10 Days California Road Trip 2025: The Ultimate Highway 1 Route Planner (Updated)

The Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) is not just a road; it is the ultimate American dream. Unlike the theme park focus in our Florida Road Trip Guide, California offers dramatic cliffs, misty forests, and Hollywood glamour. You need a strategic online trip planner to navigate the winding roads of Big Sur and the traffic of Los Angeles. This updated California route planner 2025 ensures you hit every iconic stop from San Francisco to LA without missing a sunset.

Before You Go: Driving Logistics

Driving in California is different from New York. Here are the rules:

• Direction Matters: Always drive North to South (SF to LA). This puts your car in the lane closest to the ocean, giving you unobstructed views and easier pull-outs.
• The Marine Layer: This is the famous fog ("Karl the Fog"). It usually burns off by noon, so plan your scenic drives for the afternoon.
• Gas Prices: Fill up in major cities. Gas stations in Big Sur charge a massive premium.

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Days 1-3: San Francisco (Fog & Freedom)

Start your trip in the tech and cultural capital of the West.

Day 1: The Golden Gate & Alcatraz

Rent a bike and cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito. Take the ferry back for amazing skyline views.

In the evening, take the night tour of Alcatraz Island. Seeing the former prison cell of Al Capone in the dark is spooky and unforgettable. Warning: Tickets sell out 90 days in advance.

Day 2: Pier 39 & Lombard Street

Visit Fisherman’s Wharf to see the sea lions barking at Pier 39. Then, walk up (or take a cable car) to Lombard Street, the "crookedest street in the world."

Day 3: Painted Ladies

Have a picnic at Alamo Square Park facing the Painted Ladies (the Victorian houses famous from the TV show "Full House").

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Days 4-6: Highway 1 & Big Sur (The Scenic Drive)

Pick up your rental car and hit the coast. This is the highlight of the trip.

Day 4: Monterey & 17-Mile Drive

Drive south to Monterey. Visit the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium. Then, pay the toll to drive the 17-Mile Drive at Pebble Beach to see the Lone Cypress tree.

Day 5: Big Sur (Cliffs & Bridges)

This is the most dramatic coastline in the world. Stop at Bixby Creek Bridge for the classic photo. Further south, stop at McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that drops directly onto a pristine beach.

Note: Cell service creates to exist here. Download offline maps on Google Maps beforehand.

Day 6: Santa Barbara

Stay overnight in Santa Barbara, the "American Riviera." It features Spanish colonial architecture, white stucco buildings, and a palm-lined waterfront.

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Days 7-10: Los Angeles (Stars & Studios)

End your trip in the entertainment capital of the world.

Day 7: Santa Monica & Venice Beach

Walk the Santa Monica Pier (end of Route 66). Rent an electric scooter and ride south to Venice Beach to watch the skaters and bodybuilders at Muscle Beach.

Day 8: Hollywood & Griffith Observatory

Skip the Walk of Fame (it is crowded and dirty). Instead, hike up to the Hollywood Sign or drive to Griffith Observatory at sunset for the "La La Land" view over the endless city grid.

Day 9: Universal Studios Hollywood

Visit the original movie studio theme park. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the Studio Tour (where they film real movies) are essential.

Day 10: Beverly Hills

Drive down Rodeo Drive to see the supercars and luxury boutiques before heading to LAX airport.

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California Food Guide: Fresh & Fast

1. In-N-Out Burger: You cannot leave CA without trying a "Double-Double, Animal Style." It is a cultural institution.
2. Mission Burrito: In San Francisco, get a massive burrito in the Mission District (try La Taqueria).
3. Sourdough Bread: Try the clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl at Boudin Bakery in SF.