California Coast Road Trip – A Slow 7-Day Itinerary

Planning a trip to the United States and wondering what to see along the California coast?

If you’re dreaming of a route that combines ocean views, cities with character, and places where you’ll want to linger longer, you’re in the right place.

This California coast road trip plan was created for a week-long journey, but not the kind where you’re racing from attraction to attraction.

This is a route where the drive itself becomes the destination, with stops for coffee in small towns, walks along clifftops, and moments when the best plan for the day is… having no plan at all.

Along the way, you’ll encounter iconic California landmarks, but also less obvious places: state parks, wild stretches of coastline, quieter beaches, and local spots that often get overlooked in classic guidebooks.

This is a route for people who want to experience the real California – without rushing or pressure, with space for your own discoveries and last-minute changes of plans.

If this kind of journey sounds like something for you, read on.

California Coast Road Trip Map

Day 1: San Francisco – What to See in One Day

Morning

The journey along the California coast is best started right here. San Francisco is a city that draws you in from the first moments with its rhythm, light, and character.

Famous movie scenes quickly blend with everyday life, steep streets, and cool air from the ocean.

For a good start, head toward the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s not just the most recognizable symbol of the city, but also a place that truly makes an impression in person.

The red bridge emerging from the morning fog, the bay beneath your feet, and hills in the background create a view that’s easy to remember for a long time.

Walking across the bridge lets you appreciate its scale and construction up close. It’s a calm way to ease into the city’s pace and find your first moment of pause on the road.

If you prefer viewing the bridge from a distance, stop by Golden Gate View Point on the south side or Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point on the north.

Both spots offer wide panoramas and are perfect if you want to stop for a moment and just look, without rushing and without plans for the next few hours.

Good to Know

Driving through the Golden Gate Bridge toward San Francisco is toll-based and costs $9.75. The opposite direction is free.

There are no traditional toll booths on the bridge, the fee must be paid online, no later than 48 hours after crossing (or up to 30 days in advance).

Late Morning

The next stop is Fisherman’s Wharf, one of the most famous neighborhoods by the bay. Touristy, yes, but if you approach it without rushing, it can be quite a pleasant place for a walk and first longer stop.

This is a good time to try local classics. Cioppino or clam chowder served in bread taste especially good right here, for example at Fog Harbor Fish House, with views of the water and the bridge in the distance.

It’s also worth checking out Pier 39. Even if you’re not a fan of crowds, it’s easy to find a moment to smile here – California sea lions lounging on wooden docks do so completely without inhibition and effectively draw attention away from everything around.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, it’s worth stopping by Lombard Street – one of the city’s most characteristic streets.

Winding, lined with greenery and flowers, it lets you see San Francisco from a different perspective and slow down for a moment, observing the city from above.

If you’re planning a visit to Alcatraz, the afternoon is a good time for it.

The former island prison has something raw and intriguing about it, and the crossing through the bay adds extra context and atmosphere to this place.

If you still have some time and energy left, head to Alamo Square.

This is where the famous Painted Ladies stand – colorful Victorian houses with a view of the city panorama. Perfect place for a peaceful walk and a moment of rest before evening.

Good to Know

A trip to Alcatraz costs from $47.95. Tickets should be booked in advance – especially during season. Ferries to the island depart approximately every half hour throughout the day, typically starting around 9:00 AM.

Evening

To end the day, take a peaceful walk along the Embarcadero.

This is one of those places where the city naturally slows down – with views of the bay, hills on the other side, and modern buildings reflecting the last light of day.

Dinner is worth planning without rushing, ideally at one of the waterfront restaurants. Waterbar is a good choice if you’re in the mood for local flavors and a view of the setting sun over the bay.

In the evening, city lights reflecting in the water create a really pleasant atmosphere here.

It’s a natural, peaceful closing of the first day on the California coast with the feeling that you’re exactly where you need to be.

Where to Stay in San Francisco

If you’re traveling on a budget and location matters to you, HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel will be a sensible choice.

