5-Day Ultimate California Coast Road Trip (Hwy 1) Itinerary: Driving San Francisco to Los Angeles

California
Written By Anna Rooker

California is known for its vast and breathtaking scenery ranging from mountainous terrain to its famous coastline drive, HWY 1 (or Pacific Coast Highway). The coast attracts tourists year-round for its mild weather creating the perfect vacation spot for road trips and beach days no matter the time of year. The best possible way to experience this part of California is by car, camper van, or RV (there are Amtrak train routes along the coast as well) but the benefits of being able to hop out of your own vehicle anytime you want to get a closer view of the landscape is a major plus and all of the experience.

We did this road trip beginning in San Francisco and ending in Los Angeles in 5 days, totaling about 10 hours and 500 miles (account for more with extra stops along the way!) If you are limited on time but this drive has been on your bucket list, you are in the right place. I am going to share all of the details for how you can do this rewarding, iconic road trip too!

 

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Best Time to Visit the California Coast

The best time to do a California Coast road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway in my opinion is February - April. This timeframe falls before the summer hoards of tourists clog the highway. The weather is cool with the chance of rain but don’t let the rain deter you! The lush landscape comes to life during the rainy season.

We did this road trip at the end of February and it could not have been a more perfect experience. There were no crowds that were overwhelming or taking away from the experience and more affordable accommodations along our route vs during the summer months.

With that being said, there isn’t a bad time of year to do this road trip unless your goal is to avoid as much of the crowds as possible, in which case I recommend avoiding June - August.

How Many Days on the California Coast

This itinerary is for 5 days and I found this timeframe worked well to fit in a good chunk of the California Highway 1 Coastal drive following the route and destinations I prioritized. Being confined to 5 days, we were constantly on the road or doing something. I recommend at minimum 5 days, ideally 7+. The more days you can do this, the more time you can slowly make your way down the most beautiful parts of the coast (Big Sur, Cambria, etc) and not be in such a rush to get to your end destination.

Where to Start and End your California Coast Road Trip

The best route for the California HWY 1 road trip is North to South beginning in San Francisco and ending in Los Angeles. Starting in San Francisco means you will be on the right side of the road closest to the coast for your entire drive. This makes pulling off at vista points easier and you will have a clear view of the coast the entire way down without being obstructed by a lane of traffic if you were to go South to North.

If you are flying into the state to do this road trip, fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO) where you can pick up your rental car upon arrival. Note that you will be driving your rental one-way so fees are typically a bit higher than returning the car to your starting point, though this route is very common for car rental agencies to see! Ending in Los Angeles means the easiest airport to fly out of is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

Complete 5-Day California Coast HWY 1 Road Trip Itinerary

I would be remiss to not mention that there are so many various ways to adjust, lengthen, and shorten this trip. And this is just for the Central California Coastal region! I have done this road trip myself so I can attest to this route/itinerary I created as being one that will give you the most out of the area with only 5 days and a limited budget.

Here is a breakdown of the road trip itinerary plus a map of all the places mentioned in this blog flagged for your convenience.

Road Trip Overview

Day 1: Arrive in San Francisco, Golden Gate Bridge, Drive to Carmel-by-the-Sea

Day 2: Day on Central Pacific Coast, Big Sur, Drive to Cambria

Day 3: Day going inland, Green Valley Viewing Point, Solvang, CA, Drive to Santa Barbara

Day 4: Day trip to Channel Islands National Park, Drive to Santa Monica

Day 5: Day at Universal Studios OR in Santa Monica, Malibu, Drive to Los Angeles/Head Home

Day 1: Arrive in San Francisco, Golden Gate Bridge, Drive to Carmel-by-the-Sea

Beginning in San Francisco, get yourself situated with a rental car (if you didn’t drive on your own), pick up any needed supplies or food, and you can be on your way to your first nightly stop, Carmel-by-the-Sea. For this itinerary, I recommend getting on the earliest possible flight so you can be on your way quickly with plenty of time to allow for some first-day stops on the way to your destination for the night.

There are 2 main routes to choose from to begin your descent South from San Francisco and the route you choose will likely be determined by the amount of time you have on your first day and what stops you make priority.

Option 1 (Fastest route): Take HWY 101 through San Jose. Drive time is approximately 1hr 57mins. This is an inland, city highway.

