There are many ways to go about this California road trip – you can either drive north to south or south to north, and there are so many stops to choose from in between! We decided to drive south to north (from San Diego to San Francisco), mainly because the drive UP the pacific coast highway can be a little less scary than driving down the winding roads, as it is mostly right on the edge of cliffs. We flew into San Diego and picked up our rental car, and then dropped if off in San Francisco and flew home from there. You can check out all of our stops during this California road trip in the itinerary below!
You can also view a summarized version of my itinerary on Travogram here!
California Road Trip Itinerary Overview
Day 1 – San Diego. Torrey Pines.
Day 2 – San Diego. La Jolla, Balboa Park, Coronado Island.
Day 3 – San Diego to Los Angeles via Laguna Beach.
Day 4 – Los Angeles. Hollywood Hike, Beverly Hills/Rodeo, Hollywood.
Day 5 – Los Angeles. Venice, Malibu, Santa Monica.
Day 6 – Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo. Wine Tasting.
Day 7 – San Luis Obispo to Monterey. Scenic Drive with stops.
Day 8 – Monterey. Marine Safari and 17-mile drive.
Day 9 – Monterey. Big Sur hiking.
Day 10 – Monterey to San Francisco. Alcatraz and Haight Ashbury.
Day 11 – San Francisco. Hop/Hop Off Bus Tour.
Day 12 – Napa Valley. Wine Tastings.
Day 13 – Fly Home
Day 1 – Fly into San Diego – Torrey Pines. Stay at Carte Hotel San Diego Downtown
Torrey Pines
The first stop of this California road trip! So I actually flew into San Diego late at night but if you fly in early this is the perfect day to check out Torrey Pines, which is about a 20 minute drive from the center of San Diego. Torrey Pines is the perfect place to go if you want to go hiking or even if you just want to take in the view of the ocean from one of the many cliffs. There a multiple trails to choose from here.
Carte Hotel San Diego Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton
In order to save some money on this California road trip we wanted to stay at least one Hilton hotel so that we could use points, and I think San Diego was the best place to do this! The Carte Hotel was a very modern hotel with spacious rooms (in particular the bathroom which was necessary for 4 girls). It’s also located in Downtown San Diego which is right in the middle of just about everything!
Day 2 – San Diego – La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour, Children’s Pool, Fat Tire Scooter to Balboa Park, Coronado Island. Stay at Carte Hotel San Diego Downtown
Sea Cave Kayak Tour
We booked a 2 hour Kayak Tour with La Jolla Hike Bike Kayak Tours. During this tour your awesome guides will take you out into the ocean and through La Jolla’s most popular sea caves while telling you all about the history. They’ll also tell you about the wildlife you might be lucky enough to see such as sea lions, seals, pelicans, dolphins and more. This was definitely one of the highlights of the trip but be warned, it can be a bit of a workout! If kayaking isn’t your thing, Hike Bike Kayak has snorkeling and other tours available as well.
Children’s Pool
Children’s Pool is right in La Jolla and is known for being a protected swimming area where you can see many harbor seals laying around, although it was so crowded when we went I believe the harbor seals were scared away. It was still worth checking out though as it is a very picturesque beach with a great view and a sea wall you can walk along.
Note: Children’s Pool is closed every year from December 15th through May 15th due to harbor seal pupping season.
There are many places to eat in La Jolla but after a long morning we were ready to head back to the hotel. On our way we passed Don Carlos Taco shop and stopped for some tacos. This was a very authenticate Mexican taco shop and the food was fantastic!
Downtown & Balboa Park Fat Tire Scooter Tour
Sooo we actually ended up missing this tour due to miscommunicated booking arrangements but it looked like so much fun! I recommend booking directly through the tour company rather than through a 3rd party so that you don’t miss it, which is what happened to us. But anyway, this tour was the San Diego Downtown & Balboa Park Tour with iRide San Diego. This is a self guided 2-hour tour on a fat tire electric scooter. The scooter has a talking GPS which always knows where you are and guides you along the way. Since we didn’t get the chance to ride the fat tire scooters, we just drove over to Balboa Park ourselves and hopped on some of the electrics scooters you can rent on the streets. The San Diego Zoo is also right in the area if you have that on your list!
