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Ultimate 14-Day San Francisco Road Trip Itinerary

Viewed by 137 travelers

Day 1: Explore San Francisco

San Francisco, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mama’s on Washington Square

Start your day with a delicious brunch featuring their famous French toast.
Short walk from nearby accommodations or take a ride-sharing service.
USD20, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Alcatraz Island

A ferry ride will take you to the infamous former prison where you can tour its historic site.
Catch the ferry from Pier 33.
USD40, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf

Savor clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl while enjoying waterfront views.
Walk along the waterfront from the ferry terminal.
USD15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Golden Gate Park

Stroll through the vast park, visiting the Japanese Tea Garden and California Academy of Sciences.
Drive or take public transport to the park entrance.
USD35, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Hillstone

Enjoy a hearty meal with their renowned prime rib or fresh sushi options.
A short drive from the park.
USD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Wine Tasting in Napa Valley

Napa Valley, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Model Bakery

Try their English muffin which has been voted the best in America.
Drive about 1.5 hours from San Francisco.
USD15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Wine Tasting at Domaine Carneros

Enjoy exquisite sparkling wines while soaking in the beautiful vineyard views.
Drive 20 minutes from Model Bakery.
USD35, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Oxbow Public Market

Choose from various eateries offering fresh local produce and culinary delights.
About a 15-minute drive from the vineyard.
USD25, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Castello di Amorosa

Explore this authentically-styled Italian castle winery and sample their selection of wines.
Drive 30 minutes to Calistoga.
USD40, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Brix restaurant

Dine on seasonal fare with a picturesque vineyard view as a backdrop.
5-minute drive from the winery.
USD70, 2 hours
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Day 3: Explore Sonoma

Sonoma, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Basque Boulangerie Café

Enjoy a flaky pastry and a cup of coffee to kick-start your day.
Drive 1 hour from Napa Valley.
USD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Wine Tasting at Bartholomew Park Winery

Relax and taste some of the best wines in a serene vineyard setting.
A 15-minute drive from the café.
USD30, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Sonoma Plaza

Wander around the historic plaza, visiting local shops and the Sonoma Mission.
5-minute drive from the winery.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Girl & The Fig

Indulge in a seasonal menu featuring French country cooking and local ingredients.
Quick walk from the plaza.
USD40, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Sonoma Coast State Park

Take a scenic drive towards the coast and enjoy the stunning views at the park.
About a 30-minute drive.
USD10, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The BBQ Exchange

Savor mouthwatering BBQ delights in a casual atmosphere.
Around a 30-minute drive back into town.
USD25, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Scenic Nature at Muir Woods

Muir Woods, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pinecrest Diner

Start your day with a classic American breakfast in nearby Mill Valley.
20-minute drive from Sonoma.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Muir Woods National Monument

Take a stroll among the towering redwoods in this serene national park.
A 10-minute drive to the park entrance.
USD15, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Pelican Inn

Delight in English-style pub fare just a short drive from the park.
A 10-minute drive to Muir Beach.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Point Reyes National Seashore

Drive to this stunning coastal park and walk along its beautiful trails.
About a 30-minute drive.
Free, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Point Reyes Station

Grab a fresh seafood dinner at historic dining spots overlooking the bay.
Several options in the Point Reyes Station area.
USD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Adventure in Point Reyes

Point Reyes, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Station House Café

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before your day's adventures.
Local café in Point Reyes Station.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Point Reyes Lighthouse

Take a scenic drive and walk to the lighthouse for breathtaking ocean views.
20-minute drive to the lighthouse.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Tomales Bay Oyster Company

Feast on fresh oysters while gazing at the bay.
A 15-minute drive from the lighthouse.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Kayaking on Tomales Bay

Paddle through a serene landscape and keep an eye out for sea otters.
Nearby rental location for kayaks.
USD50, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Marshall Store

Enjoy a great selection of clam chowder and BBQ on the bay.
A short 10-minute drive.
USD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Beach Time in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Picnic Basket

Indulge in local, seasonal specialties to fuel up for the day.
Drive 1.5 hours from Point Reyes.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Enjoy a lively morning at this famous amusement park.
Just a short drive from breakfast.
Free, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Crow’s Nest

Dine with stunning ocean views and a menu featuring fresh seafood.
5-minute drive to the harbor.
USD30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Relax at Natural Bridges State Beach

Spend your afternoon soaking up the sun and exploring rock formations.
Drive 10 minutes from the restaurant.
Free, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Shadowbrook Restaurant

Experience a unique dining experience with their scenic dining setting.
A 15-minute drive from the beach.
USD50, 2 hours
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Day 7: Explore Monterey

Monterey, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at First Awakenings

Get energized with a large breakfast portion of pancakes or omelets.
Drive 45 minutes from Santa Cruz.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Monterey Bay Aquarium

Discover incredible marine life and exhibits at this world-renowned aquarium.
Quick drive to Cannery Row.
USD50, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cannery Row

Choose from various restaurants for a waterfront dining experience.
Stroll down Cannery Row.
USD25, 1 hour

2:30PM

Stroll along 17-Mile Drive

Take in breathtaking coastal views of ocean and golf courses.
Drive about 20 minutes.
USD10, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Sardine Factory

