Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

Ultimate 15-Day California Road Trip Itinerary

Viewed by 459 travelers

Day 1: San Francisco Exploration

San Francisco, California, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mama's on Washington Square

Kickstart your day with a delicious breakfast at this popular spot known for its omelets and French toast.
Located in the North Beach neighborhood, a short walk from many central hotels.
USD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Golden Gate Bridge

Take a leisurely walk or bike ride across this iconic bridge to take in the stunning views of San Francisco Bay.
Drive or bike to the Golden Gate Bridge visitor center.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Alcatraz Island

Embark on a ferry trip to explore the infamous Alcatraz prison, rich in history and intrigue.
Take a ferry from Pier 33.
USD40, 3 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Fisherman's Wharf

Enjoy a seafood lunch at one of the many waterfront restaurants.
A short walk from Pier 33.
USD30, 1 hour

4:00PM

Exploring Pier 39

Visit the shops, watch the sea lions, and enjoy the street performances at this bustling pier.
Within walking distance from Fisherman's Wharf.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Chinatown

Relish a Chinese dinner at one of Chinatown's renowned eateries, like House of Nanking.
A quick Uber or walking distance depending on your pier location.
USD30, 1 hour

8:00PM

Night City View from Twin Peaks

Drive up to Twin Peaks for a panoramic night view of glittering San Francisco.
Drive to Twin Peaks Blvd.
Free, 1 hour
Find Hotels in San Francisco

Day 2: Coastal Drive to Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, California, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tartine Manufactory

Savor pastries and breakfast dishes at this beloved bakery.
Located in the Mission District, central San Francisco.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Santa Cruz via Highway 1

Enjoy one of California's most scenic drives along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Head south on Highway 1. It's about a 1.5-2 hour drive.
Free (excluding gas), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Picnic Basket

Have a casual lunch with fresh, local ingredients near the Santa Cruz beach.
Located near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
USD20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Spend the afternoon enjoying the rides, games, and beach at this classic California boardwalk.
Walk or drive to the Beach Boardwalk depending on your lunch spot.
USD40, 3 hours

5:00PM

Visit Mystery Spot

Experience the strange gravitational anomaly at this popular roadside attraction.
A short drive from the beach.
USD8, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Crow's Nest

Enjoy marina views and seafood dishes at this local favorite.
Located on East Cliff Drive.
USD35, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Santa Cruz

Day 3: Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea

Monterey, California, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Walnut Avenue Café

A tasty local breakfast spot in downtown Santa Cruz.
Situated in downtown Santa Cruz.
USD18, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Monterey

Continue your coastal journey south on Highway 1.
An hour's drive south on Highway 1 from Santa Cruz.
Free (excluding gas), 1 hour

10:30AM

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Discover the incredible marine life of the Monterey Bay at this world-class aquarium.
Located on Cannery Row in Monterey.
USD50, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Old Fisherman's Wharf

Relish fresh seafood and clam chowder with ocean views.
Walk or drive to the Wharf from the aquarium.
USD25, 1 hour

2:30PM

17-Mile Drive

Enjoy the scenic drive through Pebble Beach, featuring views of the stunning coastline and famous Lone Cypress.
Start from Pacific Grove entrance.
USD10.50, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore Carmel-by-the-Sea

Stroll through the charming village with unique shops, art galleries, and beautiful beaches.
A short drive from the end of 17-Mile Drive.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Dametra Cafe

Enjoy hearty Mediterranean fare in a warm, lively atmosphere.
Located in downtown Carmel.
USD30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Monterey

Day 4: Big Sur Adventure

Big Sur, California, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Carmel Belle

Have a fresh, healthy breakfast before your day of adventure.
Situated in the Carmel Plaza.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Big Sur

Experience one of the most picturesque drives in the world as you head down the coast.
Proceed south on Highway 1 from Carmel.
Free (excluding gas), 1 hour

10:30AM

Bixby Creek Bridge

Stop at this iconic bridge for breathtaking views and photo opportunities.
Continue on Highway 1, watch for turnout signage.
Free, 30 minutes

11:30AM

Hiking at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Explore the redwood trails and enjoy the natural beauty.
Drive further south to the state park entrance.
USD10, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Nepenthe

Enjoy food with an incredible view of the coast.
Located directly off Highway 1 in Big Sur.
USD30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Visit McWay Falls and take in the stunning coastal scenery.
A short drive further south on Highway 1.
USD10, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Check-in at Big Sur Lodge

