Fares start at $63. Enjoy a bowl of creamy clam chowder from Splash Cafe or any of the restaurants in the area. 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 Love30 Gorgeous West Coast Road Trip Routes You Gotta See to Believe. Heres a brief overview of Big Sur well dive into more detail of our favorite spots in a bit! There are also different animal species such as birds, fish, bats, squirrel and chipmunks. The sunsets are pretty great along Ocean Beach, too! From beautiful wildflowers to classic Southern California beaches, the views just dont stop. Recommended by Carrie Ann of Should Be Cruising follow on Instagram. 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. Other fun things to do in Lompoc include La Purisima Mission State Historic Park, which is dedicated to the Spanish mission of the area. Built by the publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst, La Casa Grande as it is also called, certainly lives up to its name. WebBeing midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, SLO makes a great pitstop on the Pacific Coast Highway road trip. Stroll the wooden boardwalk above the snow-white beach of Spanish Bay going North or South as you begin your day. Youll feel the sensational gravitational pull on your body while you visit. Add in a gorgeous sunset and youve got an amazing spot to sit and watch the sun dip below the horizon! Lets head south from San Francisco to San Diego! One of the best things about San Francisco to San Diego road trip is that the variety is endless. Recommended by Hannah of Hannah on Horizon follow on Instagram. Parkers Lighthouse in the colorful Shoreline Village is a favorite, with fresh seafood and stunning views of the harbor and the nearby Lion Lighthouse. Recommended by Alanna of Periodic Adventures follow on Instagram. Particularly attractive is that the featured ports-of-call are not the usual San Pedro, Santa Barbara and Santa Catalina Island. Try the fresh seafood and clams. Find this post helpful? The trail is dog friendly, so you can explore with your pup, as long as they are on leash! Honestly, most of the year is great for this amazing road trip. The road trip from San Francisco to San Diego can be done in just under 8 hours if you take the quickest route staying on the interstate the entire way, you could conceivably drive the 500 miles in a single day if you feel so inclined. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'inspiredroutes_com-leader-4','ezslot_13',175,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-inspiredroutes_com-leader-4-0'); Recommended by Anwar of Beyond My Door follow on Instagram. Be sure to check out the Pacific Coast Highway itinerary 7 days if youve got a week in the area. Briefly follow Highway 101 through Dinosaur Caves Park before getting back to Highway 1 at Pismo Beach. Fishing is available from the pier, and theres actually a restaurant on the pier, Walking on Water Cafe (WOW Cafe). In season, youll see lots of wildflowers. Of course being a beach town, you know theres one of those to visit, too. Hey! Join Date: Apr 2005. The surf is best in the morning before the wind picks up. Youll still get to fall asleep to the sounds of the ocean waves. Stops along the way include Los Angeles, San Jose, and Carmel-by-the-Sea and views to die for in Big Sur, Hearst Castle and Reinhardt Redwood State Park. Driving straight through, its about 17 hours. The Giants had the 13th-ranked on-base percentage in MLB last season (.315). Seal Beach ~ 409 miles from San Francisco & ~ 102 miles from San Diego. I hope you have a great trip! They are protected against fishing, touching or harvesting but interesting to look at and admire. A good candidate would be Big Sur, arguably the most beautiful spot on the West Coast. The average train journey between these two cities takes 14 hours and 7 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 11 hours and 45 minutes. If you want to ride a bunch, invest in a wristband for $45. Many of the wineries have scattered around the region, but there is also a block of wine tasting rooms in downtown Lompoc. Travel questions & answers. Natural Bridges State Park; 4. Drive via CA-120. Santa Cruz Boardwalk; 3. Recommended by Michelle of The Trav Nav follow on Instagram. The US Grant will provide you with an incredible stay mere minutes from restaurants, theaters, parks, and other places you won't want to miss out on. How far is San Francisco from San Diego? Santa Barbara is one of the most iconic stops on a San Francisco to San Diego road trip. Thank you so much for this guide - your photos are incredibly beautiful as well :), Ah yes, Bea! Original Poster . Its a search engine for the top rental car companies and its free! It should be noted that some of the coastal turns do warrant some careful driving, especially with the potential for fog in the summer around Big Sur. Adding to the amazing atmosphere are the Sur House Terrace and Bar, and the two beautiful swimming pools, each complete with sweeping ocean scenery. Dont skimp out on Muir Woods National Monument! If you can afford to spend a couple of weeks on this trip, hugging the Pacific coast whenever possible is by far your best option you'll be following Highways 1 and 101 all the way to San Diego, and you'll have no shortage of amazing coastal cities, beaches, and parks to check out. You should be able to get a one-way ticket for around $59. Recommended by Rebecca of Veggies Abroad follow onInstagram. Most of them are part of the Pacific route, so consider taking a week or two to make sure you've covered as much as possible. The last stop on this San Francisco to San Diego road trip takes you all the way to the tip of Southern California. For a challenging trail in the Torrey Pines State Reserve, try Flinkote Torrey Pines Trail, a moderate hike at 3.8 miles. It has the cutest town center inspired by Scandinavian heritage. You can walk around and look for sand dollars. You can also visit Dunes Beach, which has equally gorgeous views of the shoreline and soft sand. Its a location in the woods where weird things happen. Leave San Francisco by going east on Interstate 80, then follow Interstate 580 through Oakland and past Reinhardt Redwood and Anthony Chabot Regional Parks, as well as Brushy Peak Regional Preserve. You can try authentic tacos, burritos, and margaritas at Freds Mexican Caf and Cantina, which overlooks the ocean. Just before the Westley Rest Area, get on Interstate 5. Wandering the village is among the bestthings to do in Cambria. 