Option 2 (more scenic but longer): Take HWY 1 along the coast. Drive time is approximately 2hrs 30mins. This option gets you started on your HWY 1 road trip quicker and you will immediately have scenic options to begin stopping at if you wish but will take more time to get to your accommodation.

Because we landed in San Francisco at midday and it took longer to get our rental car than we had hoped, we chose to spend a little extra time in San Francisco and take the option 1 route since it was quicker. If you have the time, there are a number of quick stops along HWY 1 between San Francisco and Carmel worth checking out. Just to name a few options to choose from (in order from North to South):

 

First Stop: Pier 39, San Francisco

Pier 39 in San Francisco is a popular tourist stop because of the shops, restaurants, bars, the Aquarium of the Bay, views of Alcatraz and the bay, and arguably one of the best attractions, the precious sea lions that perch on decks surrounding the pier most of the year. We ate lunch here at Crab House at Pier 39.

There are parking garages across the street from the pier and signs that guide you to where to go if you are a Pier 39 visitor.

Cost: Free to walk around, shops/restaurants cost

Location: The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94133 - Get directions on Google Maps

 

Second Stop: Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most famous and visited landmarks of San Francisco and there are luckily many viewpoints for you to choose from whether you want this to be a quick stop regardless of crowds or a more scenic route.

Here are some of the best Golden Gate Bridge viewpoints (all of these options are free to enter):

  • H. Dana Bowers Rest Area & Vista Point – Northbound - This is where we stopped! This is a rest area bustling with tourists with an outstanding viewpoint of the Golden Gate Bridge.

    • Note: Depending on the time of day and season this stop is packed with people and tour buses. We were able to snag a spot after circling the parking lot a couple of times but once we did, I can say it was well worth it for it being a free viewpoint. (Pictures to prove it above).

  • Battery Spencer Overlook - A short hike through elevated terrain leads you to an overlook area on the Northwest side of the bridge. You can follow the 0.4-mile trail using AllTrails.

  • Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center - The welcome center is a top option because this is where you can get information and souvenirs for the Golden Gate Bridge. Paths surrounding the center give you several viewpoints to choose from and explore.

  • Fort Point National Historic Site - Located right next to the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center, this option is more than an epic, up-close viewpoint. It is also a historic fort sitting on the Bay which you can tour and learn the history of.

  • Baker Beach - On a good weather day, I recommend viewing the bridge from afar on this stunning San Francisco shoreline - Baker Beach.

  • Drive/walk across it and call it done.

Other San Francisco Attractions

In lieu of any of the above stops or if you have more time in San Francisco, add these attractions to your list:

 

Need more San Francisco inspiration? READ ALSO: 11 Ways to Spend a Day in San Francisco, CA

 

At some point during your first day, you will need to head to your destination for the night. I recommend you spend your first night of the central California Coast road trip in or around Carmel-by-the-Sea. This is a great starting point to kick you off along the coast given the limited time of this road trip.

We stayed in a luxury tent at Saddle Mountain Ranch. There are also cabins, RV sites, bunk houses, and camping sites available to rent.

 

Day 2: Day on Central Pacific Coast, Big Sur, Drive to Cambria

Today is packed with unbelievable scenic stops ranging from towering redwoods to rocky coastlines. If there is any part of this itinerary that I recommend extending time in, it’s this central/Big Sur region because there is so much to do. For this itinerary, you are just driving through and making several stops along the way on one of the most notable highways in the United States! This drive will take you from Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA to Cambria, CA.

There is no wrong itinerary for today. I’m going to lay out some recommendations/the route I took but you are going to find yourself stopping CONSTANTLY to take in the views. I won’t list all of the random pull-over spots along the way (most aren’t named) but know that in between these priority stops below, we made time to stop as much as we pleased on the side of the road and you should too!

Today’s approximate drive time: 3hrs 1min

First Stop: Soberanes Point

Soberanes Point is technically a part of Garrapata State Park with free access to this epic viewpoint off a turn-around on the side of the road. Depending on the time of year you will be gifted with the vibrant red, orange, and green dudleya caespitosa succulents that are endemic to the California Coast between SF and LA. In contrast with the striking blue water and rocky cliffs, this is a stunning road trip stop.

