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Epic 10-Day Adventure from San Francisco to Los Angeles via the Pacific Coast Highway

Viewed by 60 travelers

Day 1: Arrive in San Francisco

San Francisco, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mama’s on Washington Square

Start your adventure with a delicious breakfast featuring their famous French toast.
Walk to Mama's from your hotel in North Beach.
USD 3.50, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Alcatraz Island

Take a ferry over to the infamous Alcatraz Island for a historic tour.
Ferry departs from Pier 33.
USD 4.00, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf

Enjoy clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl at the bustling Fisherman's Wharf.
Walk back to Fisherman’s Wharf.
USD 6.00, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Golden Gate Park

Stroll through beautiful landscapes and visit the Japanese Tea Garden.
Drive from Fisherman's Wharf to the park (10 min drive).
USD 1.00, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Stinking Rose

Enjoy their garlic-infused dishes that will leave you reminiscing long after you leave.
Drive to The Stinking Rose in North Beach (20 min).
USD 15.00, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Night view of the Golden Gate Bridge

Wind down by appreciating the stunning illuminated views of the bridge.
Drive towards the bridge viewpoint.
FREE, 1 hour
Find Hotels in San Francisco

Day 2: Explore San Francisco

San Francisco, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Downtown Bakery

Try their signature pastries and locally brewed coffee to recharge for a busy day.
Walk from hotel (10 min walk).
USD 2.50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Ride Cable Car

Experience the iconic San Francisco cable cars as you head towards Nob Hill.
Walk to Powell & Market for the cable car.
USD 0.75, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Chinatown

Explore the vibrant streets of one of the largest Chinese communities outside Asia.
Walk from Nob Hill to Chinatown (10 min).
FREE, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Bohemian Crab

Savor fresh crab and shrimp in a delightful local eatery.
Walk within Chinatown (5 min walk).
USD 8.00, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Exploratorium

Dive into science and art hand-on exhibits, great for engaging all ages.
Drive to the Exploratorium (20 min).
USD 3.50, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Cliff House

Relax at this historic waterfront restaurant with breathtaking views while enjoying Pacific cuisine.
Drive to The Cliff House (30 min).
USD 12.00, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Visit Lands End Lookout

A quick stroll with panoramic views of the ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Drive to Lands End (20 min).
FREE, 1 hour
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Day 3: Santa Cruz Adventures

Santa Cruz, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Bagelry

Enjoy fresh bagels and coffee before heading out for the day.
Drive from San Francisco (1.5-hour drive).
USD 2.00, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Have fun at this amusement park with rides and games right by the beach.
Walk 10 minutes from The Bagelry.
USD 6.00, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Picnic Basket

Savory sandwiches and fresh salads made with local ingredients await.
Walk back to the restaurant (10 min).
USD 5.00, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Natural Bridges State Beach

Witness the stunning natural rock formations and possibly spot some sea otters.
Drive 15 minutes from The Picnic Basket.
USD 1.00, 2 hours

5:00PM

Check-in to Hotel

Settle into your accommodations with beach views.
Drive to your hotel (10 min).
USD 55.00, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Crow's Nest

Dine on fresh seafood while gazing out over the harbor.
Drive to The Crow's Nest (10 min).
USD 10.00, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening Stroll at Santa Cruz Wharf

Enjoy the delightful scenery and perhaps catch a glimpse of seals.
Walk from The Crow's Nest (10 min).
FREE, 1 hour
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Day 4: Monterey Magic

Monterey, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at LouLou's Griddle in the Middle

Savor hearty breakfast burritos whilst listening to the ocean waves.
Drive from Santa Cruz (45 min drive).
USD 5.00, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Monterey Bay Aquarium

Explore this world-renowned aquarium with diverse marine life displays.
Drive to the aquarium (5 min).
USD 3.50, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Cannery Row

Enjoy lunch on Cannery Row surrounded by shops and ocean views.
Walk to Cannery Row (15 min).
USD 8.00, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Stroll Along Cannery Row

Enjoy the shops, historical sites, and seaside views.
Continue walking Cannery Row.
FREE, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Marvel at breathtaking coastal views and various wildlife in this nature reserve.
Drive to Point Lobos (15 min).
USD 1.00, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Sardine Factory

Treat yourself to fine dining with delicious seafood and famous wine choices.
Drive to The Sardine Factory (10 min).
USD 15.00, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Night Walk at Cannery Row

Enjoy a peaceful evening stroll along the oceanfront.
Walk back to Cannery Row (10 min).
FREE, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Monterey

Day 5: Breathtaking Big Sur

Big Sur, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Big Sur River Inn

Enjoy breakfast in a cozy setting along the river, surrounded by nature.
Drive from Monterey (30 min).
USD 6.00, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Pfeiffer Beach

Famous for its purple sand and breathtaking views, this beach is a must-see.
Drive to Pfeiffer Beach (15 min).
USD 1.00, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Nepenthe

Dine with a view overlooking the Pacific coastline in this renowned restaurant.
Drive to Nepenthe (20 min).
USD 8.00, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Hiking at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Hiking to McWay Falls is an unforgettable experience with stunning scenery.
Drive to the park (10 min).
FREE, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Check-in to Hotel

Relax and unwind after a fulfilling day surrounded by nature.
Drive to your hotel (15 min).
USD 60.00, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Big Sur River Inn Restaurant

Simple yet delicious comfort food awaits after an adventurous day.
Walk to the hotel restaurant (5 min).
USD 10.00, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening by the River

Enjoy the sounds of nature as you relax by the riverbank.
Sit outside by the river after dinner.
FREE, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Big Sur