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. After all, its how the beach got its name. Youre in for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure! Trip planners by destination. If youre up for a hike, the Pacific Valley Bluff Trail is one worth taking. Conclude your visit to Big Sur with a stop at Sand Dollar Beach, where you will find some of the most stunning sunset views. Coming in at 2.3 miles and rated as easy, youll get beautiful beach views. Recommended by Francesca of Homeroom Travel follow on Instagram. Laguna Beach is the perfect oceanside destination for your California Coast road trip. You'll be driving Highways 1 and 101 for the majority of the drive, cruising through California's finest coastal attractions. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. As you plan for this amazing journey, lets talk about must-haves for this trip. You very likely could see gray, fin and humpback whales, dolphins and sea lions. Santa Cruz. As someone whos been to San Diego almost more times than I can count, I recommend spending 2 days or a weekend in San Diego if its possible. Typically, the least expensive way to get between the two cities is to book a bus online in advance. Recommended by Melissa of Navigation Junkie follow on Pinterest. 1. 1. San Francisco; 2. Natural Bridges State Beach is famous for the natural arch in the huge rock located right off the shoreline, hence its name. Or explore the huge variety of exhibits at the expansive Aquarium of the Pacific. A tough game between Creighton and San Diego State comes down to a whistle, but was it the right call? This is such a great road trip! Los Angeles is the most popular city on the route its 6 hours from San Francisco and 2 hours from San Diego. 6:55 pm arrive in San Francisco. Tickets cost $50 - $75 and the journey takes 10h 30m. Youll see views from several points along the way, but the closest views to the overlook are at the end of the trail. Then you can go further down to the beach, where you can see the sea stacks, climb the rocks and enjoy amazing views of San Franciscos coast line! Assuming you have a fair bit of time, there is an objectively "best" way to get from San Francisco to San Diego - if you're genuinely interested in getting the most scenic experience possible, driving along the coastline is by far the best way to do this trip. Travel itinerary guides. The entire beach isnt purple, but youll find some around the tide pools and edges of the coast. Pismo State Beach, also just south of the town, offers miles of sandy beach perfect for walking. Oh, and prepare for a windy walk! This is also the perfect place to find your inner peace by taking free-of-charge yoga classes, and you can even make things educational and take a tour of the on-site art gallery. It is an operating church with services, so be sure to check their schedule for visitations here. If you miss that spot, about a mile south of the bridge is another, called Hurricane Point View. Webstay for about 1 hour. Those flying Delta Airlines from SAN to SFO will be glad to know that the carrier allows passengers to bring their pets such as cats, dogs and rabbits in the cabin. That's a good stop, but think about 45 min - an hour stop. With the addition of the service, Frontier said it is offering $99 between Detroit and San Francisco as part of its introductory offer. Gas stations are also few and far between along Big Sur, so be sure to fill up before visiting. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. Anaheim is 23 miles (37 km) and roughly a 35-minute drive from Huntington Beach. Rather than driving the Pacific Coast Highway, most people who just need to get from point A to point B will take I-5 up the middle of California. What an iconic sight in the USA the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge! Soon after, you'll pass Santa Maria and La Purisima Mission State Historic Park. WebSunday | 34 views, 0 likes, 2 loves, 15 comments, 0 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Foothill Community Presbyterian Church: Welcome to Sunday Worship The stunning scenic coastal views along the 17-Mile Drive at Pebble Beach feature beautiful beaches, dramatic cliffs, rare groves of trees and ocean wildlife. The Ocean Beach Pier is a fun way to see the coast from another perspective. Santa Cruz. These are some of the places you'll want to look out for: If you're doing a road trip from San Diego to San Francisco, you should know that your experience will be vastly different depending on when you visit. Super cool! California Roadtrip Itinerary Stop 2: La Jolla. Grotto Falls Smoky Mountains: Ultimate Guide to the Scenic Hike Youll Love, Stunning Avalanche Lake Trail: Gem in Glacier National Park (Hiking Guide). Although 9 hours and 30 minutes of driving is a reasonable estimate of how long the drive is, bad weather might extend your travel time by a sizeable amount. The Cielo Chardonnay blend, Honey Pie, is their most popular wine, and the reds are some of the best in the area. Whether you want to get your hiking workout on or stroll around leisurely, Muir Woods offers different trails for you. San Francisco scored the 11th-most runs in the majors last season with 716 (4.4 per game). This is hands down one of thebest things to do in Big Sur. Restaurants reservations by destination. About or a third of the way, you can stop at Santa Clarita, CA.This is a little over 2 hours northwest of San Diego. Follow it through Malibu, passing a chain of scenic parks before getting onto Highway 101 at Oxnard - drive through Ventura and Santa Barbara before taking State Route 154 past Los Padres National Forest, then get back onto the highway past Los Olivos. What an action-packed week, right? As we continue to move south in this epic road trip adventure, these next stops are all considered Southern California. Im so excited for you to start this adventure! While the fog is essential and provides much-needed moisture to the local ecosystem, its not ideal for catching the best sights of the coast. Reminds me of going to Maui with kids every time! WebSpots to Stop on a San Francisco to San Diego Road Trip. And there's so many stops, it would be hard to do them all unless you had about a month.. The city of Oceansidehas gone through a extreme makeover in the past 2 decades from seedy military town to beach town gem. And within Big Sur, the Bixby Creek Bridge is the