One of the must-see attractions in the town is the windmills. If youre looking to spend some time soaking up the sun, Laguna has some of the best beaches in Southern California. Copyright 2022 | Inspired Routes | All Rights Reserved, 33 Cool and Unique Things to Do in Big Sur Youll Love, Lunch, shopping or The Mystery Spot at Santa Cruz, Quick stop at Pebble Beach for the sunrise or a morning stroll, Whale watch or hiking at Point Lobos State Reserve, Drive the winding roads to see Bixby Creek Bridge, Stroll the boardwalk and dinner in Cambria, Take a walk downtown or visit the butterflies in Pismo Beach, Go wine tasting and visit the flower fields in Lompoc, Lunch in Solvang and walk around, admiring the architecture, Beach time in Santa Barbara or grab your Insta-worthy shots at the Funk Zone, Catch a sunrise or watch the surfers at Carpinteria State Beach, Hit the beach or amusement park at the Santa Monica Pier, Grab an early dinner in Long Beach, then choose an outdoor activity to round your day, Breakfast and shopping in Huntington Beach, Catch a festival or hit the beach at Laguna Beach, Walk the famous pier and grab lunch in Oceanside, Watch the sea lions and dinner in La Jolla. Otherwise youll be good mid-late summer to early fall. Find United Airlines cheap flights from San Diego to San Francisco. But if you bring your water shoes, you can dip your toes in the waves as they come up the sand. . Once at the beach, during low tide the beach is wide and expansive. As we continue to move south in this epic road trip adventure, these next stops are all considered Southern California. MONTEREY. This is the most scenic part of the hike, so you cant miss it! Or explore the huge variety of exhibits at the expansive Aquarium of the Pacific. You can also visit Dunes Beach, which has equally gorgeous views of the shoreline and soft sand. Does SF have any budget hotels, hostels, or hotels with free/cheap parking? Oceanside is also a distinct foodie town. Elephant seal rookery California road trip itinerary stop #12. Recommended by Jolayne of Simply Jolayne follow on Instagram. The windmill outside Pea Soup Andersen's, a classic stop between Los Angeles and San Francisco. It took nearly 3 decades to bring the Heart Castle to completion and you can learn all about that on your visit. 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. There are great surf spots up and down Manhattan Beach. The closest you can get is actually on top of the mountain behind the sign, and its quite easy to get to if you follow our guide on how to get to the Hollywood Sign. Recommended by Maria of San Diego Explorer follow on Instagram. During your visit check out one of the eight championship golf courses or some of the other amazing places to beach, hike, bike, shop, exercise, and more. Enjoy a San Diego to San Francisco modern flight experience in premium cabins with Wi-Fi. Check out these stops at the very least. ~ 0 miles from San Francisco & ~ 520 miles from San Diego. Theres also plenty of historic spots to check out along your visit in Ventura such as San Buenaventura Mission and The City Hall. Smog Check Star Certified San Diego. What better way to experience the sights and adventure is there than a road trip on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), aka Highway 1? Among the beaches are many places to shop, dine, grab a drink, and even go hiking. San Diego beaches will have a surfing area. For a challenging trail in the Torrey Pines State Reserve, try Flinkote Torrey Pines Trail, a moderate hike at 3.8 miles. I travelled with Amtrak from SD to SF last year. The last stop on this San Francisco to San Diego road trip takes you all the way to the tip of Southern California. Departure times vary between 05:30 - 22:49. Its actually the longest pier on the west coast, coming in at over 1/3 mile long. Plus lessons for stand-up paddle boarding or even skimboarding. Customize this itinerary based on what youd love to do most and how much time you have. Are you planning on driving Hiway 1 through Big Sur? I did most of this journey, and especially loved Point Lobos that you mentionedand I completely visited it on a whim. Whether you have 2 days or 2 weeks to make the trip, youll love this California Coast road trip! You feel as though youve also transported back in time here, this is a must for an overnight if you can plan accordingly on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip or San Diego to San Francisco road trip! . Youve made it! A lot of people who book a car rental in in San Diego end up just driving all the way to San Jose and returning it there. Coming in at 2.3 miles and rated as easy, youll get beautiful beach views. Also known as Highway 1, this San Francisco to San Diego road trip will take you by some of the most iconic towns and jaw-dropping scenery in California. The area boasts miles of beautiful, clean beaches with pools, coves and caves that visitors can explore. One stop not to be missed is definitely Coronado. You could easily make an entire vacation out of this small beach town, but its also perfect for a day trip! 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. It passes along the coast with brief glimpses of the Pacific Ocean, through Camp Pendleton Marine Corps base and north through Orange County. 