This post was originally published on A Globe Well Travelled in 2016. The content has been revised and updated with fresh information.
Of all the road trips I’ve done, it’s slightly ironic that one of my favourites involved days of fairly awful weather.
In 2016, my husband and I drove from San Francisco to Los Angeles via Big Sur in the middle of an unusually wet March. We had rain, fog and plenty of moody grey skies — but somehow, that only made the dramatic coastline feel even more memorable.
The Californian coast is packed with beaches, sea cliffs and rock formations, but Big Sur is easily one of the most scenic sections. Highway 1 winds past famous landmarks like Bixby Bridge and McWay Falls, with plenty of viewpoints and cute coastal towns to break up the drive.
If you’re planning a similar trip, this relaxed 3-day itinerary covers our route and the scenic stops I’d recommend between San Francisco and LA.
Quick summary:
Planning a scenic drive along California’s coast? This relaxed 3-day Big Sur road trip itinerary takes you from San Francisco to Los Angeles, with stops in Monterey and Santa Barbara. Expect foggy sea cliffs, iconic landmarks like Bixby Bridge and McWay Falls, and cute coastal towns.
Recommended hotels:
🌉 San Francisco: Days Inn Lombard — One of the few city-center motels with parking.
🛏️ Monterey: Best Western Park Crest Inn — A reliable, comfortable stay in Monterey with free parking.
🏖️ Santa Barbara: Castillo Inn at the Beach — Comfy and well-located, just a short stroll from Stearns Wharf.
🎬 Los Angeles: Hollywood Hotel — Stylish, great-value hotel between Hollywood and Downtown.
Big Sur road trip itinerary
While you could technically drive through Big Sur in a day, it’s much more enjoyable if you take it slowly! This relaxed three-day itinerary includes overnight stops in Monterey and Santa Barbara, giving you plenty of time to stop at viewpoints, beaches and other scenic spots on the drive.
Important: Highway 1 through Big Sur is currently open, but road conditions can change due to landslides, wildfires and construction. Before starting your road trip, check the latest Caltrans road conditions to make sure the entire route is accessible.
If you need to hire a car, you can pick one up from the airport or city at either end and book a one-way rental. We collected our car from San Francisco Airport and dropped it off at LAX, which meant we didn’t have to backtrack at the end of the trip.
When is the best time to drive Big Sur?
We visited in March, which is generally a quieter time to drive Big Sur. Unfortunately for us, El Niño was causing it to be even wetter than usual, so we experienced plenty of rain and fog throughout our trip!
For better weather, late spring through early autumn is a popular time to visit, though you’ll also have more traffic and competition for parking at the major viewpoints. If you’re travelling outside the warmer months, keep an eye on the forecast and check Highway 1 road conditions before setting off.
Don’t want to drive Big Sur?
🚌 If you’d prefer to see Big Sur without hiring a car, you can also take a Big Sur, Monterey and Carmel day tour from San Francisco.
The full-day tour travels down the California coast with stops around Monterey, the 17-Mile Drive and Carmel before continuing to Big Sur for views of Bixby Bridge and Hurricane Point. It’s a good alternative if you’re staying in San Francisco and want to see some of the coastal highlights without organising a rental car or overnight stays.
Big Sur road trip itinerary
Day 1: San Francisco to Monterey
Be sure to spend some time in San Francisco before you hit the road! Once you’re ready to start your coastal adventure, head to Lands End and follow the scenic route south.
👉 Read more: 12 essential activities for a weekend in San Francisco
Your first major stop is Santa Cruz — a classic Californian beach town where you can grab a gelato and take a relaxed stroll along the pier and boardwalk to soak up the seaside vibes.
From there, continue to Moss Landing. Take the Jetty Road turnoff and drive all the way to the end to the viewing point — this is where we spotted wild seals chilling on the beach, and it was easily one of the best wildlife encounters of our trip.
For the evening, make your way to Monterey and take a walk around Old Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row. If you arrive early enough, you could also visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, though I’d allow at least a few hours if you want to see it properly.
🛏️ Where to stay: For a well-located and reliable place to stay, I’d recommend Best Western Park Crest Inn — it’s close to downtown with free parking and good value for a night on the coast.
