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A Scenic One-Day Road Trip through the Pacific Coast Highway

Viewed by 94 travelers

Day 1: Coastal Splendor

San Francisco, USA

7:00AM

Breakfast at Mama's on Washington Square

Kickstart your day with a delicious breakfast at this iconic café known for its French toast and crab omelette.
From your accommodation, drive to Mama's which is just a short 10-minute drive.
USD25, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Big Sur

Set off for Big Sur, where you can immerse yourself in stunning ocean views and rugged landscapes as you drive down HWY 1.
Take CA-1 S for about 2.5 hours, approximately 140 miles.
USD0, 2.5 hours

10:30AM

Stop at McWay Falls

Take a short hike to the viewpoint for McWay Falls, a picturesque waterfall that pours directly into the ocean.
Follow the signs for Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park off HWY 1.
USD10, 1 hour

11:30AM

Explore Pfeiffer Beach

Spend some time at Pfeiffer Beach, famous for its unique purple sand and impressive rock formations.
Continue south on HWY 1 for about 10 minutes to go to the beach entrance.
USD12, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Nepenthe

Enjoy a delightful lunch overlooking the ocean at Nepenthe, known for its fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors.
It's located right along HWY 1, just a few minutes from the beach.
USD35, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Drive to San Luis Obispo

Continue your road trip south to San Luis Obispo, where you can explore one of California's charming towns.
Follow HWY 1 and merge into US-101 S to SLO; it's about a 1.5 hours drive.
USD0, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit the San Luis Obispo Mission

Discover the rich history of the area by visiting the beautiful San Luis Obispo Mission, established in 1772.
It's located just a few minutes drive from downtown SLO.
USD0, 1 hour

4:30PM

Drive to Santa Barbara

An easy drive brings you to the beautiful coastal city of Santa Barbara, known for its Mediterranean-style architecture and beaches.
Take US-101 S for about 1 hour.
USD0, 1 hour

5:30PM

Stroll through Stearns Wharf

Enjoy a leisurely walk around Stearns Wharf for stunning views of the sunset over the ocean.
Head into the city and follow the signs for Stearns Wharf.
USD0, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at The Boathouse

Conclude your day with a seafood dinner at The Boathouse, featuring fresh local catches and a beachfront view.
It’s a short walk from Stearns Wharf.
USD50, 1.5 hours
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