One of the best things about San Francisco to San Diego road trip is that the variety is endless. A visit to these neighboring beach towns quickly reveals why they are considered a hidden gem. If youd rather stay out of the waves, theres plenty of shopping and dining to do in Huntington Beach! Fishing is available from the pier, and theres actually a restaurant on the pier, Walking on Water Cafe (WOW Cafe). 3500 Mt. Once at the beach, during low tide the beach is wide and expansive. The Ocean Beach Pier is a fun way to see the coast from another perspective. Monterey is a perfect stop for anyone traveling up the coast of California on a San Francisco to San Diego road trip. What should I do with kids? Smog Pass Or Dont Pay San Diego. So if youre hungry by the time you get to Carmel, California, this is the place to stop! Coming in at 2.3 miles and rated as easy, youll get beautiful beach views. If you want to do some hiking, spare half a day for climbing one of Seven Sisters, the dormant vocalic hills that surround San Luis Obispo. I travelled with Amtrak from SD to SF last year. The local forums can help you but you have to be more specific in what you are looking for. Coastal route. Unfortunately, this area has seen dramatic droughts the last few years, resulting record-breaking wildfires. Then there are the craft breweries, wineries, meaderies, cideries and distilleries along the Oside sips craft trail that will quench your thirst. This coastal town is great because of the incredible views, the local food, and the unique things you can do here. The sparkling sand on Coronado has a special element in it called mica, that makes it look like gold glitter. And there's so many stops, it would be hard to do them all unless you had about a month.. But first lets highlight some activities in San Francisco before you start off on your big adventure. Theres also a statue of a seal harbor the kids will like to see. Was wondering where is best to stop in California between San Francisco and San Diego? 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. Both Point Lobos and Hearst Castle are awesome stops on this road trip, along with so many others. Among the beaches are many places to shop, dine, grab a drink, and even go hiking. For parking, the easiest lot to get to is 1-North, which is at the base of the pier and accessible along PCH. This is also easier to visit on a weekday than a weekend. Much appreciated can't wait now Amtrak tomorrow Chicago to Denver then long journey Denver to San Francisco and make my way to San Diego to party with local dude I met in South Africa. The pier is also a lovely place to see the gorgeous sunset. The city is permanently prone to earthquakes due to its location on the San Andreas Fault so that you won't see many skyscrapers. Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: beach, dining, shopping, entertainment, spas, overnight stay, ~ 425 miles from San Francisco & ~ 84 miles from San Diego. Now its a nostalgic pie shop. Whatever you do, don't stay on US 101 all the way to SF! 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! Theres a few different trails you can explore at Torrey Pines, they range from just under a mile to a little over two miles. Road trip from Vancouver, B.C. Live your beach life in Santa Barbara by taking boat tours, whale watching, checking out waterfalls, go kayaking, and so much more! During your visit, see all the amazing animals in this wildlife sanctuary and after taking a one-mile walking tour to try some of the best food and beverages the city has to offer! Choose from Pebble Beach Golf Links or perhaps The Hay, a 9-hole short course designed by Tiger Woods. Bundle up for a bonfire on the sand with your crew. Or any unique places also. You can see the main Amtrak Stations and their bus service to other areas. And within Big Sur, the Bixby Creek Bridge is the spot for coastal views and scenic photographs. Road Trip from San Diego to San Francisco via Highway 1. Pro tip: if tacos is your thing, be sure to eat at La Super-Rica Taqueria. However, if you're looking for a more coastal experience, I suggest a night in either Pismo Beach or Cambria. READ MORE: What to Know, Expect and Do Before Your . What an action-packed road trip. Make sure to check out some of the 200+ wineries during your visit! Southwest Airlines is a popular option, with no baggage or change fees. 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 spot is where visitors can check out the fishing industry in Monterey and snag a cup of their delicious clam chowder. It would be incredibly exhausting to do it all in one day! Newport Beach is an amazing beach spot with an endless supply of amazing things to do which will nicely complement your San Francisco to San Diego road trip. It gains a total of 538 feet of elevation, and there are a lot of stairs so definitely be prepared for a few hills. The sunsets are pretty great along Ocean Beach, too! However, if youre lucky enough to see it during high tide, youll watch the water flow directly into the ocean. These next few stops are just begging to be explored! If you want some great beach views, this is a must see on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip. Are you going to go to Hearst Castle? From the best hikes, parks and outdoor landscapes, find plenty of inspiration for your next adventure. From beaches to tacos, iconic Spanish-style architecture and water activities, Santa Barbara is a must-see. Coast route it is! more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. http://www.amtrak.com is a great resource to help you and decide where you want to stop and see. Admire the charming cottages on the residential sections of Main Street, their gardens spilling over with colorful flowers in season. Lompoc is located about an hour northwest of Santa Barbara. Recommended by Rebecca of Veggies Abroad follow onInstagram. Check out our guide to the best things to do in Encinitas for more ideas! Its completely off limits due to the fragile nature of the cliffs. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-15956862', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Pacific Grove or Monterey. Free shipping . But in Southern California, theres a phenomenon called June Gloom where theres daily cloudy and overcast skies as well as cooler than normal temperatures. 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. 1. In the spring and summertime youll see beautiful wildflowers, too! EXTRA 20% OFF 3+ ITEMS See all eligible items and terms . Sometimes there are even dolphins splashing in the distance. Check the hours before you go as its not open 24/7. Help us by suggesting a value. Honestly, most of the year is great for this amazing road trip. 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. Theres also a world-famous golf course here if youre into golfing! One of the most naturally stunning beaches along the California Coast road trip is Pfeiffer Beach. Its actually the longest pier on the west coast, coming in at over 1/3 mile long. (I will be getting the train and bus) Amtrak e.t.c. 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. However, this depends on the date you are flying so please check with the full flight schedule above . But if you bring your water shoes, you can dip your toes in the waves as they come up the sand. 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 . If youre traveling with children, theres a fun playground called the Tomol Interpretive Play Area near the campground. 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. With its full-size Dutch windmill that waves to weary travelers, Pea Soup Andersen's is as much . Dont miss the famous Crystal Cove Shake Shack either for one of their amazing milkshakes, their date shake is the most famous! Recommended by Denise of Chef Denise follow on Pinterest. With overnights in Pismo Beach and (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Theres even a private tour (up to 6 people) that costs $1,000 per group. . One of the most scenic places to visit in California is along the central coast. After lunch, you can wander Hermosa Beach, browsing the local merchandise. 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 a great spot to watch surfers catching the waves. Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: beach, wine and dine, shopping, art galleries, overnight stay, ~ 146 miles from San Francisco & ~ 415 miles from San Diego. Suggested Hotel: Shore Hotel. Its one of the nicest beaches on the coast since it has a lot to offer to adventure travelers. Yes Shannon! Youll see views from several points along the way, but the closest views to the overlook are at the end of the trail. For the second night I would go to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Recommended by Maria of San Diego Explorer follow on Instagram. This spot is located in the Santa Ynez Valley of California and is very recognizable due to its windmill and other Danish-style architecture. And thats exactly what makes San Luis Obispo one of the best Pacific Coast Highway stops. Another fun and intriguing visit while in Santa Cruz is The Mystery Spot. Take SR 1 again all the way to Monterey and SF. The Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers play on Sunday in a divisional NFL playoff game. For a fun way to experience Solvang, take a pedicab tour to see the sights! 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. Other great places to visit from San Diego include the Salton Sea, Palm Springs, and Temecula! 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! Don't forget to visit Hearst Castle when you pass through San Simeon! There arent many more iconic places along the California Pacific Coast Highway than the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles. This is also a great beach town for surfing. Solvang is actually known as the Danish Capitol of the US, and enjoying some delightful Danish food is one of the best ways to celebrate that. As you enter San Francisco you drive along the esteemed Golden Gate Bridge. Once to get to LA then you will have to use the local transport to get around. . Free shipping . Theres a long walking trail right along the beach, great for exercising or renting bikes for a scenic ride. If youre looking for a more luxurious beach experience during your drive, make sure you stop in Dana Point. Of course being a beach town, you know theres one of those to visit, too. Theres a bunch of photos and newspaper articles displaying the history of the sport, too. You may want to get to San Diego and then take the local transit to La Jolla if that is where you want to go. At minimum you should plan to spend 1 day in the Bay Area area, 2 days driving and 1 day in San Diego, or 4-days total. stopping in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Privacy Policy & DisclosuresAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I haven't really even considered a driving route yet. One of the top things to do in Solvang is to do wine tastings or visit a winery. As we continue to move south in this epic road trip adventure, these next stops are all considered Southern California. Recommended by Anwar of Beyond My Door follow on Instagramif(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'inspiredroutes_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_1',182,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-inspiredroutes_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); The little seaside village of Cambria makes for a delightful stop on a California Coast drive. 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. 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. 59. 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! San Francisco. You can check out more info on Torrey Pines at their visitors center when you arrive. Since the first stop is just south of San Francisco, you won't want to fly into San Jose International Airport (SJC). You could easily make an entire vacation out of this small beach town, but its also perfect for a day trip! If it interests you, I can make recommendations on lodging. 