A 5-day coastal drive from San Francisco to Big Sur
Estimated cost
€1,280estimated total
Stays
€720
Fuel
€95
Food
€285
Other
€180
Estimates generated at planning time — your actual costs may vary.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
161 km2h 16mDepart 08:30
Start
CA, USA
Drive 50 km via CA-92 to the coast
1
Attraction
Filoli Historic House & World-Class Garden
Woodside, United States
09:15–11:452h 30m here€32
Historic estate and formal gardens
Great for architecture and garden photography.
Drive 35 km along coastal CA-1
2
Food
Sam's Chowder House
Half Moon Bay, United States
12:35–13:351h here€55
Coastal seafood lunch spot
Try local seafood; reserve for ocean views.
Drive 55 km on CA-1 to Santa Cruz
3
Attraction
Pigeon Point Lighthouse
Pescadero, United States
14:20–16:202h here
Scenic lighthouse and ocean cliffs
Bring a wind layer for cliffside photos.
Overnight in Santa Cruz
4
Overnight
Hyatt Place Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, United States
17:35–18:351h here€150
Comfortable central hotel
Good base near downtown and beach.
Day 2
85 km1h 20mDepart 08:30
Drive 12 km back into Santa Cruz
5
Activity
Wilder Ranch State Park
Santa Cruz, United States
08:50–11:503h here€10
Ocean bluff hiking and ranch history
Easy scenic hikes; parking fee estimated.
Drive 1 km through beach traffic
6
Food
The Picnic Basket
Santa Cruz, United States
12:10–13:101h here€42
Local casual lunch near the beach
Good local sandwiches and quick beach access.
Drive 70 km via CA-1 and Monterey Bay
7
Attraction
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Santa Cruz, United States
13:20–15:502h 30m here€35
Classic seaside amusement landmark
Fun photos and optional rides.
Overnight in Monterey
8
Overnight
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Monterey, United States
17:10–18:101h here€170
Central Monterey waterfront hotel
Walkable to waterfront dining.
Day 3
19 km37mDepart 08:30
Drive 3 km to Cannery Row
9
Attraction
Monterey State Historic Park
Monterey, United States
08:45–11:152h 30m here€12
Adobe buildings and early California history
Compact area; ideal for history and architecture.
Drive 8 km to Pacific Grove
10
Food
Old Fisherman’s Grotto
Monterey, United States
11:30–12:301h here€58
Local seafood on the wharf
Classic chowder and bay views.
Drive 12 km via 17-Mile Drive area
11
Attraction
Lovers Point Park
Pacific Grove, United States
12:50–15:202h 30m here€25
Rocky beach, kayaking, and views
Optional kayak rental if seas are calm.
Overnight in Carmel
12
Overnight
Carmel Mission Inn
Carmel-by-the-Sea, United States
16:00–17:001h here€165
Relaxed hotel near Carmel
Convenient for Carmel and Point Lobos.
Day 4
55 km1h 1mDepart 08:15
Drive 8 km to Carmel village
13
Activity
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Carmel-by-the-Sea, United States
08:30–11:303h here€10
Cliff trails, coves, and wildlife
Arrive early for parking; bring camera and layers.
Drive 25 km on CA-1 south
14
Food
La Bicyclette Restaurant
Carmel-by-the-Sea, United States
11:50–12:501h here€60
Cozy local European-Californian lunch
Charming option for a couple; book ahead.
Drive 18 km on winding CA-1
15
Attraction
Bixby Bridge Vista Point
Monterey, United States
13:25–13:5530m here
Iconic Big Sur bridge photo stop
Use designated pullouts only.
Overnight in Big Sur
16
Overnight
Big Sur Lodge
Big Sur, United States
14:25–15:251h here€235
Forest lodge in Pfeiffer Big Sur
Quiet forest stay; limited cell service nearby.
Day 5
290 km6h 37mDepart 08:30
Drive 6 km to local dining
17
Activity
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Big Sur, United States
08:45–11:453h here€10
Redwood hiking and river scenery
Choose Valley View or river trails for varied photos.
Drive 16 km on CA-1 south
18
Food
Restaurant at Big Sur River Inn
Big Sur, United States
12:00–13:001h here€48
Casual local lunch by the river
Relax by the river after lunch.
Drive 20 km on CA-1 south
19
Attraction
Pfeiffer Beach
Big Sur, United States
13:35–15:352h here€12
Purple sand beach and sea arch
Narrow access road; SUV is fine, go slowly.
Trip ends in Big Sur
20
Attraction
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Big Sur, United States
16:05–17:351h 30m here€10
Clifftop views of McWay Falls
Stay on marked trails; sunset light can be excellent.
Finish
CA, USA
Before you go
Local tips
- 1Reserve Big Sur lodging early
- 2Start hikes early for parking
- 3Keep fuel above half before Big Sur
- 4Use CA-1 pullouts for safe photography
- 5Expect slower driving on coastal curves
Good to know
- 1CA-1 closures can occur after storms
- 2Cell service is limited in Big Sur
- 3Coastal fog may reduce visibility
- 4Never stop in traffic lanes for photos
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