California Central Coast (SFO to Santa Barbara) 6-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive at SFO & Car Rental Pickup

Pick up your rental car at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and prepare for your scenic drive south.

Ensure you have GPS or maps downloaded for areas with limited cell service.

Book your rental car in advance for best rates and availability. Consider a car suitable for scenic drives.

Drive to Monterey

Begin your journey south from SFO towards Monterey.

The drive will primarily be on US-101 S, then CA-156 W to CA-1 S. Enjoy the changing landscapes as you head towards the coast.

Explore Cannery Row

Walk along Monterey's historic Cannery Row, once home to bustling sardine canneries, now lined with shops, restaurants, and hotels.

Soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the bay views.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Discover the incredible marine life of the Monterey Bay at one of the world's leading aquariums.

Highlights include the Open Sea exhibit and the playful sea otters.

Book tickets online in advance, especially for a Sunday visit, as it can get very busy. Rating: 4.6/5 on Google.

Dinner in Monterey

Enjoy fresh seafood or other local cuisine at one of Monterey's many restaurants.

Consider options along Cannery Row or Fisherman's Wharf.

Reservations are recommended, especially on a Sunday evening.

Scenic 17-Mile Drive

Embark on the famous 17-Mile Drive, a picturesque route through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove, featuring stunning coastal scenery, cypress trees, and golf courses. Don't miss the Lone Cypress.

There is a toll fee to enter. Pick up a map at the gate to see all the viewpoints. Best in the morning for fewer crowds.

Explore Carmel-by-the-Sea

Wander through the charming village of Carmel-by-the-Sea, known for its fairy-tale cottages, art galleries, boutiques, and beautiful Carmel Beach.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll. Parking can be found on street or in small lots.

Lunch in Carmel

Enjoy lunch at one of Carmel's quaint cafes or restaurants.

Options range from casual to upscale.

Big Sur Coastal Drive (North Section)

Begin your iconic drive down Highway 1 into Big Sur.

Stop at viewpoints like Bixby Bridge and Garrapata State Park for breathtaking cliffside and ocean views.

Road conditions can change; always check Caltrans for updates. Cell service is very limited in Big Sur, so download offline maps.

Sunset at Bixby Bridge

Capture stunning photos of the historic Bixby Bridge, one of California's most photographed landmarks, especially beautiful near sunset.

Dinner & Return to Monterey

Head back to Monterey for dinner after a day of scenic beauty.

Big Sur Southbound Drive

Continue your epic journey through the heart of Big Sur.

Stop at key viewpoints like Nepenthe for incredible panoramic views, and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park for a short walk.

Allow ample time for photo stops and short walks. Pack snacks and water as services are sparse.

View McWay Falls

Witness the stunning McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, where a waterfall cascades directly onto the beach (tide permitting).

Easy walk to the viewpoint.

Lunch at Ragged Point

Enjoy lunch with incredible views at Ragged Point, often considered the 'gateway to Big Sur' from the south.

There's a restaurant and gift shop.

Drive to Cambria

A short drive from Ragged Point will bring you to the charming coastal town of Cambria.

Explore Cambria & Moonstone Beach

Stroll through the artistic village of Cambria, browsing unique shops and galleries.

Then head to Moonstone Beach for a walk along the boardwalk and search for moonstones.

Dinner in Cambria

Enjoy dinner in Cambria, known for its culinary scene and relaxed atmosphere.

Hearst Castle Tour

Visit the opulent Hearst Castle, the historic estate built by William Randolph Hearst.

Explore the grand rooms, stunning gardens, and famous pools.

Book your tickets and specific tour (e.g., Grand Rooms Tour) well in advance, especially during peak season. You'll take a bus from the visitor center up to the castle. Rating: 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor.

Lunch in San Simeon

Grab a bite to eat near the Hearst Castle Visitor Center or in the small town of San Simeon.

Drive to Morro Bay

Continue south along Highway 1 to the scenic coastal town of Morro Bay.

