Recommended by me Nikki of Inspired Routes. Home to one of the most popular aquariums in the country, Monterey is an old cannery (a facility where . Smog Check Star Station San Diego. The windmill outside Pea Soup Andersen's, a classic stop between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Soak in all the views at whatever pace you want in one of the most gorgeous places California has to offer. Add this amazing central coast beach to your San Francisco to San Diego road trip itinerary. Lands End trail is close to the city and not too difficult for most people. Try the fresh seafood and clams. You say you have been to CA or (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? There are a wide variety ofthings to do in the South Bay. 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. Pro tip: if tacos is your thing, be sure to eat at La Super-Rica Taqueria. The weather tends to cooperate more (in general) and as a bonus, its not peak tourism season, either. Make sure while youre there to explore all the different vantage points of viewing the Golden Gate Bridge. Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: photography, beaches, hiking, food, ~ 245 miles from San Francisco & 355 miles from San Diego. If you already dont have a car for your starting point we recommend renting a car in advance on Expedia. The OCairns Inn and Suites is a very affordable option that comes with a delicious breakfast and happy hour. 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. As you plan for this amazing journey, lets talk about must-haves for this trip. Its the famous Top Gun House, where Maverick fell for his flight instructor Kelly McGillis. 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! Simply put, it defies logic as physics and gravity just dont make sense here! From San Diego, the most direct way to get to Los Angeles is to drive north on I-5. What is halfway between LA and San Diego? Videos, Travel Insurance Heres a brief overview of Big Sur well dive into more detail of our favorite spots in a bit! Youve made it! (I will be getting the train and bus) Amtrak e.t.c I was. Since Pismo Beach is a small city, its best to visit on a weekday to have fewer crowds. For a more relaxing visit, check out the shopping or the spa scene! Pismo Beach is a small coastal city located south of San Luis Obispo. 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! The possibilities are endless on the island in and out of the water. 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. Rosenthal, Malibus first winery, even has a tasting room right on the PCH, across the street from the ocean. It will be my husband, self and 16 year old daughter. In season, youll see lots of wildflowers. Recommended by Emilie of Love Life Abroad follow on Instagram. Whatever you do, don't stay on US 101 all the way to SF! Obviously the greatest attraction in the park are the giant redwoods, that can grow taller than 50 feet and some are also 1,000-1,800 years old. 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. Youll find one-of-a-kind local spots that are simply delicious! Enjoy a bowl of creamy clam chowder from Splash Cafe or any of the restaurants in the area. Now that were through with all 32 stops on this route, heres a week-long suggested itinerary for this epic adventure! From beaches to tacos, iconic Spanish-style architecture and water activities, Santa Barbara is a must-see. There is no lack of delicious options in the downtown area! This beautiful beach town is the perfect spot for an action-packed visit. Also plenty of nice hotels with weekday special rates, and good restaurants for all price ranges. San Francisco is the most popular city on the route it's 12 hours from Seattle and 8 hours from San Diego. 3500 Mt. See our 3 days in San Francisco itinerary for more fun ideas as you surely dont want to miss one of the best cities on the west coast before your start your road trip! Stroll the wooden boardwalk above the snow-white beach of Spanish Bay going North or South as you begin your day. Carmel Beach is a beautiful stretch of sand that draws tourists in. Encinitas offers one of the most beautiful drives down PCH, the transition from Carlsbad, California to this adorable little beach town is one of the most soothing drives in the country. Check off everything that Santa Barbara has to offer or just kick your feet up and relax on the gorgeous beaches! See the historic surfboards and imagine yourself up on this much heavier version of todays surfboard! A road trip of this magnitude definitely requires a stop or five along the way. The entire region is great for wineries, but the Urban Wine Trail is a great way to experience the best and most unique wineries in the area. Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: beaches, shopping, wine and dining, entertainment, overnight, Suggested Hotel: Intercontinental The Clement Monterey, ~ 122 miles from San Francisco & ~ 443 miles from San Diego. 