SF to LA: The Slow Coast Drift
Full route: SFO → Carmel → San Simeon → Pismo Beach → Santa Barbara → LAX
SFO → Carmel → San Simeon → Pismo Beach → Santa Barbara → LAX
Foggy Starts & Coastal Charms
Pick up the keys and get moving. We’re bypassing the city traffic to hit the coast as soon as possible.
San Francisco International Airport
Pick up the keys and get moving. We’re bypassing the city traffic to hit the coast as soon as possible. [ -122.3748, 37.6213]
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Grab a quick corn dog and walk the historic wooden planks. It’s kitschy in the best way. If the tide is right, check the surfers at Steamer Lane nearby.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
One of the best in the world. Spend a solid two hours here—the jellyfish exhibit is basically a meditation session.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
This is where we crash. It’s a fairytale town with no street addresses. Walk down Ocean Avenue to the beach for a sunset that'll make you want to move here. [-121.9233, 36.5552]
The Big Sur Soul
The Big Sur Soul (150km, 3h drive)
Bixby Creek Bridge
The "Instagram bridge." Park in the dirt lot on the north side for the classic shot before the crowds get thick.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Hike the Valley View Trail for a look at the redwoods. It’s a nice break from the salt air.
McWay Falls
You can’t go down to the beach, but the view of the waterfall dropping straight into the turquoise ocean is iconic.
San Simeon
We’re staying near the Hearst Castle gates tonight. If you have energy, drive 5 minutes north to the Elephant Seal Boardwalk to watch the giant "beach potatoes" nap.
Castles & Quirky Towns
09:00 Hearst Castle: Take the "Grand Rooms" tour. It’s basically what happens when a billionaire has too much time and a love for European antiques. **13:00 Morro Rock**: This massive volcanic plug sits right in the harbor. Grab some fresh fish and chips at the waterfront and watch the sea otters floating in the kelp. **15:30 San Luis Obispo**: Check out Bubblegum Alley (it's gross but a classic) and then head to the Madonna Inn for a drink—every room is themed differently. **18:00 Pismo Beach**: We’re ending the day here. Walk the pier and grab a bowl of the famous clam chowder at Splash Café.
Hearst Castle
Take the "Grand Rooms" tour. It’s basically what happens when a billionaire has too much time and a love for European antiques.
Morro Rock
This massive volcanic plug sits right in the harbor. Grab some fresh fish and chips at the waterfront and watch the sea otters floating in the kelp.
San Luis Obispo
Check out Bubblegum Alley (it's gross but a classic) and then head to the Madonna Inn for a drink—every room is themed differently.
Pismo Beach
We’re ending the day here. Walk the pier and grab a bowl of the famous clam chowder at Splash Café.
Danish Windmills & Wine
It feels like you accidentally drove to Denmark. Get some aebleskiver (puffy pancake balls) and wander the windmill-lined streets.
Solvang
It feels like you accidentally drove to Denmark. Get some aebleskiver (puffy pancake balls) and wander the windmill-lined streets.
Cold Spring Tavern
A hidden stagecoach stop in the mountains. Their tri-tip sandwiches are legendary.
Santa Barbara
Known as the American Riviera. Walk State Street, visit the Old Mission, and end the evening at Stearns Wharf. The Spanish Colonial architecture here is stunning.
The Malibu Finish
The drive gets dramatic again as the mountains meet the sea. Keep an eye out for dolphins right off the shore.
Point Mugu State Park
The drive gets dramatic again as the mountains meet the sea. Keep an eye out for dolphins right off the shore. [-119.0617, 34.0858]
El Matador State Beach
My favorite beach in Malibu. You have to walk down some steep stairs, but the sea caves and rock pillars are worth it.
Santa Monica Pier
The official end of the road. Ride the solar-powered Ferris wheel and soak in the chaos of the boardwalk.
Los Angeles International Airport
Dropping the car back off. Give yourself plenty of time; LA traffic is the only thing that isn't relaxing about this trip. [-118.4085, 33.9416]
- Fill up your gas tank in Carmel. Gas prices in the middle of Big Sur are eye-watering, and cell service is non-existent for about 80km.