Coronado Island
Our last must see place in San Diego was Coronado Island. Our first stop was Hotel del Coronado. This hotel is massive and there are tons of restaurants and bars to explore here, all right on the beach. After that we had dinner at Garage Buona Forchetta, an Italian restaurant a few blocks away. Not only was the food and wine delicious, the atmosphere here is awesome as well!
Day 3 – San Diego to LA – stop in Laguna Beach and Pacific Marine Mammal Center. Stay at Georgian Hotel in Santa Monica
Stops along the way
Before heading out of San Diego we stopped at Holy Macha for breakfast and tea and then made our way towards LA. The drive here from San Diego is about 2 hours but with all of our stops it took about 5. If you are using your cell phone GPS, be aware that it will try and take you off the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and onto other major highways. Also note that the PCH won’t start until about halfway to LA. Along the way you will pass Laguna, Newport, Huntington, and Long beach. This part of the California road trip is pretty scenic! We only stopped in Laguna Beach but if you have time I recommend stopping at Queen Mary in Long Beach as well.
Laguna Beach
While passing through Laguna beach we wanted to stop at the Pirate Tower at Victoria Beach and the Pacific Marine Mammal Center. The Pirate Tower is exactly what it sounds like, and it’s right on the beach! It’s cool to check out and take pictures in front of but other than that and the beach, there is not much to see. The Pacific Marine Mammal Center was another cool stop. We got to hear the stories about the rescued sea lions, harbor seals and elephants seals at the rescue center. It was a really nice experience. If you have time, I recommend checking out Crystal Cove State Park as well.
Georgian Hotel
For the next 3 nights of this California road trip we stayed at the Georgian Hotel in Santa Monica. This is a very historic hotel located right across the street from the Santa Monica Pier. Since it is on the main strip of Santa Monica, it is located near a ton of restaurants and bars as well (I recommend stopping at the Blue Plate Oysterette or the Water Grille!). We decided to stay here since it is right in the middle of everything we wanted to do in the LA area, such as Hollywood, Malibu and Venice.
Day 4 – Los Angeles – Hollywood Sign Hike, Lunch at Beverly Hills Hotel, Rodeo Drive, Hollywood, Dinner at Catch LA. Stay at Georgian Hotel
Hollywood Sign Hike
The Hollywood Sign Hike can be done on your own, but we thought it would be much easier to book a guided hike. We booked this Hollywood Sign Hike Tour with Bikes and Hike LA. It is a 4 mile, 2.5 hour hike that provides you with the best views of the Hollywood sign AND takes you behind the sign! You’ll also get panoramic views of LA while learning all about the city from your tour guide. If you’re someone who wants to find the best places to take pictures, I recommend booking this tour!
Beverly Hills Hotel and Rodeo Drive
Since we didn’t get the chance to actually stay at the Beverly Hills Hotel, I booked lunch reservations at the Cabana Café so I could get a glimpse of what it would be like. If your guess is that it is extremely overpriced, then you are right. It was the most I ever paid for a turkey club sandwich and Pina Colada in a coconut but it was fun to live that lifestyle for a day! After lunch we went to Rodeo drive which isn’t far down the road. There is a ton of luxury shopping that can be done here. But don’t get me wrong, there is still some “normal” shopping that can be done as well!
Hollywood
How do you not walk down Hollywood Blvd when in LA? I’ve done this before and it’s nothing special in my opinion but it’s one of those things you just have to do during this California road trip. There are also many tours that you can book that will drive you around and tell you all about the city. You can even book some that drive you past celebrity’s homes which I thought was really cool. There are also tons of great restaurants in West Hollywood to check out. We went to Catch LA which was another great experience. Either way, there is something to do in Hollywood for everyone!