There are unmarked paths that you can walk along or even follow the 1.6-mile Soberanes Point and Whale Peak trail on AllTrails. If doing so remember to stay on the dirt paths, don’t get too close to the edge of cliffs, and check in on the Garrapata State Park website for park updates.

Cost: Free

Location: Whale Peak Trail, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, United States - Get directions on Google Maps

Second Stop: Bixby Creek Bridge

The famous Bixby Creek Bridge towers 279 feet above Bixby Creek which runs into the Pacific. There are a few viewpoints you can pull off to right before the bridge to get your pictures and take in the enormity and beauty of its architecture and surroundings.

Cost: Free

Location: CA-1, Monterey, CA 93940, USA - Get directions on Google Maps

 

Third Stop: Hurricane Point View

This is another viewpoint option for the Bixby Bridge, just about 1 mile South of it for a new perspective against its surrounding dramatic cliffs.

Cost: Free

Location: 28413 Cabrillo Hwy, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, United States - Get directions on Google Maps

 

Fourth Stop: Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park (Redwood Deck)

You could easily spend a full day at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. If you were to extend your time along the coast, Big Sur Lodge located just outside the park is a good place to do so because of its location, popularity for the redwoods, hiking, and lodging options on-site.

If you have limited time, drop by Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park to visit the Redwood Deck. This short path takes you through a dense area of giant redwoods - not as large as those in other parts of California - but incredible nonetheless and an easy-access introduction to these beautiful trees!

Cost: $10/vehicle for all-day access

Location: Highway 1 / Big Sur, State Park, CA 93920, United States - Get directions on Google Maps

Fifth Stop: McWay Falls

McWay Falls is special for what it is - an 80ft waterfall flowing straight into the ocean.

The first thing to know is beach access is restricted for safety reasons so you can only view it from behind the marked-off areas atop the cliffs. When we drove through we didn’t realize all the cars parked along the road (for a good quarter mile) were stopped for this waterfall until we approached. We decided to skip this because trying to find a place to park and then walking into the crowds to see it didn’t feel worth it. However, it’s popular for a reason. If you luck out, absolutely make this stop!

Cost: Free

Location: Big Sur, CA 93920, United States - Get directions on Google Maps

 

Sixth Stop: Big Creek Bridge

Big Creek Bridge is the baby sister of Bixby Creek Bridge. They look very similar except Big Creek Bridge lies over Big Creek and is smaller. There is a turn-around South of this bridge (Big Creek Bridge Vista Point) that you can turn into to get your pictures.

Cost: Free

Location: Big Sur, CA 93920, United States - Get directions on Google Maps

 

Seventh Stop: Ragged Point - Scenic View

This was the best, unexpected stop along the coastal drive. Ragged Point is an inn and restaurant that sits on one of the most underrated coastline stops. I recommend grabbing something to eat or drink here or stopping by their gift shop. You can find the scenic views towards the back of the property.

Cost: Free

TIP: We only stopped at Ragged Point initially because the stretch of road between Gorda, CA (around the Big Sur Lookout) and Ragged Point had a lot of twists and turns and I was beginning to feel car-sick. It ended up being a worthwhile stop but this is a warning for those who also have a tendency to get motion sick easily to come prepared with your remedies, particularly for this stretch of the drive!

Location: 19019 CA-1, Ragged Point, CA 93452, United States - Get directions on Google Maps

Eighth Stop: Elephant Seal Vista Point

BY FAR MY FAVORITE STOP ON THIS ENTIRE ROAD TRIP. So much so that I visited twice before leaving the area! As the name insinuates, this is a viewpoint to see Elephant Seals. There is a “best” time to visit to see the most activity: between December and March (mating and birthing season). We visited in February and the beach was full of males, females, and their babies.

You can disregard everything else in this blog but do not skip this one. I created a complete guide to seeing the seals at Elephant Seal Vista Point.

Cost: Free (donations appreciated)

Location: San Simeon, CA 93452, United States - Get directions on Google Maps

 

READ ALSO: Where to See Elephant Seals in San Simeon, California

 

After a packed day on the stunning central coast, you will head to tonight's accommodation. We stayed at Moonstone Landing in Cambria, CA. This was the perfect hotel choice because of its access to Moonstone Beach which is directly across the street.

