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Plan a 5-day Pacific C…

Kick off the ultimate California road trip by trading the Golden Gate for the rugged Central Coast. We're hitting surf towns and world-class aquariums today.

5days
20stops
DAY01

San Francisco → 17-Mile Drive

Overnight in 17-Mile Drive
  1. 09:00
    San Francisco· start
  3. 11:30
    Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
  5. 14:30
    Monterey Bay Aquarium
  7. 17:00
    17-Mile Drive· overnight
Coastal Eats
  • The Picnic Basket · Killer seasonal sandwiches right by the Santa Cruz boardwalk.
  • Old Fisherman's Grotto · The clam chowder in a bread bowl is a Monterey rite of passage.
Daily Spend
17-Mile Drive Entry
$11
Gas & Snacks
$60
DAY02

Carmel-by-the-Sea → McWay Falls

Overnight in McWay Falls
  1. 09:00
    Carmel-by-the-Sea· start
  3. 10:30
    Bixby Creek Bridge
  5. 13:00
    Pfeiffer Beach
  7. 15:30
    McWay Falls· overnight
Cliffside Dining
  • Nepenthe · The food is fine, but the cliffside terrace views are legendary.
  • Big Sur Bakery · Rustic vibes and the best ginger scones you'll ever have.
Budget
State Park Parking
$10
Lunch at Nepenthe
$45
DAY03

Elephant Seal Vista Point → San Luis Obispo

Overnight in San Luis Obispo
  1. 10:00
    Elephant Seal Vista Point· start
  3. 12:00
    Hearst Castle
  5. 16:00
    Morro Rock
  7. 18:00
    San Luis Obispo· overnight
Local Favorites
  • Sebastian's General Store · Great burgers right across from the Hearst Castle entrance.
  • Firestone Grill · The Tri-Tip sandwich in SLO is a local obsession. Get it.
Today's Costs
Hearst Castle Tour
$30
Hotel in SLO
$180
DAY04

Pismo Beach Pier → Stearns Wharf

Overnight in Stearns Wharf
  1. 09:30
    Pismo Beach Pier· start
  3. 11:30
    Solvang
  5. 15:00
    Santa Barbara Courthouse
  7. 17:30
    Stearns Wharf· overnight
Must-Eats
  • Olsen's Danish Village Bakery · Authentic butter cookies and kringle in the heart of Solvang.
  • La Super-Rica Taqueria · Julia Child's favorite taco spot. Expect a line, it's worth it.
Daily Budget
Wine Tasting
$25
Dinner in SB
$60
DAY05

El Matador State Beach → Los Angeles

  1. 10:00
    El Matador State Beach· start
  3. 13:00
    Santa Monica Pier
  5. 15:30
    Venice Canals
  7. 18:00
    Los Angeles
LA Classics
  • Malibu Farm Pier Cafe · Fresh, organic food right at the end of the Malibu Pier.
  • Bay Cities Italian Deli · Get the 'Godmother' sandwich. It's a Santa Monica legend.
Final Day Spend
Parking in SM
$20
Final Celebration Dinner
$80
Heads Up
  • Check for PCH road closures in Big Sur
  • Book Hearst Castle in advance
  • Pack layers for the SF fog