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California Dreamin' Road Trip
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California Dreamin' Road Trip
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Day 1: City Vibes
San Francisco, USA
8:00AM
Breakfast at Tartine Bakery
Start your day with delectable pastries and coffee at this iconic bakery in the Mission District.
Tartine Bakery, 600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, CA 94110
$10, 1 hour
10:00AM
Explore Fisherman's Wharf
Stroll along the waterfront, visit Pier 39 to see sea lions, and grab some clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl.
Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, CA 94133
Free, 2 hours
1:00PM
Lunch at Swan Oyster Depot
Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch at this classic oyster bar known for its delicious crab and shrimp cocktails.
Swan Oyster Depot, 1517 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
$30, 1 hour
3:00PM
Golden Gate Park
Spend the afternoon in the park exploring gardens, museums, and the iconic Japanese Tea Garden.
Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94122
Free, 3 hours
7:00PM
Dinner at Foreign Cinema
End the day with a unique dining experience featuring California-Mediterranean cuisine and outdoor film screenings.
Foreign Cinema, 2534 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
$50, 2 hours
Find Hotels in San Francisco
Day 2: Coastal Beauty
Monterey & Big Sur, USA
9:00AM
Breakfast at Loulou's Griddle in the Middle
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at this waterfront diner known for its delicious pancakes and ocean views.
Loulou's Griddle in the Middle, 8 Old Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey, CA 93940
$15, 1 hour
11:00AM
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Discover the wonders of the ocean at this world-renowned aquarium, home to a variety of marine life.
Monterey Bay Aquarium, 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940
$50, 3 hours
2:00PM
Drive along Big Sur Coastline
Embark on a scenic drive along Highway 1 through the rugged cliffs, forests, and beaches of Big Sur.
Big Sur Coastline, Highway 1, Big Sur, CA
Free, 4 hours
7:00PM
Dinner at Nepenthe Restaurant
Enjoy dinner with breathtaking ocean views at this iconic restaurant perched on the cliffs of Big Sur.
Nepenthe, 48510 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920
$40, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Monterey & Big Sur
Day 3: Spanish Flair
Santa Barbara, USA
8:00AM
Breakfast at Jeannine's Restaurant & Bakery
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at this charming bakery known for its pastries and omelettes.
Jeannine's, 1253 Coast Village Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93108
$20, 1 hour
10:00AM
Explore Stearns Wharf
Take a leisurely stroll on the wharf, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy coastal views of Santa Barbara.
Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Free, 2 hours
1:00PM
Lunch at La Super-Rica Taqueria
Indulge in authentic Mexican cuisine at this local favorite known for its delicious tacos and tamales.
La Super-Rica Taqueria, 622 N Milpas St, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
$15, 1 hour
3:00PM
Visit Old Mission Santa Barbara
Explore the historic Spanish mission with beautiful architecture, gardens, and cultural exhibits.
Old Mission Santa Barbara, 2201 Laguna St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
$10, 2 hours
7:00PM
Dinner at The Lark
Experience a farm-to-table dining experience featuring seasonal Californian cuisine in a trendy setting.
The Lark, 131 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
$60, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Santa Barbara
Day 4: City of Angels
Los Angeles, USA
9:00AM
Breakfast at Republique
Start your day with a French-inspired breakfast at this popular bakery and cafe in LA.
Republique, 624 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
$20, 1 hour
11:00AM
Explore Griffith Observatory
Enjoy panoramic views of the city from this iconic observatory and learn about space and science.
Griffith Observatory, 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Free, 2 hours
1:00PM
Lunch at Grand Central Market
Satisfy your cravings with diverse food options at this historic indoor market in downtown LA.
Grand Central Market, 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013
$15, 1 hour
3:00PM
Walk of Fame & Hollywood Sign
Stroll along the Walk of Fame to find your favorite stars, then head to Griffith Park for a view of the iconic Hollywood sign.
Hollywood Walk of Fame, Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Free, 2 hours
7:00PM
Dinner at Bestia
Treat yourself to Italian cuisine with a modern twist at this trendy restaurant in the Arts District.
Bestia, 2121 7th Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90021
$70, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Los Angeles
Day 5: Sun, Sand & Sea
San Diego, USA
10:00AM
Visit La Jolla Cove
Explore the picturesque cove, watch sea lions bask in the sun, and perhaps go snorkeling or kayaking.
La Jolla Cove, San Diego, CA 92037
Free, 2 hours
1:00PM
Lunch at George's at the Cove
Indulge in a gourmet meal with stunning ocean views at this renowned restaurant overlooking the Pacific.
George's at the Cove, 1250 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037
$50, 1 hour
3:00PM
Explore Balboa Park
Immerse yourself in culture and nature at this urban park featuring museums, gardens, and performing arts venues.
Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101
Free, 3 hours
7:00PM
Dinner at Ironside Fish & Oyster
Savor fresh seafood in a stylish setting at this seafood-centric restaurant in the historic Little Italy neighborhood.
Ironside Fish & Oyster, 1654 India St, San Diego, CA 92101
$60, 2 hours
Find Hotels in San Diego
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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)
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California Weather Guide: Coastal Mist to Desert Heat in September
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California Weather & Climate Guide: Seasons & Microclimates
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Top 3 Most Unusual Spots in Mission Viejo, CA
Travel Expert
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Travel Expert
Itinerary created by
Plantrip Team
July 7, 2024
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