How Much Does a PCH Road Trip Cost?

By Michael Ferguson

Are you planning a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)? It’s undoubtedly one of the most scenic drives in the world, spanning over 600 miles from San Francisco to San Diego.

However, before embarking on this journey, it’s essential to plan your budget and know how much it will cost. In this article, we’ll break down the expenses involved in a PCH road trip, so you can plan accordingly.

Transportation Costs

The first expense to consider is how you plan to travel along the PCH. The two most popular options are driving your car or renting one.

  • Driving Your Car:
  • If you already own a car and plan to drive it along the PCH, your main expense will be gas. The cost of gas varies depending on your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and current prices. On average, you can expect to spend around $200-$400 on gas for the entire trip.

  • Renting a Car:
  • If you don’t own a car or prefer not to drive your own vehicle, renting a car is an option. The cost of renting a car varies depending on factors such as rental company, type of vehicle, and rental duration. On average, you can expect to spend around $50-$100 per day for a rental car.

Lodging Costs

Another significant expense during your PCH road trip will be lodging costs. The price of accommodation varies widely based on location and type of lodging.

  • Hotels:
  • If you plan on staying in hotels throughout your trip, expect to spend an average of $150-$250 per night.

  • Motels:
  • Motels are cheaper than hotels but offer fewer amenities. Expect to spend an average of $70-$120 per night.

  • Camping:
  • Camping is the cheapest option and offers a unique experience. Expect to spend an average of $20-$50 per night for campsites.

    Food Costs

    The cost of food is another expense to consider during your PCH road trip. Food expenses vary depending on your eating habits and preferences.

    • Restaurants:
    • If you plan on eating at restaurants throughout your trip, expect to spend an average of $20-$50 per meal.

    • Groceries:
    • Buying groceries and cooking your meals is a cheaper option. Expect to spend an average of $50-$100 per week on groceries.

      Activity Costs

      Lastly, there are activity costs to consider during your PCH road trip. These can include entrance fees for parks, museums, and other tourist attractions.

      • Parks:
      • Entrance fees for national parks along the PCH range from $10-$35 per vehicle.

      • Museums/Attractions:
      • Ticket prices for museums and attractions vary widely but expect to spend around $15-$30 per person.

        Total Cost Breakdown

        To summarize, here’s a breakdown of the expected costs for a 10-day PCH road trip:

        • Transportation: $500-$1000
        • Lodging: $1500-$2500
        • Food: $400-$800
        • Activities: $200-$300

        Conclusion

        In conclusion, a PCH road trip can cost anywhere from $2600 to $4600 depending on various factors such as the type of transportation, lodging, food choices, and activities. Planning ahead and budgeting for these expenses will help you enjoy your trip without worrying about overspending.