7 Days California Coast, USA Itinerary
This 7-day California Coast itinerary takes you on an unforgettable journey from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Experience the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, the charming Monterey Bay, the dramatic Big Sur coastline, the relaxed Santa Barbara vibes, and the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles.
Duration
7 days
Budget
$700-1400
Best Time
The California Coast is beautiful year-round, but spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the mildest weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices, making them ideal
Activities
36
Daily Avg
$150/day
Cities
San Francisco (6d), Los Angeles (1d)
Pace
Fast
The California Coast offers stunning natural beauty, vibrant cities, and diverse experiences. From iconic landmarks to breathtaking coastal drives, it's a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
Your itinerary covers 6 of 11 must-have experiences
Epic Coastal Drive
Day 3: 17-Mile Drive
Iconic Pier or Boardwalk
Day 6: Santa Monica Pier & Beach
World-Class Vineyard & Winery
e.g., Napa Valley (e.g., Robert Mondavi Winery), Sonoma Valley (e.g., Benziger Family Winery)
Historic Lighthouse Views
e.g., Pigeon Point Lighthouse, Point Reyes Lighthouse
Quintessential Surf Spot & Beach Town
Day 2: Explore Chinatown
Spectacular Wildlife Viewing
Day 3: Monterey Bay Aquarium
Coastal Fine Dining Experience
e.g., Post Ranch Inn Dining (Big Sur), The Dining Room at Rosewood Miramar Beach (Montecito)
Artistic Coastal Enclave
e.g., Laguna Beach (Art Galleries, Pageant of the Masters), Carmel-by-the-Sea (Fairy-tale cottages, galleries)
Grand Oceanfront Estate or Castle
Day 5: Hearst Castle Tour
Gourmet Market & Picnic Provisions
Day 2: Ride a Cable Car
Coastal Water Adventure (Kayaking/SUP)
e.g., Kayaking in La Jolla Caves, Stand-up Paddleboarding in Newport Harbor
California's coast boasts a vibrant food scene, heavily influenced by fresh seafood, local produce, and a fusion of cultures. From clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls to innovative farm-to-table cuisine, the coast offers a diverse culinary adventure. Don't miss out on the incredible seafood, especially Dungeness crab when in season!
Must-Try Dishes
A creamy, comforting clam chowder served inside a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl. A San Francisco staple, the tangy bread complements the rich chowder perfectly.
📍 Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco; Boudin Bakery
Fresh, succulent Dungeness crab, often served steamed or cracked, with lemon and drawn butter. Best enjoyed during the winter months when it's in season.
📍 Crab stands along the coast, seafood restaurants in San Francisco or Monterey
A massive burrito filled with carne asada, french fries, cheese, guacamole, and salsa. A San Diego favorite, it's a hearty and satisfying meal.
📍 Mexican restaurants in San Diego, especially in the Mission District
Lightly battered or grilled fish served in a soft tortilla with cabbage, salsa, and crema. A refreshing and flavorful coastal snack.
📍 Casual eateries and taco stands along the coast, especially in Southern California
Food Neighborhoods
Seafood, clam chowder, touristy
Italian cuisine, cafes, historic
Authentic Mexican food, burritos, taquerias
Italian restaurants, cafes, gelato
California is very accommodating to dietary restrictions. Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available. Gluten-free menus are becoming increasingly common. Many restaurants are also aware of common allergies and can adjust dishes accordingly. When in doubt, call ahead to confirm.
Tipping is customary in California restaurants; 18-20% is standard for good service. Reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, especially during peak season. Dress codes are generally casual, but upscale restaurants may prefer business casual attire.
Monterey Jazz Festival
SeptemberA renowned jazz festival that attracts large crowds to Monterey.
Stern Grove Festival
June-AugustFree outdoor concerts in San Francisco's Stern Grove.
Santa Barbara Film Festival
FebruaryA popular film festival that brings celebrities and film enthusiasts to Santa Barbara.
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶From hotel in Fisherman's Wharf, walk to Blazing Saddles (various locations near Fisherman's Wharf).$40 (bike rental)
9:00 AM - Golden Gate Bridge Bike Ride
Rent a bike and cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge for stunning views. Arrive early to beat the crowds and enjoy the morning light. Consider riding to Sausalito and taking the ferry back.
Book on Klook - 🚶Blazing Saddles is located near Fisherman's Wharf, so it's a short walk to lunch.$20
1:00 PM - Lunch at Fisherman's Wharf
Grab some fresh seafood at Fisherman's Wharf. Boudin Bakery is famous for its sourdough bread bowls filled with clam chowder.
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- 🚶Pier 39 is a short walk from Fisherman's Wharf.FREE
2:30 PM - Explore Pier 39
Watch the famous sea lions basking in the sun at Pier 39. Browse the shops and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Book on Klook - 🚶The Alcatraz ferry departs from Pier 33, which is a short walk from Pier 39.$40
4:00 PM - Alcatraz Island Tour
Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island and tour the infamous former prison. Book tickets well in advance as they sell out quickly.
Book on Klook
Fisherman's Wharf
Close to many attractions, restaurants, and public transportation.
📅 Best Time to Visit
The California Coast is beautiful year-round, but spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the mildest weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices, making them ideal. Summers (June-August) are warm and sunny but bring 'June Gloom' (coastal fog) in some areas, higher prices, and peak crowds. Winters (November-March) can be cooler and rainy, though still pleasant on many days, with less tourist traffic and excellent opportunities for whale watching.