Day 2: Monterey to Santa Barbara
Day 2 is the busiest day of this road trip, so I’d recommend getting an early start from Monterey. There’s a lot to see between here and Santa Barbara, and you’ll want plenty of time for scenic stops along the Big Sur coastline.
Before leaving the Monterey area, make a stop at Point Lobos. This state reserve has some stunning hiking trails and dramatic coastal views. Unfortunately for us, the weather was foul so we didn’t get to do or see much here, but I imagine that this spot is totally worth the short detour on a nice day.
Continue south to Rocky Creek Vista Point, a roadside viewpoint with gorgeous views along the rugged coastline. We stopped here for photos in the rain, and even with the gloomy weather, the scenery was impressive.
One of the next big highlights is Bixby Bridge, one of the most photographed landmarks on Big Sur. Again, the rain was an issue for us here, so we just quickly pulled over for a few quick photos before moving on.
As you continue south along Highway 1, take the turnoff for Pfeiffer Beach via Sycamore Canyon Road. The weather was so bad when we passed by that we gave this one a miss, but this spot is meant to be absolutely gorgeous — and if there’s been stormy weather, you might even see the purple-tinged sand that the beach is known for. Just note an entrance fee has been introduced for visitors wanting to access this area.
A little further south, stop at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park to see McWay Falls, a magical little waterfall that drops onto a sandy beach below.
After soaking up all those natural wonders, continue towards Hearst Castle if you’re up for a historic detour. If you want to go inside, you’ll need to allow extra time for a guided tour, so I’d recommend booking ahead and potentially skipping one of the earlier stops rather than trying to squeeze everything in.
Before reaching Santa Barbara, stop for a coffee in Morro Bay — a relaxed little coastal town with a massive rock formation just offshore.
🏖️ Where to stay: We stopped overnight at Castillo Inn at the Beach in Santa Barbara. It was comfy and well-located, just a short walk from Stearns Wharf.
Day 3: Santa Barbara to Los Angeles
Start the day with a walk along Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara. Afterward, head to State Street to explore downtown — there are plenty of spots to grab breakfast or do a little shopping before hitting the road again.
On your final leg towards Los Angeles, follow the coast through Malibu. This stretch of the drive has some gorgeous ocean views, so take your time and stop at one of the beaches or viewpoints if the weather is nice. We stopped in Malibu for lunch at a cafe that is unfortunately closed now, but you’ll find no shortage of eateries here if you’re feeling peckish.
From Malibu, continue along the Pacific Coast Highway towards Los Angeles, which marks the end of this 3-day California coast road trip. I’d recommend spending at least a day or two here before returning your rental car, especially if it’s your first time visiting the city.
There’s obviously a huge amount to see in LA, but if you’re short on time, my Los Angeles stopover guide covers some of the highlights. I’ve also put together a self-guided walking tour of Downtown Los Angeles if you want to explore DTLA on foot.
🎬 Where to stay: We stayed in the Hollywood Hotel, which allowed us to explore all the best areas in Los Angeles. It was a great stay, and I’d definitely go back here for my next trip to LA!
Big Sur road trip FAQ
Is 3 days enough for a Big Sur road trip?
Yes, three days gives you enough time to drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles via Big Sur without rushing the entire journey. Day 2 is fairly packed, though, so allow more time if you want to do longer hikes or visit Hearst Castle.
Is Highway 1 through Big Sur open?
Highway 1 through Big Sur is currently open (as of 2026), but closures can happen due to landslides, wildfires or roadworks. Always check the latest Caltrans road conditions shortly before your trip.
Which direction is best for driving Big Sur?
I’d recommend driving from San Francisco towards Los Angeles, as this puts you on the ocean side of Highway 1 through Big Sur. It also makes pulling into many of the coastal viewpoints more convenient.
Where should you stay on a 3-day Big Sur road trip?
For this itinerary, I’d stay overnight in Monterey after the first day and Santa Barbara after the second. This breaks the journey into manageable sections while giving you plenty of time for stops.
Do you need a car to visit Big Sur?
For this itinerary, yes. Having your own rental car gives you the flexibility to stop at viewpoints, beaches and state parks throughout Big Sur. A one-way rental is particularly convenient as you can pick up in San Francisco and drop off in Los Angeles.
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