San Francisco to LA scenic route (2 -3 day) suggestions

Question

Hello,

My wife and I will be visiting San Francisco, LA, and everything in between with a car this September (it is a part of a larger cross-country trip).

5 days in San Francisco

2-day scenic route via Highway 1, staying in Carmel-By The Sea and Santas Barbara

5 days in LA

My two questions are regarding the scenic route between the two cities:

1. Will two days be enough?

2. Is staying in Carmel and Santa Barbara the best option?

We can probably add an extra day to that route if there is more to see or if you have a better recommendation. We have never been to Cali so we don't have a set-in-stone wish list so any suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Answer

Driving from San Francisco to Los Angeles via Highway 1 (the Pacific Coast Highway) is one of the most scenic road trips in the U.S., and planning 2–3 days for the route is reasonable, though the experience depends on how much you want to stop, explore, and relax along the way. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Time Considerations:

Two days is enough to enjoy the highlights, but it will be a relatively fast-paced trip with limited time for extended stops.
Adding a third day allows for a more leisurely pace, giving you time to explore Big Sur, visit state parks, or stop at wineries and charming coastal towns.

Recommended Stops & Scenic Highlights:

Half Moon Bay / Pacifica: Easy start south of San Francisco for a quick beach walk or coffee stop.
Santa Cruz: Boardwalk, surf spots, or a stroll along West Cliff Drive.
Monterey & Cannery Row: Aquarium visit, Old Fisherman’s Wharf, and scenic 17-Mile Drive (Pebble Beach).
Carmel-By-The-Sea: Great overnight stop. Quaint town with art galleries, beach, and excellent dining.
Big Sur: Must-see stops include Bixby Creek Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach, McWay Falls, and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Allow several hours to explore this stretch.
San Simeon / Hearst Castle: Worth a tour if time allows, or just a photo stop from the road.
Morro Bay: Optional quick stop for the iconic Morro Rock.
Santa Barbara: Beautiful coastal city with great dining, wine tasting, and a relaxed evening vibe. Ideal overnight stop before heading to LA.

Overnight Suggestions:

Day 1: San Francisco to Carmel-By-The-Sea (approx. 2–3 hours of driving without stops, but more with sightseeing along the coast).
Day 2: Carmel-By-The-Sea through Big Sur to Santa Barbara (allow 5–6 hours driving + stops).
Optional Day 3: Explore Santa Barbara or slow drive through Los Padres National Forest before reaching LA.

Tips & Advice:

Make accommodations early, as Carmel and Santa Barbara can book up, especially in September.
Start early each day to avoid traffic in popular areas like Big Sur.
Allow flexibility for spontaneous stops—you’ll find viewpoints, small beaches, and restaurants worth a detour.
If you want to slow the pace, consider splitting Big Sur into a separate overnight stop (e.g., stay one night in Big Sur instead of Carmel), which gives more time to enjoy the scenery.

In summary, two days is doable if you’re okay with a full driving schedule with short stops, but three days provides a much more relaxed and enjoyable experience. Staying in Carmel and Santa Barbara is a good plan, though adding an overnight in Big Sur can enhance the scenic experience and reduce long stretches of driving.

San Francisco to LA scenic route (2 -3 day) suggestions

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