How this 10-day California route works
This itinerary runs one way, from Los Angeles to San Francisco, with Highway 1 for the coast and a three-day detour inland to Yosemite for the canyon scenery. Driving days are kept to a few hours so there is time to stop. Drive times below are rough estimates for planning. Real times vary a lot with traffic, season and road conditions, so check a live map before each leg.
Because the trip is one way, you will probably pay a drop-off fee on a rental car. Compare that against a loop that returns to Los Angeles, which means more driving and less time at each stop.
When to go
Spring and fall are generally the most comfortable for combining coast and mountains. Summer brings crowds and higher prices, and coastal fog is common on the central and northern coast. Mountain roads and some park areas close or need chains in winter, and the high-elevation Tioga Road through Yosemite is seasonal, so check the National Park Service website for current conditions. Highway 1 through Big Sur has been closed at times by landslides, which is covered in our Big Sur planning guide.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Los Angeles
Pick up the car and keep the first day easy. Options include the Getty Center, a beach walk in Santa Monica, or a hike in Griffith Park. Traffic in Los Angeles can be heavy, so avoid long drives on the first afternoon.
Day 2: Los Angeles to Santa Barbara
The drive is often around 1.5 to 2 hours without traffic. Take the coastal route via Malibu if time allows, then spend the afternoon on State Street, the beach and the old mission area.
Day 3: Santa Barbara to Cambria or San Simeon
Continue north on Highway 101 and then Highway 1. Possible stops include the coast near Pismo Beach and Morro Bay. Plan for a few hours of driving plus stops. Cambria and San Simeon make convenient overnight bases, and elephant seals can often be seen near San Simeon.
Day 4: Big Sur
This is usually the scenic highlight. Typical stops are Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and Pfeiffer Beach. Fill the tank before the long stretch with few services, and download offline maps (see our apps for international travel) because cell coverage is patchy. Confirm that Highway 1 is open before you commit. If it is closed, the usual fallback is to bypass the closed section via inland roads, which adds time.
Day 5: Carmel and Monterey
Spend a relaxed day around Carmel-by-the-Sea, 17-Mile Drive (it charges an entry fee) and Monterey Bay, including the aquarium if you like those. This is a good day to rest from the road.
Day 6: Monterey to San Francisco
The drive is typically about two hours without traffic. Return the car here if you prefer to explore San Francisco on foot and by transit, or keep it if you are continuing to Yosemite tomorrow (parking in the city can be expensive).
Day 7: San Francisco to Yosemite
Allow roughly four to five hours of driving. Leaving early gets you into the valley with daylight left. Check whether the park requires reservations for your dates, since requirements have changed between seasons.
Day 8: Yosemite Valley
Popular choices are the Mist Trail to the waterfalls (conditions and water levels vary by season), Tunnel View, and the valley floor for El Capitan and the river. Lodging in or near the park books early, so reserve well ahead.
Day 9: Yosemite to the Bay Area
Spend the morning at a viewpoint or short walk and drive back in the afternoon. Build in a buffer for traffic near the Bay Area.
Day 10: San Francisco
Use the last day for the Golden Gate Bridge, the Presidio or a ferry ride, and return the car well before your flight.
Swaps and shortcuts
- Southern California variant: Replace the northern half with San Diego and Joshua Tree for desert scenery. Sequoia and Kings Canyon can be added, but it is a long drive from the desert, so expect to trim somewhere else.
- Short on time: Skip Yosemite and add a second night in Big Sur or Carmel.
- Less driving: Fly into one city and out of the other so you do not need to double back.
What to take on a 10-day road trip
- Layers for coastal fog and cold mornings, plus a sun hat
- Walking shoes or light hiking boots
- Phone mount, charging cable and offline maps
- Reusable water bottle, snacks and a small cooler
- A paper copy of your bookings and a basic emergency kit
- Rain jacket, depending on the season
- Valid driver’s licence, and an international permit if your licence is not in English (check the rental company’s rules, and see our tips for visiting the USA for licence and rental notes)
For tips on pacing and staying alert behind the wheel, see our long drive tips. Travelling as a pair? These road trip tips for couples cover sharing driving and keeping the peace.
Booking and budget tips
- Book lodging early for Big Sur, Yosemite and summer weekends. Prices vary widely by season.
- Budget for fuel, one-way rental fees, parking, park entry fees and tolls.
- Check road status for Highway 1 and mountain roads before you leave and again each morning. Caltrans publishes current road conditions.
FAQ
How many days do you need to drive the California coast?
Many travellers allow around five to seven days to drive Los Angeles to San Francisco comfortably. It can be done in far fewer, but you would see mostly the road. Our route uses days 2 to 6 for the coast.
What is the 3-3-3 rule for a road trip?
There is no single official definition. Versions shared online generally try to limit how much you drive each day so you have time for stops and sleep. This itinerary follows the same spirit, with most driving days kept to a few hours.
What is the most beautiful coastal drive in California?
Highway 1 through Big Sur is the one most often named, and it is a strong choice. Other scenic stretches include the Mendocino coast and the drive near Malibu. Beauty is subjective, but plan Big Sur for daylight and good weather.