One of the most memorable trips we’ve taken was our trip up the coast of California. From the beautiful beaches of San Diego to the San Francisco Bay every stop along the way was filled with adventure. We’re going to take you off the beaten path and help you experience California in a different way.
Heads up, this post is a long one, but there is just so much great stuff I wanted to make sure you had all the info you needed. I will walk you through our entire journey, and share with you some local gems. Talk about some must dos/sees/tastes and some aspects I would have done differently along the way. *I’ve included the travel time in between destinations, but that does not take into accounts stops and sightseeing along the way*
Duration 7 days (July 2nd- July 9th)
Start: San Diego
Finish: San Francisco
TRAVEL TIP => Start in San Fran and drive down the coast. This is one thing I would’ve done differently but we had an event at Suitsupply at the end of the week in SF. It makes it easier to pull directly off for look out points, plus you’ll be driving with the ocean directly beside you.
Day 1: San Diego
Our journey started in San Diego. We picked up our ride and our journey began.
TRAVEL TIP => splurge and get a convertible. It is so worth it when you are cruising the coast. The wind in your hair (Ladies bring a hair tie/scarf) Having a convertible allows you to truly see the beauty around you. Plus a convertible is the quintessential Cali Road trip dream… am I right?!
STAY: Hotel Indigo. Located in the Gaslamp district; which makes it easy to walk around and explore the city. (Used points) (avg cost $150 per night)
DO: Double Standard. There are a lot of great tasting rooms and breweries in San Diego. I would pick your favorite and check it out. We decided to go to Stone Brewing Tap Room next to the stadium. The you gotta grab a rooftop cocktail at The Nolen. Great views of the city with craft cocktails.
Lunch: Wonderland Ocean Pub: Located on the ocean with amazing view of the Pacific.
Dinner: Ironside Fish and oyster house. This place was DELICIOUS!! Great part of town and a perfect location to hop around to different bars and restaurants.
Day 2: SD -> Venice/Abbot Kinney (2.15hr)
Since we were on East coast time we woke up close to 4AM threw the top down, turned on the heat, cranked Kygo radio and hit the road. First stop along our way was the cliffs at La Jolla. The crisp morning air and the smell of the ocean (along with a latte) woke us up. Seeing the sunrise at La Jolla was incredibly memorable. It was so peaceful just the two of us overlooking the Pacific. Such a great way to start our morning.
From there we headed North to Laguna Beach. We stopped and walked around the town of Laguna and had brunch at Zinc Cafe and Market: GREAT Avocado toast and green tea matcha lattes (I know super basic move, but damn they are good)
Final stop for our nightly refuge was Venice: Abbot Kinney Boulevard
STAY: we stayed in a great little Airbnb located a few blocks from one of our favorite streets in California Abbot Kinney. A one bedroom, one bath, and kitchenette in a private guesthouse with a private terrace and entrance (Perfect for a photo opp) ($150 per night)
DO/SEE: we spent the afternoon/evening exploring abbot kinney. There are some great little boutiques and shops along this strip HERE are a list of merchants on the Boulevard. Hop on a bike and cruise around Venice. Check out the canals, of course the infamous Muscle Beach and people watch all the interesting characters around Venice Beach.
TIP => Actual venice beach is a bit touristy, but it is an absolute must see so wander over and check it out if only for a few
EAT:
- LUNCH: You absolutely HAVE to eat at GJELINA. Whether it is for lunch, brunch or dinner this place is a MUST! Soooooo delicious! I highly recommend getting reservations! It gets packed no matter what day and time! I love the Kale Salad and their pizzas are amazing! This place has an incredible vibe from the aesthetics to the patrons.
- DINNER: The Tasting Kitchen. This place has incredible cocktails, brilliant menu and a whimsical chic vibe. This is the perfect date night spot.
- DESSERT: Finish off the evening with some delicious ice cream at Salt & Straw. They have unique flavors such as Roasted strawberry coconut (v), Honey Lavender, Salted malted chocolate cookie dough, Almond brittle with salted grenache. **fair warning the line is LONG but worth it.**
Day 3: Venice –> Big Sur (our fav) (5.5hrs)
This was the longest (5.5hrs) leg, but our favorite part of our journey. We left Venice in the early morning hours and made our way up the coast through Santa monica and gorgeous Malibu. We stopped for breakfast in Santa Barbara (I would definitely come back and stay here)
Take your time and take in all the sights of this magnificent drive. The crisp air, the cliffs, the views…. everything is magical. This is also the point that Jerome realized he is definitely afraid of heights. It’s hard to describe the beauty and the sheer magnitude of the cliffs and the drive. There are many stop off points along the drive so you can pullover and take it all in.
