We are planning an 5 day road trip down the PCH in June and will be starting around Coos Bay, Oregon and heading south to Big Sur. I would hate to miss any great places along the way. I'm a little concerned about where to stay in the San Francisco area. I would prefer to wake up and still have my bike where I left it..lol Thanks for your suggestions.

 

Butler maps
Madmaps
Go South bound at least to San Simeon. Been to any of Hearst's castle tours? There's 5 of 'em.
I'd say ride at least to Pismo Beach. (Might not be a good idea to ride on the sand though.)

You might want to ride "Avenue of the Giants" too.

EDIT~ 1 post every other year? I guess I don't expect you to see this then...

 

South on PCH there are many things to see, made the trip coming home from Washington last July, great coast line, the Avenue of Giants is awesome on a summer's day, especially if the traffic isn't too bad. During the summer PCH is a very hard drive due to traffic, slow going on a large portion. Make sure you have reservations for your stops or you will continue until you find one..I was lucky, only had to ride on further than I wanted once.

 

Stay overnight north of golden gate bridge. Some small communities on 101. free safe parking, reasonable rates.
Recommend 2 nights in Monterey Peninsula. Fisherman Wharf, whale watchimg boat trip, Cannery Row, Carmel Point Lobos State Park, Pacific Grove Ocean View Blvd, Nepenthe in Big Sur. Carmel Mission Rsnch for dinner (owned by Clint Eadtwood). Nice hotels near Munraz Ave. puts you near downtown and walk to Wharf.

20 miles before Monterey on Hwy 1- Moss Landing Phils Fish Market for lunch. Castroville Giant Artichoke deep fried artichoke hearts.

 

A portion of PCH is closed due to a mud slide, they aren't planning to reopen until sometime on 2018. Check your road conditions.

 

When you get to SLO stop at the Madonna Inn. If nothing else go use the john,it will be a story you will remember! if you can afford it stay there, it's an amazing place!

 

http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/display.php?page=sr1

 

Wife and I love Sausalito. If you don't mind spending some $ the Gables Inn is very nice and quaint. Private parking. Great views of SF and the GG Bridge from Sausalito. Great restaurants on the water. Stay there a few nights, and take the ferry to SF for exploring.

But also, most of the larger hotels in SF have secure underground parking.

 

I appreciate all of the input from everyone. Looking like we will only get as far south as Big Sur. My brother in law is now going to take some more days off so we should be able to hit the coast beginning in Washington.

 

My wife has demanded whale watching so we will catch that in Monterey. I appreciate all of the suggestions. I hadn't figured on having to make reservations along the coast so that is a good piece of info.