Complete California Road Trip Itinerary in 7 Days

From the Author: Some of this requires taking the PCH. Sometimes, due to weather, like hard rain, part of the PCH shuts down. Check this website for current highway conditions before you head out.

Day 1: San Francisco

What do to

San Francisco is a city like no other.

You can definitely see a lot in two days. San Francisco is a compact city that is easy to get around, I know because I lived in San Francisco for five years.

If you have just two days to visit San Francisco, you’ll want to make the most of your time by focusing on the city’s most iconic sights and experiences.

Begin your journey at the Golden Gate Bridge, the city’s most recognizable landmark. You can walk, bike, or admire it from various viewpoints, such as Crissy Field or Fort Point.

Hidden Gem: Check out the Warming Hut on the path in Crissy Field under the GG Bridge: it is a great gift shop with amazing espresso and delicious baked goods.

Next, explore Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39, bustling with shops, seafood restaurants, and the famous sea lions. Take a short boat trip to Alcatraz Island, where you can tour the infamous former prison and learn about its history.

Day 2: San Francisco to Monterey

On your second day, start with a ride on the historic cable cars, an experience unique to San Francisco, giving you a scenic view of the city’s hilly streets. This is my favorite thing to do in San Francisco; I was one of the locals who took a cable car to the grocery store when I lived in this magnificent city on a hill.

Insider Scoop: Locals call cable cars “cable cars”. We don’t refer to them as trolleys.

Head to Union Square to shop and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. In the afternoon, visit the Mission District to see colorful street art and try authentic Mexican food (the Mission has some of the best burritos I’ve ever had).

Cap off your visit with a walk through Golden Gate Park, home to gardens, museums, and the California Academy of Sciences.

Although two days is a brief time to explore, these highlights will give you a taste of what San Francisco offers.

Where to stay

My favorite hotel is the InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco, where I stay when I want the full San Francisco experience. I used to live on Nob Hill, which is my favorite spot in SF. It’s old school. Nob Hill was one of the first places in the city where the Big Four founders (Crocker, Stanford, Huntington, and Hopkins) built their mansions; today, they are hotels. There are wonderful old-school San Francisco bars on Nob Hill, where as soon as you walk in, you feel like you’ve stepped into the 1920s.

☎︎ (415) 616-6916
📍 999 California St, San Francisco, CA 94108
🌐 Book Now

Insider Scoop: The Big 4 bar on Nob Hill is amazing. It has small, deep leather chairs, a fireplace, and a piano player. I used to live a block away from the Big 4. For someone who feels she was born in the wrong era, it’s home.

The Galleria Park Hotel Downtown is a less expensive hotel that still gets high marks and has style in a great location. When you stay at Galleria Park, you are in the middle of everything, within walking distance of Chinatown, Union Square, North Beach, and Nob Hill. It’s right next to Blue Bottle—they make my favorite caffeinated drink. I roll out of bed and downstairs to Blue Bottle. I’ve stayed several times, and this is a great hotel. It is clean and quiet.

☎︎ (415) 781-3060
📍 191 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94104
🌐 Book Now

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Day 2: Monterey Bay

Next, we head south to the Monterey Bay area, one of the prettiest places on earth. The drive from San Francisco to Monterey Bay is approximately 120 miles via the Pacific Coast Highway (California State Route 1), known for its stunning coastal views and scenic landscapes.

This route typically takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to drive, depending on traffic and how often you stop to enjoy the stunning scenery along this drive.

What do to

Begin your visit at the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, located on Cannery Row, for its unparalleled glimpse into the rich biodiversity of the Pacific Ocean.

The aquarium is famous for its impressive kelp forest exhibit, mesmerizing jellyfish displays, and playful sea otters.

If you only have one day, I say skip Cannery Row itself; it’s very touristy and is like a mini Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. Instead, after the aquarium, drive down the three to four blocks of Cannery Row; if something strikes your fancy, then park.

Forgo Cannery Row to drive the 17-Mile Drive, which is a must-do here.

This coastal route winds through the stunning landscapes of Pebble Beach, offering awe-inspiring views of the Pacific, dramatic rocky shores, and verdant forests, all punctuated by the iconic Lone Cypress.

