San Francisco to Big Sur Road Trip [Scenic Drive + Best Places to Stop]

With so many great stops along the way, it’s virtually impossible to fit it all in, especially if you only have a couple of days to spend on this coastal California road trip.

This is why we created this road trip itinerary to help you figure out which stops you won’t want to miss. 

What makes this guide great is we’ve included places to eat at specific stops, coffee shops, and where you can get gas.

You will find brief descriptions of each stop as well as practical tips to help you customize your own SF to Big Sur itinerary in no time.

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How far is Big Sur from San Francisco?

Big Sur is approximately 146 miles away from San Francisco, about a 2.5 to 3-hour drive with no stops along the way.

The fastest way to Big Sur from SF is to drive inland through San Jose, or you can drive along the coast and take Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) for an additional half hour or so.

💎 If you would love to do this road trip but would rather have someone else drive, this private tour from San Francisco visits several of the highlights on this list.

San Francisco to Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary

• Inland Route via 101-S: 2:30 hours, 146 miles
• Scenic Route via Highway 1 (PCH): 3 to 3.5 hours, 148 miles

There are two routes that you can take while driving from San Francisco to Big Sur. 

One is inland or the Bay area route via US-101 South, while the other, arguably more scenic, covers Highway 1 – also known as Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). 

This guide covers possible stops you can take while driving along this long beautiful stretch by the coast.

Also, while some stops are great for a quick time out of the car, other stops may require a bit more commitment time-wise. 

This guide features the highlights of each stop so you can choose which piques your interests the most and plan your California road trip accordingly.

How to use this SF to Big Sur itinerary

Listed below are cities you’ll pass by while driving along Highway 1/Pacific Coast Highway, and you’ll see that some have added sections for gas, food, and coffee suggestions . 

Use whatever information you’ll find most helpful for your upcoming road trip to make it as fun and seamless as possible.

Now depending on what time you’re leaving the Bay Area, double-check with local businesses at your chosen stops to make sure that they’re open when you arrive.

The Best Stops for a San Francisco to Big Sur Drive

San Francisco

San Francisco is one of the most visited cities in the country and is the starting point of this scenic drive to Big Sur.

We’re assuming you’ve spent some time here and experienced the best things the city has to offer.

From walking on the Golden Gate Bridge to eating world-class cuisine while enjoying stunning views of the bay, you can easily spend a week or more here and not see it all.

LOCAL TIP: If you love the coast, check out these warm beaches close to San Francisco that you should visit.

Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay is the first town you will see on this drive from San Francisco along the Pacific Coast Highway. 

This California coastal town will introduce you to the more laidback and relaxed vibe prevalent in the stops on this list. 

You can hike in Redondo Beach and check its tidepools, stroll along any of the Half Moon Bay State Beaches for a $10 park entrance fee, or settle in and watch surfers at Surfer’s Beach. 

You can also take a short stroll on Half Moon Bay’s Main Street and check out boutique shops, cafes, and galleries.

🍴 WHERE TO EAT IN HALF MOON BAY, CA

• Sam’s Chowder House – This family-friendly restaurant has great outdoor seating and serves up New England-style seafood dishes. Try their famous lobster rolls or order a warm bowl of creamy chowder.

• Dad’s Luncheonette – This place is well known for its hamburger sandwich and its mushroom sandwich. They are called sandwiches because they are served on griddled sliced bread instead of a bun.

• Gulino Gelato – Gulino Gelato has been an HMB favorite since 2019. This place prides itself on producing each batch of their gelato from scratch and using only high-quality fresh ingredients.

☕ COFFEE: Dawn Patrol Coffee

⛽ GAS: Multiple options

Pigeon Point Lighthouse

Take a picture of the Pigeon Point Lighthouse, one of the West Coast’s tallest and most photographed lighthouses, standing at 115 feet tall. 

Since its first use in 1872, it continues to be used to aid navigation around the coast though instead of the original Fresnel lens, it has been updated with an automated LED beacon. 

The original Fresnel lens is displayed in the Visitor Center and is available for viewing.  

Admission here is free and you can explore the grounds around the lighthouse, join a half-hour guided history walk when available, or take a short hike to a small public beach near the main parking lot.

