The ultimate 2-week Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary

Last updated on November 10, 2025

California’s Pacific Coast Highway is the stuff of dreams. It’s one of the world’s most iconic road trips, and one of my all-time favourites. I could never tire of the views and sensations as you wind your way along the coast, driving the PCH, taking in those epic views, and discovering everything from cute towns to wine regions and international cities along the way.

We’ve done the California coast drive several times, so in this post, I’m sharing all my tips for creating a perfect two-week Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary. It goes from San Francisco down to San Diego, but could easily be done the other way round. And you could also extend it up to Mendocino to cover the whole route.

Also see our complete California road trip guide, which covers the whole state and is an extension of the PCH route, going inland to destinations including Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, Death Valley, Yosemite, Tahoe, Sacramento, Sonoma and Mendocino. Or our San Francisco to Seattle road trip, which continues this route up the coast to Oregon and Washington.

Our California travel guides

We also have a huge California road trip itinerary post that covers the whole state, going inland as well as along Highway 1. And that’s also where you’ll find all our general California road trip tips, such as budget, planning and packing advice. And we have plenty more posts on individual California destinations.

California destination guides: Laguna Beach | San Clemente | San Diego  | Santa Barbara  | Santa Cruz|Shasta Cascade and Redding | Sonoma |Tuolumne County | Yolo County

California family travel guides: Los Angeles with kids | Sacramento with kids| San Diego with kids | San Francisco with kids

California attraction guides: Disneyland with toddlers and preschoolers | Universal Studios with toddlers

California accommodation guides: Joshua Tree Airbnb | Laguna Beach Airbnb | Los Angeles family hotels |Hip Palm Springs Hotels | Palm Springs Airbnb | Palm Springs VRBO | San Diego Airbnb | Santa Cruz Airbnb | Santa Barbara Airbnb Sonoma Airbnb  | Hip San Francisco Hotels

How to use this Pacific Coast Highway road trip guide

We’ve created a suggested two-week Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary from San Francisco to San Diego, plus a three-week option for if you have a bit more time. You could do the same route in a much shorter amount of time by skipping some stops or switching to the quicker Highway 5 for some sections of the route.

The route from LA to San Francisco along Highway 5 can be done in just under six hours, but of course, that takes the fun out of it. You could, however, use it to loop back to your original destination, for example, if you need to for your return flight.

Whatever you do, I would definitely try to make time for the drive along the Big Sur coastline – it’s definitely one of the California driving highlights of a Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary. 

And if you want to explore more of California beyond the PCH, we have a full California road trip itinerary planner that includes destinations inland such as Palm Springs, Yosemite, Sacramento, Yolo, Sonoma and Mount Shasta. I’ve put it all into an epic 7-week trip, but like this one, you can pick and choose to find a route that suits you.

Can I drive Big Sur right now?

The Big Sur coastline has long been struck with partial closures due to landslides. Currently, you an drive most of the coastal route, but you have to do it in two chunks because one area, around “Regent’s Slide”, remains closed. It’s due to re-open in March 2026. Check the latest status before you go on Big Sur Chamber’s official page.

For now, you can detour inland via Highway 101 between Ragged Point and Carmel/Monterey to reconnect your route. It adds around 1.5-2 hours to your journey.

You could also just choose to do one of the sections: Carmel down to Bixby Bridge and Nepenthe, or Cambria or San Simeon up to Ragged Point.

California coast road trip itinerary at a glance (1 week)

• Days 1–2 (2 nights): San Francisco
• Days 3–4 (1 night): Monterey County (via Santa Cruz)
• Days 4–5 (1 night): Big Sur
• Days 5–6 (1 night): Santa Barbara
• Days 6–7 (2 nights): Malibu/Los Angeles

California coast road trip itinerary at a glance (2 weeks)

• Days 1-3 (2 nights): San Francisco
• Days 3-4 (1 night): Santa Cruz
• Days 4-5 (1 night): Monterey County
• Days 5-6 (1 night):  Big Sur
• Days 6-7 (1 night):  Paso Robles
• Days 7-9 (2 nights): Santa Barbara
• Days 9-10 (1 night): Malibu/Topanga
• Days 10-12 (2 nights):  Los Angeles (Venice Beach and Santa Monica)
• Days 12-13 (1 night): Laguna Beach
• Days 13-15 (2 nights): San Diego

California coast road trip itinerary at a glance (3 weeks)

• Days 1-4 (3 nights): San Francisco
• Days 4-6 (2 nights): Santa Cruz
• Days 6-8 (2 nights): Monterey County
• Days 8-9 (1 night):  Big Sur
• Days 9-11 (2 nights):  Paso Robles
• Days 11-13 (2 nights): Santa Barbara
• Days 13-14 (1 night): Malibu/Topanga
• Days 14-17 (3 nights):  Los Angeles (Venice Beach and Santa Monica)
• Days 17-19 (2 nights): Laguna Beach
• Days 19-21 (2 nights): San Diego

Pacific Coast Highway road trip map

Our PCH road trip itinerary stops

San Francisco

Days 1-4

San Francisco is one of my favourite cities on earth – it’s a place where you can’t help but feel inspired, stoking the vibes of its counter-cultural history and forward-thinking nerve. It’s built on 43 hills, so you’re never far from a view (or a workout!), and looking out across the painted-ladies-style houses and out across the bay is a sight that never grows old.

