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One Day Road Trip Adventure in California's Coastal Highway

Viewed by 62 travelers

Day 1: Coastal Explorations

Monterey, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Breakfast Table

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Breakfast Table, famous for their fluffy pancakes and fresh fruit.
From your accommodation in Monterey, it's a short drive to the restaurant.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Explore the wonders of marine life at the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, where you can marvel at colorful sea creatures and learn about ocean conservation.
It's a quick 5-minute drive from the restaurant to the aquarium.
USD50, 2 hours

11:30AM

Drive to Big Sur

Set off on a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway, taking in breathtaking views and stopping at scenic lookout points along the way.
Take Highway 1 south towards Big Sur, enjoying a leisurely drive for about 30 minutes.
Free, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Big Sur River Inn

Grab lunch at the Big Sur River Inn, where you can enjoy local favorites like the BBQ pulled pork sandwich in a cozy riverside setting.
The inn is located just off the highway, easily accessible once you arrive in Big Sur.
USD20, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Hike the trails at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park to see the iconic McWay Falls, a stunning waterfall that plunges directly into the ocean.
Just a short 10-minute drive from the lunch spot to the park.
USD10, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Pfeiffer Beach

Spend some time relaxing at Pfeiffer Beach, known for its unique purple sand and breathtaking rock formations.
A quick 20-minute drive from Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park brings you to the beach.
USD12, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Head to San Luis Obispo

Enjoy scenic views as you travel south towards San Luis Obispo, passing through charming small towns.
This leg of the journey will take about 1.5 hours.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Novo Restaurant & Lounge

End your day with a delicious dinner at Novo Restaurant & Lounge, offering farm-to-table dishes in a lovely outdoor setting along the creek.
It's located in downtown San Luis Obispo, just a short drive from your arrival point.
USD35, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Evening Stroll at San Luis Obispo Farmers Market

If it's Thursday evening, enjoy live music and local produce at the Farmers Market, a great way to wind down your road trip.
The market is within walking distance from Novo Restaurant.
Free, 1 hour
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