End your evening by watching the sunset on the beach (one of the best sunsets I have ever seen in my life) and having dinner at one of the surrounding restaurants. After the sun went down we did a wine tasting at Madeline's on Moonstone - Wine Tasting Room with ocean views and dinner at Sea Chest Oyster Bar.

 

Day 3: Day going inland, Green Valley Viewing Point, Solvang, CA, Drive to Santa Barbara

On day 3 the itinerary takes you inland only temporarily due to the lack of roads flushed up against the coast in this area and to make some worthwhile stops.

Today’s approximate drive time: 2hrs 35mins

 

First Stop: Downtown Cambria

On your way out of town in the morning, stop into Downtown Cambria for a coffee and a bit of small-town sightseeing. The main streets feel quaint but with so much character. There are a number of shops, cafes, and even a few art galleries to pop into.

Cost: Free to walk around, shops/restaurants cost

Second Stop: Hearst Castle

Adding some fancy to your road trip by stopping at Hearst Castle for a luxurious tour of the property. The popularity of this castle derives from it sticking out against the 250,000 acres surrounding it - being the only thing of its kind in the area. It doubles as a museum with over 25,000 artifacts, gardens, and notable, exquisite rooms (163 to be exact). At the very least, drop by from a distance to admire its grandeur from afar.

Cost: Ticket prices for tours start at $30/adult.

Location: 750 Hearst Castle Rd, San Simeon, CA 93452, United States - Get directions on Google Maps

 

Third Stop: Green Valley Viewing Point

Green Valley Viewing Point offers a view of a sweeping landscape, unlike anything you have seen yet on this itinerary. You may mistake this location for a lush European countryside but alas, you are in another stunning part of California with green rolling hills.

This viewing point is located in an unpaved pull-off area right off of CA-46. Putting the name in Google Maps takes you straight there and is a must-visit as it’s en route to your next stop, Solvang.

Cost: Free

Location: CA-46, Cambria, CA 93428, United States - Get directions on Google Maps

 

Fourth Stop: Solvang, CA

Solvang is a Danish town located in the Santa Ynez Valley. As inferred, it is popular for feeling like you’ve stepped straight into a small town in Denmark with Danish architecture and windmills, Danish museums, shops, and restaurants. Read my full-day trip guide to visiting Solvang.

Cost: Free to walk around, shops/restaurants/museums cost

Location: Get directions on Google Maps

 

READ ALSO: Day Trip Guide to Solvang, California: A Danish Town

 

After a couple of hours in Solvang, I recommend heading towards tonight’s accommodation in Santa Barbara, CA. I chose Santa Barbara due to its prime location for Day 4’s itinerary and Santa Barbara having beautiful beaches to spend your evening.

We stayed at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort located directly across the street from East Beach. By the time you are getting into SB, settle into your hotel and end the evening with a walk along this sprawling beach for sunset.

 

Day 4: Day trip to Channel Islands National Park OR Leisurely Coastal Drive, Drive to Santa Monica

I am going to lay out 2 itinerary options for this day for one important reason. Ideally, day 4 would be dedicated to Channel Islands National Park. The reality though, is the weather can be unpredictable and tours to the islands can (and are) canceled on a whim leading up to your departure. I know because this is exactly what happened to us! The winds were so strong during our visit that it would be too dangerous for the boats to get across the pass to CINP leading to a full refund and cancellation for our booking.

Instead, we decided to take our time driving along the coast to Santa Monica, making a stop in Malibu. This ended up being a lovely and fulfilling day in its own way. Otherwise, we would have just sped through this portion of the highway had we been able to visit the Channel Islands.

While I don’t have a personal account for the Channel Islands, I have still pulled together some basic information for this option should you choose to go this route and the weather is on your side! Alternatively, I have also provided the itinerary we followed for this day!

Itinerary Option #1

First Stop: Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park is on the list of one of the most difficult US national parks to access for being an island in the Pacific off the coast of Santa Barbara/Ventura, CA, and access to it heavily relies on good weather conditions. 5 islands (Anacapa Island, Santa Cruz Island, Santa Rosa Island, San Miguel Island, and Santa Barbara Island) make up this national park, some of which you can camp, hike, or just take day trips to.

There is only 1 official cruise company partnered with the National Park Service providing rides to and from the islands and that is Island Packers Cruises which departs from Ventura, CA. They offer different cruise packages depending on the island you want to visit, which part of that island, and for how long.

