A Perfect San Francisco to Los Angeles Road Trip Itinerary

In 3 Days

If you only have three days, here is what we would propose

Day 1: Depart early from San Francisco, head to Monterey and explore Cannery Row on foot, stop at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve prior to driving through Big Sur, spend time at Pfeiffer Beach and McWay Falls, and don’t forget about the elephant seals at San Simeone. Spend the night directly on the beach at White Water in Cambria, a quiet coastal town.

Day 2: Get caffeine in the coastal city of San Luis Obispo (a spot we highly recommend is Scout Coffee) before heading out to Morro Bay and Montana de Oro. Hike along the cliffside trails – this is one of our favorite coastal routes in California. Continue traveling south to Avila Beach (stop at the Avila Barn) and Pismo Beach. Both are worth exploring on foot to stretch your legs. Drive through the Santa Ynez Valley, the premier wine region in Southern California, and sample some vino at either Foxen Vineyard & Winery or Babcock Winery & Vineyards. Head into Santa Barbara for the evening – stay at either the Hotel Indigo or the Wayfarer, two of the top lodging selections in Santa Barbara. Head to the Funk Zone for some urban wine sampling in the evening, and savor dinner at Loquita, a Spanish eatery right in the heart of Santa Barbara.

Day 3: Get coffee from either Dart Coffee or Dune Coffee Roasters and invest the morning exploring the coast around Santa Barbara. End your road trip by heading south along the coast to Malibu, stopping at Zuma Beach and Point Dume, before continuing down highway 1 and reaching the western edge of Santa Monica. You’ve now arrived in LA!

In 5 Days

If you have a bit more time, you may be able to make a few more stops along the way.

Day 1: Spend a full day exploring and taking in the sights of San Francisco. Walk across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and then hike down to Baker Beach for stunning vistas of the bridge. Check out Lombard Street, known as the most crooked street in the city, which has amazing waterfront views. Browse the shops and food vendors at the Ferry Building, home to top artisans like Blue Bottle Coffee, Heath Ceramics, and Dandelion Chocolate. Do dinner and drinks in the Mission, the premier neighborhood for food aficionados in San Francisco. Stay overnight at either Beck’s Motor Lodge or the Kabuki, two highly regarded lodging options in San Francisco.

Day 2: Head outside the city to the south, stopping in Pacifica and Half Moon Bay, before arriving in Santa Cruz. Walk along Westcliff Drive and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and don’t miss coffee at Verve and ice cream at the Penny. Return to Highway 1 and head south to Monterey and Carmel, your location for the evening. Spend the night at Hotel Abregoin Monterey, which is reasonably priced and will place you in a prime spot to tackle Big Sur early the next day.

Day 3: Today, head out earlier with a coffee from Captain + Stoker located in Monterey in your hands, and start embarking on what is considered the finest day on this trip. First, travel to the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and stroll along the short and simple trail hugging the coastal cliffs. Then continue on to Big Sur. The suggested stops to make here in sequence are Bixby Bridge, Andrew Molera State Park (great place for a walk next to the coast!), Pfeiffer Beach, McWay Falls, and Limekiln State Park. This should occupy your full day, so spend the night in Cambria at White Water, a charming boutique hotel that is literally facing the beach.

Day 4: Continue traveling along the coast to Morro Bay, stop to admire Morro Rock from the beach (you may spot sea otters too). Then head to Montana de Oro State Park and hike the trail with ocean bluffs views (other options are available for more challenging routes). Travel into San Luis Obispo for lunch at a BBQ restaurant and local cider. Then drive through the Santa Ynez Valley vineyards, stopping in Los Olivos to sample hard ciders and wines. Overnight in Santa Barbara at Hotel Indigo or the Wayfarer, explore the evening in the Funk Zone district.