Año Nuevo State Park

Año Nuevo State Park is well-known for its 3-4 mile walking trail where you have the opportunity to view the country’s largest mainland breeding colony of northern elephant seals. 

With a $10 park entrance fee, you have access to the park’s natural history exhibit as well as explore its unique terrain featuring coastal scrubs, beaches, wetland marshes, dune fields, and more. 

You can also hike along the ocean bluffs to Año Nuevo Point and watch migratory birds in action.

Local Tip: Just a short drive from this state Park is one of the best strawberry picking farms in the Bay Area that you can quickly visit.

Shark Fin Cove

As you pass the town of Davenport, driving along Hwy 1, you might spot a prominent rock feature that resembles a shark’s fin. 

Park at the dirt pullout lot along the road for free and take some snaps of Shark Fin Cove from above. 

For a closer look at this unique geologic formation, walk across the train tracks to the trailhead and make the short but steep hike down to the cove. 

If you’re lucky, you might even spot an exposed sea cave you can walk through and explore.

Wilder Ranch State Park

Our next stop on this SF to Big Sur road trip is Wilder Ranch State Park.

Spanning over 7000 acres, this former dairy ranch allows you to step back in time and explore California’s early ranching history.

You’ll find a 19th-century Victorian home, antique cars, and old machinery used for farming in the late 19th and 20th centuries.

There are over 35 miles of hiking trails but the best one for this stop is the Old Landing Cove Trail.

It’s an easy 2.5-mile walk along the coast with breathtaking views of the ocean.

Natural Bridges State Beach

Speaking of rock formations sticking out from the sea, Natural Bridges State Beach is known for its well-photographed giant rock with a natural arch that’s easily spotted from the beach overlook. 

You can take a few pictures here or try to spot some whales migrating before driving off or you can enter and park at the state beach ($10 day-use per vehicle).

This beach is not dog-friendly except for service animals if you happen to have your pet with you.

If you visit when the tide is out, make sure to go tide pooling at the Marine Reserve.

Santa Cruz

If you’ve left San Francisco early in the morning, you’ll probably reach Santa Cruz before midday, even while making a few stops along the way. 

This popular beach town is a great stop on your road trip to Big Sur from SF.

You can either check out the beach and its expansive shoreline or explore shops on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. 

Depending on the time of the year, this is one of the warmest beaches here in Northern California.

Spend an hour or two playing classic carnival games, enjoy quick bites by the beach, and don’t miss out on riding its historic wooden roller coaster, the Giant Dipper. 

You can also just take a stroll along the promenade and watch the surfers out at the beach.

🍴 WHERE TO EAT IN SANTA CRUZ

• Zoccoli’s Delicatessen – Enjoy delicious Italian fairs at this local favorite, where you can order special sandwiches or create your own. 

• Hula’s Island Grill – Giving a nod to popular tiki restaurants and bars from the 50s and 60s, this restaurant has a wide range of Hawaiian eats with an American spin on it

• Penny Ice Creamery – Serving some of the most delicious ice creams in the county, this is the only ice cream shop in Santa Cruz that makes its ice cream completely from scratch and in-house.

☕ COFFEE: 11th hour Coffee, Cat & Cloud Coffee, Verve Coffee Roasters

⛽ GAS: multiple options

Note: The food and coffee options are not located at the beach boardwalk but off of Hwy 1.

Capitola

Pull away from the playful crowd at Santa Cruz and visit its artistic seaside neighbor, Capitola. 

Walk through the many charming shops, cafes, and restaurants at the Village before exploring the oceanfront’s quirky features. 

The Esplanade Park fronting Capitola Beach has a wide sea wall lined with colorful tiles painted by community members.

This beach along the coast is lined with brightly colored houses straight out of a postcard.

Monterey Bay

Getting to Monterey Bay is an easy day trip from San Francisco, and if you haven’t been, this is a good stop to consider on your scenic road trip to Big Sur. 

Visit the old cannery town of Monterey Bay and drop by one of the country’s most popular aquariums, Monterey Bay Aquarium, to get a glimpse of marine life underwater. 