Need to know: The 17-mile Drive costs about $12 per vehicle to enter. It’s worth every penny.

If time allows, visit the enchanting town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, famed for its whimsical cottages, art galleries, and pristine white sandy beach.

Where to stay

I recently stayed at the Wave Street Inn, one block from the water. It’s a nice hotel for a reasonable price, and I highly recommend it. You won’t stay in your hotel room in Monterey; it is so beautiful that you’ll be outside the entire time.

☎︎ (831) 375-2299
📍 571 Wave St, Monterey, CA 93940
🌐 Book Now

Jessica’s Local Find

Full disclosure: I have high standards for caffeine intake. If a cafe serves me a $6 cappuccino with 3/4 airy foam, they go on my hit list. This happened in Monterey Bay, where nearly every food established is touristy, expensive, and sub-par.

I asked a local where the locals get their espresso beyond the touristy spots. A nice college student told me about Counterpoint Coffee, a few miles from the main touristy area (Cannery Row).

Insider Scoop: Buy a couple, or ten, of the prosciutto and cheese sandwiches for lunch on the road.

Counterpoint Coffee knows foam, and the beans they use make amazing espresso. They have these amazing little prosciutto and cheese sandwiches that I’m still thinking about. We bought a couple for the road—the perfect snack for a California road trip.

☎︎ (831) 230-0503
📍 565 Broadway Ave, Seaside, CA 93955
🌐 7:00 am to 5:00 pm

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Day 3: Big Sur

We’ve reached the crème de la crème of any ultimate California road trip journey: Big Sur.

People from all over the world visit Big Sur for its unparalleled natural beauty, with dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and towering redwoods set against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, offering some of the most breathtaking and picturesque landscapes on the California coast.

Need to Know: Beware of road closures on Route 1. After heavy rains, landslides can occur.

What do to

My only advice when it comes to driving on the Pacific Coast Highway (Route 1, the ONE) is stop where inspiration finds you.

Check out my itinerary on Big Sur, called the Ultimate Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary. There are so many highlights, that I had to write an entire post on it.

If you don’t want to head there, here are some you can’t miss: Pfeiffer Beach with it’s “purple sand” beach and Keyhole Arch, Julia Pfeiffer State Park, and McWay Falls.

Special note: I’ve traveled to Big Sur more times than I can count; it’s one of the best road trips in California. I also ran the Big Sur Marathon, the most stunning run in the country. As of this writing, 4/02/24 Hwy 1 is closed from McWay Falls to Limekiln State Park (you’re still able to reach McWay Falls) due to road erosion from California’s heavy rains this year. Check road closures before you go. I just came back from Big Sur in March. The alternate route around the closure is a stunningly scenic, lush, green drive. If you have to go around, it’s just part of another amazing journey, but it will add one to two driving hours.

Where to stay

• Big Sur River Inn: This is 98 the Inn with the great restaurant I mentioned earlier. The restaurant and the fact that it is the most budget-friendly choice in Big Sur make it a winner. >>>Click Here for Prices

• The most luxurious place to stay in Big Sur is Alila Ventana Big Sur. It’s a five-star hotel. I have yet to stay here, but the next time I go to Big Sur, it’s on! I’ll write an entire post on it. It looks amazing. >>>Click Here for Prices

Good to Know: Alila Ventana Big Sur is for adults only.

Jessica’s Pick: The Big Sur Bakery

Full disclosure: I love baked goods, homemade, professionally made, any type of baked good as long as it’s…good. I’ve been know to travel far and wide for a spectacular one. The Big Sur Bakery is a must hit on your way down the coast. My favorites are the cream filled donut, the ginger scone, the mocha cookie, and the almond croissants. The food here is so-so, but the baked goods are worth the stop.

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Day 4: San Simeon

On your way down the PCH from Big Sur, you’ll come to the beautiful, lush, rolling hills of San Simeon.

Once in San Simeon, you can take a tour of Hearst Castle. It’s one of my favorite tours in California; I’ve taken it four times.

What do to

Hearst Castle, nestled on the central coast of California, is a sight to behold.

