Growing up I pictured California as an oasis of palm trees, surfers, and celebrities. By the last day of my 4-day California coast road trip, I learned that it is so much more. Every mile I traveled up the Pacific Coast Highway, there was something new to discover, whether it was taking in the endless Pacific Ocean and dramatic cliffs of Big Sur, or exploring secluded beaches and quirky neighborhoods. Starting from Los Angeles and winding up to the historic streets of San Francisco, this four part guide will delve into must-see sights, hidden gems, and the best food and accommodation, along the way. I’m here to spill all the tea to ensure your California road trip has minimal bumps. Buckle up for the ultimate adventure along the California coastline!
Day 1 (LA to San Luis Obisbo)
My boyfriend and I were ready to hit the ground running at LAX, until we learned how much of a disaster the rental car center is.
Tip 1: Try to book an early inbound flight so you’re at the front of the line. Additionally, book services through a higher end company, like Hertz, or take advantage of loyalty or business programs that might speed up the process. Luckily we arrived around 9 am and had an hour-long wait at the Dollar kiosk. It did not matter that we prebooked. Others that came just 20 minutes later fed into an overflow that wrapped around the building. NOT the most promising start to a vacation!
I knew that we had a packed day ahead of us, so we opted not to explore LA (and potentially get stuck in traffic) and started onward to Santa Barbara. Getting my first taste of driving along the California coast was so sweet. The water was so incredibly blue, and the curving roads were a lovely precursor to what lay ahead.
Our first stop was Butterfly Beach, which is around 2 and half hours from LAX. Although the ocean was a bit chillier than I expected, this beach was so charming! Given it was a Friday morning, we shared the sand with a few handful of locals (and one seal!) enjoying the sunshine.
Montecito was lowkey, with a few quirks, including things like Pigville adjacent to the main stretch of boutiques and restaurants. I recommend popping into LOCAL ($) as a walkable option from the beach – The salad I ordered was so incredibly fresh and I couldn’t stop gushing about it. It felt like California had transported me to paradise.
While this area is lovely, there is a lot more to see! Travel a few more hours to the San Luis Creek Lodge ($$) for the cutest little boutique hotel you’ve ever seen. When I was researching the trip, I knew this modern, 25-room bed and breakfast was going to hit, but it more than exceeded our expectations. The staff were kind, the room spacious and immaculate with gorgeous finishes, and each day began with hand delivered coffee and pastries. I mean, the place just won a 2024 Michelin key award. It’s perfect for couples celebrating a special occasion or anyone who wants to experience affordable luxury.
Consider ending the night getting acquainted with downtown SLO, which has a wide variety of shops, bars, and restaurants. Parking is also free in the evening! We booked a table at Granada Bistro ($$), which was such a moody and romantic vibe with absolutely delicious wine and food. If you’re so inclined, the Granada Hotel is another accommodation option.
Hope you enjoyed the first day of my California Coast road trip guide! Check back soon for day 2 and let me know what road trip is on your bucket list!