Overview
This 7-day California coastal road trip covers 500+ miles of America's most scenic highway from San Francisco's urban sophistication to Los Angeles's entertainment capital. The Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) winds through diverse landscapes including redwood forests, dramatic cliffs, beach towns, and wine regions.
Summer offers optimal weather conditions with clear skies and calm seas, though increased traffic and accommodation costs. Spring and fall provide excellent alternatives with fewer crowds, pleasant temperatures, and stunning seasonal changes in coastal vegetation.
Each day balances driving time with exploration, allowing for spontaneous stops at viewpoints, beaches, and local attractions. The itinerary emphasizes flexibility over rigid scheduling, encouraging discovery of hidden gems along one of the world's great scenic drives.
Day 1: San Francisco Departure to Monterey
Morning: San Francisco Final Exploration
Begin with early breakfast in North Beach at Mama's on Washington Square, famous for its fresh orange juice and omelets. Pack picnic supplies from local markets for coastal stops ahead.
Cross the Golden Gate Bridge around 9am to avoid traffic and secure optimal lighting for photos. Stop at Battery Spencer viewpoint for classic bridge photography with San Francisco skyline background.
Afternoon: Highway 1 Introduction and Half Moon Bay
Route: Highway 101 south to Highway 1 coastal route (45 minutes to Half Moon Bay)
Half Moon Bay provides introduction to California coastal culture with pumpkin farms, artichokes fields, and surf beaches. Visit Maverick's Beach (famous for big wave surfing) and browse downtown's antique shops and cafes.
Lunch stop: Half Moon Bay Brewing Company for craft beer and coastal cuisine with ocean views.
Late Afternoon: Santa Cruz Beach Culture
Continue south on Highway 1 (30 minutes) to Santa Cruz, California's classic beach town combining university culture with surf lifestyle. Walk the historic boardwalk featuring vintage wooden roller coaster and carnival atmosphere.
Activities: Beach volleyball, surfboard rental, or pier fishing. The Municipal Wharf offers fresh seafood and harbor seal viewing.
Evening: Arrival in Monterey
Complete the drive to Monterey (45 minutes) for evening arrival and dinner. Monterey combines maritime history with contemporary attractions, providing perfect road trip base.
Accommodation: Historic hotels on Cannery Row or budget-friendly motels near Fisherman's Wharf. Book oceanview rooms for morning whale watching opportunities.
Dinner: Fresh seafood at Fisherman's Wharf or Cannery Row restaurants. Try local sand dabs, Dungeness crab, or clam chowder in sourdough bowls.
Day 2: Monterey Peninsula Exploration
Morning: Monterey Bay Aquarium
Details:
- Opening: 10am-5pm daily
- Cost: $50 adults, $45 seniors, $30 children
- Time needed: 3-4 hours
- Location: Cannery Row
- Note: Advance tickets recommended, especially weekends
World-renowned aquarium showcases Monterey Bay marine life through innovative exhibits. The kelp forest tank, jellyfish displays, and open sea wing provide comprehensive ocean education.
Highlights: Feeding times for sea otters, sharks, and penguins. The two-story kelp forest creates immersive underwater experiences.
Afternoon: 17-Mile Drive Scenic Tour
Details:
- Cost: $11.25 per vehicle entrance fee
- Time needed: 2-4 hours with stops
- Route: Private toll road through Pebble Beach and Carmel
- Note: Multiple entrance gates, map provided
This private scenic drive passes mansion estates, championship golf courses, and dramatic coastline including the famous Lone Cypress tree. Bird Rock and Seal Point provide wildlife viewing opportunities.
Photo stops: Lone Cypress, Bird Rock seal colonies, Pebble Beach Golf Links, China Rock viewpoint.
Evening: Carmel-by-the-Sea Village
End the day in fairy-tale village of Carmel with storybook cottages, art galleries, and white sand beach. The town's unique character includes no street addresses and prohibition on high heels (unenforced ordinance).
Activities: Gallery browsing, beach walking, wine tasting rooms. Carmel Mission provides historical context and beautiful architecture.
Dinner: Casanova Restaurant for European cuisine in romantic courtyard setting, or La Bicyclette for French bistro atmosphere.