This magnificent estate was the residence of William Randolph Hearst, a pioneering media mogul and newspaper publisher in the early 20th century. Originally intended to be a family home for Hearst, his wife Millicent, and their five sons, by 1925, Hearst’s marriage was effectively over. San Simeon became his domain and that of his mistress, the actress Marion Davies.

I love this place.

Need to Know: You will need to book reservations in advance. This is the type of tour you have to plan for, and build into your itinerary to make sure you get to San Simeon on time for the tour you have signed up for. Click here for tickets.

What sets Hearst Castle apart is its architectural grandeur, a unique blend of Spanish Revival, Mediterranean, and Gothic influences. It also houses an impressive collection of art and antiques from around the world.

Before or after your Hearst Castle tour, make sure you check out  Piedras Blancas Beach, also known as  Elephant Seals Beach, 5.2 miles north of Hearst Castle. Keep an eye out for it. You can miss it because you can’t see the beach or the seals from the road, but it’s a special place to see California wildlife.

Where to stay

When staying in this area the best place to stay is the San Simeon Lodge. It’s clean and right near the Hearst Castle. It also has a pool, which you probably won’t use because chilly in this area. You will most likely be checking out the beautiful beaches and scenery.

☎︎ (805) 927-4601
📍 9520 Castillo Dr, San Simeon, CA 93452
🌐 Book Now

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Day 5: Santa Barbara

Spending the day in Santa Barbara is a lot of fun. When you live in LA, like I do, Santa Barbara is a frequent destination, it has a ton of amazing beaches.

What do to

Once there, hit State Street first for it’s amazing boutique shopping (my fav kind). There are also galleries, restaurants and coffee shops.

Then, head to the nearby Funk Zone, an eclectic district known for its vibrant street art, tasting rooms, and unique boutiques. This area is perfect for experiencing the local culture and perhaps enjoying a wine tasting or two — wine tasting is big in Santa Barabara.

The Santa Barbara Mission, known as the “Queen of the Missions,” is very Santa Barbara-y to check out. Known for its stunning beauty, this historic mission offers a glimpse into California’s early history with its magnificent architecture, lush gardens, and museum. 

End your day at Stearns Wharf and the waterfront area, where you can walk along the beach, enjoy fresh seafood, and catch a beautiful Pacific sunset. The wharf offers spectacular views of the ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, making it a perfect spot for photography or simply soaking in the scenic beauty of Santa Barbara.

Jessica’s Pick

For the best Mexican food you will ever eat, head to La Super-Rica Tacqueria, Julia Child’s find. That is a big statement because California has some of the best Mexican cuisines you will find anywhere in the world. It’s simply amazing—everything. It’s authentic and yummy. I stop here every time I’m in Santa Barbara, and no kidding, anytime I’m even driving past Santa Barbara.

Try the Tacos de Bistec or the  Super-Rica Especial for two standouts.

La Super-Rica only takes cash. It’s kind of a dive. But we like that! There’s an ATM across the way, but it will cost you a fee.

Where to stay

For a luxury stay in Santa Barbara, the Mason Beach Inn provides a cozy and welcoming atmosphere for guests seeking comfort and convenience close to the beach. Offering well-appointed rooms, a heated outdoor pool, and complimentary breakfast, it’s an ideal base for exploring the nearby attractions and enjoying the beautiful coastal city.

☎︎ (805) 962-3203
📍 324 West Mason Street, West Beach, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
🌐 Book Now

For those seeking a moderately priced hotel with good reviews, the Hotel Milo Santa Barbara offers a charming and comfortable stay. Located along the waterfront, this hotel is conveniently situated near the beach and Stearns Wharf, making it easy for guests to explore the city’s main attractions. 

☎︎ (805) 965-4577
📍 202 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
🌐 Book Now

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Day 6: Los Angeles

Ahh, La La Land. Anything is possible in Los Angeles, and there are many unique experiences.

I love Los Angeles and have lived here almost my entire adult life; something unexpected and extraordinary awaits you.

Since you can do so many things in Los Angeles, your itinerary will depend on what you want: time on its many beaches, a celebrity-filled Hollywood adventure, amazing hiking or museums, restaurants, amusement parks, and cafes.