Day 5: Grab coffee at either Dart Coffee or Dune Coffee Roasters in Santa Barbara in the morning and spend the first half of the day exploring the coast around Santa Barbara. Finish your road trip by heading down the coast to Malibu, getting out at Zuma Beach and Point Dume, before continuing down highway 1 and reaching the western edge of Santa Monica. You’ve arrived in LA!

If your schedule permits a couple extra days, I would recommend spending time in both San Francisco and Los Angeles, with around two days set aside for exploring each city to experience it well.”

That provides a very brief overview of what a road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles could entail. Keep reading for a more detailed account of the best stops to make on the drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

The Best Stops on a San Francisco to Los Angeles Road Trip

Here are our favorite stops along the Pacific Coast of California that you should make sure to include in your itinerary.

San Francisco

San Francisco has more to offer than simply serving as a starting point for your road trip or location to procure a rental vehicle. It’s a vibrant city, full of some of the best cuisine and beverages on the west coast. And hills in abundance.

We called San Francisco home for almost a decade, and we still love the city even though it has become a bit too expensive for our “jobs” (read: exploring the world untethered).

If planning to explore San Francisco for a day or two, we have some travel recommendations to aid in finding top places.

We’d recommend picking up your rental car at the END of your time in San Francisco, because parking is a genuine nightmare in the city.

If you do have a car, plan on paying for parking at your hotel, or paying for at minimum one parking ticket over the course of your San Francisco itinerary.

If you want to remain overnight in San Francisco, we’d suggest choosing an inn. Most of the hotels in San Francisco are in Union Square, but it`s truly not a terrific place to lodge. We think you should stay at either Beck’s Motor Lodge or the Kabuki.

Several San Francisco travel guides are listed below to assist with trip planning.

• A 4-day itinerary for San Francisco by locals
• Where to Remain in San Francisco (and Where Not to Remain)
• A San Francisco Travel Guide for Celiacs
• The Best Day Excursions from San Francisco

Santa Cruz

Whether you favor relaxing at the shore or exploring the high country, you`re in luck. Santa Cruz has both options!

Known for its gorgeous beaches, Santa Cruz has small-town, surfer beach vibes even though it’s not that small.

In the mountains above Santa Cruz, you’ll come across some of the tallest Redwood trees in the world. You literally can’t go wrong stopping here, and you might have a hard time leaving!

Take Surfing Lessons

If communication concerns you, spend $9 on an Italian gluten free restaurant guide, removing stress over translating “I have Celiac Disease, is this gluten free” with Google Translate.

Visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Who does not enjoy a quality boardwalk? The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk will not disappoint. It transports you back into the 1950’s with a wooden roller coaster, arcade games, and other rides like bumper cars.

Spend a few hours walking around, getting some food, and potentially even playing games or going on a couple attractions.

There are rides suited for both daredevils and younger children, making it enjoyable for the whole family and providing a wholesome, nostalgic way to spend the day!

Walk or Bike Westcliff Drive

If you’re up for a little fresh air and exercise with stunning views of the ocean, then head over to Westcliff Drive.

The recreational pathway alongside the Pacific Ocean provides breathtaking perspectives of Monterey Bay and opportunities for biking and walking.”

Lighthouse Point offers a grassy area ideal for relaxing and engaging in leisurely frisbee throwing with scenic views overlooking Steamer Lane, where surfers can be watched gliding across some of the best surf breaks in the country.

See the Redwoods at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Nature lovers should not miss exploring this 40-acre grove of old-growth Redwood trees which dates back over 1,500 years, featuring the tallest tree reaching 277 feet high.

These trees are remarkably large and completely take your breath away. Photographs truly do not do justice to this state park.”

If you’re lucky, you’ll also get to see some wildlife, including the famous banana slug, which serves as the mascot for UC Santa Cruz, the university located in town.

Hike the Old Landing Cove Trail

Exit the vehicle, throw on your hiking footwear (or regular shoes will do), and head to the Old Landing Cove Trail.

