Your Next Adventure: California Coast Road Trip with Must-Visit Stops

Planning the perfect California coastal road trip? Well, the California Coast is one of the most stunning road trip routes you can ever take. The route stretches along the Pacific Coast Highway and this drive is packed with stunning views that are simply breathtaking and you just can’t miss. Plus the best part is, this road trip is super flexible. You can either do a quick 3-day drive or stretch it to a full week or more according to your mood. You can start in San Francisco and head down toward Los Angeles or San Diego, or you can drive the other way around. No matter which way you choose, you’ll find scenic viewpoints, amazing food stops and local wineries, and endless beaches waiting for you. So, in this blog, we’ll guide you through everything you need to plan your California Coast road trip. You’ll find the best time to go, a detailed itinerary, must-see stops, plus tips to make your journey smooth, unforgettable and full of laughs with your loved ones.

 

Why Choose the California Coast for a Road Trip?

A road trip along the California Coast is something you can plan once and remember for a lifetime. It is one of the best ways to explore the state and is surely one of the most scenic drives in the world. The route mostly follows Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, and runs for more than 650 miles. You will see cliffs, beaches, small towns, and big cities all in one journey and this trip is also very flexible, so you can make it as short or as long as you want. A quick 3-4 day trip will cover the main highlights, but if you have 7-10 days, you can explore at a slower pace. Along the way, you will see places like Santa Cruz, Monterey, Big Sur, San Simeon, Santa Barbara, Malibu, and finally Los Angeles. Each stop offers something unique like beaches, seafood, hiking trails, historic landmarks, and small towns where you can relax. Planning is additionally important because the coastal road has some tricky parts. Big Sur, for example, has long stretches without gas stations or cell service, so it’s best to fuel up before starting that part. Plus, hotels and campgrounds also fill up quickly, especially in summer, so booking in advance will save you some stress. 

The California Coast road trip also gives you many options. You can travel with friends, family, or even solo. You can also stay in motels, boutique hotels, or camp in nature. Plus, you can choose between a car or a campervan. No matter what you pick, this road trip will let you see the best of California in just one drive.

 

Best Time, Route, and Duration

When you plan a California Coast road trip the good news is that you can drive this route at any time of the year, and it will still give you amazing views, but every season comes with its own benefits and challenges, so you should pick the one that best suits your travel style.

Best Time to Go

In spring, which usually runs from March to May, you will get mild weather and you can see wildflowers blooming on the cliffs and in the valleys along the drive, plus it feels less crowded compared to the busy summer season. This is also the time when hotel prices are still reasonable, so you can save some money and also enjoy calm roads.

Summer, which is June to August, is the most popular time for this trip, and you will find warm weather, long days, and many festivals or events along the coast, but you should also know that the roads, especially around Big Sur, will be busy, and hotels plus campgrounds will sell out quickly, so you just need to book in advance.

Fall, which is September to November, is considered by many travelers as the best season because you will still get sunny and warm days, the ocean looks bright, and there are fewer crowds compared to summer, plus the prices go down a little, so you can enjoy more freedom.

Winter, which runs from December to February, has cooler weather, some fog, and the chance of rain, but if you want peaceful beaches, quiet roads, and cheaper hotels, you will surely like this option, especially if you just want to drive slowly and take photos without big crowds around.

Which Route to Take

Now when it comes to direction, most travelers agree that the best way is to drive north to south, which means starting in San Francisco and heading down toward Los Angeles or San Diego, because this way you will always be closer to the ocean side of the road, so you can easily stop at viewpoints without crossing traffic, plus the scenery looks better in this direction. 

You can, of course, also drive south to north, which works if you are flying into Los Angeles first, and you will still see the same towns and beaches, but the pullouts and ocean views are less convenient, so if you have the choice, you should just stick to north to south.

How Many Days You Need

The number of days you need depends on your schedule, and you can do a short trip in three to four days where you will cover just the highlights like San Francisco, Monterey, Big Sur, and Los Angeles, or you can plan five to seven days, which will let you stop in more places such as Santa Barbara, Solvang, Morro Bay, and Malibu, plus you will have more time to relax. 

But if you have eight to ten days, you can slow down even more, also include side trips like Paso Robles wine country, Yosemite National Park, or San Diego, and make the trip a complete California experience.

Transport and Budget Tips

For transport, you can rent a car, you can rent a car, which is the easiest option since all major rental companies operate in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, and you can even arrange a one-way rental if you don’t want to drive back, but it is advisable to check if there is an extra drop-off fee. 

You can also rent a campervan if you enjoy camping, cooking your own meals, and staying close to nature, but campgrounds along Big Sur and other coastal towns get full quickly, so booking early is necessary.

In terms of budget, you can expect to spend about $150 to $250 per day for two people, which will cover fuel, food, and mid-range hotels, although motels can save you money, while boutique hotels or luxury resorts will add to the cost, plus you can also save more by eating in local diners or cafés instead of restaurants.

