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Itinerary Planner

Start Your Journey Here

Embark on a captivating journey along California's stunning coastline from the iconic Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco through the serene beauty of Monterey, the rugged cliffs of Big Sur, the charming allure of Santa Barbara, and the vibrant streets of Los Angeles.

Suggested Locations
1.San Francisco
2.Monterey
3.Big Sur
4.Santa Barbara
5.Los Angeles
Washington
San Francisco
1,372 mi
Plane
3h 2m
San Francisco
- Trip Weather 13 °C - Trip Weather 13 °C - Trip Weather 13 °C
San Francisco
Monterey
99 mi
Plane
2h 52m
Monterey
- Trip Weather 12 °C - Trip Weather 12 °C - Trip Weather 12 °C
Monterey
Big Sur
29 mi
Plane
1h 46m
Big Sur
- Trip Weather 12 °C - Trip Weather 12 °C - Trip Weather 12 °C
Big Sur
Santa Barbara
265 mi
Plane
5h 50m
Santa Barbara
- Trip Weather 11 °C - Trip Weather 17 °C - Trip Weather 18 °C
Santa Barbara
Los Angeles
90 mi
Plane
2h 43m
Los Angeles
- Trip Weather 16 °C - Trip Weather 19 °C - Trip Weather 19 °C
Los Angeles
Washington
1,235 mi
Plane
3h 44m
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Travel Tips

Currency: USD Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (UTC -8) Language: English

Hello there! It's amazing that you're planning a trip along the California coast.

Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit this region is during the late spring or early fall (April-May or September-October). You'll enjoy a pleasant climate and lesser crowd. Of course, each city has its own ideal times based on the specifics of local events.

Route and Accessibility:
You can start your journey from San Francisco. Travel to Monterey is about 2 hours south on CA-1 (Pacific Coast Highway). From Monterey, you can head to Big Sur, about an hour drive southward. Another 4 hours south is Santa Barbara, and finally, it's about 1.5 hours to Los Angeles. You'd be taking the scenic route so prepare for a leisurely ride and not a speedy one.

Accommodation and Booking:
All these cities have a wide range of accommodations available. It's advisable to book in advance, particularly in peak travel seasons. Using online booking platforms can make the process easier and provide a lot of options to choose from based on your budget and preferences.

Clothing and Essentials:
Pack layers as the weather can be variable. Essentials include sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, comfortable shoes for walking. Don't forget your swimwear if you're planning on enjoying the beaches.

Health and Safety:
Regular traffic laws apply. Stay hydrated. Always have a local map handy if you lose reception in remote areas of Big Sur. Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle. Cities are generally safe, but use common sense precautions especially at night.

Local Etiquette and Respect:
Californians are typically laid-back. Smile and be polite. Respect local regulations especially in beach areas and nature reserves. Also, it's customary to tip 15-20% for services.