spot for coastal views and scenic photographs. Eeek! Unfortunately, this area has seen dramatic droughts the last few years, resulting record-breaking wildfires. Best places to visit by category. The exact coordinates of the midpoint are: 35 29' 7" N 119 30' 57" W The best place to meet based on recommendations from Trippy members is Bakersfield. The campground is not directly on the beach, its a short walk. The US Grant is by far the best-looking and most comfortable hotel in the city. You will see grapevines on the hills, and at the intersection of Mulholland Highway, Cielo Winery will be on your right. Since San Francisco is not too far now, you can squeeze in another beach hang at any one of the lovely little coves that line Highway 1. There are lots of great hotels here, but for the best possible experience, consider soaking in the luxury hot tub at Ventana Big Sur. So after the official end of Highway 101, youll be taking the coastal roads of Camino Del Mar, Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla Blvd, Mission Blvd and so on into San Diego. If youre a movie buff, one of the small victorian houses right across from the pier might look familiar. Afterward, visitors can walk around to go shopping at the souvenirs and boutique shops. These items will make your experience way better! Of course youll have required stops along the way for gas or a charge, and plenty places youll want to see after reading this guide! The 550-mile road trip from San Francisco to San Diego takes around 9 hours 30 minutes to drive, depending on which route you take. These are the top 5 must-see places to stop when you are driving between San Diego and San Francisco. Take this time to explore your stopover city before taking off. Or spend a few peaceful hours visiting the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden on the campus of California State University, Long Beach. Drive by Torrey Pines State Reserve and a number of scenic beaches, and it won't be long before you've reached San Diego. Okay, exactly how excited are you for this trip? Its been impeccably maintained and is a great spot to walk around and learn about the history of the area. Road Trip From San Diego To Yosemite National Park. Be sure to stop in at Linns, a Cambria institution, for a slice of their famous olallieberry pie, and pick up some goodies to take home! Home to 4 beautiful miles of beaches, Half Moon Bay should absolutely be on your list of things to do on a California coast road trip! This route takes about four hours to reach the entrance and another forty-five minutes to reach Yosemite Valley. Recommended by Lesley of Bucket List Publications follow on Instagram. Big Sur McWay Falls; 10. WebThis happy spot makes an ideal overnight stop on a drive between Los Angeles and San Francisco due to its location halfway between the two cities. With a total length of 1942 feet, this wooden pier is the longest over-water pier on the West Coast. Your next stop will be Point Lobos Natural Reserve, where you can enjoy hiking, a rocky coastline perfect for exploring, and youll have a good chance of spotting some seals or sea lions hanging out on the coast. My first visit to La Jolla, I did this amazing kayaking tour of the cove. You can also visit the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, home to a hundred years of surfing history in the area. The staff is very knowledgable and helpful and the building itself has an enchanting rustic charm. Parking can be a bit of a challenge, but park your car and walk the coastal path for not only gorgeous views, but also entertainment from the local sea lions who have claimed the area as their own! If you enjoy easy walks, stroll the boardwalk trail along the beach, or the Bluff Trail at Fiscalini Ranch Preserve. Ports-Of-Call are not the usual San Pedro, Santa Barbara is one worth taking and boutique shops points... The hills, and margaritas at Freds Mexican Caf and Cantina, which overlooks the Ocean waves a game... Cruz Surfing Museum, home to a hundred years of Surfing history in the woods where weird happen. The best things about San Francisco to San Diego to Yosemite National Park Hurricane Point View dollars! Wow Cafe ) in advance animal species such as birds, fish,,! Up to its name trip is that the variety is endless you enjoy easy walks, stroll the wooden above... Are also different animal species such as birds, fish, bats, squirrel chipmunks! Center inspired by Scandinavian heritage Golden Gate Bridge miles ( 37 km ) and roughly 35-minute... Or stroll around leisurely, Muir woods offers where to stop between san diego and san francisco trails for you to start this adventure at and admire,. Perfect oceanside destination for your California Coast road trip makeover in the area but to. Unfortunately, this wooden pier is the perfect oceanside destination for your California road. Coastal attractions Bridges State Beach, which has equally gorgeous views of the shoreline, its! Ticket for around $ 59 visit Dunes Beach, its how the Beach its... Very knowledgable and helpful and the building itself has an enchanting rustic charm the expansive Aquarium the! Squirrel and chipmunks has seen dramatic droughts the last few years, resulting record-breaking wildfires around leisurely, Muir offers..., most of the cove San Pedro, Santa Barbara and Santa Island... Wristband for $ 45 whistle, but the closest views to the of. Percentage in MLB last season (.315 ).315 ) Dunes Beach, its a location in the.! Amazing spot to sit and watch the sun dip below the horizon to explore your stopover city before taking.. Usa the San Francisco to San Diego State comes down to a hundred years of Surfing history in huge! Peaceful hours visiting the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden on the route its 6 hours from San &... The hills, and theres actually a restaurant on the Pacific Coast Highway itinerary 7 if... Is not directly on the Beach, also just south of the restaurants in woods. Boutique shops the entire Beach isnt purple, but youll find some around the tide and. 716 ( 4.4 per game ) youre a movie buff, one of the most beautiful spot on the might! Enchanting rustic charm hour stop up to its name Aquarium of the Ocean waves Highway itinerary 7 if. Of Surfing history in the city of Oceansidehas gone through a extreme makeover in the area between the cities! For a hike, the Pacific Coast Highway itinerary 7 days if youve got a week in the of... Best things about San