7-Day California Road Trip Exploring Nature

Day 1: Golden Gate Beauty

San Francisco, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tartine Bakery

Start your day with delicious pastries and coffee at Tartine Bakery while enjoying views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Head to 600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, CA 94110.
$20, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Muir Woods National Monument

Drive across the Golden Gate Bridge to Muir Woods to hike among towering redwoods and experience the tranquility of nature.
Drive approximately 40 minutes northwest of San Francisco.
$15, 2-3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pelican Inn

Enjoy a traditional English pub lunch at Pelican Inn in Muir Beach with hearty sandwiches and fish & chips.
Travel to 10 Pacific Way, Muir Beach, CA 94965.
$25, 1 hour

3:00PM

Drive to Big Sur

Embark on a scenic drive south along the Pacific Coast Highway to reach the breathtaking cliffs and landscapes of Big Sur.
Drive approximately 2.5 hours to Big Sur.
Gasoline cost, 3-4 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Nepenthe

Savor a meal at Nepenthe restaurant overlooking the ocean and enjoy stunning sunset views from high atop the cliffs.
Visit 48510 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920 for dinner.
$50, 2 hours
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Day 2: Coastal Charm

Cambria, California

9:00AM

Breakfast at Linn's Restaurant

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Linn's Restaurant featuring local produce and delicious baked goods.
Head to 2277 Main St, Cambria, CA 93428.
$15, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Hearst Castle

Explore the opulent Hearst Castle, a historic landmark with stunning architecture and gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Drive to 750 Hearst Castle Rd, San Simeon, CA 93452.
$25, 2-3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Robins Restaurant

Enjoy lunch at Robins Restaurant in Cambria for a relaxing meal with fresh seafood and ocean views.
Go to 4095 Burton Dr, Cambria, CA 93428.
$20, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Moonstone Beach

Stroll along the scenic Moonstone Beach boardwalk, collect colorful stones, and enjoy the beauty of this coastal gem.
Head to Moonstone Beach, Cambria, CA 93428.
Free, 1-2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Sea Chest Restaurant

Indulge in a delicious seafood dinner at Sea Chest Restaurant known for its fresh catches and cozy atmosphere.
Dine at 6216 Moonstone Beach Dr, Cambria, CA 93428.
$40, 2 hours
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Day 3: Spanish Influence

Santa Barbara, California

9:00AM

Breakfast at Jeannine's Restaurant & Bakery

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Jeannine's featuring fresh pastries, omelets, and specialty coffees.
Head to 1253 Coast Village Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93108.
$20, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Old Mission Santa Barbara

Visit the historic Old Mission Santa Barbara, known as the 'Queen of the Missions,' for its beautiful architecture and gardens.
Drive to 2201 Laguna St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105.
$10, 1-2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at La Super-Rica Taqueria

Satisfy your appetite with authentic Mexican cuisine at La Super-Rica Taqueria, a local favorite known for its delicious tacos.
Go to 622 N Milpas St, Santa Barbara, CA 93103.
$15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Stearns Wharf

Walk along Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara's historic pier, to enjoy stunning ocean views, shops, and fresh sea air.
Head to 217 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.
Free, 1-2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Lark

Experience modern Californian cuisine at The Lark, a popular restaurant in Santa Barbara known for its innovative dishes.
Dine at 131 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.
$50, 2 hours
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Day 4: Beach Vibes

Malibu, California

9:00AM

Breakfast at Malibu Farm

Start your day with a healthy and refreshing breakfast at Malibu Farm, located on the pier with organic and locally sourced ingredients.
Head to 23000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265.
$20, 1 hour

11:00AM

Relax at Zuma Beach

Spend the morning relaxing on the sandy shores of Zuma Beach, known for its clean waters and picturesque setting.
Drive to 30000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265.
Free, 2-3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Paradise Cove Beach Cafe

Enjoy a beachfront lunch at Paradise Cove Beach Cafe, a scenic spot with delicious seafood and cocktails right by the ocean.
Go to 28128 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265.
$30, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Point Dume State Beach