MUST SEE:
- Point Sur State Historic Park
- Pfeiffer Beach.
- Bixby Bridge.
- Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
- Ragged Point.
- Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
TRAVEL TIP => Very little to no service in Big Sur so make sure you have your maps/destination into your phone or a way to access wifi. If you dont it gets difficult to find your destinations
EAT: Nepenthe. This is a right if passage in Big Sur. I mean if you travel to big sur and don’t go to Nepenthe were you even there? Nepenthe is located 808 feet above sea level and overlooks the magnificent cliffs of Big Sur. We didn’t get reservations and had a little bit of a wait, but it goes by quickly when your surrounded by the beauty of northern california
STAY: Glen Oaks at Big Sur. This place is one of our favorite places we have ever stayed you can read our full review HERE. No A/C, No TV this is a perfect place to disconnect, take in nature, enjoy the company , play a boardgame around the campfire. We stayed in the Sycamore Cabin. Take a hike and explore the grounds. In the morning hike up to Big Sur Roadhouse and indulge in complimentary Coffee and Donuts. The Road house is open for breakfast and lunch. ($350 Per night)
TRAVEL TIP: Make sure you stop at the local general store on the way to Glen Oaks to grab some wine/beer and some food for the evening. There is no restaurants around and you’ll want to hibernate at your amazing cabin
Day 4: Big Sur –> Carmel (30 mins)
A short 30 minute drive from Big Sur was our next stop: Carmel By the Sea.
STAY: Tickle Pink Inn. Not the most up to date rooms, but by far has the best views in all of Carmel. We stayed on the top floor in Room 11 overlooking the Cove. There was a bottle of champagne and chocolates waiting for us opn arrival. The Beds are incredible comfy and come with soft fluffy robes. Every evening there is a complimentary wine and cheese tasting. Also, you must relax in the hot tub! ($369 Per night)
DO: Walk around Carmel by the sea and downtown Carmel. There are great little restaurants, wine tastings, and art galleries. Pebble Beach: 17 mile drive you’ll enjoy it whether you are a golf fan or not. You can bike as well, but the weather wasn’t on our side when we did the drive.
Day 5 Carmel –> Sausalito (2.5 hrs)
STAY: Inn Above Tide. SPECTACULAR! You are right on the water! You can see alcatraz and the golden gate. This place is a little pricey but we splurged because we had heard such great things about this Inn. Incredibly comfortable and luxurious. Our room walked right out onto the water it was fabulous. There was a bottle of champagne waiting for us. There is complimentary breakfast and wine and cheese happy hour. ($410-$1,750)
EAT: Sushi Ran. Best sushi we have ever had! We were recommended this restaurant from a chef friend of ours and it did not disappoint. Sausalito Taco shop for some great fresh tacos
DO: Muir Woods National Monument. These redwood giants will blow your mind. The vast size of these golliths are remarkable. There are many different trails from beginner to expert and everything in between. Sausalito houseboats are a site to see as well. Grab a bike and cruise around this enchanting little town.
Day 6/7 Sausalito –> San Fran (30 mins)
Our last two days we spent in San Francisco. We knew one day just wouldn’t be enough.
TRAVEL TIP => Stop at the lookout at Vista Point to get a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge before you head into the city to drop off the car.
STAY: Hotel Zeppelin. A boutique hotel centrally located by union square. This was the perfect spot for our last two days in California. Newly renovated I found a GREAT deal on this hotel on TravelZoo (great site if you are not already a member). ($120 per night)
EAT: LUNCH: Mission Area: Monks Kettle soooo good! Tons of beers on taps and a great wine selection as well.
DO:
- Bar hop in the Mission. This was our favorite area of SF! You get a true local scene. I would absolutely Airbnb stay in this area during our next visit. There are some amazing restaurants, cocktails and boutiques! Here are a few must tries: Trick dog, monks kettle, ABV.
- Delores Park: Great views of the city. We went and relaxed on the hillside. Great people watching
- The castro: Cafe du Nord, Churchill, Blackbird
- The wharf it is a must see. Grab a lobster roll and enjoy
- Alcatraz: we didn’t get to see the landmark this time around but its a must on our next trip.
TRAVEL TIP => SF is COLD!! make sure you bundle up and it is all about layering! Good news is there are some great vintage/boutiques if you need to get something (oh darn) Also please DO NOT be one of those people who ends up buying a damn I <3 SF sweatshirt from the wharf….
The coldest winter I ever saw was the summer I spent in San Francisco.
– Mark Twain
What I wouldve done differntly:
- Started in SF and drive South
- Spend more time in Big Sur (I guess that means another trip is on the horizon)
- Take out San Diego and fly out of Los Angeles
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