After you visit the aquarium, take a walk through the famous Cannery Row, forever immortalized in John Steinbeck’s novel with the same name.

Once you get to Monterey, you may consider splitting this road trip over two days and spend more time here. 

There are lots of good restaurants, nearby wineries, and some great breweries to check out.

🍴 WHERE TO EAT IN MONTEREY

• Compagno’s Market & Deli – Order from their assortment of huge and delicious no-frills sandwiches for lunch or to take with you on the road.

• Cafe Guarani – Serves traditional Yerba Mate along with Cocido (smoked tea) and Terere (cold version of Yerba Mate)

• Vivolo’s Chowder House – Known for their New England clam chowder and fresh seafood dishes 

• Parker-Lusseau Pastries – Great spot for your pastry and coffee fix; they make stunning artisan laminated pastries and other equally delicious desserts

• Revival Ice Cream – Offers a great selection of handcrafted small-batch ice cream made with locally harvested and sustainable ingredients and dairy

☕ COFFEE: Tidal Coffee, Captain + Stoker (See more coffee shops in Monterey here)

⛽ GAS: Multiple options

17-mile Drive

The 17-mile drive just might be the best part of the Pacific Coast Highway. 

This beautiful stretch would take you through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove, from Monterey to Carmel. 

Pay $11.25 at the Pacific Grove entrance, take the road trip map and leisurely navigate through this scenic drive with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. 

There are 17 marked spots you can take along the way though visiting the famous 250-year-old Lone Cypress and Pebble Beach tops the must-stops here.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the Sea is located less than 20 minutes away from Monterey and can easily serve as a whole destination by itself. 

This wealthy beach town has plenty of things to check out such as its cobble-stoned streets, charming fairytale cottages, high-end boutique shops, and distinctly European architecture. 

Walk the entirety, or section, of this 3.5-mile Scenic Road that starts at the bottom of Carmel’s Main Road, Ocean Avenue, to Carmel River State Beach and have a quick overview of the area. 

You can also just check out the many shops, wine-tasting rooms, and restaurants along Ocean Avenue and take your food to go to have a quiet picnic at Carmel Beach. 

👉 Make sure to leave with a full tank of gas, as there isn’t anywhere else to stop for gas between Carmel and Big Sur.

🍴 WHERE TO EAT IN CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA

• Bruno’s Market & Deli – Grab a tri-tip sandwich or two from this local specialty market

• Rise + Roam – Take an order of their freshly made pizza made with seasonal ingredients and enjoy it by the beach or save it for the road ahead.

• The Cheese Shop – Enjoy snacking on cheese and other gourmet food snacks? This shop has a wonderful selection of carefully curated imported and local cheeses, along with gourmet ingredients you can pick up for your trip

• Carmel Bakery – Carmel’s oldest-running retail business, expect only the best quality delicious baked goods here. Grab some to enjoy while exploring the area and keep some for the drive to Big Sur as well. 

☕ COFFEE: Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Co (See more coffee shops in Carmel here)

⛽ GAS: Multiple options

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

As you exit Carmel, you can drop for a quick visit at one of the country’s most well-maintained state parks, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.

Take in stunning views of the ocean and the coastal scenery from one of the park’s many viewpoints. 

Parking inside the park costs $10 per vehicle, though you can look for free parking along Highway 1 if you don’t mind hiking in. 

Check out China Cove if you want one of the easier walking trails in the park, or go look for sea otters swimming in the sparkling blue waters distinct to this part of the coast.

San Francisco to Big Sur: Best Stops on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)   

Soberanes Point

The Soberanes Point is a viewpoint on a peninsula located in the Garrapata State Park. 

The short and easy 1.6-mile hike rewards you with stunning views of the ocean and the waves as they crash on the surrounding rocks. 

Depending on the season, you might also find the place brimming with wildflowers.

You can park for free on multiple pull-outs found along Hwy 1 but the access to Soberanes Point is found across the Rocky Ridge Trail. 

Bixby Creek Bridge

What Golden Gate is to San Francisco, Bixby Creek Bridge is to Big Sur. 