It’s a simple, well-maintained place with a friendly atmosphere, good for a short stay and exploring the city on foot or by public transport.

If you’re looking for more comfort but still in the central part of the city, it’s worth checking out Nikko Hotel. Elegant, comfortable, and well-connected, it works well if you want a peaceful base after an intense day in the city.

Day 2: Monterey & Big Sur – California Coast Highlights

Morning

On the second day, it’s worth heading out early toward the south, in the direction of Monterey. This is a peaceful, seaside town where the pace naturally slows down, and the road itself becomes part of the journey.

Along the way, the first ocean views appear, cliffs, and light that immediately sets the day on a good rhythm.

Sightseeing is best started at Monterey Bay Aquarium – one of the most famous aquariums in the world. It’s a place designed not just to observe, but to truly immerse yourself in the Pacific’s underwater world.

One of the most memorable parts is the Open Sea exhibition – a huge tank where sharks and large fish species slowly swim by, mesmerizing with their calm movement.

It’s also worth checking out the Penguins zone, where you can observe penguins and their daily behaviors up close.

It’s a good, unobtrusive start to the day, with space for curiosity and stopping longer wherever your eye is drawn.

Good to Know

Admission to Monterey Bay Aquarium costs from $50 for children to $65 for adults. Tickets are best purchased in advance online.

Late Morning

After leaving the aquarium, it’s worth taking a peaceful walk along Cannery Row. Today it’s a seaside street full of restaurants, small shops, and bay views, but its history is completely different.

Not so long ago, this was the center of the canning industry, which gave this place a raw, port character.

Today Cannery Row attracts people from around the world, but it’s best experienced without rushing, walking along the water, peeking into places along the way, and letting the day’s pace arrange itself.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, time for one of the most scenic routes in California – 17-Mile Drive. It’s a road running along the coast, with views of cliffs, ocean, and perfectly green golf courses that contrast with the wild shoreline.

One of the most characteristic points on the route is Lone Cypress – a solitary cypress standing on a rock above the ocean, for years recognized as a symbol of this place.

It’s also worth stopping at Seal Rock, where you can often see seals and sea lions resting on the rocks.

It’s an afternoon that tastes best with frequent stops – for photos, ocean watching, and short moments of silence along the way.

Good to Know

Driving the 17-Mile Drive route is toll-based and costs $12.25 per vehicle. The fee is collected at entrance gates. The route is open from sunrise to sunset. More current information can be found on the official website.

Evening

After the drive, it’s worth continuing to Carmel-by-the-Sea – a small town that immediately introduces a calmer, more intimate rhythm.

A short walk through narrow streets lets you peek into art galleries, small boutiques, and souvenir shops that perfectly fit the local atmosphere.

For dinner, La Bicyclette works well. It’s a place known for refined but unobtrusive dishes and a good wine selection – perfect for peacefully closing the day.

Evening is best ended at Carmel Beach. Wide beach, soft sand, and the sound of waves create the perfect background for watching the sunset and finding a moment of quiet after an intense day on the road.

Where to Stay in Carmel-by-the-Sea

If you’re planning to stay overnight in Carmel-by-the-Sea, it’s worth choosing a place that will let you rest after a day on the road, without straining your budget.

For more budget-conscious travelers, a good option will be Carmel River Inn – peacefully located, with an atmosphere fitting the area.

If you care about a bit more comfort at a reasonable price, it’s worth checking out Candle Light Inn – intimate, cozy, and perfect for an overnight stay in a town with such a peaceful rhythm.

Day 3: Big Sur – Pacific Coast Highway & Coastal Views

Morning

After a peaceful evening in Carmel-by-the-Sea, it’s time to head further south, toward one of the most spectacular sections of the California coast – Big Sur.

This wild stretch of coastline extends for about 90 miles and is a place where the road runs right above the ocean, and the landscape changes with every turn.

A good first stop is Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. This is one of those places that’s best absorbed slowly – with attention to the light, smell of the ocean, and sound of waves hitting the rocks.

The raw nature and views of the Pacific make a huge impression here, even if you’ve already seen plenty.