Day 5 – Los Angeles – Surf Lessons in Venice, Lunch at Nobu Malibu, Point Dune Beach, Night in Santa Monica. Stay at Georgian Hotel
Surf Lessons in Venice
This tour was probably my favorite of this California road trip! We booked the 2 Hour Group Surf Lesson with Fun Surf LA. I have never been surfing before this so this was the perfect tour for beginners or even if you are intermediate and trying to work on your surfing skills. They teach you all the basics before getting into the water and then help you ride your first couple of waves in shallow water. Then if you get the hang of it you can try to ride some waves on your own which was so much fun. While you’re in Venice you should also check out the Venice Beach Boardwalk and Abbot Kinney Blvd for some shopping!
Malibu
The main highlight of Malibu for me was Nobu – the restaurant you see all of the celebrities going to. You might even be lucky enough to run into one! If you’re looking to go here I highly recommend calling to make a reservation a month in advance – which is exactly when they open up reservations. Reservations here go QUICK! (like the morning they open). If you happen to not get a reservation you can always sit at the bar, which is what I did. I got the King Crab Salad and a few Mango Passion cocktails – they were just too good. Overall great experience and can’t wait to go back!
After Nobu we stopped at Point Dume State Beach. We got some great pictures by the rocks and then went to the Sunset Restaurant for dinner, and of course watched the sunset. If you like seafood, I would definitely check this place out!
Day 6 – Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo (SLO) – Afternoon Wine Tasting, Explore Madonna Inn, dinner in SLO. Stay at Madonna Inn
San Luis Obispo is about 3 hours from LA. I recommend heading there early in the morning because many wineries and shops close around 5pm. You’ll also want to spend time checking out the Madonna Inn if you stay there! There isn’t much to see on the drive of this part of the California road trip so you can just follow your GPS, unless you want to make a pit stop in Santa Barbara which would be a good idea. SLO is very well known for their nearby wine regions, Paso Robles, Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande, so naturally we spent most of our time in SLO at wineries! The wine region closest to SLO is Edna Valley which is known for their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Also, most of the wineries in SLO are very close to each other so getting from one to another shouldn’t be difficult at all!
Wolff Vineyards
Wolff Vineyards is a great winery for families. The views here are amazing as you sit outside on the terrace. There is a little shop on the property where you can buy souvenirs and snacks but other than that, they do not sell food. We made reservations but this is one of the few wineries in SLO that allows walk ins. You’ll also want to check which wineries are open on the day you plan to go because they are not all open every day of the week. And for reservations, I recommend booking about a month in advance.
Tolosa
Tolosa was a completely different vibe than Wolff. Guests under 21 are allowed, but it has more of a relaxed, fancy, adult vibe. You’ll also have to make reservations. The tasting menu was mostly Pinot Noirs and there was a charcuterie board available for purchase. Other than that, there wasn’t any food available. But don’t worry there are some wineries that you can get lunch at. To view all of your options, click here! (Some others I was interested in were Chamisal, Saucelito Canyon, Baileyana, and Niner Wine Estates).
SLO
Although we didn’t have much time to check out downtown SLO, it’s a very cute town with little shops, wineries and restaurants. I would carve out some time to walk around here but be aware that most places close around 5pm, so go earlier in the day. We ended up eating at Novo which was a great decision. We also got a lot of recommendations to eat here. It is right on the river and has the best scallops and salmon bisque soup. It’s also a great spot to try some of the local wines.
Madonna Inn
The Madonna Inn is the most iconic (and extra) hotel in San Luis Obispo. There is a large selection of rooms and every one has a different theme. We stayed in the Victoria Gardens Suite which was very pink. The pool and hot tub is definitely worth checking out, as well as the steak house. Everything about this hotel is just so picturesque. And make sure to get the Pink Cloud frozen cocktail!
Day 7 – San Luis Obispo to Monterey – Horseback Riding at Madonna Inn, Pacific Coast Highway Scenic drive! Stay at Wave Street Inn
Horseback Riding
If you’re staying at the Madonna Inn I would definitely do the Horseback riding as well. There are many horses on the ranch so whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, they’ll have a horse for you. We did it in the morning before checking out but you can reserve it ahead of time for $75 per person. The horses will take you through the hillside paths behind the Inn which offers incredible landscape views of SLO. Right after our trail ride we had a quick breakfast at the Inn and then started the next part of our California road trip, to Monterey.
