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3-Day California Coast Road Trip

3-Day California Coast Road Trip

A visit to California wouldn’t be complete without a road trip on the Pacific Coast Highway. This iconic highway continues along most of the California coast and can be enjoyed at any pace… whether it’s over the course of 1 day or a 2-week road trip.

For the perfect “sampler platter” of sights and activities along this scenic drive, I recommend planning 3 days from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Here are my suggestions for an unforgettable California coast road trip!

Day 1: Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo

Riding Bikes on Santa Barbara Boardwalk

Santa Barbara

101 North from LA to Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a must-see when driving from Los Angeles north along the California coast. It has it all- from beautiful beaches to gorgeous gardens. Leave LA bright and early to get to Santa Barbara for breakfast.

Top Things to See and Do in Santa Barbara:

  • Don’t miss the Old Mission Santa Barbara, the 10th of the California Missions founded by the Spanish Franciscans and the only one to be continuously occupied and used since its founding in 1786.
  • Visit the tower of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse for panoramic views of the city.
  • For flower and garden lovers, a visit to Lotusland is a must! This 37-acre garden is home to more than 3,000 species of plants.
  • Take a stroll down Stearns Wharf for beautiful beach views

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Santa Barbara in a Weekend

Solvang

Solvang

101 North to 154 West from Santa Barbara to Solvang (Approx. 35 miles | 40 minutes)

Solvang “California’s Little Denmark” is a quaint little city founded by Danish settlers in the early 1900s. While Danish bakeries, shops and windmills are an amazing attraction, the town is best known for its wine and craft brew culture.

Top Things to See and Do in Solvang:

  • Rent a bike and cycle some of the many scenic bike paths
  • Visit one of more than a dozen wine tasting rooms
  • Try authentic Danish food at one of Solvang’s iconic eateries

Morrow Bay

San Luis Obispo Area

101 North from Solvang to San Luis Obispo area (Approx. 70 miles | 1 hour)

There are many beautiful areas located near San Luis Obispo to finish the first day of your road trip. Book a night at the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo for a one-of-a-kind hotel experience. Enjoy a romantic sunset at one of the wineries in Paso Robles. Or, head to Pismo Beach or Morro Bay for a beautiful beach-side stay.

What to Do Around San Luis Obispo:

Places to Stay Around San Luis Obispo:

Helpful  Tip

California has some of the BEST camping in the entire country. Choosing to pitch a tent along the Pacific Coast Highway at one of the many campsites could very well prove a more enjoyable experience than even a 5-star hotel. For the best California campground booking website, I use Hip Camp. They provide helpful info on campsites and you can book directly from their website.

Read More: The Top 10 Campsites in California

Big Sur, California

Day 2: San Luis Obispo to Big Sur

Hearst Castle / San Simeon

CA-1 North from SLO to San Simeon (Approx. 42 miles | 45 minutes)

For one of the most popular tourist destinations in California, book a tour of Hearst Castle. Originally built as the private estate of W.R. Hearst, this state park features lavish furnishings & authentic art pieces. You might even spy some exotic creatures (such as Zebra) roaming the property.

Whether you choose to visit or skip Hearst Castle, be sure to pull off the road at the Piedras Blancas to see the elephant seals. You can see them all year long but the best time is from mid-March to mid-September when the seals come to molt. They’re hilarious looking creatures and it’s a pretty impressive showcase of one of nature’s oddities!

Big Sur

CA-1 North from San Simeon to Big Sur (Approx. 50 miles | 1 hour 20 minutes)

Big Sur is by far one of my all-time favorite places in the world. There are some killer ocean views along the highway and countless State Parks just waiting to be explored. For outdoors lovers, be sure to spend at least a full day at one of Big Sur’s California State Parks for amazing hiking and some serious natural beauty.

Top Things to See and Do in Big Sur:

Where to Stay in Big Sur:

Day 3: Big Sur to San Francisco

Monterey Aquarium, California

Monterey

CA-1 North from Big Sur to Monterey (Approx. 45 miles | 1 hour)

Monterey is best known for its beautiful coastline, its world-class aquarium and from the many John Steinbeck novels set there, including Cannery Row and Tortilla Flat. Spend the morning exploring the countless historic buildings or discovering life unda-da-sea at the famous aquarium.

Top Things to See and Do in Monterey:

  • Visit what is known as one of the best displays of sea life in the world, the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Don’t miss the Jellies Experience for a glowing jellyfish encounter or the Open Sea exhibit during feeding time.
  • Walk Monterey’s Path of History as a free self‐guided tour of Old Monterey, marked by easy‐to‐distinguish yellow tiles set in the sidewalk
  • Grab some seafood and enjoy the shops along Cannery Row
  • Explore the outdoors via kayak, bike or scuba

San Francisco

San Francisco

CA-1 North to 101 North from Monterey to San Francisco (Approx. 120 miles | 2 hours)

San Francisco is one of the most iconic cities in all of California. Eat your heart out at some of SF’s unique restaurants and explore the city’s history, art, and eclectic counter-culture.

