Start in San Francisco, but don't leave immediately. This is a city worth checking out, from the majestic Golden Gate Bridge to the charming trolley system and historic buildings. Muir Woods is near San Francisco, too. Less than 20 miles north, this gorgeous national park has large coastal redwood trees and a serene atmosphere you won't soon forget.

Depart from San Francisco bright and early to reach Monterey or Carmel-by-the-Sea in just a couple of hours. Monterey is a vibrant coastal city with one of the best aquariums in the world. Carmel-by-the-Sea is a delightful stop with plenty of art galleries and storybook cottages; walk along Ocean Avenue to find local and designer shops. Stay the night or continue on to your next destination.

Beware: Big Sur is a destination so picturesque you may be tempted to stay for the rest of your trip! Wild, rugged cliffs overlook gorgeous beaches, with popular stops including the Bixby Bridge and Partington Cove. You can pick out scenic checkpoints or just enjoy the view on the long, winding drive.

If you're living in your van for the road trip, the Ultimate Weekender is ideal. Imagine waking up to the smell of salt air and cool breezes and not having to worry about finding a bathroom or a place to brew a pot of coffee – that is the van life experience.

We recommend making this trip in a day, taking in the sights and checking out some attractions. A tour of Hearst Castle provides a fascinating glimpse into 20th-century American architecture, complemented by an eclectic collection of art and antiques. The Piedras Blancas Rookery is always fun, and if you have the time, take a detour to Solvang, known for its unique Danish architecture and upscale wineries.

When you reach Santa Barbara, you are firmly in Southern California. This city, with its Mediterranean buildings and high-end shopping, is a great place to treat yourself to some retail therapy. It is also where you will find enticing eateries such as bouchon Santa Barbara and The Lark.

Continue down the coast until you get to Malibu, a nature-lover's paradise renowned for its sandy beaches, lush mountains, and winding canyon passes. Stay on Route 1 to grab lunch at Neptune's Net and pull over at Malibu Beach to see surfers enjoying one of the most iconic surf breaks on the West Coast.

Los Angeles is a fun city to explore, but it can hardly be done in a day. We recommend staying the night in nearby Santa Monica so you feel well-rested for hitting the Griffith Observatory, Hollywood Boulevard, or Rodeo Drive.

As you head down the Pacific Coast Highway from Los Angeles toward San Diego, consider grabbing a ferry to Catalina Island. It's a quick boat ride to a popular destination, known for its excellent seafood, hiking trails through the mountains, and ocean activities such as scuba diving and kayaking. On a clear day, you will have a nice view of the Los Angeles coastline.

A hidden gem en route to San Diego, the Los Rios Street Historic District in San Juan Capistrano offers many things to do. We suggest visiting the Mission San Juan Capistrano museum, then walking around and checking out places like the Hidden House Cafe or the River Street Ranch.

San Diego is known for its temperate climate and beautiful beaches. If you like days by the water, you'll definitely want to check out La Jolla Cove, Shell Beach, or Del Mar. The San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, and a ball game at Petco Park are also fun activities. Take a short drive to the Hotel Del Coronado to spend time at a historic, upscale hotspot.