Book an epic three-day road trip down the California coast to enjoy breathtaking ocean views, charming towns, and lush forests. The stretch of Highway 1 between San Francisco and Big Sur offers some of the most stunning scenery in the world. Here is your three-day itinerary from San Francisco heading south:
Day 1: San Francisco to Santa Cruz
You can easily spend more than three days exploring the vibrant city of San Francisco! But if you’re looking for some urban exploration mixed in with an adventurous road trip, start in the Golden City then plan to head south. Before hitting the road, enjoy a morning stroll along the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to catch the sunrise over the bay.
Plan your first pitstop in Half Moon Bay, about a half hour from the San Francisco International Airport and car rental locations or 50 minutes from the Bay. This quaint town is known for its beautiful beaches and pumpkin farms. The sandy shores of Half Moon Bay State Beach are ideal for a mid-morning stroll. And be sure to visit the historic Point Montara Lighthouse for panoramic ocean views.
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Day 1 Continued: Arriving in Santa Cruz
From Half Moon Bay, continue the scenic drive less than an hour south to Santa Cruz. This quintessential city is known as a laid-back beach hub boasting stunning coastline views. You can easily spend the afternoon exploring the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, an amusement park with nostalgic charm. Plan a nature break at the serene Natural Bridges State Beach to check out its iconic rock formations and tide pools teeming with marine life. You might spot ray-finned fish, birds, otters, seals, and whales throughout migration season.
Day 2: Santa Cruz to Monterey
After a fun night in Santa Cruz, rest well because Day 2 is packed! Head south from Monterey towards Santa Cruz but don’t forget to enjoy the epic road trip adventure along the way: meander through forests and venture down cliffside roads that offer spectacular ocean views. Upon arriving in Monterey, head to enchanting Cannery Row with its many shops, galleries, and restaurants.
Monterey Bay Aquarium is known for its impressive exhibits and glimpses into the rich biodiversity of the Pacific Ocean. Stop to see the sea lions barking or lounging at Old Fisherman's Wharf. Sometimes, large groups of sea lions can be spotted out in the water, lunching on schools of fish and squid. If you're lucky, you might spot orcas off the coast from January through May and September through November.
Day 3: Monterey to Big Sur - Coastline to Point Lobos
The final leg of this three-day road trip, a stretch of rugged coastline where the Santa Lucia Mountains rise dramatically from the Pacific Ocean, will take you right to Big Sur. Drive south down Highway 1 to hit Day 3’s first stop: Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. This area, with its trails offering stunning ocean views, kelp forests, and hidden coves, is often called "the crown jewel of the California State Park System."
Day 3 Continued: Monterey to Big Sur
Further south about 15 minutes, Bixby Creek Bridge stands as an absolute iconic symbol of the Big Sur coast. From here, continue another 35 minutes or so south to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park where the McWay Falls cascade directly onto a pristine beach. You can either enjoy your last night in one of Big Sur's cozy lodges or head back north to Carmel to enjoy an unforgettable sunset over the Pacific.
