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Plan a 5-day Pacific C…

Start your engines in SF and head south. We're hitting the iconic boardwalk before settling into the upscale charm of Carmel.

5days
15stops
DAY01

San Francisco → Carmel-by-the-Sea

Overnight in Carmel-by-the-Sea
  1. 09:00
    San Francisco· start
  3. 11:30
    Santa Cruz Boardwalk
  5. 14:30
    Monterey Bay Aquarium
  7. 18:00
    Carmel-by-the-Sea· overnight
Coastal Eats
  • Old Fisherman's Grotto · The clam chowder here is legendary. Get it in a bread bowl, obviously.
  • La Bicyclette · European bistro vibes in Carmel. Their wood-fired pizzas are a game-changer.
Daily Spend
Gas & Parking
$45
Aquarium Tickets
$60
DAY02

Carmel-by-the-Sea → San Simeon

Overnight in San Simeon
  1. 09:00
    Carmel-by-the-Sea· start
  3. 10:00
    Bixby Creek Bridge
  5. 13:00
    McWay Falls
  7. 17:30
    San Simeon· overnight
Cliffside Dining
  • Nepenthe · Eat on the edge of the world. The views are better than the food, and the food is good.
  • Big Sur Taphouse · Chill spot for a local brew and some tacos after a day of hiking.
What to Budget
State Park Fees
$10
Lunch at Nepenthe
$40
DAY03

San Simeon → San Luis Obispo

Overnight in San Luis Obispo
  1. 09:00
    San Simeon· start
  3. 10:30
    Hearst Castle
  5. 14:30
    Morro Rock
  7. 17:00
    San Luis Obispo· overnight
Local Favorites
  • Firestone Grill · The Tri-Tip sandwich here is a local obsession. Don't skip the fries.
  • Giovanni's Fish Market · Fresh oysters and fish and chips right on the Morro Bay waterfront.
Today's Budget
Hearst Castle Tour
$30
Hotel in SLO
$180
DAY04

San Luis Obispo → Santa Barbara

Overnight in Santa Barbara
  1. 09:00
    San Luis Obispo· start
  3. 11:00
    Solvang
  5. 15:00
    Santa Barbara· overnight
Treat Yourself
  • Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery · Get the butter cookies or a kringle. It's like a sugar-fueled hug.
  • Santa Barbara Shellfish Co. · Located at the end of the pier. Local uni and crab are the move.
Daily Costs
Wine Tasting
$25
Parking in SB
$20
DAY05

Santa Barbara → Los Angeles

  1. 09:30
    Santa Barbara· start
  3. 12:00
    El Matador State Beach
  5. 15:00
    Santa Monica Pier
  7. 18:00
    Los Angeles
LA Classics
  • Malibu Farm Pier Cafe · Fresh, organic, and right on the water. Very 'Malibu'.
  • Bay Cities Italian Deli · Order the 'Godmother' sandwich. It's an LA institution.
Final Budget
Gas
$40
Santa Monica Parking
$15
Heads Up
  • Book Hearst Castle in advance
  • Download offline maps for Big Sur
  • Watch for road closures in winter