Iconic Seaside Panoramic Road

Take the Iconic Seaside Panoramic Road trip and experience the best of the US coast. Starting in Santa Cruz and ending in Lucia, the 174km drive will take you through some of the most stunning coastal towns in the US. From Monterey, a stunning seaside city full of attractions, to Carmel by the Sea, a charming village full of boutique stores and art galleries, to Big Sur, one of the most beautiful places in America, this road trip will leave you with lasting memories. The best time to take this road trip is from May to October, when the days are long and the weather is warm. As you drive, you'll be treated to stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, pristine beaches, and breathtaking landscapes. The road is in excellent condition, making it suitable for all drivers. Although this road trip can be enjoyed on a budget, it is best experienced with a higher budget to ensure a higher level of experience. So, get ready to take the Iconic Seaside Panoramic Road trip and experience the US coast like never before.

Santa Cruz, located in California, United States, is the perfect starting point to the Iconic Seaside Panoramic Road. This city is renowned for its beautiful beaches, redwood forests and its vibrant downtown. The most iconic sights in Santa Cruz include the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a seaside amusement park with roller coasters and carnival games, Natural Bridges State Beach, a beach known for its natural bridge formations, and the University of California Santa Cruz, a public research university with a stunning redwood campus. For those who travel by air, the closest international airport is the San Francisco International Airport (IATA: SFO), which offers car rentals. Santa Cruz is also home to a variety of restaurants, art galleries, and entertainment venues, making it the perfect place to start the Iconic Seaside Panoramic Road. Visitors can explore the city’s colorful murals, visit its historic sites, and find souvenirs from its vibrant shops. Whatever the reason for your visit, Santa Cruz is sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience.

Are you ready for an incredible road trip from Santa Cruz to Monterey? You will travel 45 miles and it will take you less than one hour. Along the way, you will be captivated by the beautiful landscapes and the historical sites. Make sure to take some pictures to remember this amazing journey. On your way to Monterey, you will drive along the breathtakingly beautiful California coastline. From Santa Cruz, you will pass through Moss Landing, a beautiful fishing village. You will also drive by Elkhorn Slough, a great place to watch the wildlife and take in the stunning views. Once you reach Monterey, you will be able to explore the Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Both of these places are a must-see. You will also be able to enjoy the amazing restaurants, the great shops, and the wonderful beaches. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!

Start your road trip in Monterey, California and explore the wonders of the central coast! Your first stop is Pebble Beach, just 12 miles away and a drive of fewer than 1 hour. Here you can explore the iconic 17-Mile Drive, a scenic loop that offers stunning views of the Pacific coastline. Along the way, you can stop at the iconic Lone Cypress tree, which has been standing alone on the rocky shoreline since the 1880s. You can also visit the Spanish Bay, a beautiful beach with a picturesque pier and plenty of activities to enjoy. After Pebble Beach, it's time to drive to Carmel-by-the-Sea. This enchanting village is known for its art galleries, boutique shops, and historic architecture. You can explore the charming streets and take in the breathtaking views of the coastline. You can also visit the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, where you can see a variety of wildlife, including sea lions, seals, and sea otters. Of course, you can also relax on the beach and watch the waves crash against the shore. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the Itinerary of this stage.

Let's start the adventure with a 26mi road trip from Carmel by the Sea to Big Sur! Get ready to be mesmerized by the stunning landscapes of the Pacific Coast Highway. The driving time is fewer than 1 hours, and you can take a break at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Don't forget to visit the historical Point Sur Lighthouse, built in 1889, and the Garrapata State Park with its redwood groves and rugged coastline. As you arrive in Big Sur, you can explore the iconic Bixby Bridge, the highest single-span concrete bridge in the world, and the Andrew Molera State Park with its trails and secluded beaches. You can also visit the McWay Falls, a beautiful 80ft waterfall which flows directly into the ocean. To get the most out of this stage, more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, let's hit the road and enjoy this amazing journey!

Welcome Road-Trippers! Get ready for an unforgettable journey from Big Sur to Lucia! This 26mi stretch of breathtaking coastal views and majestic redwood forests is one of the most beautiful routes in the United States. It will take you fewer than 1 hours to drive this route, so make sure to take your time and enjoy the views. Big Sur is the perfect spot to start your journey. It offers many attractions such as the Bixby Bridge, Andrew Molera State Park, and the McWay Falls. You can also take a walk along the beach or explore the trails. When you reach Lucia, you can enjoy the amazing views of the Pacific Ocean, the rocky coastline, and the rolling hills. The Point Sur Lighthouse is a must-see, as well as the Pfeiffer Beach and the Limekiln State Park. This is only one of the stages of your journey, but you can find more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, get ready for an adventure and enjoy your trip from Big Sur to Lucia!

