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7-Day Ultimate California West Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Viewed by 223 travelers

Day 1: Explore San Francisco

San Francisco, USA on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tartine Bakery

Enjoy artisanal pastries and coffee at this iconic bakery known for its delicious morning treats in the Mission District.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Visit Golden Gate Bridge

Walk or bike across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and visit the nearby viewpoints offering stunning bay views.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf - Boudin Bakery

Try the famous clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl at this well-known San Francisco eatery.
USD20, 1h

1:30pm

Alcatraz Island Tour

Take the ferry from Pier 33 to tour the historic Alcatraz prison, a fascinating insight into California’s history. Book tickets in advance.
USD45, 2h

4:00pm

Explore Chinatown

Stroll through vibrant Chinatown, the oldest in North America, enjoy unique shops and cultural sights.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at House of Prime Rib

Savor classic prime rib in a quintessential San Francisco setting, open for dinner from 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm.
USD50, 2h
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Day 2: Monterey & Carmel

Monterey, USA on May 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at First Awakenings

Start your day with hearty breakfast options including pancakes and omelets in downtown Monterey.
USD15, 1h

9:00am

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Visit one of the top aquariums in the world showcasing marine life native to the California coast, open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
USD50, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Old Fisherman’s Grotto

Enjoy fresh seafood at this popular waterfront restaurant known for its clam chowder and Dungeness crab.
USD30, 1h

1:30pm

Drive 17-Mile Drive to Carmel

Take the scenic 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach, stopping at beautiful lookout points and beaches.
USD11.25 per car, 2h

4:00pm

Explore Carmel-by-the-Sea

Walk around the charming village of Carmel, visit boutiques, art galleries, and the beautiful Carmel Beach.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at La Bicyclette

Dine on rustic European-inspired dishes in a cozy Carmel atmosphere, open until 9:00 pm.
USD40, 2h
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Day 3: Big Sur Scenic Drive

Big Sur, USA on May 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Big Sur Bakery

Grab fresh pastries and coffee in a quaint environment before starting your scenic day.
USD15, 1h

8:00am

Drive along Pacific Coast Highway

Experience breathtaking views on the coastal drive from Carmel to Big Sur, stopping at iconic sites like Bixby Creek Bridge.
Free, 3h

11:30am

Visit Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Enjoy hiking trails amidst redwood forests and visit the unique purple sand at Pfeiffer Beach.
USD15 entrance fee, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Nepenthe

Eat on the terrace with panoramic views over the Pacific while enjoying local cuisine, open daily from 11:00 am.
USD30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit McWay Falls

Take a short hike to view the iconic waterfall which drops directly into the ocean at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Dinner at Big Sur River Inn

Relax with dinner overlooking the Big Sur River featuring rustic American dishes, open until 9:00 pm.
USD40, 2h
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Day 4: Santa Barbara Relaxation

Santa Barbara, USA on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Andersen’s Danish Bakery

Enjoy fresh Danish pastries and coffee at this beloved Santa Barbara bakery.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Relax at Santa Barbara Beach

Spend a relaxing morning walking along the sandy shores or renting a bike to explore the waterfront.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Brophy Bros.

Dine on fresh seafood overlooking the harbor with great views and a lively atmosphere.
USD35, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Santa Barbara Mission

Tour the historic Old Mission, known as the 'Queen of the Missions,' showcasing beautiful Spanish architecture.
USD15, 1h30m

3:30pm

Wine Tasting in Santa Ynez Valley

Drive 30 minutes to sample some of California’s best wines at renowned wineries open until 5:00 pm.
USD20 tasting fee, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Lark

Enjoy upscale farm-to-table cuisine in the Funk Zone with a vibrant atmosphere, open till 9:00 pm.
USD50, 2h
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Day 5: Los Angeles Highlights

Los Angeles, USA on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sqirl

Delight in inventive breakfast dishes made from local, seasonal ingredients in Silver Lake.
USD20, 1h

9:30am

Visit The Getty Center

Explore world-class art exhibits and stunning gardens, with free admission (parking USD20), open 10:00 am to 5:30 pm.
USD20 parking, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Grand Central Market

Sample a variety of delicious foods from classic LA vendors in a bustling downtown market.
USD25, 1h

2:30pm

Walk Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre

See famous celebrity stars embedded in the sidewalks and the historic theater with celebrity handprints.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Drive to Griffith Observatory

Visit this iconic observatory with spectacular city views and engaging exhibits, open until 10:00 pm.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Bestia

Enjoy modern Italian cuisine in a trendy industrial setting in the Arts District, open until 10:00 pm.
USD60, 2h
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Day 6: Sunny San Diego

San Diego, USA on May 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Broken Yolk Cafe

Start with generous portions of classic American breakfast favorites near the Gaslamp Quarter.
USD15, 1h

9:00am

Visit San Diego Zoo

Spend the morning at one of the world's best zoos, home to over 3,500 animals, open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
USD65, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Liberty Public Market

Enjoy diverse food stalls offering local specialties in a vibrant marketplace atmosphere in Liberty Station.
USD20, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Balboa Park

Stroll through gardens, museums, and cultural attractions within this expansive urban park.
Free entry for gardens, museums vary, 2h

5:00pm

Sunset at La Jolla Cove

Watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean at this picturesque spot known for sea lions and clear waters.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at George's at the Cove

Dine on fresh seafood with ocean views in La Jolla, open until 9:00 pm.
USD50, 2h
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Day 7: Back to Los Angeles

Los Angeles, USA on May 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Eggslut

Grab a famous egg sandwich in downtown LA’s Grand Central Market to fuel up before travel.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Drive back to Los Angeles

Enjoy the scenic 2-hour drive north along I-5 or the coastal route to LA for your departure or next plans.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at In-N-Out Burger

Experience the iconic California fast food joint for a quick and delicious burger near the airport or city center.
USD10, 1h

2:00pm

Departure or optional brief city visit

Depending on your schedule, explore any last-minute shopping or museums nearby before your flight.
Varies, Variable
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