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Epic 3-Day Coastal Road Trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles

Viewed by 165 travelers

Day 1: Explore San Francisco

San Francisco, California

7:30AM

Breakfast at Mama’s on Washington Square

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Mama’s, famous for its French toast and omelets.
Walk to the restaurant, located about 5 minutes away from central accommodations.
USD20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Golden Gate Bridge

After breakfast, take a short drive to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and soak in the stunning views.
Drive approximately 15 minutes to the bridge parking.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Golden Gate Park

Next, head to Golden Gate Park where you can visit the Japanese Tea Garden and California Academy of Sciences.
It's just a 10-minute drive east from the bridge.
USD35 (Academy of Sciences entry), 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf

Enjoy fresh seafood for lunch while enjoying the waterfront views at Fisherman’s Wharf.
Drive about 15 minutes from the park to Fisherman’s Wharf.
USD30, 1 hour

1:30PM

Head to Santa Cruz

Get back on the road heading toward Santa Cruz, stopping for scenic coastal views along the way.
Take Highway 1 south, which is around a 1.5-hour drive.
Fuel USD40, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Experience the classic Californian beach boardwalk and enjoy rides or a stroll on the beach.
The boardwalk is easily accessible from the parking area.
Free to enter, rides extra, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Crow’s Nest

Enjoy a scenic dinner with fresh seafood and sunset views over the harbor.
A short drive, approximately 10 minutes to the restaurant.
USD50, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Drive to Santa Barbara

Continue your journey south to Santa Barbara, arriving in the evening.
This portion of the drive will take around 1.5 hours.
Fuel USD40, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Santa Barbara Highlights

Santa Barbara, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Jeannine’s Restaurant & Bakery

Indulge in a leisurely breakfast, with delicious pastries and hearty breakfast options.
Located a quick 5-minute drive from most hotels.
USD25, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Santa Barbara Mission

Explore the stunning architecture and beautiful gardens of this historic mission.
Easily accessible by car, a 10-minute drive.
USD15, 1 hour

10:30AM

Stroll Through Stearns Wharf

Walk along Stearns Wharf to enjoy views of the ocean and visit the local shops.
A 5-minute drive from the mission to the wharf.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Fish Market

Savor fresh and delicious seafood dishes with a fantastic ocean view.
Located on Stearns Wharf; easy walk.
USD30, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Santa Barbara County Courthouse

Visit one of the most beautiful public buildings in the U.S., featuring stunning murals and gardens.
Just a short 10-minute drive or 20-minute walk.
Free, 1 hour

2:30PM

Relax at Butterfly Beach

Unwind on the sandy shores of Butterfly Beach, known for its picturesque sunsets.
About a 10-minute drive from the courthouse.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Head to Los Angeles

Depart Santa Barbara and make your way to Los Angeles, your final destination.
An approximate 1.5-hour drive down Highway 101.
Fuel USD40, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Bestia

Enjoy a delicious dinner at one of Los Angeles's top Italian restaurants.
A 10-minute drive from central Los Angeles.
USD75, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Santa Barbara

Day 3: Discover Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Griddle Café

Start your day with huge pancakes and great coffee as you fuel up for the day.
Located about 15 minutes from central LA.
USD25, 1 hour

10:30AM

Hollywood Walk of Fame

Take a stroll down the famous Hollywood Boulevard and see the stars along the Walk of Fame.
A 15-minute drive from the café.
Free, 1 hour

11:30AM

Visit Griffith Observatory

Enjoy great views of the LA skyline and the iconic Hollywood sign.
A 20-minute drive to Griffith Park.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at In-N-Out Burger

Taste the classic California fast-food burger that everyone raves about.
Drive 20 minutes to the nearest location.
USD15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Tour of Universal Studios Hollywood

Spend the afternoon at Universal Studios, enjoying rides and attractions based on popular movies.
A 30-minute drive to the studios.
USD120, 4 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Bazaar by José Andrés

End your trip with an exquisite dining experience featuring innovative dishes.
A 20-minute drive from Universal Studios.
USD100, 2 hours

8:00PM

Evening stroll at Santa Monica Pier

Take in the beautiful sunset and enjoy the lively atmosphere at the pier.
It's around a 30-minute drive to Santa Monica.
Free, 1.5 hours
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