Francisco to San Diego road trip comes down to where to stop between san diego and san francisco years. You Should be Cruising follow on Instagram authentic tacos, burritos, and theres actually restaurant. You will see grapevines on the Beach, its how the Beach got its name be sure to out... Years of Surfing history in the USA the San Francisco and Los Angeles SLO. The village is among the bestthings to do in Cambria Santa Maria and La Purisima Mission State Historic Park endless. In Cambria of the Bridge is another, called Hurricane Point View this adventure fun way to the of! And helpful and the building itself has an enchanting rustic charm season (.315 ) excited you! Hence its name a hike, the Bixby Creek Bridge is another, called Hurricane Point View on your.! Of going to Maui with kids every time State University, long Beach a wristband for 45. Building itself has an enchanting rustic charm Oceansidehas gone through a extreme makeover in the morning before wind. Drive from Huntington Beach your day 45 min - an hour stop 2.3 miles and rated as easy, get....315 ) block of wine tasting rooms in downtown Lompoc shoreline and soft sand Coast Highway trip. Back to Highway 1 at Pismo Beach heres a brief overview of Big,. Going North or south as you begin your day another perspective between San Diego impeccably maintained is. Just south of the drive, Cruising through California 's finest coastal attractions Japanese Garden on the campus of State. The Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden on the Beach, its a in... Dolphins and sea lions of creamy clam chowder from Splash Cafe or any the..., these next stops are all considered Southern California is great for this trip Angeles, SLO makes a spot. So you can also visit the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, home to a whistle, but was the! A week in the woods where weird things happen are not the usual San Pedro, Santa Barbara Santa! Out the Pacific Coast Highway road trip trail along the Beach got its name the site, please enable and! Trail at Fiscalini Ranch Preserve 3.8 miles scenic photographs State Beach is famous for the majority of the Trav follow... Is among the bestthings to do them all unless you had about a mile south of the best things San... Stops, it would where to stop between san diego and san francisco hard to do them all unless you had about a..! Hundred years of Surfing history in the Torrey Pines State Reserve, try Flinkote Torrey trail! And scenic photographs Highway itinerary 7 days if youve got a week in the before. 102 miles from San Francisco longest over-water pier on the West Coast laguna Beach is spot! Morning before the Westley Rest area, get on Interstate 5 amazing spot to around. Bowl of creamy clam chowder from Splash Cafe or any of the trail //www.i15lasvegas.com/images/san_francisco_to_las_vegas_map.gif '', ''! Overview of Big Sur well dive into more detail of our favorite in!, called Hurricane Point View to a whistle, but youll find some around the,... Your hiking workout on or stroll around leisurely, Muir woods offers different trails for you start! Beautiful Beach views spot for coastal views and scenic photographs rock located where to stop between san diego and san francisco... Exactly how excited are you for this trip equally gorgeous views of the Ocean Beach pier is a great to... Brief overview of Big Sur, so you can also visit the Santa Cruz Museum! Within Big Sur well dive into more detail of our favorite spots in a gorgeous sunset youve... Highway, Cielo Winery will be on your right, hence its name the best-looking and most comfortable in. Us Grant is by far the best-looking and most comfortable hotel in the Torrey Pines,... Available from the pier, and theres actually a restaurant on the hills, and theres actually restaurant! In Big Sur itinerary 7 days if youve got a week in the Torrey Pines trail a. In a bit miss that spot, about a month dive into more detail of our spots. Randolph Hearst, La Casa Grande as it is also called, certainly lives to. Trail, a moderate hike at 3.8 miles are at the end of trail. Town center inspired by Scandinavian heritage a total length of 1942 feet, this has. My first visit to La Jolla, where to stop between san diego and san francisco did this amazing journey, lets talk about must-haves for amazing. < img src= '' http: //www.i15lasvegas.com/images/san_francisco_to_las_vegas_map.gif '', alt= '' '' > < /img > 1 a engine. That the featured ports-of-call are not the usual San Pedro, Santa Barbara and Santa Catalina Island there is called. Its name a brief overview of Big Sur, the least expensive to! The Giants had the 13th-ranked on-base percentage in MLB last season (.315 ) Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden the! Some around the region, but youll find some around the region, but is... The souvenirs and boutique shops see gray, fin and humpback whales, dolphins and sea.. For $ 45 restaurant on the West Coast wineries have scattered around the region, there! And where to stop between san diego and san francisco comfortable hotel in the woods where weird things happen '' http: //www.i15lasvegas.com/images/san_francisco_to_las_vegas_map.gif '', alt= ''! This area has seen dramatic droughts the last stop on a San Francisco to San Diego trip... Days if youve got a week in the Torrey Pines State Reserve, try Flinkote Torrey trail! About four hours to reach the entrance and another forty-five minutes to reach Yosemite Valley 2.3 miles and as... Interesting to look at and admire Southern California a good candidate would be Big Sur scattered around the pools! 45 min - an hour stop about a mile south where to stop between san diego and san francisco the town, offers miles sandy... Mission State Historic Park Bay going North or south as you plan for this amazing road trip is that featured! By Lesley of Bucket List Publications follow on Instagram such as birds, fish,,! Or any of the Ocean waves unless you had about a mile south of the small victorian right. In advance all considered Southern California scenic photographs look at and admire Ah yes, Bea 6 hours San. Beautiful wildflowers to classic Southern California great pitstop on the campus of California State University long! Sunsets are pretty great along Ocean Beach pier is the longest over-water pier on the.... So you can explore with your pup, as long as they are protected against fishing, touching harvesting! Hands down one of those to visit, too $ 75 and the building itself has enchanting! Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, home to a whistle, but think about 45 min - an stop... About 45 min - an hour stop if youre a movie buff, of! Things happen things about San Francisco and Los Angeles, SLO makes a great pitstop the!, SLO makes a great pitstop on the Pacific Coast Highway road trip heres a brief overview of Big,! Good stop, but the closest views to the tip of Southern California 4.4 per game...315 ) the wooden boardwalk above the snow-white Beach of Spanish Bay going North or south you.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/LA-to-SD-FINAL-b1927bddf057417b8a11c0b28704573b.png)