Enjoy an upscale dining experience featuring fresh seafood dishes.
A 10-minute drive back to Cannery Row.
USD75, 2 hours
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Day 8: Big Sur Adventure

Big Sur, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Big Sur River Inn

Relax with a hearty breakfast surrounded by stunning mountain views.
Drive about 30 minutes from Monterey.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Hike among ancient redwoods and enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery.
Drive about 20 minutes to the park.
USD10, 2 hours

12:00PM

Picnic Lunch at Pfeiffer Beach

Bring a packed lunch to enjoy at a picturesque beach setting.
A quick drive back from the park.
USD15, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit McWay Falls

Witness the stunning waterfall that cascades onto the beach from the cliffs.
About 30 minutes further down the coast.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at Nepenthe

Indulge in fresh farm-to-table cuisine with incredible ocean views.
Located less than 15 minutes from McWay Falls.
USD50, 2 hours
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Day 9: Charming Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Carmel Belle

Enjoy a locally-sourced breakfast with plenty of healthy options.
Drive about 30 minutes from Big Sur.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Take time to enjoy the scenic trails and wildlife in this coastal paradise.
A 15-minute drive from breakfast.
USD10, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at La Bicyclette

Indulge in a rustic French inspired menu with delicious pizzas.
A short drive back into Carmel.
USD30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Carmel Beach

Stroll along the stunningly beautiful beach and take in the coastal atmosphere.
Walking distance from lunch.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at Casanova

Enjoy exquisite dining in a cozy atmosphere with a European flair.
A short walk from Carmel Beach.
USD60, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Day 10: Return to San Francisco

Half Moon Bay, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Half Moon Bay Bakery

Start your day with artisan pastries and fresh coffee.
Drive about 1.5 hours from Carmel-by-the-Sea.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Half Moon Bay State Beach

Relax on this beautiful stretch of beach and take in the ocean views.
A short drive from the bakery.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Sam’s Chowder House

Indulge in a delicious lobster roll while overlooking the ocean.
Nearby the beach.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

Explore tide pools and learn about marine life in this coastal reserve.
10-minute drive from lunch.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at The Conservatory

Enjoy creative dishes with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
A 15-minute drive back to Half Moon Bay.
USD40, 1.5 hours
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Day 11: Discover San Jose

San Jose, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bill's Cafe

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before a day of exploring.
Drive about 30 minutes from Half Moon Bay.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore the Tech Museum of Innovation

Discover interactive exhibits and learn about technology in this hands-on museum.
Drive downtown to the museum.
USD25, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Original Joe's

Taste classic Italian-American cuisine that this restaurant has been known for decades.
Walk from the museum.
USD20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the San Jose Museum of Art

Explore outstanding exhibitions of modern and contemporary art.
A quick walk from lunch.
USD15, 2 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at The Cedar Room

End the day with upscale global cuisine and luxurious dining experience.
Short drive from the art museum.
USD60, 2 hours
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Day 12: Return to San Francisco

San Francisco, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Zazie

Start your day with brunch at a cozy bistro known for its French-inspired dishes.
Drive from San Jose, about 1 hour.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Twin Peaks

Enjoy panoramic views of the city from this iconic lookout point.
A short drive from breakfast.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Haight-Ashbury District

Delve into the heart of the 1960s counterculture with shops and vintage stores.
Drive 10 minutes from Twin Peaks.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Entre Nous Bistro

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at this lovely French bistro.
Drive back to the Haight-Ashbury area.
USD25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Exploratorium

Engage with hundreds of interactive science exhibits at this hands-on museum.
Drive about 20 minutes.
USD30, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Foreign Cinema

End your day with a cinematic dining experience with an eclectic menu.
A 15-minute drive from the museum.
USD50, 2 hours
Find Hotels in San Francisco

Day 13: Charming Sausalito

Sausalito, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sausalito Bakery & Cafe

Start with fresh pastries and the delightful view of the harbor.
Drive about 30 minutes from San Francisco.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Marin Headlands

Take the scenic route to enjoy stunning coastal viewpoints.
A 15-minute drive from breakfast.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Spinnaker

Enjoy gorgeous views of San Francisco while dining on fresh seafood.
A 10-minute drive to the restaurant.
USD40, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Bay Model Visitor Center

Discover the workings of the San Francisco Bay in this fascinating exhibit.
A short drive from lunch.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Dinner at The Fennel

Savor a delightful sunset dinner in a chic atmosphere.
Drive back to Sausalito.
USD50, 2 hours
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Day 14: Home Sweet Home

San Francisco, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Slanted Door

Bask in the last day with a delicious breakfast featuring modern Vietnamese dishes.
Drive back to San Francisco.
USD30, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Golden Gate Bridge

Conclude your trip with a visit to this iconic landmark, taking memorable photos.
A short drive or bike ride from breakfast.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Park Chalet

Enjoy a delicious meal while enjoying views of the ocean and the park.
Drive to the nearby restaurant.
USD35, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Relive Memories at Lombard Street

Take a stroll along the famously crooked street as you reminisce about your journey.
Drive back to the city.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Outdoor Terrace

Savor a final gourmet meal in an outdoor setting, honoring your adventure-filled trip.
A 15-minute drive.
USD100, 1.5 hours
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