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SF to LA Coastal Drive 5d⭐️

The ultimate 5-day California dream: rugged Big Sur cliffs, Danish villages, and iconic LA beaches.

5days
15stops
375km
DAY01

Santa Cruz Boardwalk → 17-Mile Drive

80 km · 1h 15m driving · Overnight in 17-Mile Drive
  1. 10:30
    Santa Cruz Boardwalk· start
  2. 75 km · 1h
  3. 14:00
    Monterey Bay Aquarium
  4. 5 km · 15m
  5. 16:45
    17-Mile Drive· overnight
Accommodation
Pacific Grove or Monterey Waterfront
Coastal Eats
  • Old Fisherman's Grotto · Famous clam chowder in a bread bowl. Touristy but actually good.
  • Phil's Fish Market · In Moss Landing, the Cioppino is legendary. Total local vibe.
Today's Budget
Lodging
$300
Food
$80
Gas
$25
Tickets
$60
DAY02

Bixby Creek Bridge → Elephant Seal Vista Point

125 km · 2h 20m driving · Overnight in Elephant Seal Vista Point
  1. 09:30
    Bixby Creek Bridge· start
  2. 40 km · 50m
  3. 11:30
    McWay Falls
  4. 85 km · 1h 30m
  5. 15:30
    Elephant Seal Vista Point· overnight
Accommodation
Cambria or San Simeon
Big Sur Bites
  • Nepenthe · Pricey, but the view from the terrace is unbeatable. Get the Ambrosia burger.
  • Big Sur Bakery · Rustic vibes and amazing pastries. Perfect for a road snack.
Today's Budget
Lodging
$250
Food
$90
Gas
$30
DAY03

Hearst Castle → Bubblegum Alley

65 km · 1h 5m driving · Overnight in Bubblegum Alley
  1. 09:30
    Hearst Castle· start
  2. 45 km · 40m
  3. 14:00
    Morro Rock
  4. 20 km · 25m
  5. 16:00
    Bubblegum Alley· overnight
Accommodation
San Luis Obispo (SLO) Downtown
Local Favorites
  • Firestone Grill · The Tri-Tip sandwich is a local rite of passage in SLO.
  • Brown Butter Cookie Company · In Cayucos. These cookies are life-changing. Get the sea salt ones.
Today's Budget
Lodging
$220
Food
$70
Tickets
$30
Gas
$15
DAY04

Solvang Village → Stearns Wharf

60 km · 1h 5m driving · Overnight in Stearns Wharf
  1. 10:30
    Solvang Village· start
  2. 55 km · 50m
  3. 14:30
    Old Mission Santa Barbara
  4. 5 km · 15m
  5. 16:30
    Stearns Wharf· overnight
Accommodation
Santa Barbara West Beach
Don't Miss These
  • Paula's Pancake House · Danish pancakes in Solvang. Thin, delicious, and legendary.
  • Santa Barbara Shellfish Co. · At the end of Stearns Wharf. Local sea urchin (uni) is a must-try.
Today's Budget
Lodging
$350
Food
$100
Gas
$20
DAY05

El Matador State Beach → Santa Monica Pier

45 km · 1h 15m driving
  1. 10:30
    El Matador State Beach· start
  2. 25 km · 30m
  3. 13:30
    Malibu Pier
  4. 20 km · 45m
  5. 16:00
    Santa Monica Pier
Accommodation
Santa Monica or Venice Beach
Final Feast
  • Malibu Seafood · Fresh fish right across from the beach. Sit outside on the picnic tables.
  • Bay Cities Italian Deli · In Santa Monica. Order the 'Godmother' sandwich. It's legendary.
Today's Budget
Lodging
$400
Food
$90
Gas
$20
Heads Up
  • Book Hearst Castle and Aquarium tickets early
  • Gas up before entering Big Sur (prices double inside)
  • Check for Highway 1 road closures before leaving