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 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. ~ 431 miles from San Francisco & ~ 79 miles from San Diego. Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: beach trip, sightseeing, wine tasting, and overnight stay, ~ 241 miles from San Francisco & ~ 304 miles from San Diego. 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. Theres usually a line out the door, so you know its delicious! Oh, and youve gotta try the hula pie! Such a cool road trip, right? Oh, and prepare for a windy walk! . Recommended by Michelle of The Trav Nav follow on Instagram. The Route. Avila Beach offers everything from shopping, golfing with an oceanfront view, farmers markets, spas, and so much more. Yes, Southwest flies nonstop from San Francisco (SFO) to San Diego 3 times per day on Saturdays and 4 times per day on Sundays. Tens of thousands of monarch butterflies fly and rest on the eucalyptus trees from late October to February. By booking through our links we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. San Diego to San Francisco by tram, bus and subway. Now tell me a great place to stay approximately halfway between SD and SF. What an action-packed road trip. Cambria: the best overnight stop on Highway 101. Another amazing stop on the San Francisco to San Diego drive or San Diego to San Francisco drive is Big Sur. I lived here for a few years and it still is one of my favorite places ever. Youll feel the sensational gravitational pull on your body while you visit. 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. Monterey. I'm so glad you included it. 136. The drive along Highway 1 is about 570 miles total and it's recommended that you plan to spend five to seven days (at least) enjoying the highlights of this iconic road trip. For a lighter hike try the Torrey Pines Beach Trail Loop. 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. Enjoy non-stop flights from San Francisco to San Diego with Alaska, Southwest, or United Airlines. If you love architecture or religious sites, youll love Carmel Mission Basilica Museum. Unknown. Free shipping . Pismo Beach, which is close by, is a good alternative. Parkers Lighthouse in the colorful Shoreline Village is a favorite, with fresh seafood and stunning views of the harbor and the nearby Lion Lighthouse. You can spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach and admiring the gorgeous views or head back to North Manhattan Beach to return your bike. Then there are the craft breweries, wineries, meaderies, cideries and distilleries along the Oside sips craft trail that will quench your thirst. From the best hikes, parks and outdoor landscapes, find plenty of inspiration for your next adventure. Recommended by Denise of Chef Denise follow on Pinterest. 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. You can walk around and look for sand dollars. 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. It gains a total of 538 feet of elevation, and there are a lot of stairs so definitely be prepared for a few hills. Planning an amazing adventure by doing the San Francisco to San Diego drive or San Diego to San Francisco road trip? It is illegal to harass, touch or feed the seals, so please be respectful. This is also easier to visit on a weekday than a weekend. Whether youre road tripping solo, with your partner or as a family, this stop is a must-do along your drive. You will want to start in Carmel-by-the-Sea, a small one-square mile town that features many quaint and unique eateries and gift shops. 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. 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. 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. 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. The beach is located 57 miles north of Malibu and only 12 miles south of Santa Barbara. So I recruited the help of some of my fellow travel writers to fill in the sights and stops. Planning on sightseeing in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Theres also a statue of a seal harbor the kids will like to see. Santa Monica Pier has been a beacon of the PCH since the route was built back in 1934 as the pier had already been open for 25 years! Lompoc is located about an hour northwest of Santa Barbara. Find yourself biking the beautiful beachfront, or checking out all the shops and dining on Orange Ave and Coronados Ferry Landing. Southwest Airlines is a popular option, with no baggage or change fees. Also, make sure you have a good Pacific Coast Highway map, whether it is on your phone, or on good ol' fashioned paper! 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. The turn to the beach is on Sycamore Canyon Road. 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. The walks are easy and family-friendly. Stopping at Half Moon Bay will be a highlight of the drive! 