Planning a five-day drive along California’s coast? This itinerary keeps the pace realistic while still covering the big sights. You’ll start in San Francisco, follow Highway 1 where it’s open, and finish in Los Angeles with beaches, small towns, and famous viewpoints in between.
A 5-day California coast road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles usually follows Highway 1 through Santa Cruz, the Monterey Peninsula, Big Sur, San Luis Obispo County, and Santa Barbara. Expect slow scenic driving, book popular stops early, and keep a backup inland route ready if storms or landslides close the road.
Key takeaways
- Drive north to south for easier pullouts and ocean views.
- Check road conditions before you go, especially around Big Sur.
- Fill up on gas in Monterey/Carmel or Cambria/San Simeon; services are limited in Big Sur.
- For timed-entry spots, book ahead for weekends and holidays.
Day 1: San Francisco to Santa Cruz
Leave San Francisco and head south on Highway 1. You’ll get immediate coastal scenery. Good quick stops include Pacifica and Half Moon Bay.
Want a classic lunch stop? Swing through Pescadero for Duarte’s Tavern, known for its cream of artichoke soup, then continue to Santa Cruz.
In Santa Cruz, walk West Cliff Drive, watch surfers at Steamer Lane, and end the day at Cowell Beach near the wharf and Boardwalk.
Overnight: Santa Cruz.
Day 2: Santa Cruz to Big Sur
Start early and aim for the Monterey Peninsula. If you want redwoods, choose a nearby grove near Santa Cruz so you don’t backtrack north.
- Monterey: Cannery Row and the waterfront path.
- Carmel-by-the-Sea: Coffee, shops, and a wide sandy beach.
- Point Lobos area: Short hikes and wildlife views.
Continue into Big Sur for the classic photo stops. Look for viewpoints near Bixby Creek Bridge and other marked turnouts. If you have time, visit Pfeiffer Beach for purple-streaked sand and the famous keyhole rock.
Overnight: Big Sur. If rooms are scarce, stay in Carmel or Monterey and drive in early the next morning.
Day 3: Big Sur to San Luis Obispo County
Spend the morning in Big Sur, then head toward San Luis Obispo County.
- McWay Falls: A short walk to a viewpoint over a waterfall that drops onto the beach.
- Scenic stops: Take your time and pull over only in signed turnouts.
Road note: As of 2025-12-24, a major landslide repair project has closed a segment of Highway 1 in the Big Sur area to through traffic, with an estimated reopening in March 2026. If you can’t continue south on Highway 1, use an inland detour (often via US-101) and reconnect to the coast farther south.
If you have tickets, detour to San Simeon for Hearst Castle. Then continue to Morro Bay to see Morro Rock and walk the waterfront.
Overnight: Morro Bay, Avila Beach, or downtown San Luis Obispo.
Day 4: San Luis Obispo County to Santa Barbara
Today can be coastal or inland. Choose based on weather and what you want to do.
- Coastal option: Pismo Beach, then south toward Santa Barbara.
- Inland option: Santa Ynez Valley tasting rooms and towns like Solvang.
In Santa Barbara, stroll State Street, explore the Funk Zone, and watch sunset at East Beach. If you want to visit Lotusland, plan ahead. It requires reservations.
Overnight: Santa Barbara.
Day 5: Santa Barbara to Los Angeles
Take Highway 1 toward Los Angeles for ocean views through Malibu. Popular stops include Zuma Beach, Malibu Pier, and Santa Monica Pier.
For a museum stop, plan for the Getty Villa in Malibu. Admission is free, but you need a timed-entry reservation.
Overnight: Los Angeles, or Santa Monica if you want to stay near the beach.
Planning notes
- Drive times: Add extra time for traffic, fog, and photo stops.
- Road conditions: Winter storms can cause rockfall and closures. Check updates before you commit to a through-route.
- Bookings: Hearst Castle tours and the Getty Villa use timed entry. Reserve early for peak dates.
- Safety: Don’t stop on blind curves. Use marked turnouts and avoid night driving in fog.
Caltrans QuickMap (real-time road conditions)
Hearst Castle tour tickets and pricing
Getty Villa: admission and timed-entry reservations
Conclusion
After five days, you’ll have seen a big slice of the California coast. Keep your schedule flexible, check conditions, and take breaks often. The slow moments—sunset walks, roadside views, and small-town meals—are usually the best part.
FAQs
Is Highway 1 open through Big Sur right now?
It can change with storms and landslides. Check Caltrans before you go, especially for the Big Sur segment, and plan a backup route via US-101 if Highway 1 is not open for through travel.
Is five days enough time to drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles on the coast?
Yes. Five days is a comfortable minimum if you want scenic stops most days. Start early, keep driving blocks short, and leave room for traffic and viewpoints.
What are the must-see stops between Santa Cruz and Big Sur?
Many travelers prioritize Monterey or Carmel, a short coastal hike near Point Lobos, and viewpoints near Bixby Creek Bridge. Add Pfeiffer Beach if you have time and access is open.
Do I need reservations for Hearst Castle, Lotusland, or the Getty Villa?
Often, yes. Hearst Castle tours and the Getty Villa use timed entry, and Lotusland requires advance reservations with no walk-ins. Book early for weekends and holidays.
Where should I stay each night on a five-day itinerary?
Common overnights are Santa Cruz, Big Sur (or Carmel/Monterey), Morro Bay or San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles. Stay close to where you’ll spend the evening so you don’t add extra driving after dark.