This is my itinerary from traveling with my partner from Santa Barbara to San Francisco in the Spring of 2025.
Confirmation Code: XXXXXX
Pick up Hertz rental car from airport. It's possible that Ellen will have to register herself, as Jack has a temporary license. We did get rental insurance for this car.
Bright blue building across from a gas station. I eat here every time I go to Santa Barbara!
Stay at Bath Street Inn in Santa Barbara. Check in at 3PM. You made it! Freshen up here & hang out until dinner. If you have had your fill of relaxation & want to hit downtown early, here are some options.
Wake up and have breakfast either at the hotel, or at a local restaurant.
Stop at Whole Foods & pick out some snacks and drinks you can keep in the back of the car during the ride up. So you’re never hangry!
Walk around downtown Los Olivos, specifically down Grand St. There are a lot of great lunch and wine spots here. One spot I like is called Carhartt Family Wines.
We can then continue north on a drive to the Vineyards above Los Olivos.
As we continue north, let's check out The Shell Shop in Morro Bay.
If we have time, we can stop by Cayucos to get fish tacos. The place I liked here—called Ruddle's Smokehouse—closed a while back.
Stay at Squibb House in Cambria. This is a self check-in establishment w/ a lockbox.
Number of small trailheads down to beach.
The manager told me that Squibb has breakfast that includes options free of Banana and Avocado. We'll also have name-cards placed out where we are supposed to sit for breakfast.
Spend the day in Cambria. A few things to check out in Cambria:
We want to hit the road early so there's light for us to see the views in Big Sur!
The California 1 is closed per California DOT.
[California 1] is closed from 2.1 mi north of Lucia to 14.4 mi south of Big Sur /at Lime Creek/ (Monterey Co) - Due to emergency repairs - Motorists are advised to use an alternate route. We should take the 101 though Paso Robles, San Lucas, Monterey, and South into Big Sur from there.
Stay In Big Sur at the Big Sur River Inn
We have a room with a Queen bed reserved. Check in is at 4pm.
Do Some Activities at The Hotel
Leave the Big Sur River Inn before noon and head north!
Start driving to San Fransicko! You want to make sure to drive along the coast, hitting Monterey, Santa Cruz, Pescadero, Half Moon Bay, and Pacifica. Here are some stops you might want to make as you drive north along the coast ordered from southern-most to northern-most.
Ellen said she wanted to go.
There's a lot at 750 Bush St, and about four other parking garages in the area within a 3 block radius. The parking is around $40 per night.
Management said it can get a little loud, but we're only staying here one night. Check in is at 3PM. You have free cancellations up until 48 hours before 3pm of the date of your arrival.
Visit Top of The Mark to grab a drink. Cocktail Menu. Some of the best views in SF! This place comes highly recommended by Aaron.
This establishment is more down-to-earth, serving simple Italian food. Food Menu. Aaron also loves this spot.
Head up the hill to this hidden gem with stunning panoramic views of the city and bay. It's a peaceful spot with beautiful gardens, perfect for winding down your first day in San Francisco.
This iconic tiki bar at the Fairmont Hotel with tropical drinks, occasional indoor "rainstorms," and a floating band on a lagoon. It's kitsch in the best possible way and a true San Francisco institution.
Take a quick Uber or Lyft to the Embarcadero for a pleasant evening waterfront walk with views of the Bay Bridge lights. Stop at the Ferry Building for Humphry Slocombe ice cream.
Take your bags to The White Swan Inn so they can hold onto them until check-in at 3PM.
A world-famous bakery with confections, breakfast, and lunch options.
One of my favorite pizza spots of all time!
A "fancy" market on 18th. Will have plenty of girl dinner supplies & other treats!
Grab the beer from Bi-Rite. If they don't have it, there are a couple liquor stores & bodegas near by that will. After you've gotten the beer, head to the hill in the corner furthest away from Delfina—past the playground. Sit on the hill and drink your beer. From there, you'll have fantastic views of the bay and downtown San Francisco. I frequented this park when I lived in Marin an worked downtown. It's a classic San Francisco spot!
Get some rest, freshen up!
Wait at California St. & Mason St. for the car to arrive. It's possible that the cable car will be too full and that you'll have to wait for the next one. You can pay with cash, MuniMobile, or the Clipper Card. Tickets for Cash are $3, and exact change is required.
Little Shucker: Upscale ($50–$100 per person) spot that specializes in oysters and other seafood. Menu. State Bird Provisions: Spirits & a menu of classic & signature cocktails served in a warm, charming bar that has event space & outdoor seating. Menu.
You'll need the rest for your day in Marin tomorrow.
Today we're getting in the car, and heading to Marin.
This is the place that gave San Francisco its reputation for Sourdough. Menu.
Head to the beach near the Golden Gate bridge for a nice walk along the sand. You can either go to Crissy Beach via Jauss St., a little farther East, or you can head to Golden Gate Beach via Marine Dr., more westward.
Head to the Ferry Building to catch the Angel Island ferry. Schedule. Get to the foot of Market Street & Embarcadero, Gates B & C behind SF Ferry Building.
Once on the island, enjoy the 5-mile perimeter road hike with stunning 360° views of the Bay Area. Visit the Immigration Station museum to learn about the island's history, and be sure to climb to the top of Mount Livermore (788 feet) for breathtaking panoramic views of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Marin Headlands. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the many scenic spots around the island.
If It's Cloudy, Head To Mount Tamalpais
Drive up to Mount Tamalpais State Park and explore the Cataract Falls Trail, one of Marin's most beautiful hiking experiences, especially after rainfall when the cascading waterfalls are at their most impressive. The trail features multiple waterfall sections connected by scenic forest paths. Be prepared for steps and some moderate climbing. Afterward, continue to the East Peak summit for sweeping views that often rise above the cloud layer. Consider stopping at the Mountain Home Inn or Tourist Club (if open) for refreshments on your way back.
But my favorite hike ever is cataract falls in the Tamalpais watershed - lots of stairs though Alternately Angel Island is absolutely glorious on a clear day It's an easy ferry ride from the ferry building
Day 8: Saturday, May 3rd
Here's what you can do if you're feeling ambitious...
Do it!
XXXXX
6:00am -> 2:39pm