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SF to LA Coastal Cruise

Kick off your legendary Highway 1 journey from the Golden Gate down to the Monterey Peninsula.

5days
16stops
DAY01

San Francisco → Monterey

Overnight in Monterey
  1. 09:00
    San Francisco· start
  3. 10:30
    Half Moon Bay
  5. 13:00
    Santa Cruz Boardwalk
  7. 17:00
    Monterey· overnight
Coastal Eats
  • Phil's Fish Market · Famous Cioppino that's worth the wait. Super fresh.
  • Old Fisherman's Grotto · Clam chowder in a bread bowl is the move here.
Day 1 Budget
Gas & Parking
$45
Monterey Hotel
$220
DAY02

Monterey → Big Sur

Overnight in Big Sur
  1. 09:00
    Monterey· start
  3. 10:30
    17-Mile Drive
  5. 13:00
    Bixby Creek Bridge
  7. 15:30
    Big Sur· overnight
Campsite · Big Sur
Campsite details not verified yet
Big Sur Bites
  • Nepenthe · Ambrosia burger with the best view in the world. Period.
  • Big Sur Bakery · Rustic vibes and killer pastries for the road.
Big Sur Budget
17-Mile Drive Fee
$11
Big Sur Lodge
$350
DAY03

Big Sur → San Luis Obispo

Overnight in San Luis Obispo
  1. 09:00
    Big Sur· start
  3. 10:00
    McWay Falls
  5. 13:30
    Hearst Castle
  7. 17:30
    San Luis Obispo· overnight
Local Favorites
  • Firestone Grill · The Tri-Tip sandwich is a local legend. Get it.
  • Sebastian's General Store · Great burgers right near the Hearst Ranch winery.
Today's Spend
Hearst Castle Tour
$30
SLO Boutique Hotel
$180
DAY04

San Luis Obispo → Santa Barbara

Overnight in Santa Barbara
  1. 09:30
    San Luis Obispo· start
  3. 10:30
    Pismo Beach
  5. 13:00
    Solvang
  7. 16:30
    Santa Barbara· overnight
Sweet & Savory
  • Olsen's Danish Village Bakery · Butter cookies and kringles. Don't skip these.
  • Cold Spring Tavern · Old stagecoach stop with legendary tri-tip sliders.
Daily Budget
Wine Tasting
$40
Santa Barbara Stay
$280
DAY05

Santa Barbara → Los Angeles

  1. 09:00
    Santa Barbara· start
  3. 11:30
    Malibu
  5. 14:00
    Santa Monica Pier
  7. 17:00
    Los Angeles
The Last Supper
  • Malibu Seafood · Fish and chips on picnic tables overlooking the ocean.
  • Guisados · Real-deal braised meat tacos in LA. Game-changer.
Final Costs
Gas & Final Meals
$80
Heads Up
  • Check for Highway 1 closures/slides
  • Book Big Sur lodging early
  • Pack for all weather types