California Coast: 7 Day Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: San Francisco

Walk the waterfront around Fisherman’s Wharf and stop by the Golden Gate shoreline. Collecting the car tomorrow can save a day of city parking.

0–1 hours driving · Overnight: San Francisco

Day 2: San Francisco → Half Moon Bay → Monterey

Take a coastal walk at Half Moon Bay, then explore Cannery Row and the Monterey waterfront. Allow a separate afternoon slot if visiting the aquarium.

3–4 hours driving · Overnight: Monterey

Day 3: Monterey → Carmel → Big Sur → Carmel

Have breakfast in Carmel before visiting Big Sur viewpoints. Stop only in designated areas near Bixby Bridge, never on the traffic lane.

2–3 hours driving · Overnight: Carmel

Day 4: Carmel → Cambria

Follow the coast only where the road is open. Finish with the Moonstone Beach boardwalk and an unhurried dinner in Cambria.

3–5 hours driving · Overnight: Cambria

Day 5: Cambria → Santa Barbara

Leave time for the coast before driving to Santa Barbara. Walk the pier and downtown, then watch sunset from the beach.

2.5–3.5 hours driving · Overnight: Santa Barbara

Day 6: Santa Barbara → Los Angeles

Allow for traffic on the drive to Los Angeles. Spend the afternoon at Santa Monica beach and pier instead of crossing the whole city.

2–4 hours driving · Overnight: Los Angeles

Day 7: Los Angeles

Choose either the Griffith Observatory area or the Getty Center. Keep to one part of the city around your flight and car return.

0–2 hours driving · Overnight: End of itinerary

Before you drive

Check Highway 1 closures with Caltrans; allow extra time for a US-101 detour if the Big Sur through-route is closed. One-way rental fees may apply.

Estimated budget for two

Illustrative October 2026 planning allowances, not live prices or quotes. Two adults, one rental car, a shared mid-range room and 6 nights. Flights, visas, insurance upgrades, deposits and one-way rental fees excluded. Peak season and major activities may exceed these amounts.

• Room per night: 150–260 USD
• Car per day: 55–95 USD
• Food for two per day: 70–120 USD
• Fuel for the trip: 130–210 USD
• Visits, parking and toll allowance: 120–240 USD

Total range including 10% reserve: 2228–3867 USD

Midpoint estimate / per person: 3047 / 1523.5 USD