Day 6: Cultural Exploration of San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sally Loo’s Wholesome Cafe

Start your day with organic breakfast options and freshly brewed coffee.
Drive from Big Sur (1 hour).
USD 5.00, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Downtown SLO

Stroll through the charming streets and visit local shops, art galleries, and the famous SLO Farmers Market.
Walk through downtown.
FREE, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Firestone Grill

Dig into mouthwatering barbecue dishes or enjoy fresh salads.
Walk to Firestone Grill (15 min).
USD 7.00, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Hearst Castle

Tour the opulent castle—an architectural marvel perched on a hillside.
Drive to Hearst Castle (45 min).
USD 7.00, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Pismo Beach

Relax on the sandy beach and take in the ocean air.
Drive from Hearst Castle (30 min).
FREE, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Splash Café

Enjoy their renowned clam chowder after a satisfying day.
Drive to Splash Café (15 min).
USD 8.00, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Beach Sunset

Wrap up the day by witnessing a stunning sunset on the beach.
Walk to the beach from dinner (10 min).
FREE, 1 hour
Find Hotels in San Luis Obispo

Day 7: Charming Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Jeannine's Restaurant & Bakery

Tantalize your taste buds with a fresh-baked pastry and breakfast plate.
Drive from San Luis Obispo (1 hour).
USD 6.50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Stearns Wharf

Visit shops and grab a coffee while enjoying views of the harbor.
Drive to Stearns Wharf (15 min).
FREE, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Santa Barbara Shellfish Company

Relish fresh seafood while enjoying the ocean scenery.
Walk to lunch (10 min).
USD 9.00, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit the Santa Barbara Mission

Take a tour of this historic landmark that dates back to the 1700s.
Drive to the mission (10 min).
USD 2.00, 2 hours

4:00PM

Relax at Butterfly Beach

Unwind on the picturesque beach pausing and enjoying the beauty around you.
Drive to Butterfly Beach (10 min).
FREE, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Boathouse

Savor a fine dining experience while sitting directly on the ocean.
Drive to The Boathouse (10 min).
USD 20.00, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening Stroll on the Beach

Enjoy a relaxing evening walk contemplating the fresh ocean breeze.
Walk on the beach from dinner (5 min).
FREE, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Santa Barbara

Day 8: Luxurious Malibu

Malibu, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Malibu Farm

Indulge in farm-fresh breakfast with stunning ocean views.
Drive from Santa Barbara (45 min).
USD 15.00, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit Zuma Beach

One of the most beautiful beaches in Malibu, perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
Drive to Zuma Beach (10 min).
FREE, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Paradise Cove Beach Cafe

Dine right on the beach with your toes in the sand.
Walk from Zuma Beach (15 min).
USD 12.00, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Malibu Pier

Wander along the pier and observe surfers catching some waves.
Drive to Malibu Pier (15 min).
FREE, 1 hour

4:00PM

Check-in at the Malibu Beach Inn

Unwind at this luxurious beachfront property.
Drive to your accommodation (5 min).
USD 120.00, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Nobu Malibu

Experience gourmet Japanese cuisine at this renowned ocean-front restaurant.
Drive to Nobu (10 min).
USD 50.00, 2 hours

8:30PM

Evening on the Beach

Stroll along the sandy shore under the stars.
Walk from Nobu to the beach (5 min).
FREE, 1 hour
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Day 9: End your journey in Los Angeles

Los Angeles, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Griddle Cafe

Have an utterly indulgent breakfast with oversized pancakes and bold flavors.
Drive from Malibu (30 min).
USD 12.00, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Explore Hollywood Boulevard

Take selfies at the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame and check out the TCL Chinese Theatre.
Drive to Hollywood (30 min).
FREE, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Mel's Drive-In

Enjoy classic American diner cuisine with retro vibes.
Drive to Mel's (10 min).
USD 8.00, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Griffith Observatory

Discover the wonders of the universe with a fascinating visit to the observatory.
Drive to Griffith Observatory (20 min).
FREE, 2 hours

4:30PM

Explore Santa Monica Pier

Visit the lively pier with rides, games, and shopping overlooking the ocean.
Drive to Santa Monica (30 min).
FREE, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Lobster

Enjoy a fine meal with breathtaking views of the Pacific while dining on fresh seafood.
Drive to The Lobster (10 min).
USD 30.00, 1.5 hours

9:00PM

Sunset at Santa Monica Beach

Cap off your adventure with a stunning sunset on the beach.
Walk from dinner to the beach (5 min).
FREE, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Los Angeles

Day 10: Relax and Reflect in Los Angeles

Los Angeles, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sqirl

Delight in their inventive breakfast options with seasonal ingredients.
Drive to Sqirl (15 min).
USD 10.00, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit The Getty Center

Explore art collections and gardens at this stunning location with free admission.
Drive to The Getty (30 min).
FREE, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at In-N-Out Burger

Savor classic burgers and fries, a must-try when in California!
Drive to In-N-Out (15 min).
USD 5.00, 1 hour

2:30PM

Shopping at The Grove

Enjoy shopping and explore this famous outdoor shopping mall.
Drive to The Grove (15 min).
FREE, 2 hours

4:30PM

Walk at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Immerse yourself in a collection of art work at one of the largest museums in the west.
Drive to LACMA (10 min).
USD 6.00, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Bestia

Enjoy a gourmet dining experience with artisanal pasta and delicious desserts.
Drive to Bestia (30 min).
USD 40.00, 2 hours

9:00PM

Reflection at Griffith Park

Enjoy the vistas of the city skyline and mountains as your trip comes to a close.
Drive to Griffith Park (20 min).
FREE, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Los Angeles
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