The Ultimate California Road Trip: A 9-day itinerary from Los Angeles to San Francisco

The Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

California is a state of contrasts, from Hollywood’s film studios and sunlit beaches to rugged Pacific coastlines, towering redwood forests and the haunting history of Alcatraz. Last year, I set out on a 9 day California road trip to experience as much of the Golden State as possible. This guide blends my personal journey with practical tips to help you plan your own itinerary, whether you are exploring Los Angeles, driving the Pacific Coast Highway or spending time in San Francisco.

Why Choose a California Road Trip

Although Los Angeles and San Francisco have better public transport than many US cities, a car gives you the freedom to explore coastal viewpoints, small towns and scenic detours you would never reach otherwise. Driving from LA to San Francisco meant discovering places I would have missed by flying. Parking is also far easier than in the UK, with large car parks and plenty of space.

I flew directly from London to Los Angeles as there is usually more choice of airlines and flight times. Be prepared for long queues at passport control. Ours took two hours. Once through, picking up the hire car was quick and simple, and we headed straight to Santa Monica for the first two nights.

Venice Beach

Nights 1 to 2: Santa Monica and Venice Beach

Santa Monica sits northwest of downtown LA and is famous for its beach, pier and lively coastal atmosphere. The beach is the heart of the town and a morning walk along the sand is never dull. We passed runners, cyclists, volleyball games and even a vintage car rally with rows of gleaming 1950s and 60s cars parked in the sunshine.

The pier is small by British standards but worth visiting for coastal views, amusement rides, restaurants and street performers.

Venice Beach and the Venice Canals

Walking south along the oceanfront brings you to Venice Beach, known for its laid back surfer vibe and colourful characters. The palm lined walkway is full of quirky shops, cafés and street performers, making it one of LA’s best people watching spots.

Just a few blocks inland, Venice becomes a peaceful world of pretty canals, gardens and calm waterways. It is a complete contrast to the lively beachfront.

The peaceful canals of Venice

Shopping in Santa Monica

If you are after retail therapy, Santa Monica Place and the nearby 3rd Street Promenade offer modern shopping, restaurants and a lively pedestrianised atmosphere.

Driving from Los Angeles to San Francisco

The inland drive takes around six hours, but the coastal route along the Pacific Coast Highway is far more scenic and roughly eight hours without stops. The joy of a California road trip is discovering places along the way and there is no shortage of them.

Santa Barbara

Our first stop was Santa Barbara for breakfast. Its tree lined streets and Mediterranean style architecture give it a calm, elegant feel. It is quieter than Santa Monica and has plenty of cafés for a relaxed morning break.

Solvang

Solvang: California’s Danish Village

Driving inland over steep mountain roads brought us to Solvang, one of the most unexpected highlights of the trip. Founded by Danish immigrants, the town centre was redesigned in the 1940s to resemble Denmark. Today you will find half-timbered buildings, Danish flags, bakeries and even mock windmills. It is perfect for a coffee stop and the pastries were genuinely as good as those I have had in Denmark.

Big Sur and Monterey

Big Sur is often described as one of the most beautiful coastal drives in the USA. At the time of our visit, a landslip had closed part of the road so we detoured inland, but the route has fully reopened in 2026. Expect winding roads, dramatic cliffs and countless viewpoints overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey

Monterey is known for its marine wildlife. Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row are lively waterfront areas with restaurants, shops and wildlife watching tours. If you have more time, staying overnight here would be worthwhile.

From Monterey, you can continue along the coast or head inland for a faster arrival into San Francisco. We chose the latter and reached the city just in time for sunset over the Golden Gate Bridge.

Nights 3 to 7: Exploring San Francisco

San Francisco had been on my bucket list for years, so we stayed five nights to explore it properly. For an American city, it feels surprisingly European, with walkable neighbourhoods, steep streets reminiscent of Lisbon and an extensive tram and bus network. It quickly became one of my favourite cities.

From exploring coastal trails and spotting sealions to visiting Alcatraz at dusk, read my top San Francisco recommendations HERE.

Mission Dolores Park, San Francisco

Driving Back to Los Angeles

After five nights in San Francisco, we drove back to LA via the inland route, stopping only at Carmel-by-the-Sea. Carmel has a beautiful white sand beach and a charming village centre filled with independent shops. Chain stores are prohibited, which adds to its character. It was foggy during our visit, but on a clear day it is a lovely stop.

The inland roads are long, straight and easy to drive, passing vast acres of farmland before reaching Los Angeles.

Foggy but atmospheric Carmel

Nights 8 to 9: Hollywood and Griffith Observatory

For our final two nights, we stayed in Hollywood. Despite warnings that it is run down, it was not nearly as bad as expected and is convenient for major attractions.

Hollywood Walk of Fame

Touristy, yes, but worth seeing for the sheer amount of film history beneath your feet.

'New York' streets at Paramount Studios

Paramount Studio Tour

A film studio tour is a must-do in Los Angeles. We chose Paramount as it is one of the oldest studios and the tour is full of iconic sets, props and behind the scenes stories. The New York set, built to mimic Manhattan streets, has appeared in countless films and TV shows.

Griffith Observatory

Part museum and part viewpoint, Griffith Observatory offers panoramic views over Los Angeles and the Hollywood Hills. Park at the bottom and walk up through Griffith Park to enjoy the scenery and viewpoints along the way.

View from the Griffith Observatory towards downtown LA

Final Thoughts

This itinerary is far from exhaustive, but it offers a solid foundation for planning your own California road trip. Whether you are drawn to coastal drives, national parks, film history or vibrant cities, California delivers unforgettable experiences at every turn.