It’s a place to sink your teeth into, exploring the different neighbourhoods and getting a sense of what makes the city so special. I’d say three nights as a minimum, but you could easily stay for weeks. 

See our guide to the best things to do in San Francisco with kids.

My favourite neighbourhood to explore is the Mission, which has Latino roots, hipster vibes and a plethora of amazing street art (don’t miss the Women’s Building and Balmy Alley). The main thoroughfare, Valencia Street, is lined with independent shops, cafes and restaurants, and Dolores Park was our favourite place to hang out in the city – the views from there are A plus.

Other areas we enjoyed include Castro, Hayes Valley and Noe Valley, which all have a strong, independent ethos, charming Victorian architecture and a proliferation of good coffee.

Castro is particularly fun with all its colourful rainbows that celebrate its fame as one of the world’s most gay neighbourhoods.

Go to see the classic view from Alamo Park with the city skyline framed behind a row of painted ladies. It’s the perfect place to end the day.

Downtown is somewhat grittier, but worth a visit if only to see the famous cable cars, the zig-zag Lombard Street, and to visit the Ferry Building Marketplace, which is filled with great food.

And I also enjoyed North Beach, known as Little Italy, which in places feels like it’s been frozen in time back to the days of Kerouac, and is home to the City Lights bookstore.

Finally, don’t miss Golden Gate Park, the city’s impressive green space that’s filled with museums and gardens, including an expansive botanical garden that includes a redwood grove.

And if you have time, head north over the Golden Gate to Muir Woods for a day trip in the forest and the cute town of Mill Valley. Even better, stay overnight or explore further afield and head to Sonoma, one of our favourite spots in California.

Accommodation in San Francisco

Our favourite way to stay in San Francisco is by doing a home exchange – we’ve done two amazing ones in Noe Valley and the Duboce Triangle (read our complete guide to Home Exchange). But you could use Airbnb if you’re looking for a similar experience, living in a local style. Other places we recommend include these hip, boutique hotels in San Francisco and the hotels below.

San Remo Hotel

The San Remo Hotel is the definition of a hidden gem – a budget option in downtown San Francisco that brims with old-world charm. First opened in 1906, it feels like stepping back in time. The rooms have Victorian heirloom furnishings, the bathrooms are shared but spotless, and the attention to detail and customer service is delightful.

I was particularly impressed by all the thoughtful touches, like unlimited hot drinks, and helpful bathroom amenities, including mouthwash on tap and lots of fluffy towels. Prices start at $152 per night. Book your stay now.

Staypineapple San Francisco

Staypineapple San Francisco is part of the fun Stay Pineapple chain, which has an emphasis on providing stylish and reasonably priced accommodation in coveted locations. It’s all bold and bright and includes nice touches like free cupcakes at 3pm, and what they call the Naked Experience, which includes lush bathrobes and bed linens so you need never leave your room.

But the location means that of course you do want to get out and explore, which is where the free bike hire comes in handy. Plus it’s proudly dog-friendly if you have a furry friend in tow. Rooms start from $160. Book your stay now.

Where to eat and drink in San Francisco

San Francisco is a true treat for foodies. Favourites for lunch/dinner include:

• Boogaloos for brunch in an old pharmacy building in the Mission
• Roam Artisan Burgers for the best veg burgers in town (we liked them so much, we went back twice)
• Farmhouse Kitchen for seriously good Thai
• El Porteno for empanadas in the Ferry Building
• Gotts Roadside for elevated, modern diner food
• and Cha-Ya for vegan Japanese on Valencia Street.

San Francisco takes its coffee seriously, and these were some of the best cafes we tried:

• Sight Glass
• Four Barrel
• The Mill
• Blue Bottle
• and don’t miss Caffe Trieste in Little Italy for an experience of old San Francisco.

Finally, for sweet treats, I highly recommend:

• Craftsman and Wolves, a modern patisserie that had my favourite cakes in all of San Francisco
• Tartine Bakery (you have to try the morning bun)
• Humphry Slocombe ice cream (the secret breakfast flavour is incredible)
• Dandelion Chocolate for artisan chocolate products and rich hot chocolate
• and Loving Cup for frozen yoghurt.

Getting to and around San Francisco

San Francisco is the one city we visited where you don’t really need a car. The public transport is excellent and we only used our car to get in and out of the city. In fact, you would do well to pick up your hire car at the end of your stay in San Francisco, as that way you could avoid the parking charges and complicated parking rules. 

The SFMTA website is useful as you can track the live progress of the bus/train/cable car you’re waiting for, and the Muni app is handy as it’s an easy way to buy tickets for your journey.

