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6-Day Classic California Coast Road Trip: San Francisco → Monterey → Big Sur → Santa Barbara → Los Angeles

Viewed by 245 travelers

Day 1: San Francisco Stroll

San Francisco, USA on November 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tartine Bakery

Classic San Francisco bakery known for fresh bread and pastries — perfect to fuel a morning of sightseeing; check opening hours (usually early morning).
USD8, 45m

9:00am

Golden Gate Bridge viewpoint (Battery Spencer)

Iconic bridge views and photo stops; the bridge and viewpoints are open 24/7 but weather/visibility vary so check forecasts before you go.
USD0, 1h0m

11:00am

Fisherman's Wharf & Pier 39

Lively waterfront with shops, sea lions and casual seafood; great place for a walk and street performances, check attraction opening times as some shops open around 10am.
USD0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Boudin Bakery (clam chowder in sourdough bowl)

Classic San Francisco clam chowder and sourdough experience at a long-standing waterfront spot; busy midday—expect lines and check hours.
USD20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Chinatown walking loop

Explore the oldest Chinatown in North America for tea shops, markets and murals — short guided or self-guided walk provides culture and history.
USD0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Cable car ride (Powell–Hyde or Powell–Mason)

Historic cable car ride for classic city views; runs roughly early morning to late evening—buy a ticket or use pass and check schedules.
USD8, 30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Scoma's (Fisherman's Wharf)

Reputed seafood restaurant on the waterfront for classic San Francisco seafood dinners; dinner service typically starts early evening—reserve if possible.
USD45, 1h30m

Day 2: Alcatraz & Drive South

San Francisco → Monterey/Carmel-by-the-Sea, USA on November 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Mama’s on Washington Square

Popular breakfast spot for omelettes and classics; opens early but queues form—arrive early or check opening times.
USD15, 45m

9:00am

Alcatraz Island tour (ferry + audio tour)

Historic prison island with excellent audio tour; tickets are timed and sell out—book in advance and confirm ferry departure times.
USD45, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ferry Building Marketplace

Varied artisan vendors and seafood options by the Embarcadero — ideal for a quick, high-quality lunch; check vendor opening hours (many open ~10am).
USD20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Drive to Monterey via US-101 and CA-156/CA-1

Scenic ~2–2.5 hour drive (without long stops) down the peninsula to Monterey; plan for coastal detours and check traffic for drive-time accuracy.
USD0, 2h30m

5:00pm

Stroll Cannery Row

Historic waterfront district with shops and eateries — pleasant evening stroll and sunset views over Monterey Bay.
USD0, 45m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Sardine Factory (Monterey)

Well-known seafood and historic restaurant on Cannery Row; reservations recommended and check seasonal hours.
USD45, 1h30m

Day 3: 17-Mile Drive & Big Sur

Monterey/Carmel → Big Sur, USA on November 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Carmel Bakery

Casual bakery in Carmel serving coffee and pastries — a quick local start before the scenic drive; check opening time (typically morning).
USD12, 30m

9:00am

17-Mile Drive (Pebble Beach)

Iconic scenic coastal drive with viewpoints like Lone Cypress; the drive has a timed entry fee—check current toll and hours (usually dawn to dusk).
USD11.25, 1h30m

11:00am

Drive down Pacific Coast Highway to Big Sur (stops at Bixby Creek Bridge)

Spectacular cliffside highway and photo stop at Bixby Creek Bridge; pullouts have limited parking so plan short stops and check road conditions.
USD0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Nepenthe (Big Sur)

Restaurant with sweeping coastal views and a local institution — good midday stop, opens around late morning/early afternoon; verify current hours.
USD25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park hike or Pfeiffer Beach visit

Short trails through redwoods or a dramatic purple-sand beach; state parks usually have day-use fees and limited parking—check seasonal access and hours.
USD10, 1h30m

4:30pm

McWay Falls (Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park viewpoint)

