San Francisco to Monterey: Start Your Coastal Drive Adventure
San Francisco to Monterey is one of California’s most iconic coastal drives—packed with dramatic cliffs, oceanfront hiking trails, secret beaches, farm-stand discoveries, and unbelievably good seafood. If you’re a California local craving a weekend reset or a road-trip lover searching for new gems along Highway 1, this stretch of the coast brings that perfect mix of scenic drama and relaxed coastal energy.
This guide takes you through the journey the way locals actually do it: slower, more curious, full of detours, and filled with small stops most visitors never even notice. It’s written to feel like a guided travel experience—packed with insider tips, Google Maps locations, local eats, and the very best viewpoints to pull over for those “only in California” moments.
Let’s dive into the 10 stunning reasons the San Francisco to Monterey coastal drive is unforgettable, with each one flowing along the natural rhythm of the coastline.
1. San Francisco to Monterey: Scenic Start at Lands End & Ocean Beach
Kick things off right on the edge of the continent.
Lands End Lookout
This is one of the best spots to take in that first blast of Pacific air before beginning your descent toward Monterey. Locals love:
- The Sutro Baths overlook
- Mile Rock Beach trail (short but dramatic)
- Sweeping Golden Gate views
Ocean Beach
A laid-back stretch where surfers grab dawn patrol waves and locals sip warm coffee with salty hair.
Insider Tip:
Grab a latte and a pastry at Trouble Coffee before you hit the road.
2. San Francisco to Monterey: Highway 1 Through Pacifica & Devil’s Slide
This section runs along cliffs so steep you’ll want to lower your window and breathe it in.
Pacifica Pier Stop
Devil’s Slide Trail
Devil’s Slide is one of the top coastal walking paths in the Bay Area—carved into cliffs with views that rival Big Sur on a smaller scale.
Why stop here?
- Restrooms
- Picnic tables
- Easy viewpoints
- Great drone shots (where permitted)
3. San Francisco to Monterey: Fitzgerald Marine Reserve (Tidepool Heaven)
If you hit the tides right, this is a must-stop. The rocky shoreline reveals starfish, sea anemones, vibrant algae pools, and sometimes harbor seals sunning on the rocks.
Local Tip:
Use the NOAA tide chart. Arrive one hour before low tide for the best tidepooling.
4. San Francisco to Monterey: Half Moon Bay—Beaches, Bakeries, and Coastal Trails
Half Moon Bay always delivers.
Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail
This flat oceanside trail is perfect for stretching your legs, grabbing photos, or renting a bike.
Best Eats in Half Moon Bay
- Dad’s Luncheonette (iconic burgers served out of a red caboose)
- Sam’s Chowder House (lobster roll heaven)
- Flying Fish & Grill (casual local favorite)
5. San Francisco to Monterey: Pescadero—The Tiny Town With Big Flavor
This rural coastal stretch is full of farmland, eucalyptus groves, and hidden beaches.
Essential Stops
Año Nuevo State Park
Home to elephant seals, wide-open bluffs, and miles of sea-breezy trails.
Pescadero State Beach
Arcangeli Grocery Co. (Historic Bakery)
Must-try: The famous artichoke garlic bread.
6. San Francisco to Monterey: Davenport—One of California’s Most Underrated Scenic Stops
Davenport feels like a stretch of the coast designed just for photographers.
Shark Fin Cove
Davenport Cliffs Viewpoint
Insider Tip:
Sunset here is unmatched—locals park along the cliffs and watch the sky explode.
7. San Francisco to Monterey: Santa Cruz Boardwalk & West Cliff Drive
You’re entering surf-town energy now.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
West Cliff Drive
This 2.5-mile walking path is a local favorite, lined with surfers, sea otters, cliffs, and sky-blue ocean.
Notable Stops Along the Way
- Natural Bridges State Beach
- Lighthouse Point
- Steamer Lane
Food to Try
- The Penny Ice Creamery (fresh, small batch, locally adored)
- Lilian’s Italian Kitchen (cozy & delicious)
8. San Francisco to Monterey: Capitola Village & Its Colorful Waterfront
Capitola is a charming, pastel-colored beachfront town that feels straight out of a Southern Europe postcard.
Local Favorites
- Margaritas on the sand at Paradise Beach Grille
- A stroll over the Capitola Wharf
- Boutique shopping in the village
9. San Francisco to Monterey: Moss Landing—Sea Otters, Seafood, and Kayaks
This is one of the best stops of the entire drive if you love wildlife.
Highlights
- Kayak Elkhorn Slough among sea otters
- Fresh seafood at Phil’s Fish Market
- Calm estuary walks
10. Finally: Monterey—Cannery Row, Coastal Trails & Sunset Perfection
Your drive ends in one of California’s most iconic coastal towns.
Top Things to Do
Monterey Bay Coastal Trail
Lovers Point Park
Pacific Grove’s Oceanfront Drive
Photographers, bring your lenses.
Best Local Eats
- The Sardine Factory (classic Monterey dining)
- Hula’s Island Grill (fun & tropical)
- Passionfish (local, sustainable, inventive)
FAQ: San Francisco to Monterey Coastal Drive
How long does the San Francisco to Monterey drive take?
About 2 hours direct, but 4–8 hours if you explore properly.
What’s the best time of year to do this road trip?
Fall (September–November) offers the clearest coastal views.
Is Highway 1 safe?
Yes, but always check for closures near Big Basin or Davenport after storms.
Where should I stop for the best viewpoints?
Devil’s Slide, Shark Fin Cove, West Cliff Drive, and Lovers Point.
Can I do this road trip without a car?
You’ll need a car for this one, but Monterey does have good local transit.
Conclusion: Ready for More Coastal Adventures?
This San Francisco to Monterey journey is one of California’s most rewarding coastal drives—packed with stops that locals return to again and again for scenic resets, ocean breezes, and incredible food.
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