3-Day California Coast Road Trip • The Blonde Abroad

A visit to California wouldn’t be complete without a road trip on the Pacific Coast Highway. This iconic highway continues along most of the California coast and can be enjoyed at any pace… whether it’s over the course of 1 day or a 2-week road trip.

For the perfect “sampler platter” of sights and activities along this scenic drive, I recommend planning 3 days from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Here are my suggestions for an unforgettable California coast road trip!

Day 1: Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo

Santa Barbara

101 North from LA to Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a must-see when driving from Los Angeles north along the California coast. It has it all- from beautiful beaches to gorgeous gardens. Leave LA bright and early to get to Santa Barbara for breakfast.

Top Things to See and Do in Santa Barbara:

Don’t miss the Old Mission Santa Barbara, the 10th of the California Missions founded by the Spanish Franciscans and the only one to be continuously occupied and used since its founding in 1786.
Visit the tower of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse for panoramic views of the city.
For flower and garden lovers, a visit to Lotusland is a must! This 37-acre garden is home to more than 3,000 species of plants.
Take a stroll down Stearns Wharf for beautiful beach views

Solvang

101 North to 154 West from Santa Barbara to Solvang (Approx. 35 miles | 40 minutes)

Solvang “California’s Little Denmark” is a quaint little city founded by Danish settlers in the early 1900s. While Danish bakeries, shops and windmills are an amazing attraction, the town is best known for its wine and craft brew culture.

Top Things to See and Do in Solvang:

Rent a bike and cycle some of the many scenic bike paths
Visit one of more than a dozen wine tasting rooms
Try authentic Danish food at one of Solvang’s iconic eateries

San Luis Obispo Area

101 North from Solvang to San Luis Obispo area (Approx. 70 miles | 1 hour)

There are many beautiful areas located near San Luis Obispo to finish the first day of your road trip. Book a night at the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo for a one-of-a-kind hotel experience. Enjoy a romantic sunset at one of the wineries in Paso Robles. Or, head to Pismo Beach or Morro Bay for a beautiful beach-side stay.

What to Do Around San Luis Obispo:

Paso Robles: Wine lovers
Pismo Beach: Beach lovers (and the best clam chowder ever at Splash Cafe!)
Morro Bay: Outdoor adventure lovers
San Luis Obispo: History, art, outdoors and lovers of everything-in-between

Places to Stay Around San Luis Obispo:

Estero Inn (Morro Bay)
Inn at Avila Beach (Avila)
The Cliffs Hotel & Spa (Pismo Beach)
Farmhouse Motel (Paso Robles)
The Inn at Croad Vineyards (Paso Robles)

Helpful Tip

California has some of the BEST camping in the entire country. Choosing to pitch a tent along the Pacific Coast Highway at one of the many campsites could very well prove a more enjoyable experience than even a 5-star hotel. For the best California campground booking website, I use Hip Camp. They provide helpful info on campsites and you can book directly from their website.

Day 2: San Luis Obispo to Big Sur

Hearst Castle / San Simeon

CA-1 North from SLO to San Simeon (Approx. 42 miles | 45 minutes)

For one of the most popular tourist destinations in California, book a tour of Hearst Castle. Originally built as the private estate of W.R. Hearst, this state park features lavish furnishings & authentic art pieces. You might even spy some exotic creatures (such as Zebra) roaming the property.

Whether you choose to visit or skip Hearst Castle, be sure to pull off the road at the Piedras Blancas to see the elephant seals. You can see them all year long but the best time is from mid-March to mid-September when the seals come to molt. They’re hilarious looking creatures and it’s a pretty impressive showcase of one of nature’s oddities!

Big Sur

CA-1 North from San Simeon to Big Sur (Approx. 50 miles | 1 hour 20 minutes)

Big Sur is by far one of my all-time favorite places in the world. There are some killer ocean views along the highway and countless State Parks just waiting to be explored. For outdoors lovers, be sure to spend at least a full day at one of Big Sur’s California State Parks for amazing hiking and some serious natural beauty.

Top Things to See and Do in Big Sur:

Camp and hike at one of Big Sur’s California State Parks: Limekiln Beach State Park, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, and Andrew Molera State Park.
Visit Esalen Institute: Book a program in advance for the full experience or come for the hot springs during public hours
Grab a coffee and snack at Big Sur Bakery
Head to the Henry Miller Library for an evening concert of movie screening. Events Calendar here.