PCH Scenic Drive
This is the main driving highlight of this California road trip. The drive from SLO to Monterey is considered one of the top 10 scenic drives in the world! It takes about 4.5 hours without stops, but I would allow about 7-9 hours for stop offs. We used the Gypsy Guide for the drive which you can download an app for. The whole narrated tour is only $13 and you can access the link here. This app will also provide directions so you won’t have to worry about which way your cell phone GPS wants to take you. Here are some of the many stops along the way (in order) that are worth checking out:
- Moonstone Beach
- Elephant Seal Vista Point
- Hearst Castle (was closed at the time, but make sure to buy tickets in advance. And keep an eye out for the Zebras!)
- Ragged Inn
- Salmon Creek
- Kirk Creek
- McWay Falls
- Partington Cove
- Nepenthe
- Pfeiffer Beach
- Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
- Andrew Molera State Park
- Bixby Bridge
- Point Lobos
- Carmel-by-the-Sea
So we actually didn’t make it to ALL of these places but since we were headed back down to Big Sur to do a hike, we just hit what we missed on that day (see below for Day 9).
Wave Street Inn
The Wave Street Inn is perfectly located right in the middle of Monterey, only 2 blocks from Cannery Row. It has a coastal vibe and the rooms were perfect. It was a great option but next time I would love to stay at the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, mostly for the hot tubs over looking the ocean! We also ate at their restaurant, Schooners, which was very nice. Another restaurant I would recommend if you like Sushi is Crystal Fish.
Day 8 – Monterey – Marine Safari and 17 Mile Drive. Stay at Wave Street Inn
Fast Raft Marine Safari
This was another highlight of the trip! The exact tour we did was the 3-hour Moss Landing Whale Watching Safari with Fast Raft. We got on a fast raft boat in Moss Landing, about 30 minutes from Monterey, which was really cool. Make sure to dress warm as it can get a bit chilly! We saw sea otters, sea lions, humpback whales, birds, and tons of jellyfish. You also have the chance of seeing dolphins, killer whales and blue whales as well. Our tour guide was amazing and got us as close as we could to the humpback whales. It was so cool to see them jumping out of the ocean right in front of us. This tour was a bit pricey, but I highly recommend!
17-Mile Drive
The 17-Mile Drive is another very well-known tourist attraction close to Monterey. The drive has many stops which you can see on the map here. There are multiple entrance points and you will have to pay an entrance fee. If you’re coming from Monterey, the most convenient entrance point is the Highway 1 gate. My favorite stops were the Lone Cypress, China Rock, and the Pebble Beach Golf Course and Lodge. Make sure to check out the restaurant and bar here. It was so cool to overlook the 18th hole while sipping on a cocktail (something my grandmom told us we must do!). It would also be really fun to rent a classic car from Monterey Touring Vehicles while doing this drive.
Day 9 – Big Sur – Hike at Andrew Molera State Park, Nepenthe, Pfeiffer Beach. Stay at Wave Street Inn
Andrew Molera State Park
We decided to do an 8-mile loop hike at Andrew Molera State Park. If you’re using All Trails, the exact hike is called Creamery Meadow, Bluffs, Panorama, and Ridge Trail Loop. It look about 4 hours and has almost 1,500 ft. of elevation gain. We did this hike counter clockwise which I think was a mistake! It ended up being a gradual climb for almost 5 miles whereas if you do it clockwise, you start off with some steep inclines and then gradually make your way down. The recommended way is clockwise, wish we read that first! Other than that, this was a beautiful hike. It has everything from ocean views to redwoods. You can access the beach as well. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a good hike to do in Big Sur!
Note: there is a $10 entrance fee per vehicle.
Nepenthe
Nepenthe was the perfect place to stop, relax, and have a beer after a long hike. We had lunch here as well which was about an hour wait. But we were in no hurry and they have a giftshop to explore as well as a bar and hangout area to wait at. Great place with incredible views!