If you are parking in the city, be warned that you tend to be limited to a two-hour stay on residential streets, and also watch out for when street cleaning is happening, as you mustn’t park during those hours (all this info is on the parking signs). We also found a really handy app called Best Parking, which tells you about free/cheap places to park in the city. 

Santa Cruz

Days 4-6

Santa Cruz is famed for its surf and hippy culture, as well as the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It has oodles of surf, beaches, redwood-covered mountains and a laid-back youthful vibe.

While there, our highlights were:

• driving along the coastal West Cliff Drive and stopping at the scenic Natural Bridges State Reserve
• watching the surfers catch some waves (the area near the tiny surfing museum is a good surf spot, plus Pleasure Point, which is further along the coast)
• walking the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (the rides were closed when we were there, but it was still fun to see)
• exploring the town and visiting the farmers’ market
• having a wander around the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (there are a few different trails and it’s an ideal place for a picnic)
• and riding the old steam train at the neighbouring Roaring Camp Railroads (one of the best things to do in California with kids)

The latter was a fantastic experience, seeing the redwoods from an old steam train that was historically used for logging – it’s a great thing to do with kids, although Steve and I both loved it too. 

We also visited Capitola Village, which is best known for its colourful villas that line the waterfront – it’s classic Instagram fodder, plus a charming place to wander.

If time had allowed, we’d also have liked to see the university campus, as it’s said to be stunning (the library is in a redwood forest!). Read more about Santa Cruz in my post on fun things to do in Santa Cruz.

Accommodation in Santa Cruz

We’ve written a guide to the best Santa Cruz Airbnbs and also recommend the hotel below.

We stayed at The Inn at Pasatiempo, a nicely designed, simple inn with colourful gardens and a heated pool. It has tall forest views and is also right next to a golf course if that’s your thing. A no-frills continental breakfast is included and there’s a casual onsite grill restaurant, which has a few veggie options.

Rooms start at $129 per night. Book your stay now.

Where to eat and drink in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz has a few different farmers’ markets, which are a great place to buy some local produce and perhaps put together a picnic to enjoy on the beach or among the redwoods. We went to the downtown one, which takes place on Wednesdays. See the dates for other markets here.

I also recommend Lulu Carpenters if you’re looking for a friendly, homey cafe; or Verve if you want something hipster. The Penny Ice Creamery is fantastic.

Getting to and around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is just over an hour’s drive from San Francisco, depending on where you’re starting from. It’s worth driving along the coastal Route 1 as it’s a beautiful drive and offers a few different photo stops, including Half Moon Bay and Davenport. Taking Route 1 adds about 20-30 minutes to your journey, plus the time you’ll need for stops.

I also recommend stopping at Swanton Berry Farm, which has a delicious array of strawberry products. Taking this route also means you enter Santa Cruz via West Cliff Drive, which is the perfect intro to the city.

Another scenic alternative would be to take Highway 17 through the Santa Cruz mountains. 

Monterey Peninsula

Days 6-8

The Monterey Peninsula was one of the places that most surprised me on our trip. I wasn’t expecting the sheer beauty of it, especially along the 17-mile drive that links Pacific Grove and Carmel. We stopped so many times on that short drive, and every view was breathtaking – so much so that we decided to do it twice. We also stayed somewhere incredible, which you can read more about below. 

Monterey is perhaps most famous for its world-class aquarium, one of the best in the world and definitely worth a visit. The kelp forest, giant open water tank and jellyfish were my highlights. While there, it’s also a good chance to visit Cannery Row and Fisherman’s Wharf. 

And also make sure to spend some time in Carmel-by-the-Sea, a super chi-chi, but very charming village (it’s where the TV show Big Little Lies was set). Carmel has a stunning beach and is the start of the 17-mile drive. 

Where to stay in the Monterey Peninsula

We stayed at Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds, which is both a hidden gem and a bargain. It began life back in 1913 as a leadership camp for the YWCA (the women’s version of the YMCA) and has since gone through a colourful history to become a beloved retreat centre on the Monterey Peninsula.

It was designed by architect Julia Morgan, who is best known for Hearst Castle, and the whole place reminded me of a cross between a retreat centre and the holiday camp in Dirty Dancing!

While most of the guests are in groups, the public is also welcome, and it attracts a diverse clientele, from women’s chanting groups to tech giants like Google.

It’s part of a 107-acre state park that’s right on the seafront, next to sandy dunes with a walkway running through. Choose from a plethora of different room types, including historic and modern options.

Rooms without an ocean view start at $160 per night. And our ocean view room costs $230. Book your room now. 

Where to eat and drink in Monterey Peninsula

Brunch at First Awakenings in Monterey was a perfect example of American classics done well – the pancakes were lush. And if you’re into seafood, then I hear that the Fish Hopper on Cannery Row is a good option. 

In Carmel, we bought fresh dolmas, pitta and veg at the farmers market and had a picnic in the little Davendorf Park (the market was right next to it).