Lucia, situated in the United States, is the perfect destination to end the Iconic Seaside Panoramic Road trip. The town is full of fascinating attractions, from the striking natural beauty of the coastline to the vibrant culture of the downtown area. The sea view from the pier is breathtaking and the beach is perfect for a relaxed afternoon of sunbathing and swimming. The downtown area of Lucia is full of interesting attractions and activities. Visit the local art museum to explore the work of some of the area's most talented artists or take a stroll through the historic district and enjoy the unique architecture of the past. There are plenty of shops and restaurants, offering something to suit all tastes. For those travelling by car, the Iconic Seaside Panoramic Road trip ends in Lucia. The closest international airport is the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) which is approximately an hour away by car. Lucia is the perfect destination to end the Iconic Seaside Panoramic Road trip. Enjoy the beautiful scenery, experience the vibrant culture, and explore the variety of attractions the town has to offer.

We hope that our itinerary idea gave you numerous inspirations for your future travels.
It is a ready-made option that can be conveniently developed into a complete journey – you can do virtually anything you’d like.
If travelling by car is your plan when exploring highlights around California, there are a number of essential traffic regulations to follow and a number of things to keep in mind to make your road trip smooth and safe. These tips will surely become useful for drivers who opt for hiring a vehicle or camper rental in California.
There are a number of road regulations to be followed while driving around California. Alcohol is best to be avoided at any price while moving in a car around California. Travellers should remember that the allowed level of alcohol in blood is extremely low and amounts to only 0.5‰. Exceeding the maximum speed limit, which is 40km/h, when driving around the build-up areas may lead to a speeding fine. Around rural areas, travellers can travel at the maximum speed of 72km/h. Avoid driving faster than the maximum car speed of 129km/h when travelling on motorways. Having a fire extinguisher and first aid kit in your car and driving with your headlights on at daytime increase the safety of your passengers.
One of the decisive factors when scheduling an itinerary is costs. Depending on the budget option of your choice, the total expenses during the whole road trip will vary. A wide range of budget possibilities is presented below.
If you go for the budget option, you need to pay the maximum of 25 EUR for fuel to cover the planned 174km across California. Economy accommodation options may cost holidayers around 77 EUR. Holidaymakers should also take into consideration the fact that they will spend approximately 72 EUR for food and restaurants in this option. The cheapest car rental option will also cost around 45 EUR. Thus, the estimated cost of the whole trip will amount to 174 EUR if you are interested in the option without car rental and 219 EUR if you will hire a car.
When it comes to the standard offer, you have to spend the maximum of 25 EUR to cover the planned stages of the road trip. Cost amounting to 121 EUR can be expected by all travellers who are considering standard overnight stays. Tourists can expect that the standard option in terms of food and restaurants will cost around 108 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the trip in a standard hire car should expect a cost of approximately 54 EUR. The whole estimated cost of the tour is 321 EUR with car rental and 267 EUR without a hire vehicle.
The highest level of comfort of the premium option will live up to the expectations of the most demanding tourists. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total approximately 470 EUR for drivers who are considering vehicle hire and 267 EUR for those who will not be renting. Travellers who want to cover the trip in a premium hire car should expect a cost of more or less 90 EUR. When it comes to the premium configuration of the adventure, you should expect the average cost of more or less 38 EUR when it comes to fuel. Holidaymakers who are considering top services in all aspects of their itinerary should expect to pay approximately 144 EUR for restaurants and food and roughly 198 EUR for overnight stays.
Iconic Seaside Panoramic Road is also an excellent opportunity for all camper enthusiasts. If you choose this mode of transport, it costs approximately 225 EUR. Travellers will spend around 50 EUR on gasoline allowing to cover all stages of the Iconic Seaside Panoramic Road. Camper lovers should expect to pay approximately 72 EUR for expenses connected with food and about 55 EUR for overnight stays.
The section Road Trip Costs presents all the presented costs in detail.
If you like Iconic Seaside Panoramic Road, there are plenty of picturesque road trips on our website. We hope that the great variety of road trips will definitely cater to the needs of the most demanding holidayers.