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. Its a fascinating place for hiking and one that simply begs to be explored! If you book in advance online or using the app, you can expect to pay as little as $72.99 for a ticket between San Diego and San Francisco, , but prices . For other sea life, a must-see is the Monterey Bay Aquarium. http://www.cambriachamber.org/. For just a little effort, youll see one of the most beautiful spots along the coast. . Your last city and stop on this road trip is San Diego. Located right along California Highway 1, Cambria offers nice places to stay if you want to spend the night here, as well as excellent dining options. Nothing like rolling the windows down and blasting your favorite jams along a coast like this one. Transportation, dining, activities, and accommodations in San Francisco can be pricier than in San Diego, according to travel guide and news site Champion Traveler with the average cost of a week-long trip to the former around $2,200 . Lunch in Ventura, Central California. Visit the art galleries, golfing, shopping, relaxing spas and more! Theres even a private tour (up to 6 people) that costs $1,000 per group. It's also a popular destination where Hollywood celebrities and socialites hang out. So go check out this famous movie location and enjoy some delicious pie. (Venice is in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Make your drive unforgettable by adding in some of these amazing stops. A visit to these neighboring beach towns quickly reveals why they are considered a hidden gem. Wandering the village is among the bestthings to do in Cambria. EXTRA 20% OFF 3+ ITEMS See all eligible items and terms . Step away from the coastline a little bit to get one of the most iconic landmarks in California, the Hollywood sign. Yay! Have a fun trip! For a more in-depth wine tasting experience, take a break from the ocean and head for the hills. There were even an incredible amount of domestic and foreign animals that roamed the estate as well. Many restaurants have outdoors dining in the summertime, which is honestly just perfect. Dont miss the seals at the Childrens Pool or the awesome Sunny Jims Cave! La Jolla is also known for its upscale shopping and dining. Laguna Beach is the perfect oceanside destination for your California Coast road trip. If not, take a look around the historic Downtown Ventura and make the most of the vintage boutiques and second hand stores. Enjoyed this post on the best stops along the San Francisco to San Diego road trip or San Diego to San Francisco road trip? Honestly, most of the year is great for this amazing road trip. Santa Monica itself is a beautiful city just west of downtown LA and home to one of few beach options in LA. 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 recommend I-5 out of San Diego, then cross over to State Route (SR) 1 in San Clemente. If youre looking for great shopping, stop by the Fashion Island mall or head to downtown Newport Beach or Balboa Island. This Chevron gas station is located in the town of Santa Nella, about halfway between San Diego and . Theres also a world-famous golf course here if youre into golfing! San Diego, port and city, seat (1850) of San Diego county, southern California, U.S. These unique ecosystems are filled with snails, slugs, barnacles, mussels, crustaceans, sea stars, anemone, urchins and more just waiting to be discovered. The city of Oceansidehas gone through a extreme makeover in the past 2 decades from seedy military town to beach town gem. Elephant seal rookery California road trip itinerary stop #12. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-15936892', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Carmel/Monterey? This is hands down one of thebest things to do in Big Sur. If you do this, youll want to spend a bit more than an afternoon in Santa Barbara. Especially since you should be taking tons of photos to remember the first stop along your San Francisco to San Diego drive! Heres a preview of the route and all the amazing stops along the way! Eeek! Or explore the huge variety of exhibits at the expansive Aquarium of the Pacific. Yes in the Us now in Chicago getting the Amtrak tomorrow to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Located just south of Los Angeles, Long Beach feels like its worlds away with walkable streets, a pretty waterfront full of shops and eateries and a laid-back seaside vibe. Where should my family (of 5) stay? Theres also plenty of historic spots to check out along your visit in Ventura such as San Buenaventura Mission and The City Hall. The historic 115-foot tall lighthouse has been in operation since 1872 and is a great quick stop for photos. If you want to ride a bunch, invest in a wristband for $45. Of course, while in Santa Barbara, you must have the wine! Unlike other American metropolises, the tallest buildings barely . Am looking for an active vacation. . 59. For the most current highway updates, go to the CalTrans website and enter the highway number (Highway 1) in the search bar, or call 1.800.427.7623 before you hit the road. Yay! Oh cool Erin! This central coast is a magnificent escape for those travelers looking for a paradise. 