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7-Day Road Trip Along California's National Highway 1: Fremont to San Diego with Hikes, Kayaking, and Vegetarian Eats

Viewed by 152 travelers

Day 1: Fremont to Santa Cruz

Fremont to Santa Cruz, California on April 23, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Gratitude, Fremont

Start your day with wholesome vegetarian dishes at Cafe Gratitude, known for its plant-based menu and mindful dining experience. Open from 8 AM, perfect for a nourishing breakfast.
USD20, 1h

9:30AM

Drive to Santa Cruz via Highway 1

Begin the scenic drive along National Highway 1, heading towards Santa Cruz while enjoying breathtaking ocean and coastal views.
USD0, 1h30m

11:00AM

Kayaking at Santa Cruz Harbor

Rent a kayak at Santa Cruz Harbor and paddle through calm waters, exploring marine life and the beautiful coastline. Rental shops typically operate from 9 AM to 5 PM.
USD40, 2h

1:30PM

Lunch at The Buttery, Santa Cruz

Enjoy a vegetarian-friendly lunch at The Buttery, offering a variety of fresh salads, sandwiches, and pastries. Open from 8 AM to 3 PM.
USD25, 1h

3:00PM

Hiking at Wilder Ranch State Park

Explore coastal trails at Wilder Ranch State Park featuring stunning ocean views and diverse ecosystems. Park open from 8 AM to sunset, hike for around 2 hours.
USD10, 2h

6:00PM

Check-in at a cozy bed and breakfast in Santa Cruz

Relax and unwind at a well-reviewed bed and breakfast that welcomes guests with comfortable amenities and local charm.
USD120, Overnight stay

7:30PM

Dinner at Café Gratitude, Santa Cruz

Dine at the Santa Cruz outpost of Café Gratitude for a delicious vegetarian dinner with a vibrant, farm-to-table menu. Open till 9 PM.
USD30, 1h
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Day 2: Santa Cruz to Big Sur

Santa Cruz to Big Sur, California on April 24, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at The Rainbow Grocery Cafe, Santa Cruz

Enjoy a wholesome vegetarian breakfast at this popular local café serving organic and vegan options. Open from 7 AM.
USD18, 1h

8:45AM

Drive from Santa Cruz to Big Sur

Continue your drive down scenic Hwy 1, stopping occasionally to take in stunning coastal vistas along the way.
USD0, 2h30m

11:30AM

Hike at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Take the popular 2-mile McWay Falls trail to witness the spectacular waterfall dropping into the Pacific Ocean. Park open from 8 AM to sunset.
USD10, 1h30m

1:30PM

Lunch at Big Sur Roadhouse

Savor vegetarian dishes inspired by local ingredients at the Big Sur Roadhouse. Open from noon to 9 PM.
USD30, 1h

3:00PM

Afternoon exploration at Pfeiffer Beach

Relax or stroll on the unique purple sand beach famous for its rock formations and sea arches. Open all day, free access.
USD0, 1h30m

5:00PM

Check-in at Big Sur Lodge

Stay at the rustic Big Sur Lodge within Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park offering comfortable lodgings amidst nature.
USD180, Overnight

7:00PM

Dinner at Nepenthe Restaurant

Enjoy dinner with sweeping ocean views and vegetarian options at Nepenthe, open until 8 PM.
USD35, 1h
Find Hotels in Santa Cruz to Big Sur

Day 3: Big Sur to San Simeon

Big Sur to San Simeon, California on April 25, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Big Sur Bakery

Enjoy fresh pastries and vegetarian breakfast choices at the Big Sur Bakery, open from 7 AM.
USD20, 1h

9:30AM

Drive to San Simeon

Proceed south along Hwy 1 for about 1.5 hours towards San Simeon, enjoying coastal views.
USD0, 1h30m

11:30AM

Tour Hearst Castle

Explore the historic Hearst Castle with its stunning architecture and art collections. Guided tours run between 9 AM and 5 PM.
USD30, 2h

2:00PM

Lunch at Sebastian's Store

Grab a vegetarian-friendly lunch at Sebastian’s Store, serving fresh sandwiches and salads. Open 11 AM to 4 PM.
USD18, 1h

3:30PM

Elephant Seal Viewing at Piedras Blancas

Visit the nearby elephant seal rookery for a unique wildlife experience. Open all day, free entry.
USD0, 1h

5:00PM

Check-in at Cavalier Oceanfront Resort

Relax at this oceanfront hotel in San Simeon with beautiful sunset views.
USD140, Overnight

7:00PM

Dinner at The Cottage Restaurant

Enjoy casual vegetarian-friendly dinner options at The Cottage in nearby Cambria, open till 9 PM.
USD30, 1h
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Day 4: San Simeon to Santa Barbara

San Simeon to Santa Barbara, California on April 26, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Doris Day’s Seaside Kitchen

Grab a light vegetarian breakfast in Cambria with ocean views. Opens at 7:30 AM.
USD18, 1h