Where to Stay in Big Sur:

Stay at Ventana Big Sur for a one-of-a-kind glamping experience

Day 3: Big Sur to San Francisco

Monterey

CA-1 North from Big Sur to Monterey (Approx. 45 miles | 1 hour)

Monterey is best known for its beautiful coastline, its world-class aquarium and from the many John Steinbeck novels set there, including Cannery Row and Tortilla Flat. Spend the morning exploring the countless historic buildings or discovering life unda-da-sea at the famous aquarium.

Top Things to See and Do in Monterey:

Visit what is known as one of the best displays of sea life in the world, the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Don’t miss the Jellies Experience for a glowing jellyfish encounter or the Open Sea exhibit during feeding time.
Walk Monterey’s Path of History as a free self‐guided tour of Old Monterey, marked by easy‐to‐distinguish yellow tiles set in the sidewalk
Grab some seafood and enjoy the shops along Cannery Row
Explore the outdoors via kayak, bike or scuba

San Francisco

CA-1 North to 101 North from Monterey to San Francisco (Approx. 120 miles | 2 hours)

San Francisco is one of the most iconic cities in all of California. Eat your heart out at some of SF’s unique restaurants and explore the city’s history, art, and eclectic counter-culture.

Top Things to See and Do in San Francisco:

For a complete guide to food, activities, and accommodation, check out my Ultimate Guide to San Francisco in a Weekend!
Head to China Town for delicious food and great shopping
Visit Seaport Village and Pier 39 for waterfront entertainment, dining, and shopping
Take a day trip to Marin Headlands and the Point Bonita Lighthouse
Head over the Golden Gate Bridge and camp at Steep Ravine Cabins near Stinson Beach. Book well in advance to secure a cabin for your stay- they sell out fast!

The Coolest Airbnbs in San Francisco

There are tons of places to stay in San Francisco, as well as Airbnbs. Be sure to make reservations as far in advance as possible! San Francisco is not cheap, and prices will continue to rise closer to your arrival date.

Painted Ladies San Fran — *Painted Ladies in San Francisco*

Day 4: San Fran to LA (Return)

I-5 South from San Francisco to Los Angeles (Approx. 400 miles | 6 hours)

If you rent a car, you might consider flying to your next destination from San Francisco. While not nearly as beautiful as the California coastal drive up CA-1, if you need to return to LA by car, cut down your drive time by taking the I-5 south. There are much fewer “scenic” stop-offs but the countryside is vast and beautiful!

Be sure to grab some In-N-Out Burgers! 😉

Some links in this post are affiliate links—at no extra cost to you, I earn a small commission if you purchase products through these links. Additionally, as an Airbnb Associate, I earn when you book through these links.

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This carousel is a pretty accurate reflection of motherhood for me. My life’s most beautiful moments intertwined with the hardest ones.

As many of you know, shortly after Oliver turned two, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Pediatric oncology diagnosed him with an “inoperable” optic pathway glioma, and the only treatment option presented was 15 months of weekly chemotherapy.

Had that been the path forward, he would have only finished treatment in March of this year.

Instead, I shared his story here. Families who had walked this road before reached out — ultimately connecting me with the neurosurgeon who changed the course of Oliver’s life.

After a 12-hour craniotomy and now over a year of clear scans, there is hope that he is fully cured.

While motherhood has been the most beautiful chapter of my life, it has also been the most humbling.

His diagnosis changed the way I look at time.
At motherhood.
At what actually matters.

Spending this year abroad with Oliver is, in many ways, my way of saying yes now instead of someday.

This Mother’s Day, I’ve felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

Grateful for the strength I found in the hardest season of my life.

Grateful that even through fear and uncertainty, I never stopped choosing joy and adventure for him.

And most of all, grateful that after everything we’ve been through, I still get to hold his hand through all of it.

Happy Mother’s Day to every woman carrying both the beauty and the heaviness of loving someone so deeply.

And to those missing their mothers, their children, or the version of life they thought they’d have today… I’m sending so much love to you too. 🤍

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Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18584247925015178

This carousel is a pretty accurate reflection of motherhood for me. My life’s most beautiful moments intertwined with the hardest ones.