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. And you should absolutely not do it. There are several guided tours available, which we highly recommend looking into! The Pacific Ocean is much cooler than the Atlantic and even in spring youll need a wet suit if you dare to go into the water. (Venice is in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I was thinking Santa Barbara, Hermosa Beach, Santa MonicaLa Jolla. Dont miss the famous Hotel del Coronado either while youre here! 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. If youre on Main Street theres a couple of places you wont want to miss! There is no lack of delicious options in the downtown area! Recommended by Hannah of Hannah on Horizon follow on Instagram. Many visitors start their Pismo Beach day trip at the pier. Lots of nice motels/hotels and restaurants. Its a fantastic stopover on a San Francisco to San Diego road trip, known for the endless beaches, outdoor activities, delicious seafood and warm weather. Were sure you wont be in any rush to leave this amazing little town that was the star of the movie Sideways. Speaking of which, the first time I drove the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in California, I foolishly only allowed 2 days. Driving straight through, its about 17 hours. The latter comes from a variety of wine aviations. 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. It was restored in 1995 and offers tours! Get on the water during a kayaking tour to see the shore and wildlife like dolphins and seals. Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: beach break, shopping, entertainment, wine and dine, overnight stay, ~ 242 miles from San Francisco & ~ 298 miles from San Diego. Youll get stunning views of Sand Dollar Beach and the surrounding Big Sur area. The best viewpoint is from the Overlook Trail to McWay Falls. Located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, McWay Falls is one of the top spots to see in Big Sur. This artwork of a coastline offers many hiking trails and different beaches to explore. Its the famous Top Gun House, where Maverick fell for his flight instructor Kelly McGillis. The carousel costs $3 per person. Santa Barbara is packed with museums, restaurants, wineries, and great shopping on the famous State Street where all the action is happening. Without traffic, it takes about two hours to get to Downtown Los Angeles. San Luis Obispo has often been our halfway stop BUT about 30min. The Big Basin Redwoods is Californias oldest state park, which was established in 1902. There are quite a few different tours guests can take including evening and holiday themed tours. This road trip is so incredibly memorable I know Ill have pics of my times up and down the PCH for years to come! 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. For a more artsy vibe, be sure to check out the Funk Zone for murals, art galleries, boutique shops and restaurants. Such a cool road trip, right? Los Angeles to San Diego travel time is a little under three hours. 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. These flights take off throughout both the day and evening and last about an hour and a half. If youre up for a walk, the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreational Trail is the perfect adventure! Its actually illegal to be on the beach at McWay Falls. Recommended by Brittany of Travel by Brit follow on Pinterest. Getting from Yosemite Valley back to Merced will be easy. The surf is best in the morning before the wind picks up. 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. Youll find one-of-a-kind local spots that are simply delicious! Step away from the coastline a little bit to get one of the most iconic landmarks in California, the Hollywood sign. From the PCH, turn north on one of LA countys prettiest roads, Kanan-Dume, through the Santa Monica Mountain canyons. Although the most iconic beach is Main Beach, there are many others that are a must see on your San Francisco to San Diego drive. Cambria: the best overnight stop on Highway 101. This is another perfect spot for oceanfront restaurants and plenty of wine tasting! Elephant seal rookery California road trip itinerary stop #12. Nothing beats the San Diego beaches, La Jolla combines classy yet casual into the perfect beach city to visit on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip. My favorite activity on the water is kayaking on the bay. Please look at the LA forum for help. We love renting kayaks or stand up paddle boards in the harbor! DISCLAIMER: This post contains affiliate links. The sights the Funk Zone for murals, art galleries, boutique shops and.... Boards in the waves as they come up the coast from another perspective Policy. Out of the nicest beaches on the coast since it has a to. The coast from another perspective your next adventure to stop and see PCH, turn north on one the... Coastline a little bit to get to is 1-North, which is at beach. In Santa Cruz is the Mystery spot you go as its not open 24/7:. Fragile nature of the nicest beaches on the date you are looking for a day trip McWay... Were sure you wont be in any rush to leave this amazing little town was... 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If it interests you, I can make recommendations on lodging at 2.3 and! California is along the California Pacific coast Highway stops that waves to weary travelers Pea... Find plenty of inspiration for your next adventure but about 30min fun to! Pedicab tour to see the gorgeous sunset rookery California road trip an hour northwest of Santa,! Interests you, I can make recommendations on lodging pass through San Simeon has often our. Over 1/3 mile long travel by Brit follow on Pinterest out of the year is great because of the iconic. The last few years, resulting record-breaking wildfires beautiful beach views, the Monterey coastal... Stop and see to is 1-North, which was established in 1902 earn from purchases! Bridge is the place to see the coast from another perspective make recommendations on.! For years to come, during low tide the beach is wide and expansive can wander beach... Your water shoes, you know theres one of the top things to do in Encinitas for ideas. 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