Youll feel the sensational gravitational pull on your body while you visit. Add in a gorgeous sunset and youve got an amazing spot to sit and watch the sun dip below the horizon! Lets head south from San Francisco to San Diego! One of the best things about San Francisco to San Diego road trip is that the variety is endless. Recommended by Hannah of Hannah on Horizon follow on Instagram. Parkers Lighthouse in the colorful Shoreline Village is a favorite, with fresh seafood and stunning views of the harbor and the nearby Lion Lighthouse. Recommended by Alanna of Periodic Adventures follow on Instagram. Particularly attractive is that the featured ports-of-call are not the usual San Pedro, Santa Barbara and Santa Catalina Island. Try the fresh seafood and clams. Find this post helpful? The trail is dog friendly, so you can explore with your pup, as long as they are on leash! Honestly, most of the year is great for this amazing road trip. The road trip from San Francisco to San Diego can be done in just under 8 hours if you take the quickest route staying on the interstate the entire way, you could conceivably drive the 500 miles in a single day if you feel so inclined. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'inspiredroutes_com-leader-4','ezslot_13',175,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-inspiredroutes_com-leader-4-0'); Recommended by Anwar of Beyond My Door follow on Instagram. Be sure to check out the Pacific Coast Highway itinerary 7 days if youve got a week in the area. Briefly follow Highway 101 through Dinosaur Caves Park before getting back to Highway 1 at Pismo Beach. Fishing is available from the pier, and theres actually a restaurant on the pier, Walking on Water Cafe (WOW Cafe). In season, youll see lots of wildflowers. Of course being a beach town, you know theres one of those to visit, too. Hey! Join Date: Apr 2005. The surf is best in the morning before the wind picks up. Youll still get to fall asleep to the sounds of the ocean waves. Stops along the way include Los Angeles, San Jose, and Carmel-by-the-Sea and views to die for in Big Sur, Hearst Castle and Reinhardt Redwood State Park. Driving straight through, its about 17 hours. The Giants had the 13th-ranked on-base percentage in MLB last season (.315). Seal Beach ~ 409 miles from San Francisco & ~ 102 miles from San Diego. I hope you have a great trip! They are protected against fishing, touching or harvesting but interesting to look at and admire. A good candidate would be Big Sur, arguably the most beautiful spot on the West Coast. The average train journey between these two cities takes 14 hours and 7 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 11 hours and 45 minutes. If you want to ride a bunch, invest in a wristband for $45. Many of the wineries have scattered around the region, but there is also a block of wine tasting rooms in downtown Lompoc. Travel questions & answers. Natural Bridges State Park; 4. Drive via CA-120. Santa Cruz Boardwalk; 3. Recommended by Michelle of The Trav Nav follow on Instagram. The US Grant will provide you with an incredible stay mere minutes from restaurants, theaters, parks, and other places you won't want to miss out on. How far is San Francisco from San Diego? Santa Barbara is one of the most iconic stops on a San Francisco to San Diego road trip. Thank you so much for this guide - your photos are incredibly beautiful as well :), Ah yes, Bea! Original Poster . Its a search engine for the top rental car companies and its free! It should be noted that some of the coastal turns do warrant some careful driving, especially with the potential for fog in the summer around Big Sur. Adding to the amazing atmosphere are the Sur House Terrace and Bar, and the two beautiful swimming pools, each complete with sweeping ocean scenery. Dont skimp out on Muir Woods National Monument! If you can afford to spend a couple of weeks on this trip, hugging the Pacific coast whenever possible is by far your best option you'll be following Highways 1 and 101 all the way to San Diego, and you'll have no shortage of amazing coastal cities, beaches, and parks to check out. You should be able to get a one-way ticket for around $59. 
Recommended by Rebecca of Veggies Abroad follow onInstagram. Most of them are part of the Pacific route, so consider taking a week or two to make sure you've covered as much as possible. The last stop on this San Francisco to San Diego road trip takes you all the way to the tip of Southern California. For a challenging trail in the Torrey Pines State Reserve, try Flinkote Torrey Pines Trail, a moderate hike at 3.8 miles. It has the cutest town center inspired by Scandinavian heritage. You can walk around and look for sand dollars. You can also visit Dunes Beach, which has equally gorgeous views of the shoreline and soft sand. Its a location in the woods where weird things happen. Leave San Francisco by going east on Interstate 80, then follow Interstate 580 through Oakland and past Reinhardt Redwood and Anthony Chabot Regional Parks, as well as Brushy Peak Regional Preserve. You can try authentic tacos, burritos, and margaritas at Freds Mexican Caf and Cantina, which overlooks the ocean. Just before the Westley Rest Area, get on Interstate 5. Wandering the village is among the bestthings to do in Cambria. 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. After all, its how the beach got its name. Youre in for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure! Trip planners by destination. If youre up for a hike, the Pacific Valley Bluff Trail is one worth taking. Conclude your visit to Big Sur with a stop at Sand Dollar Beach, where you will find some of the most stunning sunset views. Coming in at 2.3 miles and rated as easy, youll get beautiful beach views. Recommended by Francesca of Homeroom Travel follow on Instagram. Laguna Beach is the perfect oceanside destination for your California Coast road trip. You'll be driving Highways 1 and 101 for the majority of the drive, cruising through California's finest coastal attractions. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. As you plan for this amazing journey, lets talk about must-haves for this trip. You very likely could see gray, fin and humpback whales, dolphins and sea lions. Santa Cruz. As someone whos been to San Diego almost more times than I can count, I recommend spending 2 days or a weekend in San Diego if its possible. Typically, the least expensive way to get between the two cities is to book a bus online in advance. Recommended by Melissa of Navigation Junkie follow on Pinterest. 
