Highway 1 is widely considered one of the best road trips in the world, promising a mesmerizing coastal cruise with dramatic bluffs, panoramic ocean vistas, and numerous designated viewpoints for capturing the beauty. This journey allows you to explore California’s treasures, including the iconic Big Sur and the charming Carmel-by-the-Sea.
To maximize your experience, begin your adventure in San Francisco, driving south along the Pacific Coast Highway. San Francisco provides convenient flight options and offers stunning waterfront views, making it easier to pull over and take those Insta-worthy photos. This comprehensive 7-day itinerary outlines where to stop along the way, providing mini-guides to each town you’ll encounter.
Day 1
Arrive in San Francisco by noon to make the most of your first day. Check into The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, a chic members’ club doubling as a hotel with just 14 intimate and quiet accommodations. Start your culinary journey with a fresh, sustainable seafood lunch at Hog Island Oyster Co. Treat yourself to a scoop of Blue Bottle Vietnamese coffee ice cream or a Golden Gate Bakery egg tart in nearby Chinatown. Afterwards, delve into history at Alcatraz Island, the famed former federal penitentiary. Wander over to Fisherman’s Wharf to witness hundreds of sea lions at Pier 39, but skip the touristy shops. Refresh and recharge before heading to dinner.
For a truly unforgettable dining experience, secure a reservation at Atelier Crenn, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant led by the exceptional Dominique Crenn. This creative French chef offers an ocean-forward menu focused on local produce. Alternatively, explore the intimate tasting experience at The Progress, a listening bar with elevated bites. If you have energy left, relax in The Battery’s cozy courtyard with a drink from the bar.
Day 2
Begin your day with a delicious dim sum experience at Yank Sing, a more authentic option than other establishments in the city. Visit San Francisco’s famous Lombard Street for a photo opportunity before venturing to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Stroll through Golden Gate Park, the Japanese Tea Garden, and marvel at the row of pastel-colored Victorian and Edwardian homes known as the Painted Ladies.
For a shopping adventure, head to the Mission District, home to some of the city’s best stores. Explore Bird, a curated women’s clothing boutique, Goodfellow & Co. for quality men’s shirts and essentials, and Marrakech, a female-owned design collective selling everything from garments to ceramics. Admire the murals in Clarion Alley and Balmy Alley. If time permits, venture across the Golden Gate Bridge to Larkspur and discover The Bookshop, a cool store curated by former editor Emily Holt.
Satisfy your lunchtime cravings with a mouthwatering burrito or taco at La Taqueria, a no-frills eatery serving some of the city’s best Mexican food. Alternatively, immerse yourself in Japantown, grabbing freshly made noodles at Marufuku Ramen, a coffee crunch cake at Benkyodo, and explore this cherished enclave.
If you opted for Japantown, stay for dinner. Enjoy small plates of modern Californian fare with Asian influence at State Bird Provisions, indulge in modern Indian cuisine and exceptional cocktails at Rooh, or savor contemporary Thai flavors at Kin Khao. For those wishing to stay in the area, Hotel Nikko San Francisco, perfectly located and renovated in 2022, offers updated rooms.
Day 3
Start your day with a breakfast sandwich at Tartine Bakery, where bread is made fresh daily, before embarking on your scenic drive to Monterey. Take the longer, more scenic Highway 1, which takes approximately two to three hours.
Monterey, made famous by John Steinbeck, offers beautiful harbor views at Fisherman’s Wharf. Explore marine life at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Skip the 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach, as the admission fee isn’t worth it compared to what lies ahead.
Head to Carmel-by-the-Sea, a charming beach town experiencing a renaissance with new hotels and restaurants. Enjoy lunch at Aubergine, a seasonal farm-to-table restaurant.
Choose your lodging: The Lodge at Pebble Beach, spread across 500 acres, offers a range of activities, including tennis courts, a golf course, pools, fitness classes, and family-friendly attractions like the goat pen. Alternatively, stay in town at newly opened hotels like The Hotel Carmel, Carmel Valley Ranch, or Hyatt Carmel Highlands. Spend the afternoon strolling or relaxing by the beach. End the day with dinner at La Bicyclette, a European-inspired bistro with French and Spanish influences.