Top Things to See and Do in San Francisco:

  • For a complete guide to food, activities, and accommodation, check out my Ultimate Guide to San Francisco in a Weekend!
  • Head to China Town for delicious food and great shopping
  • Visit Seaport Village and Pier 39 for waterfront entertainment, dining, and shopping
  • Take a day trip to Marin Headlands and the Point Bonita Lighthouse
  • Head over the Golden Gate Bridge and camp at Steep Ravine Cabins near Stinson Beach. Book well in advance to secure a cabin for your stay- they sell out fast!

Read More: The Ultimate San Francisco Travel Guide

The Coolest Airbnbs in San Francisco

There are tons of places to stay in San Francisco, as well as Airbnbs. Be sure to make reservations as far in advance as possible! San Francisco is not cheap, and prices will continue to rise closer to your arrival date.

Painted Ladies San Fran
Painted Ladies in San Francisco

Day 4: San Fran to LA (Return)

I-5 South from San Francisco to Los Angeles (Approx. 400 miles | 6 hours)

If you rent a car, you might consider flying to your next destination from San Francisco. While not nearly as beautiful as the California coastal drive up CA-1, if you need to return to LA by car, cut down your drive time by taking the I-5 south. There are much fewer “scenic” stop-offs but the countryside is vast and beautiful!

Be sure to grab some In-N-Out Burgers! 😉

 

Some links in this post are affiliate links—at no extra cost to you, I earn a small commission if you purchase products through these links. Additionally, as an Airbnb Associate, I earn when you book through these links.

 

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    1. Tom K

      Glad to hear you made it to Monterey – what a great little town – and Hearst Castle and Piedras Blancas too see the elephant seals. Can’t wait to read more of your blog! -Tom

      September 22, 2017 at 8:21 am · Reply
    2. Sushil Mukharji

      I am planning a tips next week. I learn some new from your story. Thanks

      February 10, 2018 at 3:51 am · Reply

    Instagram

    🎶 The hills are alive with the sound of music 🎶
    ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    Love the Sound of Music? What if I told you that you can visit the real Von Trapp family’s lodge from the famed musical starring Julie Andrews in the quiet town of Stowe, Vermont?

    Day 7 of my Autumn New England Road Trip (with a toddler) started the day by driving through Smuggler’s Notch—it’s a short and super windy drive through a mountain pass that’s seriously beautiful.

    Helpful Tip: Get started on the drive as easy as possible. Traffic is notorious during foliage season so we hit the road at 7am and had it to ourselves!

    We then spent the entire day exploring nature trails and hanging with animals at @trappfamilylodge, an Austrian-inspired mountain lodge with 300 acres of farmland in the middle of Stowe.

    The Von Trapps, made famous from the movie The Sound of Music, fled Austria during WWII and ultimately landed in Stowe, VT where their hospitality lives on today. Did you know the Sound of Music is one of the top 10 highest-grossing films of all time??

    Had we had a little more time, we also would have added:

    🥾 Moss Glen Falls
    ⛪️ Stowe Community Church
    🍻 @alch3mistb33r
    ☕️ @blackcapvermont
    🥞 @butlers_pantry_stowe

    We did manage to catch a glimpse of the famed Stowe Community Church from afar, but any closer meant fighting traffic and huge crowds.

    Come back for day 8 and the final video of the series as we explore the beautiful and family-friendly parts of Boston!
    ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    @vermonttourism @visitnew_england
    #vermont #newenglandroadtrip #stowevermont

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    🎶 The hills are alive with the sound of music 🎶 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Love the Sound of Music? What if I told you that you can visit the real Von Trapp family’s lodge from the famed musical starring Julie Andrews in the quiet town of Stowe, Vermont? Day 7 of my Autumn New England Road Trip (with a toddler) started the day by driving through Smuggler’s Notch—it’s a short and super windy drive through a mountain pass that’s seriously beautiful. Helpful Tip: Get started on the drive as easy as possible. Traffic is notorious during foliage season so we hit the road at 7am and had it to ourselves! We then spent the entire day exploring nature trails and hanging with animals at @trappfamilylodge, an Austrian-inspired mountain lodge with 300 acres of farmland in the middle of Stowe. The Von Trapps, made famous from the movie The Sound of Music, fled Austria during WWII and ultimately landed in Stowe, VT where their hospitality lives on today. Did you know the Sound of Music is one of the top 10 highest-grossing films of all time?? Had we had a little more time, we also would have added: 🥾 Moss Glen Falls ⛪️ Stowe Community Church 🍻 @alch3mistb33r ☕️ @blackcapvermont 🥞 @butlers_pantry_stowe We did manage to catch a glimpse of the famed Stowe Community Church from afar, but any closer meant fighting traffic and huge crowds. Come back for day 8 and the final video of the series as we explore the beautiful and family-friendly parts of Boston! •••••••••••••••••••••••••••• @vermonttourism @visitnew_england #vermont #newenglandroadtrip #stowevermont

    Arguably the MOST “autumnal” day of the trip: 🍎 🍂 🍩
    •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    Welcome back to my Autumn New England Road Trip (with a toddler) series! We’re over halfway through our road trip on Day 6 and this was the perfect day of all things autumn.

