If you’re already in San Francisco and thinking of heading south, Big Sur is the obvious next move. It’s close enough to feel doable without a big plan, but far enough away that it still feels like you’ve properly gone somewhere. However, despite being less than 150 miles from the city, many people underestimate how long it takes to get there. After all, what looks like a simple coastal drive on a map can easily turn into a full day or even two once you factor in the exciting spots to explore along the way.

So what should your itinerary look like? To keep things stress-free and ensure you have the best road trip possible, we’ve created the ultimate San Francisco to Big Sur road trip guide. This has everything you need
to start planning your next great adventure.

Before You Leave

Having the right setup makes all the difference on this drive. A campervan or small RV suits the route well, especially if you want the freedom to stop when something looks interesting instead of being restricted to a certain location by a hotel booking. Many people organise getting their vehicle from the Travellers Autobarn San Francisco branch, which makes it easy to collect everything you need and head straight out
of the city without doubling back.

Also, before leaving San Francisco, it’s a good idea to stock up on your supplies. That way, once you’re past the outer suburbs and services become less frequent, you won’t be hunting for fuel or groceries when you’d rather be focusing on the scenery.

Heading Down the Coast

With San Francisco in your rearview mirror, the drive starts to feel more relaxed. Half Moon Bay is a great first place to stop and explore, and while it’s not a must-see in the bucket-list sense, it does offer the
opportunity to grab a coffee or walk along the coastal trail near Pillar Point if you want to stretch your legs.

From here, Highway 1 begins to open up. The road hugs the coastline more closely, and you’ll start seeing regular turn-offs for lookouts and beaches. Even short stops here help break up the drive and make it feel
less like you’re just ticking off kilometres and more like a proper adventure.

Santa Cruz

This is where the energy kicks up a gear. The beachfront around Santa Cruz Wharf and Boardwalk is lively, especially later in the day, and it’s a great spot to stop if you’re ready for food or a longer break. Or, if you simply want some fresh air, a walk along West Cliff Drive gives you views back over the ocean and is a lot quieter than the main beach area. Also, if you’re itching to get out on your surfboard or you just enjoy
watching surfers take on the waves, this is one of the best places along the route to grab that opportunity. Even if you only stop for an hour or two, Santa Cruz is an exciting place to stop between the city and the
calmer stretch of coast further south.

Monterey

Your next stop is Monterey, with some really interesting areas to explore. Cannery Row is the most popular, and the waterfront path nearby is worth a short wander if you want to take a gentle stroll without the fear of it suddenly turning into something more strenuous. Likewise, the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail is flat and easy, even if you only walk a small section of it.

This is also a sensible place to refuel, grab groceries, or sit down for a proper meal. Many people rush straight through Monterey in the excitement of reaching Big Sur, but it’s absolutely worth carving out a bit
of time to visit, especially if you’re taking a longer vacation.

Big Sur

You’ve finally arrived in Big Sur. But what to explore first? Bixby Creek Bridge is the most obvious stop, and while it’s popular, the views from both sides of the bridge will have you reaching for your camera over and over again.

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is another excellent spot if you want more than just photos. The park has walking tracks through a redwood forest, ranging from short loops to longer hikes, and it’s a good way of exploring without straying too far from the highway. Further south, Pfeiffer Beach is popular for its purple-tinted sand and interesting rock formations, although access is via a narrow road that can be easy to miss, so be sure to look out for the signs.

Final Thoughts

By the time you reach the southern end of Big Sur, the drive feels complete without ever having felt rushed. You’ve covered enough ground to feel like you’ve travelled, but not so much that it has become tiring, and that balance is what makes this route work so well. This isn’t a journey focused on seeing everything or every stop; it chooses a few places that catch your interest and gives you enough time to enjoy them properly. And that is exactly what this stretch of coast is best at.