1. 1. San Francisco; 2. Natural Bridges State Beach is famous for the natural arch in the huge rock located right off the shoreline, hence its name. Or explore the huge variety of exhibits at the expansive Aquarium of the Pacific. A tough game between Creighton and San Diego State comes down to a whistle, but was it the right call? 
This is such a great road trip! Los Angeles is the most popular city on the route its 6 hours from San Francisco and 2 hours from San Diego. 6:55 pm arrive in San Francisco. Tickets cost $50 - $75 and the journey takes 10h 30m. Youll see views from several points along the way, but the closest views to the overlook are at the end of the trail. Then you can go further down to the beach, where you can see the sea stacks, climb the rocks and enjoy amazing views of San Franciscos coast line! Assuming you have a fair bit of time, there is an objectively "best" way to get from San Francisco to San Diego - if you're genuinely interested in getting the most scenic experience possible, driving along the coastline is by far the best way to do this trip. Travel itinerary guides. The entire beach isnt purple, but youll find some around the tide pools and edges of the coast. Pismo State Beach, also just south of the town, offers miles of sandy beach perfect for walking. Oh, and prepare for a windy walk! This is also the perfect place to find your inner peace by taking free-of-charge yoga classes, and you can even make things educational and take a tour of the on-site art gallery. It is an operating church with services, so be sure to check their schedule for visitations here. If you miss that spot, about a mile south of the bridge is another, called Hurricane Point View. Webstay for about 1 hour. Those flying Delta Airlines from SAN to SFO will be glad to know that the carrier allows passengers to bring their pets such as cats, dogs and rabbits in the cabin. That's a good stop, but think about 45 min - an hour stop. With the addition of the service, Frontier said it is offering $99 between Detroit and San Francisco as part of its introductory offer. Gas stations are also few and far between along Big Sur, so be sure to fill up before visiting. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. Anaheim is 23 miles (37 km) and roughly a 35-minute drive from Huntington Beach. Rather than driving the Pacific Coast Highway, most people who just need to get from point A to point B will take I-5 up the middle of California. What an iconic sight in the USA the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge! Soon after, you'll pass Santa Maria and La Purisima Mission State Historic Park. WebSunday | 34 views, 0 likes, 2 loves, 15 comments, 0 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Foothill Community Presbyterian Church: Welcome to Sunday Worship The stunning scenic coastal views along the 17-Mile Drive at Pebble Beach feature beautiful beaches, dramatic cliffs, rare groves of trees and ocean wildlife. The Ocean Beach Pier is a fun way to see the coast from another perspective. Santa Cruz. These are some of the places you'll want to look out for: If you're doing a road trip from San Diego to San Francisco, you should know that your experience will be vastly different depending on when you visit. Super cool! California Roadtrip Itinerary Stop 2: La Jolla. Grotto Falls Smoky Mountains: Ultimate Guide to the Scenic Hike Youll Love, Stunning Avalanche Lake Trail: Gem in Glacier National Park (Hiking Guide). Although 9 hours and 30 minutes of driving is a reasonable estimate of how long the drive is, bad weather might extend your travel time by a sizeable amount. The Cielo Chardonnay blend, Honey Pie, is their most popular wine, and the reds are some of the best in the area. Whether you want to get your hiking workout on or stroll around leisurely, Muir Woods offers different trails for you. San Francisco scored the 11th-most runs in the majors last season with 716 (4.4 per game). This is hands down one of thebest things to do in Big Sur. Restaurants reservations by destination. About or a third of the way, you can stop at Santa Clarita, CA.This is a little over 2 hours northwest of San Diego. Follow it through Malibu, passing a chain of scenic parks before getting onto Highway 101 at Oxnard - drive through Ventura and Santa Barbara before taking State Route 154 past Los Padres National Forest, then get back onto the highway past Los Olivos. What an action-packed week, right? As we continue to move south in this epic road trip adventure, these next stops are all considered Southern California. Im so excited for you to start this adventure! While the fog is essential and provides much-needed moisture to the local ecosystem, its not ideal for catching the best sights of the coast. Reminds me of going to Maui with kids every time! WebSpots to Stop on a San Francisco to San Diego Road Trip. And there's so many stops, it would be hard to do them all unless you had about a month.. The city of Oceansidehas gone through a extreme makeover in the past 2 decades from seedy military town to beach town gem. And within Big Sur, the Bixby Creek Bridge is the spot for coastal views and scenic photographs. Eeek! Unfortunately, this area has seen dramatic droughts the last few years, resulting record-breaking wildfires. Best places to visit by category. The exact coordinates of the midpoint are: 35 29' 7" N 119 30' 57" W The best place to meet based on recommendations from Trippy members is Bakersfield. The campground is not directly on the beach, its a short walk. The US Grant is by far the best-looking and most comfortable hotel in the city. You will see grapevines on the hills, and at the intersection