    After a slow morning leaving @woodstock.inn, we were on our way to the famous town of Stowe, Vermont!

    I had originally created a jam-packed itinerary, but traveling with a toddler can definitely call for some readjusting and going with the flow. We made 2 of the stops I had planned:

    🍎🌳 Hunger Mountain Orchard
    🍎🍩 @coldhollowcidermillvt

    If we had a little more time, a lot of people add the 🍦 @benandjerrys factory tour on this day.

    We ended our day by checking into the @trappfamilylodge —owned by the real family from the Sound of Music where we enjoyed the lodge and property before dinner and bedtime.

    Be sure to come back for Day 7 with more on this amazing property and all the furry friends that live here!
    •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    @vermonttourism @visitnew_england
    #vermont #newenglandroadtrip #stowevermont

    485 19
    Open
    Arguably the MOST “autumnal” day of the trip: 🍎 🍂 🍩 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Welcome back to my Autumn New England Road Trip (with a toddler) series! We’re over halfway through our road trip on Day 6 and this was the perfect day of all things autumn. After a slow morning leaving @woodstock.inn, we were on our way to the famous town of Stowe, Vermont! I had originally created a jam-packed itinerary, but traveling with a toddler can definitely call for some readjusting and going with the flow. We made 2 of the stops I had planned: 🍎🌳 Hunger Mountain Orchard 🍎🍩 @coldhollowcidermillvt If we had a little more time, a lot of people add the 🍦 @benandjerrys factory tour on this day. We ended our day by checking into the @trappfamilylodge —owned by the real family from the Sound of Music where we enjoyed the lodge and property before dinner and bedtime. Be sure to come back for Day 7 with more on this amazing property and all the furry friends that live here! ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• @vermonttourism @visitnew_england #vermont #newenglandroadtrip #stowevermont

    Fall fashion is my favorite! What about you? 🍁
    ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    My recent trip to New England was the perfect opportunity to pack my @meet.nex bags with some cute new styles perfect for any trip!

    Nex luggage is super high-quality and will hold up on any adventure. Their Million Mile Care program is also one-of-a-kind. You can trade in your used luggage towards credit for new luggage!

    I get so much use out of the Nex crossbody and backpack in Lanikai Amber—they’re my go-to for camera gear and toddler essentials. And you can style them with just about every outfit!
    ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    Click my link in bio for my luggage and favorite fall styles! #ad

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    Fall fashion is my favorite! What about you? 🍁 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• My recent trip to New England was the perfect opportunity to pack my @meet.nex bags with some cute new styles perfect for any trip! Nex luggage is super high-quality and will hold up on any adventure. Their Million Mile Care program is also one-of-a-kind. You can trade in your used luggage towards credit for new luggage! I get so much use out of the Nex crossbody and backpack in Lanikai Amber—they’re my go-to for camera gear and toddler essentials. And you can style them with just about every outfit! •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Click my link in bio for my luggage and favorite fall styles! #ad

    Bienvenidos a Oaxaca! 🇲🇽
    ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    I recently visited this vibrant, colorful city just in time for some of the Dia de los Muertos celebrations and it did not disappoint! From walking the cobblestone streets lined with colorful murals to witnessing centuries’ old architectural marvels, this entire city is an UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautiful sites around every corner.

    There are tons of epic @vrbo vacation homes in Oaxaca—perfect for a group trip!

    One of the major highlights of Oaxaca is the FOOD 🤤 Traditional cuisine like mole, mezcal, tlayuda, quesillo, and even… chapulines (aka fried grasshoppers! 😱) are a must. Foodies and adventurous diners alike will find themselves with more than a few delicious options here in Oaxaca.

    Add these highlights to your Oaxaca bucket list:

    🇲🇽 Shop at the artisan markets
    🇲🇽 Get down on some delicious street food
    🇲🇽 Try a traditional cooking class
    🇲🇽 Take a day trip to Hierve el Agua
    🇲🇽 Experience a temazcal ceremony
    🇲🇽 Discover the countless murals
    🇲🇽 Visit during Dia de Los Muertos

    Did you know you can also book activities with some of the best local, hidden gems, through @expedia?