There is a dining room at Asilomar, but it’s mostly geared towards the groups, with meal plans being sold as part of a package. If you buy one meal at a time, the prices are pretty high. There is a cheaper cafe on site with some limited pasta and sandwich options. However, I’d recommend eating out/or self-catering if you can.

How to get to and around the Monterey Peninsula

The drive from Santa Cruz to Monterey takes about one hour. We drove via Carmel, so we could stop there for lunch and then do the 17-mile drive, which ends right next to Asilomar. 

The drive from Asilomar to Monterey Bay Aquarium takes roughly 10 minutes. I really can’t recommend doing the 17-mile drive enough – it was one of the highlights of our trip.

Big Sur

Days 8-9

The Big Sur coastline is what I dreamed of when planning this trip. This section of the California coast drive is one of the most scenic roads in the world, and one you can’t help but be awed by.

Highlights include the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge, McWay Falls and, my favourite, Pfeiffer Beach. Only a limited number of cars are allowed down to the beach carpark, so you have to get lucky. This is one of the reasons it’s a good idea to stay the night along the coast, as that ups your chances of getting down there. We did get lucky and were on the beach for sunset, which was among the most breathtaking moments of our trip. The sand on the beach has a purple tinge, created by the interplay of different minerals.

If you want to see McWay Falls, it’s a very easy, flat 0.5 mile walk in the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Park at the South Parking lot and follow the signs for McWay Falls. When we went, the route was only partially open due to erosion, but we could still see the falls. You can check up-to-date status reports on all trails in Pfeiffer Burns State Park here.

Even if you don’t manage to stay the night along the Big Sur coast, the drive is 100 per cent worth it and one that’s good to take your time over, stopping at the viewpoints, maybe taking a hike along the way and breaking for lunch at historic Nepenthe.

Where to stay in Big Sur

Accommodation along the Big Sur coastline is scarce and as such what is there is wildly expensive. We decided to bite the bullet and just go for it, spending nearly $500 on a night in a cabin at Glen Oaks. Luckily, it was one of the best nights of our trip and was worth it as a treat.

Our cosy cabin – Archies – was backed by huge redwoods and equipped with all the mod cons we’d need, including a little kitchen so we could cook. And there was even a yoga mat, so I could practise amid the forest. 

Glen Oaks straddles two sides of Highway One and the cabins on the opposite side to us were in a beautiful redwood grove where we enjoyed taking a walk. Although I loved our cabin, I noticed some of the cabins on the other side had outdoor fireplaces, which would have been a nice touch.

Rooms in the Glen Oaks motor inn are cheaper than the cabins, but you can’t stay in them with a baby. In fact, that’s the case with many of the places in Big Sur: they are either adults-only resorts or only have specific rooms where babies are allowed.

Wherever you decide to stay, rooms book up quickly, so try to plan ahead. When I booked, Archies was the only cabin available. Book your stay at Glen Oaks now.   

And if you want to splash out even more, then the Post Ranch Inn and Ventana Big Sur both look incredible (one day…)! Or for a cheaper option, try camping – here’s a list of some of California’s best camp sites, including ones at Big Sur.

Where to eat and drink in Big Sur

I don’t often say that places are unmissable, but I think Nepenthe is worthy of that accolade. It combines history, character, great food and one of the best views in the world, to make a fantastic restaurant that beckons all that pass it. It’s not cheap, but also not extortionate ($19 for a burger), and the view is well worth the price. There’s also an eclectic and well-curated gift shop onsite, plus a cafe serving salads, breakfast and baked goods. 

The Big Sur Roadhouse, which is part of Glen Oaks, does a great breakfast and donuts. 

Getting to and around Big Sur

The Big Sur coastline, from Carmel to San Simeon, is about 71 miles long and takes just over two hours to drive, but that’s not counting all the stops you’ll want to take. Glen Oaks is about 50 minutes from Asilomar, but we actually drove an extra 20 minutes to McWay Falls and then went back on ourselves to have lunch at Nepenthe and then check in at Glen Oaks. 

Most places are signposted on the road, but Pfeiffer Beach is a little harder to find. It’s down a road called Sycamore Canyon Road, less than five minutes after Glen Oaks and before the Big Sur Bakery. Put it into Google Maps before you leave, as service is spotty once in the area. The whole route is absolutely stunning, and it’s an essential part of a Highway 1 road trip.

Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo

Days 9-11

A lot of people don’t think to take the 30-minute trip inland to Paso Robles when driving down the coast, but we think it’s definitely worth it. It’s a delightfully cute little wine town in San Luis Obispo County and one of the most charming places we visited.

Paso Robles old town is filled with little boutiques and is a quaint place to spend the morning shopping. And of course, the main draw is the wine. There are lots of established wineries to choose from and also a burgeoning craft scene of smaller producers, as well as cider and beer makers. Like most wine countries, this is a place to truly relax. 

Where to stay in Paso Robles

The main reason we went to Paso Robles was to stay at The Vintage Ranch, a place we discovered on Netflix’ holiday rental makeover show, Stay Here. The interior designer on the show, Genevieve, is amazing at what she does, and the show gave me a serious case of wanderlust.

