la-big sur 7d

7 days LA to Big Sur and back. Coastal highway, redwoods, wine country, desert loop. 850km total, paced for actual enjoyment not Instagram rushing.

DAY01

    Food
    • Tacos Por Favor · Carnitas tacos that locals actually eat. Cash only, totally worth it.
    • Gjusta · Venice bakery-deli, pastrami sandwich is a game-changer. Expect a line.
    Costs
    Accommodation
    $180
    Rental car pickup
    $65/day
    DAY02

      Food
      • Neptune's Net · Biker-meets-surfer seafood shack. Fish & chips, cold beer, PCH classic.
      • Loquita · Santa Barbara tapas, patatas bravas and natural wine. Book ahead.
      Costs
      Accommodation
      $220
      Gas
      $35
      DAY03

        Food
        • Nepenthe · Expensive but the terrace view is unreal. Ambrosia burger + cocktails.
        • Big Sur Bakery · Wood-fired everything. Breakfast pizza or evening dessert spot.
        Costs
        Accommodation
        $280
        Gas
        $45
        DAY04

          Food
          • Deetjen's Restaurant · Historic inn, cozy AF. Breakfast only, get the granola pancakes.
          • Sierra Mar · Post Ranch Inn, splurge dinner with 800ft cliff views. Jacket required.
          Costs
          Accommodation
          $280
          Esalen hot springs
          $35
          DAY05

            Food
            • Dametra Cafe · Carmel institution, Mediterranean family-run. Live music, belly dancing.
            • Aubergine · Carmel fine dining, tasting menu worth the splurge if celebrating.
            Costs
            Accommodation
            $240
            Monterey Aquarium
            $50
            Gas
            $25
            DAY06

              Food
              • Thomas Hill Organics · Farm-to-table in downtown Paso, seasonal menu changes daily.
              • JUSTIN Winery · Isosceles steak dinner, winery estate. Book the terrace.
              Costs
              Accommodation
              $200
              Wine tastings
              $80
              Gas
              $30
              DAY07

                Food
                • Pappy & Harriet's · Pioneertown honky-tonk, live music, surprisingly good BBQ.
                • In-N-Out · Animal style, road trip tradition. Hit it before LAX dropoff.
                Costs
                Joshua Tree entry
                $30
                Gas
                $55
                LAX car return
                $0
                Heads Up
                • Day 7: 5h30m driving — plan rest stops
                • Book Esalen hot springs 2+ weeks ahead
                • Download offline maps for Big Sur
                • PCH fog June-Aug can kill views