Day 4
Embark on a journey to the stunning Big Sur. The Carmel to Big Sur route is arguably the most scenic stretch of the drive, requiring multiple stops along the way. Grab a bite at your hotel before departing or head back to La Bicyclette for a croissant and coffee.
Explore Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, with its hiking trails and panoramic ocean views. Admire limestone rock formations, rugged bluffs, and coves teeming with seals and sea lions. Keep an eye out for spouting whales.
Numerous pull-over spots along the highway allow you to capture photos of the pristine coastline. One notable spot is before Bixby Bridge, an architectural marvel and one of the world’s tallest single-span concrete bridges, serving as a gateway to Big Sur.
Continue to Point Sur State Historic Park, home to the functioning Point Sur Lighthouse. Before grabbing a quick bite, drive down to Pfeiffer Beach, known for its tide pools and natural arch, Keyhole Rock. Remember that cell service may be limited, so save directions in advance.
By late afternoon, seek refuge at The Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur’s iconic hotel perched on the bluffs with unobstructed ocean views. Alternatively, explore Ventana Big Sur, offering traditional hotel rooms and glamping tents in a redwood forest. For a holistic retreat center experience, consider Esalen Institute, one of the world’s best.
Day 5
Wake up early and hit the road by 8:00 a.m. Drive 20 minutes to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, hike to the McWay Falls overlook, and marvel at the 80-foot cascading waterfall. Explore other trails if open, before continuing your coastal drive to Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo.
Paso Robles is known for its vineyards and distilleries, particularly Distillery 101, where handcrafted spirits are made from saignée. Enjoy a tasting, especially the refreshing cucumber vodka or tangy kumquat liqueur.
Drive 40 minutes to San Luis Obispo and dine at Novo Restaurant, offering dishes made with local, organic produce and grass-fed meats. Alternatively, detour to Avila for the best fried chicken sandwiches and homemade mac and cheese at The Avila Grill. Don’t forget honey sticks for the road.
After lunch, head to Los Angeles, a three to four and a half-hour drive depending on traffic.
Choose your lodging based on your preferred neighborhood: Beverly Hills, renowned for luxury hotels like The Beverly Hills Hotel, The Peninsula Beverly Hills, and Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. West Hollywood boasts a youthful energy with Sunset Boulevard, live music venues, and comedy clubs, mirrored by its hotel scene with chains like The Standard, The London West Hollywood, and Thompson Hollywood. For breathtaking ocean views, The Shore Hotel, an Art Deco beauty by the Santa Monica Pier, is ideal.
Shop on Rodeo Drive for a first-timer experience, but don’t miss Decades for vintage finds or The Webster for curated designer selections in a building designed by architect Richard Meier.
Dinner options abound: indulge in tacos at Guerrilla Tacos, Korean-American fare at BCD Tofu House, Roman dishes at Otium, or the butcher shop-meets-restaurant experience at Faith & Flower.
Day 6
Sleep in! You deserve it after a busy few days. When ready, head to Gracias Madre, a staple for wine and seasonal small plates since 2002. Enjoy brunch on weekends at the WeHo location with its ivy-lined patio. The Brentwood outpost is open Wednesday through Sunday for lunch. Start with a cheese plate featuring gems like Pantaleo from Sardinia.
Drive to the Hollywood Hills and visit the Jerome C. Daniel Overlook for panoramic City of Angels views. Stop by the Hollywood sign for even more exceptional vistas.
Explore downtown Los Angeles and the Broad, showcasing Yayoi Kusama’s installations and other contemporary pieces. Continue your art exploration at the Museum of Contemporary Art or check out emerging local artists at The Geffen Contemporary.
Dine downtown at Otium, where multiregional Italian cuisine is renowned, or Sushi Noz, a fine-dining establishment showcasing chef Jonathan Yao’s Taiwanese heritage. End the night west of downtown at LACMA to see Chris Burden’s installation.
Day 7
Book a flight that departs late evening to allow for more exploration on your final day. Begin with breakfast or brunch at Sqirl, a French eatery making all bread and pastries on-site, with a great juice and smoothie menu.
Drive to Santa Monica to walk the carnivalesque pier and savor your final moments at Santa Monica State Beach, visiting the skate park and watching amazing tricks. For your last meal, consider the legendary In-N-Out Burger chain, conveniently located by the airport.
