Ultimate Relaxation Road Trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco

Day 1: Scenic Coastal Day

Los Angeles, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Griddle Café

Kick-off your road trip with oversized pancakes topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream, a local favorite that fuels your adventure.
From Los Angeles, use I-10 W then I-5 N towards Santa Barbara.
USD20, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Santa Barbara

Stroll the beautiful beaches and visit the Santa Barbara Mission, taking in the coastal vibes.
Continue your drive on US-101 N for a quick visit to Santa Barbara.
USD0, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Santa Barbara Fish Market

Enjoy fresh seafood with a stunning ocean view, trying their famous fish tacos.
Easily walk from the beach to the fish market.
USD25, 1 hour

2:30PM

Drive to San Luis Obispo

Set off to San Luis Obispo, home to the iconic Bubblegum Alley and the beautiful downtown.
Merge onto US-101 N and follow signs to San Luis Obispo.
USD10 (gas), 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Downtown San Luis Obispo

Wander around quaint shops and grab a coffee at one of the local cafés.
The downtown area is easily walkable.
USD5, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Novo Restaurant

Dine al fresco beside a creek at Novo, renowned for its globally inspired menu and vibrant atmosphere.
Located downtown, a short walk from the shops.
USD40, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Drive to Pismo Beach

End your day with a quick hop to Pismo Beach, where you can unwind.
Continue on CA-1 S, it’s only a 15 minutes drive.
USD5 (gas), 15 minutes

8:30PM

Relax at the Beach

Take a leisurely evening walk along the shoreline or just unwind at your accommodation.
Your hotel should be near the beach.
USD0, 1 hour
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Day 2: Majestic Ocean Views

Pismo Beach, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Splash Café

Delight in their famous clam chowder bread bowl or a hearty breakfast burrito to start your day right.
A short drive or walk from your accommodation.
USD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Monarch Butterfly Grove

Explore this beautiful natural reserve where thousands of butterflies gather annually, taking serenity to a new level.
Head to the grove, just 5 minutes drive away.
USD0, 1 hour

10:30AM

Drive to Big Sur

Enjoy breathtaking coastal views on your way to Big Sur, a must-see for every traveler.
Follow CA-1 N directly to Big Sur.
USD15 (gas), 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Nepenthe

Savor your meal while soaking in the panoramic views of the coastline at Nepenthe, a classic Big Sur eatery.
Located right along CA-1, just follow signs for Nepenthe.
USD30, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Pfeiffer Beach

Relax on the stunning purple sands of Pfeiffer Beach, a great spot to take in the sun and ocean breeze.
Drive back south a bit on CA-1, follow signs to Pfeiffer State Park.
USD10 (entry fee), 2 hours

3:30PM

Continue to Monterey

Drive up the scenic pathway to Monterey to end your day close to your next adventure.
Back onto CA-1 N, it's a beautiful ride.
USD20 (gas), 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Cannery Row

Indulge in fresh seafood at one of the restaurants at iconic Cannery Row, such as The Fish Hopper.
The area is a short drive away from central Monterey.
USD40, 2 hours

7:30PM

Evening Stroll Along Cannery Row

After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the waterfront, enjoying the cool Misty ocean air and views.
Easily walkable from dinner.
USD0, 1 hour
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Day 3: Metropolitan Bliss

Monterey, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at LouLou's Griddle in the Middle

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with homemade hash browns and eggs, plus a fantastic bay view.
Located on the waterfront, just minutes from central Monterey.
USD20, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit Monterey Bay Aquarium

Explore the incredible marine life exhibits and learn about ocean preservation efforts.
A quick drive or walk from breakfast.
USD50, 2-3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Cannery Row Brewing Company

Relish a craft burger or fresh salad paired with their house brews at this laid-back spot.
Just a short walk back to Cannery Row.
USD30, 1 hour

1:30PM

Drive to San Francisco

Leave Monterey heading towards San Francisco to wrap up your relaxing road trip.
Follow US-101 N for a straightforward scenic drive.
USD20 (gas), 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore the Golden Gate Park

Take a stroll through this expansive park, and don't miss the Japanese Tea Garden for some tranquility.
Navigate through the city to reach Golden Gate Park.
USD0, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Cliff House

Wrap up your trip with a sunset dinner overlooking the Pacific Ocean at The Cliff House; a perfect conclusion.
A short drive to the southern edge of the city.
USD50, 2 hours
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