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10-Day Adventure on the USA West Coast: Exploring Culture, Nature, and Food on a Budget

Viewed by 62 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in San Francisco

San Francisco, USA

9:00AM

Breakfast at Mama's on Washington Square

Start your day with their famous French toast and fresh fruit.
Walk to the nearby Fisherman's Wharf after breakfast.
USD20, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Fisherman's Wharf

Stroll the waterfront, visit sea lions at Pier 39, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
Continue walking along the waterfront.
Free, 2.5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Boudin Bakery

Enjoy clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl at this famous bakery.
Take a tram from Fisherman's Wharf to Union Square.
USD15, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

Explore inspiring contemporary art exhibitions.
A short walk from Union Square.
USD25, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The House

Delight in their signature Asian-inspired dishes.
Walk to North Beach to find The House.
USD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Golden Gate Exploration

San Francisco, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Good Morning Cafe

Indulge in a hearty breakfast sandwich and fresh OJ.
From your hotel, embark on a bus to the Golden Gate Park.
USD12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Golden Gate Park

Relax at the Japanese Tea Garden and stroll the park trails.
Explore on foot within the park.
USD12 (Tea Garden entry), 2.5 hours

12:30PM

Picnic Lunch from Bi-Rite Market

Grab sandwiches and local snacks for a picturesque picnic.
Walk back to the park's picnic area.
USD15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Biking Across the Golden Gate Bridge

Experience stunning views while biking from San Francisco to Sausalito.
Bike rentals are available at Fisherman's Wharf.
USD30 (rental), 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Spinnaker

Enjoy a waterfront dinner with panoramic views of the Bay.
Take the ferry back to San Francisco and walk to the restaurant.
USD40, 2 hours
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Day 3: Monterey Bound

Monterey, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Denny's

Fuel up with a classic American breakfast before the drive.
Head to your rental car and drive to Monterey.
USD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Watch mesmerizing marine life at one of the best aquariums in the world.
Drive to Cannery Row.
USD50, 2.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Cannery Row Brewing Company

Savor burgers and local brews while enjoying the seaside view.
A short walk from the aquarium.
USD20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Cannery Row

Shop at local boutiques and enjoy the coastal atmosphere.
Wander through Cannery Row's shops.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Moss Landing State Beach

Relax or short hike while enjoying stunning beachfront views.
Drive approximately 20 minutes from Monterey.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Fish Hopper

Enjoy a meal featuring fresh seafood with ocean views.
Drive back to Cannery Row.
USD35, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Big Sur Adventures

Big Sur, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at your lodging

Fuel up with breakfast before the scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Grab your bags and check out of your hotel.
USD10, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Big Sur

Embark on a mesmerizing journey down the Pacific Coast Highway, taking in breathtaking views.
Follow CA-1 southward.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Stop at McWay Falls

Witness the beauty of cascading falls onto the beach.
Parking is available at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
USD10 (parking), 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Nepenthe

Delight in handcrafted meals while taking in stunning ocean views.
Continue driving south for a short distance.
USD30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Hiking at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Explore enchanting trails that take you through redwood forests.
Drive a short distance to the state park.
USD10 (parking), 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Sur House

Taste seasonal fare paired with local wines in a chic setting.
Located within Post Ranch Inn.
USD50, 2 hours
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Day 5: Santa Barbara Serenity

Santa Barbara, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Jeannine's

Enjoy a delightful breakfast with rich pastries and local ingredients.
Check out of your lodging and drive to Santa Barbara.
USD15, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Santa Barbara Mission

Explore this historic landmark and its beautiful gardens.
Park nearby and walk to the mission.
USD10, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Habit Burger Grill

Taste local favorite burgers at this casual joint.
A short drive or walk to the restaurant.
USD15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Relax at Santa Barbara Beach

Spend some time lounging on the sandy shores.
Take a short walk from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Stearns Wharf

Stroll along the wharf and check out local shops.
Walk to Stearns Wharf.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Convivo Restaurant

Savor innovative Mediterranean dishes with ocean views.
Located near the beach.
USD40, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Los Angeles Exploration

Los Angeles, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Griddle Cafe

Try their legendary pancakes to start your LA adventure.
Drive to Los Angeles; it's about a 2-hour trip.
USD20, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Griffith Observatory

Take in breathtaking views of the city and learn about space.
Drive to Griffith Park.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at In-N-Out Burger

Grab a classic burger and fries at this iconic fast food chain.
Nearby the observatory.
USD12, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Hollywood Walk of Fame

Take a stroll and search for your favorite celebrities' stars.
Drive to Hollywood Boulevard.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit TCL Chinese Theatre

Admire the iconic architecture and celebrity handprints.
Short walk from the Walk of Fame.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Musso & Frank Grill

Indulge in a classic Hollywood dining experience.
Return to the restaurant area from the theatre.
USD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Universal Studios Fun

Los Angeles, USA

7:30AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a quick breakfast before a big day ahead.
Hop in your car to head to Universal Studios.
USD10, 1 hour

9:00AM

Universal Studios Hollywood

Spend the day enjoying thrilling rides and entertainment.
Park upon arrival.
USD109, 8 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at CityWalk

Choose from numerous dining options in this vibrant area.
Walk around CityWalk after exiting Universal.
USD30, 2 hours
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Day 8: Relaxing in San Diego

San Diego, USA

7:30AM

Breakfast at The Cottage

Savor homemade breakfast options in La Jolla.
Drive down to San Diego; about 2-hour drive.
USD15, 1.5 hours

9:00AM

Visit La Jolla Cove

Gaze at the beautiful coastline and playful sea lions.
Short walk from The Cottage.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Kayaking in La Jolla Shores

Adventurists can experience the sea caves and marine life up close.
Rent kayaks from local shops.
USD50, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hodad's

Enjoy their famous burgers in Ocean Beach.
Drive to Ocean Beach, about 15 minutes away.
USD15, 1 hour

2:30PM

Relax at Mission Beach

Spend your afternoon enjoying the sun and sand.
A 15-minute drive from Hodad's.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Point Loma Seafoods

Dine on fresh fish and seafood with a view of the harbor.
A quick drive from Mission Beach.
USD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: More of San Diego

San Diego, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Fig Tree Cafe

Enjoy a lovely breakfast with local, organic options.
Drive to Mission Valley.
USD20, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Balboa Park

Discover the beautiful gardens and museums that make up this urban park.
Drive to Balboa Park.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Prado

Dine in a historic setting with diverse menu options.
Walk to The Prado within Balboa Park.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore the San Diego Zoo

Spend the afternoon marveling at exotic wildlife.
Located within Balboa Park.
USD65, 4 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Great Maple

Finish your day with modern American dishes and their famous maple bacon doughnuts.
Drive to Hillcrest neighborhood.
USD35, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Return to San Francisco

San Francisco, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Mission

Enjoy tasty Latin-inspired breakfast options.
Drive back to San Francisco; approximately 7 hours.
USD15, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Explore San Francisco's Last Minute Sites

Utilize your remaining time to visit sites such as Lombard Street or Coit Tower.
Depending on where you want to go, drive or use public transport.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Sam’s Grill & Seafood Restaurant

Cheers to a lovely trip with a seafood meal and cocktail.
Drive to the restaurant's location in the city.
USD50, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Last-minute shopping

Experience some final shopping in Union Square.
Walk to Union Square.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return the rental car

Ensure all rental check-in procedures are completed before departure.
Drive to the rental return location.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Departure

Bid farewell to the beautiful USA West Coast.
Head to the airport.
Free, 1 hour
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