San Francisco to Big Sur Road Trip

Before you even leave the city, it’s worth spending a little time soaking up the best that San Francisco has to offer. The Golden Gate Bridge is the obvious starting point, which isn’t just a crossing but one of the most iconic sights in the entire United States. Then, down at Fisherman’s Wharf, you’ll find sea lions lounging on the docks and enough clam chowder bread bowls to keep you fuelled for days. Also, if you want a taste of the city’s history, hop on a boat trip over to Alcatraz for a fascinating tour of the old prison.

Once you’ve explored the landmarks, the next thing to do is head over to North Beach, which is 10 minutes from Downtown San Francisco and is home to some awesome Italian cafés. Or, if you prefer, make your way to Chinatown, where you’ll find markets and steaming dumpling houses waiting to be explored. And, no trip to San Francisco would be complete without a visit to the Mission District and its colorful murals.

Just 30 minutes south of San Francisco, Half Moon Bay isn’t the longest time of the road but it’s definitely the perfect first stop. This coastal town is completely removed from the busyness of the city, and once you arrive, make sure you head straight over to Half Moon Bay State Beach for a relaxing walk paired with views that’ll have you reaching for your camera.

When you’re suitably relaxed from your time at the beach, the next place to visit is Main Street, which is packed with art galleries and cafés that serve up all kinds of tasty treats. Also, if you’re visiting in October, you might catch the annual Pumpkin Festival, when the whole place is decked out in orange, and intricately carved pumpkins are on display everywhere.

For a place to stay, Sweetwood Camp Site is a group campground tucked inside Half Moon Bay State Beach, steps from the sand. It’s perfect for families, friends, or any group camping together by the coast. From the site, a short trail gets you onto the beach in under 100 yards, making it super easy to spend your day by the ocean.

The spot is all about laid-back beach vibes, picnics, surf fishing, and long walks along the scenic 4-mile coastal trail. Surfing is popular here too, though swimming isn’t recommended because of the strong currents. When looking for a group camping spot with ocean access, great views, and plenty of nearby trails, Sweetwood is a simple but awesome choice.

Further down Highway 1, Santa Cruz brings a jolt of energy to the trip. The first place to visit here is the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which is a 20-minute walk from town and is a mix of old-school roller coasters and arcade games, along with some of the best saltwater taffy you’ve ever tasted. Even if you’re not up for jumping on the rides here, it’s worth a stroll along the boardwalk just for the atmosphere.

Once you’ve done everything the boardwalk has to offer, Santa Cruz has a playful mix of other attractions to explore. To start, West Cliff Drive is a 5-minute drive from the boardwalk and is popular with both walkers and cyclists, with the ocean stretching out to one side. And further inland, the Mystery Spot is a fun, gravity-defying roadside attraction that’s been entertaining visitors for decades.

For a place to park off for the evening or spend a day or two, we recommend Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. If you want to be surrounded by giant redwoods, then this is the park to be at! It’s famous for its 40-acre grove of old-growth redwoods, where some trees stretch nearly 300 feet tall and are over a thousand years old. There are plenty of trails to explore, from easy family walks to longer hikes, plus spots for picnicking, fishing in the San Lorenzo River, and camping in a shady pine and oak forest.

The campground itself has over 100 sites with space for tents and RVs, and it’s tucked into the woods near the rare Santa Cruz Sandhills habitat. You’ll also find a nature center, campfire programs, and even the historic Roaring Camp Railroad right next door if you want to ride a steam train through the redwoods.

It’s a great spot to unplug, wander among towering trees, and soak in that peaceful redwood atmosphere while still being just a short drive from Santa Cruz and the coast.

You’ll only be on the road for around 40 minutes before you reach your next destination of Monterey. The first place to stop once you’ve arrived is Cannery Row, which was once the heart of the sardine-packing industry, but has now been transformed into a lively stretch of restaurants, shops, and wine-tasting rooms.

The star attraction, though, has to be the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It’s only 6 minutes from town and is widely regarded as one of the best aquariums in the world, and you’ll get the opportunity to see schools of fish, jellyfish, and even sea otters. And, once you’ve finished exploring the aquarium, the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail is a perfect way to see the shoreline at your own pace, following an 18-mile path that winds along the water.

For a place to park your RV for the night, Veterans Memorial Park is surrounded by Monterey Pines. It offers shaded campsites, hiking trails with bay views, and plenty of open, relaxing space. The park also has picnic areas, a playground, bocce ball, and basketball courts, making it a fun spot for families and groups. Campsites are first-come, first-served and limited to three nights, so arriving early is best, especially on weekends. With the aquarium, beaches, and downtown just minutes away, this park is an affordable and convenient way to enjoy Monterey while still camping in nature.

You’re really not going very far to get to your penultimate stop, with a 10-minute trip along Highway 1 taking you to Carmel by the Sea. The streets are lined with art galleries and cool shops to explore, but before you do that, make Carmel Beach your first stop, which is a 10-minute walk from town. The soft white sand and beautiful views of the Pacific are unmissable, and it’s a dog-friendly stretch of coast, so you’ll be able to bring your canine companion along to bound through the surf!

With your beach cravings satisfied, head to the town itself, which has long been a favorite destination with art lovers and is home to over 50 galleries showcasing paintings, sculptures, and photography. Also, suppose you’re a fan of history. In that case, Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, founded in 1770, is beautifully preserved and offers a glimpse into California’s Spanish colonial past, along with its gardens and intricate architecture to marvel at.

Ready to rest up? One of the best RV camping options in the area is Saddle Mountain! Taking a night or two at Saddle Mountain is great for families, individuals, or couples. This spot has plenty to offer, so much so that you may want to extend your stay even longer. From hot showers, Wi-Fi, a swimming pool, and even a Sauna, to some breathtaking hikes that reward you with a stunning view of the Big Sur mountains, Carmel Valley, and the Pacific Ocean, Saddle Mountain is the place to be.

Another 25 miles on the road and you’ve reached the grand finale of your Big Sur road trip. The drive itself is an adventure, as every bend in the road reveals another heart-stopping view, including the famous Bixby Bridge and McWay Falls, which tumbles straight down to the sand at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

There’s more to Big Sur than just the views, though. The hiking trails here are incredible, with several weaving through redwood groves leading to hidden beaches, such as the Pfeiffer Falls Trail. Or, if you feel like a longer trek, the Ewoldsen Trail is a great option and a 4.5-mile loop that takes you through forests and up to incredible coastal views.

To truly immerse yourself in the magic of Big Sur, staying overnight is a must, and Big Sur Campground and Cabins is a great choice for RVs up to 40 feet in length. The amenities are basic, but that’s what you want when you’re trying to embrace nature, and they include picnic tables, fire pits, and water and electric hookups, along with access to a central dump station.

Make planning your San Francisco to Big Sur adventure easier than ever with affordable campervan hire in San Francisco from Travellers Autobarn. With free unlimited miles included, you can explore far and wide without worrying about extra charges.

Itching to explore some other road trips starting from San Francisco? Here are some other articles you might enjoy:

• San Francisco to Portland Road Trip
• San Francisco to Redwoods National Park Road Trip
• San Francisco to San Diego Road Trip
• San Francisco to Las Vegas Road Trip: Best Drive Itinerary

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