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Pfeiffer Beach
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is another very well known State Park in Big Sur, as well as Pfeiffer Beach. You will also have to pay an entrance fee for both. Since we hiked at Andrew Molera, we didn’t go to Pfeiffer State Park but we did check out the beach. Once you enter you will drive down a 2-mile narrow and twisty road to get down to the beach parking. From here it is just a short walk down to the beach. This is where you can go to see the famous purple sand and the Keyhole Arch! It’s a great place to go for the sunset while you listen to the waves crash into the large rock formations.
Day 10 – Monterey to San Francisco – Alcatraz Tour and Hop On/Hop Off Bus Tour (Haight Ashbury). Stay at San Francisco Marriott Marquis
The drive from Monterey to San Francisco is about 2 hours. This is another drive that you can just follow your GPS on. The main highlight of this California road trip was the drive from SLO to Monterey.
AlcaTraz
Visiting a prison might not be for everyone, but when in San Fran how do you not? We booked our day tour with Alcatraz CityCruises. Booking a tour is also a great idea for when tickets sell out! The tour began at 11:30am which is when the ferry leaves to take you over to the prison. Once you’re there you can leave at any time the ferry leaves to go back – just make sure to check the schedule. It’s usually about every 30 minutes. Once you get there you can go pick up your headset which has a narrated tour. It’s definitely a very cool and eye opening experience to learn about the history of this prison.
Haight Ashbury
Haight Ashbury was one of many stops of the Hop On/Hop Off Bus Tour and actually happened to be our only stop this day. It’s a great neighborhood to spend a relaxing afternoon shopping and eating. We ate at Cha Cha Cha which had pitchers of Sangria so we loved it! Even took a to-go cup of some 🙂 Haight Ashbury is one of San Francisco’s most iconic and historic neighborhoods too. There are tons of cute local boutique shops as well as thrift shops to check out. You can also take in the view of the gorgeous historic homes!
San Francisco Marriott Marquis
There are so many hotel options to choose from in San Francisco but the Marriott Marquis was definitely a good one! The rooms are cozy and modern, and the hotel itself has tons of amenities including dining, shopping and a gym. This hotel is located in Union Square which is not only a prime location, but it has the best shopping in the city as well!
Day 11 – San Francisco – Hop On/Hop Off Bus Tour and Shopping, Sunset at Golden Gate Bridge. Stay at San Francisco Marriott Marquis
Hop On/Hop Off Bus Tour Cont’d
We booked our Hop On/Hop Off Bus Tour with Big Bus Tours. There are multiple ticket options (we just went with the classic ticket), but each ticket is available for 24 hours from the first time you scan it. So since we started later the day before, we kind of got 2 days out of it! The closest stop to the Marriott is the Union Square South stop, so this is where we got on after doing some shopping. Some other stops worth getting off at are listed here:
- Alamo Square (to see the painted ladies)
- Haight Ashbury (as mentioned before)
- Golden Gate Park
- North Vista Point (for pictures at the Golden Gate Bridge, although keep reading for a better view spot)
- Lombard Street (the famous twisting street)
- Pier 35 (for Alcatraz)
- Pier 41 (Fisherman’s Wharf and end of Powell Street where you can get on the cable car, and if you are staying at the Marriott you can get on or off at Powell and Market Street which is only a 5 minute walk from the hotel)
Golden Gate Bridge Sunset
As mentioned above, there is a better place to get pictures with the Golden Gate Bridge than at North Vista Point and that is at Battery Spencer. Just put Battery Spencer in your GPS and park, and then it is just a short walk back to the view point. We came here for the sunset and it was beautiful! But very windy so be prepared and bring a jacket if you plan to hangout here for a bit.