The Vintage Ranch in Paso Robles, a little cottage surrounded by vineyards, was one of the highlights of the series for me, so it was a real treat to see it in the flesh. It didn’t disappoint and was every bit as beautiful as I had hoped.

The outdoor area is the perfect place to unwind at the end of the day, and is made even more beautiful at night when you can light the fire pit and sit beneath the pretty festoon lights. Plus, inside is dreamy, with bohemian touches against a decadent background of creamy white.

The cottage sleeps two and starts at $350 per night.

Where to eat and drink in Paso Robles

Make sure to visit Tin City where an industrial park has been transformed into a hub for locally sourced craft drinks, including wine, beer and cider. The highlight for me was the cider at Tin City Cider. I’ve never tasted anything like it.

There are lots of larger wineries along Green Valley Road, although we struggled to find one serving lunch on a Monday. In the end, we stumbled across Grey Wolf Cellars, which turned out to be excellent, both in terms of wine and food – it’s particularly well known for its mac and cheese.

For something a little more fancy, you could try Niner Wine Estates, which has an oak grove in the shape of a heart (it was closed the day we visited).   

In downtown Paso Robles, we had one of the best meals of our trip at Thomas Hill Organics, a bright and airy restaurant with a sweet courtyard garden, serving innovative, fresh food. The coconut bread pudding was particularly good.

And for coffee and sweet treats, there’s the hipster Spearhead Coffee, or the donuts at Twisted and Glazed, where they have a dizzying section of inventive flavours.

Getting to and around Paso Robles

Paso Robles is just over two hours’ drive from Glen Oaks in Big Sur and is a gorgeous route, taking in some of the most dramatic cliff views on a Pacific Coast Highway road trip.

The landscape swiftly changes at San Simeon, flattening out and becoming a lot less dazzling (although I’ve been told there are some beautiful beaches at Hearst State Beach and Moonstone Beach Drive, as well as an elephant seals colony at the Piedras Blancas Rookery).

On this route, you could stop at Hearst Castle if time allows (Steve and I had both been before, plus timing-wise it didn’t work out with Otis’ naps).

Santa Barbara

Days 11-13

Santa Barbara is nicknamed the American Riviera, and oh my is it gorgeous. I wasn’t sure if it’d be a bit too polished and glitzy for my liking, but I actually found it charming, plus sometimes it’s nice to be somewhere that’s simply stylish and beautiful.

Downtown Santa Barbara is super pretty with lots of white buildings, red rooftops and stylish design. We especially enjoyed the Funk Zone, which is home to lots of street art and boutique wine tasting rooms.

Santa Barbara was our third wine region in California, and one where I was able to do a wine and cupcake pairing (can you imagine my joy?!).

Other highlights included:

• the candy-coloured mission building
• walking along the beachfront
• watching the sunset from Stearn’s Wharf
• wandering around fancy Montecito
• having a massage at Float Luxury Spa
• and for a good photo opportunity, pay a visit to the chromatic gate along the waterfront.

Find out more in our post on the best things to do in Santa Barbara.

Where to stay in Santa Barbara

We stayed at The Leta Santa Barbara Goleta (formerly the Kimpton Goodland), a stylish boutique surf hotel in Goleta, about a 15-minute drive from the centre of Santa Barbara. Its eclectic, beach aesthetic epitomises the California vibe, and it includes fun touches like a record player in each room, plus a record shop onsite where you can hire your favourite tunes.

It’s in a converted motor inn building and houses 158 rooms, centred around a pool. The hotel’s dining venues, Outpost Restaurant and the Good Bar, spotlight simple but flavorful fare. And it has a fun calendar of events, including S’Mores nights, poolside yoga, and trivia nights.

Rooms start at $260 for a double. Book your stay now.

There are also a lot of awesome Airbnbs to choose from – here’s a guide to the best Santa Barbara Airbnbs, including everything from glamping to luxury homes.

Where to eat and drink in Santa Barbara

Sadly, my favourite Santa Barbara restaurant, Oliver’s has now closed.

But we also had good and healthy meals at Backyard Bowls (which has a few locations, specialising in acai bowls) and Honey B, which is housed in a university building, which meant we got a peek inside Santa Barbara student life.

For sweets, Pressed Juicery offers tasty vegan ice cream made from dates, almonds and cacao.

Finally, for wineries in the funk zone, I enjoyed a tasting at The Valley Project, which features an impressive hand-drawn map of the Santa Barbara wine regions.

Getting to and around Santa Barbara

The drive to Santa Barbara from Paso Robles takes about two hours. We stopped at the Madonna Inn en route as I was keen to try their cake (it was the biggest slice of cake I’ve ever had!).

Other good stop-off options would have been either Pismo Beach or Solvang, a little town with Danish-style architecture. We didn’t stop at either because Otis doesn’t deal well with long journeys, so we didn’t want to prolong it, but we’ve bookmarked them for another time. 

