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The Ultimate 7-Day Road Trip Adventure through the Pacific Coast Highway

Viewed by 253 travelers

Day 1: San Francisco Excursion

San Francisco, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mama's on Washington Square

Start your day with a delicious breakfast of French toast or crab omelet at this popular eatery in San Francisco.
Head to Mama's in North Beach, approximately a 10-minute drive from your location.
USD20, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Explore Fisherman’s Wharf

Stroll along Fisherman’s Wharf, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, street performances, and sea lions at Pier 39.
Drive 5 minutes to Fisherman’s Wharf parking area.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Boudin Bakery Café

Grab a sourdough bread bowl filled with clam chowder at this iconic San Francisco establishment.
Enjoy a quick 5-minute walk from Fisherman’s Wharf.
USD15, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Alcatraz Island

Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island and explore the infamous former prison, complete with a fascinating audio tour.
Catch a ferry from Pier 33, 10-minute walk from lunch.
USD41, 3 hours including ferry ride

5:00PM

Walk the Golden Gate Bridge

Enjoy stunning views while walking across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
Drive 20 minutes to the bridge entrance; parking available.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Cliff House

Finish your day with ocean-view dining at The Cliff House, savoring seafood dishes.
Drive 20 minutes from the bridge.
USD70, 2 hours
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Day 2: Monterey Memories

Monterey, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at First Awakenings

Enjoy a hearty breakfast of egg dishes and pancakes at this cozy spot known for its fresh ingredients.
Drive for about 2 hours to Monterey.
USD25, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Explore the world-renowned aquarium and its stunning marine life exhibits.
A quick 10-minute drive from your breakfast spot.
USD50, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cannery Row

Savor a seafood lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants on Cannery Row.
Short walk (5 minutes) from the aquarium.
USD30, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Cannery Row

Wander through the charming shops and historic sites along Cannery Row.
You can cover this on foot after lunch.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit 17-Mile Drive

Drive along this scenic route, stopping at iconic points like the Lone Cypress and Spanish Bay.
Entry fee at the entrance; drive for about 30 minutes.
USD10, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Tarpy’s Roadhouse

Dine at this upscale roadhouse offering a robust menu of steaks and seafood with a local twist.
Drive about 15 minutes from 17-Mile Drive.
USD60, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Monterey

Day 3: Big Sur Bliss

Big Sur, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Big Sur Bakery

Start your day with freshly baked pastries and farm-fresh dishes at this charming bakery.
Drive 30 minutes from Monterey; located on Highway 1.
USD20, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Immerse yourself in nature with a hike through towering redwoods and trails leading to stunning waterfalls.
Just a 10-minute drive southeast from breakfast.
USD10, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Nepenthe

Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine while taking in breathtaking ocean views at Nepenthe.
Drive for 20 minutes along the scenic Highway 1.
USD50, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit McWay Falls

Witness the iconic McWay Falls cascading directly into the ocean in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
Short drive (10 minutes) from Nepenthe.
USD10, 1 hour

4:00PM

Stop by the Henry Miller Memorial Library

Explore this unique cultural outpost dedicated to the author Henry Miller featuring art and literature.
Drive for about 10 minutes north.
USD5, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Big Sur Roadhouse

Savor exquisite comfort food against the backdrop of Big Sur's natural beauty at this beloved locale.
Just 5 minutes down the road.
USD50, 2 hours
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Day 4: San Luis Obispo Stay

San Luis Obispo, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Big Sur River Inn

Start your day with a delightful breakfast in a tranquil riverside setting.
Drive 35 minutes southeast from Big Sur.
USD25, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Scenic drive to San Luis Obispo

Take a leisurely 1-hour drive down the Pacific Coast Highway for stunning sights.
Just head south on CA-1.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit the Hearst Castle

Explore the grand estate of media tycoon William Randolph Hearst in nearby San Simeon.
30-minute drive north on CA-1.
USD30, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Splash Cafe

Enjoy the famous clam chowder and other comfort foods at this local favorite in San Luis Obispo.
Return to San Luis Obispo, about 30 minutes from the castle.
USD20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit SLO Farmer’s Market

Stroll through the local farmer’s market to enjoy fresh produce and local crafts.
Located downtown; a quick drive or walk from your lunch spot.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Novo Restaurant

End the evening with a seasonal menu that embraces California's flavors and fresh ingredients.
Located downtown, a short drive from the farmer’s market.
USD70, 2 hours
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Day 5: Santa Barbara Sojourn

Santa Barbara, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Jeannine's Restaurant & Bakery

Delight in a scrumptious breakfast with fresh pastries and exquisite coffees at this local gem.
Drive for about 1.5 hours to Santa Barbara.
USD25, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Santa Barbara Mission

Discover the historic architecture and beautiful gardens of this iconic mission founded in 1786.
Drive 10 minutes from breakfast.
USD15, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Lark

Enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience with a seasonal menu showcasing local ingredients.
Located in the Funk Zone, about 15 minutes away.
USD40, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore State Street

Walk along State Street, filled with shops, galleries, and local art installations.
Short drive or walk from lunch.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Relax at Santa Barbara Beach

Unwind at the beach, soak up the sun, and take in the Pacific Ocean views.
Just a 10-minute drive from State Street.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Boathouse at Hendry's Beach

Enjoy oceanfront dining, featuring fresh seafood and a classic California menu.
Drive 10 minutes from the beach.
USD60, 2 hours
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Day 6: Los Angeles Leisure

Los Angeles, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Griddle Café

Savor oversized pancakes and breakfast favorites in this popular spot known for its unique offerings.
Drive for about 1.5 hours to Los Angeles.
USD25, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Explore the famous sidewalk honoring celebrities by uncovering stars and taking photos.
Drive 15 minutes from breakfast.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Musso & Frank Grill

Indulge in classic American dishes at this iconic Hollywood establishment.
A 5-minute drive from the Walk of Fame.
USD50, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Griffith Park and Observatory

Discover the stunning views of the city and the iconic observatory in Griffith Park.
Drive about 20 minutes to Griffith Park.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit The Getty Center

Explore impressive art collections and beautiful gardens at this renowned museum.
A quick 20-minute drive from Griffith Park.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Bestia

Indulge in innovative Italian cuisine in this trendy Los Angeles restaurant.
Drive 20 minutes from The Getty Center.
USD80, 2 hours
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Day 7: San Diego Stroll

San Diego, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Cottage

Start your San Diego adventure with a beachy breakfast at this local favorite, known for its fresh ingredients.
Drive for about 2 hours to San Diego.
USD25, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Explore Balboa Park

Discover gardens, museums, and stunning architecture within one of the largest city parks in the US.
Make your way to Balboa Park, a 15-minute drive from breakfast.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Fish Market

Enjoy fresh seafood with a vibrant view of San Diego’s marina and waterfront.
Short drive (10 minutes) away from Balboa Park.
USD40, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit USS Midway Museum

Experience naval history aboard the USS Midway, an aircraft carrier turned museum, with fascinating exhibits.
Just a 5-minute drive from lunch.
USD25, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at La Jolla Cove

Unwind by the beach at La Jolla Cove, a picturesque spot known for its stunning views and sea lions.
Drive 20 minutes to La Jolla Cove.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at George’s at the Cove

Cap off your road trip with an upscale dinner with panoramic views at this acclaimed restaurant.
Drive 10 minutes from La Jolla Cove.
USD80, 2 hours
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