popular spot for gourmet egg sandwiches that are truly worth the hype.
Ricky’s Fish Tacos: I highly recommend the shrimp tacos with their chipotle sauce and pico – incredibly fresh and flavorful.
MILK: Famous for its decadent macaron ice cream sandwiches, made in-house.
Ike’s Place: Known for its fantastic sandwiches. I tried one of their most popular options: chicken with BBQ sauce, honey mustard, and pepper jack cheese on Dutch bread.
The Pie Hole: You absolutely must try the salted caramel pecan pie. We were so sad we only split one slice; we definitely should have gotten two!

On Day 11, we were headed home, but not before a celebrity sighting! We spotted Bryan Cranston (from Breaking Bad) at LAX. We’re probably among the few who had to force ourselves through Season 1 of Breaking Bad – it felt like torture and took us two years, if not longer, to get through. But all our friends kept telling us to stick with it, and it finally happened. We got completely sucked in, too!

And there it is, that last California sunset from our unforgettable West Coast trip. This journey, filled with incredible sights and delicious tastes, has left us with memories to last a lifetime. We hope our detailed itinerary inspires your own adventures along the stunning Pacific Coast!