California Dreaming: A Coastal Road Trip from San Francisco to San Diego

Start your adventure in the City by the Bay. Begin with breakfast at Pier 23 Café, known for its waterfront views and famous crab cakes featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Afterward, hop aboard the San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour—an absolute must for first-time visitors. The commentary and open-top views make it easy to explore top spots like Ghirardelli Square, Pier 39, and Aquatic Park while skipping the parking hassles.

In the afternoon, follow Highway 1 south through Pacifica and Montara toward Half Moon Bay. Cap the day with dinner at Sam’s Chowder House, where lobster rolls and ocean views reign supreme. End the night with a cocktail at Moss Beach Distillery, an atmospheric spot overlooking the waves.

Take a leisurely coastal drive past Pigeon Point Lighthouse, stopping for brunch at Santa Cruz Diner, another Triple D favorite known for its generous portions and comfort food classics. In Monterey, grab lunch at Monterey’s Fish House, beloved for fresh seafood and its cozy, family-run vibe.

Spend the afternoon exploring the Monterey Bay Aquarium and scenic 17-Mile Drive before settling into Carmel-by-the-Sea. Evening options like La Bicyclette or Casanova deliver a romantic, European-style ambiance—the perfect reward after a day of coastal beauty.

This leg is pure California magic. Stop for coffee and pastries at Big Sur Bakery, then take your time enjoying Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls, and Elephant Seal Vista Point near San Simeon.

Tour Hearst Castle for a taste of opulence before continuing to Cambria for Sea Chest Oyster Bar, a Triple D favorite for its incredible chowder and fresh oysters. Arrive in Pismo Beach in time for sunset at The Pier, and dine with ocean views at Ventana Grill, one of the coast’s most scenic restaurants.

Fuel up with gooey cinnamon rolls from Old West Cinnamon Rolls, then make your way south to Santa Barbara for tacos at La Super-Rica Taqueria, one of Guy Fieri’s all-time favorites. After optional wine tasting in the Funk Zone, continue down the coast to Malibu for sunset at El Matador Beach and dinner at Malibu Farm Pier Café.

Your evening destination is Redondo Beach, where the vibe shifts to classic SoCal charm. Dinner highlight: Captain Kiddies Restaurant—hands down the best surprise of the trip! The food was excellent, prices were amazingly reasonable, and the staff went above and beyond, helping us choose the perfect oysters after a disappointing selection at Sam’s Chowder House earlier in the week. Their hospitality and quality make this a must-visit spot for seafood lovers.

Grab a coffee from Blue Bottle in Santa Monica and, if time allows, take a scenic detour along Palos Verdes Drive for panoramic ocean views. Continue south toward San Diego and wrap up your road trip with a legendary burger at Hodad’s in Ocean Beach, a Triple D classic known for its laid-back surfer vibe. End your journey watching the sunset over the Pacific—the perfect close to a quintessential California adventure.