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Epic Coastal Road Trip: From San Francisco to Los Angeles

Viewed by 56 travelers

Day 1: Explore San Francisco

San Francisco, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mama's on Washington Square

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Mama's, famous for their French toast and crab omelets.
Take a 10-minute walk from your hotel to Mama's.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Golden Gate Park

Stroll through the expansive Golden Gate Park, visiting the Japanese Tea Garden for a peaceful experience.
Drive for 15 minutes from Mama's to Golden Gate Park.
USD10 (Japanese Tea Garden fee), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Boudin Bakery

Enjoy clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl at the iconic Boudin Bakery at Fisherman’s Wharf.
Drive 10 minutes to Fisherman’s Wharf.
USD25, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Alcatraz Island

Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island to discover the notorious former prison and its fascinating history.
Walk to the ferry terminal, about 5 minutes from lunch.
USD40, 3 hours (including ferry time)

5:00PM

Dinner at Fog Harbor Fish House

Savor fresh seafood dishes with views of the bay at the Fog Harbor Fish House.
Drive back 10 minutes to Pier 39.
USD50, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Evening Stroll on the Embarcadero

Take a leisurely walk along the Embarcadero, enjoying views of the Bay Bridge as the sun sets.
Walk along the waterfront, about 15 minutes.
Free, 1 hour
Find Hotels in San Francisco

Day 2: Monterey Adventure

Monterey, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Breakfast Club

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast and world-famous pancakes at The Breakfast Club.
Drive 2 hours south along Highway 1 to Monterey.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Explore the stunning exhibits at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, one of the best in the world.
Drive for 10 minutes from breakfast to the aquarium.
USD50, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Cannery Row Brewing Company

Grab a craft beer and savory burgers at Cannery Row Brewing, right near the aquarium.
Walk 10 minutes to Cannery Row.
USD30, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Drive the Seventeen Mile Drive

Take a scenic drive along the famous Seventeen Mile Drive, stopping at iconic vistas and landmarks.
Get back in your car and drive for about 30 minutes through this iconic route.
USD10 (entrance fee), 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Carmel-by-the-Sea

Spend time in this charming town known for its art galleries and beautiful beach.
Drive 15 minutes to Carmel.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Il Tegamino

Enjoy Italian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere at Il Tegamino in Carmel.
Drive back to Monterey, approximately 15 minutes.
USD40, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Monterey

Day 3: Santa Barbara Bliss

Santa Barbara, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Jeannine's Restaurant

Start your day with a superb breakfast at this lovely local café, known for its pastries.
Drive 3 hours south on Highway 1 to Santa Barbara.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Santa Barbara Mission

Tour the historic Santa Barbara Mission, an important landmark with beautiful gardens.
Drive for 15 minutes to the Mission.
USD10, 1 hour

11:00AM

Relax at Santa Barbara Beach

Unwind on the sandy shores of Santa Barbara Beach, enjoying the sun and sea.
Drive 10 minutes to Santa Barbara Beach.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Lark

Savor bold flavors and farm-to-table dishes at The Lark in the Funk Zone.
Drive 10 minutes back to the Funk Zone.
USD35, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Stearns Wharf

Take a leisurely walk on Stearns Wharf, enjoying shops, views, and sea life.
Drive 5 minutes to Stearns Wharf.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Boathouse at Hendry's Beach

Dine with a view at The Boathouse, offering seafood and breathtaking sunsets.
Drive 10 minutes to the Boathouse.
USD50, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Santa Barbara

Day 4: Discover Los Angeles

Los Angeles, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sqirl

Experience one of the most talked-about breakfast spots in LA, with inventive dishes and homemade jams.
Drive 1.5 hours south to LA.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Griffith Park

Hike up to Griffith Observatory for stunning views of the city and the Hollywood sign.
Drive for 20 minutes to Griffith Park.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at In-N-Out Burger

No visit to California is complete without trying an In-N-Out Burger for a taste of the West Coast.
Drive 30 minutes to the nearest In-N-Out.
USD10, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit The Getty Center

Explore the impressive art collection and stunning architecture at The Getty Center.
Drive for 30 minutes to The Getty Center.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Stroll along Santa Monica Pier

End your trip with a walk along Santa Monica Pier, enjoying the beach and iconic views.
Drive 30 minutes to Santa Monica.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Lobster

Indulge in fine seafood dining with ocean views at The Lobster, rounding off your trip perfectly.
Walk 5 minutes from the pier.
USD60, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Los Angeles
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