Scenic One-Day Road Trip through the Beautiful Pacific Coast Highway, California

Day 1: Coastal Getaway

San Francisco, California

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Mama's on Washington Square

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Mama's, known for its scrumptious French toast and freshly squeezed orange juice.
Drive from San Francisco to Monterey, approximately 2 hours.
USD 20, 1.5 hours

10:00 AM

Explore the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Dive into the wonders of ocean life at the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, where you can see everything from vibrant jellyfish to playful sea otters.
Continue your drive along the coast via CA-1 South for about 30 minutes.
USD 50, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Cannery Row

Enjoy a coastal-inspired lunch at one of the eateries on Cannery Row, such as The Fish Hopper, known for its fresh seafood and stunning ocean views.
Walk around Cannery Row after lunch, which should take about an hour.
USD 30, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Scenic Drive to Big Sur

Hop back in your car for a picturesque drive along the cliffs of Big Sur, stopping at famous viewpoints like McWay Falls and Bixby Creek Bridge for breathtaking photographs.
Drive south on CA-1, with scenic stops along the way for about 1.5 hours.
USD 10, 2 hours

3:30 PM

Stop at Pfeiffer Beach

Take a break and explore the unique purple sands of Pfeiffer Beach, a perfect spot to enjoy nature's stunning beauty.
Walk around the beach area, soaking in the natural surroundings for about an hour.
USD 12 (entrance fee), 1 hour

4:30 PM

Continue on to Santa Barbara

After your beach exploration, head back on the road towards Santa Barbara, known for its beautiful Spanish Mission architecture.
Drive down CA-1 for about 2 hours.
USD 0, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at The Lark

End your day with a farm-to-table dining experience at The Lark, where you can relish seasonal dishes crafted with local ingredients.
Drive from your hotel or parking area to the restaurant in Santa Barbara, which is a short drive.
USD 75, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Evening Stroll along Santa Barbara Waterfront

Wrap up your day with a leisurely evening stroll along the picturesque Santa Barbara Waterfront, enjoying the sun setting over the ocean.
Walk along the beachfront for about an hour.
USD 0, 1 hour
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