    Try a traditional cooking class, book a local photographer, or enjoy a mezcal and mole tasting with a certified sommelier through the @Expedia app!

    Have you been to Oaxaca? What time of year did you go and what was your favorite part??
    ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    #mexico #oaxaca #diadelosmuertos

    1144 32
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    Bienvenidos a Oaxaca! 🇲🇽 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• I recently visited this vibrant, colorful city just in time for some of the Dia de los Muertos celebrations and it did not disappoint! From walking the cobblestone streets lined with colorful murals to witnessing centuries’ old architectural marvels, this entire city is an UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautiful sites around every corner. There are tons of epic @vrbo vacation homes in Oaxaca—perfect for a group trip! One of the major highlights of Oaxaca is the FOOD 🤤 Traditional cuisine like mole, mezcal, tlayuda, quesillo, and even… chapulines (aka fried grasshoppers! 😱) are a must. Foodies and adventurous diners alike will find themselves with more than a few delicious options here in Oaxaca. Add these highlights to your Oaxaca bucket list: 🇲🇽 Shop at the artisan markets 🇲🇽 Get down on some delicious street food 🇲🇽 Try a traditional cooking class 🇲🇽 Take a day trip to Hierve el Agua 🇲🇽 Experience a temazcal ceremony 🇲🇽 Discover the countless murals 🇲🇽 Visit during Dia de Los Muertos Did you know you can also book activities with some of the best local, hidden gems, through @expedia? Try a traditional cooking class, book a local photographer, or enjoy a mezcal and mole tasting with a certified sommelier through the @Expedia app! Have you been to Oaxaca? What time of year did you go and what was your favorite part?? •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• #mexico #oaxaca #diadelosmuertos

    Is this the cutest town in Vermont? 🍁
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    This is Day 5 of our New England Road Trip with a Toddler Series! We stayed at the @woodstock.inn for 2 nights and set aside a full day to explore Woodstock .

    With Woodstock Inn & Resort is situated in the heart of Woodstock, so it gave us the perfect opportunity to explore the town by foot. There are cute shops, cafes, and it’s so festive during foliage season.

    My number one tip here is to reserve your room at Woodstock Inn early! Woodstock is a small town, and especially during fall foliage season, it can be fully booked up a year in advance.

    BONUS TIP: We booked our room through Amex Travel and got tons of perks like early check-in/late check-out, daily breakfast for 2, a room upgrade, guaranteed 4 pm check-out, and a $100 resort credit (which mama DEF used for a massage at the spa).

    We spent our morning at @billingsfarm and got to meet some dairy cows and other farm animals. Kids will love this spot!

    In town, be sure to grab a Maple Creemee (a maple soft serve ice cream) from @woodstockscoops. Visit the F. H. Gillingham & Sons General Store to shop for TONS of local products like maple syrup. And The Village Butcher Shop is a great deli for yummy sandwiches & deli meats & cheese.

    We wanted to eat at @simonpearcerestaurant but it was already fully booked (two months in advance!!!) so plan ahead.

Stay tuned for Day 6 for apple picking, cider donuts, and the cutest family-friendly lodge in Vermont!
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Have you been to Woodstock, Vermont?

    @vermonttourism @visitnew_england
    #vermont #newenglandroadtrip #woodstockvermont

    1019 23
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    Is this the cutest town in Vermont? 🍁 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• This is Day 5 of our New England Road Trip with a Toddler Series! We stayed at the @woodstock.inn for 2 nights and set aside a full day to explore Woodstock . With Woodstock Inn & Resort is situated in the heart of Woodstock, so it gave us the perfect opportunity to explore the town by foot. There are cute shops, cafes, and it’s so festive during foliage season. My number one tip here is to reserve your room at Woodstock Inn early! Woodstock is a small town, and especially during fall foliage season, it can be fully booked up a year in advance. BONUS TIP: We booked our room through Amex Travel and got tons of perks like early check-in/late check-out, daily breakfast for 2, a room upgrade, guaranteed 4 pm check-out, and a $100 resort credit (which mama DEF used for a massage at the spa). We spent our morning at @billingsfarm and got to meet some dairy cows and other farm animals. Kids will love this spot!
 In town, be sure to grab a Maple Creemee (a maple soft serve ice cream) from @woodstockscoops. Visit the F. H. Gillingham & Sons General Store to shop for TONS of local products like maple syrup. And The Village Butcher Shop is a great deli for yummy sandwiches & deli meats & cheese. We wanted to eat at @simonpearcerestaurant but it was already fully booked (two months in advance!!!) so plan ahead.

Stay tuned for Day 6 for apple picking, cider donuts, and the cutest family-friendly lodge in Vermont!
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Have you been to Woodstock, Vermont? @vermonttourism @visitnew_england #vermont #newenglandroadtrip #woodstockvermont
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