Central Coast, California - 10 Days Itinerary
Central Coast, California - 10 Days Itinerary
Embark on an unforgettable 10-day California road trip loop starting and ending in San Francisco, traversing the legendary Highway 1 to capture the state’s most iconic coastal scenery. This adventure balances moderate travel costs with world-class photography opportunities, featuring must-see landmarks like Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls, Hearst Castle, and the pristine Santa Barbara coastline.
Arrival in San Francisco
Golden Gate Bridge
Capture iconic photos at the Welcome Center and Battery Spencer.
Driving to Monterey
Highway 1 Scenic Drive
Drive south towards Monterey, enjoying the coastal views.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Explore the world-famous marine exhibits.
Carmel & 17-Mile Drive
17-Mile Drive
Scenic drive through Pebble Beach with stops at Lone Cypress.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Walk the white sands of Carmel Beach and explore village shops.
Big Sur Highlights
Bixby Creek Bridge
Stop for iconic photography of the bridge and cliffs.
McWay Falls
Short walk to see the waterfall dropping onto the beach.
Redwoods and Coastal Views
Pfeiffer Redwoods Hike
Walk among the ancient giants of the Santa Lucia Mountains.
Cliffside Relaxation
Enjoy the dramatic scenery and quiet coastal views.
Arrival in Santa Barbara
County Courthouse
Explore the Spanish-Colonial architecture and climb the clock tower for panoramic city views.
State Street Stroll
Walk through the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, visiting boutique shops and cafes.
Santa Barbara Coastline
Stearns Wharf
Morning walk on the oldest working wooden wharf in California.
Funk Zone Tasting
Sample local wines from the Santa Ynez valley in this vibrant art district.
Journey to Los Angeles
Malibu Coastal Drive
Scenic drive down PCH, passing Zuma Beach and Malibu Pier.
Santa Monica Pier
Iconic Ferris wheel and coastal vibes at the end of Route 66.
Hollywood & Griffith
Griffith Observatory
Best view of the Hollywood Sign and the sprawling LA basin.
Hollywood Walk Fame
A classic photo opportunity of the iconic stars and TCL Chinese Theatre.
Departure from LA
Venice Canals Walk
A quiet, scenic end to the trip walking through historic canal neighborhoods.
Departure to Airport
Return rental car and head to LAX for your flight home.
This 10-day itinerary for Central Coast, California can be customized using our AI travel planner. Chat with our AI assistant to modify activities, adjust timings, add personal preferences, and get recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and transportation.