Best California Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Starting in San Francisco

You can begin your California coast road trip in San Francisco, a city full of culture, food, and unique sights. You will want to set aside at least one full day here before driving south because you can see the Golden Gate Bridge, explore Fisherman’s Wharf, take a ride on the cable cars, and walk around Chinatown which has some of the best food stops. You can also visit Alcatraz Island if you have some extra time, but make sure to book tickets early because they sell out quickly. Parking in the city is limited and expensive, so you can rely on public transport or just walk around the main neighborhoods. Staying overnight in San Francisco is a good idea before you start driving along the coast the next day, as this way you will be fresh and ready for long scenic drives.

• Distance/Time: Starting point of the trip, no driving yet

• Must-visit stops: Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, Alcatraz Island, North Beach, Cable Cars

• Travel Tips:

• Book Alcatraz tickets online well in advance as they sell out quickly.

• Parking in downtown is limited and expensive, so use public transport or walk between attractions.

• Staying overnight in San Francisco is recommended to rest before heading south along the coast.

San Francisco to Santa Cruz

On the next day of your California coast road trip, you will drive around 75 miles south to Santa Cruz. The drive will take about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic, and you will enjoy scenic views along the way. Santa Cruz is known for its classic boardwalk with rides, arcade games, and beach fun. You can walk along the pier, try clam chowder in sourdough bread, or simply relax on the sandy beach. If you enjoy surfing, you can check out the popular surf spots because Santa Cruz is one of the most famous surfing towns in California. Parking near the boardwalk can be crowded in summer, so you should try to reach early in the day. Staying here overnight is optional, but you can also continue driving further south if you want to save time.

• Distance: 75 miles

• Time: 1.5-2 hours (depending on route and traffic)

• Must-visit stops: Half Moon Bay (beaches & seafood), Pigeon Point Lighthouse, Año Nuevo State Park (elephant seals), Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Downtown Pacific Avenue

• Travel Tips:

• Parking at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk fills up fast on weekends, so arrive early.

• Boardwalk rides are seasonal, so check the schedule before.

Santa Cruz to Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea

Driving from Santa Cruz to Monterey will take just about 45 minutes, and this part of the California coast road trip is especially charming. In Monterey, you can visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium which is one of the best aquariums in the world and perfect for a couple of hours. Cannery Row is another popular area where you can walk around, shop, or eat at seafood restaurants. Moreover, you can drive along the famous 17-Mile Drive, which is a scenic private road that takes you past Pebble Beach, Lone Cypress tree, and stunning ocean cliffs. You will need to pay a small entry fee for this drive, but it is worth it because you will get many photo opportunities.

Just next to Monterey is Carmel-by-the-Sea, a small town with European-style houses, boutique shops, and a calm beach. You can easily spend a few hours here and if you are planning to stay overnight, Carmel is a lovely option with cozy inns and hotels.

• Distance: 45 miles 

• Time: about 1-1.5 hours (depending on traffic and stops)

• Must-visit stops: Natural Bridges State Beach, Capitola Village, Moss Landing (great for sea otter sightings), Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, 17-Mile Drive, Carmel Beach, Carmel Mission Basilica

• Travel Tips:

• Buy tickets for the Monterey Bay Aquarium online in advance to skip long lines.

• Stop at 17-Mile Drive during daylight for the best views of Pebble Beach and Lone Cypress.

Monterey/Carmel to Big Sur

When you continue south, you will reach the most beautiful stretch of the California coast road trip: Big Sur. This drive is about 90 miles long and will take at least two hours, but you will surely stop many times for photos. The Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) here winds along steep cliffs with the ocean on one side and forests on the other. You can stop at Bixby Creek Bridge which is one of the most photographed bridges in California. You will also find Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park where you can hike through redwoods, plus Pfeiffer Beach which is known for its purple-colored sand. Parking at Pfeiffer Beach is limited, so you should arrive earlier in the day.

Moreover, you can stop at McWay Falls inside Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, which is an 80-foot waterfall dropping directly onto the beach. The viewpoint is just a short walk from the parking area, so you can easily include it in your plan. There are also several campgrounds in Big Sur if you want to stay overnight, but you will need to book far in advance, especially in summer. If you prefer hotels, Big Sur has a few luxury resorts, but they can be expensive.

• Distance: 30 miles

• Time: at least 45 minutes to 1 hour (without stops, but expect longer with scenic pullovers)

• Must-visit stops: Bixby Creek Bridge, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Pfeiffer Beach, McWay Falls

• Travel Tips: 

• Fuel up in Carmel or Monterey since gas stations are limited and expensive in Big Sur.

• Cell service is very spotty, so download maps offline before you leave.

Big Sur to San Simeon and Hearst Castle

After Big Sur, you will continue south to San Simeon which is about a two-hour drive. Here you can visit Hearst Castle, a huge historic mansion built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. You can take guided tours to see the grand rooms, the pools, and the art collection. Just nearby, you can also stop at Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery where you will see hundreds of elephant seals lying on the beach. Parking here is free and you will get to see the animals up close.

• Distance: 70 miles

• Time: 2-2.5 hours (depending on photo stops and traffic along Highway 1)

• Must-visit stops: McWay Falls (Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park), Elephant Seal Vista Point, Ragged Point Overlook, Hearst Castle

• Travel Tips:

• Gas stations are limited along Big Sur, so you should fill up in advance.

