San Francisco To Los Angeles Road Trip Itinerary

Dotted Globe

WANT TO EXPLORE THE MOST SCENIC ROUTE WHEN TRAVELING FROM SAN FRANCISCO TO LOS ANGELES? THIS ULTIMATE ROAD TRIP ITINERARY WILL SHOW YOU THE BEST WAY TO DO IT!

Our 5-day PACIFIC COAST ROAD TRIP itinerary is IDEAL for THOSE WHO LIKE TO camp, hikE, surf in laid-back beach towns, AND stay in ROMANTIC bread and breakfasts on wineries.

THIS POETIC ROAD TRIP IS TRULY MEANT FOR THE JOURNEY THAN THE DESTINATION. We have STRETCHED THIS PACIFIC COAST ITINERARY INTO 5 DAYS TO COVER THE MOST SCENIC ATTRACTIONS.

EXPLORING SAN FRANCISCO VIA a RENTAL CAR

STARTING POINT

We recommend taking a couple of days to get around and find out for yourself what makes  San Francisco so special. See the Golden Gate Bridge, visit Alcatraz Island, eat sourdough clam chowder soup at Fisherman’s Wharf, and drive down the twisting Lombard Street.

San Francisco

SAN JOSE & SAUSALITO

Cycle down the Golden Gate Bridge and explore the beautiful city of Sausalito or venture into San Jose, a trendy city with cool restaurants, cafes, and pubs.

Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz, Monterey Peninsula,  17 Mile Drive & Carmel-By-The-Sea

day 1

HALF MOON BAY & SANTA CRUZ

Half Moon Bay has an incredible stretch of beaches and is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing, while Santa Cruz beach boardwalk is a huge amusement park featuring many vintage rides including the wooden Giant Dipper roller coaster.

monterey & carmel-by-the-sea

Monterey is a famous seaside town known for its Monterey Bay Aquarium. The final stop is Carmel-By-The-Sea, a town known for its eclectic cottages, cape-cod style homes, and fine restaurants.

big sur: Bixby Bridge, Point Sur Lighthouse, McWay Falls, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park & San Simeon

day 2

big sur

The highlight of the drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles that stretches along for 90 miles. Stop at all the vistas and pull-outs to appreciate the beauty of the area.

CARMEL & BIG SUR VILLAGE

Check out the Rocky Creek Bridge, the famous engineering marvel of Bixby Bridge, the charming Point Sur Lighthouse, and McWay Falls. Pfeiffer Beach and Sand Dollar Beach are a must for beach lovers as well.

Cayucos, Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo &  Pismo Beach

day 3

cayucos to san pismo beach

Beautiful murals pop out of nowhere, antique stores are laden with stories of the past, and whales and dolphins just happen to swim past the pier in Cayucos.

san luis obispo

A hip college town with a very young and trendy vibe. Popular daytime activities include the Art Gallery and Mission San Luis Obispo while the town’s nightlife on Higuera Street is also worth checking out.

Santa Barbara, Ventura & Malibu

day 4

santa barbara

Santa Barbara has beautiful houses, romantic views of the Pacific Ocean, and sparkling beaches.

ventura pier

Set amidst green hills and boasting of untouched beaches, Ventura is a hidden gem on the Pacific Coast. The Ventura Pier is excellent for taking an evening stroll and people watching.

Reaching Los Angeles

day 5

hollywood

LA is the perfect end to the San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip itinerary. Visit the famous Kodak and Oriental Theatres, go star-spotting in Beverly Hills, head up to Griffith Observatory, and go window shopping in Rodeo Drive.

get the full itinerary at Dotted Globe