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6-Day Scenic Road Trip from San Diego to Forks: Coastal and Forest Adventure

Viewed by 196 travelers

Day 1: Urban start and coastal drive

San Diego to Los Angeles, California, USA on June 2, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at The Mission Cafe, San Diego

Start your day with a hearty breakfast featuring healthy Latin-inspired dishes in a bright, relaxed setting. Open from 7am to 3pm, perfect for an early start.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Drive from San Diego to Los Angeles

Embark on a scenic 2-hour drive north along I-5, enjoying coastal views en route to the bustling city of Los Angeles.
USD10 (tolls/fuel), 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Grand Central Market, Los Angeles

Explore this iconic food hall offering a variety of cuisines, including tacos, ramen, and vegan options in a vibrant historic setting. Open until 10pm.
USD20, 1h

1:30pm

Visit The Getty Center

Discover impressive art collections and stunning architecture with sweeping views of Los Angeles. Open from 10am to 5:30pm, closed Mondays (plan accordingly).
USD20, 2h

3:30pm

Drive to Santa Monica Pier

Take a short 30-minute drive to enjoy the iconic pier, beach, and amusement park before heading to accommodation.
Free (except activities), 1h

5:00pm

Dinner at The Albright, Santa Monica

Dine on fresh seafood located right on Santa Monica Pier, perfect for a relaxing meal with ocean views. Open until 10pm.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 2: Coastal cities and wine country

Los Angeles to Santa Barbara, California, USA on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Urth Caffé, Santa Monica

Enjoy organic coffee and artisan pastries in a charming atmosphere, open from 7am to 9pm.
USD15, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Santa Barbara via Pacific Coast Highway

Drive roughly 2 hours through scenic coastal highway, passing Malibu and other beaches with ocean vistas.
USD12 (fuel/tolls), 2h

11:30am

Visit Old Mission Santa Barbara

Explore the historic Spanish mission with beautiful architecture and gardens, open 9am to 5pm daily.
USD10, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Brophy Bros., Santa Barbara Harbor

Savor fresh seafood right at the harbor with views of boats and water, open from 11am to 9pm.
USD25, 1h

2:00pm

Wine tasting in Santa Ynez Valley

Enjoy a 3-hour afternoon sampling local wines at renowned vineyards about 45 minutes from Santa Barbara.
USD50, 3h

5:30pm

Dinner at The Lark, Santa Barbara

Enjoy upscale seasonal American cuisine in a trendy environment; open until 10pm.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 3: Road trip to San Francisco

Santa Barbara to San Francisco, California, USA on June 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Dawn Patrol, Santa Barbara

Start with creative breakfast dishes including excellent pancakes and scrambles, open from 7am–3pm.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Drive to San Francisco

A long 6-7 hour drive, explore the beautiful Central Coast or take breaks in Monterey or Big Sur for quick sightseeing.
USD40 (fuel/tolls), 7h

3:30pm

Visit Fisherman's Wharf

Walk around this lively waterfront area with shops and street performers; open all day.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Scoma’s, San Francisco

Fresh seafood served in a classic setting at Pier 47, open until 9pm.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 4: Northern California redwoods

San Francisco to Crescent City, California, USA on June 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Mama’s on Washington Square, San Francisco

Enjoy traditional breakfast favorites in a cozy place, opens at 7am.
USD18, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Crescent City

A long 6-hour drive north along US-101 with opportunities to spot redwoods near smaller stops.
USD40 (fuel/tolls), 6h

2:00pm

Visit Redwood National and State Parks

Explore awe-inspiring coastal redwoods and forest trails; visitor centers are open 9am-5pm.
USD15, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at SeaQuake Brewing, Crescent City

Relax with craft beers and casual hearty food favorites, open until 9pm.
USD25, 1h
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Day 5: Final leg to Forks

Crescent City, California to Forks, Washington, USA on June 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Mo’s Restaurant, Crescent City

Savor classic American breakfast in a friendly atmosphere, opens at 7am.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Forks via US-101 North

A 3-hour drive through beautiful coastal and forest scenery crossing into Washington State.
USD20 (fuel), 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Pacific Pizza, Forks

Enjoy casual pizza and sandwiches in the heart of this small town; open 11am to 9pm.
USD15, 1h

1:00pm

Visit Hoh Rain Forest

Take a short 45-minute drive to one of the largest temperate rainforests in the U.S., walk easy trails open from dawn to dusk.
USD15, 3h

5:00pm

Dinner at The In Place, Forks

Enjoy hearty American and seafood options in a relaxed setting, open till 8pm.
USD25, 1h
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Day 6: Explore Forks and surroundings

Forks, Washington, USA on June 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sweet Anita’s Café

Begin your day with freshly brewed coffee and home-style breakfast; open 7am-2pm.
USD12, 1h

9:30am

Visit Rialto Beach

Explore rugged coastline with sea stacks and tide pools just a short drive from Forks; open all day, free entry.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Pacific Pizza

Return to town for lunch with variety of pizzas and salads.
USD15, 1h

1:30pm

Forks Timber Museum

Learn about logging history in the region in this small but engaging museum; open 10am-4pm.
USD5, 1h

3:00pm

Evening stroll and souvenir shopping

Walk around downtown Forks, visit local shops, and prepare for end of trip.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Dinner at Pacific Grind Coffee House

Enjoy light dinner options, sandwiches, coffee, and desserts; open until 8pm.
USD20, 1h
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