Driving Coast from SF to LA

Question

The last 2-3 days of our CA trip we'll be traveling from San Francisco to LA. We'd like to travel along the coast (Hwy 1) as much as possible (I'm aware that a section of it is/was closed - haven't looked up the current status). We'll leave SF on a Tuesday morning and do not have to be back at LAX for our flight home until Thursday at noon. Could someone please offer some ideas for an itinerary for these days? I do not have any accommodations planned as of yet for Tuesday or Wednesday nights.

We love just driving/looking and if there are any walks/hikes along the way we'd enjoy that also. We are a family of 4 - mom/dad/son-12 years/daughter-9years.

Thank you!

Answer

Driving the California coast from San Francisco to Los Angeles over two days is a classic and scenic experience, especially for a family. Since you’re traveling with a 12-year-old and a 9-year-old, planning stops that include easy walks, viewpoints, and short hikes will keep everyone engaged without being too strenuous.

Day 1: San Francisco to Big Sur

Leave San Francisco in the morning and take Highway 1 south. The first stretch through Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz offers coastal views, beaches, and small town charm.

Stop at Half Moon Bay: Coastal bluff walk and tide pools if the kids enjoy exploring.
Santa Cruz: Optional boardwalk visit or a quick snack break.
Monterey: Stop for lunch, explore Cannery Row, or visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium if time allows.
17-Mile Drive/Pacific Grove: Iconic scenic drive, easy viewpoints for photos.

Continue south to Big Sur in the afternoon. Key highlights include:

Bixby Creek Bridge: Short pull-over stop for photos.
McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park: A short, easy trail (0.6 miles) down to view the waterfall and beach.
Pfeiffer Beach: Famous purple sand beach, a short walk from parking to the shore.

Overnight suggestion: Stay in Big Sur or nearby towns like Carmel or Monterey if Big Sur lodging is full. This will allow you to experience the coast without rushing.

Day 2: Big Sur to Los Angeles

Start early to make the most of coastal driving and stops along Highway 1. You can consider these highlights:

Ragged Point: Scenic pull-off with viewpoints and short walking trails.
San Simeon: Stop to see elephant seals at Piedras Blancas (especially fun for kids).
Hearst Castle: If your family enjoys historic sites, a quick tour can be done (~1.5–2 hours).
Morro Bay: Optional lunch or snack stop; enjoy the iconic Morro Rock.
Pismo Beach/Santa Barbara: Scenic coastal stops, short beach walks, or stretch legs.

Continue south along Highway 101 toward Los Angeles in the late afternoon. Traffic near L.A. can be heavy, so plan to arrive in LA in the evening. Overnight suggestion: Stay somewhere near Santa Monica, Malibu, or West LA to have a reasonable distance to LAX for your flight the next day.

Tips for the Coastal Drive:

Check for current Highway 1 closures near Big Sur. Caltrans provides up-to-date road status information.
Pack water, snacks, and sunscreen; cell coverage can be spotty in Big Sur.
Allow plenty of time for photo stops and short hikes; the coast is best enjoyed without rushing.
Book accommodations in advance, especially in Big Sur or Carmel, as July can be busy.

This itinerary balances driving and sightseeing, allows your kids to enjoy short hikes and beach stops, and keeps the coastal views central to the experience. It also gives you enough time to comfortably reach Los Angeles for your departure.

Driving Coast from SF to LA

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