5-Day Coastal Road Trip Adventure Itinerary

Begin your day with a scenic drive up the coast to Santa Barbara. Once there, relax and unwind at one of Santa Barbara's beautiful beaches such as East Beach or Butterfly Beach. Enjoy breakfast at a local cafe.

Explore the charming downtown area and visit the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, known for its stunning architecture and panoramic views from the clock tower. Have lunch at one of the many local eateries offering fresh seafood.

In the evening, take a leisurely walk along Stearns Wharf to enjoy ocean views and perhaps spot some marine life. For dinner, dine at one of Santa Barbara's waterfront restaurants.

Drive up to Big Sur early in the morning to make the most of your day exploring this breathtaking region. Start with a visit to Big Sur, where you can take in stunning coastal views and hike through redwood forests. Grab breakfast at Big Sur Bakery & Restaurant before heading out.

Continue your adventure with a drive along Highway 1, stopping at various viewpoints such as Bixby Creek Bridge and McWay Falls. Enjoy lunch with an incredible view at Nepenthe, perched high above the coastline.

As evening approaches, unwind with dinner at Sierra Mar, located within Post Ranch Inn, offering gourmet cuisine paired with panoramic ocean views.

Arrive in Monterey and start your day by visiting the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium. This aquarium is home to an impressive array of marine life exhibits that will captivate visitors of all ages. For breakfast, stop by Loulou's Griddle In The Middle for hearty morning fare.

After exploring the aquarium, take a stroll down Cannery Row where you can shop for souvenirs or simply enjoy the historic ambiance. Have lunch at The Sardine Factory, known for its seafood dishes.

In the evening, head over to Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf for more dining options and perhaps even catch sight of sea lions lounging nearby. End your day with dinner at Hula's Island Grill, which offers tropical-themed dishes in a lively setting.

Start your day in Berkeley with a visit to the Berkeley. Explore the vibrant campus of UC Berkeley and take a stroll through the beautiful botanical gardens. For breakfast, head to Cafe M, known for its delicious morning offerings.

Drive to Healdsburg in the afternoon, where you can enjoy a wine tasting experience at Williamson Wines. This boutique winery offers a range of exquisite wines paired with gourmet bites. For lunch, dine at Costeaux French Bakery, which offers a delightful selection of pastries and sandwiches.

In the evening, continue your wine tasting journey with the Healdsburg Boutique Wine and Food Pairing Walking Tour. This tour will take you through some of Healdsburg's best wineries and eateries. For dinner, savor a meal at SingleThread, a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its farm-to-table cuisine.