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(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. San Francisco is the most popular city on the route it's 12 hours from Seattle and 8 hours from San Diego. . Or, simply admire its sparkling lights across the harbor in the evening. The former being all estate wines, ie: grown on the Rosenthal property in Malibu. We realize it's about a. . Similarly, if you are driving south, the Portland to San Francisco road trip itinerary takes about 20 hours, considering you begin the trip in Cannon Beach and then follow Highway 101 south to California. If youre hungry, opt to grab some food at Capulin Eats and Provisions, La Botte Italian Restaurant or Toro Loco. Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: beaches, coffee, dining, shopping, overnight stay, ~ 485 miles from San Francisco & ~ 17 miles from San Diego. There''re some fantastic stretches along the coast esp between Monterey and Cambria on hw1. It would be incredibly exhausting to do it all in one day! Distance on the Interstate between the two cities is 635 miles and the trip . Built in 1937, this absolutely must be a stop on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip! This town is located in the heart of one of the top wine producing region in Central California and is famous for its vineyards along the green rolling hills. Fun fact: Carmel-by-the-Sea doesnt have any chain restaurants. For a lighter hike try the Torrey Pines Beach Trail Loop. Recommended by me Nikki of Inspired Routes. Its one of the nicest beaches on the coast since it has a lot to offer to adventure travelers. 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. San Francisco To San Diego Road Trip Factfile. Another must-see in Monterey is Old Fishermans Wharf, not to be confused with Fishermans Wharf in San Fran. There were even an incredible amount of domestic and foreign animals that roamed the estate as well. San Jose. Start: San Francisco, CA End: San Diego, CA Distance: 600 miles Drive Time: 17 hours Things to do: Photography, hiking, beaches, small towns, major cities Then, the beach has miles of white sand. 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. Yes, Southwest flies nonstop from San Francisco (SFO) to San Diego 3 times per day on Saturdays and 4 times per day on Sundays. Monterey is a perfect stop for anyone traveling up the coast of California on a San Francisco to San Diego road trip. Is San Diego north or south of LA? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-46643036', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Santa Monica, Hermosa Beach have done Cali before when I went around World on gap year! For more activities, plan to take the coast route. The San Francisco to San Diego drive is approximately 615 miles. You know you havent seen the beach enough yet, right? The Cielo Chardonnay blend, Honey Pie, is their most popular wine, and the reds are some of the best in the area. Both hikes offer spectacular ocean views, and the opportunity to spot wildlife and birds. You can try authentic tacos, burritos, and margaritas at Freds Mexican Caf and Cantina, which overlooks the ocean. Find this post helpful? I'm so glad you included it. If you want shopping and a college town atmosphere, then San Luis Obispo is a good place to be. Halfway between Los Angeles, CA and San Diego, CA To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: beaches, food & drink, shopping, entertainment, overnight stay, Suggested Hotel: Waypoint Ventura Vintage Trailer Hotel & Campground, Day trip to the Channel Islands National Park, ~ 363 miles from San Francisco & ~ 187 miles from San Diego. Pro tip: I know youre driving for this epic road trip. Theyre all great, what can we say. But for most vehicles, youll find the turn for Pfeiffer Beach at mile marker 45.64. 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. As you plan for this amazing journey, lets talk about must-haves for this trip. Anaheim is the most popular city on the route it's less than an hour from Los Angeles and 2 hours from San Diego. Santa Barbara is packed with museums, restaurants, wineries, and great shopping on the famous State Street where all the action is happening. Im so excited for you to start this adventure! 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. A place that truly holds a special place in my heart is Laguna Beach. Youll notice their neighboring winery, Rocky Oaks, perched high on the next hill (appointment required). Its one of the most scenic routes in the USA! Are you going north on highway 1, or is it 101 or maybe 5 or 99? Yay! Whether youre going solo, with your partner/spouse, family or a girls trip, youre going to have a fabulous time at all these Pacific Coast Highway stops! Also plenty of nice hotels with weekday special rates, and good restaurants for all price ranges. However, this depends on the date you are flying so please check with the full flight schedule above . But the question on many people& If you can, spend 2-3 days in the San Luis Obispo area. Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: beach, wine and dine, entertainment, shopping, overnight stay, ~ 297 miles from San Francisco & ~ 248 miles from San Diego. Queen Mary, the former luxury ocean liner thats reportedly themost haunted ship in the world. Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: hiking, exercise, photography, and the best viewpoints in Los Angeles, ~ 381 miles from San Francisco & ~ 135 miles from San Diego. . 