Finding yourself here means you’ve almost completed your scenic coastal drive from San Francisco to Big Sur. 

Hovering over 250 feet above a steep canyon, this bridge is the most photographed landmark of the Pacific Coast Highway, and if you can, this is a great spot to take sunset photos. 

There are multiple viewpoints spread throughout the bridge, offering a 360-degree view of the entire area. 

Snap away, cross the bridge, and you’re officially in Big Sur!

Pfeiffer Beach

Manganese garnet particle deposits resulted in Pfeiffer Beach’s distinct purple sand. 

This relatively quiet beach is a favorite spot in Big Sur and is accessed inland rather than along the coast. This beach is not well-marked and is easy to miss. 

As you’re driving along Cabrillo Highway, be on the lookout for Sycamore Canyon Road as this is the turn you’d have to take to get to the beach. 

Aside from its purple sand, Pfeiffer Beach is also well-known for the Keyhole Rock, a natural arch on the right side of the beach. 

A $10 state beach entry fee is required to enter the beach.

Big Sur Bakery

If you’re a fan of baked goods, then you definitely should drop by Big Sur Bakery as early as you can. 

This rustic American restaurant and bakery offer a wide variety of freshly baked delicious goodies that tend to sell out fast. 

Check their schedule in advance, drop by for either breakfast or brunch on your way back to SF, and make sure to get a hand on their freshly made cookies.

Nepenthe

Nepenthe is a Big Sur staple and a popular dining spot overlooking the ocean that you definitely should not miss. 

Whether you arrived in Big Sur for dinner, you’re exploring the area for the day, or you’re dropping by for lunch before heading back to SF, make sure to dine here at least once. 

Order their famous Ambrosia Burger, and you might end up ordering another one for the road.

Coast Big Sur

COAST Big Sur is a great coffee spot with fantastic ocean views from its rooftop terrace. 

What’s more, this casual spot is located just along Hwy 1 which makes this very accessible for some quick bites and grab n’ go pastries for the road.

Partington Cove

Partington Cove is a remote rocky cove that is located right below Partington Point, about two miles north of the main Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park entrance. 

You don’t need to enter the park to access the cove, as it has its access at a gated road along Hwy 1 north of the park. 

Parking here is free, and the hike involved is family-friendly and moderately easy as well.

McWay Falls

McWay Falls is the famous waterfall in Big Sur, located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

There is no direct access to the waterfalls, but you can park for free along Hwy 1 and access the 0.6-mile out-and-back McWay Falls Overlook Trail from here.

If you want to spend more time in the park, you can pay the $10 per car entrance fee and park inside. 

The trail follows cliffs facing the falls, and at the end of the trail, you are greeted by the best viewing access to one of seven North American waterfalls that empty into the ocean. 

For the best lighting of this rare tidefall, visit in the afternoon or enjoy the sunset from here.

San Francisco to Big Sur Tour

If you would prefer a worry-free experience to Big Sur from San Francisco, this highly rated private tour is a wonderful option.

The 10-hour scenic tour allows you to travel at your own pace and stops at Monterey, Carmel, and some of the highlights included on this list.

When is the best time of the year to visit Big Sur?

Late Summer to early Fall is the best time to visit Big Sur, CA.

You have higher chances of warm and sunny weather as well as clear skies and uninterrupted coastal views.

Summers tend to be overcast and socked in with fog, making most of the coastline difficult to drive as the road may become impossible to see.

Traveling along the California coast will subject you to some weird weather patterns, so make sure to plan ahead. 

Planning your Big Sur drive from San Francisco

1. Time of the Year

Despite the high probability of overcast and fog during Summer, it still usually is the busiest time of the year for road trips and vacations in general. 

Plan your trip just before summer ends or around early Fall for the best coastal weather. 

If you’re trying to avoid the crowds altogether, you can go during the off-season (November-March).

2. Make sure to fill up your tank before you leave

This list was put together along with some stops where you can get gas along the way. 

Strategically plan your trip so that you can enjoy as many of the stops you want to take in between filling up your tank. 

Just remember, there are limited gas stations once you leave Carmel, so be sure to have a full tank of gas by then.

