Plan Your 8-Day Trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles

Table of Contents

Why Travel from San Francisco to Los Angeles?

Day-by-Day 8-Day Sample Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in San Francisco
• Day 2: San Francisco to Santa Cruz
• Day 3: Santa Cruz to Monterey
• Day 4: Monterey to Big Sur
• Day 5: Big Sur to San Simeon to Pismo Beach
• Day 6: Pismo Beach to Santa Barbara
• Day 7: Santa Barbara to Malibu and Santa Monica
• Day 8: Explore Los Angeles

Customize This Trip with TripPilot

Looking for the perfect California coastal road trip? This 8-day journey from San Francisco to Los Angeles is a scenic blend of dramatic cliffs, redwood forests, sandy beaches, and vibrant towns. It follows the legendary Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1)-one of the most iconic drives in the world.

Whether you're a solo adventurer, a couple seeking romance, or a family on a getaway, this flexible plan offers the ideal route. Even better? You can customize the entire itinerary with TripPilot’s AI trip planner, allowing you to build your perfect route, add activities, and stay within your budget-all with just a few clicks.

Why Travel from San Francisco to Los Angeles?

This 450+ mile route offers:

• Golden Gate views & city culture in San Francisco
• Charming beach towns like Santa Cruz and Pismo
• Natural wonders like Big Sur and McWay Falls
• World-class food, wineries, and resorts along the coast
• The flexibility to travel slowly or pack it all in

And best of all-you’re in full control. Use TripPilot to create a personalized San Francisco to Los Angeles travel route that fits your timing, interests, and pace.

Day-by-Day 8-Day Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in San Francisco

Kick off your trip in California’s cultural capital.
Highlights:

• Walk or bike across the Golden Gate Bridge
• Explore Alcatraz Island
• Ride a cable car through Union Square
• Dinner at Fisherman’s Wharf or North Beach (Little Italy)

Start your California journey with a custom itinerary from San Francisco to Los Angeles travel route, plan your perfect trip with TripPilot!

Day 2: San Francisco to Santa Cruz

Approx. 75 miles | 1.5 hours

Drive south along the coast via Highway 1.

Stops:

• Half Moon Bay: Stroll the beach or grab coffee at a cliffside café
• Pigeon Point Lighthouse: Iconic photo op
• Downtown Santa Cruz: Visit the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

From iconic landmarks to scenic coastal drives, customize your route with our AI trip planner now!

Day 3: Santa Cruz to Monterey

Approx. 45 miles | 1 hour

A short but scenic drive.

Must-do activities:

• Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium
• Walk Cannery Row and enjoy fresh seafood
• Sunset along Lover’s Point in Pacific Grove

Design your Day 3 stops with ease—use TripPilot to personalize your scenic drive through California’s coast.

Day 4: Monterey to Big Sur

Approx. 30 miles | 1 hour

One of the most iconic stretches of the PCH.

Highlights:

• Drive the stunning 17-Mile Drive (stop at Pebble Beach)
• Snap a pic at Bixby Creek Bridge
• Visit Pfeiffer Beach for purple sand and rock formations
• Hike Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park to McWay Falls

Love nature and photography? Create a route tailored to Big Sur’s best views with TripPilot’s planner.

Tip: Enjoy an on-site spa, inclusive meals, and forest views.

Day 5: Big Sur to San Simeon to Pismo Beach

Approx. 95 miles | 3 hours with stops

Scenic coastline, marine life, and historic mansions await.

Stops:

• Elephant Seal Rookery at Piedras Blancas
• Tour the legendary Hearst Castle
• Sunset at Pismo Beach Pier

Don't miss the majestic Elephant Seals near Piedras Blancas

Day 6: Pismo Beach to Santa Barbara

Approx. 80 miles | 1.5 hours with stops

The Riviera of the West awaits.

Things to do:

• Wine tasting in Santa Ynez Valley
• Visit the Old Mission Santa Barbara
• Shopping on State Street
• Lounge at East Beach

Explore Hearst Castle and stroll through Cambria’s charming village vibes.

Day 7: Santa Barbara to Malibu and Santa Monica

Approx. 90 miles | 2–2.5 hours

Cruise through Malibu and stop for scenic breaks.

Stops:

• Brunch at Malibu Farm Café
• Hike Solstice Canyon or stroll Zuma Beach
• Arrive in Santa Monica and explore the Santa Monica Pier

Sunset views from Palisades Park or Venice Beach Skatepark

Stay in Santa Monica or Venice for a true SoCal vibe.

Day 8: Explore Los Angeles

Wrap up your trip with a day in LA.

Customize your LA day based on your interests:

• Hike Griffith Observatory or Runyon Canyon
• Tour Hollywood Boulevard and the Walk of Fame
• Relax at The Getty Center
• Explore Downtown LA, LACMA, or The Broad Museum

End your road trip in style! Personalize your LA adventure with our AI-powered itinerary builder.

Customize This Trip with TripPilot

Want to:

• Add Napa Valley before San Francisco?
• Spend 2 nights in Big Sur?
• Add unique local restaurants or eco-stays?

You can build an 8-Day San Francisco to Los Angeles Trip tailored to your interests, timing, and budget.

With TripPilot, You Can:

• Select and edit each destination
• Add restaurants, hotels, tours, hikes
• See a dynamic calendar view of your full trip
• Share and save your itinerary with friends/family

Explore our unforgettable, popular custom itinerary:

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