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3-Day Road Trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco: Parks, Chinatown, and Budget-Friendly Finds

Viewed by 131 travelers

Day 1: Coastal Exploration

Los Angeles, USA on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Griddle Cafe

Start your day with hearty and delicious pancakes at The Griddle Cafe, known for its creative breakfast dishes. Open from 7:00am to 3:00pm.

USD20, 1h

9:30am

Drive from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara

Take the scenic Pacific Coast Highway (US-1) north, enjoying ocean views and mild traffic, approximately a 2-hour drive.

USD0, 2h

11:30am

Visit Santa Barbara Waterfront Park

Explore this beautiful park with ocean vistas and tranquil pathways, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

USD0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Brophy Bros. Clam Bar & Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood with views of the harbor. Open daily from 11:00am to 9:00pm.

USD30, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Santa Barbara Mission

Tour the historic mission founded in 1786, known as the Queen of the Missions for its stunning architecture and gardens. Open 9:00am - 5:00pm.

USD15, 1h

3:30pm

Drive towards San Luis Obispo, Overnight Stay

Continue driving north toward San Luis Obispo for an overnight stay, approximately 1.5 hours.

USD0, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Big Sky Cafe, San Luis Obispo

Enjoy farm-to-table dining with a range of vegetarian and American dishes in a cozy environment. Open 5:00pm - 9:00pm.

USD30, 1.5h

Find Hotels in Los Angeles

Day 2: Big Sur and Monterey

San Luis Obispo to Monterey, USA on June 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Dawn Patrol, San Luis Obispo

Enjoy creative hash dishes and hearty breakfasts at this popular local spot. Opens at 7:00am.

USD15, 1h

8:30am

Drive Big Sur Coastline

Travel along CA-1 through Big Sur, stopping at scenic overlooks like Bixby Creek Bridge and Pfeiffer Beach for photo ops and nature views. Estimated 3 hours driving with stops.

USD0, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Nepenthe Restaurant

Dine with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean from this iconic Big Sur spot. Open 11:00am - 9:00pm.

USD25, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Discover hiking trails with ocean vistas, wildlife viewing, and peaceful coves; perfect for nature lovers. Open from 7:00am to sunset. Entrance fee is USD10 per vehicle.

USD10, 2h

4:30pm

Drive to Monterey

Continue north for about 30 minutes to reach Monterey.

USD0, 0.5h

5:00pm

Visit Cannery Row

Stroll along this historic waterfront district with shops, galleries, and scenic sea views.

USD0, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Monterey's Chinese Kitchen

Sample authentic Chinese dishes in Monterey’s Chinatown; the restaurant is open until 9:00pm.

USD20, 1h

Find Hotels in San Luis Obispo to Monterey

Day 3: San Francisco Chinatown

Monterey to San Francisco, USA on June 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at First Awakenings, Monterey

Known for fresh, classic breakfast options served quickly. Opens at 7:00am.

USD15, 1h

8:30am

Drive from Monterey to San Francisco

Drive north on US-101 or CA-1 for about 2 hours. Arrive in San Francisco midday.

USD0, 2h

11:00am

Visit San Francisco Chinatown

Explore the largest Chinatown outside Asia, full of markets, shops, and cultural landmarks. Walking tours available; self-guided tours are free.

USD0, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Good Mong Kok Bakery

Taste affordable and authentic dim sum snacks at this popular bakery in Chinatown, open until mid-afternoon.

USD10, 1h

2:30pm

Relax at Washington Square Park

Enjoy this free, iconic neighborhood park in North Beach near Chinatown.

USD0, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Golden Gate Park

Explore spacious gardens, lakes, and free walking trails in San Francisco’s famous park. Open all day, free entry.

USD0, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at House of Nanking

Enjoy creative Chinese cuisine in Chinatown with good reviews and moderate prices. Open until 9:30pm.

USD25, 1.5h

8:30pm

Find Free ATM or Bank Promotions

Many banks in San Francisco offer free ATM use; check for Chase, Bank of America, or Wells Fargo branches in Chinatown to avoid fees and find promotional offers.

USD0, 30m

Find Hotels in Monterey to San Francisco

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Itinerary created by Plantrip Team June 1, 2025 AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Step 1 Outline Preview:

3-Day Road Trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco: Parks, Chinatown, and Budget-Friendly Finds

Day 1: Coastal Exploration

8:00am

9:30am

11:30am

12:30pm

2:00pm

3:30pm

6:00pm

Day 2: Big Sur and Monterey

7:30am

8:30am

12:30pm

2:00pm

4:30pm

5:00pm

6:30pm

Day 3: San Francisco Chinatown

7:30am

8:30am

11:00am

1:00pm

2:30pm

4:00pm

6:30pm

8:30pm

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