Coastal Wonders: A One-Week California Road Trip Itinerary

You can start your journey in San Francisco and end in Los Angeles, or vice versa. Spend a couple of days exploring the cities before hitting the scenic Pacific Coast Highway (Road 1). This route offers breathtaking views of the coastline, charming towns, and plenty of photo opportunities. Be sure to check for the latest updates on Road 1 conditions using the official website, as there may be road closures or detours to consider. Planning ahead will ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip!

San Francisco

Day 1

Golden gate
Palace of Fine Art
Lombard St

Day 2

Chinatown
Financial District
Ferry Building

Leave from the San Francisco and start driving to the Los Angeles. First stop could be Monterey.

Day 3

I grabbed breakfast in Monterey and enjoyed it at Anchors Away Beach. After that, I drove to Carmel-by-the-Sea via the scenic 17-Mile Drive. I spent the rest of the day exploring Carmel, where you can wander through charming streets filled with quaint art galleries, coffee shops, boutique stores, and delightful restaurants. Be sure to catch the sunset at Carmel Sunset Beach—it’s a stunning way to end your day with breathtaking views over the ocean!

Day4

Leaving Carmel, I continued my drive to Los Angeles, first stops at Rocky Creek Bridge and Big Sur. The stunning views here are unforgettable, with majestic mountains on one side and the vast ocean on the other.

Next, I headed to Hearst Castle, one of the most impressive estates I’ve seen in the USA. The architecture is stunning, and the guided tours provide fascinating insights into the history and opulence of the castle. After exploring Hearst Castle, I admired Morro Rock, a striking landmark rising from the sea. Unfortunately, part of the road was closed due to a landslide during my trip, so I highly recommend checking the official website for the latest road updates before you go. This will help ensure a smooth journey along this beautiful coastline!

Day 5

The first stop on Day 5 is Santa Barbara, a charming coastal town near Los Angeles. There are a few locations I feel are definitely worth visiting. Santa Barbara Pier offers lovely shops and stunning views of the town from the ocean—it's a great spot to appreciate the scenery. Another highlight is State Street, which features a variety of stores and restaurants. I enjoyed walking along it several times. I also wanted to visit the historic Old Mission Santa Barbara, established in 1786, but unfortunately, I didn’t have time to make it there. In the end of the day you can continue driving to the Los Angeles.

Day 6

Upon arriving in Los Angeles, I began exploring the city and found it somewhat similar to San Francisco. I believe two days should be enough to see the main highlights of LA. For a comprehensive list of attractions, I recommend checking out my dedicated page on LA; here’s the link for it. In the meantime, here are some must-visit places that you shouldn't miss while you're in Los Angeles.

Day 7

I believe this is one of the best road trips I've ever experienced, which is why I highly recommend it to you. The stunning scenery, diverse attractions, and unique cities along the way make for an unforgettable journey. Take your time to explore each stop, and don’t forget to capture the memories along the way. Enjoy your trip, and drive safe!