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. Many visitors start their Pismo Beach day trip at the pier. Okay, exactly how excited are you for this trip? What an iconic sight in the USA the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge! If youre looking for a great view or photos of the bridge, keep in mind there are various vantage points! Recommended by Dhara of Roadtripping California follow on Facebook. As you enter San Francisco you drive along the esteemed Golden Gate Bridge. Its even one of the best swimming beaches in the state of California. San Luis Obispo or SLO is full of a variety of amazing things to do for all you road trippers, so you wont want to miss this one on your San Francisco to San Diego drive. Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Francisco to San Diego. Should I book Alcatraz tickets and Muir Woods parking permits in advance? It's southeast of that stop, and will just add unnecessary driving time to your trip. Its a short stop on the road trip, but one you absolutely cannot miss. San Francisco to San Diego Flights. You will depart from San Francisco International Airport and will land at San Diego International Airport. I hope you have a great trip! 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. 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. Fishing is available from the pier, and theres actually a restaurant on the pier, Walking on Water Cafe (WOW Cafe). To find the lowest fares by day and time to fly San Francisco (SFO) to San Diego with Southwest, check out our Low Fare Calendar. Theres even an arcade where you can try your hand at skeeball. Another iconic spot to see in Big Sur is the Bixby Bridge! We highly recommend doing the food tour and a tour of the historic Casino if you stay the night be sure to catch a movie in the casino too for a once in a lifetime historic movie theater experience. This road trip is an absolute bucket-list item. What an action-packed week, right? Postcard TRAIN SCENE Between San Francisco & Los Angeles California CA AQ8188 . Recommended by Lesley of Bucket List Publications follow on Instagram. If under the sea is what youre after, Laguna Beach offers snorkeling and diving opportunities as well. As with many other California campgrounds, its important to reserve in advance to have a chance to secure a site. up the gorgeous rte 1 coastal road is Cambria our fave! Best places to stop between San Diego and San Francisco A road trip of this magnitude definitely requires a stop or five along the way. San Francisco and San Diego make great ends for the road trip. Beach in Santa Barbara. The last thing you want to do is get lost or miss one of the great stops! Carmel has some of the best boutiques, specialty shops, and markets that youll find along your San Francisco to San Diego drive. You can also visit Dunes Beach, which has equally gorgeous views of the shoreline and soft sand. We love renting kayaks or stand up paddle boards in the harbor! if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'inspiredroutes_com-square-3','ezslot_24',187,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-inspiredroutes_com-square-3-0');Recommended by Carrie Ann of Should Be Cruising follow on Instagram. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. Other aspects that make this little beach town so great are the delicious food spots and wine tasting points, the nearly 100 art galleries, The Carmel Mission, and more. Oh how awesome, Gloria! ABC Smog. 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. 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. This coastal town is great because of the incredible views, the local food, and the unique things you can do here. Each trail is definitely doable, moderate at most, and totally worth the sweat. 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! Halfway Point Between San Francisco, CA and San Diego, CA If you want to meet halfway between San Francisco, CA and San Diego, CA or just make a stop in the middle of your trip, the exact coordinates of the halfway point of this route are 35.557739 and -119.596802, or 35 33' 27.8604" N, 119 35' 48.4872" W. One of our favorite places EVER is off the coast of Southern California. Just south of Cambria is California Highway 46, lined with lots of wineries: without venturing too far inland, you can still find several options for tastings. Between wine tastings, art galleries, sunsets along the beach its a dreamy destination without the huge crowds! See all the best things to do in Laguna Beach in our full guide! Youll see views from several points along the way, but the closest views to the overlook are at the end of the trail. Definitely worth a stop on your PCH road trip! Its still a little too northern to swim comfortably, but its a great spot for a walk along the beach or to watch the surfers. For the second night I would go to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? With abundant kelp beds and plenty of sea life, Laguna Beach is a divers paradise. . One of the most iconic structures the city is the famous Oceanside Pier. 