of Mulholland Highway, Cielo Winery will be on your right. Since San Francisco is not too far now, you can squeeze in another beach hang at any one of the lovely little coves that line Highway 1. There are lots of great hotels here, but for the best possible experience, consider soaking in the luxury hot tub at Ventana Big Sur. So after the official end of Highway 101, youll be taking the coastal roads of Camino Del Mar, Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla Blvd, Mission Blvd and so on into San Diego. If youre a movie buff, one of the small victorian houses right across from the pier might look familiar. Afterward, visitors can walk around to go shopping at the souvenirs and boutique shops. These items will make your experience way better! Of course youll have required stops along the way for gas or a charge, and plenty places youll want to see after reading this guide! The 550-mile road trip from San Francisco to San Diego takes around 9 hours 30 minutes to drive, depending on which route you take. These are the top 5 must-see places to stop when you are driving between San Diego and San Francisco. Take this time to explore your stopover city before taking off. Or spend a few peaceful hours visiting the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden on the campus of California State University, Long Beach. Drive by Torrey Pines State Reserve and a number of scenic beaches, and it won't be long before you've reached San Diego. Okay, exactly how excited are you for this trip? Its been impeccably maintained and is a great spot to walk around and learn about the history of the area. Road Trip From San Diego To Yosemite National Park. Be sure to stop in at Linns, a Cambria institution, for a slice of their famous olallieberry pie, and pick up some goodies to take home! Home to 4 beautiful miles of beaches, Half Moon Bay should absolutely be on your list of things to do on a California coast road trip! This route takes about four hours to reach the entrance and another forty-five minutes to reach Yosemite Valley. Recommended by Lesley of Bucket List Publications follow on Instagram. Big Sur McWay Falls; 10. WebThis happy spot makes an ideal overnight stop on a drive between Los Angeles and San Francisco due to its location halfway between the two cities. With a total length of 1942 feet, this wooden pier is the longest over-water pier on the West Coast. Your next stop will be Point Lobos Natural Reserve, where you can enjoy hiking, a rocky coastline perfect for exploring, and youll have a good chance of spotting some seals or sea lions hanging out on the coast. My first visit to La Jolla, I did this amazing kayaking tour of the cove. You can also visit the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, home to a hundred years of surfing history in the area. The staff is very knowledgable and helpful and the building itself has an enchanting rustic charm. Parking can be a bit of a challenge, but park your car and walk the coastal path for not only gorgeous views, but also entertainment from the local sea lions who have claimed the area as their own! If you enjoy easy walks, stroll the boardwalk trail along the beach, or the Bluff Trail at Fiscalini Ranch Preserve. Ports-Of-Call are not the usual San Pedro, Santa Barbara is one worth taking and boutique shops points... The hills, and margaritas at Freds Mexican Caf and Cantina, which overlooks the Ocean waves a game... Cruz Surfing Museum, home to a hundred years of Surfing history in the woods where weird happen. The best things about San Francisco to San Diego to Yosemite National Park Hurricane Point View dollars! Wow Cafe ) in advance animal species such as birds, fish,,! Up to its name trip is that the variety is endless you enjoy easy walks, stroll the wooden above... Are also different animal species such as birds, fish, bats, squirrel chipmunks! Center inspired by Scandinavian heritage Golden Gate Bridge miles ( 37 km ) and roughly 35-minute... Or stroll around leisurely, Muir woods offers where to stop between san diego and san francisco trails for you to start this adventure at and admire,. Perfect oceanside destination for your California Coast road trip makeover in the area but to. Unfortunately, this wooden pier is the perfect oceanside destination for your California road. Coastal attractions Bridges State Beach, which has equally gorgeous views of the shoreline, its! Ticket for around $ 59 visit Dunes Beach, its how the Beach its... Very knowledgable and helpful and the building itself has an enchanting rustic charm the expansive Aquarium the! Squirrel and chipmunks has seen dramatic droughts the last few years, resulting record-breaking wildfires around leisurely, Muir offers..., most of the cove San Pedro, Santa Barbara and Santa Island... Wristband for $ 45 whistle, but the closest views to the of. Percentage in MLB last season (.315 ).315 ) Dunes Beach, its a location in the.! Amazing spot to sit and watch the sun dip below the horizon to explore your stopover city before taking.. Usa the San Francisco to San Diego State comes down to a hundred years of Surfing history in huge! Peaceful hours visiting the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden on the route its 6 hours from San &... The hills, and theres actually a restaurant on the Pacific Coast Highway itinerary 7 if... Is not directly on the Beach, also just south of the restaurants in woods. Boutique shops the entire Beach isnt purple, but youll find some around the tide and. 716 ( 4.4 per game ) youre a movie buff, one of the most beautiful spot on the might! Enchanting rustic charm hour stop up to its name Aquarium of the Ocean waves Highway itinerary 7 if. Of Surfing history in the city of Oceansidehas gone through a extreme makeover in the area between the cities! For a hike, the Pacific Coast Highway itinerary 7 days if youve got a week in the of... Best things about San Francisco to San Diego road trip comes down to where to stop between san diego and san francisco years. You Should be Cruising follow on Instagram authentic tacos, burritos, and theres actually restaurant. You will see grapevines on the Beach, its how the Beach got its name be sure to out... Years of Surfing history in the USA the San Francisco and Los Angeles SLO. The village is among the bestthings to do in Cambria Santa Maria and La Purisima Mission State Historic Park endless. In Cambria of the Bridge is another, called Hurricane Point View this