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SF to LA Coastal Cruise
Starting in SF, we'll hug the Pacific all the way to the surf capital of Santa Cruz.
6days
18stops
DAY01
San Francisco → Santa Cruz Boardwalk
Overnight in Santa Cruz Boardwalk
- 09:00San Francisco· start
- 11:00Gray Whale Cove
- 15:00Santa Cruz Boardwalk· overnight
Lunch & Treats
- The Picnic Basket · Killer sandwiches and local ice cream right by the beach.
Daily Spend
- Gas & Parking
- $40
DAY02
Monterey Bay Aquarium → Carmel-by-the-Sea
Overnight in Carmel-by-the-Sea
- 10:00Monterey Bay Aquarium· start
- 14:0017-Mile Drive
- 17:00Carmel-by-the-Sea· overnight
Local Eats
- Old Fisherman's Grotto · Get the clam chowder in a bread bowl. It's legendary.
Budgeting
- Aquarium Tickets
- $60
DAY03
Bixby Creek Bridge → McWay Falls
Overnight in McWay Falls
- 09:30Bixby Creek Bridge· start
- 12:00Pfeiffer Beach
- 15:00McWay Falls· overnight
Lunch with a View
- Nepenthe · Pricey, but the terrace views are the best in the world.
Fees
- State Park Fees
- $10
DAY04
Elephant Seal Vista → Morro Bay
Overnight in Morro Bay
- 10:00Elephant Seal Vista· start
- 13:00Hearst Castle
- 17:00Morro Bay· overnight
Seafood Stops
- Giovanni's Fish Market · Fresh oysters and fish & chips right on the waterfront.
Activity Cost
- Hearst Castle Tour
- $30
DAY05
Pismo Beach → Santa Barbara
Overnight in Santa Barbara
- 10:00Pismo Beach· start
- 13:00Solvang
- 17:00Santa Barbara· overnight
Sweet Treats
- Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery · You have to get the butter cookies and a kringle.
Daily Budget
- Wine Tasting
- $25
DAY06
El Matador State Beach → Santa Monica Pier
- 10:00El Matador State Beach· start
- 13:00Malibu Pier
- 16:00Santa Monica Pier
Final Meal
- Malibu Farm Pier Cafe · Fresh, organic food right at the end of the pier.
Last Day Costs
- Parking in LA
- $25
Heads Up
- Check for Highway 1 closures near Big Sur
- Book Hearst Castle and Aquarium in advance
- Pack layers for the coastal fog