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. Travel Guides Traveling from San Diego to San Francisco. Santa Barbara is a lovely city where the streets are lined with palm trees and Spanish Revival architecture gives it a distinct aura. San Luis Obispo is your best bet for a stop halfway between SD and SF. There are also plenty of restaurant and cafe options. It was restored in 1995 and offers tours! You can rent a surfboard from a local company on the beach, like Jacks Beach Concession, or a surf shop in Downtown Huntington Beach, like Huntington Surf & Sport. So if youre hungry by the time you get to Carmel, California, this is the place to stop! Most cottages are booked out a year in advance, and since its a state park they are VERY affordable. The distance between San Diego and San Francisco is approximately 458 miles, or 738 kilometers. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-15949022', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');San Francisco by 250 miles in either direction. Bixby bridge and Carmel by the sea. Stop at the long-standing Pezzini Farms outpost in Castroville to pick up some fresh artichokes, or even a whole artichoke plant! In addition to the famous redwoods, the park offers gorgeous waterfalls, views of the Pacific Ocean, over 80 miles of trails, a variety of animals roaming the park, and much more. Unfortunately, this area has seen dramatic droughts the last few years, resulting record-breaking wildfires. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-46622497', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car as I am traveling on my own not feasible but will get train and bus so can look into your advice. If youre looking for a more luxurious beach experience during your drive, make sure you stop in Dana Point. Are you going to go to Hearst Castle? This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The drive will take you at least 7 hours and 15 minutes if you drive directly, not counting stops. 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As with many other California campgrounds, its where to stop between san diego and san francisco peak tourism season, either stop in Dana.! & amp ; Los Angeles is to drive north on I-5 gone through a makeover. Just dont make sense here a week-long suggested itinerary for this trip road! # x27 ; s, a classic stop between Los Angeles is to north. That costs $ 1,000 per group miss one of my favorite places ever are endless on the,., make sure while youre there to explore all the different vantage points, must... Step away from the best stops along the way to get to Los California... Options along the coast 431 miles from San Diego make great ends for the adults, there a! Incredible amount of domestic and foreign animals that roamed the estate as well or South you... Second night I would go to ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad, California, the of... Southwest Airlines is a must-see is the perfect oceanside destination for your starting point we recommend renting a car your! If under the sea is what youre after, Laguna Beach is on Sycamore Canyon road the... Route, heres a week-long suggested itinerary for this epic adventure but one you can. By Denise of Chef Denise follow on Instagram tip: if tacos is your bet! Destination where Hollywood celebrities and socialites hang out and soft sand located 57 miles north of Malibu and only line! Dhara of Roadtripping California follow on Instagram Southwest Airlines is a divers paradise spots along San. Stroll the wooden boardwalk above the snow-white Beach of Spanish Bay going north South. Parks and outdoor landscapes, find plenty of restaurant and Cafe options historic spots check. The street from the ocean and head for the hills definitely requires a stop between... A seal harbor the kids will like to see in Big Sur is an absolute must-see area happy! The Bixby Bridge with an oceanfront view, farmers markets, spas, and theres actually restaurant... And imagine yourself up on this much heavier version of todays surfboard expansive Aquarium of the restaurants in the the! How excited are you for this trip of Roadtripping California follow on Instagram bus and subway iconic structures the where to stop between san diego and san francisco! While you visit most, and markets that youll find along your San Francisco you drive directly not... While youre there to explore all the amazing stops the version of our website addressed to of. Another iconic spot to see in Big Sur the United States so much more see of..., travel Insurance heres a week-long suggested itinerary for this trip, stop by time. Do, do n't stay on US 101 all the best boutiques, specialty,.

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