Day 3: Big Sur Coastal Drama
Morning: Early Big Sur Entry
Route: Highway 1 south from Carmel (immediate Big Sur access)
Begin Big Sur exploration early to maximize daylight for this spectacular but slow driving segment. The 90-mile Big Sur coast requires 3-4 hours of careful driving with frequent photo stops.
First major stop: Point Sur Historic Park featuring lighthouse tours (weekends only) and dramatic headland views.
Afternoon: McWay Falls and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Details:
- Opening: 8am-sunset
- Cost: $10 per vehicle day use fee
- Time needed: 1-2 hours
- Location: 37 miles south of Carmel
- Note: Short walk to waterfall viewpoint
McWay Falls drops 80 feet directly onto pristine beach, creating one of California's most photographed scenes. The viewpoint offers perfect picnic locations with dramatic coastal panoramas.
Additional stops: Nepenthe Restaurant for lunch with aerial coastline views, Hearst Castle glimpse from highway.
Evening: San Simeon or Cambria
Accommodation options:
- San Simeon: Budget motels near Hearst Castle, basic but adequate
- Cambria: Charming village with boutique inns and better dining options
Hearst Castle consideration: If interested in touring, book advance tickets for tomorrow morning. The opulent mansion requires half-day commitment but provides unique California historical experience.
Day 4: Central Coast Wine Country
Morning: Hearst Castle or Coastal Exploration
Option A - Hearst Castle Tour:
- Cost: $25-100 depending on tour selection
- Time needed: 2-4 hours
- Advance booking: Essential, especially summer months
Option B - Morro Bay Exploration: Continue to Morro Bay (30 minutes) for kayaking, tide pool exploration, and the iconic Morro Rock volcanic formation.
Afternoon: Paso Robles Wine Region
Route: Highway 101 inland to wine country (1 hour from coast)
Paso Robles offers over 200 wineries producing diverse varietals in warm, dry climate. The region specializes in Rhône-style wines and provides more affordable tastings than Napa Valley.
Recommended wineries: Tablas Creek (Rhône specialists), Daou Vineyards (mountain estate), Justin Vineyard (Bordeaux styles). Most charge $15-25 for tastings.
Evening: San Luis Obispo
Route: Continue south to San Luis Obispo (30 minutes from Paso Robles)
University town combining college energy with California Mission history. The downtown area offers walkable dining and nightlife options with local music venues and craft breweries.
Activities: Thursday night farmers market (if timing works), Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa exploration, Bubblegum Alley quirky attraction.
Day 5: Central Coast to Santa Barbara
Morning: Pismo Beach Sand Dunes
Route: Highway 101 south to Pismo Beach (30 minutes)
Pismo Beach State Park features expansive sand dunes popular for ATV riding, horseback riding, and beachcombing. The area also offers clam digging opportunities (license required) and classic California beach culture.
Activities: Beach driving (4WD vehicles), dune exploration, Pismo Pier fishing and walking.
Afternoon: Danish Village of Solvang
Route: Inland via Highway 154 through Santa Ynez Valley (1.5 hours)
This touristy but charming Danish-themed town offers wine tasting, authentic bakeries, and unique California cultural experience. The Santa Ynez Valley surroundings produce excellent Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Activities: Windmill tours, Danish bakery pastries, local winery visits. The area's wine scene rivals more famous regions at friendlier prices.
Evening: Santa Barbara Arrival
Route: Continue to Santa Barbara coast (45 minutes)
Santa Barbara combines Mediterranean climate, Spanish Colonial architecture, and sophisticated cultural amenities. The American Riviera offers excellent dining, wine bars, and oceanfront accommodations.
Accommodation: State Street area for walkable downtown access, or beachfront hotels for ocean experiences.
Day 6: Santa Barbara Relaxation and Exploration
Morning: Santa Barbara Waterfront
Start with breakfast at Scarlett Begonia or Helena Avenue Bakery, then explore Stearns Wharf for harbor seal viewing and local shops.
Beach activities: East Beach offers volleyball courts, bike rentals, and calm swimming conditions. The harbor area provides kayak rentals and whale watching tour options.