The 2.3-mile loop trail will guide you to cliff views along the Pacific Ocean. We`re pretty sure there may literally be no better place to stop for an easy hike to stretch your legs on a road trip.

Monterey

Progressing further down the coast, next you’ll reach Monterey. Monterey is home to beautiful, sparsely populated beaches, all the seafood you could ever want, and the best places to explore the Pacific Ocean.

Well known for its marine life, including the adorable sea otter, it’s also home to the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium

The aquatic life of the Monterey Bay can be seen up close at the famed Monterey Bay Aquarium.

With over 20,000 marine creatures from sharks to jellyfish to otters, this aquarium is among the best worldwide and something not to be missed if interested in marine life.

Whale Watching

Have you ever observed whales in their natural habitat? It`s indeed a exceptional experience! The optimal time period to observe whales depends on the species you want to see.

Orcas and gray whales? December through May. If you’re more interested in seeing Humpbacks, you’ll have a better chance May to November.

To see the enormous Blue Whale, the largest creature on earth, the best time is usually July through October.

Fortunately this means that no matter when you visit you can join a whale watching tour and have a good chance at seeing some of these giant, majestic creatures.

Get Out On the Water

Exploring the coast via water is a thrill-seeking activity for the adventurous visitor. Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards can be rented from Monterey Bay Kayaks to spend a few hours navigating this beautiful stretch of coastline from a fresh perspective.

Head to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a protected coastal region allowing hiking and wildlife viewing around Monterey.

View the bluffs and cliffs unique to the California coast and hike the trails to check things out on foot. If you’re fortunate you’ll spot some sea lions playing in the ocean below.

It’s a unique spot to see all sorts of wildlife – last time we were there we saw hundreds of giant white pelicans perched all over the trees and cliffs.

Big Sur

Big Sur is renowned for its rugged coastal cliffs and awe-inspiring views. It’s a popular spot to camp and even to just drive through because you can see so much of it from the car.

Stop for the Amazing Sights (North to South)

Bixby Bridge: While its actual name may not be known, it`s undoubtedly an iconic bridge often photographed in California.

Andrew Molera State Park: With its untouched, natural beauty, this state park has coastal trails and a beach where you can stop to admire the scenery and relax.

Pfeiffer Beach: The dramatic rock formations here are perfect for exploring and stopping for a quick scenic snapshot.

Mcway Falls: Have you ever seen a waterfall directly on the beach? Featuring a 80 foot tall, year-round waterfall, that switches from emptying on the beach to straight into the ocean depending on the tide.

Ragged Point: The perfect pit stop! A nature trail leads down to the Pacific Ocean and you can often see elephant seals along the beaches

Take a Hike

• Andrew Molera State Park loop: Just off Highway 1, this trail spans 8 miles featuring scenic ocean cliffs and a river crossing.
• Buzzards Roost: For a more concise walk, Buzzards Roost comes in at simply 2.6 miles and highlights the lovely wildflowers of California. Most excellent to hike March to October.

Treat Yourself

If you want to spend a day easing yourself and treating lavishly, then a day at a spa at Ventana Big Sur presents luxury spa services.

If you want to make this one of your stops for the night, they even have options for glamping in their 20-acre redwood canyon campground.

For a slightly more rustic, budget friendly self care day check out Esalen Hot Springs to soak in the relaxing, therapeutic waters.

Morro Bay and Cayucos

This is the peak of the Central Coast of California. These small beach towns are pretty tranquil, but filled with charming local shops and nature trails. We spent a full four days in the area, and loved every moment of it.

Stop in San Simeone to See the Elephant Seals

This brief stop does not disappoint! Situated seven miles north of San Simeon, one will know they have arrived when upon exiting the vehicle, they instantly hear calls.

It’s a popular area to observe elephant seals as they reside here year-round. However, the best time of year to see them is October through May.

