Call me partial, but I think my home state of California is one of the greatest places in the world. I’m always thrilled to get a chance to be back home stateside to explore the Golden State.
During my latest adventure home, I decided to go for a good old-fashioned American road trip. Hitting the open road, I explored my fave California coast road trip destinations on an extended tour.
From living it up in the big city to unplugging at beach campsites, the California coastline offers an impressive diversity that few places on the planet can compare to.
Ready to feel the wind in your hair? Here’s my 10-day California coast road trip itinerary.
Day 1-2: San Francisco
I have had so many incredible trips to San Francisco, but this summer I got the chance to see the famous Golden Gate Bridge on its 81st birthday! Every time I visit the bay I love it even more.
Another site I never get tired of is the Painted Ladies. You can’t see these adorable houses without dreaming about living a quaint little life in one of these gorgeous Victorian and Edwardian homes.
Of course, in San Francisco, it’s all about the coastline. If you’re an SF newbie, make a beeline for Pier 39.
Full of one of a kind souvenirs, local eats, and beautiful views, this is a must-do. From there, take your time walking down to Fisherman’s Wharf.
This is the place for ultra-fresh seafood and breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.
As you are walking away from Fisherman’s Wharf, you’ll run into Ghirardelli Square. This former chocolate factory is now filled with restaurants and shops. And, yes, you can still get mouthwatering local chocolate there!
If you have time, you could easily spend more days here exploring all that SF has to offer.
Day 3: Drive from SF to Big Sur
Take the US 101-South for 3 hours
The trip from San Francisco to Monterey is just under two hours, and, in this case, the journey is just as incredible as the destination.
Start early to get to Pebble Beach. From here, you can explore the famous 17-Mile Drive for some of the most beautiful landscapes in the United States. Be sure to check out the iconic Lone Cypress at Pebble Beach!
Another stunning little spot, Carmel-by-the-Sea, is full of historic sites, boutiques, and fairytale cottages. Plan at least a quick stop here to explore.
Finally, once you get into Monterey, head over to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. This impressive place will offer you a window into local marine life. Before you hop back in the car, take a stroll down Cannery Row to experience the heart of Monterey.
From Monterey to Big Sur, it’s only about an hour drive. I’d recommend staying in Big Sur overnight so that you can start early there.
Day 4: Big Sur
On my trip to Big Sur, I had a magical stay at Ventana Big Sur, and it was the perfect place to start the day. Camping and hiking around Big Sur’s California State Parks is a must.
Gorgeous places like Limekiln Beach State Park, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, and Andrew Molera State Park will take your breath away. With dramatic cliffs towering over the ocean and sparkling waterfalls, you’ll fall in love at first sight with this place.
Before you go, grab a coffee and snack at Big Sur Bakery to get fuel for a long day out.
Tip: Before you arrive at Big Sur, check out the Esalen Institute to look at their program options. They’ve also got a 6,000-year-old cliff-side hot spring that you’ve got to experience.
After a long day of exploring, stop at the Big Sur Taphouse. This taphouse is an excellent spot to try creative local cuisine and craft beers.
It’s a grocery store as well, so it’s a handy place to pop in before you head out for a picnic. When night falls, visit the Henry Miller Library for an evening concert or movie screening; they’ve always got a full calendar.
Day 5: Drive from Big Sur to Paso Robles
Take the US 101-S for 3 hours
As you leave Big Sur, stop by the beautiful McWay Falls (?) in McWay Creek at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park to snap some pics.
After a couple more hours on the road, you’ll come by Hearst Castle, which is a striking spot to get out and stretch your legs. This National Historic Landmark was the illustrious mansion of William Randolph Hearst, and it’s crazy beautiful.
Not far from Hearst Castle, Piedras Blancas is a must see. Lie out with the elephant seals sunning themselves and snapshots of the Piedras Blancas Light Station.
WARNING: Highway 1 is currently under construction, so the highway doesn’t connect south of Big Sur. You will have to go back up through Monterey, then south on Highway 101.
Day 6: Wine Tasting in Paso Robles
Famous for its wineries and olive groves, you need at least one full day to experience all of the incredible wines of Paso Robles.
We sipped our way through Venteux Vineyards and Family Wines, both of which are family-owned and specialize in incredible Rhône varietals, then we went over to Brecon Estate, an artisanal boutique winery with a range of varietals like Syrah, Petit Verdot, Albarino, and Mourvedre.
Day 7: Paso Robles to San Luis Obispo
After getting our fill of wine, we started the day with a trip to Pismo Beach, which is famous for its Monarch Butterfly Grove that is filled with butterflies from late October through February (though it’s worth visiting at any time of year).
Another jaw-droppingly photogenic stop is the volcanic mound at Morrow Bay. This is the perfect pit stop for getting out to enjoy the sun and natural beauty on your way to San Luis Obispo.
No trip to San Luis Obispo is complete without a stay at the Madonna Inn. I’ve been to this place a few times now, and am head over heels for its glam vintage vibe.
Day 8: San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara
Take the CA-154 E/San Marcos Pass Rd to the US-101 S for 1.5 hours
On your way down to Santa Barbara, stop in California’s Little Denmark (AKA Solvang). This quaint European style town will transport you to the other side of the world. Wander around with your camera, then stop by one of their many wine tasting rooms.
Once we arrived in Santa Barbara, we stayed in one of my fave areas, The Funk Zone, at the Hotel Californian. This well-appointed Spanish Colonial property is in the heart of it all so you can do and see as much as possible in Santa Barbara.
Day 9: Santa Barbara to Los Angeles
You can’t go through So Cal without hitting the beach! I adore Venice Beach, and you could easily spend a weekend exploring this cool town, but you can also hit the main spots in just a quick stroll down the beach.
After exploring Venice, see Santa Monica. The best way to take a quick tour through town is to get out and stretch your legs with a bike trip along the coast.
Finally, end your day in West Hollywood. I have a love hate relationship with WeHo and, while the traffic gets crazy, it’s a fairly walkable area so you can explore or take short Uber rides to get where you want to go.
Day 10: Los Angeles
One day is hardly enough to see all of LA, but you can hit the best of the best. Of course, it all starts with a hike up to the Hollywood sign!
Once you’ve worked up a sweat, get down to Melrose Street for an afternoon stroll and incredible food. To get a full retail fix, stop by Abbot Kinney Blvd to experience the home of the “coolest block in America.”
If you happen to be there during the first Friday of the month, come hungry for an impressive lineup of food trucks.
After exploring the city, transport yourself to another world at the Griffith Observatory, then make your way down to Malibu to get off of your feet for a while to unwind after a whirlwind road trip.
Trip Additions
If you have more time, I’d highly recommend staying longer in LA to see more of this incredible city. I’d also recommend checking out Orange County, to experience Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, and Disneyland.
San Diego is another one of my favorite places on the planet, and it’s the best city for gorgeous beaches, beautiful botanical gardens, and second-to-none Mexican Food!
It’s well worth getting into the desert too if you have time. Joshua Tree has an otherworldly beauty, and it’s perfect for hiking, picnics, and experiencing an authentic pioneer town.
Finally, consider adding a luxe retreat in Palm Springs to just chill by the pool, treat yourself to a spa, and go shopping for the perfect souvenir.
Shop my favorite California looks!
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