The California coast experiences mild temperatures year-round. Spring and fall offer sunny days with cooler evenings. Coastal fog can occur, especially in the mornings.
Spring and fall offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and potentially lower prices compared to the peak summer season.
Major holidays like Memorial Day (late May), Labor Day (early September), and Thanksgiving (late November) can impact travel and accommodation prices.
Getting Around
Car-centric; major cities have transit
City-specific
Uber/Lyft work nationwide. Rent a car outside major cities.
Travel
$100-200 (Gas, tolls, parking)Accommodation
$350-700 (Budget-friendly hotels/motels)Food
$250-400 (Mix of restaurants and groceries)Activities
$100-300 (Entrance fees, tours)Pack your own snacks and drinks: Groceries are generally cheaper than eating out for every meal. A cooler is a great road trip companion.
Scenic Air Tour: Indulge in a helicopter or small plane tour over Big Sur or the San Francisco Bay for unparalleled, breathtaking views.
Explore State Parks: California State Parks often offer stunning views and activities similar to National Parks but with lower entry fees or free access.
Picnics with a View: Grab fresh produce and local treats from a farmer's market or grocery store and enjoy a memorable picnic at a scenic overlook.
Fine Dining with Ocean Views: Treat yourself to a renowned restaurant overlooking the Pacific in areas like Malibu, Carmel, or La Jolla for a special experience.
Happy Hour Deals: Many coastal restaurants and bars offer fantastic 'happy hour' specials on food and drinks, a great way to try local cuisine on a budget.
- Rent a car: A car is almost essential for exploring the full California Coast and its scenic drives, offering flexibility and access to remote spots.
- Dress in layers: Coastal weather can change rapidly from cool mornings to warm afternoons and chilly evenings. Layers are key to comfort.
- Book accommodations early: Especially during peak season (summer) or for popular destinations (e.g., Big Sur, Santa Barbara), rooms can sell out or be very expensive.
- Understand tipping culture: Tipping 15-20% is customary for good service at restaurants, bars, for services like ride-sharing, and hotel porters.
- Be aware of microclimates: Weather can vary significantly even within short distances along the coast. Always check the local forecast for your specific destination.
- Coastal safety: Be mindful of changing tides, rogue waves, and unstable cliff edges. Always observe warning signs and never turn your back on the ocean.
- Sales tax: Be aware that listed prices for goods and services typically do not include sales tax, which is added at the point of purchase and varies by county (typically 7.25-10.75%).
- Parking can be challenging: In popular coastal towns and cities, parking can be scarce and expensive. Look for parking garages or public lots.
- 1Layered Clothing (light jacket, sweater, long-sleeved shirts, t-shirts)
- 2Comfortable Walking Shoes (for exploring towns, trails, and beaches)
- 3Sun Protection (wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen)
- 4Reusable Water Bottle (for hydration and to reduce plastic waste)
- 5Swimsuit (if you plan to enjoy beaches, pools, or hot tubs)
- 6Daypack/Small Backpack (for daily excursions, carrying essentials and layers)
- 7Camera & Extra Battery/Memory (for capturing stunning scenery)
- 8Binoculars (excellent for whale watching, bird watching, and scenic views)
- 9Beach Towel (if you plan on spending time on the sand, some accommodations provide)
- 10Portable Power Bank (to keep your phone and other devices charged on the go)
Rental Car
Essential for independent exploration; book several months in advance, especially for summer or specific vehicle types.
Accommodations
Book 3-6 months ahead for popular areas (e.g., Big Sur, Santa Barbara) or peak season; 1-2 months for off-peak.
Alcatraz Tickets
Book 1-3 months in advance as tours sell out quickly, particularly on weekends and holidays.
Hearst Castle Tickets
Book 1-2 months ahead; tours have limited capacity and are very popular.
Whale Watching Tours
Book a few weeks in advance, especially during migration seasons (winter/spring) or weekends.
National Park Passes
If visiting multiple national parks (e.g., Channel Islands, Pinnacles), consider an 'America the Beautiful' pass.
Flights
Book 2-4 months in advance for best prices, particularly for major airports like LAX, SFO, SAN.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo app or website
📍 T-Mobile stores, Best Buy, or online
📍 AT&T stores, Walmart, Target
📍 Amazon, GlocalMe website
Free WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants throughout California. Many public parks and libraries also offer free WiFi. However, speeds can vary, and it's often more reliable to have your own data plan.
Useful Apps
Consider purchasing an eSIM before your trip for convenience. Download offline maps on Google Maps in case you lose connectivity. Check with your mobile carrier about international roaming options, but be aware of potential high costs. Test your connectivity upon arrival to ensure everything is working properly.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two flat parallel pins
Two flat parallel pins + round ground
120V
60Hz
Tipping Etiquette
18–20% (before tax)
15–20%
$2–5 per bag; $2–5/night housekeeping
Tipping is expected. 18–20% is standard at restaurants.
Safety & Travel Advisories
The California Coast is generally safe for tourists. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft in crowded areas.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
911
911
911
911 for all emergencies
Payments
Cards preferred everywhere
Universally accepted
Common
Credit cards accepted everywhere. Apple Pay/Google Pay widely available.
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Trip Summary
How was this itinerary?
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) are generally considered the best times to visit, offering mild weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices. Summer is warm but can be foggy, and winter can be rainy.
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