Touch down at LAX, pick up your car rental and let Highway 1 do the rest. This 3‑day Pacific Coast Highway itinerary balances iconic viewpoints with easy driving days, smart parking tips, and flexible stops you can tailor to your pace with Hola Car Rentals’ All‑Inclusive+ rates.
Day 1 — LAX to Santa Barbara & Pismo Beach (95–180 miles)
Exit the airport and follow the coast toward Malibu for your first ocean pull‑offs. Stop for coffee in Santa Monica, then continue to Oxnard’s scenic stretches before reaching Santa Barbara’s Mission‑style downtown. If you’re traveling as a couple, a mid‑size is perfect; families can reserve a roomy minivan at LAX. Aim to end in Pismo Beach for walkable pier sunsets and relaxed seafood spots.
Day 2 — Pismo to Big Sur’s Highlights
Leave early for the most photogenic stretch. Hearst Castle turnouts, elephant seals at Piedras Blancas, then the cliffs begin. Classic stops include Ragged Point, McWay Falls and Bixby Bridge—space out stops and never block traffic when pulling over. If fog rolls in, embrace it; Big Sur is moody and beautiful in all conditions. For extra traction on winding grades, many travelers prefer an SUV rental at LAX with higher seating for views. Overnight in San Simeon, Cambria, or Carmel depending on your pace.
Day 3 — Carmel, Monterey & Return Options
Stroll Carmel‑by‑the‑Sea in the morning and loop through Monterey’s Cannery Row and Pacific Grove’s shoreline. On the drive back, you can retrace Highway 1 south for more viewpoints or return inland via US‑101 for quicker miles. If you’d rather swap drivers and bags with ease, choose a major brand with efficient counters like Hertz at LAX or Enterprise at LAX. Both are easily booked through Hola Car Rentals.
Practical PCH tips that save time
- Fuel & food: Prices rise in Big Sur; top up in Cambria, San Luis Obispo, or Monterey.
- Parking: Use signed turnouts—never park on the fog line. Popular stops fill by late morning.
- Navigation: Download offline maps; cell service is patchy between Ragged Point and Bixby Bridge.
- Packing: Layers for microclimates; the marine layer can drop temps fast.
Prefer British phrasing? If you’re comparing car hire options near LAX, Hola Car Rentals shows transparent totals with no hidden fees.
Why book with Hola Car Rentals for your PCH trip
- Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pick‑up.
- All‑Inclusive+ Rate with maximum coverage for peace of mind.
- No additional fees—save up to 60% vs. on‑site rates.
- Free travel insurance up to US$150,000 on selected itineraries.
Ready to roll from the runway? Reserve your vehicle with Hola Car Rentals now and enjoy easy pick‑up, clear pricing, and local‑savvy support from start to finish.
How long will you drive each day?
Plan on 2–4 hours of wheel time daily, depending on how many scenic pull‑offs you choose. The magic of Highway 1 is in the spacing: give yourself permission to stop often, walk a bluff path, and simply listen to the surf. If rain or rock‑work slows the road, shift a stop into the next day—there’s no wrong pace on the PCH.
Good food stops you can count on
Santa Barbara’s State Street, San Luis Obispo’s compact center, and Cambria’s Moonstone Drive all offer easy parking and quick eats. Carry snacks in a small cooler; coastal distances between services can be longer than they look on the map. If you’re traveling with kids, a spacious cargo area is invaluable—another reason many families choose a Budget at LAX for this route.
What to pack in the trunk
- Windbreaker and warm layer for blustery overlooks.
- Comfortable shoes for short boardwalks and stairs to coves.
- Reusable water bottles; refill whenever you stop for fuel.
- A small flashlight or phone light for late twilight returns.
When you book through Hola Car Rentals, totals are clear and coverage is easy to choose. You’ll also find major brands in one place—perfect if you prefer loyalty programs.