Eat Beachside at Hidden Kitchen in Cayucos

We are passionate about the 100% gluten-free blue corn pancakes at Hidden Kitchen! Whether you like savory or sweet flavors, there are alternatives for all tastes and they’re all gluten free.

Not feeling waffles? They’ve got excellent tacos too. Try the weirdo, a blend of peanut butter, maple syrup, banana, and BACON.

Hike Around the Base of Morro Rock

Morro Rock stands approximately 176 meters tall above the surrounding ocean, but that’s not even the most remarkable thing about it. Morro Rock is essentially a volcanic remnant that was estimated to have formed around 23 million years ago.

When seeking lodging outside the park, there are good options near each of the three areas under discussion.

Be sure to watch for sea otters in the calm water flowing from Morro Bay into the open ocean – it`s a popular hangout for the furry creatures! They`re Alysha`s favorite animal.

Explore Montana de Oro State Park

Experiencing this beautiful state park is best done by hiking one of its numerous excellent trails.

• Coastal trailis a 4.1 kilometer loop footpath that is rated as easy and situated near Los Osos. It possesses splendid scenery of wildflowers and if you’re seeking a location to engage in an early morning jog before commencing your travels it’s suitable for a brief trail run too.
• Valencia Peakis 4.2 miles long and rated moderate difficulty. It provides elevated views of the scenic central California coast.
• Hazard Peak involves a challenging hike, but the effort required is certainly worthwhile given the 1,800 foot elevation gain and scenic climb to reach the peak. At 11.2 miles, it provides a more strenuous option for those seeking a more rigorous hiking experience in the outdoors.

San Luis Obispo

Welcome to the central region of California! Once you reach San Luis Obispo, you`re about halfway through your drive between San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Drink Cider at SLO Cider Co

In the event that you’re halting in SLO (San Luis Obispo), you have to appreciate some hard cider! SLO Cider Co has dry hard cider that is assembled in California and is gluten free.

🏠 Population: 11,363 | 📍 Google Maps | Half Moon Bay Website

If you’d rather avoid the stimulants (because you’re driving), head to Whalebird Kombucha for a refreshingly bubbly probiotic boost.

Stop by The Creamery Marketplace

Want to stop to take a brief walking tour to possibly grab a quick meal or visit a bar?

Make sure you check out The Creamery Marketplace, a collection of bars, restaurants, and shops in Downtown SLO. This open-air public market features a close community of local businesses to support.

Grab Lunch at Old SLO BBQ Co (Gluten Free Options!)

With a walk-up window and craft beers on tap, be sure to stop by Old SLO BBQ Co for authentic barbecue.

Many of their recipes date back nearly a century and though it’s not noted on the menu, most of their dishes are gluten free and they have gluten free prep procedures if customers make their needs known.

Make a Stop, or Three, For Coffee

• Field Day Coffee has a relaxing outdoor atmosphere surrounded by plants and serves excellent coffee – including their homemade almond milk.

One final recommendation for you – if you enjoy natural wine, make the downhill trek from La Latina to Bendito, Vinos y Vinilos for natural wines and light appetizers.

• Kreuzberg California is a laidback, art-adorned cafe with quality food and space for relaxing and enjoyment.

Head to Nearby Avila Beach

A short drive from San Luis Obsipo is Avila Beach, a slightly smaller coastal town with a few fun things to check out.

The brief descent to Pirate’s Cove is one of our favorite stops along this stretch of coast – just be aware that it is a clothing-optional beach, so it’s your choice whether you want to divert your gaze or join in.

Another fun stop is the Avila Barn which has exactly the farm vibe you’d expect it to!

An assortment of fresh produce and baked goods are available for purchase to enjoy later during travels after interacting with goats and other farm animals on the property.

The Santa Ynez Valley: Solvang and Los Olivos

Wine Tasting

Are you interested in wine tasting? Here are our top choices in the Santa Ynez Valley for that experience.

