Routes · Americas

London to the California coast: San Francisco, Big Sur and Los Angeles

London → San Francisco → Big Sur → Los Angeles

California coast Best season (general guide): May–Oct (clearest coast Sep–Oct)

Driving the California coast between San Francisco and Los Angeles is one of the classic road trips in the United States. This route spends time in both cities, with two nights on the wild Big Sur coast between them. From London you'll fly to San Francisco, and you fly home from Los Angeles.

San Francisco is hilly and compact, and the Golden Gate Bridge, the ferry to Alcatraz and the cable cars are easy to combine with neighbourhood walks. Heading south, Monterey and Carmel are good stops before Highway 1 starts to wind along the cliffs of Big Sur. Pullouts above the ocean, redwood groves in the state parks and the view of McWay Falls dropping onto a beach make it slow driving in the best way. South of Big Sur, the coast continues past San Simeon and Santa Barbara to Los Angeles, where you can split your time between beaches, the Getty's art collection and the views from Griffith Observatory.

The coast can be visited from late spring to autumn, but early summer often brings persistent fog, sometimes called 'June gloom'. Late September and October tend to be clearer. Highway 1 through Big Sur is affected by landslides and repair works, so check Caltrans and the Big Sur Chamber of Commerce updates before you go. Highway 1 near Point Sur is subject to roadwork closures, so check Caltrans road conditions before you drive.

Book Alcatraz tickets in advance, as they sell out. Accommodation in Big Sur is limited, so reserve early, and fill up with fuel before the most remote stretch.

Pacing note: if part of Highway 1 is closed, drive round via the inland highway and approach Big Sur from the open end.

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