famous SF to LA coastal drive

Question

Me and my aunts will be planning for a trip from SF to LA. My aunts are in their 60's. So, not suitable for a hiking but can sustain a 30mins-1hour back and forth walk. We are leaving SF after lunch already. We can spend either 2-3 days. Can anyone help us or recommend which stops we going and which part are we going to stop for a night? thanks

Answer

Driving from San Francisco to Los Angeles along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) is a spectacular journey, especially suited for travelers who enjoy scenic views and short, leisurely walks rather than strenuous hikes. Since you are leaving SF after lunch and plan to spend 2-3 days, it’s best to pace the drive with one or two overnight stops.

Here is a suggested itinerary:

Day 1: San Francisco to Monterey/Carmel
Leave SF after lunch and head south along Highway 1. The drive along the coast offers several viewpoints and small towns worth a short stop:
- Half Moon Bay: Quick stop for coastal views or a coffee break.
- Santa Cruz: Stroll along the boardwalk or the pier. A short 30-60 minute walk is perfect here.
- Monterey/Carmel: Arrive in the evening and stay overnight. Cannery Row in Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea downtown are charming for a short walk and dinner.
Day 2: Monterey/Carmel to San Simeon/Pismo Beach
Continue down the coast with plenty of scenic stops:
- Bixby Bridge & Big Sur: Iconic viewpoint, easy to stop for photos. Avoid long hikes; there are short overlooks.
- McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park: Short, accessible walk to view the waterfall from the overlook.
- Elephant Seal Vista Point near San Simeon: A short walk to see the seals on the beach.
- Overnight in San Simeon or Pismo Beach: Comfortable hotels and ocean views make for a relaxing evening.
Day 3: San Simeon/Pismo Beach to Los Angeles
Drive the remaining stretch south along Highway 1 to LA:
- Solvang: Danish-style town with short walks, boutique shops, and cafes. Perfect for a lunch stop.
- Santa Barbara: Optional stop for a short stroll along the beach or State Street shopping.
- Continue to Los Angeles, arriving by late afternoon or evening.

Tips for the trip:

Take plenty of breaks for photo opportunities; the coast is full of scenic pullouts.
Book hotels in advance, especially in Big Sur, Monterey, and Pismo Beach, as these areas can fill up quickly.
Bring layers and comfortable shoes; even a short 30-60 minute walk along viewpoints or beaches can be chilly due to coastal fog and wind.

This itinerary balances manageable driving segments with leisurely sightseeing suitable for travelers in their 60s, ensuring a relaxed yet memorable coastal journey from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

famous SF to LA coastal drive

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