Scenic Coastal Road Trip Adventure

Day 1: Exploring the Coast

San Francisco, CA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Mama's on Washington Square

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Mama’s, famous for its French toast and crab omelette, providing the perfect fuel for your road trip.
Head towards Monterey from here via US-101 S.
USD25, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Drive to Monterey

Enjoy a scenic drive down the iconic Highway 1, with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and coastal cliffs.
Follow signs for CA-1 S from US-101 S.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Cannery Row

Savor some fresh seafood lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants in Cannery Row, a historic area with charming atmosphere.
Walk from the car park at Cannery Row.
USD30, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Explore the magical underwater world at the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, home to diverse marine life and interactive exhibits.
Located a short walk down Cannery Row.
USD50, 2 hours

3:30 PM

Drive to Big Sur

Continue your coastal adventure along Highway 1, with several viewpoints to stop and take in the divine scenery on your way to Big Sur.
Follow CA-1 S.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Check-in at Big Sur Campground

Settle in at Big Sur Campground for a cozy stay surrounded by nature, perfect for a peaceful evening.
Follow signs for Big Sur Campground from Highway 1.
USD150, 30 minutes

6:30 PM

Dinner at Nepenthe

Enjoy dinner with breathtaking sunset views at Nepenthe, known for its rustic charm and incredible cliff side location.
A short drive from the campground.
USD45, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Big Sur Beauty

Big Sur, CA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the Campground

Start your day with a simple but hearty breakfast at the campground communal kitchen, surrounded by towering redwoods.
Prepare breakfast at your site.
USD10, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Hike to McWay Falls

Take a stunning hike to McWay Falls, where you’ll be greeted by the sight of an 80-foot waterfall spilling onto the beach.
Drive a short distance to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
USD10, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Scenic Drive along Highway 1

Treat yourself to another scenic drive over the coastal cliffs, stopping at various viewpoints for breathtaking photographs.
Stay on CA-1.
Free, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at The Big Sur River Inn

Unwind with a casual lunch at The Big Sur River Inn, where you can dine outdoors by the river.
A short drive from where you were.
USD25, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Explore Pfeiffer Beach

Visit the iconic Pfeiffer Beach, known for its purple sand and unique rock formations, perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
Follow signs towards Pfeiffer Beach.
USD12, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Return to Campground

Head back to your campground for a relaxing evening and reflect on the day’s adventures.
Follow traffic back to Big Sur Campground.
Free, 30 minutes

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Roadhouse

Enjoy a cozy dinner at The Roadhouse with comfortable seating and mouth-watering dishes that highlight local fare.
Just a short drive from the campground.
USD40, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Santa Barbara Bliss

Santa Barbara, CA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the Campground

Enjoy a last breakfast in Big Sur, soaking in the beauty of the outdoors before heading to your next destination.
Enjoy breakfast at your site.
USD10, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Santa Barbara

Make your way down the scenic coastline until you reach Santa Barbara, famous for its Mediterranean-style architecture.
Follow CA-1 to US-101 S.
Free, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Visit the Santa Barbara Mission

Tour the historical Santa Barbara Mission, known as the 'Queen of the Missions' with beautiful gardens and museum exhibits.
Follow signs for the Mission from downtown Santa Barbara.
USD15, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Lark

Savor a multi-course meal at The Lark, a vibrant eatery serving locally sourced dishes in a chic atmosphere.
Located in the Funk Zone area.
USD50, 2 hours

3:00 PM

Stroll through Santa Barbara Waterfront

Walk along the beautiful Santa Barbara Waterfront, enjoying the sea breeze and picturesque views of the harbor.
Walk towards Stearns Wharf from The Lark.
Free, 1 hour

4:30 PM

Visit Santa Barbara Zoo

Spend some time at the Santa Barbara Zoo, with beautifully cared-for animals and stunning ocean views.
Located just a short ride away.
USD20, 1.5 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Toma Restaurant & Bar

Conclude your trip with a delightful dinner at Toma, known for its Italian cuisine and romantic atmosphere by the waterfront.
Just a quick drive back towards the Harbor.
USD60, 2 hours
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