Ultimate 9-Day California Road Trip: Los Angeles to San Francisco via Big Sur and Yosemite

Day 1: Los Angeles Exploration

Los Angeles, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Griddle Cafe

Start your day at The Griddle Cafe, known for their oversized pancakes and a vibrant atmosphere.
Drive to Santa Barbara via US-101 N.
USD20, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Hollywood

Visit iconic sites like the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Griffith Observatory for stunning views.
Drive around iconic Hollywood locations.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at In-N-Out Burger

Grab a classic California burger experience at this beloved fast-food joint.
Continue northwards to Santa Barbara.
USD12, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Santa Barbara

Wander around Stearns Wharf and the Santa Barbara Mission, soaking in the coastal charm.
Walk around downtown Santa Barbara.
Free, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Boathouse at Hendry's Beach

Enjoy a delightful dinner with ocean views at this beachfront restaurant.
End the day relaxing by the beach.
USD50, 2 hours
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Day 2: Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo

Santa Barbara, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Jeannine's Restaurant & Bakery

Indulge in a delicious breakfast with fresh pastries before hitting the road.
Drive to San Luis Obispo via US-101 N.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Hearst Castle

Tour the opulent grounds of Hearst Castle in nearby San Simeon.
Drive towards San Simeon.
USD40, 2 hours (including tour time)

12:30PM

Lunch at The Spoon Trade

Enjoy fresh, local fare in a relaxed tavern atmosphere.
Continue on to San Luis Obispo.
USD25, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Downtown San Luis Obispo

Check out the famous Bubblegum Alley and unique local shops.
Walk around the downtown area.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Luna Red

Relish a diverse menu sourced from local ingredients with a vibrant patio setting.
Enjoy after-dinner exploration in downtown.
USD40, 2 hours
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Day 3: Big Sur Adventure

San Luis Obispo, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sally Loo’s Wholesome Cafe

Fuel up with hearty breakfast options at this local favourite.
Begin the drive along the Pacific Coast Highway to Big Sur.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Stop at Morro Bay

Take photos and stretch your legs at the scenic beach and iconic Morro Rock.
Continue on PCH.
Free, 1 hour

11:30AM

Lunch at Nepenthe

Enjoy a meal with breathtaking views over the canyon and ocean.
Drive to Big Sur Area.
USD35, 1 hour

1:00PM

Hike a Trail at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Experience the stunning hiking trails and redwood forests of Big Sur.
Follow signs to hiking trails.
USD10, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Big Sur River Inn

Dine beside the river with a menu that focuses on fresh, local flavours.
Relax at the inn.
USD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: San Francisco Excursion

Big Sur, USA

7:00AM

Breakfast at Big Sur Bakery

Start your day with artisanal pastries and great coffee at this popular spot.
Drive to San Francisco via PCH.
USD20, 2.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Golden Gate Bridge

Stop and take in the iconic views from the Golden Gate Bridge lookout.
Drive and park at the viewpoint.
Free, 1 hour

11:30AM

Lunch at Pier 39

Enjoy delicious seafood at one of the bustling eateries on Pier 39.
Continue along the waterfront to Pier 39.
USD30, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Explore Alcatraz Island

Take the ferry to explore the infamous former prison with a fascinating audio tour.
Catch the ferry from Pier 33.
USD45, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Cheesecake Factory

End the day with a fantastic dinner overlooking Union Square.
Hope to enjoy the sunset views.
USD40, 2 hours
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Day 5: Monterey & Coastal Drive

San Francisco, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mama’s on Washington Square

Savour a classic breakfast with options that highlight local ingredients.
Head to Monterey via Highway 1.
USD20, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Explore one of the world's top aquariums and learn about marine life.
Walk to the aquarium from the parking area.
USD50, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cannery Row

Grab a meal at one of the many delightful restaurants lining this historic waterfront area.
Wander around Cannery Row.
USD30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Scenic Drive on 17-Mile Drive

Take in stunning ocean views on this scenic coastal route through Pebble Beach.
Start the drive from Pacific Grove.
USD11, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Fish Hopper

Enjoy fresh seafood dishes with beautiful views of the bay.
Relax after a busy day.
USD40, 2 hours
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Day 6: Yosemite National Park Overnight

Monterey, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at First Awakenings

Enjoy a hearty breakfast to energise for the drive ahead.
Drive towards Yosemite via CA-101 N and CA-120 E.
USD15, 4 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Red Rooster Cafe

Stop at this charming diner just outside the park for a tasty meal.
Stop by on the entrance route.
USD20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Yosemite National Park

Explore the park's breathtaking natural wonders including El Capitan and Half Dome.
Enter the park and follow park signs.
USD35, 3 hours

5:00PM

Check-in at Tenaya Lodge

Relax at the upscale lodge with rustic elegance near the park entrance.
Drive to the lodge from the park.
USD200, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Tenaya Lodge Restaurant

End your day with a delicious meal featuring seasonal, local ingredients.
Dine in the comfort of your lodge.
USD50, 2 hours
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Day 7: Exploring Yosemite

Yosemite, USA

7:30AM

Breakfast at the Lodge

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the lodge to fuel up for your adventures.
Head out for the park exploration.
Included in lodge stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Morning Hike to Vernal Falls

Embark on a scenic hike to see the magnificent Vernal Falls.
Follow the hiking trails from the lodge.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Yosemite Valley Lodge

Grab a meal with stunning views of the falls and great menu options.
Drive to Yosemite Valley Lodge.
USD30, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Glacier Point

Drive to Glacier Point for breathtaking panoramic views of Yosemite Valley.
Use your vehicle to navigate to Glacier Point.
USD35, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Tenaya Lodge Restaurant

Relax and enjoy another delightful dinner in your lodge with seasonal dishes.
Return to your lodge.
USD50, 2 hours
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Day 8: Yosemite to Fresno

Fresno, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Lodge

Enjoy your final breakfast at the lodge before heading out.
Check out and drive to Fresno.
Included in lodge stay, 1 hour

10:00AM

Drive to Fresno

Enjoy a scenic drive through the Sierra foothills on your way to Fresno.
Follow CA-41 S.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Dog House Grill

Satisfy your appetite with great BBQ and a casual atmosphere.
Arrive and settle in at the grill.
USD20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Forestiere Underground Gardens

Explore the unique underground gardens created by Baldassare Forestiere.
Take a short drive to the gardens.
USD15, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at The boil

Enjoy a delicious seafood boil experience with rich flavours.
Enjoy the evening in Fresno.
USD35, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Fresno to Los Angeles

Fresno, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mill Creek

Eat a satisfying breakfast before beginning your journey back to Los Angeles.
Drive south on CA-99.
USD15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Drive to Los Angeles

Enjoy the scenic trip back to Los Angeles, reflecting on your adventure.
Continue on CA-99 S.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Original Fish Company

Enjoy fresh seafood in Los Alamitos that will conclude your road trip perfectly.
Stop off at the restaurant prior to reaching LA.
USD30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Arrive back in Los Angeles

Conclude your road trip with memories to last a lifetime.
Drive to final destination.
Free, 30 mins
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