Posted on: April 24, 2020 Posted by: Aaron_George Comments: 0

Dreaming of an epic road trip? The California Coast is calling your name. With long stretches of stunning coastline and endless blue skies, there is no better place to roll down the windows and hit the road. 

We’ve put together a 3 Day California Coast Road Trip Itinerary to ensure you make the most of your short getaway. 

So pack your bag and canvas, fuel up the car, and get ready for three jam-packed days of road trip fun. 

Day 1 – Los Angeles to Pismo Beach

This road trip begins in the wondrous city of Los Angeles. Given the sheer amount of things to see and do in LA, you will need at least a few days here to tick off the main attractions. It is best to spend some time in this city before beginning your road trip to experience the best it has to offer. Alternatively, you can return here after San Francisco to give it the time it deserves.  

You should hit the road early on Day 1 to get the most out of your day but also to tackle the dreaded LA traffic. The last thing you want to be doing is wasting hours sitting on the freeway as you make your way out of the city. 

If you can hold on, wait until you get to Malibu to stop for breakfast. Depending on where you are leaving from in LA, Malibu is about a half an hour drive out of the city (in non-peak times). The earlier you get on the Pacific Coast Highway (State Route 1), the sooner you can get out of the traffic and begin enjoying your coastal cruising. We recommend grabbing breakfast to go and heading to the beach or Point Dume for some impressive views of the cliffs and headlands. Take the time to admire all of the expensive beach houses as you pass.

From Malibu, continue up the coast to Ventura. For the surfers among us, this is the perfect spot to grab your board and check out the waves. If surfing isn’t your thing, hit up the shops in Downtown Ventura. Vintage shops reign supreme here and you never know what bargains you might find! Stretch your legs by taking a walk along the pier.

Then it’s back in the car and up to Santa Barbara. Head by the Mission Santa Barbara (an 18th-century Catholic church) for some history, before heading into town for some food. Stearns Wharf is also a good option for dining.

The next stop is Solvang, a Danish town that will add a little European flair to your road trip. Peruse the Elverhoj Museum, visit a winery or simply admire the architecture. Then it’s off Pismo Beach, where you will spend your first night. 

Day 2 – Pismo Beach to Big Sur 

Again, try to get an early start to maximize your time. Take a walk along the Pismo Beach pier and admire the vast stretch of beach and quaint beachside properties. Then get back in the car and head up to your first stop – Morro Bay. Stop to get some pictures of the views over the town.

Next, head to Hearst Castle in San Simeon. It is a National Historic Landmark and the stunning architecture will not disappoint. Then make your way back to the Pacific Coast Highway, stopping at Piedras Blancas to see the Light Station and elephant seals.

Continue up the coast to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State. Today, you can stretch your legs by walking the short trail to McWay Falls. It is a beautiful spot and a great opportunity to be active and get some fresh air.

The afternoon is for activities in and around Big Sur. There is a range of national parks if you’re keen for some more outdoor activity, or you can explore the town. Be sure to check out the Big Sur Bakery for your daily coffee and the Taphouse for local beer and food. 

If you’ve had a relaxing afternoon and are feeling up for an evening activity, head to Henry Miller Library. They have entertainment on most days including movie screenings and concerts.

Day 3 – Big Sur to San Francisco

It’s only 2.5 hours from Big Sur to San Francisco so depending on your desired activities for the day, there’s no need to get a ridiculously early start. Grab some breakfast and head for one last stroll around town to take in the views. Then it’s on to Monterrey

There’s plenty to do in Monterrey so if outdoor exploring is not your thing, you might choose to stay here at the end of Day 2 rather than in Big Sur. If you’re just passing through, make sure to visit Cannery Row. It is a street along Monterrey’s waterfront and has plenty of shopping and tourist attractions. While in the area, you might even decide to visit the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium

When you’ve had your fill of the picturesque town, continue on to Pebble Beach. Cruise along the 17-mile drive for some of California’s best scenery. You might even want to take some food and have a picnic on the beach.

Then it’s on to San Francisco, the final destination on your three-day road trip. Like Los Angeles, this city deserves its own itinerary and requires at least a few days to see the main sites. Complete your epic road trip with a few days exploring the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Fisherman’s Wharf and everything else San Francisco has to offer. If you’ve decided to fly back to your starting point LA, you can always leave your bags at a Bounce luggage storage facility in San Francisco to optimize your exploring time while you wait for check-in. 

This fun three-day California Coast road trip will ensure you don’t miss the best stops along the Pacific Coast Highway. All you need now is to put together a playlist, grab some snacks, and get your friends together for the ultimate California road trip!

Sources:

http://www.parks.ca.gov/pointdume/

http://www.elverhoj.org/

http://hearstcastle.org

https://www.bigsurtaphouse.com/

https://montereybayaquarium.org/

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