Within the reserve, you’ll find several short but very scenic trails.

Cypress Grove Trail leads through a characteristic grove of cypresses, and Bird Island Trail offers views of rocky islets where you can often spot seabirds and California seals resting on rocks.

It’s the perfect morning to enter the wild, natural rhythm of Big Sur.

Good to Know

Admission to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is toll-based and costs $10 per vehicle. The fee is collected at a booth at the entrance to the park. Pets are not accepted within the reserve.

Late Morning

From Point Lobos, head further south, along the legendary Pacific Coast Highway. This is one of those road sections where the views change with almost every turn, and cliffs drop straight into the ocean.

It’s worth driving slowly and making stops wherever the landscape simply stops you.

One of the must-see points along the way is Bixby Creek Bridge.

The slender bridge construction suspended over the valley, surrounded by steep cliffs and the endless Pacific, makes a huge impression – regardless of weather or time of day.

It’s one of the most recognizable places on the California coast and although it can get crowded here, a moment of patience is enough to catch a moment of silence and see why this part of the route so strongly stays in memory.

Afternoon

The next stop on the route is Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – one of those places that stay in memory for a long time. This is where McWay Falls is located, one of the most characteristic waterfalls in California.

The stream falls directly into the ocean, creating a view that looks almost unreal – especially when the light begins to change during the day.

It’s the perfect place for a short stop, photos, and a moment of pausing without the need for long sightseeing.

The park also offers several short, scenic trails leading along the cliffs. Even a short walk allows you to feel the raw character of Big Sur and see how close land and ocean meet here.

Good to Know

Admission to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park costs $10 per vehicle. Payment cash only – in an envelope and box at the entrance. The park is open until sunset.

Attention: the Overlook Trail viewpoint for McWay Falls is closed until 2026. The waterfall can only be seen from the Highway 1 roadside. The Ewoldsen Trail remains open.

Evening

To end the day, it’s worth stopping in the Piedras Blancas area.

This is one of the best places in the world to observe elephant seals in their natural environment – you can often see hundreds of animals resting on the beach here.

The most interesting period falls from December to March, when spectacular male battles take place.

If you still have time and feel like something special, you can plan a visit to Hearst Castle, located on the hills above San Simeon. The residence captivates with its grandeur, Renaissance architecture, and wide views of the Pacific Ocean.

Particular attention is drawn to the Neptune Pool – a monumental outdoor pool that makes an impression regardless of time of day and is the perfect, visual closing of this intense day on the road.

Good to Know

Admission to the Piedras Blancas viewing platform is free, however voluntary donations for elephant seal protection are welcome. On site, you’ll often meet volunteers who are happy to talk about these animals’ lives.

Admission to Hearst Castle costs from $35 (adults). Tours are conducted only with a guide, daily from 9:00 AM. Tickets are best reserved in advance.

Day 4: Santa Barbara – Coastal Stops Along the Way

Morning

On the fourth day, it’s worth setting out early, heading to Montaña de Oro State Park.

This is one of those places on the California coast where the landscape remains wild and untamed – with raw cliffs, open space, and beaches where it’s often quieter than anywhere else.

A good starting point is Spooner’s Cove – a wide, natural beach perfect for a peaceful walk. From there, it’s worth heading to Bluff Trail, which runs along the cliffs and offers uninterrupted ocean views.

It’s a morning that doesn’t require a plan or rushing – just walk ahead and let the landscape do its work.

Late Morning

Continuing south, it’s worth making a short stop in Pismo Beach. It’s a good place to slow down for a moment – step onto the beach, stretch after a long drive, and simply look at the ocean.

The town is famous for its wide, sandy beach and Pismo Beach Pier, where you can often watch surfers catching waves. It’s a peaceful, unobtrusive stop, perfect for coffee or a short walk along the water’s edge.

Walking on the beach, pay attention to characteristic fossils of the Pismo Clam, which can sometimes be found in the sand. It’s a small detail, but it’s exactly these moments that make the route stay in memory.

