We recently drove up the California coast from Los Angeles to San Francisco and had an absolute blast — so I wanted to collect everything in one place for anyone planning a similar trip. Road trips are the best: no airports, lots of unexpected stops, and plenty of scenic views. We left LA midweek, made many short detours, and stayed overnight in a few favorite towns. Here’s a concise, human-friendly guide to the places we loved and the spots we’d recommend.
Our first stop was Ojai for a relaxed lunch and a quick stroll through town. We only had a couple of hours but it was charming enough to warrant a longer visit next time. Recommended stops in Ojai:
Summer Camp
A whimsical shop that feels like an upscale summer camp — full of fun finds and unique goods.
Boccali’s
Great local spot for lunch. The tomatoes were insanely juicy and the strawberry shortcake is a must-save-room-for dessert.
Our first overnight was in San Luis Obispo. We stayed at the famously quirky Madonna Inn — if you enjoy bold, unusual decor it’s a memorable stay. A few quick SLO recommendations:
The Madonna Inn
Colorful and distinctive rooms — call ahead if you want to reserve a particular room for the full experience.
Kreuzberg Coffee
A solid spot for breakfast and coffee, with tasty breakfast burritos and a relaxed atmosphere for catching up on work.
For dinner or evening drinks, we got recommendations to try Luna Red and Sidecar — both sounded great for a longer visit.
Driving past Cambria, we spotted a small, colorful, slightly abandoned cluster of buildings by the road and had to stop. It felt like a miniature village of vintage shacks and oddities with several antique shops — one even had a room full of vintage license plates. It’s exactly the kind of roadside discovery that makes a coastal drive fun.
We drove through Big Sur, stopped to admire McWay Falls, and then headed to Carmel for lunch. Carmel’s streets and shops are incredibly charming — we’ll definitely spend more time there next visit. Highlights in the area:
McWay Falls
An easy park-and-walk trail leads to a stunning viewpoint of the falls and the cove — a must-see.
Carmel Bakery
Great sandwiches and oversized soft pretzels. Pastries and ice cream are very tempting — expect a line.
Cottage of Sweets
A tiny candy shop full of fudge and international candies — quirky finds like unusual taffy flavors made it fun to wander.
Santa Cruz was our favorite stop — it felt like a West Coast version of the Jersey Shore with a colorful boardwalk, carnival rides, and a lively seaside vibe. We stayed at the Santa Cruz Dream Inn right on the beach and couldn’t have asked for a better view. Top picks in Santa Cruz:
Santa Cruz Dream Inn
Beachfront hotel with ocean views and a pool that looks out over the beach. The on-site restaurant serves a great breakfast — try the huevos rancheros — and the hotel’s surf-themed lounge and décor are delightful.
The Boardwalk
Classic boardwalk fun with colorful rides, snacks, and plenty of nostalgic charm.
Capitola Venetians
A row of rainbow houses along Capitola Beach — an adorable spot for a leisurely walk and photos, plus the surrounding village is full of small shops and cafes.
The Penny Ice Creamery
Worth the visit — great handmade ice cream in a cozy setting.
Buttercup Cakes
A tiny cakery with delicious mini cupcakes, including vegan and gluten-free options.
The Mystery Spot
A touristy, gravity-defying attraction outside Santa Cruz. It’s fun and bizarre — book ahead if you want to visit.
Our final stop was San Francisco, where we were on a mini food mission. We stayed at Hotel Carlton, which sits conveniently near a handful of the city’s celebrated bakeries and cafes. Favorite San Francisco stops from our trip:
Hotel Carlton
A central, eclectic hotel with city views and charming wall art. It was an ideal base for exploring nearby bakeries and restaurants.
Mr. Holmes Bakehouse
Yes, we waited for cruffins — they were worth it. Expect a line for this famous bakehouse.
Miette
Beautiful pastries and cakes worth admiring — you’ll want to photograph (or frame) them.
Tartine
Long lines but excellent bread and sandwiches — the bakery is iconic for a reason.
The Mill
Great spot for toast and coffee in a lovely space — highly recommended for breakfast.
Souvla
A delicious, casual lunch spot; the chicken salad is a standout and the frozen yogurt gets rave reviews.
Trick Dog
A fun, creative cocktail bar with a rotating menu and an eccentric vibe — a great place for drinks with friends.
Pizzeria Delfina
Excellent pizza — the Carbonara pizza gets high marks.
Clarion Alley
A colorful alley of street art in the Mission District — great for a stroll and photos.
Local boutiques
We enjoyed browsing small shops like Lavish and Rare Device for unique gifts, stationery, and home goods.
Photos by Jeff Mindell
We finished the trip spending the weekend with family in San Francisco before driving back to LA via the quicker I-5 route. It was a fantastic coastal drive and a reminder that slowing down to explore little towns and spontaneous stops makes a trip much more memorable. In hindsight, I’d add a couple more overnights in places like Ojai and Carmel — more time means more exploring and more reasons to return.
What are your favorite stops along the California coast? Share any must-see places so we can plan round two.
Thanks to Joie de Vivre Hotels for hosting our stays at the Santa Cruz Dream Inn and Hotel Carlton during this trip.
p.s. The banana split manicure pictured above is one of my recent DIYs.