Day 12 – Napa Valley – Wine Tasting & Dinner. Stay at River Terrace Inn
Napa Valley is about 1 hour from San Francisco and was the last stop of our California road trip. We only had one day in Napa so of course we spent the whole day visiting wineries. All of the wineries required reservations so I recommend booking them about a month in advance. I also recommend leaving about 90 minutes to 2 hours in between tastings, depending on how long they last and how far each winery is from the next. To get around we booked a private driver but we could have saved a lot of money by using Uber or Lyft the whole day. The only risk with this is availability and/or cell service issues. Although if you get an Uber to first winery, it’s worth asking them to drive you around all day for a negotiated rate. We learned that this is common in Napa Valley!
Darioush
We started our wine tastings at Darioush because it was the closest to our hotel, about a 10 minute drive (and they do allow minors). This was the perfect place to start! The property and architecture is absolutely stunning and was built to mimic the owner’s Persian heritage. Aside from that, the tasting was also phenomenal. We did the Signature Mezze tasting which included a nice mixture of reds and whites as well as Persian roasted pistachios and olives. We also got to learn about the history of Darioush which was a very interesting story. Overall, I can say I would love to come back here!
Opus One
Opus One is about 15 minutes north of Darioush and they do not allow minors. This is another stunning property which makes you feel like you’re entering royalty. And if you have ever heard of Opus One, you probably know that it is a very expensive wine so of course the experience mimics that. We booked the Courtyard experience which is their cheaper option (although still at a hefty price). You will start the tasting in the courtyard (all red wines) but you can also walk up to the terrace to take in the panoramic views of the estate vineyards. It was a great experience and the wine was fantastic, I would say it is worth the price!
Raymond Vineyards
Then next winery we visited was Raymond Vineyards. This was a 7 minute drive north of Opus one. The best way to summarize this vineyard is that it is different. It has more of a risqué style to it, but is also kid friendly and has a farm and pool so that kids can wonder around while you enjoy your tasting. The wines were good, but hard to compare to once coming from Opus One and Darioush. Although the tasting is quite cheap compared to others in Napa Valley, at only $35. Overall, this was my least favorite of the wineries we visited, but was still a good experience!
Castello Di Amorosa
I think Castello Di Amorosa is one of the most iconic and well known vineyards in Napa Valley. This one is a bit further north, about 20 minutes from Raymond. The property is stunning, once again. It’s a huge castle, almost seems right out of a movie! They also allow minors but not during the tours. We did the standing reserve tasting to save some money but I would recommend doing the seated one, or the Diamond Estate Tour & Reserve Wine Tasting, which is what I originally wanted to do (but it doesn’t allow minors). The overall experience was still fantastic though. The wine was great and exploring the property was an experience itself!
RH Yountville
Our last stop in Napa was the RH Yountville Restaurant for dinner. They also have a wine vault if you are interested in just a tasting. To be honest, the main reason I wanted to come here was because the dining room is beautiful, with giant crystal chandeliers and a fountain, but the food was delicious too! This was a great end to our long day in Napa!
Napa Overall
It was so hard to only pick a few wineries to go to! I would say the max you can visit in a day is 4 or 5. Some others that were at the top of the list were Chateau Montelena, Inglenook, Quintessa, and Domaine Carneros. And then some others that caught my eye while researching were V. Sattui, Beringer, Stag’s Leap and Sinegal Estate.
Note: It is common for wineries in Napa Valley to not allow minors so make sure to check with them first if you are traveling with any one under 21!
River Terrace Inn
I wish we had more time in Napa because the River Terrace Inn would have been the perfect place to hangout. There’s a beautiful terrace in the back overlooking the Napa river, with couches and firepits to enjoy your time. There’s also a restaurant and full bar as well as weekly live music. Not to mention, the newly renovated rooms are also nice and it is only a short walk away from downtown Napa!
Day 13 – Fly out of San Francisco
I could have definitely stayed in California for a couple more days but unfortunately it was time to go home. The drive back to the San Francisco airport from the River Terrace Inn is about an hour and a half so we left just in time to catch our flight. This California road trip has been something I wanted to do for a long time and I really enjoyed it, so I hope you get to soon too!
Want to see more west coast trips? Check out my blog post on Wyoming and Montana National Parks here!
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