Destination Expert
for Pismo Beach, Cambria, Big Sur
The quickest route is I-5, but it takes you no where near coastline and leads you into a very congested Southern California. Unfortunately, all roads leading into So Cal will most likely be congested.
The second quickest route is the 280 south to the 85 to the 101 southbound. You'll reach the Pismo Beach area in approx. 4 hours this way. Some lodging options include:
Kon Tiki Inn, Best Western Shelter Cove Lodge, Cottage Inn, Pismo Lighthouse Suites, Dolphin Bay Inn, The Cliffs Hotel. All these are on a bluff overlooking the ocean.
For beach front options: Sea Venture Resort, Sand Castle Inn.
It's 3 hours to LA from Pismo Beach. Not sure of the time frame to San Diego from the LA area. Count on traffic slowing you down through So Cal.
The slowest, but most beautiful route is Highway 1 south from the city through Monterey/Carmel/Big Sur. The reason it's slow is that the highway between Carmel and San Simeon has many hairpin curves, is narrow in several areas and those incredible views that force you off the road to take it all in. SF to Pismo Beach this route can take a minimum of 6 1/2 hours without stops or as long as it takes to get through the stops along the way.
However, you could choose to overnight in the lovely coastal town of Cambria, which is an hour north of Pismo Beach. This quaint town is nestled in pine trees next to the sea and strikes the fancy of many visitors to the coast. Great lodging choices here, as well: Best Western Fireside Inn, Fog Catcher Inn, Pelican Cove Inn, Sand Pebbles Inn, Blue Whale Inn.
Personally, this drive really deserves at least 2 overnights along the coast, the first being Monterey/Carmel/Pacific Grove. This area is absolutely some of California's most gorgeous coastline! The Monterey Bay Aquarium, Point Lobos, Carmel's quaint shopping district and beautiful white sand beach. Plus all the wonderful sights along the Big Sur coast deserves some time.
If you can't make the time for the coastal drive, then the second option is your best option. Pismo Beach is your last coastal option until Santa Barbara, which is about 1 1/2 - 2 hours away.