It’s been a while since the California coast road trip! I’ve had this post sitting in my drafts for a few months, and I remembered about it when someone asked me yesterday if I had an itinerary for the road trip we went on. Traveling the coast of California was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done. Kyle and I have been talking about making the trip and visiting stops I missed. I’d also like to spend more time in Calistoga. We actually spent months doing research and creating the perfect itinerary! We wanted a little adventure, lots of views, healthy food, and cute hotels to stay in! I hope you enjoy this post, and I’d love to get some of your California recommendations in the comments! 
Our California Coast Road Trip Itinerary
Day One:
6:00 am wake up early and leave Lake Tahoe (Lake Tahoe travel guide)
7:00 am Breakfast at Driftwood Cafe
7:45 am Coffee for the road at Glazed & Confuzed
11:00 am arrive in Napa Valley/Calistoga California (Calistoga Guide)
12:00 pm Lunch at Evangeline
1:45 pm Bike Rental at Calistoga Bike Shope
2:00 pm wine tasting at Montelena
3:00 pm wine tasting & tour at Castello Di Amorosa
6:45 pm Dinner Sam’s Social Club
8:00 pm Drinks from lodge’s lobby by the pool & fireplace
Day Two:
6:00 am wake up early and drive to San Francisco (San Francisco Guide)
6:45 am Green smoothies @ Soul Rebel Coffee
8:00 am Golden Gate Bridge Photos @ Battery Spencer
8:45 am Coffee and GF/V danishes at Home Cafe
9:50 AM Pacifica State Beach
10:00 am Grey Whale Cove State Beach
12:00 pm to Half Moon Bay
1:45 pm to Davenport Pier(Abandoned pier with an old swing)
3:00 pm lunch at Old Port Lobster Shack
4:00 pm check into Chaminade Resort & Spa – Santa Cruz California
4:30 am Wine & pool
7:00 pm Dinner at Jack O’Neill Restaurant
Day Three:
7:00 am Pack up and head to Windmill Cafe for breakfast (our order)
8:00 am Mr. Toot’s Coffeehouse (day 3 guide)
8:45 am Drive to Monterey, CA
9:40 am Point Pinos Lighthouse
10:30 am Start the 17-Mile Drive
11:45 am Head to Carmel by the Sea (Carmel Beach Gibson Scenic Spot)
12:30 pm Explore Carmel by the Sea Village
1:45 pm Lunch at Pacific’s Edge
2:45 pm Bixby Creek Bridge
3:00 pm Pfeiffer Beach
3:30 pm Big Sur River Inn (gas & gelato)
4:45 pm Hearst Castle
7:00 pm Hotel at Pismo Beach
8:00 pm Take-Out Dinner @ SeaVenture Beach Restaurant
Day Four:
7:00 am Coffee and pastries @ Scorpion Bay Coffee (travel guide for day 4)
8:00 am Ostrichland Usa to feed Ostriches
9:45 AM drive to Malibu, CA
11:45 AM Malibu Farms for lunch
1:00 pm Malibu Wine Safari
4:00 PM Santa Monica Pier
5:00 PM Head to brothers
7:00 PM Dinner and wine picnic on Manhattan Beach
Day Five:
8:00 am Bluey’s Cafe and Market for Breakfast
9:00 AM Canyon Drive Trail Hike to Hollywood Sign (L.A. Travel Guide)
11:00 AM Lunch at Cafe Gratitude
12:00 pM Rise n Grind Coffee & Juice bar for coffee
12:00 pM Walk of Fame Hollywood
1:30 PM Rodeo Drive
7:00 PM Blue Plate Oysterette in Santa Monica for Dinner
9:00 PM Drinks @ Elephante
Day Six:
8:00 am for Breakfast at home
9:00 am jog to the beach for volleyball day
3:00 pm early dinner at True Food Kitchen
Day Seven:
8:00 am 4-Mile Run Manhattan Beach
9:00 am Coffee in Hermosa at Java Man Coffee House on the walk back
2:00 pm Late lunch at Sage Plant Bistro
3:30 pm Picked up healthy snacks for the red-eye flight home at Kreation.
6:00 PM Took the red-eye home!
Questions for you!
1 . What was the last road trip you took?
2. Have you ever traveled the coast of California?
3. Where do you want to visit next?
This is fab! We’re really hoping to do a west coast road trip in a year or so when we’re allowed to travel! Do you have separate blog posts for each of the “24 hours in…” sections? Would love to know what you thought of all the places you went!
Hi, Steph!
I do have a blog post for each place! 😊 I have them linked in the travel days. If you can’t find them, they’re also in my travel section!
Amazing! Thank you!
I tried eating kiwi skin for the first time today at your recommendation- it really is great!
Yes!!! its so good
From MN to TX. Literally the easiest drive when you take 35 all the way down 😂
No but it’s on my list! The pacific coast highway looks like a dream.
We are going to Destin, FL in December for our anniversary/post grad program trip! I’m so excited! Have you been? I can’t wait to plan that trip a bit more later this year. I’ve only ever been to FL/Disney once when I was 10!
Haha thats true!
Yes, I’ve been to Destin about eleven years ago!😆 but I remember LOVING it!!
I wish I could take a road trip in California – it’s one of my bucket list items! ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
You would love it!
Hey! I live in Monterey. You should check out the Aquarium. Open to public in May. Buy tickets online.
Being in college I have to travel on a budget, but how much would you recommend saving up for a trip like this?
*New to your blogs, but I’m loving it!*
I think California is a perfect place for a road trip. I was there a few years ago and plan to go there soon with my friends.