Driving Coast from SF to LA

Question

The last 2-3 days of our CA trip we'll be traveling from San Francisco to LA. We'd like to travel along the coast (Hwy 1) as much as possible (I'm aware that a section of it is/was closed - haven't looked up the current status). We'll leave SF on a Tuesday morning and do not have to be back at LAX for our flight home until Thursday at noon. Could someone please offer some ideas for an itinerary for these days? I do not have any accommodations planned as of yet for Tuesday or Wednesday nights.

We love just driving/looking and if there are any walks/hikes along the way we'd enjoy that also. We are a family of 4 - mom/dad/son-12 years/daughter-9years.

Thank you!

Answer

Driving the California coast from San Francisco to Los Angeles is a classic experience and perfect for families who enjoy scenic views and occasional hikes. With a Tuesday morning departure and a Thursday noon flight, you have roughly 2 full days for the coastal drive, which allows for a comfortable pace with stops for sightseeing and short hikes.

Suggested Itinerary:

Day 1 – SF to Monterey/Carmel
- Depart San Francisco in the morning and head south on Highway 1. Consider stopping at Half Moon Bay for a quick beach break or snack.
- Santa Cruz is a great mid-morning stop for the boardwalk or a short coastal stroll.
- Continue to Monterey. Visit Cannery Row, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and perhaps a short walk along the coastal recreation trail.
- Stay overnight in Monterey or Carmel-by-the-Sea. Carmel offers charming streets and beaches perfect for kids.
Day 2 – Monterey/Carmel to Big Sur and onward to San Simeon or Cambria
- Drive south along the iconic Big Sur coastline, stopping at viewpoints like Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and Pfeiffer Beach.
- Short hikes suitable for families include the Ewoldsen Trail or the McWay Falls trail, both offering stunning views without being too strenuous.
- Lunch in Big Sur or pack a picnic to enjoy at a scenic overlook.
- Continue south to San Simeon or Cambria for an overnight stay. Cambria has a quaint downtown and Moonstone Beach boardwalk for a relaxing evening.
Day 3 – San Simeon/Cambria to Los Angeles
- Optional early morning visit to Hearst Castle in San Simeon before continuing south.
- Drive through the scenic coastal towns such as Morro Bay and Pismo Beach.
- Consider a quick stop in Santa Barbara for lunch and a short beach stroll or pier visit.
- Continue on to Los Angeles, aiming to arrive in time for your Thursday noon flight if you are staying near LAX overnight or plan an early arrival at the airport.

Tips and considerations:

Check current road conditions for Highway 1, particularly around Big Sur, as landslides or closures can require detours on Highway 101.
Book accommodations in advance, especially for Big Sur, Monterey, and Cambria, as July can be busy.
Keep hikes short and kid-friendly; viewpoints along the highway can offer the same stunning scenery without long treks.
Plan meal stops in coastal towns—Carmel, Big Sur, and Santa Barbara all have family-friendly dining options.
Allow flexibility for spontaneous stops—there are many beaches, state parks, and vistas along the way worth exploring.

This itinerary balances scenic driving, short hikes, and family-friendly stops while ensuring you reach Los Angeles in time for your flight. It maximizes the coast without feeling rushed and gives kids time to stretch and enjoy the views.