We booked the Scorpion Anchorage - Santa Cruz Island Day Trip cruise. We chose this island because it is the largest of the 5 with hiking good for just about any skill level, beaches, and stunning cliff views.

Cost: $66/adult roundtrip

TIPS:

  • If you easily get motion sick, come prepared with your remedies!

  • Bring lunch and drinks with you on your day trip to have lunch with a once-in-a-lifetime view.

  • There is no shade on the trails so come prepared with sunscreen and sun protection if you are hiking.

  • Island Packers recommends you wear hiking boots whether you are doing the simple family trails or the more difficult ones for your safety.

  • Santa Barbara is about a 35-minute drive from the Ventura Island Packers location and they ask that you arrive 45 minutes prior to departure so you will have an early morning!

  • Remember to Leave No Trace! The environment of these islands is fragile and needs to be protected. You can do your part by staying on trails, taking all of your trash with you, and picking up any you may find that isn’t yours.

The drive from the Island Packers Cruise location to Santa Monica is nearly a 1-hour drive. You likely won’t be up for anything in between Ventura and Santa Monica because today would be a longggg day! There aren’t a lot of other options to stay around this area without backtracking North up the coast again. So your options are to stay in Malibu (about a 35-minute drive) or Santa Monica (about a 1-hour drive). Alternatively, you could give yourself any extra day around Santa Barbara/Ventura to rest up and not have as far to drive.

We stayed at a hotel in Santa Monica on the Santa Monica Pier - Wyndham Santa Monica At The Pier. At the time of writing this, I see that this location is temporarily closed. There are many hotels surrounding the pier though. I recommend this area for access to the beach and the liveliness of the surrounding attractions.

 

Itinerary Option #2

In place of Channel Islands National Park, take your time making your way down the next stretch of coast to Santa Monica. There are many attractions along this area of California, both on the coast and inland. I’ve listed below some of my favorite worthy stops in addition to other attractions you can add to your day.

First Stop: Stearns Wharf

Stearns Wharf is a pier in Santa Barbara with stunning sea-beach-mountain views and has several restaurants to grab an early lunch or a coffee. A stroll along Stearns Wharf is a lovely way to start your morning in Santa Barbara!

Char West towards the end of the pier has AMAZING fish and chips.

Cost: Free to walk around

Location: 217 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States - Get directions on Google Maps

Second Stop: Point Dume State Park

Continue your morning with a quick 1.4-mile hike in Point Dume State Park. You can follow the path on AllTrails for the Point Dume Cove Trail.

Cost: Free

Location: Cliffside Dr &, Birdview Ave, Malibu, CA 90265, United States - Get directions on Google Maps

 

Third Stop: Malibu Pier, Lunch at Malibu Farm Restaurant

I recommend eating lunch at the farm-to-table Malibu Farm Restaurant on the Malibu Pier. There are two establishments, both owned by the same person - Malibu Farm Cafe located at the far end of the pier serving light meals and beverages, and Malibu Farm Restaurant at the start of the pier serving larger entree dishes.

I highly recommend trying both places - the cafe for drinks and the restaurant for food. Try the green avocado quesadilla, I beg of you!!

Even if you choose not to eat here, you have stunning, undisturbed views of the ocean and the Malibu coast. Just to the left of the pier, there is a set of stairs you can walk down to stand on a small beach under the pier.

Cost: Free to walk around

Location: 23000 CA-1, Malibu, CA 90265, United States - Get directions on Google Maps

 

Fourth Stop: Santa Monica Pier

Make a stop at the iconic Santa Monica Pier. The very end of the pier has a shop that marks the end of Route 66 and the last place to shop for 2,448 miles. In addition, there are amusement park rides, food stalls, and souvenir shops lining the pier to keep you entertained while also boasting vast Pacific Ocean views.

Cost: Free to walk around

Location: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States - Get directions on Google Maps

 

Fifth Stop: Santa Monica State Beach - for sunset

End your busy 4th day on the road with another stunning California sunset on Santa Monica State Beach.