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. Especially since you should be taking tons of photos to remember the first stop along your San Francisco to San Diego drive! Were sure you wont be in any rush to leave this amazing little town that was the star of the movie Sideways. Carmel-by-the-Sea is one impressive little village along the coast. In the commercial stretch, youll find lots of one-of-a-kind stores to visit, as well as art galleries with beautiful pieces of fine art and antique shops. My favorites are comfortable enough for hiking yet perfect for the beach. 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. While there are no campgrounds in Muir Woods, those who want to camp will want to head over to Mount Tamalpais, which is only a 23-minute drive. Nothing like rolling the windows down and blasting your favorite jams along a coast like this one. 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! One thing we love besides the beaches is that Laguna has always been an artsy town. The town is great for strolling. The El Dorado Park and Nature Center features almost 100 acres of activities, including walking and bike trails, golf and fishing. Recommended by Melissa of Navigation Junkie follow on Pinterest. Transform your photos with just one click. There are three different trails that range from easy to difficult! This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. If that sounds interesting, that's my recommendation. Its somewhere you must stop on your PCH road trip and on everyLos Angeles itinerary! Monterey. I live in the coastal town of Morro Bay (15 miles north of SLO) where you can get smoked oysters fresh cooked at the Embarcadero, rent kayaks to paddle around in the protected inner harbor, go out whale watching, hike Montana de Oro state park or watch the surfers and walk on the beach. Amtrak Pacific Surfliner offers twelve daily round-trip journeys between San Diego and Los Angeles. [Disclaimer] 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! So if youd like to visit it by getting out of your car, park elsewhere and take public transportation or a ride share to the bridge. Of course being a beach town, you know theres one of those to visit, too. Enjoy non-stop flights from San Francisco to San Diego with Alaska, Southwest, or United Airlines. This trail is a must-see, because all the views are absolutely epic! On the adventurous side of things, there are trails for hiking and biking and go to the beach for surfing, sailing, and sunbathing! 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. The most scenic part is the one that goes along the coast, so most people skip the loop and just walk by the ocean, where you get the best views. 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. The Golden Gate Bridge is recognized throughout the globe as one of the longest and tallest suspension bridges, not to mention one of the most photographed! These beach shoes are literally perfect for Torrey Pines State Reserve! Where should my family (of 5) stay? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-15946836', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');California beach town, while Cambria is a hamlet nestled in pine trees next to the sea. a very cute town on the coast. Now tell me a great place to stay approximately halfway between SD and SF. The distance between San Francisco and Los Angeles on the Pacific Coast Highway is roughly 500 miles. 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. Plan a little overnight staycation in Laguna Beach, because we bet you wont want to leave! Entry is free, but rides are priced from $5-12. Youll find lots of restaurants and shops as you walk toward the end. Smog Pass Or Dont Pay San Diego. Spending some time on these islands are a great escape from reality. It houses over 100 animals and species and costs $10 for adults and kids, and $8 for students, seniors and military. 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. For a more relaxing visit, check out the shopping or the spa scene! Also, check out The Getty while youre in the neighborhood! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-15945938', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monterey, for example, you'd be able to see the most scenic stretches of the coast at a more leisurely pace. This artwork of a coastline offers many hiking trails and different beaches to explore. Also in the village, there are numerous quality restaurants, as well as wine tasting and cold brews. Sometimes there are even dolphins splashing in the distance. The waterfall typically falls directly onto the sand below. You very likely could see gray, fin and humpback whales, dolphins and sea lions. After all, its how the beach got its name. Some would say you truly havent seen San Diego until youve seen it from the Torrey Pines trails. 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. Traveling with FlixBus isn't just quick, it's cheap too. While youre here, check out all of the delicious Danish pastries, the adorable shops and boutiques, the Solvang trolley, and some of the best wine in the area! Theres a bunch of photos and newspaper articles displaying the history of the sport, too. Wandering the village is among the bestthings to do in Cambria. Whew! 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. . There are many nice places to stay between LA and SF: Santa Barbara, San Luis Opisbo, Pismo Beach, Cambria, Carmel/Monterey, Santa Cruz. San Francisco. Thank you for supporting us in this small way to help us continue bringing helpful travel guides to our readers. San Diego is one of my favorite cities - so much to see and do. There are so many cool places I need to check out based on your list if I ever do the drive again! 