Famous 80-foot waterfall dropping directly onto a cove — easy viewpoint access from a short walk; park access may be limited after dusk so plan timing.
USD0, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Big Sur Roadhouse

Comfortable dinner spot with regional cuisine ideal after a day of coastal driving; check seasonal opening times for dinner service.
USD35, 1h30m

Day 4: Hearst Castle & Coast

Big Sur → San Simeon → Santa Barbara, USA on November 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Big Sur Bakery

Popular morning spot for pastries and coffee before heading south; check opening hours as they can vary seasonally.
USD15, 45m

10:00am

Hearst Castle tour (San Simeon)

Lavish hilltop estate with guided tours — timed-entry tickets are required and tours operate on a schedule (often from morning into afternoon) so book in advance and confirm times.
USD25, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch in Cambria (downtown)

Charming small-town lunch options and cafes — relaxed stop before continuing to Santa Barbara.
USD20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Drive to Santa Barbara (coastal/southern route)

Coastal drive of ~2.5–3 hours depending on stops and traffic; enjoy seaside scenery and plan rest stops en route.
USD0, 3h0m

6:00pm

Explore Santa Barbara Funk Zone / State Street

Trendy art, wine-tasting rooms and restaurants in the Funk Zone with pedestrian-friendly streets along State Street; check individual business hours.
USD0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Lark (Santa Barbara)

Farm-driven restaurant in the Funk Zone offering seasonal plates — popular for dinner, so reservations are recommended.
USD50, 1h30m

Day 5: Malibu & LA Highlights

Santa Barbara → Los Angeles, USA on November 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Dawn Patrol (Santa Barbara)

Casual breakfast tacos and coffee to start the day before the drive south; check opening times as some cafés open early.
USD12, 30m

9:30am

Drive down the coast, stop at Zuma Beach (Malibu)

Beautiful broad beach popular for walking and surf-watching; public parking and facilities vary—check local parking rules and beach hours.
USD0, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Malibu Farm Pier Cafe

Fresh, locally-sourced menu on the Malibu Pier with ocean views — popular midday spot so expect a wait on weekends; verify seasonal hours.
USD30, 1h0m

2:30pm

The Getty Center (Los Angeles)

World-class art museum with gardens and panoramic city views; admission is free but parking is paid and the museum is closed certain days—check current hours and reserve entry if required.
USD20, 2h0m

5:30pm

Griffith Observatory & Griffith Park (evening visit)

Great sunset-to-night views of the city and the Hollywood sign; observatory hours vary (often midday to late evening) so confirm hours and any planetarium show times.
USD0, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Musso & Frank Grill (Hollywood)

Historic Hollywood steakhouse and iconic Los Angeles dining experience; dinner is classic and atmospheric — reservations recommended.
USD40, 1h30m

Day 6: Santa Monica & Venice

Los Angeles, USA on November 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Urth Caffé (Santa Monica)

Popular healthy café with coffee and brunch fare right by the beach — a relaxed start to a beach day; check opening hours.
USD15, 45m

9:30am

Santa Monica Pier & Third Street Promenade

Classic pier rides, street performers and beachfront shopping; pier open all day but rides/arcades have specific hours—verify before you go.
USD0, 1h30m

11:30am

Stroll Venice Beach Boardwalk and Abbot Kinney (shops)

Eclectic street performers, skate park and indie boutiques on Abbot Kinney — lively area for people-watching and shopping; shop hours vary.
USD0, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Gjusta (Venice)

Highly regarded bakery/deli with wood‑fired breads and diverse small plates — expect a queue at peak times; check opening hours.
USD25, 1h0m

3:00pm

The Broad (downtown LA) or Grand Central Market visit

The Broad offers contemporary art (free entry with reservation) while Grand Central Market is great for a late snack and local vendors; confirm Broad reservation slots and opening days ahead of visit.
USD0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Final dinner or departure — Grand Central Market / nearby restaurant

Finish with an easy dinner near your departure hub; Grand Central Market has many options and is open into the evening — check vendor hours for late service.
USD25, 1h0m
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