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2-Day Adventure in California

Viewed by 82 travelers

Day 1: San Francisco Highlights

San Francisco, California, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mama's on Washington Square

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at this popular San Francisco eatery known for its delicious omelets and French toast.
Located at 1701 Stockton Street, easily accessible by car or public transit.
$20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Alcatraz Island

Take a ferry from Pier 33 to Alcatraz Island to explore the infamous former prison.
Ferry departs from Pier 33, a short drive or walk from breakfast location.
$40, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Fisherman's Wharf

Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants in Fisherman's Wharf.
A short walk from Pier 33.
$30, 1 hour

1:30PM

Golden Gate Bridge

Drive or bike across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and take in the stunning views.
Approximately a 20-minute drive from Fisherman's Wharf.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Golden Gate Park

Visit the California Academy of Sciences, Japanese Tea Garden, and Conservatory of Flowers within the park.
A 10-minute drive from the Golden Gate Bridge.
$35 for museum entry, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner in Chinatown

Savor authentic Chinese cuisine at a renowned restaurant in San Francisco's Chinatown.
A 20-minute drive from Golden Gate Park.
$25, 1 hour

7:00PM

Evening Stroll at Embarcadero

Walk along the Embarcadero waterfront and enjoy the city lights.
A 10-minute drive from Chinatown.
Free, 1 hour
Find Hotels in San Francisco

Day 2: Coastal Drive to Monterey and Big Sur

Monterey and Big Sur, California, USA

7:00AM

Breakfast at Tartine Bakery

Grab some pastries and coffee at Tartine Bakery before hitting the road.
Located at 600 Guerrero Street, San Francisco.
$15, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Drive to Monterey

Embark on a scenic 2-hour drive to Monterey via the Pacific Coast Highway.
Follow US-101 S and CA-1 S to Monterey.
Free (fuel cost approx. $20), 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Monterey Bay Aquarium

Explore the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, home to diverse marine life.
Located at 886 Cannery Row, Monterey.
$50, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Cannery Row

Enjoy lunch at one of the charming restaurants along Cannery Row.
A short walk from the aquarium.
$25, 1 hour

2:00PM

17-Mile Drive

Take the scenic 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach, offering picturesque views of the coastline.
Entrance at Pacific Grove Gate, Pebble Beach.
$11.25 per vehicle, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Drive to Big Sur

Continue your journey south to Big Sur, known for its rugged coastline and natural beauty.
Approximately a 1-hour drive from Monterey.
Free (fuel cost approx. $10), 1 hour

4:30PM

Bixby Creek Bridge

Stop at Bixby Creek Bridge for a photo opportunity with one of California's most iconic landmarks.
Located along CA-1 S in Big Sur.
Free, 30 minutes

5:30PM

Dinner at Nepenthe

Dine with a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean at Nepenthe in Big Sur.
Located at 48510 CA-1, Big Sur.
$40, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Drive back to San Francisco

End your day with a scenic drive back to San Francisco.
Approximately a 3-hour drive via US-101 N.
Free (fuel cost approx. $25), 3 hours
Find Hotels in Monterey and Big Sur
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