Welcome to TripAdvisor, Rinkusondh

The GPS system can be a good tool, but it should not be relied on entirely. I've seen folks post their experiences with GPS that had them making unnecessary turns that actually would have taken them out of the way. Good thing you found this site, as those of us who hang out here can help you with your route down the coast, as well as your other questions.

1) The recommended route out of SFO to get over to the coast would be I-380 west to I-280 south to Highway 92 west toward Half Moon Bay, which ends at Highway 1. Left turn on to Highway 1 and that's your route all the way down to Cambria and then in to San Luis Obispo where you'll connect with Highway 101 the rest of the way to LA.

2) SFO to Cambria is approx. a 5 1/2 to 6 hour drive WITHOUT stops. With so much to see/do between the two it could turn into a 12-16 hour drive. This is why we recommend 2 overnight stops for the coast drive to do it justice. You'll have to decide which stops appeal to you the most and plan accordingly.

Some of the sights between SFO and Cambria:

Santa Cruz

Henry Cowell Redwoods

Monterey: Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, Old Fisherman's Wharf

Carmel By The Sea: Carmel Beach, 17 Mile Drive (Pebble Beach/Lone Cypress Tree)

Bixby Bridge

Big Sur: Pfeiffer Falls Trail, Pfeiffer Beach, Nepenthe, McWay Falls @ Julia Pfieffer Burns State Park, Ragged Point, elephant seal rookery near Piedras Blancas

3) Make your Hearst rezzies for the next morning. You won't get there early enough on Day 1 for the last tour.

4) This part of the drive focuses less on scenery and more on the towns in between Cambria and LA.

Some of the sights between Cambria and LA:

Morro Bay

San Luis Obispo

Pismo/Avila beaches

Solvang

Santa Barbara