Afternoon: Wine Tasting in Santa Ynez Valley
Alternative 1: Return to Santa Ynez Valley for focused wine tasting at previously missed wineries. The region's reputation grows annually with exceptional cool-climate wines.
Alternative 2: Urban Funk Zone exploration featuring tasting rooms, breweries, and local art galleries in converted warehouse district.
Late Afternoon: Santa Barbara Mission and Architecture
Mission Santa Barbara Details:
- Opening: 9am-4:15pm daily
- Cost: $15 adults, $13 seniors/students
- Time needed: 1-2 hours
- Location: Upper State Street area
- Note: Self-guided tours available
Known as "Queen of the Missions" for its twin bell towers and beautiful gardens. The active parish church maintains historical significance while serving contemporary community.
Evening: State Street Dining and Entertainment
Santa Barbara's main street offers diverse dining from casual to fine dining, craft cocktail bars, and live music venues. The walkable downtown encourages exploration and spontaneous discoveries.
Day 7: Santa Barbara to Los Angeles
Morning: Coastal Route Decision
Route Option A - Fast Inland (Highway 101): Direct 2-hour drive to Los Angeles Route Option B - Scenic Coastal (Highway 1): 4-5 hour drive via Malibu beaches
Scenic Coastal Route Highlights
Carpinteria: "World's Safest Beach" with calm swimming and seal rookery Ventura: Historic downtown and harbor with Channel Islands National Park gateway Oxnard: Strawberry fields and working agricultural landscapes Malibu: Celebrity beach communities, Surfrider Beach, Getty Villa museum option
Alternative Inland Attractions
Ojai: Spiritual retreat town with healing spas and artistic community (45-minute detour) Los Olivos: Wine tasting town featured in movie "Sideways" (requires backtracking)
Los Angeles Arrival Strategy
Traffic timing: Arrive before 2pm or after 7pm to avoid worst traffic conditions Neighborhood selection:
- Santa Monica: Beach access, walkable dining and entertainment
- West Hollywood: Central to attractions, nightlife, restaurants
- Beverly Hills: Luxury shopping, upscale dining, celebrity spotting
- Hollywood: Tourist attractions, Walk of Fame, theme park access
Final Day Activities (if time permits)
Venice Beach: Eclectic boardwalk culture, street performers, muscle beach Santa Monica Pier: Classic amusement park, aquarium, pier restaurants Sunset Strip: Music venues, rooftop bars, classic Los Angeles nightlife
Road Trip Logistics and Planning
Vehicle Requirements
Rental car recommendations: Convertible for scenic experience, SUV for comfort and storage, hybrid for fuel efficiency Insurance considerations: Full coverage recommended for coastal driving conditions International drivers: International Driving Permit required with home country license
Accommodation Booking Strategy
Advance planning: Book Monterey, Big Sur area, and Santa Barbara accommodations early, especially summer months Flexibility options: Leave Los Angeles accommodation flexible for spontaneous route changes Budget considerations: Coast accommodations premium priced, inland alternatives often available
Packing Essentials
Climate preparation: Layers for temperature variations, especially Big Sur fog and coastal wind Beach gear: Swimwear, sunscreen, beach towels for multiple beach stops Emergency supplies: First aid kit, phone chargers, paper maps as GPS backup
Budget Planning
Fuel costs: $200-300 for entire trip depending on vehicle efficiency and gas prices Accommodation: $150-400 per night varying by location and season Dining: $50-150 per day depending on restaurant choices vs picnicking Activities and attractions: $100-200 total for major paid attractions Total estimated budget: $1,500-3,000 for two people over 7 days
Safety and Driving Tips
Highway 1 conditions: Check Caltrans website for closures, construction, or weather impacts Big Sur cautions: Limited cell service, narrow winding roads, frequent fog conditions Parking awareness: Popular viewpoints fill quickly; arrive early for best spots Wildlife precautions: Watch for deer, especially dawn and dusk driving
USD amounts are approximate for comparison.
Ready for your California coastal adventure?
- Rental Cars: Book convertibles and SUVs
- Coastal Accommodations: Find oceanview hotels along the route
- Activities and Tours: Book wine tastings and coastal experiences
- Road Trip Insurance: Protect your coastal journey