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

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)

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

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

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

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

Day 6: Pismo Beach to Santa Barbara (Approx. 80 miles | 1.5 hours)

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

Day 7: Santa Barbara to Malibu to 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

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.

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

Why Travel from San Francisco to Los Angeles?