Afternoon

After a short stop in Pismo Beach, head further south, toward Santa Barbara – a city that combines seaside ease with elegance and clear Spanish influences.

Sightseeing is worth starting from Old Mission Santa Barbara. The 18th-century mission is one of the region’s most important monuments and a symbol of the city’s history.

The bright facade, courtyard, and view of surrounding hills make this place feel peaceful, without rushing.

If you get hungry along the way, stop by Opal Restaurant & Bar on State Street. It’s a good place for a break and to get to know the local culinary scene.

After eating, take a walk along Stearns Wharf – a historic pier extending into the ocean. The view of the water, gentle breeze, and rhythm of waves create perfect conditions to slow down for a moment and close this stage of the journey at a calm pace.

Good to Know

Admission to Mission Santa Barbara costs $17 (adults).

Evening

To end the day, take a peaceful walk along East Beach. It’s a place loved by both residents and travelers – without pretension, with a natural rhythm and wide space to catch your breath.

In the evening, the beach reveals its most beautiful moment: sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Soft light, sound of waves, and silence that comes on its own. It’s hard to imagine a better way to end the day on the California coast.

Where to Stay in Santa Barbara

Planning a stay in Santa Barbara, it’s worth thinking about accommodation in advance – it’s a popular place, especially in season.

If you’re traveling on a budget, a good option will be Pacific Crest Hotel – an intimate, simple hotel, perfect for a peaceful overnight stay after a day spent by the ocean.

If you care about more comfort at a reasonable price, it’s worth considering Harbor View Inn. It’s a proven place close to the beach, with a pleasant atmosphere and good location for evening walks.

Day 5: Los Angeles – Top Sights & Experiences

Morning

The next day, head out early in the morning to Los Angeles – a city of contrasts that can surprise with diversity, scale, and energy. This is a place where beaches meet urban hustle, and everyday life mixes with cinematic associations.

To start, take a walk along Hollywood Boulevard. This is where the Hollywood Walk of Fame is located – the Walk of Fame, which tells more about the history of cinema and pop culture than the glamour of fame.

Names like Audrey Hepburn or Elvis Presley are a reminder of how strongly this city has shaped the world’s imagination.

It’s also worth stopping by the TCL Chinese Theatre – one of the most recognizable places connected to American cinema.

Handprints and footprints of stars and the theater’s facade create a characteristic shot that opens the day in Los Angeles well.

Next, head to Griffith Observatory – one of the best viewpoints in the city.

The Los Angeles panorama and view of the iconic Hollywood sign make a huge impression here at any time of day, especially when the city begins to spread out below like a map.

The observatory itself is not just views. Inside you’ll find interactive exhibitions devoted to space and astronomy, which allow you to change perspective for a moment – from urban to completely cosmic.

If you feel like more movement, take a walk through the Hollywood Hills. Trails leading toward the sign let you see the city from a completely different side and feel how quickly Los Angeles gets left behind.

The most popular route is about 5.3 miles and usually takes 2-3 hours, depending on pace and number of stops along the way.

Good to Know

Touring TCL Chinese Theatre costs $10. Admission to Griffith Observatory is free, but on Mondays the observatory is closed.

Late Morning

The next point of the day could be a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood – one of the most famous amusement parks in the world, combining cinema and entertainment in one place.

On site, both dynamic attractions await, like Transformers or Jurassic World, and the cult Studio Tour, which lets you peek behind the scenes of film production and see how famous scenes from the big screen are created.

It’s a good proposition if you’re in the mood for something more intense and cinematic, and at the same time want to see Los Angeles from this “Hollywood” side.

Good to Know

A one-day ticket to Universal Studios Hollywood costs from $109. It’s worth reserving tickets in advance on the official website.

Afternoon

After the more intense part of the day, it’s worth slowing down and heading to the Getty Center. This is a place where art meets space and light – without the pressure of “checking off” consecutive halls.

In the collections, you’ll find works by artists like Vincent van Gogh or Paul Gauguin, but even if you’re not planning a long visit, the Getty’s surroundings alone make a huge impression.