We have everything. You can surf on the first of your two days and ski on the next.

I’ll list some of my favorite and popular things to do, and then you will be more informed about what to do in Los Angeles.

What do to

In two days in Los Angeles, visitors should aim to capture the essence of the city by exploring its iconic landmarks and vibrant cultural scene.

Start your journey in Hollywood, where you can stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame to spot the stars of your favorite entertainers, then head to the TCL Chinese Theatre to see the handprints and footprints of movie legends.

Take a short hike up to the Griffith Observatory for panoramic views of the city and a closer look at the Hollywood Sign. The Observatory also offers fascinating exhibits on space and science, making it both an educational and scenic spot.

The hike up to the Observatory will only take about an hour. I used to live in Atwater Village and did the hike at least three times a week with my dog.

While you are over by the Observatory, hit the best lunch spot in LA, Dune, for the best Mediterranean food imaginable. Dune is my favorite restaurant on Glendale Blvd and across the street from where I used to live. I get the hummus plate or the grilled chicken souvlaki sandwich (oh god, my mouth just watered as I wrote this).

The last time I was at Dune, I saw Adele outside waiting for her order with her little dog. She was wearing a huge hat and sunglasses, no one recognized her.

☎︎ (323) 486-7073
📍 3143 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039 
🌐 Visit Website

After lunch, check out the amazing boutiques on this block of Glendale Blvd.

Across the street from Dune is possibly home to the best morning bun in existence at Proof Bakery (I was their first customer, and now a line forms around the block). You have to grab a baked good or prosciutto sandwich from here. Everything is fantastic. The chocolate-chip cookie with salt sprinkled on top is another stand-out.

When I lived in Atwater, Kristen Wig and I were the only ones in Proof one morning getting baked goods as soon as they opened. This was before the hipsters from Silver Lake found it. I had it all to my self for a good six months, but word quickly spread.

Another time, it was Mandy Moore and me ready to order as soon as they opened.

☎︎ (323) 664-8633
📍 3156 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039
🌐 Visit Website

Day 7: Los Angeles to San Francisco

On your second day, venture to the coastal areas of Santa Monica and Venice Beach.

Santa Monica offers a classic beach town experience with its famous pier and amusement park, which provides a nostalgic seaside atmosphere.

Venice Beach, known for its bohemian spirit, invites you to enjoy its eclectic Ocean Front Walk, where street performers, vendors, and muscle beachgoers showcase the diversity of Los Angeles’ cultures. There is nothing more LA than Venice Beach.

Fit in like a local, rent a bike in either Venice or Santa Monica, and ride on the path that goes along the beach. There are so many great places to shop in Santa Monica and Venice, like Abbot Kinney Boulevard, for some of the best clothes you will find anywhere in the city.

Where to stay

For the best chance of running into celebrities, visit West Hollywood, not Beverly Hills. WeHo is also a fun place to stay; it sits below the Sunset Strip and the Hollywood Hills.

The Pendry WEHO is strategically located on Sunset Blvd, right in the middle of the action. As one of my favorite hotels, it offers a unique experience of sitting at the bar with friends, enjoying a panoramic view of Sunset Strip on one side and DTLA on the other.

However, if you prefer a quieter location with easier parking, the Pendry may not be the best choice for you.

In that case, I would recommend considering Santa Monica or Pasadena.

Every inch of the Pendry is beautiful. The hotel boasts a chic and minimalistic design emphasizing neutral colors and natural materials such as wood, stone, and leather. The pool and bar area on top of the hotel is stunning.

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California Road Trip Itinerary: 7 Days Comes to an End

On your last day of your 7 day California road trip intinerary, you’ll drive back to the San Francisco International Airport (code: SFO) to drop off your rental car and head home! The 5 is an easy shot from Los Angeles to San Francisco and will take about 6-7 hours depending on traffic (I’ve made it in 5, but traffic has to cooperate, and it rarely does in California).

You could also fly out of Los Angeles International Airport (code: LAX) so you have more time to spend in sprawling LA.

If your flight is early, you may want to drive back to San Francisco the night before so you don’t have to wake up at midnight to get back.

Happy travels!