Looking for rolling hills, charming Victorian homes, and a city that welcomes everyone? Welcome to San Francisco.
From iconic routes to diverse landscapes, road trips in California offer a great deal.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through must-see destinations and unique experiences along California’s iconic coast.
When To Plan The Trip
The best times for a California road trip are during spring (March to May) and fall (September to November), when the weather is mild and crowds are thinner.
- San Francisco: Day 1-2
- Half Moon Bay: Day 3
- Carmel/Big Sur: Day 4-5
- Santa Barbara: Day 6-7
Try to avoid peak summer months (July–August), as they bring larger crowds and higher temperatures.
Preparing for Your Trip
Already planned for the trip? Here are some tips that you can follow to have a smooth journey.
- Plan your route in detail.
Book accommodations early, especially in popular areas - Mark major stops on your itinerary
- Set a realistic budget
- Pack for varying climates
- Use reliable GPS or offline maps
Day 1-2: San Francisco
To begin your trip, first land in San Francisco and spend two days there. Here are some must-see destinations listed below:
- Visit the Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is world-famous, and visiting it is a unique experience. Whether you walk, bike, or simply take in the views, the Golden Gate Bridge is a must-see landmark.
- Explore Fisherman’s Wharf
Amazing food, superb art, sea adventures, bumping into animals, cool street performers, and wild shopping are all waiting for you if you explore Fisherman’s Wharf.
Here are some of the locations that you can visit.
- Pier 39
- Ghirardelli Square
- Bike And Segway Tours
- Bay Cruises
- Visit Alcatraz Island
Take a ferry and visit Alcatraz Island. Have a glimpse at the U.S history by hearing infamous tales of the prisoners and their daring escape attempts.
Day 3: Half Moon Bay
If you’re traveling in October, don’t miss the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival. Ranging from vast and diverse landscapes, wide sandy beaches, lush meadows, and forested hills, there is a lot to explore:
- Go for Bird Watching
- Do some Golfing
- Visit Art Galleries
- Visit Pumpkin Patches Capital
- Explore the Parks
- Visit exotic marine life, flora, and fauna in Tide pools
- Do whale watching
- Explore the Downtown Area
Days 4-5: Carmel and Big Sur
If you’re looking for a memorable stay, Big Sur offers unique lodging options—from coastal cabins to luxury yurts at Treebones Resort.
- Lodging
If you love lodging, you will have the best lodging experience. You can visit Treebones Resort for lodging in Big Sur. You can sleep in yurts with views of the ocean and can relax in nests!
- McWay Falls
McWay Falls are a must-see for anyone taking a road trip. It is an 80-foot waterfall cascading onto a beach that will leave you breathless. Here you will find a lot of the crowd. Don’t forget to explore nearby areas like Partington Cove.
- Bixby Bridge
Bixby is not just a bridge. It offers a wide range of activities as well to enhance the experience. Sometimes, roaring and soothing sounds of the Pacific create a splendid experience.
There is a Bixby Creek Trail (not an official one), but you ask locals for confirmation. However, it is a great hike for adventure-seeking people, providing a glimpse of the diverse perspectives of the bridge.
- Carmel and Big Sur Activities
There are also some other activities that you can take part in. For instance, you can explore the charming town of Carmel by visiting its art galleries and boutiques. Also, take a look at the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, stunning views will be waiting for you.
Days 6-7: Santa Barbara
You will thank us after visiting Santa Barbara. You can call it perfection after visiting it, as we call it. There are plenty of things that you can do in Santa Barbara.
- Check out the historic Santa Barbara Mission
- Breathe in fresh air at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
- Taste McConnell’s Ice Cream
- Taste Wine in and around
- Smell the nature at the Botanical Garden
- Take a ferry and visit Channel Islands National Park
- Check out the Santa Barbara Zoo
- Explore the Santa Barbara Hot Springs
- Relax at the scenic Butterfly Beach
- Enjoy a dreamy Sunset at Lizard’s Mouth – It’s a short hike with stunning sunset views—less known but worth it!
- Hike in the Santa Ynez Mountains
Pacific Coast Highway Essentials
Driving along the Pacific Coast Highway will not be easy. You can have rough, tough spots during your journey. IT will be an adventure with breathtaking views and unexpected twists. Here are key tips that you can follow in this regard.
Speed Management
When driving along the Pacific Coast Highway, match the speed limits to have a safe journey. Don’t drive fast on sharp edges, as it can be threatening. Do pay attention to speed limit signs.
Dealing with Traffic
Make sure you are a good driver who knows all the ups and downs of traffic. Avoid travelling during peak travel times if you are not a good driver. Be courteous and aware of other drivers on this shared scenic route.
Note: Cell service may be limited in remote stretches, so download maps offline.
Staying Alert
Most importantly, stay alert. Driving along the Pacific Coast Highway requires a lot of attention. Don’t use your phone. If you get tired, take a break, have an energy drink then start driving again.
Conclusion
With dramatic cliffs, cozy towns, and breathtaking sunsets, the California Coast is the perfect backdrop for a 7-day road trip. Whether you’re after adventure or tranquility, this route offers something for everyone. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to discover the magic of the Pacific Coast!.
So, don’t wait! Pack your bags, jump on the road, and get yourself ready for the ultimate adventure!