The terraces and gardens are designed to naturally lead to stopping for a moment – with views of Los Angeles hills and the Pacific Ocean in the distance.

It’s the perfect counterpoint to the morning city hustle and good space for peacefully closing the day.

Good to Know

Admission to the Getty Center is free, however parking costs $20 before 3:00 PM. Early reservation of entry is recommended. The center is closed on Mondays.

Evening

To end the day, head to Santa Monica Pier – one of those places that tastes best in the evening. A walk on the pier, lights reflecting in the ocean, and the slow rhythm of the seaside resort let you naturally slow down after an intense day.

If you’re in the mood for something more symbolic, you can take a ride on the Pacific Wheel Ferris wheel. The view of the coastline and ocean at sunset really makes an impression.

Dinner is worth planning without rushing, for example at The Lobster. It’s a good place to try fresh seafood and watch the sun slowly disappear beyond the horizon. Peaceful, natural closing of a day in California.

Good to Know

A ride on the Pacific Wheel Ferris wheel costs $17.

Where to Stay in Los Angeles

Los Angeles offers a huge choice of accommodations, so it’s best to choose a place tailored to how you want to experience the city – whether closer to the ocean or in a more urban rhythm.

If you care about a reasonable budget and a peaceful base, The Steady Hotel will be a good choice – a simple, intimate hotel, perfect for overnights between successive route points.

If you’re looking for more comfort at still an affordable price, it’s worth paying attention to Figueroa Hotel. It’s an elegant place with character, well located and great if you want to feel LA’s urban vibe without hotel grandeur.

And if you’re dreaming of a stay closer to the ocean, check out my honest review of The Pierside Santa Monica hotel.

It’s a good option for those who want the beach and sunsets almost at their doorstep, while maintaining convenient access to Los Angeles.

Day 6: San Diego – Balboa Park, Zoo & Beaches

Morning

The sixth day is worth spending discovering San Diego – a city that combines sunny climate, ease, and a very pleasant pace of sightseeing. This is one of those places where everything seems a bit simpler, and the day naturally arranges itself.

A good start is a walk through Balboa Park. The expansive park full of gardens, historic buildings, and museums lets you slow down from the first moments.

Even if you’re not planning intensive sightseeing, just walking the paths makes an impression.

If you feel like looking inside, it’s worth choosing one of the museums – for example the San Diego Natural History Museum or San Diego Museum of Art.

The latter particularly pleasantly combines local art with classical and international collections, without museum pretension and rushing.

It’s also worth checking out the Spanish Village Art Center – a colorful part of the park where local artists present themselves in studios and galleries.

Right next door are the International Cottages, small houses representing cultures from different parts of the world – a short walk between them is a pleasant, light curiosity along the way.

Don’t miss the Botanical Building with its characteristic lily pond or the Kate O. Sessions Cactus Garden either.

Both places are very photogenic and perfectly capture the peaceful, green rhythm of Balboa Park – perfect for a short stop and a few shots without rushing.

Good to Know

Admission to the San Diego Natural History Museum costs $24 (adults). Tickets are worth reserving online.

Admission to the San Diego Museum of Art costs $25 (adults), and children and youth up to 17 enter free. Tickets available online. The museum is closed on Wednesdays.

Admission to Spanish Village Art Center is free.

Late Morning

The next point of the day could be a visit to San Diego Zoo – one of the most famous zoological gardens in the world.

It’s a huge, green space, designed so that visiting is more of a walk than a classic zoo visit.

Several thousand animals from different parts of the world live on the zoo grounds – including giant pandas, rhinoceroses, or orangutans. Everything is planned in a way that allows observing them in surroundings close to natural, without a sense of rushing.

If you feel like seeing the park from a different perspective, you can use Skyfari, a cable car above the enclosures.

It’s a good option to rest for a moment and catch a broader picture of this place. San Diego Zoo works well both as a peaceful walk and a longer morning spent among greenery and animals.

Good to Know

A one-day ticket to San Diego Zoo costs $68 (children) and $78 (adults). Tickets are best reserved early online.