3. Get a California State Park Pass

If you’re planning on visiting other California State Parks throughout the year, it might be worth it to get a Golden Poppy Annual Pass instead. 

This allows convenient access to state parks without having to pay individual entry fees. 

It’s worth noting that several stops found in this itinerary are located in state parks covered under the Golden Poppy Annual Pass.

• Half Moon Bay SB
• Ano Nuevo SP
• Wilder Ranch SP
• Natural Bridges SB
• Point Lobos SNR
• Pfeiffer Big Sur SP
• Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP

4. Download an offline map

Some portions of this scenic coastal route from San Francisco to Big Sur have poor to no cell service, so make sure to download an offline map of your itinerary in advance. 

It’s also best to keep printouts or screenshots of landmarks to serve as a reference as well.

5. Download some music

For uninterrupted music streaming, download your favorite playlists on Spotify to access them even on portions of the trip with no cell service.

6. Don’t forget to pack these items

This California road trip may only take a couple of hours, but it’s always best to be ready and have these basic items on hand. 

• Light Jacket – the weather can change anytime so having layers with you is a good idea.
• Portable Charger – you will be taking lots of photos and maybe even using your phone as GPS, so keep this in hand.
• Dramamine – if you get motion sickness, make sure to take this so you’re not miserable on this scenic ride.

San Francisco to Big Sur Itinerary Map

Best Places to Stop between San Francisco and Big Sur

• San Francisco
• Half Moon Bay
• Pigeon Point Lighthouse
• Año Nuevo State Park
• Shark Fin Cove
• Wilder Ranch State Park
• Natural Bridges State Beach
• Santa Cruz
• Capitola 
• Monterey Bay
• 17-mile Drive
• Carmel-by-the-Sea
• Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
• Soberanes Point
• Bixby Creek Bridge
• Pfeiffer Beach
• Big Sur Bakery
• Nepenthe
• Coast Big Sur
• Partington Cove
• McWay Falls

More San Francisco Road Trip Ideas

One of the best road trips from San Francisco is a trip to Lake Tahoe. This is an easy weekend getaway with only a 4-hour drive.

If you want to visit one of the most beautiful places in California, you can drive to Yosemite from SF and stay in one of the towns close by.

For those who want to go on a long road trip from SF, why not drive to Las Vegas and see so many amazing national parks along the way?

For those who need to rent a car, you can shop for the best prices at RentalCars.com.

FAQs

How long is it from SF to Big Sur?

It takes anywhere from 2.5 to 3.5 hours to drive from San Francisco to Big Sur without any stops, depending on the traffic.

It’s best to allocate more time since there are plenty of beautiful stops to see along the way.

Is Big Sur worth seeing?

This is a resounding YES. 

The trip to Big Sur already offers excellent coastal views, but Big Sur itself has that and so much more. 

There are plenty of outdoor activities to do in the area, from exploring redwood forests to scenic hiking trails along the coast.

Getting to Big Sur from SF is even better since you can plan amazing stops along the way.

Is the drive to Big Sur scary?

It can be for some people. Some portions of the drive would require you to drive along narrow and winding roads though all are well-paved. 

You’ll be driving along the edge of the cliff, so it can be scary if you have a fear of heights.

As long as you drive carefully and are mindful when pulling out to check out viewpoints, you’ll be fine. 

However, we don’t recommend you drive at night if at all possible.

Wrap-Up: Driving from San Francisco to Big Sur

The whole of the West Coast has some of the most beautiful coastal roads you can drive but this stretch from San Francisco to Big Sur is one you definitely should take at least once in your life. 

Breathtaking vistas overlooking the ocean, hiking trails that will lead you to unique rock formations with sandy beaches and hot springs, plus charming beach towns to explore.

There are just so many fantastic stops here that you can enjoy. 

If you have more time, you can even extend your road trip all the way to San Luis Obispo and check out more towns along the way.

Use this guide and plan that epic California coastal road trip today.

Looking for more road trip ideas? Check these out:

• Lake Tahoe to Yosemite Road Trip
• Yosemite to Sequoia Road Trip
• Sacramento to Portland Road Trip