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Ultimate California Road Trip Itinerary: Explore the Golden State's Best

Viewed by 115 travelers

Day 1: Los Angeles Adventures

Los Angeles, USA

08:00

Breakfast at The Griddle Cafe

Start your day with oversized pancakes and a locals' favorite experience at The Griddle Cafe.
Head towards Hollywood Boulevard.
USD20, 1 hour

09:30

Walk of Fame

Wander along the Hollywood Walk of Fame to see the stars of your favorite celebrities.
Next, drive to Griffith Observatory.
Free, 1 hour

11:00

Griffith Observatory

Explore the stunning views of Los Angeles from Griffith Observatory and check out the exhibits.
Proceed to lunch at In-N-Out Burger.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:30

Lunch at In-N-Out Burger

Enjoy the iconic California burger experience with a double-double and fries.
Head to Santa Monica Pier afterwards.
USD15, 1 hour

14:00

Santa Monica Pier

Stroll along the beach and enjoy the attractions at Santa Monica Pier.
Finish with dinner at The Lobster.
Free, 2 hours

17:00

Dinner at The Lobster

Savor fresh seafood with a view of the Pacific Ocean to wrap up your Los Angeles adventure.
Prepare for the drive to Santa Barbara the next morning.
USD60, 2 hours
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Day 2: Santa Barbara Bliss

Santa Barbara, USA

08:00

Breakfast at Jeannine's Restaurant & Bakery

Indulge in a delightful breakfast feast featuring homemade pastries and fresh eggs.
Visit the Santa Barbara Mission next.
USD25, 1 hour

09:30

Santa Barbara Mission

Explore the historic Santa Barbara Mission known for its beautiful architecture and gardens.
Next, enjoy some shopping at State Street.
USD12, 1 hour

11:00

State Street Shopping

Wander shops and boutiques along State Street while soaking up the coastal vibe.
Grab lunch at The Natural Cafe.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:30

Lunch at The Natural Cafe

Dine on fresh, healthy options that locals flock to for a quick bite.
Head to the beach for a walk.
USD18, 1 hour

13:30

Santa Barbara Beach

Relax on the beach or take a walk along the picturesque shoreline.
Dinner at The Boathouse.
Free, 2 hours

16:00

Dinner at The Boathouse

Enjoy sunset dining with fresh coastal cuisine right on the beach.
Prepare for a drive to San Luis Obispo tomorrow.
USD55, 2 hours
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Day 3: San Luis Obispo Highlights

San Luis Obispo, USA

08:00

Breakfast at Sally Loo's Wholesome Cafe

Start your day with hearty breakfast bowls and fresh coffee to energize your adventures.
Visit the famous Bubblegum Alley afterward.
USD20, 1 hour

09:30

Bubblegum Alley

Marvel at this quirky alley covered with chewing gum as a unique SLO attraction.
Next, take a walk around Downtown SLO.
Free, 30 minutes

10:00

Downtown San Luis Obispo

Explore the local shops and spontaneous farmers market if it's Thursday.
Lunch at Novo Restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30

Lunch at Novo Restaurant

Dine on globally inspired dishes in a beautiful outdoor patio setting by the creek.
Visit the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art next.
USD30, 1 hour

12:30

San Luis Obispo Museum of Art

Catch local art displays in a welcoming environment at this charming museum.
End the day at the famous Hearst Castle.
Free, 1 hour

14:00

Hearst Castle Tour

Discover the opulence of Hearst Castle with a guided tour of this historic estate.
Dinner at Moonstone Beach.
USD30, 2 hours

17:00

Dinner at Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill

Enjoy a relaxed dinner with ocean views and fresh seafood to conclude your SLO adventure.
Rest for the night before exploring Big Sur tomorrow.
USD50, 2 hours
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Day 4: Big Sur Beauty

Big Sur, USA

08:00

Breakfast at Nepenthe

Feast on breakfast while enjoying breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
Take a scenic drive afterward.
USD25, 1 hour

09:00

Scenic Drive Along Highway 1

Bask in the spectacular coastal views as you drive through the iconic Big Sur.
Stop at McWay Falls.
Free, 2 hours

11:00

McWay Falls

Marvel at the 80-foot waterfall that flows directly into the ocean - a stunning photo opportunity.
Lunch at Big Sur Roadhouse.
Free, 1 hour

12:30

Lunch at Big Sur Roadhouse

Enjoy a rustic atmosphere with gourmet options as you experience the Big Sur culinary scene.
Visit Pfeiffer Beach.
USD32, 1 hour

13:30

Pfeiffer Beach

Relax or stroll on the unique purple sands of Pfeiffer Beach, a hidden gem.
Finish with dinner at The Sur House.
Free, 2 hours

15:30

Dinner at The Sur House

Dine with spectacular views and seasonal dishes that reflect coastal cuisine.
Prepare for the drive to Monterey.
USD50, 2 hours
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Day 5: Monterey Delights

Monterey, USA

08:00

Breakfast at First Awakenings

Begin your day with hearty breakfast options and a welcoming atmosphere.
Head to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
USD22, 1 hour

09:00

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Discover incredible marine life and exhibits at one of the best aquariums in the world.
Explore Cannery Row next.
USD50, 2 hours

11:00

Cannery Row

Wander along Cannery Row, famous for its shops, galleries, and seafood restaurants.
Have lunch at Cannery Row Brewing Company.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:30

Lunch at Cannery Row Brewing Company

Indulge in great food with house-brewed beers in a vibrant setting by the water.
Take a walk at Lovers Point Park.
USD30, 1 hour

13:30

Lovers Point Park

Enjoy stunning views and a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
Dinner at The Fish Hopper.
Free, 2 hours

15:30

Dinner at The Fish Hopper

Savor fresh seafood dishes with panoramic views of the Pacific to end your Monterey experience.
Rest for the night and prepare for San Francisco the next day.
USD60, 2 hours
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Day 6: San Francisco Wonders

San Francisco, USA

08:00

Breakfast at Mama's on Washington Square

Delight in delicious breakfast options, particularly the French toast that is a local favorite.
Explore Fisherman's Wharf after.
USD25, 1 hour

09:00

Fisherman's Wharf

Stroll around and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere filled with shops, street performers, and delicious clam chowder.
Next, board a ferry to Alcatraz.
Free, 1.5 hours

10:30

Alcatraz Island Tour

Experience the rich history of the infamous Alcatraz prison with an audio tour.
Return and have lunch at Boudin Bakery.
USD40, 2.5 hours

13:00

Lunch at Boudin Bakery

Enjoy sourdough bread bowls filled with clam chowder or a sandwich, a San Francisco staple.
Visit Golden Gate Park next.
USD20, 1 hour

14:00

Golden Gate Park

Explore the vast greenery, gardens, and museums in one of the largest urban parks in the U.S.
Dinner at Harris' Restaurant.
Free, 2.5 hours

17:00

Dinner at Harris' Restaurant

Relish a classic steakhouse dinner to celebrate the end of your California adventure.
Conclude your itinerary.
USD80, 2 hours
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