San Francisco to Big Sur Adventure: 2-Day Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Scenic Coastal Drive

San Francisco, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Plant Cafe Organic

Enjoy a delicious plant-based breakfast at this waterfront spot in the Embarcadero district before setting off on your road trip.
Park at the Embarcadero Center Garage ($3/hour).
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Ride along Pacific Coast Highway

Set out toward Half Moon Bay, following the stunning Pacific Coast Highway with breathtaking ocean views.
Drive 30 minutes on CA-1.
Free, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Visit Half Moon Bay State Beach

Stop by Half Moon Bay State Beach to take in the beautiful sandy shores and maybe even spot some sealife.
Park at the beach lot ($10 for all day).
USD10, 1 hour

11:30AM

Lunch at Santa Cruz

Head to Santa Cruz to grab lunch at The Last Resort, offering hearty vegetarian options in a rustic atmosphere.
Drive 30 minutes on CA-1.
USD15, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Visit Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Take a stroll along this vibrant boardwalk, enjoying the carnival-like atmosphere and beautiful beach scenery.
Street parking is available, typically $2/hour.
Free, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Monterey Bay Aquarium

Continue on to Monterey, where you'll visit the world-famous aquarium housing diverse marine life.
Park in the aquarium lot ($10/day).
USD50, 2 hours

4:30PM

Stroll through Cannery Row

After the aquarium, take a leisurely walk down historic Cannery Row, delighting in shops and ocean views.
Walk to Cannery Row (10-minute walk from aquarium).
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Drive to Carmel-by-the-Sea

Take a quick drive to the charming town of Carmel, known for its art galleries and quaint streets.
Drive for 15 minutes to Carmel.
Free, 15 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Carmel Pizza Company

Savor a delicious vegetarian pizza while enjoying the cozy atmosphere in Carmel.
Park in a nearby public parking lot ($5 for the evening).
USD25, 1 hour

7:00PM

Head to Big Sur

Wrap up your first day by driving to Big Sur to catch the breathtaking sunset over the rugged coastline.
Drive 30 minutes to Big Sur.
Free, 30 minutes

8:00PM

Settle in for the evening

Find a cozy spot for the night, either camping at one of the local sites or booking a modest Airbnb.
Check local campgrounds or Airbnb in the Big Sur area.
USD50-100, 1 hour
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Day 2: Big Sur Exploration

Big Sur, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Big Sur Bakery

Start your day at Big Sur Bakery with fresh pastries and coffee, situated amidst the stunning natural landscape.
Parking available directly at the bakery (Free).
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Head to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, where stunning redwoods and beautiful trails await.
Park in the state park lot for a small park fee ($10).
USD10, 2 hours

11:30AM

Hike to Pfeiffer Falls

Take the scenic 2-mile hike to Pfeiffer Falls, enjoying the tranquil beauty of this iconic location.
Access from the state park entrance.
Free with park entry., 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Nepenthe

Dine at Nepenthe, known for its breathtaking views and delicious vegetarian options that will delight your taste buds.
Free parking is available (limited spots).
USD30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Drive to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and marvel at the iconic McWay Falls as it cascades into the ocean.
Park in the designated area ($10).
USD10, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Hearst Castle

On the way back, stop at Hearst Castle, an opulent mansion that offers tours of its lavish rooms and gardens.
Parking available at the visitor center ($10).
USD30 (guided tour)., 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Spice Affair in San Luis Obispo

Conclude your adventure with a flavorful vegetarian meal at Spice Affair, known for its vibrant Indian cuisine.
Street parking available locally ($2/hour).
USD20, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Return to San Francisco

Drive back to San Francisco, reflecting on your unforgettable road trip adventure along the coast.
Take US-101 N back to the city (2 hours).
Free, 2 hours
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