Cost: Free

Location: Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States - Get directions on Google Maps

 

Other Attractions (in order North to South)

Add on to your drive through this stretch of coast by also visiting:

Day 5: Day at Universal Studios Hollywood OR Malibu, Santa Monica, Drive to Los Angeles/Head Home

I again am giving two options for your last full day of this road trip depending on how your previous day went (whether you were able to visit Channel Islands NP or not). If you didn’t visit CINP and instead drove the rest of the coast to Santa Monica, then a good option for you is to visit a theme park such as Universal Studios Hollywood or Disneyland.

If you did have a successful Channel Islands visit and chose to stay nearby for the 4th night, take your last day slowly along the coast to Los Angeles.

 

Itinerary Option #1

First Stop: Universal Studios Hollywood

We spent our last day at Universal Studios Hollywood. You can easily spend an entire day here exploring and riding rides. It was a great way to end the trip for us since we spent the previous day on the road along the coast.

Location: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608, United States - Get directions on Google Maps

Itinerary Option #2

In lieu of Universal Studios (and if you had the chance to visit CINP) then take your time on your final day through Malibu and Santa Monica which means you can follow the little itinerary I mentioned above.

 

Other Options for Day 5:

More Things to Do on a California Coast Road Trip

Tour one of the many California vineyards

Besides breathtaking nature, you may think of wine when you hear “California.” Some of the best vineyards are in this state and would be a great addition to a California road trip. So you don’t have to worry about the logistics, try booking a wine tour through a tour site like Viator!

 

Go whale watching

All up and down the California coast are agencies offering whale watching tours - a way to responsibly see the incredible wildlife of the Pacific Ocean.

 

Beaches, beaches, and more beaches

Being on the coast = endless stunning beaches. Here are a few extra California beaches to add to your trip:

 

Extend your trip to explore LA/Hollywood

Los Angeles was not a priority for us on this road trip so we didn’t see much of this diverse city. There are endless attractions however for you to consider should you add some time to your trip. Just to name a few of the well-known:

 

Extend your trip to drive down to/end in San Diego

If you have extra days available in your vacation, extend your coastal road trip to end in San Diego instead of Los Angeles.

 

Bonus: Eat at Pann’s Restaurant, a classic 1950s LA diner

This was the best meal I could imagine in Los Angeles right before heading to the airport to head home. Think American breakfast comfort in a setting that takes you to the 1950s. It’s a true gem of a restaurant in LA!

Tips & Things to Know

  • Book your California accommodations through Booking.com - my favorite and main hotel booking site because as a loyal user, I can get benefits such as up to 15% off, free breakfast, and free room upgrades on select bookings.

  • California is expensive. Gas prices, accommodations, food, and one-way car rentals add up but if planned and prepared, this will be one of the most memorable road trips you will ever do!

  • Book accommodations as much in advance as you can. Especially during the peak summer months, finding accommodations (and affordable options) will be difficult to come by if the booking is last minute.

  • Before hitting the road and while you still have cellphone service download the Google Map route for offline routing just in case you lose service during your drive, especially around Big Sur. Granted, even if you do lose service without a map, just keep following the road along the coast!

  • Keep an eye on highway closures due to road conditions or wildfires on the Big Sur Highway 1 Information website.

  • This route only needs a 2WD vehicle. A 4WD is not required in any part of this itinerary.

  • If you get carsick easily (like myself) come prepared with motion sickness remedies. I got sick in particular along the winding roads between Big Sur Lookout and Ragged Point where there is the longest stretch of twists and turns.

  • The Big Sur Visitor Guide website is incredibly detailed and informational, sharing everything you need to know about driving Highway 1 through Big Sur.

  • Take advantage of all the vista and turn-off points along the coast. They are endless and all boast their own unique, worthy views. This website lists all that are paved and at what mile marker.

  • Research and prepare your food stops ahead of time, especially along the Big Sur Central Coast area. Restaurants are few and far between in this stretch. We did not plan this part well ahead of time and found ourselves stopping for gas station food or realizing too late that that was the last restaurant we would pass for a while. Pack some extra snacks with you just in case!

  • Toilets in the Big Sur area can be found in the state parks and campgrounds (here is a list and at what mile marker). Otherwise, restrooms are in restaurants and gas stations, most of which only allow customers to use them. Take advantage of your restroom availability when you are near one!

  • Try to visit very popular destinations on weekdays instead of weekends to avoid the worst of the crowds. Early morning vs midday will also result in fewer people (and better lighting for photos).

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Anna Rooker
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