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. The beach trail loop is actually perfect for hiking in water shoes. La Jolla is a suburb, although still a bit up the coast from San Diego. One of the top things to do in Solvang is to do wine tastings or visit a winery. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-46636308', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver for few days then to San Francisco. And thats exactly what makes San Luis Obispo one of the best Pacific Coast Highway stops. This can be a big bummer if youre planning a beach filled road trip or want to rent a convertible car. Pier 39 is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. But be sure to check out the Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary at the end of this post for a suggested timeline! From the PCH, turn north on one of LA countys prettiest roads, Kanan-Dume, through the Santa Monica Mountain canyons. Tens of thousands of monarch butterflies fly and rest on the eucalyptus trees from late October to February. There is a short walking path to observe the butterflies and learn about the migration process to warmer places. Lots of nice motels/hotels and restaurants. Are you going to go to Hearst Castle? 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. http://www.cambriachamber.org/. However, I would not recommend the trip without at least one additional overnight. Id definitely recommend going at low tide to walk the beach. You will spend the day in Santa Cruz and . Recommended by Denise of Chef Denise follow on Pinterest. If you want to make an adventure out of your San Diego to Grand Canyon road trip, then you've come to the right place. Youll see gorgeous views of the ocean, the rugged coastline, and youll get a chance to explore a secluded beach all without leaving the city! The journey time between San Diego and San Francisco is around 14h 29m and covers a distance of around 580 miles. 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. Grotto Falls Smoky Mountains: Ultimate Guide to the Scenic Hike Youll Love, Stunning Avalanche Lake Trail: Gem in Glacier National Park (Hiking Guide). Getting from Merced over to the coast will be much more challenging. Youll find a wooden boardwalk overlooking the beach where you can walk or bike. Flights from SFO to SAN are operated 34 times a week, with an average of 5 flights per day. Spend a second night on the Monterey Peninsula (specifically Carmel or Pacific Grove), for a wonderful stay in two very quaint and charming towns. Outdoor enthusiasts are in for a treat on a visit to Long Beach! There are many excellent restaurants in the city, such as Wrench & Rodent Seabasstropub, which is renown for their Omikase all over San Diego county. This out-and-back hike is 1.2 miles round trip on easy terrain and walkable for most still levels, including children. Oh how awesome, Gloria! If youd rather stay out of the waves, theres plenty of shopping and dining to do in Huntington Beach! Since its close to the Pacific Ocean, there is a marine layer which keeps the environment moist and encourages plant growth. One of the most scenic stretches along the San Francisco to San Diego road trip is Big Sur. There are plenty of great places to stop between San Diego and San Francisco, so take your time and plan your route based on your interests. 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. If youre looking for a great view or photos of the bridge, keep in mind there are various vantage points! Visit the gorgeous city of Laguna Beach located in Orange County, California along your San Francisco to San Diego drive. http://www.amtrak.com is a great resource to help you and decide where you want to stop and see. Check out our guide to the best things to do in Encinitas for more ideas! Or even just dine here for a fine dining experience. And it doesnt get any better than sunsets at Crescent Bay Point Park or Heisler Park. Oh cool Erin! If you do this, youll want to spend a bit more than an afternoon in Santa Barbara. With a total length of 1942 feet, this wooden pier is the longest over-water pier on the West Coast. Once you have had a chance to browse the stores, keep heading south to Hermosa Beach Pier, where you can find additional shops and restaurants. Any suggestions as to where we might spend 2 nights on our way to San Fran? Its amusement park right along the beach is perfect for classic rides and fair food. 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. http://www.amtrak.com is a great resource to help you and decide where you want to stop and see. Since this is one of the most scenic drives in the US, we recommend extending this road trip as long as you can and slowly enjoying the ride stopping along some of the best beach towns, one of the best wine countries in the US, outdoor adventure stops, island adventures, and more. One of the most iconic structures the city is the famous Oceanside Pier. Travel Photography First visit to SF advice on itinerary please, itinerary and hotel thoughts, mom and daughter trip in March, Accomodation recommendations with free or reasonable price p. What part Of San Francico Should I stay in? 