Babcock Vineyards is situated in Lompoc with lovely views and plenty of recommendations from locals in the area. Rancho Sisquoc Winery is part of a 37,000 acre cattle ranch and has been crafting small amounts of quality wines for over 40 years.

Priding themselves on minimalistic winemaking and sustainable viticulture, Foxen Vineyard is a solar-powered winery situated in nearby Santa Maria.

Los Olivos

A town full of tasting rooms! Wine tasting is basically all there is to do here and we’re not complaining.

You can choose from dozens of tasting rooms, but be sure to stop at Tin City Cider to sample their fantastic dry cider.

Solvang

Well known for its Danish style architecture, Solvang is a bit touristy, but still a fun stop on your way down the coast.

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Santa Barbara

One of our favorites! There`s a logical rationale why numerous celebrities own residences away from the congestion of Los Angeles in Santa Barbara. It`s been termed “The American Riviera” with its dramatic backdrop of mountains and spacious ocean perspectives.

Explore the Funk Zone

Stretching between the ocean and Highway 101, the Funk Zone is an area of Downtown Santa Barbara that has grown more popular recently as tasting rooms, shops, galleries, and cafes have started to emerge.

We love the Valley Project, which focuses on unique wines from the surrounding wine regions and has a beautifully designed map of the area behind the bar.

Tackle the Urban Wine Trail

Within the Funk Zone region is the Urban Vine Trail, which is a self-guided route featuring over 20 tasting rooms representing Santa Barbara County wines.

Hike to Inspiration Point

A 3.5 mile trail affording the opportunity to immerse in the natural beauty of the Santa Barbara mountains alongside breathtaking views of the ocean.

It remains accessible year-round and features adequate tree coverage should a visit occur in summer seeking relief from typical California sunshine along the trail.

Hit the Beach

• Leadbetter Beach can get busy in summer but quieter on weekdays or in off-season when a blanket, picnic and views of sailboats from nearby Santa Barbara Harbor make for a relaxing visit.
• Butterfly Beach, situated in ritzy Montecito just south of Santa Barbara, is a long narrow stretch of coast that’s perfect for strolling or relaxing.
• Arroyo Burro Beach is a dog friendly beach considered a hidden gem by the locals and has a few restaurants to stop in to eat at if you get hungry.

Where to Eat & Drink in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara contains many great eating and drinking establishments for people avoiding gluten, such as the various gluten free restaurants highlighted here.

• For coffee, patrons can visit Dune Coffee Roasters, considered the premier coffee establishment in Santa Barbara, or Dart Coffee, where the outdoor area (“coffee garden”) provides a pleasing setting to savor your morning coffee on among Santa Barbara`s numerous spectacular days.
• For outstanding Spanish cuisine, head to Loquita and order the paella.

Mount Rainier is one of our favorite places in Washington State, and though it’s a full day, it’s doable as a day excursion from Seattle (even without a vehicle).

• Lily’s Tacos offers some of the most authentic tacos I’ve found in the US, and they are all gluten-free. Meals there are also quite affordable, as you can feed a couple for around $15.

Ojai

If boho-chic were a town it would be Ojai. If that’s your style, then you’ll definitely want to pass through on your San Francisco to Los Angeles drive.

Lunch at Food Harmonics

Health food aficionados, this is one restaurant in Ojai that deserves attention.

They focus on delicious balancing cuisine and their menu is 100% organic, without gluten, sugar, soy, and genetically modified ingredients.

Browse New and Used Books at Barts Books

🥾 Difficult | 4.4 miles round trip | Google Maps | Park Website | 40-minute Drive from Las Vegas | Cost: free

Grab a Treat at Revel Kombucha Bar

Known for its fresh kombucha served on tap, you can also get indulgent acai bowls as well as probiotic matcha and coffee.

Fuel Up at Beacon Coffee

Looking to locate the finest coffee in town? Beacon Coffee is the location to visit if you demand a swift caffeine boost and want to assist a community possessed business that collaborates with family managed farms around the globe.