Explore Morro Bay Rock & Waterfront

Walk along the Embarcadero, enjoy views of Morro Rock, and watch for sea otters and other marine wildlife in the harbor.

You can also visit the Morro Bay State Park.

Optional Kayaking/Paddleboarding

For an active afternoon, rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore Morro Bay's calm waters, getting up close to the wildlife and Morro Rock.

Several rental shops are available along the Embarcadero. No booking required but recommended for busy days.

Dinner with Bay Views

Savor fresh seafood with views of Morro Rock and the harbor at one of Morro Bay's excellent restaurants.

Drive to San Luis Obispo

Take a short drive inland from Morro Bay to the charming city of San Luis Obispo.

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa

Visit the historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, founded in 1772, and explore its beautiful grounds and museum.

Check for self-guided tour availability. Entry is usually by donation.

Bubblegum Alley

Experience the quirky and colorful Bubblegum Alley, a unique local landmark where visitors leave their mark (literally!

) by sticking chewed gum to the walls.

Bring some gum to add to the collection!

Lunch in San Luis Obispo

Enjoy lunch in downtown San Luis Obispo, with many options from casual eateries to farm-to-table restaurants.

Pismo Beach Pier & Dunes

Head to Pismo Beach, walk along the iconic pier, and enjoy the sandy beaches.

For an added adventure, you can explore the nearby Oceano Dunes Natural Preserve.

Drive to Santa Barbara

Continue your scenic drive south along Highway 101 to Santa Barbara, known as the 'American Riviera'.

Check into Santa Barbara Accommodation

Arrive and check into your accommodation in Santa Barbara.

Dinner in Santa Barbara

Enjoy dinner in Santa Barbara, perhaps near State Street or the Funk Zone.

Stearns Wharf Exploration

Begin your day with a visit to Santa Barbara's iconic Stearns Wharf.

Enjoy the ocean breeze, browse unique shops, and perhaps spot some sea lions. It's a classic Santa Barbara experience.

Grab a coffee or a quick bite at one of the cafes on the pier.

Drive to Los Angeles

Embark on a scenic drive south along Highway 101, transitioning from the coastal beauty of Santa Barbara to the sprawling urban landscape of Los Angeles. Allow for potential traffic.

Lunch in Downtown LA

Grab a quick and delicious lunch in the bustling Downtown area.

Many options are available, from casual eateries to food trucks, perfect for an active sightseeing schedule.

Consider Grand Central Market for a wide variety of food stalls.

The Broad Museum

Immerse yourselves in contemporary art at The Broad, a striking museum featuring works from the 1950s to the present.

Home to over 2,000 pieces in its collection.

General admission is free, but timed tickets are highly recommended and can be reserved in advance online due to popularity. Rating: 4.7/5.

Walt Disney Concert Hall & Blue Ribbon Garden

Admire the iconic, stainless-steel architecture of the Walt Disney Concert Hall, designed by Frank Gehry. Afterward, stroll through the tranquil and often-overlooked Blue Ribbon Garden on the hall's rooftop.

The Blue Ribbon Garden offers unique views and a peaceful escape. Rating: 4.7/5 for both.

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels

Visit this modern architectural masterpiece, the mother church of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

Its unique design and peaceful interior offer a moment of reflection.

Check for mass times if you wish to attend a service. Rating: 4.8/5.

San Antonio Winery Experience

Visit the historic San Antonio Winery, a Los Angeles City Historical Landmark.

Enjoy a quick wine tasting or browse their selection before heading to the airport for your departure.

Rating: 4.6/5. Booking: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g32655-d291236-Reviews-San_Antonio_Winery_Los_Angeles-Los_Angeles_California.html?m=66827

Drive to LAX

Head to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) for your departure.

Allow ample time for traffic, as congestion can be significant, especially during peak hours.

Departure from LAX

Check in for your flight and depart from Los Angeles, concluding your exciting California road trip.