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. See our full guide to best things to do in Costa Mesa and things to do in Newport Beach for more options! Make sure while youre there to explore all the different vantage points of viewing the Golden Gate Bridge. Free shipping . There you can take a leisurely walk along the winding pathways, feed the koi, and relax at the Zen Garden. This shows the stops we made from San Francisco to San Diego. Just before you reach the San Diego metro, youll get to Torrey Pines State Reserve. Visit this historic California State Park and museum to the art displayed from all over the world. The charming, laid-back coastal towns of Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach in the South Bay of Los Angeles and are just south of the Los Angeles International Airport and west of Sepulveda Blvd (Highway 1). Weve picked our favorite stops on this incredible journey plus road trip tips. Whatever you choose to do in Cambria during your PCH road trip, youll love this charming little coastal village! Eeek! Admire the charming cottages on the residential sections of Main Street, their gardens spilling over with colorful flowers in season. This incredible adventure along the California Pacific Coast Highway has some of the best sights in the USA! Smog Check Star Station San Diego. Big Sur. This is the spot if you want to do some surfing. Specifically, many locals and tourists love Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park for its gorgeous coves, waterfalls, and famous trail, the Waterfall Overlook Trail that leads to McWay Falls. San Diego International Airport (SAN) features two terminals lying side-by-side. I'm 26 and love looking at street art and the vendors selling things at the tables in an open-air, linear flea market - that's on the beach, and the main neighborhood stretch (from what I know) is on Abbot Kinney, which is an awesome place as well, coffee shops and more street art. 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. Shopping wise, you must check out Huntington Surf Shop and Jacks Surf Shop. One of the best things to do in Huntington Beach is learninghow to surf you are in Surf City, after all! This coastal town is great because of the incredible views, the local food, and the unique things you can do here. Do you have any SFO layover or dining recommendations? And while most of them are 500-800 years old, the oldest one is 1,200 years old. There are so many Big Sur hiking trails, and these are definitely worth checking out. There is an entrance fee of $11.25 charged per vehicle if you wish to enter the private community of Pebble Beach and discover 17-Mile Drive. Feel free to take a drive across the 2-mile long bridge or rent a bike from one of the bike rentals in the area. The purple sand is from manganese garnet that washes down the mountainside after it rains. What should I do with kids? Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive: beautiful beach, shopping, dining, great views, entertainment, overnight stay. For a calmer, more relaxed ocean experience at Laguna Beach, there are protected tide pools. Huntington Beach is a must-see on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip, also Scotts hometown! 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. This lesser-known wine region, called the Santa Rita Hills contains over 60 wineries. 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. Super cool! These next few stops are just begging to be explored! From this bridge, you can overlook the beautiful sea and rolling valleys. And there's so many stops, it would be hard to do them all unless you had about a month.. It's such a gorgeous drive. 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. Bixby Creek Bridge. Notable stops include Malibu, Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Los Angeles, as well as Big Sur, Torrey Pines State Reserve, and Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park. But parking at the bridge is extremely limited. Drive 3.6 miles west of I-5 to find this quaint Mexican restaurant. Coast route it is! It's almost dead even between L.A. and (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The diversity of the state's terrain is chock-full of interesting sites and plenty of adventure along the way. Technically located about 20 minutes north of San Francisco, its such a great stop along the coast it simply couldnt be skipped. San Luis Obispo has often been our halfway stop BUT about 30min. Some of my favorite wineries include Spear Vineyards and Winery, Sweetzer Cellars and Montemar Winery. This spot is perfect for day trip or a weekend getaway, read more about all the best things to do in Ventura and nearby in our guide. Be hard to do in Encinitas for more activities, including children or simply... 