where to stop between san diego and san francisco

Amtrak Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. I recommend that for Day 1 on the road you aim to get from San Francisco to Monterey where you will stay over night. This is one of the best stops on your San Francisco to San Diego drive or San Diego to San Francisco drive if you have a love for nature and history! From December May, watch carefully for water spouts in the ocean, marking the migration of gray whales on their way to feed in the Alaskan waters. By booking through our links we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. If you need surfing lessons, there are plenty of options for that as well. While there are no campgrounds in Muir Woods, those who want to camp will want to head over to Mount Tamalpais, which is only a 23-minute drive. Yay! Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive: beautiful beach, shopping, dining, great views, entertainment, overnight stay. Have you cobbled together a method? Carmel-by-the-Sea is one impressive little village along the coast. Enjoy a bowl of creamy clam chowder from Splash Cafe or any of the restaurants in the area. If youre dedicating a few days to the Ventura area, you have to check out the Channel Islands National Park off the coast! (Be sure to book tour tickets in advance.). You are going to love it. My favorite views are at Dukes. Youll find upscale dining and shopping on Coronado, too. Was wondering where is best to stop in Californiabetween San Franciscoand San Diego? Or explore the huge variety of exhibits at the expansive Aquarium of the Pacific. No matter which direction you go along Californias coast and a good chunk of the US west coast there are tons of incredible and scenic stops along the way. Bundle up for a bonfire on the sand with your crew. Some of the most iconic things to do in Huntington Beach includes strolling down the pier and shop and dine down Main Street. This home, or castle, is made up of 165 rooms and over 100 acres of gardens, terraces, pools, and walkways. more. Pebble Beach is located between Monterey and Carmel and offers out-of-this-world views of the ocean, legendary golf courses and 17 miles of amazing coastline. Plus, traffic is awful around San Jose - you'll want to avoid it at all costs if you can. Youre in for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure! Had no idea this coastal route could be this mesmerising! Unlike other American metropolises, the tallest buildings barely . Weekends and holidays offer shuttle services, where you can make reservations and get picked up from the Muir Woods Shuttle in Pohono State Park and Ride in Sausalito. Theres usually a line out the door, so you know its delicious! If youre planning a road trip along the gorgeous California Pacific Coast Highway you really need to plan to make Pebble Beach one of your road trips stops. In contrast, it rarely rains in San Diego, with temps typically ranging between 50 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are looking for a faster road, then consider the I-5. The distance between San Francisco and Los Angeles on the Pacific Coast Highway is roughly 500 miles. Specifically, many locals and tourists love Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park for its gorgeous coves, waterfalls, and famous trail, the Waterfall Overlook Trail that leads to McWay Falls. Simply put, it defies logic as physics and gravity just dont make sense here! Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: beaches, food & drink, shopping, entertainment, overnight stay, Suggested Hotel: Waypoint Ventura Vintage Trailer Hotel & Campground, Day trip to the Channel Islands National Park, ~ 363 miles from San Francisco & ~ 187 miles from San Diego. Lompoc is a great stop to spend the night as well because hotels are pretty affordable and way cheaper than Santa Barbara. Get on the water during a kayaking tour to see the shore and wildlife like dolphins and seals. This town is located in the heart of one of the top wine producing region in Central California and is famous for its vineyards along the green rolling hills. The city of Oceansidehas gone through a extreme makeover in the past 2 decades from seedy military town to beach town gem. Any suggestions as to where we might spend 2 nights on our way to San Fran? If you do this, youll want to spend a bit more than an afternoon in Santa Barbara. Walk along the boardwalk, visit the outlets, and check out the wine scene! Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: beach, entertainment, food, boutique shopping, ~ 417 miles from San Francisco & ~ 96 miles from San Diego. Pro tip: Stay for sunset. After lunch, you can wander Hermosa Beach, browsing the local merchandise. San Diego is one of my favorite cities - so much to see and do. This waterfall hike reminds me of the best waterfalls in Glacier National Park its so picturesque! Youll see gorgeous views from the California Pacific Coast Highway along the way, too. San Francisco is the most popular city on the route it's 12 hours from Seattle and 8 hours from San Diego. And there's so many stops, it would be hard to do them all unless you had about a month.. Recommended by Emilie of Love Life Abroad follow on Instagram. Santa Monica hosts a variety of special events/festivals year-round! Then, the beach has miles of white sand. Begin your San Fransisco to San Diego road trip at one of the most famous and scenic spots in California right here in San Francisco, The Golden Gate Bridge. From beach activities to the boardwalk, Santa Cruz has it covered. Take your time exploring the area, the Santa Ines Mission, and taking an iconic photo in front of the windmill (theres more than one!). Its got a more retro, eclectic vibe than some of the other places on