Relax and unwind in your cozy forest accommodation.
Located within Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
Varies, approx. USD250 per night, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Big Sur River Inn

Enjoy a riverside dining experience with local cuisine.
A short drive north from your lodge.
USD35, 1.5 hours

8:30PM

Star Gazing

End your day by observing the magnificent night sky away from city lights.
Anywhere near your lodge with a clear view of the sky.
Free, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Big Sur

Day 5: Paso Robles Wine Country

Paso Robles, California, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Big Sur Bakery

Enjoy homemade pastries and a hot coffee to start your day.
Located just off Highway 1 in Big Sur.
USD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Paso Robles

Head inland through scenic countryside to reach wine country.
Take Highway 1 south then cut inland on Nacimiento-Fergusson Road toward Paso Robles. It's about a 2-2.5 hour drive.
Free (excluding gas), 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Paso Robles Market Walk

Explore various food options in this vibrant community space.
Located in downtown Paso Robles.
USD20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Wine Tasting at Tobin James Cellars

Begin your wine tasting adventure with well-renowned vineyards.
A short drive from downtown Paso Robles.
Varies, USD15 for tasting, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Eberle Winery

Enjoy a tour and tasting in the beautiful surroundings.
Another short drive from Tobin James Cellars.
Varies, USD20 for tasting, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Check-in at Allegretto Vineyard Resort

Settle into your luxurious accommodation in the heart of wine country.
Located in central Paso Robles.
Varies, approx. USD300 per night, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Il Cortile Ristorante

Indulge in fine Italian dining with seasonal, local ingredients.
Situated in downtown Paso Robles.
USD50, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Paso Robles

Day 6: Los Angeles Arrival

Los Angeles, California, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Vicino's Café

Begin your day with delicious breakfast options and gourmet coffee.
Located within walking distance of Allegretto Vineyard Resort.
USD18, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Los Angeles

Head south to the City of Angels, passing by scenic highways and small towns.
Take US-101 South. The drive is approximately 3.5 hours.
Free (excluding gas), 3.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Grand Central Market

Explore diverse culinary options at this bustling downtown food market.
Located in downtown Los Angeles.
USD20, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Check-in at The Hollywood Roosevelt

Stay at this historic hotel located in the heart of Hollywood.
Short drive from downtown LA.
Varies, approx. USD350 per night, 1 hour

4:00PM

Walk of Fame & TCL Chinese Theatre

Stroll along Hollywood Boulevard to see the stars and the famous theatre.
A short walk from your hotel.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Musso & Frank Grill

Dine at this historic Hollywood restaurant known for its classic fare.
Located on Hollywood Boulevard, near the Walk of Fame.
USD40, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Los Angeles

Day 7: Los Angeles Highlights

Los Angeles, California, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at République

Enjoy a French-inspired breakfast in a beautiful setting.
Situated on La Brea Avenue.
USD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

The Getty Center

Explore remarkable art collections and gardens with stunning views of Los Angeles.
Drive to Brentwood, located off the 405 Freeway.
Free (parking USD20), 2.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at In-N-Out Burger

Savor a classic Californian burger experience.
Various locations, choose one en route.
USD10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Griffith Observatory & Park

Enjoy panoramic views of LA and explore the exhibits in the observatory.
Drive to Griffith Park.
Free (parking USD8), 2 hours

4:30PM

Shopping on Rodeo Drive

Walk and shop along the world-famous, luxury-lined shopping street.
Drive to Beverly Hills.
Free (shopping varies), 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Nobu Malibu

Indulge in exquisite sushi with ocean views at this upscale restaurant.
Drive to Malibu.
USD70, 2 hours

8:30PM

Sunset at Malibu Beach

End your day watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
Nearby Nobu Malibu.
Free, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Los Angeles
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

More About california

Trip Packing List: California (Late February — travel dates: 2026-02-27)
Packing List
Trip Packing List: Atascadero, CA — May 24 (1 night, 2 days)
Packing List
California Weather Guide: Coastal Mist to Desert Heat in September
Weather Guide
California Weather & Climate Guide: Seasons & Microclimates
Weather Guide
Top 3 Most Unusual Spots in Mission Viejo, CA
Travel Expert
Top 3 Surprising Must-See Spots in Mission Viejo, CA
Travel Expert
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your california Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go