As many of you know, shortly after Oliver turned two, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Pediatric oncology diagnosed him with an “inoperable” optic pathway glioma, and the only treatment option presented was 15 months of weekly chemotherapy.

Had that been the path forward, he would have only finished treatment in March of this year.

Instead, I shared his story here. Families who had walked this road before reached out — ultimately connecting me with the neurosurgeon who changed the course of Oliver’s life.

After a 12-hour craniotomy and now over a year of clear scans, there is hope that he is fully cured.

While motherhood has been the most beautiful chapter of my life, it has also been the most humbling.

His diagnosis changed the way I look at time.
At motherhood.
At what actually matters.

Spending this year abroad with Oliver is, in many ways, my way of saying yes now instead of someday.

This Mother’s Day, I’ve felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

Grateful for the strength I found in the hardest season of my life.

Grateful that even through fear and uncertainty, I never stopped choosing joy and adventure for him.

And most of all, grateful that after everything we’ve been through, I still get to hold his hand through all of it.

Happy Mother’s Day to every woman carrying both the beauty and the heaviness of loving someone so deeply.

And to those missing their mothers, their children, or the version of life they thought they’d have today… I’m sending so much love to you too. 🤍

Kenya looks like this too 🏝️🇰🇪
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
We spent a week in Diani Beach (just an hour flight from Nairobi) staying at @almahali.villas, and it ended up being one of those trips I’ll always remember. This was a mommy + me getaway, and I genuinely didn’t expect it to be this kid-friendly—so easy, so relaxed, and just fun.

We had a private villa with a chef (game changer), got around by tuk tuk, and spent our days between the beach and some of the cutest beachfront restaurants—some even have playgrounds and kids programs on weekends (@galu_ecolodge_madafoos was a favorite).

The little moments made it: fresh coconuts from beach vendors, a dhow boat ride that led us to dolphins, Maasai warriors hand-beading the boys’ friendship bracelets, the warmest ocean I’ve ever felt, and the craziest vervet monkeys you’ll ever meet.

And the best part—getting to experience it all with my friend @tailsofamermaid, who lives in Nairobi and knows all of the best parts of Diani. She showed us all her favorite spots, and it made the trip feel so local and special!
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#dianibeachkenya #diani #dianibeach #kenya #familytravel

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Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18029767580663424

Kenya looks like this too 🏝️🇰🇪
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
We spent a week in Diani Beach (just an hour flight from Nairobi) staying at @almahali.villas, and it ended up being one of those trips I’ll always remember. This was a mommy + me getaway, and I genuinely didn’t expect it to be this kid-friendly—so easy, so relaxed, and just fun.

We had a private villa with a chef (game changer), got around by tuk tuk, and spent our days between the beach and some of the cutest beachfront restaurants—some even have playgrounds and kids programs on weekends (@galu_ecolodge_madafoos was a favorite).

The little moments made it: fresh coconuts from beach vendors, a dhow boat ride that led us to dolphins, Maasai warriors hand-beading the boys’ friendship bracelets, the warmest ocean I’ve ever felt, and the craziest vervet monkeys you’ll ever meet.

And the best part—getting to experience it all with my friend @tailsofamermaid, who lives in Nairobi and knows all of the best parts of Diani. She showed us all her favorite spots, and it made the trip feel so local and special!
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#dianibeachkenya #diani #dianibeach #kenya #familytravel

Packing smarter > Packing more ✈️

This garment duffel has been such a game changer for short trips—keeps clothes wrinkle-free, has a separate space for shoes, and still fits all the essentials.

I’ve been pairing it with the packing cubes and checked luggage from @OneQuince, and everything just works together—luxury quality, without the luxury price tag.

Comment SHOP below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/6amYb

@onequince @shop.ltk #liketkit #QuincePartner
#travelessentials #packingtips #luggage

Song: I’m That Girl by Phury _ from. Melody the Superstar

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Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18588507736001531

Packing smarter > Packing more ✈️

This garment duffel has been such a game changer for short trips—keeps clothes wrinkle-free, has a separate space for shoes, and still fits all the essentials.

I’ve been pairing it with the packing cubes and checked luggage from @OneQuince, and everything just works together—luxury quality, without the luxury price tag.