As a bonus they have several gluten free pastries available for you to snack on – but be sure to come early for these treats, they sell out quickly!

Ventura and the Channel Islands

Further down the coast lies Ventura, with the Pacific Ocean nearby home to the Channel Islands offshore.

If wanting to take a full day trip to explore Channel Islands National Park, booking a trip with Island Packers providing rides to Santa Cruz island is recommended as most popular to visit as well as Anacapa islands.

Malibu

The last stop of your road trip absolutely has to be Malibu. To get there, hop back on Highway 1 (locals call this section the Pacific Coast Highway, or PCH for short) and drive the coastal route past Malibu into Santa Monica, the western edge of Los Angeles.

Soak in the Sun at Zuma Beach

Zuma is one of the biggest and most popular shorelines in Los Angeles county. Plus, it’s a great place to surf if that’s your interest.

Even though parking facilities are quite abundant, procuring a spot can prove difficult during the summer season so be certain to bring appropriate footwear for walking to the beach just in case parking further out is necessary.

Watch Surfers at Malibu Lagoon

Where Malibu Creek meets the Pacific Ocean, you can find Malibu lagoon. On the east side, you are able to visit Malibu pier and right next door you’ll discover Surfrider Beach, considered one of the best places in California to spend time and watch surfers ride the waves.

Hike Los Liones Trail

Due to its location, this hike can become quite busy on weekends. However, it is certainly worth visiting!

On the next trip to Mexico City, I decided I wanted a deeper experience, so we participated in a guided tasting of different mezcal varietals.

It’s a 4.5 mile hike with 1,200 feet of elevation increase, which signifies it’s in the moderate group regarding trouble goes.

Los Angeles

Congratulations! You made it! 

Los Angeles is a fairly exceptional city, and neither of us had invested much time there until we recently spent over a week exploring the area.

Whether you want to dine and drink, relax on the beach, or visit the theme parks, Los Angeles has something to offer everyone.

Here are some of our Los Angeles travel guides that may help if you have extra time at the end of your road trip to experience the city more.

• A Complete Guide to Los Angeles
• Accommodation Options in Los Angeles: Top Hotels & Vacation Rentals
• A guide for gluten-free eating in Los Angeles

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California has so many diverse landscapes, all beautiful in their own manner. But if we were to recommend a road trip, San Francisco to Los Angeles would definitely be at the top of our list.

Taking the coastal route instead of the inland path results in one of the most beautiful driving experiences anywhere in the world.

We hope you enjoy your road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles! Did you come across a new spot we didn`t cover? Let us know so we can add it to our list of places to explore in California!

More to Explore All Over California

Travelling to the great state of California? Here are some other posts you may appreciate.

• Spending a Day in San Francisco: Tips for Seeing the Top Attractions of San Francisco in a Single Day
• Planning an Amazing San Francisco Vacation Over 4 Days: An Insightful Itinerary
• Deciding Where to Stay in San Francisco: A Local’s Guide to the Best Lodging Options
• Traveling Gluten Free in San Francisco: A Thorough Guide for Celiacs
• The Most Amazing Day Excursions from San Francisco: 10 Memorable Trips Outside the City
• Planning 5 Wonderful Days in Los Angeles: Creating an Ideal Itinerary
• Selecting Accommodations in Los Angeles: A Complete Guide to the Best Lodging Options
• Dining Out Gluten Free in Los Angeles: A Thorough Resource for Celiacs
• Spending 3 Memorable Days in San Diego: Crafting a Perfect Itinerary
• Deciding Where to Lodge in San Diego: A Complete Guide to Amazing Accommodation Choices
• Eating Out Gluten Free in San Diego: A Comprehensive Guide for Celiacs
• Planning a Memorable Road Journey from San Francisco to Los Angeles
• Driving the Best of Northern California`s Coast: An Insightful Itinerary