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7-Day Road Trip Adventure to Monterey Bay Aquarium and Beyond

Viewed by 101 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in San Francisco

San Francisco, USA

9:00AM

Breakfast at Mama's on Washington Square

Start your day with a delicious breakfast featuring fresh omelets and French toast.
Head to Mama's via local transit or rideshare.
USD30, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Fisherman's Wharf

Wander around the lively pier, enjoy street performances, and grab some famous clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl.
Walk to Fisherman's Wharf from Mama's.
USD25, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Codmother Fish and Chips

Savor some authentic British-style fish and chips at this casual seaside eatery.
Short walk to The Codmother.
USD15, 1 hour

2:30PM

Drive to Monterey

Enjoy the scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway as you head to Monterey.
Take Highway 1 south towards Monterey.
USD10 (gas), 2 hours

5:00PM

Check-in at Monterey Tides

Settle into your beachfront accommodation with stunning ocean views.
Follow local signs to your hotel.
USD150, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Cannery Row Brewing Company

Unwind with a relaxed dinner featuring craft beers and delicious pub food.
Drive or walk to Cannery Row.
USD40, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in San Francisco

Day 2: Monterey and Aquarium

Monterey, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at First Awakenings

Enjoy a hearty breakfast of pancakes and omelets to fuel your day.
Short drive to First Awakenings.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Monterey Bay Aquarium

Explore the incredible marine life, from playful sea otters to dazzling jellyfish exhibits.
Walk from the restaurant to the aquarium.
USD50, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Fish Hopper

Have a delightful lunch with ocean views while enjoying fresh seafood.
Short walk from the aquarium to The Fish Hopper.
USD40, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Cannery Row

Stroll along this historical waterfront district filled with shops and art galleries.
Walk around Cannery Row.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Visit Old Fisherman’s Wharf

Enjoy the charming boardwalk and taste samples at various seafood stalls.
Take a short drive to Old Fisherman's Wharf.
USD20, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Gianni's Pizza

Indulge in delicious pizza with fresh ingredients to end your day.
Short drive or walk back to the restaurant.
USD25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Monterey

Day 3: Carmel-by-the-Sea Exploration

Carmel-by-the-Sea, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Carmel Belle

Fuel up with organic breakfast options like fresh smoothies and baked goods.
Short drive to Carmel Belle.
USD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Stroll in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Admire breathtaking coastal views, walk through natural trails, and spot wildlife.
Drive to Point Lobos.
USD10 (parking), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Forge in the Forest

Enjoy a casual lunch in a cozy atmosphere with a varied menu.
Drive to The Forge in the Forest.
USD35, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Carmel Mission Basilica

Explore this historic mission known for its beautiful architecture.
Short drive to the mission.
USD10, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Relax at Carmel Beach

Unwind on the sandy shores and take in the stunning Pacific Ocean views.
Short drive or walk to the beach.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at La Bicyclette

Savor rustic European-inspired cuisine in a charming setting.
Drive to La Bicyclette.
USD50, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Day 4: Big Sur Adventures

Big Sur, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Big Sur River Inn

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at this lovely riverside inn.
Travel along Highway 1 to reach Big Sur River Inn.
USD30, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Hike among towering redwoods and seek out the beautiful Pfeiffer Falls.
Drive to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
USD10 (entrance fee), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Nepenthe

Dine at this cliffside restaurant with sweeping views of the coastline.
Short drive to Nepenthe.
USD45, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Visit the iconic McWay Falls and enjoy stunning coastal scenery.
Drive to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
USD10 (parking), 2 hours

5:30PM

Relax at Andrew Molera State Park

Take a leisurely stroll along the beach and soak in the natural beauty of Big Sur.
Short drive to Andrew Molera.
USD10 (entrance fee), 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Post Ranch Inn's Sierra Mar

Treat yourself to an exquisite dining experience with spectacular sunset views.
Drive to the Post Ranch Inn.
USD100, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Big Sur

Day 5: Hearst Castle Tour

San Simeon, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at your Big Sur stay

Have a leisurely morning breakfast before departing to Hearst Castle.
N/A - eat at your accommodation.
USD20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Hearst Castle

Travel on Highway 1 to Hearst Castle and take in the coastal views along the way.
Continue south on Highway 1.
USD10 (gas), 1 hour

10:00AM

Tour Hearst Castle

Take a guided tour of this opulent estate and learn about its history.
Follow signs to Hearst Castle.
USD40, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Café at Hearst Castle

Enjoy a casual lunch with stunning views of the estate grounds.
Dine at the café located on-site.
USD30, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Elephant Seal Vista Point

Observe remarkable elephant seals basking on the beach.
Drive a short distance to the vista point.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Drive to Morro Bay

Continue your journey along the coast to Morro Bay.
Take Highway 1 south.
USD10 (gas), 1 hour

5:00PM

Explore Morro Bay

Walk along the waterfront and enjoy the views of Morro Rock.
Explore downtown Morro Bay.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Windows on the Water

Dine in style with fresh seafood and remarkable bay views.
Walk to Windows on the Water.
USD60, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in San Simeon

Day 6: Venture to Bodie

Bodie, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at your Morro Bay stay

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before the long drive ahead.
N/A - eat at your hotel.
USD20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Bodie

Experience a longer drive through California’s stunning landscapes to reach the ghost town of Bodie.
Take Highway 395 north.
USD30 (gas), 3.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Bodie General Store

Grab a quick bite at this quaint store in the ghost town.
N/A - within Bodie.
USD10, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Bodie State Historic Park

Wander through the preserved remnants of this once-booming gold rush town.
Explore the park at your own pace.
USD8 (entrance fee), 2 hours

4:00PM

Drive to Mono Lake

Continue your drive to see the unique tufa formations at Mono Lake.
Head south towards Mono Lake.
USD20 (gas), 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Explore Mono Lake

Catch the sunset and admire the surreal landscapes of this ancient saline lake.
Walk to the shoreline.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Your Lodging

Wrap up the day with a casual dinner at your lodging or nearby diner.
Travel back to your accommodation.
USD25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Bodie

Day 7: Return to San Francisco

San Francisco, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Bodie Stay

Have a filling breakfast to energize for the journey back.
N/A - eat at your accommodation.
USD20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive back to San Francisco

Embark on your drive back to San Francisco, enjoying the mountain scenery.
Take Highway 395 south and then connect to Highway 80 west.
USD40 (gas), 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Grove

Savor seasonal dishes at this popular eatery in San Francisco.
Head to The Grove in the city.
USD40, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Golden Gate Park

Stroll through one of the largest urban parks in the world, filled with gardens and landscapes.
Drive or take public transit to Golden Gate Park.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Return your rental car

Wrap up your trip by returning your rental car at the airport.
Head to San Francisco International Airport.
USD0 (rental), 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Hillstone

End your adventure with a relaxed dinner at Hillstone, known for their ribs and salads.
Drive or rideshare to Hillstone.
USD50, 2 hours
Find Hotels in San Francisco
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