Comment SHOP below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/6amYb

@onequince @shop.ltk #liketkit #QuincePartner
#travelessentials #packingtips #luggage

Song: I’m That Girl by Phury _ from. Melody the Superstar

Posting a February recap… in *almost* May should tell you everything you need to know about this season of life.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Between another bout of illness (life with young kids!) we filled our days with so much fun!

Celebrating my mom’s birthday in the Cape Winelands 🤍
Morning visits with the penguins
A trip to Nairobi to see close friends @tailsofamermaid

Feeding giraffes at the Giraffe Centre
Safari days
A visit to Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Then slowing down in Diani Beach —
villa life, beach days, and dolphin spotting on a dhow cruise.

Filling our days with adventure…
and holding onto how good this all feels. ✨
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#capetown #nairobi #kenya #dianibeach

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Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18005693585857886

Posting a February recap… in *almost* May should tell you everything you need to know about this season of life.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Between another bout of illness (life with young kids!) we filled our days with so much fun!

Celebrating my mom’s birthday in the Cape Winelands 🤍
Morning visits with the penguins
A trip to Nairobi to see close friends @tailsofamermaid

Feeding giraffes at the Giraffe Centre
Safari days
A visit to Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Then slowing down in Diani Beach —
villa life, beach days, and dolphin spotting on a dhow cruise.

Filling our days with adventure…
and holding onto how good this all feels. ✨
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#capetown #nairobi #kenya #dianibeach

Meeting rescued baby elephants at @sheldricktrust has been on my bucket list for years… and it exceeded every expectation! 🐘
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
We booked a private visit, which is $1,500 for a group of up to 10 people (2026 pricing), and fully donation-based — directly supporting the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned elephants.

There are only two private slots per day, so this is something you need to book well in advance.

It’s absolutely a splurge, but for such an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime experience (and knowing it supports conservation) felt incredibly worth it!

If that’s not in budget, they also offer daily public visiting hours (around $20 per person), which are still really special.

NOTE: You’ll also need to pay the Nairobi National Park entrance fee for any visit.

It pairs perfectly with a safari drive in the park, since you’re already there. It’s such an easy and meaningful add-on to any Nairobi itinerary.

This is one of the most special (and ethical) wildlife experiences you can have in Kenya 🤍
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#kenyatravel #nairobikenya #africasafari #ethicaltravel #bucketlisttravel

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Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18075675671194480

Meeting rescued baby elephants at @sheldricktrust has been on my bucket list for years… and it exceeded every expectation! 🐘
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
We booked a private visit, which is $1,500 for a group of up to 10 people (2026 pricing), and fully donation-based — directly supporting the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned elephants.

There are only two private slots per day, so this is something you need to book well in advance.

It’s absolutely a splurge, but for such an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime experience (and knowing it supports conservation) felt incredibly worth it!

If that’s not in budget, they also offer daily public visiting hours (around $20 per person), which are still really special.

NOTE: You’ll also need to pay the Nairobi National Park entrance fee for any visit.

It pairs perfectly with a safari drive in the park, since you’re already there. It’s such an easy and meaningful add-on to any Nairobi itinerary.

This is one of the most special (and ethical) wildlife experiences you can have in Kenya 🤍
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#kenyatravel #nairobikenya #africasafari #ethicaltravel #bucketlisttravel

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N2net

planning a trip august for 3 nights, leaving La Friday lafe afternoon and back to LA Monday evening. where would you suggest to stay each night if I want to visit Hearst castle and stay Sunday in San Francisco to celebrate my partner’s birthday there. Any help would be greatly appreciated.Thanks

June 28, 2016 at 3:44 am · Reply

Kiersten Rich

Hey there! I would suggest staying Friday night in SLO and then Saturday night in Monterey or Carmel to get to SF by Sunday- it’ll allow you to still take your time and enjoy the coastline 🙂

June 28, 2016 at 11:06 am · Reply

TheSurvival@Life

thanks for sharing, I’m planning this one for this coming in August , is it a good month to do it?

July 3, 2016 at 8:29 pm · Reply

Kiersten Rich

The weather will be beautiful in August! There will still be some summer crowds so make sure to give yourself enough time to enjoy the views 🙂

July 5, 2016 at 11:39 am · Reply

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