Here’s a 5-day roundtrip road trip itinerary for a vegetarian, gluten-free couple traveling from Hollywood to San Francisco, featuring stops, meals, accommodations, and pricing for budget-friendly and luxury options. Need help planning the perfect trip contact me for more information - www.DiamondTravelAgent.com
Day 1: Hollywood to Santa Barbara
- Distance: ~95 miles (~2 hours)
- Highlights: Coastal views, Santa Monica Pier, Downtown Santa Barbara
Stops:
- Santa Monica Pier: Iconic seaside landmark.
- Santa Barbara Mission: Historic mission and gardens.
Meals:
- Breakfast:
- Budget: Urth Caffé (Los Angeles) – Offers gluten-free options like avocado toast on GF bread. (~$15/person)
- Luxury: Farmshop (Santa Monica) – Upscale, with vegetarian GF offerings like shakshuka. (~$30/person)
- Lunch:
- Budget: Mesa Verde (Santa Barbara) – Vegetarian GF bowls and wraps. (~$20/person)
- Luxury: The Lark (Santa Barbara) – Farm-to-table with excellent GF vegetarian options. (~$50/person)
- Dinner:
- Budget: Natural Café (Santa Barbara) – Affordable vegetarian and GF-friendly dishes. (~$20/person)
- Luxury: Bouchon (Santa Barbara) – Elevated California cuisine with GF vegetarian menu. (~$60/person)
Stay:
- Budget: La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Santa Barbara (~$150/night) Website
- Luxury: Belmond El Encanto (~$600/night) Website
Day 2: Santa Barbara to Big Sur
- Distance: ~200 miles (~4 hours)
- Highlights: Solvang (Danish village), Hearst Castle, Big Sur coastline
Stops:
- Solvang: Danish-style village with bakeries offering GF options.
- Hearst Castle: Guided tours of this historic estate.
Meals:
- Breakfast:
- Budget: Olsen's Danish Village Bakery (Solvang) – GF baked goods. (~$10/person)
- Luxury: Mad & Vin (Solvang) – Upscale GF breakfast options. (~$30/person)
- Lunch:
- Budget: Sebastian's Café (San Simeon) – GF sandwiches and salads. (~$15/person)
- Luxury: Nepenthe (Big Sur) – Stunning views with GF vegetarian dishes. (~$40/person)
- Dinner:
- Budget: Big Sur Deli – Simple, GF-friendly meals. (~$15/person)
- Luxury: Sierra Mar (Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur) – Fine dining with vegetarian GF tasting menu. (~$100/person)
Stay:
- Budget: Big Sur Campground & Cabins (~$120/night) Website
- Luxury: Post Ranch Inn (~$1,200/night) Website
Day 3: Big Sur to San Francisco
- Distance: ~120 miles (~3 hours)
- Highlights: Monterey Bay, 17-Mile Drive, Golden Gate Bridge
Stops:
- Monterey Bay Aquarium: Iconic attraction with ocean exhibits.
- 17-Mile Drive: Scenic drive through Pebble Beach.
Meals:
- Breakfast:
- Budget: Old Monterey Café (Monterey) – Affordable GF pancakes and omelets. (~$15/person)
- Luxury: La Balena (Carmel) – Chic GF brunch options. (~$40/person)
- Lunch:
- Budget: Loving Hut (San Francisco) – Affordable vegan GF meals. (~$15/person)
- Luxury: Greens Restaurant (San Francisco) – High-end vegetarian GF dining. (~$50/person)
- Dinner:
- Budget: Gracias Madre – Mexican-inspired vegan GF dishes. (~$25/person)
- Luxury: Michael Mina – Michelin-starred, GF-friendly dishes. (~$100/person)
Stay:
Day 4: San Francisco to Paso Robles
- Distance: ~200 miles (~4 hours)
- Highlights: Paso Robles wine country
Stops:
- Paso Robles Wineries: Many offer GF vegetarian pairings.
Meals:
- Breakfast:
- Budget: Morning Due Café (SF) – Affordable GF vegan meals. (~$10/person)
- Luxury: Boulevard (SF) – Lavish brunch offerings. (~$40/person)
- Lunch:
- Budget: Red Scooter Deli (Paso Robles) – GF sandwiches. (~$15/person)
- Luxury: Il Cortile Ristorante – Italian GF options. (~$60/person)
- Dinner:
- Budget: Fish Gaucho – Creative GF Mexican dishes. (~$20/person)
- Luxury: Justin Vineyards Restaurant – Fine dining at a winery. (~$90/perso
Stay:
Day 5: Paso Robles to Hollywood
- Distance: ~190 miles (~4 hours)
Stops:
- Santa Barbara Coast: Stop for final coastal views.
Meals:
- Breakfast:
- Budget: Panolivo (Paso Robles) – GF pastries. (~$10/person)
- Luxury: Hatch Rotisserie & Bar – Fancy GF breakfast options. (~$30/person)
- Lunch:
- Budget: Backyard Bowls (Santa Barbara) – GF smoothie bowls. (~$15/person)
- Luxury: Finch & Fork – Elegant GF lunch menu. (~$50/person)
Expenses Summary
Budget-Friendly Option:
- Meals: ~$50/day per person
- Hotels: ~$150/night
- Gas: ~$150
Total: ~$1,600 for 2 people
Luxury Option:
- Meals: ~$150/day per person
- Hotels: ~$500/night
- Gas: ~$150
Total: ~$4,500 for 2 people
This itinerary ensures a memorable and delicious journey with options for every preference and budget!
Did you enjoy this post? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Is there a dream trip or destination you’d like me to write about? Share your ideas below, and let’s make travel inspiration a two-way street!
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Did you enjoy this post? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Is there a dream trip or destination you’d like me to write about? Share your ideas below, and let’s make travel inspiration a two-way street!