9:30AM

Drive to Santa Barbara

A longer scenic drive (approx. 3 hours) southward to Santa Barbara along the Pacific Coast, ensuring scenic stops en route.
USD0, 3h

1:00PM

Lunch at Metropulos Fine Foods Merchant, Santa Barbara

Enjoy a gourmet vegetarian lunch with Mediterranean flair in the heart of Santa Barbara. Open 11 AM to 3 PM.
USD28, 1h

2:30PM

Hike at Douglas Family Preserve

An easy coastal hike with sea vistas and grassy fields. Park open from dawn till dusk, ideal for a 2-hour walk.
USD0, 2h

5:00PM

Check-in at a beachfront hotel in Santa Barbara

Choose a comfortable stay at one of Santa Barbara's popular beachfront hotels offering ocean views and modern amenities.
USD160, Overnight

7:00PM

Dinner at The Natural Café

Dinner at The Natural Café with an extensive vegetarian and vegan menu, open till 9 PM.
USD30, 1h
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Day 5: Santa Barbara to Malibu

Santa Barbara to Malibu, California on April 27, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Handlebar Coffee Roasters

Enjoy a fresh vegetarian breakfast and artisan coffee in Santa Barbara. Open from 7 AM.
USD18, 1h

8:30AM

Drive to Malibu

Drive along the scenic coastal Highway 1 to Malibu, approximately a 1.5-2 hour journey.
USD0, 2h

10:30AM

Kayaking at Malibu Lagoon

Rent a kayak and explore the lagoon and nearby beaches, great for observing wildlife. Rental hours 9 AM to 5 PM.
USD40, 2h

1:00PM

Lunch at CAFÉ GRATITUDE, Malibu

Savor a fresh and creative plant-based lunch at Café Gratitude Malibu, open 11 AM to 9 PM.
USD35, 1h

2:30PM

Hiking at Solstice Canyon

Enjoy an easy to moderate hike featuring waterfalls and ruins. Open from dawn until sunset, hike for about 2 hours.
USD0, 2h

5:00PM

Check-in at Malibu Beach Inn

Relax in luxury at Malibu Beach Inn with stunning beachfront views and serene atmosphere.
USD200, Overnight

7:30PM

Dinner at True Food Kitchen

Healthy vegetarian cuisine in Malibu with seasonal ingredients. Open until 9 PM.
USD40, 1h
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Day 6: Malibu to Los Angeles

Malibu to Los Angeles, California on April 28, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Malibu Farm Pier Cafe

Start your day with organic, vegetarian breakfast on the Malibu Pier. Open from 7 AM.
USD22, 1h

9:00AM

Drive to Los Angeles

Short drive east to central Los Angeles, approximately 1 hour.
USD0, 1h

10:30AM

Hiking at Runyon Canyon Park

Popular urban hiking spot with great views of LA and the Hollywood sign. Open 6 AM to 10 PM.
USD0, 2h

1:00PM

Lunch at Café Blossom, Los Angeles

Enjoy a purely vegetarian gourmet lunch in the heart of LA. Open 11:30 AM to 9 PM.
USD30, 1h

3:00PM

Explore The Getty Center

Visit The Getty Center for art, architecture, and gardens. Open 10 AM to 5:30 PM.
USD0, 2h30m

6:00PM

Check-in at a boutique hotel in LA

Stay overnight in a trendy boutique hotel in central Los Angeles providing comfort and style.
USD150, Overnight

7:30PM

Dinner at Crossroads Kitchen

Enjoy a high-end vegetarian dining experience at Crossroads Kitchen, open till 10 PM.
USD50, 1h30m
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Day 7: LA to San Diego

Los Angeles to San Diego, California on April 29, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Gracias Madre, Los Angeles

Enjoy a plant-based Mexican breakfast at the popular Gracias Madre restaurant. Open at 8 AM, best to visit by reservation.
USD25, 1h

8:30AM

Drive to San Diego

Final leg of your road trip on Hwy 1, covering about 2 hours to San Diego with scenic coastal views.
USD0, 2h

11:00AM

Kayaking in La Jolla Cove

Rent kayaks and explore the famous sea caves and marine life at La Jolla Cove. Rental typically available 9 AM to 5 PM.
USD45, 2h

1:30PM

Lunch at Kindred, San Diego

Enjoy a hip vegetarian meal with creative dishes at Kindred, open 11:30 AM to 9 PM.
USD30, 1h

3:00PM

Relax at Balboa Park Gardens

Leisurely stroll through the beautiful gardens and cultural sites of Balboa Park. Park open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
USD0, 2h

5:30PM

Check-in at Hotel Indigo San Diego Gaslamp Quarter

Comfortable stay in downtown San Diego within walking distance to restaurants and nightlife.
USD170, Overnight

7:30PM

Dinner at Donna Jean, San Diego

Finish your trip with a delightful vegetarian dinner at Donna Jean, known for wood-fired pizzas and fresh seasonal salads. Open till 9 PM.
USD35, 1h
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