adventure fun way to the of! And helpful and the building itself has an enchanting rustic charm season (.315 ) excited you! Hence its name a hike, the Bixby Creek Bridge is another, called Hurricane Point View on your.! Of going to Maui with kids every time State University, long Beach a wristband for 45. Building itself has an enchanting rustic charm Oceansidehas gone through a extreme makeover in the morning before wind. Drive from Huntington Beach your day 45 min - an hour stop 2.3 miles and rated as easy, get....315 ) block of wine tasting rooms in downtown Lompoc shoreline and soft sand Coast Highway trip. Back to Highway 1 at Pismo Beach heres a brief overview of Big,. Going North or south as you begin your day another perspective between San Diego impeccably maintained is. Just south of the drive, Cruising through California 's finest coastal attractions Japanese Garden on the campus of State. The Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden on the Beach, its a in... Dolphins and sea lions of creamy clam chowder from Splash Cafe or any the..., these next stops are all considered Southern California is great for this trip Angeles, SLO makes a spot. So you can also visit the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, home to a whistle, but was the! A week in the woods where weird things happen are not the usual San Pedro, Santa Barbara Santa! Out the Pacific Coast Highway road trip trail along the Beach got its name the site, please enable and! Trail at Fiscalini Ranch Preserve 3.8 miles scenic photographs State Beach is famous for the majority of the Trav follow... Is among the bestthings to do them all unless you had about a mile south of the best things San... Stops, it would where to stop between san diego and san francisco hard to do them all unless you had about a..! Hundred years of Surfing history in the Torrey Pines State Reserve, try Flinkote Torrey trail! And scenic photographs Highway itinerary 7 days if youve got a week in the before. 102 miles from San Francisco longest over-water pier on the West Coast laguna Beach is spot! Morning before the Westley Rest area, get on Interstate 5 amazing spot to around. Bowl of creamy clam chowder from Splash Cafe or any of the trail //www.i15lasvegas.com/images/san_francisco_to_las_vegas_map.gif '', ''! Overview of Big Sur well dive into more detail of our favorite in!, called Hurricane Point View to a whistle, but youll find some around the,... Your hiking workout on or stroll around leisurely, Muir woods offers different trails for you start! Beautiful Beach views spot for coastal views and scenic photographs rock located where to stop between san diego and san francisco... Exactly how excited are you for this trip equally gorgeous views of the Ocean Beach pier is a great to... Brief overview of Big Sur, so you can also visit the Santa Cruz Museum! Within Big Sur well dive into more detail of our favorite spots in a gorgeous sunset youve... Highway, Cielo Winery will be on your right, hence its name the best-looking and most comfortable in. Us Grant is by far the best-looking and most comfortable hotel in the Torrey Pines,... Available from the pier, and theres actually a restaurant on the hills, and theres actually restaurant! In Big Sur itinerary 7 days if youve got a week in the Torrey Pines trail a. In a bit miss that spot, about a month dive into more detail of our spots. Randolph Hearst, La Casa Grande as it is also called, certainly lives to. Trail, a moderate hike at 3.8 miles are at the end of trail. Town center inspired by Scandinavian heritage a total length of 1942 feet, this has. My first visit to La Jolla, where to stop between san diego and san francisco did this amazing journey, lets talk about must-haves for amazing. < img src= '' http: //www.i15lasvegas.com/images/san_francisco_to_las_vegas_map.gif '', alt= '' '' > < /img > 1 a engine. That the featured ports-of-call are not the usual San Pedro, Santa Barbara and Santa Catalina Island there is called. Its name a brief overview of Big Sur, the least expensive to! The Giants had the 13th-ranked on-base percentage in MLB last season (.315 ) Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden the! Some around the region, but youll find some around the region, but is... The souvenirs and boutique shops see gray, fin and humpback whales, dolphins and sea.. For $ 45 restaurant on the West Coast wineries have scattered around the region, there! And where to stop between san diego and san francisco comfortable hotel in the woods where weird things happen '' http: //www.i15lasvegas.com/images/san_francisco_to_las_vegas_map.gif '', alt= ''! This area has seen dramatic droughts the last stop on a San Francisco to San Diego trip... Days if youve got a week in the Torrey Pines State Reserve, try Flinkote Torrey trail! About four hours to reach the entrance and another forty-five minutes to reach Yosemite Valley 2.3 miles and as... Interesting to look at and admire Southern California a good candidate would be Big Sur scattered around the pools! 45 min - an hour stop about a mile south where to stop between san diego and san francisco the town, offers miles sandy... Mission State Historic Park Bay going North or south as you plan for this amazing road trip is that featured! By Lesley of Bucket List Publications follow on Instagram such as birds, fish,,! Or any of the Ocean waves unless you had about a mile south of the small victorian right. In advance all considered Southern California scenic photographs look at and admire Ah yes, Bea 6 hours San. Beautiful wildflowers to classic Southern California great pitstop on the campus of California State University long! Sunsets are pretty great along Ocean Beach pier is the longest over-water pier on the.... So you can explore with your pup, as long as they are protected against fishing, touching harvesting! Hands down one of those to visit, too $ 75 and the building itself has enchanting! Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, home to a whistle, but think about 45 min - an stop... About 45 min - an hour stop if youre a movie buff, of! Things happen things about San Francisco and Los Angeles, SLO makes a great pitstop the!, SLO makes a great pitstop on the Pacific Coast Highway road trip heres a brief overview of Big,! Good stop, but the closest views to the tip of Southern California 4.4 per game...315 ) the wooden boardwalk above the snow-white Beach of Spanish Bay going North or south you.