Afternoon

After visiting the zoo, it’s worth heading to Little Italy – one of the most atmospheric neighborhoods in the city. It’s a good place to slow the pace and have a meal without rushing, surrounded by cafes, small restaurants, and street life.

If you’re in the mood for classics, stop by Filippi’s Pizza Grotto Little Italy. It’s a place known for solid, Italian pizza and a casual atmosphere – the perfect stop after an intense morning.

Evening

In the evening, take a walk on Coronado Beach. The wide, bright beach and soft sand make this one of those places where the day naturally comes to an end. The views are especially beautiful just before sunset.

It was on Coronado Island that cult scenes from the film Some Like It Hot were shot with Marilyn Monroe, which adds a cinematic context to this place.

If you still have energy, you can drive west of the city to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. Cliffs dropping straight into the Pacific Ocean and open space make this one of the best places in San Diego for peacefully watching the sunset.

Where to Stay in San Diego

San Diego offers great freedom when it comes to accommodations – everything depends on whether you prefer urban rhythm or quieter, more intimate places.

If you’re traveling on a budget, a good choice will be HI San Diego Downtown Hostel – a simple, well-located base, perfect for exploring the city on foot and by public transport.

If you’re looking for something more comfortable but still at a reasonable price, it’s worth considering Hotel Indigo San Diego – Gaslamp Quarter. It’s a hotel with character, in the heart of the city, good for evening walks and enjoying the city’s energy.

If you’re curious about an honest, personal review of an atmospheric hotel in San Diego, I’ve added a separate link – just in case you like to know what you’re booking.

Day 7: La Jolla – Beaches, Sea Lions & a Slow Finish

Morning

The last day on the California coast is worth spending in La Jolla – a place that combines elegance with seaside ease. There are beautiful beaches here, good food, and views that themselves ask for a slower pace.

Start the day peacefully, with breakfast at one of the cafes in La Jolla Village. Coffee drunk without rushing, morning light, and quiet street movement is the perfect moment to really feel this place’s vibe.

After breakfast, take a walk around La Jolla Cove. Clear water, rocky cliffs, and open space above the ocean make it easy to forget here about the entire route you already have behind you.

Stop for a moment by the shore and look around – seals and sea lions lounging on rocks are regular visitors here. Natural, somewhat chaotic, and very authentic ending to a journey along the California coast.

Late Morning

After the morning walk, it’s worth moving to one of the nearby beaches – for example La Jolla Shores. It’s a good place to stop for a moment, lay out a towel on the sand, and let the day flow at its own pace.

The wide, sandy beach and gentle waves make La Jolla Shores perfectly suited for peaceful rest.

Without spectacular attractions, but with the simple pleasure of being by the ocean – exactly as the last day of a trip should look.

Afternoon

At noon, it’s worth slowing down even more and planning a picnic in Ellen Browning Scripps Park.

Green space right above the cliffs, the sound of the ocean in the background, and wide views make this the perfect place for a simple meal without rushing.

Just a blanket, some snacks, and a moment of silence are enough to really feel La Jolla’s rhythm.

Evening

To close the day (and the entire route), reserve a table at George’s at the Cove. Dinner with a view of the ocean and slowly fading light over the water is one of those experiences that stay in memory for a long time.

A peaceful, elegant ending to a California coast road trip – without fireworks, but with the feeling that everything arranged itself exactly as it should.

California Coast Road Trip – Summary

The California coast is one of those places that’s perfect for a road trip – with a road running right above the ocean, changing landscapes, and space for your own travel pace.

Regardless of whether you like cities with character, hikes on trails, or simply moments of doing nothing on the beach, California offers enormous freedom of choice. Every day can look different, and the route easily adapts to mood and energy.

I hope this plan helped you see how diverse and inspiring the California coast can be – even in just a week.

Of course, you can’t see everything in one go, but that’s just a good excuse to come back here someday and discover more sections of this road.

If this plan was helpful to you, I’d be very pleased if you share it with someone who dreams of a California coast road trip.

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