Hike to the iconic Point Dume for panoramic views of the Malibu coastline and the chance to spot dolphins and whales in the distance.
Drive to Cliffside Dr, Malibu, CA 90265 for the trailhead.
Parking fee, 1-2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Nobu Malibu

Indulge in a gourmet dining experience at Nobu Malibu, a renowned restaurant serving upscale Japanese cuisine with stunning ocean views.
Dine at 22706 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265.
$100, 2 hours
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Day 5: Desert Exploration

Joshua Tree National Park, California

9:00AM

Breakfast at Crossroads Cafe

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Crossroads Cafe in Joshua Tree town before heading into the park for exploration.
Visit 61715 Twentynine Palms Hwy, Joshua Tree, CA 92252.
$15, 1 hour

11:00AM

Hiking at Hidden Valley Trail

Embark on a hike at Hidden Valley Trail to discover hidden rock formations, Joshua trees, and enjoy the desert landscape.
Drive to Hidden Valley Picnic Area, Joshua Tree National Park, CA 92277.
Park entrance fee, 2-3 hours

1:00PM

Picnic Lunch at Barker Dam

Enjoy a picnic lunch at the scenic Barker Dam area amidst Joshua trees and wildlife before continuing your exploration.
Drive to Barker Dam Parking Lot, Joshua Tree National Park, CA 92252.
Food cost, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Cholla Cactus Garden

Stroll through the unique Cholla Cactus Garden and marvel at the dense congregation of these famous cacti glowing in the sunlight.
Drive to Cholla Cactus Garden, Joshua Tree National Park, CA 92277.
Park entrance fee, 1-2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Pappy & Harriet's

Dine at the iconic Pappy & Harriet's in Pioneertown for delicious BBQ, live music, and a taste of the local desert culture.
Visit 53688 Pioneertown Rd, Pioneertown, CA 92268 for dinner and entertainment.
$30, 2 hours
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Day 6: Sunny SoCal

San Diego, California

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Cottage

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at The Cottage in La Jolla, known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious morning fare.
Head to 7702 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037.
$25, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore La Jolla Cove

Discover the marine wonders at La Jolla Cove by snorkeling, kayaking, or simply admiring the seals and sea lions basking in the sun.
Drive to 1100 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037.
Free, 2-3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at George's at the Cove

Enjoy a scenic lunch at George's at the Cove, a renowned restaurant with panoramic views of the ocean and delectable coastal cuisine.
Dine at 1250 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037.
$40, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Balboa Park

Explore the cultural oasis of Balboa Park, home to museums, gardens, and Spanish Colonial Revival architecture in the heart of San Diego.
Go to 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101.
$20, 2-3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Little Italy

Dine at the vibrant Little Italy district of San Diego, known for its diverse eateries offering delicious Italian and global cuisine.
Explore various dining options along India St, San Diego, CA 92101.
$50, 2 hours
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Day 7: Beach Bliss

San Diego, California

9:00AM

Breakfast at Caroline's Seaside Cafe

Enjoy breakfast at Caroline's Seaside Cafe with stunning ocean views and a menu featuring fresh, local ingredients in La Jolla.
Head to 8610 Kennel Way, La Jolla, CA 92037.
$20, 1 hour

11:00AM

Relax at Mission Beach

Spend the morning at lively Mission Beach, where you can sunbathe, swim, and enjoy the classic boardwalk filled with shops and eateries.
Travel to Mission Beach, San Diego, CA 92109.
Free, 2-3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at World Famous

Enjoy a casual beachfront lunch at World Famous restaurant in Pacific Beach with ocean views and fresh seafood dishes.
Dine at 711 Pacific Beach Dr, San Diego, CA 92109.
$30, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Explore the rugged landscapes and coastal views at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, perfect for a hike or a leisurely walk.
Drive to 12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037.
$15, 1-2 hours

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at CUCINA urbana

Savor a farewell dinner at CUCINA urbana, an Italian kitchen and wine shop offering a contemporary dining experience in Bankers Hill.
Dine at 505 Laurel St, San Diego, CA 92101.
$60, 2 hours
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