How many days do you need in San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA?

This itinerary covers 7 days in San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA?

Plan your perfect 7 days trip to San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

California Dream Road Trip

Day 1: San Francisco Exploration

San Francisco, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tartine Bakery

Start your day with delicious pastries and coffee at Tartine Bakery in the Mission District.

$, 1 hour

10:00AM

Golden Gate Bridge

Walk or bike across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge for stunning views of the city and the bay.

$, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Fisherman's Wharf

Enjoy a seafood lunch at one of the many restaurants at Fisherman's Wharf.

$$, 2 hours

4:00PM

Alcatraz Island Tour

Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island for a fascinating audio tour of the infamous former prison.

$$, 3 hours

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Day 2: Monterey Bay Adventure

Monterey, CA

8:00AM

Drive to Monterey

Embark on a scenic drive down the Pacific Coast Highway to reach Monterey, enjoying breathtaking ocean views along the way.

$$, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Cannery Row

Have lunch at one of the restaurants on Cannery Row overlooking the beautiful Monterey Bay.

$, 2 hours

3:00PM

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Hike along the trails of Point Lobos to discover stunning coastal landscapes and wildlife.

$, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner in Big Sur

Enjoy a scenic dinner in Big Sur, surrounded by the beauty of the rugged coastline.

$$, 3 hours

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Day 3: Exploring Big Sur

Big Sur, CA

9:00AM

Breakfast at Big Sur Bakery

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the charming Big Sur Bakery.

$, 1 hour

11:00AM

McWay Falls Hike

Take a hike to McWay Falls to see the stunning waterfall cascading onto the beach below.

$, 2 hours

1:00PM

Picnic at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the redwoods in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.

$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Bixby Creek Bridge

Stop at the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge for photos of this architectural marvel against the backdrop of the ocean.

$, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner in Cambria

Enjoy a seafood dinner in the quaint town of Cambria, known for its artistic community.

$$, 3 hours

Find Hotels in Big Sur

Day 4: Wine Tasting in Paso Robles

Paso Robles, CA

9:00AM

Drive to Paso Robles

Embark on a scenic drive to Paso Robles, known for its vineyards and wineries.

$$, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Vineyard

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the vineyards in Paso Robles, pairing local wines with farm-to-table cuisine.

$$, 2 hours

4:00PM

Hearst Castle Tour

Explore the opulent Hearst Castle, a historic mansion with stunning architecture and gardens.

$$, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner in Santa Barbara

Indulge in a gourmet dinner in the vibrant dining scene of Santa Barbara, known for its fresh seafood and local wines.

$$, 3 hours

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Day 5: Santa Barbara Relaxation

Santa Barbara, CA

9:00AM

Breakfast at Jeannine's Restaurant & Bakery

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Jeannine's, known for their fresh pastries and cozy ambiance.

$, 1 hour

11:00AM

Stearns Wharf

Explore Stearns Wharf, California's oldest working wharf, lined with shops, restaurants, and beautiful ocean views.

$, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Boathouse at Hendry's Beach

Enjoy a beachfront lunch at The Boathouse, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

$, 2 hours

4:00PM

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

Stroll through the beautiful Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, showcasing native plants in a tranquil setting.

$, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner in Los Angeles

Dine at a trendy restaurant in Los Angeles to experience the city's diverse culinary scene.

$$, 3 hours

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Day 6: Los Angeles Exploration

Los Angeles, CA

9:00AM

Visit Griffith Observatory

Start your day with a visit to Griffith Observatory for panoramic views of the city and the iconic Hollywood Sign.

$, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Grand Central Market

Have lunch at Grand Central Market, a foodie paradise offering a variety of international cuisines.

$, 2 hours

3:00PM

The Broad Museum

Explore contemporary art at The Broad Museum, home to a renowned collection of modern artworks.

$, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner in San Diego

Enjoy a dinner in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter, known for its vibrant nightlife and dining scene.

$$, 3 hours

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Day 7: San Diego Finale

San Diego, CA

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Cottage La Jolla

Indulge in a delicious breakfast at The Cottage in La Jolla, known for its cozy atmosphere and fresh dishes.

$, 2 hours

12:00PM

Balboa Park

Explore the cultural oasis of Balboa Park, home to museums, gardens, and the famous San Diego Zoo.

$, 3 hours

3:00PM

Little Italy

Stroll through the charming streets of Little Italy, filled with cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops.

$, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Gaslamp Quarter

End your road trip with a dinner in San Diego's lively Gaslamp Quarter, sampling local cuisine and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.

$$, 3 hours

Find Hotels in San Diego

Step 1 Outline Preview:

California Dream Road Trip

Day 1: San Francisco Exploration

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

4:00PM

Day 2: Monterey Bay Adventure

8:00AM

12:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 3: Exploring Big Sur

9:00AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 4: Wine Tasting in Paso Robles

9:00AM

1:00PM

4:00PM

7:00PM

Day 5: Santa Barbara Relaxation

9:00AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

4:00PM

7:00PM

Day 6: Los Angeles Exploration

9:00AM

12:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 7: San Diego Finale

9:00AM

12:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

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