• Entry tickets for Hearst Castle need to be booked ahead online, especially on weekends.

San Simeon to San Luis Obispo and Pismo Beach

Next, you will reach San Luis Obispo which is a lively college town with restaurants, shops, and a famous farmers’ market if you come on a Thursday evening. You can also continue to Pismo Beach which has a wide sandy shoreline, a pier, and options for ATV rides on the dunes. Staying in this area overnight is a good option because you will get enough rest before heading toward the last part of your California coast road trip.

• Distance: 45 miles

• Time: 1-1.5 hours

• Must-visit stops: Cambria (Moonstone Beach), Morro Bay (Morro Rock), Downtown San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach Pier and Monarch Butterfly Grove (seasonal: late October-February)

• Travel Tips:

• Cambria is a good place for a food break with local cafés and bakeries.

• Parking at Pismo Beach Pier fills up quickly on weekends, so arrive early for a spot.

Santa Barbara to Los Angeles

After San Luis Obispo, you will drive toward Santa Barbara which is often called the American Riviera. You can visit the Old Mission, walk along State Street, or relax at the beach. Santa Barbara is also a great place to grab local wine and seafood. Parking is usually easy in the city center.

Finally, you will continue to Los Angeles which will mark the end of your California coast road trip. In LA, you can visit Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, Hollywood Boulevard, Griffith Observatory, and more. If you have time, you can also spend a day at Disneyland or Universal Studios. Traffic in Los Angeles is usually heavy, so it's best to plan your sightseeing with some buffer time.

• Distance: 95 miles

• Time: 2-2.5 hours (traffic dependent, especially near LA)

• Must-visit stops: Old Mission Santa Barbara, State Street (downtown SB), Malibu (El Matador Beach or Zuma Beach), Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory

• Travel Tips:

• Leave early morning or later in the evening to avoid LA rush-hour.

• Use parking apps like SpotHero or ParkMe to save time finding affordable parking in LA hotspots.

Additional Tips and Suggestions

When you plan a California coast road trip, you will also find that small tips, like knowing where to park, what to pack, and how to book accommodation, can make the trip smoother, plus you can relax more and focus on the views and experiences rather than logistics.

Accommodation Tips

You will want to plan your overnight stays ahead of time because hotels, motels, and lodges along the Pacific Coast Highway can fill up quickly, especially in Big Sur, Santa Barbara, and Malibu. You can choose from a variety of options depending on your budget. If you prefer comfort, you will find boutique hotels and resorts in Santa Barbara, Carmel, and Los Angeles. Plus, there are mid-range hotels and motels in Monterey, Pismo Beach, and Santa Cruz where you can stay without spending too much. If you are adventurous, you can also rent a campervan and stay at campgrounds in Big Sur or near beaches, but you should book these months in advance. Staying overnight in towns rather than isolated areas makes your California coast road trip easier and more enjoyable because you can find food, gas, and amenities conveniently.

Driving and Safety Tips

You can drive the California coast road trip at your own pace, but you will want to be prepared for winding roads, especially in Big Sur. You will also notice narrow lanes and steep cliffs, so it is best to drive during daylight hours. Plus, make sure to use GPS and offline maps because mobile service is limited in some areas. Also check if your car has enough fuel, especially before entering stretches with few gas stations like Big Sur, and always carry water, snacks, and basic first aid. You can also check the weather before each day’s drive since coastal fog can appear suddenly, and you will want to drive carefully when visibility is low.

Budget and Planning Tips

You can plan your budget based on accommodation, meals, fuel, and activities. Fuel costs will depend on your car and total distance, plus parking fees in popular towns like Monterey and Santa Barbara should be considered. You will also want to plan meals at recommended cafés or restaurants, but you can save by packing snacks for the road. Moreover, booking hotels or campgrounds in advance will help you stick to your budget and avoid overspending.

Other suggestions

• When you plan a California coast road trip, you will quickly realize that food stops are just as important as the scenic views because you can’t drive for hours without a proper meal, plus eating local food adds a whole new experience to your journey. You can pack water, snacks, and sandwiches for long stretches where restaurants are limited, especially in Big Sur. Plus, try to plan meal stops in towns rather than on isolated highways, and make reservations at popular restaurants if you are traveling during peak season. 

• You will also want to carry cash because some small cafés or beachside stands may not accept cards. Moreover, keep a cooler in your car for drinks or perishable snacks, which is very useful on a California coast road trip.

• Also, you will find that a California coast road trip is more enjoyable if you plan your day with flexibility. You can stop at viewpoints, beaches, or small towns whenever you like, and you will also find local events or farmers’ markets along the route that are worth visiting. Moreover, take breaks every 1-2 hours to stretch your legs and enjoy the scenery. 

Conclusion

All in all, a California coast road trip shows you there’s more than just cities and beaches. Just plan your stops, take breaks at beaches and cafés, and enjoy the drive. You will see that traveling slowly and exploring each place makes the journey just as amazing as the destination.