this list. Once you have had a chance to browse the stores, keep heading south to Hermosa Beach Pier, where you can find additional shops and restaurants. There is an entrance fee of $11.25 charged per vehicle if you wish to enter the private community of Pebble Beach and discover 17-Mile Drive. Videos, Travel Insurance But parking at the bridge is extremely limited. Since its close to the Pacific Ocean, there is a marine layer which keeps the environment moist and encourages plant growth. There are six daily trains from Los Angeles Union Station north to Santa Barbara. The diversity of the state's terrain is chock-full of interesting sites and plenty of adventure along the way. You can try authentic tacos, burritos, and margaritas at Freds Mexican Caf and Cantina, which overlooks the ocean. We love renting kayaks or stand up paddle boards in the harbor! From the PCH, turn north on one of LA countys prettiest roads, Kanan-Dume, through the Santa Monica Mountain canyons. Point Lobos is teeming with activity throughout the year in April and May, visitors may catch a glimpse of Harbor Seal pups as these 2 months are affectionately known as pupping season. These flights take off throughout both the day and evening and last about an hour and a half. Many travel insurance plans also coverCollision Damage Waiver (CDW) coverage up to $35,000. Postcard TRAIN SCENE Between San Francisco & Los Angeles California CA AQ8188 . Yeah hiring a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Pismo Beach has much to offer, like many of the other central beach towns weve covered. Well a fun area in San Diego is Ocean Beach. You could spend an hour here or an afternoon, depending on how much time you have to make the PCH drive. #3 Santa Cruz A fun California beach town known for its beautiful university campus and surfing culture, Santa Cruz is also enviably close to forests of towering redwoods and the Santa Cruz Mountains. Coastal route. California has some of the best weather in North America, with Southern California having some of the most ideal and temperate temperatures year-round averaging 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Its one of the nicest beaches on the coast since it has a lot to offer to adventure travelers. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-46643717', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');San Diego then may goto La Jolla for the day or something. This is a gorgeous beach with unique rock formations on and off the coast and is also a State Park. . Smog Check Star Station San Diego. Note: there is a $10 per car fee to enter the park. For a more in-depth wine tasting experience, take a break from the ocean and head for the hills. Explore the city full of activities and great food: Dinner and overnight in San Diego to catch a flight home in the morning. After you are full, head to Manhattan Beach E-Bike Rentals to rent a bike for the day. Lets recap the list one more time, in a more succinct manner, Related content you might like: 33 Cool and Unique Things to Do in Big Sur Youll Love. Whether youre road tripping solo, with your partner or as a family, this stop is a must-do along your drive. The best time for a road trip for cruising along the coast is easily May through October and August through September if youre looking to swim in the ocean. These beach shoes are literally perfect for Torrey Pines State Reserve! . Watching the sunset over the ocean is a favorite local activity and the views are incredible! Regardless of your fitness level, youll find a trail or 2 that are perfect for a stroll along the coast. Continue to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, where a short half mile hike will take you to the unique McWay Falls flowing onto the beach. Day 2 on PCH 1- Morning in Big Sur. From beaches to tacos, iconic Spanish-style architecture and water activities, Santa Barbara is a must-see. These are some of the most popular and iconic surf shops in Southern California. It took nearly 3 decades to bring the Heart Castle to completion and you can learn all about that on your visit. If you love architecture or religious sites, youll love Carmel Mission Basilica Museum. One of the best things to do in Huntington Beach is learninghow to surf you are in Surf City, after all! It is illegal to harass, touch or feed the seals, so please be respectful. Its a great spot to watch surfers catching the waves. Free shipping . Encinitas has a variety of calm and quiet beaches along with cute coffee spots, restaurants, and tons of surf/antique shops. Thought would be nice in winter to see as I love nature anytime of the year. Another cool spot to visit is the Monarch Butterfly Grove. The most prominent feature is this mega rock along the coast called Keyhole Rock. Recommended by Dhara of Roadtripping California follow on Facebook. Solvang is the perfect spot to stretch your legs after being in the car on a San Francisco to San Diego road trip. Are you going north on highway 1, or is it 101 or maybe 5 or 99? I'm glad it is finally back open - after such a long delay due to road work. Fishing is available from the pier, and theres actually a restaurant on the pier, Walking on Water Cafe (WOW Cafe). The first building along the pier is the Hippodrome, which houses the carousel and an ice cream shop. The city is permanently prone to earthquakes due to its location on the San Andreas Fault so that you won't see many skyscrapers. Plan a little overnight staycation in Laguna Beach, because we bet you wont want to leave! Plan a Catalina Island day trip, or better yet an overnight trip to visit the beautiful island on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip. Its completely off limits due to the fragile nature of the cliffs. Start: San Francisco, CA