Malibu/Topanga

Days 13-14

Malibu is celebrity central, where all the stars have their luxurious beach homes on the California shore. I can see why, as it’s absolutely stunning. We went for a walk along the beachfront, and it had me dreaming of lottery riches! The beach is open to the public, so even though the fancy homes are there, you can still walk right by them.

We spent a few hours in Malibu, but chose to stay in Topanga Canyon, a bohemian enclave, surrounded by the vast Topanga State Park. I discovered it via Airbnb, where I found a cabin I set my heart on (see the accommodation section below), and I’m so pleased I did, as it was one of the most special places we visited.

The tiny Topanga village has hippy vibes and an incredible vintage shop, Hidden Tresures, that is worth the visit alone – it feels like stepping back to the seventies. We only stayed for one night, but I’d recommend staying two so that you can explore more of the trails in the national park.  

Where to stay in Topanga

We stayed in a stylish little guest suite attached to an artistic family’s home, high in the Santa Monica Mountains. It was so well designed that I took notes for my own inspiration. Sadly, this suite is no longer available, but there are plenty more options in Topanga.

Where to eat and drink in Malibu/Topanga

We stopped in Malibu for lunch at the well-renowned Malibu Farm Pier Cafe. It’s the slightly cheaper and more casual sister of Malibu Farm. We had another impossible burger (we couldn’t resist when we saw it on the menu) and the view made it one of the most memorable meals of our trip. 

For our night in Topanga, we bought supplies in the local grocers and cooked for ourselves, but I would also have liked to go to the bohemian Inn of the Seventh Ray, a romantic restaurant with a gorgeous location and healthy menu. 

While in Malibu, if you’re feeling extra fancy, you could try Nobu, considered one of the world’s best restaurants. 

Getting to and around Malibu/Topanga

Malibu is about 1.5 hours from Santa Barbara, and then it’s another 30 minutes up to Topanga. Parking on the road in Malibu is scarce, so you may have to use a car park, which is expensive. We actually ended up parking in Nobu, which cost $30 for the day. 

Topanga is a tiny little place, but it straddles a very busy main road, which we found difficult to cross. You might end up having to drive from one side to the other!

Los Angeles

Days 14-17

LA is sprawling and the traffic is heavy, so plan carefully where you’re planning to go and at what time of day – in the heaviest of traffic, what is meant to be a 30-minute journey can end up taking three hours!

There are loads of areas to choose from, but when we went, we chose to focus on Venice Beach and Santa Monica because they’re along Highway 1, which made sense for our trip. And we also spent time in Highland Park visiting friends, and North Hollywood, because we wanted to visit Universal Studios.

For family-friendly tips, see our guide to things to do in Los Angeles with kids. And we also have a full guide to visiting Disneyland with toddlers and preschoolers (we went there on our most recent LA trip after this road trip).

Venice Beach and Santa Monica

If I had to choose one place to visit in LA, I’d choose Venice/Santa Monica. Venice Beach is famous for its eclectic ‘anything goes’ atmosphere and is a smorgasbord of quirky LA culture. Walk along the boardwalk to take it all in, stopping to watch acrobatic breakdancing shows and impressive skateboarders throwing moves.

The beach itself is wide and sweeping, so you’re never pushed for space. And once done with the ocean, head to Abbot Kinney Boulevard, heralded as the “coolest block in America” and home to all sorts of trendy restaurants, cafes and boutiques. 

Venice Beach is just down the road from Santa Monica, so we also spent some time there, taking a walk on the famous Santa Monica pier and enjoying the hippy-chic vibes. 

North Hollywood

North Hollywood is a mostly residential neighbourhood that’s also home to what’s called the NoHo Arts District, an area filled with galleries, dance studios, acting workshops and all you need as a budding star.

We stayed there because it’s next to Studio City, which is home to Universal Studios, which we were keen to visit. We had a brilliant day there, being enchanted by Harry Potter World and thrilled by all the rides.

At Universal, when you have a baby with you, you’re allowed to do what’s called a ‘child swap’ and take turns to go on the ride while the other waits with the baby in a room near the front of the queue. We also had an express pass, so those things combined to make it really easy.

It was a great surprise as that’s not something we had expected to be able to do with Otis – plus he loved all the characters! I’ve written a full guide about how to visit Universal Studios with a toddler or baby.

Do note that North Hollywood isn’t next to Hollywood – there’s actually a mountain range separating the two!

Highland Park

We went to Highland Park mainly because we have friends there, but I recommend paying the area a visit as it’s an interesting and increasingly hip neighbourhood, filled with a mix of vintage shops, third-wave coffee houses, and an impressive selection of bars and restaurants, including some of the best donuts and brunch we had on our trip. Plus, it’s close to Old Pasadena, which is worth going to for its pretty dining and shopping district.

Where to stay in Los Angeles

We’ve written a full guide to all the coolest places to stay in Los Angeles with kids (it’ll be useful even if you don’t have kids because it explains all the different neighbourhoods, plus they aren’t specific family hotels).