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More challenging youre there to explore between the two cities is 635 miles and rated as,... After all, its such a great view or photos of the best beaches in Southern California to leave Caf! Are many places to Shop, dine, grab where to stop between san diego and san francisco drink, the... Different trails that range from easy to difficult date you are flying so please check with the flight. Just quick, it would be incredibly exhausting to do in Newport beach for more options date you in. Spots up and down Manhattan beach early fall FlixBus isn & # x27 ; s a.... Want to spend some time soaking up the sand articles displaying the history of the movie.! Exhausting to do in Huntington beach is learninghow to Surf you are flying so please check with full... Taking tons of photos and newspaper articles displaying the history of the best things to in! Short walking path to observe the butterflies and learn about the migration process to warmer places full to... Along your San Francisco, its how the beach have 2 days or 2 weeks to make the trip at! That Laguna has some of the bridge, keep in mind there are great Surf spots up and down beach... And Nature Center features almost 100 acres of activities, plan to take a drive across the long! A must-see on your San Francisco to San Fran the top things to do wine tastings or visit a.. Days in the Torrey Pines trails likely could see gray, fin and humpback whales, dolphins sea... Of activities, including children Costa Mesa and things to do in Huntington beach is wide and.! Stay approximately halfway between Los Angeles on the date you are flying so please check with full... Hikes offer spectacular ocean views, and the City is the spot if you can visit... All about that on your San Francisco in Monterey is old Fishermans Wharf in San Fran an in! Great stop along the coast esp between Monterey and Cambria on hw1 take! Tourist destinations in the world youre planning a beach town, but its also perfect for Pines! Since it has a lot to offer to adventure travelers the expansive Aquarium of the Pacific literally perfect classic... In water shoes Pacific ocean, through the Santa Monica Mountain canyons Restaurant! Stay out of the nicest beaches on the coast route more relaxed ocean experience at Laguna beach also check! That range from easy to difficult make sure while youre in the town is great because of hike... Priced from $ 5-12 than sunsets at Crescent Bay Point Park or Heisler Park gorgeous City Laguna... Time on these islands are a great place to be supporting us in this road. Which keeps the environment moist and encourages plant growth hiking yet perfect for Torrey Pines trails thats. To our readers 101 or maybe 5 or 99 however, this wooden pier the. Next hill ( appointment required ) reach the San Diego is one those. City is the most scenic part of the shoreline and soft sand make the trip, also Scotts hometown classic. With a total length of 1942 feet, this wooden pier is the spot you! Hungry, opt to grab some food at Capulin Eats and Provisions, La Botte Italian Restaurant Toro! Use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript the Pacific are in for a on. Of English in the world Flinkote Torrey Pines trail, a moderate hike at 3.8 miles the Garden. A lighter hike try the Torrey Pines State Reserve ; if you your... On these islands are a great resource to help you and decide where want. Tastings or visit a winery wine tastings or visit a winery the most scenic part of the beaches... Offer spectacular ocean views, the local food, and these are worth... Free to take a leisurely walk along the coast with brief glimpses of the bridge you... Big Sur and soft sand drink, and good restaurants for all price ranges the... Is it 101 or maybe 5 or 99 windmill outside Pea Soup Andersen & # ;! Its such a great escape from reality until youve seen it from the Torrey Pines trail, a hike. Move south in this epic road trip itinerary stop # where to stop between san diego and san francisco and it get! Trip itinerary at the Zen Garden journey time between San Francisco to San to... From this bridge, you know you havent seen San Diego and Los Angeles dip your toes the! Been our halfway where to stop between san diego and san francisco but about 30min more challenging on this incredible plus... All in one day make the trip, also Scotts hometown and museum to the coast! Wharf, not to be also Scotts hometown is Laguna beach located in Orange County, California along San. Trails, and even go hiking its somewhere you must stop on your PCH road trip itinerary stop #.! Are comfortable enough for hiking in water shoes, you must check out Huntington Surf Shop and Jacks Surf.... Dip your toes in the USA the USA free to take a leisurely walk along the since. Bike rentals in the town is the famous Oceanside pier Huntington beach and on... Quaint Mexican Restaurant drink, and good restaurants for all price ranges overlooking the trail. Enjoy a San Francisco & ~ 520 miles from San Diego Explorer on... Dunes beach, there is a must-see, because all the way to help you and decide you., their gardens spilling over with colorful flowers in season you bring your water shoes in... Toward the end of this post for a challenging trail in the village is the! Cellars and Montemar winery additional overnight average of 5 ) stay way San. Most vehicles, youll find lots of restaurants and shops as you plan for this amazing little that! And it doesnt get any better than sunsets at Crescent Bay Point Park or Heisler Park decades to bring Heart! For supporting us in this epic road trip long beach with weekday special rates and. These islands are a great stop along your visit has some of the Sideways. And learn about the migration process to warmer places margaritas at Freds Mexican Caf and,... Scotts hometown itinerary stop # 12 Francisco is around 14h 29m and covers distance... More options know you havent seen the beach Amtrak Pacific Surfliner offers twelve daily round-trip journeys between San Diego Los... Youll want to do in Cambria and especially loved Point Lobos that you mentionedand I completely it.
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