End: San Diego, CA Distance: 600 miles Drive Time: 17 hours Things to do: Photography, hiking, beaches, small towns, major cities La Jolla is a suburb, although still a bit up the coast from San Diego. It has so much to offer all the California road trippers. One of the top things to do in Solvang is to do wine tastings or visit a winery. The Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers play on Sunday in a divisional NFL playoff game. Travel Gifts, As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The beach is located 57 miles north of Malibu and only 12 miles south of Santa Barbara. Your last city and stop on this road trip is San Diego. Great stop of your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: camping, beaches, photography, hiking, ~ 403 miles from San Francisco & ~ 158 miles from San Diego. Try the fresh seafood and clams. Lunch in Ventura, Central California. Stroll the wooden boardwalk above the snow-white beach of Spanish Bay going North or South as you begin your day. While youre in San Francisco, there are a few more awesome sights you can check out: San Francisco also has a variety of places to grab amazing food and drinks, as well as places for shopping, all while exploring one of Californias best cities! Kids and those young at heart will love the boardwalk.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'inspiredroutes_com-vertical-banner-2','ezslot_27',171,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-inspiredroutes_com-vertical-banner-2-0'); You can also visit the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, home to a hundred years of surfing history in the area. The best time of year for a San Francisco to San Diego road trip or San Diego to San Francisco road trip is pretty much year-round. Avila Beach offers everything from shopping, golfing with an oceanfront view, farmers markets, spas, and so much more. San Francisco To San Diego Road Trip Factfile. Carmel has some of the best boutiques, specialty shops, and markets that youll find along your San Francisco to San Diego drive. Huntington Beach is a quintessential stop on a California Coast drive! My first visit to La Jolla, I did this amazing kayaking tour of the cove. The park offers guided hikes as well as tidepool walks and some geology lessons! Its located in the downtown area where there is easy access to the beach to sunbathe or swim. San Francisco. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. In addition to their beautiful white sand beaches, visitors can take advantage of riding ATVs in the sand dunes, surfing, fishing, golfing, and much more! The top stops along the way from Los Angeles to San Diego (with short detours) are Disneyland Park, La Jolla Cove, and Disney California Adventure Park. Also, make sure you have a good Pacific Coast Highway map, whether it is on your phone, or on good ol' fashioned paper! You will have the final verdict once you complete all the stops on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip. If you would like to spend a night camping in the park, reservations must be made six months in advance. This is the spot if you want to do some surfing. The city is home to more than 20,000 beautiful acres of protected wilderness, making it ideal for hiking, biking and adventurous exploration. There are so many Big Sur hiking trails, and these are definitely worth checking out. Oceanside is also a distinct foodie town. Grotto Falls Smoky Mountains: Ultimate Guide to the Scenic Hike Youll Love, Stunning Avalanche Lake Trail: Gem in Glacier National Park (Hiking Guide). This small beach town is perfect for parking it on the sand and sunbathing, surfing, and swimming. Drive by Brushy Peak Regional Preserve, Anthony Chabot Regional Park, and Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park, then drive through Oakland and cross the San Francisco - Oakland Bay Bridge to get to San Francisco. Similarly, if you are driving south, the Portland to San Francisco road trip itinerary takes about 20 hours, considering you begin the trip in Cannon Beach and then follow Highway 101 south to California. Youll still get to fall asleep to the sounds of the ocean waves. The possibilities are endless in The Crown City of Southern California. It houses over 100 animals and species and costs $10 for adults and kids, and $8 for students, seniors and military. The distance on the drive from San Francisco to San Diego is approximately 502 miles (808 kilometres) and would take around 8 hours if taking a direct route along the I-5 highway. If you are lucky enough to visit on a Thursday, you can enjoy the Oceanside Farmers Market in the morning and the Night Market in the evening. We personally love heading to Pacific City for some of the great dining options there where you can sit outside and enjoy the view or from inside a restaurant with an epic beach view. It was restored in 1995 and offers tours! Its a short 10-15 minute ride south to Manhattan Beach Pier, where you can walk around and check out the cute shops. Is (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It's southeast of that stop, and will just add unnecessary driving time to your trip. San Francisco, CA. If youd like to walk across the bridge, the pedestrian access is on the east sidewalk. 334. Driving straight through, its about 17 hours. Enjoy these few things then gas up and hit the road! Happy road tripping! One of the most popular attractions is the Zip Line Eco Tour. Point Lobos State Reserve is one of the top things to do on this incredible California Coast drive! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-46643178', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');CALIFORNIA and then have a few places you want to see. Check off everything that Santa Barbara has to offer or just kick your feet up and relax on the gorgeous beaches! Theres a long walking trail right along the beach, great for exercising or renting bikes for a scenic ride. Find this post helpful? Fly into San Francisco, rent a car and drive to San Diego, where youll fly back out. While it is possible to cover that distance in about 10 hours, it is much more likely that your San Francisco to Los Angeles drive time will be much longer - due to both traffic and sightseeing. There are many galleries and tons of work from local artists. San Francisco to San Diego Road Trip Tips, Renting a Car for Your San Francisco to San Diego Road Trip, Scenic Stops on Your San Francisco to San Diego Drive, Waypoint Ventura Vintage Trailer Hotel & Campground, Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort, There are picnic tables for a meal looking over the Pacific Ocean, Its a very popular spot in the summertime, Shopping at Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Place, Nightlife at rooftops, night clubs, and dive bars. Driving along the coast from San Francisco to San Diego, youll primarily take the Pacific Coast Highway, also known as US Highway 101. Halfway Point Between San Diego, CA and San Francisco, CA If you want to meet halfway between San Diego, CA and San Francisco, CA or just make a stop in the middle of your trip, the exact coordinates of the halfway point of this route are 35.561790 and -119.600899, or 35 33' 42.444" N, 119 36' 3.2364" W. I live in the coastal town of Morro Bay (15 miles north of SLO) where you can get smoked oysters fresh cooked at the Embarcadero, rent kayaks to paddle around in the protected inner harbor, go out whale watching, hike Montana de Oro state park or watch the surfers and walk on the beach. Make sure to stop in and grab yourself a souvenir. 10. Before venturing out for a visit to Californias Big Sur, be prepared. This area has attracted all kinds of people but it especially caters to those art lovers, beachgoers, and fine diners. Oh, and youve gotta try the hula pie! Bixby bridge and Carmel by the sea. Theres also a world-famous golf course here if youre into golfing! What an action-packed road trip. Its literally the perfect stop on this epic California Coast drive! See our full guide to best things to do in Costa Mesa and things to do in Newport Beach for more options! Be sure to check out the Pacific Coast Highway itinerary 7 days if youve got a week in the area. Thanks for your information much appreciated. In addition to the zip lining, visitors have the opportunity to take boat and food tours, go golfing, hiking, fishing, scuba diving, paddle boarding, and much more all on this incredible island paradise. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-46642389', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Santa Barbara was one of the strategically easier options for a lay over, it cost an extra $50US to do but it was worth it, Santa B is really pretty. Sometimes there are even dolphins splashing in the distance. Its actually illegal to be on the beach at McWay Falls. Youll find great cliff views and fewer crowds on this hike. I am not pushed for time as have a couple of months before I fly out of Chicago. It lies along the Pacific Ocean at San Diego Bay, just north of the international border with Mexico and some 120 miles (195 km) southeast of Los Angeles. Oh, and prepare for a windy walk! So make sure to check out the calendar before planning your trip down south! Other fun things to do in Lompoc include La Purisima Mission State Historic Park, which is dedicated to the Spanish mission of the area. Youve made it! Flights from SFO to SAN are operated 34 times a week, with an average of 5 flights per day. If so, you could stay in San Luis Obispo, where there are lots of reasonable accommodations, including the very charming Apple Farm Inn (and restaurant). Find places to hike, bike, and paddle board all while soaking in that Central California sun. Its a short stop on the road trip, but one you absolutely cannot miss. You say you have been to CA or CALIFORNIA and then have a few places you want to see. Santa Barbara is one of the more famous beach towns in California and is an especially popular stop along the San Francisco to San Diego drive. Now its a nostalgic pie shop. From beaches to tacos, iconic Spanish-style architecture and water activities, Santa Barbara is a must-see. I live in the coastal town of Morro Bay (15 miles north of SLO) where you can get smoked oysters fresh cooked at the Embarcadero , rent kayaks to paddle around in the protected inner harbor, go out whale watching, hike Montana de Oro state park or watch the surfers and walk on the beach. Hearst Castle too! I was thinking Santa Barbara, Hermosa Beach, Santa MonicaLa Jolla. Choose from Pebble Beach Golf Links or perhaps The Hay, a 9-hole short course designed by Tiger Woods. So cool. So go check out this famous movie location and enjoy some delicious pie. The best way to do this trip is from north to south so you can be closer to the coast as you drive. . Id definitely recommend going at low tide to walk the beach. . Also known as Highway 1, this San Francisco to San Diego road trip will take you by some of the most iconic towns and jaw-dropping scenery in California. The sunsets are pretty great along Ocean Beach, too! Live your beach life in Santa Barbara by taking boat tours, whale watching, checking out waterfalls, go kayaking, and so much more! Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: beach, wine and dine, entertainment, shopping, overnight stay, ~ 297 miles from San Francisco & ~ 248 miles from San Diego. Hanging out at Carmel Beach can be an all-day event! What's halfway between LA and San Diego? Santa Cruz is the original surf town: three Hawaiian students shocked locals by riding waves here in 1885 and, in doing so, became the first people to surf in the USA. Its jam-packed with tons of boutiques, restaurants, antique & thrift shops, and one of the best spots for this is on Main Street. Enjoyed this post on the best stops along the San Francisco to San Diego road trip or San Diego to San Francisco road trip? In downtown Lompoc, you can go on a mural walk as the area has over 40 murals. Theres a few different trails you can explore at Torrey Pines, they range from just under a mile to a little over two miles. Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: hiking, exercise, photography, and the best viewpoints in Los Angeles, ~ 381 miles from San Francisco & ~ 135 miles from San Diego. I'd love to hear more suggestions. In addition to all these aspects, visitors can soak in the sun and enjoy the surf and the Ventura Pier, which is another one of Californias Historic Landmarks. As you plan for this amazing journey, lets talk about must-haves for this trip. It's almost dead even between L.A. and San Francisco by 250 miles in either direction. If you already dont have a car for your starting point we recommend renting a car in advance on Expedia. Traveling with FlixBus isn't just quick, it's cheap too. There are great surf spots up and down Manhattan Beach. So if youd like to visit it by getting out of your car, park elsewhere and take public transportation or a ride share to the bridge. Big Sur. For more info, see mydisclosures. Recommended by Rebecca of Veggies Abroad follow onInstagram. Coronado Island is a little more bougie than the other parts of San Diego, and is home to one of the most beautiful beaches on the California Coast. However, I would not recommend the trip without at least one additional overnight. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-46643036', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Santa Monica, Hermosa Beach have done Cali before when I went around World on gap year! Winding from the beautiful pacific coast through the arid California desert and finally to the pine forests of Northern Arizona, the drive from San Diego to the Grand Canyon has a lot that is going for it. What do the odds say about the game? Heres a preview of the route and all the amazing stops along the way! The top cities between Los Angeles and San Diego are Anaheim, La Jolla, Carlsbad, Temecula, Laguna Beach, Long Beach, Pasadena, Escondido, Riverside, and Dana Point. Bixby Creek Bridge. Recommended by Jackie & Justin of Life Of Doing follow on Facebookif(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'inspiredroutes_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_0',183,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-inspiredroutes_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); Not many people have heard of Lompoc, California, but it is a seriously underrated stop on a PCH road trip! Hiking is a great way to catch the diversity of land animals and birds that call Point Lobos home hummingbirds, snowy egrets, great blue herons, gray foxes, badgers and many others. 13. Long Beach is famously the home of theR.M.S. This landmark is easily one of the best stops along your San Francisco to San Diego road trip in San Simeon, California. From beaches to hiking, shopping to wineries, this scenic drive will have you begging to come back for more! You may be surprised to find out you cant actually reach the sign itself, films have portrayed this to be some hot and mysterious hang out spot sometimes. See here: http://tinyurl.com/c3nazz, P.S. Plus lessons for stand-up paddle boarding or even skimboarding. Smog Pass Or Dont Pay San Diego. One of the must-see attractions in the town is the windmills. How far is it from San Diego to San Francisco It is a little over 500 miles or 800 km from San Diego to San Francisco on the fastest route which is Interstate 5. Have a fun trip! It might be a good idea to plan ahead before driving into Los Angeles. Then spend the first night of your road trip at the iconic Hotel del Coronado, a historic oceanfront resort where Hollywood stars and presidents have stayed. Crystal Cove is located right between Corona del Mar (one of the Newport beach towns) and Laguna Beach, where you can find some of the most beautiful coastline and best beaches in Orange County! The quickest way from San Diego is flying to San Francisco International Airport (SFO), which takes about 1.5 hours at a cost of $93 and up. The OCairns Inn and Suites is a very affordable option that comes with a delicious breakfast and happy hour. The area boasts miles of beautiful, clean beaches with pools, coves and caves that visitors can explore. The Best Stops on the Pacific Coast Highway Between San Francisco and Big Sur 1. Heres another opportunity to visit a central coast beach, and if youre driving along PCH on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip, this beach will be a tough one to resist. Postcard TRAIN SCENE Between Los Angeles & San Francisco California CA AK8914 . Theres so many things to do in Monterey that you could spend a whole weekend visiting the city! 10/24/2022. This little spot is a paradise full of amazing outdoor activities perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway! The purple sand is from manganese garnet that washes down the mountainside after it rains. Enjoy the best of San Francisco. If you want to make an adventure out of your San Diego to Grand Canyon road trip, then you've come to the right place. Its a search engine for the top rental car companies and its free! Hearst famously used this home as a popular getaway for him and all his celebrity friends in the 1920s as an escape complete with a private airstrip, zoo and animal collection, as well as impressive entertainment options that would make you want to be a part of his entourage in the roaring 20s. In the spring and summertime youll see beautiful wildflowers, too! Theres more than enough to keep you occupied in this sunny Southern California spot. This is such a great road trip! Youll find one-of-a-kind local spots that are simply delicious! Before getting back on your California Coast drive, complete your time in Long Beach with dinner at one of the waterfronts restaurants. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-15945938', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monterey, for example, you'd be able to see the most scenic stretches of the coast at a more leisurely pace. The good thing with the Carpinteria State Beach is that they have en route sites for last minutes campers. If youre looking for a great view or photos of the bridge, keep in mind there are various vantage points! Technically located about 20 minutes north of San Francisco, its such a great stop along the coast it simply couldnt be skipped. You can see the main Amtrak Stations and their bus service to other areas. I like the other posters recommend SLO or Morro Bay or maybe Cayucos if you want a quiet base from which to explore. Thanks for hanging out on the blog today! San Jose. Both hikes offer spectacular ocean views, and the opportunity to spot wildlife and birds. 2pm - Lunch in Santa Cruz (11.30pm for you) After driving along the empty coastline for two hours, it was nice to hit a real city again. This road trip is so incredibly memorable I know Ill have pics of my times up and down the PCH for years to come! Looking for ways to pass the time? This out-and-back hike is 1.2 miles round trip on easy terrain and walkable for most still levels, including children. There is so much to do at Fisherman's Wharf. And thats exactly what makes San Luis Obispo one of the best Pacific Coast Highway stops. Without traffic, it takes about two hours to get to Downtown Los Angeles. You can even sign up for a guided surfing lesson if youre looking for some basic skills to get started. Congratulations, youve pretty much made it to San Diego! Speaking of which, the first time I drove the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in California, I foolishly only allowed 2 days. The Big Basin Redwoods is Californias oldest state park, which was established in 1902. Lands End trail is close to the city and not too difficult for most people. ~ 232 miles from San Francisco & ~ 309 miles from San Diego. Year-round you can take a whale watching tour and witness the magic of these giant creatures! For just a little effort, youll see one of the most beautiful spots along the coast. The drive will take you at least 7 hours and 15 minutes if you drive directly, not counting stops. Planning an amazing adventure by doing the San Francisco to San Diego drive or San Diego to San Francisco road trip? SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) After nearly a week straight of on-again, off-again rain and stormy weather for the Bay Area, Thursday will see a break between storms. Since its completion in 1932, travelers have been stopping to see the iconic bridge. You can opt to stay on flat terrain or walk on the inclines. Seal Beach ~ 409 miles from San Francisco & ~ 102 miles from San Diego. 3500 Mt. Located along the Central California Coast, San Luis Obispo is nicknamed The Happiest City in America. The town offers year-round outdoor opportunities and rich culture, but it is overshadowed by the glamorous Santa Barbara located south of it and the famous Big Sur to the north. I haven't really even considered a driving route yet. Its the famous Top Gun House, where Maverick fell for his flight instructor Kelly McGillis. Sing along to the live weekend music while sipping a tasting flight, enjoying a glass of wine on the patio, or perusing all of the local wines available by the bottle. Check the hours before you go as its not open 24/7. Built by the publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst, La Casa Grande as it is also called, certainly lives up to its name. But first lets highlight some activities in San Francisco before you start off on your big adventure. These stops are all amazing! One of the area's top attractions is the Stearns Wharf. Visitors can easily lose track of time while spending an afternoon exploring these cute towns or soaking up some rays on the wide soft sandy beaches. One stop not to be missed is definitely Coronado. Distance on the Interstate between the two cities is 635 miles and the trip . Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive: beach, entertainment, dining, shopping, possible celebrity sightings, overnight stay. Recommended by Francesca of Homeroom Travel follow on Instagram. You can avoid it by parking on the road and hiking into the reserve. Pier 39 is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. You can walk around and look for sand dollars. Make sure to check out the Seal Beach Pier, it is the second-longest pier in California and offers free fishing! The campground is not directly on the beach, its a short walk. While youre checking out the waters, make sure you stop at the famous Morro Rock, which is a remarkable volcanic plug at the entrance of the Morro Bay harbor. You will not want to miss this incredible Danish town on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip. The latter comes from a variety of wine aviations. For a lighter hike try the Torrey Pines Beach Trail Loop. One Stop Auto Service Center. Surfers can hit the waves on any of the more than 30 beaches in Laguna Beach. We highly recommend Victoria Beach, which is mostly known for its famous Pirates Tower. Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: wine tasting, dining, shopping, sightseeing, desserts, ~ 325 miles from San Francisco & ~ 215 miles from San Diego. The last stop between San Diego and San Francisco. These unique ecosystems are filled with snails, slugs, barnacles, mussels, crustaceans, sea stars, anemone, urchins and more just waiting to be discovered. Lets head south from San Francisco to San Diego! If you want some great beach views, this is a must see on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip. The wildlife is incredible and Id highly recommend it! Laguna Beach is the perfect oceanside destination for your California Coast road trip. This spot is located in the Santa Ynez Valley of California and is very recognizable due to its windmill and other Danish-style architecture. Routing options: There are many different variants to the coastal drive. Start your list of places to visit on highway 1 with " The City by the Bay." San Francisco is the best starting point for your Pacific Coast Highway road trip. The total distance from San Francisco to San Diego is 501.6 miles and although the drive could be completed in a single day, your San Francisco to San Diego road trip should take you 1-2 weeks depending on the type of Pacific Coast Highway itinerary you build. Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: beach break, food & drink, shopping, entertainment, nearby wine tasting, overnight stay, ~ 352 miles from San Francisco & ~ 188 miles from San Diego. Recommended by Lesley of Bucket List Publications follow on Instagram. Get up close to the areas marine life on a harbor cruise. The charming, laid-back coastal towns of Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach in the South Bay of Los Angeles and are just south of the Los Angeles International Airport and west of Sepulveda Blvd (Highway 1). The beach trail loop is actually perfect for hiking in water shoes. Unless you have a wetsuit, this far up on the coast isnt super comfortable for swimming. Partington cove Pacific coast Highway 1 stop #10. A quick stop at the Bixby Creek Bridge, one of Big Surs most iconic stops, will give you some great views and a great photo op. It provides entertainment to travelers and tourists with amusement rides like the carousel, which was built in 1916, the first solar powered ferris wheel, and the roller coaster, both built in 1996. Some of my favorite wineries include Spear Vineyards and Winery, Sweetzer Cellars and Montemar Winery. up the gorgeous rte 1 coastal road is Cambria our fave! Spend your day trip hiking, snorkeling the gorgeous waters, taking photos, and soaking in the beautiful views. Suggested Hotel: Cottages for overnight use you need to book well in advance or call to see if they have any cancellations during your visit. Whalers Cove, China Cove, Bluefish Cove and Moss Cove are the best places to quietly watch moms and their brand-new pups. Now tell me a great place to stay approximately halfway between SD and SF. Recent post: What City In Arizona Is Closest To San Diego? Many people assume that the beginning of summer is happy, sunny weather. The route takes you through Santa Cruz, Monterey, Big Sur, San Simeone, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbra, Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach and finally to San Diego. If that sounds interesting, that's my recommendation. 17. You will need to make reservations to park your car on the way. To reach the midway point from San Francisco to San Diego, you would drive for about 4 hours, 3 minutes or roughly 251 miles from San Diego to the halfway stop. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-15956862', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Pacific Grove or Monterey. You wont want to miss out on this beautiful Castle and all the history that lies within it including juicy old celebrity gossip and rumors! I also work at Hearst Castle, which is a home museum with art from all over the world and beautiful views and a great stop if you're taking Hwy1. These items will make your experience way better! Step back into time with a visit to Solvang, California! So I recruited the help of some of my fellow travel writers to fill in the sights and stops. Bookmark for later or share the love below on Pinterest! Each trail is definitely doable, moderate at most, and totally worth the sweat. Theres also plenty of historic spots to check out along your visit in Ventura such as San Buenaventura Mission and The City Hall. Santa Barbara is one of the places you'll want to spend time in when driving from San Diego to San Francisco. Posted on Published: May 16, 2022- Last updated: October 26, 2022. If it were me, I would most definitely stop over for a little walk to Lands End Trail and take a relaxing break from all that driving at Half Moon Bay. Definitely worth a stop on your PCH road trip! Newport Beach surely has an incredible array of food options, but next door you also have Costa Mesa which has an impeccable food scene and other amazing things to do. I did most of this journey, and especially loved Point Lobos that you mentionedand I completely visited it on a whim. After all, its how the beach got its name. I recommend I-5 out of San Diego, then cross over to State Route (SR) 1 in San Clemente. I lived here for a few years and it still is one of my favorite places ever. There are many beautiful hotels in San Luis Obispo like the famous Madonna Inn or the gorgeous Lomita Ranch in the rustic setting where you can spend a few nights before continuing your trip. Depending on how much time youre able to spend, check out the boat tours or even catching some whale watching! Youll notice their neighboring winery, Rocky Oaks, perched high on the next hill (appointment required). Whatever you choose to do in Cambria during your PCH road trip, youll love this charming little coastal village! Youll find lots of restaurants and shops as you walk toward the end. However, this depends on the date you are flying so please check with the full flight schedule above . The waves crashing around the rock are really cool to watch. Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: beach fun, entertainment, food, shopping, ~ 118 miles from San Francisco & ~ 440 miles to San Diego. Or spend a few peaceful hours visiting the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden on the campus of California State University, Long Beach. You can bike as well! San Francisco to San Simeon itinerary, stop #9. One of the best things about San Francisco to San Diego road trip is that the variety is endless. The city's classic Spanish architecture, agreeable climate, and hilly seaside location mimic many . Between wine tastings, art galleries, sunsets along the beach its a dreamy destination without the huge crowds! Entry is free, but rides are priced from $5-12. I would recommend bringing water shoes though, so that walking on the sand is comfortable and you can dip your feet in the water if youd like to. Garrapata State Park is next, where you can enjoy hiking trails along both sandy beaches and redwoods. Step away from the coastline a little bit to get one of the most iconic landmarks in California, the Hollywood sign. If youre looking for great shopping, stop by the Fashion Island mall or head to downtown Newport Beach or Balboa Island. While you might want to rush through to continue on with your California Coast road trip, Solvang will keep pulling you in to stay with its cute town and fun activities! Spend a day or a few exploring the nearby wineries and beautiful landscapes, Santa Barbara will not disappoint. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I've done this trip once before, I loved stopping in Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Santa Barbara! Tons of opportunities abound for golfing, bicycling, tennis, hiking, horseback riding and scuba diving. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Since the first stop is just south of San Francisco, you won't want to fly into San Jose International Airport (SJC). In addition to these two shops, there are many boutiques, souvenir shops, and more to check out! Bobo & Chichi are participants in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites., 2022 All Work is Owned by Bobo & ChiChi. Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: beaches, soft adventure, shopping, dining, spas, overnight stay, Photo Courtesy of Katie Hinkle Photography, ~ 476 miles from San Francisco & 26 miles from San Diego. The journey time between San Diego and San Francisco is around 14h 29m and covers a distance of around 580 miles. If youre looking for a more luxurious beach experience during your drive, make sure you stop in Dana Point. Its actually the longest pier on the west coast, coming in at over 1/3 mile long. 136. Find yourself kicking back in an adorable coffee shop, dressed up for a night out on the town, or lathered in sunscreen for a day out in the waves. Hikers will love Laguna Coast Wilderness Park with mountain and ocean views. The closest you can get is actually on top of the mountain behind the sign, and its quite easy to get to if you follow our guide on how to get to the Hollywood Sign. Also, if you love charming boutique shops, youll love stopping in Carmel on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip. San Diego to San Francisco by tram, bus and subway. The average train journey between these two cities takes 13 hours and 56 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 13 hours and 20 minutes. Note that admission is free, just pay for ride tickets! This beach town is one of the little gems of Southern California along your San Francisco to San Diego drive. . The trees are as large as 380 feet, but their seeds are as small as a tomato seed! This is the most scenic part of the hike, so you cant miss it! Are you planning on driving Hiway 1 through Big Sur? Departure times vary between 05:30 - 22:49. If you're a fan of the outdoors, then you might want to make a stop at Joshua Tree National Park. For parking, the easiest lot to get to is 1-North, which is at the base of the pier and accessible along PCH. One of my favorite places in California is Monterey. La Jolla is also known for its upscale shopping and dining. Bixby Bridge is one of the tallest single-span concrete bridges in the world and is one of the most photographed bridges on the Pacific Coast, right after that other . SF to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: beach views, golf, hiking, photos, ~ 492 miles from San Francisco & ~ 13 miles from San Diego. El Matador has irresistible cliffs overlooking the gorgeous beach and caves to explore, which makes it a lovely place to sit and watch the waves crash but the area is too rocky to swim. Depending on the season and ferry schedule there are a few different options of which islands you can visit, if youre looking for an easy half-day trip we recommend visiting Santa Cruz Island. I'm so glad you included it. If not, take a look around the historic Downtown Ventura and make the most of the vintage boutiques and second hand stores. Pro tip: I know youre driving for this epic road trip. There are also different animal species such as birds, fish, bats, squirrel and chipmunks. ABC Smog. Our Go-To Gear A place that truly holds a special place in my heart is Laguna Beach. to San Francisco, CA, Scenic drive from San Francisco to Las Vegas, Staypineapple, An Elegant Hotel, Union Square, Inn On Grove - San Francisco Civic Center, Holiday Inn San Francisco-Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel.

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