Where to stay in Venice Beach and Santa Monica

We stayed in an Airbnb apartment, about a 10-minute walk from Abbot Kinney Boulevard. The apartment is no longer available, but we’ve put together a guide to the best Venice Beach Airbnbs, and the best Santa Monica Airbnbs.

Where to stay in North Hollywood

We stayed at The Garland, a stylish boutique hotel with retro-cool decor and an interesting Hollywood history – it was built for the actress Beverly Garland by her husband Fillmore Crank, and their son James runs the place nowadays.

James has overseen an impressive renovation project that has modernised the hotel while celebrating its history with a design that echoes California in the late 1970s. It’s perfect Instagram fodder (just have a look at the hotel’s profile).

The Garland is family-friendly, but its sophistication also lends itself well to couples or friends’ getaways. And they have a fun programme of events, including movie nights by the pool.

The hotel is less than 10 minutes drive from Universal Studios and they also put on a free shuttle to the park. And don’t miss the beautiful Frontyard restaurant (see food section below). Rooms start from $277 per room. Book your stay now.

Where to eat and drink in Los Angeles

Where to eat and drink in Venice Beach

Abbot Kinney Boulevard and the surrounding area have an impressive concentration of incredible places to eat, and we tried hard to try as many as possible in the short time we were there.

• Gjelina is one of the hottest brunch seats in town and we were lucky to get a booking – the seasonal American dishes lived up to the hype.
• Their sister bakery, Gjusta is also excellent – we just had a cake, but the sandwiches also looked amazing.
• Another favourite was The Butcher’s Daughter, which we also visited while in New York – the trendy, plant-based restaurant and juice bar felt very LA.
• We also rediscovered some old favourites on Abbot Kinney from San Francisco and Portland: Salt and Straw ice cream and Humphry Slocombe.

Where to eat and drink in North Hollywood

While in North Hollywood, we ate at The Frontyard, our hotel’s casual but chic onsite restaurant, which has a delicious menu of LA cuisine and a gorgeous outdoor patio that’s particularly pretty at night when the festoon lights come on and an open fire adds its glow. Inside is also beautifully done with seventies-style decor.

There are also plenty of other options nearby, and if you go to Universal Studios, have a look at Universal City Walk, a free-to-enter entertainment district just outside the park that has a plethora of American favourites, including the first Voodoo Doughnuts outside of Portland.

Where to eat and drink in Highland Park

In Highland Park, we went for brunch at Kitchen Mouse twice, it was that good. I think pretty much anything on the veggie restaurant’s menu would be good, but I highly recommend the tacos, breakfast sandwich and moros cakes.

Other highlights included pizza from Triple Beam and breakfast at La Abeja. And oh my, don’t miss Donut Friend, which serves a mouth-watering array of original vegan donuts.

Then wash it all down with some wine from the well-curated Highland Park Wine. It’s a proper foodie destination. And if you do visit Pasadena, head to Russell’s an old 1930s diner.

Getting to and around Los Angeles

Venice Beach is a 30-minute drive from Topanga. Once in Venice, we walked everywhere, exploring the beach and Abbot Kinney on foot. An ideal way to explore the area is by bike, but we didn’t feel confident enough to do this with Otis. We were able to park for free on the road outside our Airbnb.

To get to other places, you will need a car and be prepared for long drives and potential traffic jams. Here’s a useful guide to getting around the city.

Laguna Beach

Days 17-19

Aside from being the subject of an old reality TV show, Laguna Beach is a place that’s famed for its beautiful beaches and art-filled town. It’s filled with little galleries, public art, and also hosts world-class festivals, including the Pageant of the Masters. The whole place has a laid-back, beach vibe, and the local art college adds a youthful touch.

When I arrived, I was somewhat surprised to see that the busy Route 1 runs right through the town – I had imagined somewhere more secluded, but once off the main road, it feels a long way away, and the laid-back vibes prevail.

This is a place where seeing art and spending time on the beach should be top of your agenda. We did a self-guided walking art tour of the downtown area, which was a great introduction to the place, and we also loved visiting the gorgeous Treasure Island Beach, which had a landscaped park above it, which was ideal for hanging out with Otis.

We also visited the Pacific Marine Mammal Centre, which does great work rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing marine mammals. Read more in my guide to the best things to do in Laguna Beach.

An alternative to Laguna Beach is San Clemente, a cute little beach town a bit further down the Orange County Coast.

Where to stay in Laguna Beach

We stayed in a phenomenal room in Laguna Beach, which was right on the oceanfront, looking out across the waves – we were so close to the surf, it almost felt like we were on a boat. It was so special, listening to the waves as we went to sleep and waking up to see the surfers take their morning swim.

It was in the luxury Surf & Sand Resort where all rooms have an ocean view and there’s also a pool overlooking the beach. It’s set on 500ft of Laguna Beach shoreline and, while family-friendly, would also be a perfect romantic retreat. We ordered room service from the on-site restaurant to our balcony one night, which is a highly recommended treat. I’m still dreaming of the view from that room.

