10 Day California Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Are you ready to shake things up a little? How’d you like to go on a journey that will change your life forever? As the Pacific breeze washes over you, the sequoias tower over you, and the birds of the forest sing you a sweet, sweet tune, you’ll feel the transformation happening in real-time. 

Together, let’s map out a ten-day journey through California. We’ll travel the coastline before looping up and around and dipping inland a little. Our hope is that this will open the door to a number of new experiences and a plethora of showstopping photos. Ready to buckle up and go?

Day One: San Francisco

Let’s start where the magic happens. San Francisco is a great place to fly into and rest for a moment before things kick off. Personally, we love going the Airbnb route when we’re in this city; there are so many eclectic options. But, since it’s just for two days, you might want to stick with a tried and true hotel. 

Either way, there’s so much to explore here from downton, itself, to some of the more remote locales. Starting with downtown, a lot of the action happens on Market Street. A simple stroll will open the door to countless shops, restaurants, and boutiques. It’s also where you’ll find Union Square, a well-known and popular destination for anyone looking to window shop or support some of the local businesses. 

Day Two: San Francisco

On your second day, we can’t recommend the Japanese Tea Garden in the Gardens of Golden Gate Park enough. It’s a serene haven in a bustling city filled with wonder. While you wander through the grounds, you’ll feel a genuine sense of peace that emanates from the trees dancing in the breeze. 

Then, of course, be sure to indulge in a cup of tea and a treat from the cafe. There’s also a lovely shop worth visiting. You could spend the whole day here, but we have a lot of ground to cover, so let’s keep it moving. Oh, and, before we do, be sure to take a quick skim of these life hacks for an unforgettable road trip. 

Day Three: Big Sur

After your nights in San Fran, you’ll want to load up the car and make the two-and-a-half drive down to Big Sur. You’ll be treated to the delights that only Highway 1 can offer with its staggering coastal views. The reason Big Sur is so special is because its nestled between the rugged Santa Lucia Mountains and the shimmering shorelines of the Pacific Ocean. 

Bixby Bridge is probably the most iconic sight in Big Sur. It’s easy enough to pull over, find some parking, and take in the view. Then, Pfeiffer Beach will knock your socks off, so be sure you’re wearing sandals at this stage of the game. You won’t believe the lavender-colored sand that meets some really cool keyhole rock formations. This is, perhaps, one of the best ways to remind yourself that you’re only just beginning and things are already taking off. 

Day Four: Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara lives in a world of its own. It’s a gorgeous city with the Santa Ynez Mountains as its backdrop. Downtown, you’ll see some lovely Mediterranean-style stucco buildings with red tile roofs that exemplify its Spanish colonial heritage. The boutiques and local bottles of wine are fairly upscale. So, this may be another window shopping opportunity, but be sure to drink it all in. 

Speaking of which, the Urban Wine Trail is loads of fun. Here, you can sip local wines as you admire local life. Filled with opportunities to enjoy some live music, shops, and galleries, this moment will stay with you for a long, long time.