Rooms start at $864 per night. Book your stay now.

Where to eat and drink in Laguna Beach

Kitchen in the Canyon is a great spot for a casual breakfast or lunch, and it’s also close to the family-friendly Laguna Beer Company, which offers tastings and plenty of things for kids, like colouring books, board games, card games and more. Both are on Laguna Canyon Road, which has loads of galleries, but you do need a car as it’s a busy main road.

Reunion Kitchen + Drink is another good family-friendly option, and we really enjoyed ordering room service from Surf & Sand as the rooms’ balconies are probably the best seats in town. 

Getting to and around Laguna Beach

The journey from Venice Beach to Laguna Beach takes about an hour, but that depends heavily on the traffic. We left Venice after rush hour, which meant we avoided any delays. The downtown part of Laguna Beach is walkable, but you need a car to explore the rest. And they also have a free trolley service that connects with other Orange County beach towns.

San Diego

Days 19-21

San Diego is a famously laid-back surf hub, and while it’s the USA’s eighth-largest city, it feels more like a series of little towns, all with their own vibe. From the historic Gaslamp Quarter with its plethora of rooftop bars to the hip North Park neighbourhood, there’s something to suit everyone.

We particularly enjoyed wandering the impressive 1,200-acre Balboa Park, which is home to over 15 museums, art venues, trails and the famous San Diego Zoo.

And we celebrated Halloween in the local neighbourhood of Kensington, which was amazing for experiencing a slice of local life – the trick or treating there is amazing!

We also spent a couple of nights outside of the centre in La Jolla and the Torrey Pines State Reserve. La Jolla is a chi-chi, pretty part of town with a fantastic family-friendly beach at La Jolla Shores. And Torrey Pines is breathtaking, reminiscent of a smaller Bryce Canyon and perfect for a day of hiking. Read more in our detailed San Diego itinerary and our guide to things to do in San Diego with kids.

Where to stay in San Diego

We stayed in three different places in San Diego, all with a distinct character. It’s a small city, so you could choose one and use that as your base, although if you do go to Torrey Pines, you’ll likely want to make the most of simply relaxing around the lodge and state park. Here’s where we stayed.

The Lodge at Torrey Pines

The Lodge at Torrey Pines is something special. The Five Diamond luxury resort has a classic, old-world elegance and overlooks a world-renowned golf course with views of the Pacific Ocean. We were lucky to stay in a suite that had no fewer than three fireplaces – one in the lounge, one on the spacious terrace, and another in the bathroom!

It was pure luxury and a wonderful place to kick back and relax, taking advantage of the spa and exploring the nearby state reserve. It’s certainly a treat, but a worthwhile one if you’re celebrating.

Rooms start at $459 per night. Book your stay now.

Hotel Republic

Hotel Republic is a design-conscious centrally-located hotel in downtown San Diego, just outside the Gaslamp Quarter. The modern lobby and bar is a stylish place to hang out, and they also have a trendy rooftop bar and restaurant (not on the very top of the building, but on a roof at level three).

The bathroom in our room was beautiful with a huge tub in a haven of clean design. The hotel is part of the Autograph Collection, a brand that specialises in unique and thoughtful boutique hotels – I’ve always been impressed with the ones I’ve stayed in.

Rooms at Hotel Republic start at $300 per night. Book your stay now.

San Diego Airbnb

We’ve written a guide to the best Airbnbs in San Diego (based on our research for our own trip). We stayed at one in Kensington for one night on Halloween, purely because we’d heard that it was one of the best places for trick or treating in San Diego, and we wanted the full American Halloween experience. It lived up to the hype and also gave us a taste of local San Diego life. That particular Airbnb is no longer available, but our guide has other options in the area.

Where to eat and drink in San Diego

San Diego is home to some of the best Mexican food we’ve had in California at Puesto, which has several locations in the city. They serve elevated tacos and other delicious Mexican fare.

Another highlight was Donut Bar, which again had some of the best donuts we had in the States. Some are entirely over the top (there’s one with a pop tart inside it!), but the tamer ones we ate were perfect.

And I also recommend trying Holsem Coffee in North Park where they serve inventive flavours, such as a banana bread cold brew (so good!), and also Sugar and Scribe in La Jolla, which had some amazing cakes and sweet treats.

Finally, if you stay at Torrey Pines, be sure to try their chocolate croissant dessert – it was divine!

Getting to and around San Diego

To get from San Diego to Laguna Beach takes just under 1.5 hours. Once in San Diego, it’s easy to get around by car, and we didn’t find the traffic to be a problem (although we didn’t travel in rush hour). The journey from downtown to La Jolla takes about 20 minutes.

If you were to end your trip in San Diego and needed to loop back up to San Francisco, the San Diego to San Francisco drive is around nine hours up Highway 5, so you’d need to stop somewhere en route.

Let us know if you have any questions. And if you’re interested in extending your trip around the rest of California, see our full California road trip guide.

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