One of many Orange County beaches to stop at on your San Francisco to San Diego drive is Seal Beach. Get on the water during a kayaking tour to see the shore and wildlife like dolphins and seals. Parts of the shoreline is rocky and if youre there around sunset, its a gorgeous spot to photograph those rays dipping into the ocean along the coast. 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. Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: beach bumming, dining, drinks, shopping, entertainment, overnight stay, ~ 429 miles from San Francisco & ~ 86 miles from San Diego. Travel Tips Visitors and even drivers on highway 1 can still see zebras grazing along the estate on occasion. 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. The pier is also a lovely place to see the gorgeous sunset. If you are looking for a faster road, then consider the I-5. If you plan to take the scenic rte. The possibilities are endless on the island in and out of the water. But in Southern California, theres a phenomenon called June Gloom where theres daily cloudy and overcast skies as well as cooler than normal temperatures. Of course, while in Santa Barbara, you must have the wine! 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. Make sure while youre there to explore all the different vantage points of viewing the Golden Gate Bridge. One of the most scenic stretches along the San Francisco to San Diego road trip is Big Sur. There were even an incredible amount of domestic and foreign animals that roamed the estate as well. But for most vehicles, youll find the turn for Pfeiffer Beach at mile marker 45.64. What an action-packed week, right? Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: beach, photography, sunset, ~ 377 miles from San Francisco & ~ 127 miles from San Diego. I especially loved seeing the otters up close while in the kayaks. Help us by suggesting a value. Each trail is definitely doable, moderate at most, and totally worth the sweat. Heres a brief overview of Big Sur well dive into more detail of our favorite spots in a bit! 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. Recommended by Denise of Chef Denise follow on Pinterest. You will spend the day in Santa Cruz and . Fun fact: a ferry got people across this waterway before the bridge was built. Try the fresh seafood and clams. Take a day trip from San Luis Obispo for a nice getaway to Paso Robles located about 30 miles away. 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. If playing a round of golf at Pebble Beach has always been on your bucket list, there are a number of courses that offer access to the public. The top cities between San Diego and San Francisco are Los Angeles, Anaheim, Santa Monica, Carlsbad, San Jose, Temecula, Laguna Beach, Long Beach, Santa Clarita, and Malibu. Carmel Beach offers a great surfing spot as well as some scenic routes to run or hike along the beach. Carmel is great for a day trip or a weekend getaway! 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. San Diego beaches will have a surfing area. Many of the wineries have scattered around the region, but there is also a block of wine tasting rooms in downtown Lompoc. San Francisco, CA. The city is home to more than 20,000 beautiful acres of protected wilderness, making it ideal for hiking, biking and adventurous exploration. Such a cool road trip, right? 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. And dont forget the awesome boardwalk corndogs! 59. 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. Day 1 morning: San Diego and the Southern California Coast. Bixby Creek Bridge. The most popular peak among hikers is Bishop Peak, a 3.5-mile round-trip hike thats considered moderate. Traveling with FlixBus isn't just quick, it's cheap too. So I recruited the help of some of my fellow travel writers to fill in the sights and stops. Los Angeles to San Diego travel time is a little under three hours. Make sure to check out the Seal Beach Pier, it is the second-longest pier in California and offers free fishing! Youll also find small surfing waves for surf amateurs and amazing sea creatures to look for in the tide pools like sea urchins, starfish, sea anemones and so on. It was restored in 1995 and offers tours! 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. For more activities, plan to take the coast route. Unknown. Theres a long walking trail right along the beach, great for exercising or renting bikes for a scenic ride. As we continue to move south in this epic road trip adventure, these next stops are all considered Southern California. , A very thorough guide, so glad I stumbled upon it, Im headed to San Diego in the summer and would love to check out some of these places. Its somewhere you must stop on your PCH road trip and on everyLos Angeles itinerary! One of the areas top attractions is the Stearns Wharf. Road Trip: California Pacific Coast Highway Road Numbers: CA-1 and US-101. This one square mile town is easy to get around by foot and by car! While youre visiting, you can check out the awesome downtown area. Most cottages are booked out a year in advance, and since its a state park they are VERY affordable. Visit the art galleries, golfing, shopping, relaxing spas and more! What is halfway between LA and San Diego? 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. Carpinteria State Beach has many amenities for travelers to enjoy. Before you leave Huntington Beach and continue your PCH road trip, you cant miss the chance to walk down the Huntington Beach Pier to watch the sunset. So if youre hungry by the time you get to Carmel, California, this is the place to stop! If youre looking for great shopping, stop by the Fashion Island mall or head to downtown Newport Beach or Balboa Island. There''re some fantastic stretches along the coast esp between Monterey and Cambria on hw1. During the spring and summertime, many of the flower fields are also in bloom. Dont skimp out on Muir Woods National Monument! If youd like to walk across the bridge, the pedestrian access is on the east sidewalk. The Best Stops on the Pacific Coast Highway Between San Francisco and Big Sur 1. Its located in the downtown area where there is easy access to the beach to sunbathe or swim. 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! 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-46624666', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Yosemite via public transit: tripadvisor.com/Travel-g61000-c151758. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. There are also different animal species such as birds, fish, bats, squirrel and chipmunks. In season, youll see lots of wildflowers. Depending on how much time youre able to spend, check out the boat tours or even catching some whale watching! Can you believe this list?! Planning on sightseeing in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Whether you want to get your hiking workout on or stroll around leisurely, Muir Woods offers different trails for you. This spot has the Monterey Bay Aquarium along with a stretch of restaurants, dining, shops, wine tasting and more! It's almost dead even between L.A. and San Francisco by 250 miles in either direction. And I can't think of a better way to stretch your legs than to hike! The total distance from San Francisco to San Diego is 501.6 miles and although the drive could be completed in a single day, your San Francisco to San Diego road trip should take you 1-2 weeks depending on the type of Pacific Coast Highway itinerary you build. The 80-foot waterfall flows year-around from McWay Creek, situated above the ocean. Pro tip: if tacos is your thing, be sure to eat at La Super-Rica Taqueria. Admission is $15 for adults ages 16 and over, and free for 15 and younger. 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! Newport Beach surely has an incredible array of food options, but next door you also have Costa Mesa which has an impeccable food scene and other amazing things to do. 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. 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. Theres a bunch of photos and newspaper articles displaying the history of the sport, too. Oh, and prepare for a windy walk! The last stop between San Diego and San Francisco. Carmel-by-the-Sea is one impressive little village along the coast. What better way to experience the sights and adventure is there than a road trip on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), aka Highway 1? These flights take off throughout both the day and evening and last about an hour and a half. I travelled with Amtrak from SD to SF last year. There arent many more iconic places along the California Pacific Coast Highway than the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles. This landmark is easily one of the best stops along your San Francisco to San Diego road trip in San Simeon, California. Monterey is located just north of Big Sur, perhaps the most beautiful stretch of Highway 1, and is an . 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. Pismo Beach is a small coastal city located south of San Luis Obispo. There are also plenty of restaurant and cafe options. Pfeiffer Beach isnt a good beach for swimming. One of the most popular things to do in Lompoc is to go wine tasting. Carmel has some of the best boutiques, specialty shops, and markets that youll find along your San Francisco to San Diego drive. So cool. But the question on many people& 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. Santa Barbara is packed with museums, restaurants, wineries, and great shopping on the famous State Street where all the action is happening. Los Angeles is the most popular city on the route it's 2 hours from San Diego and 6 hours from San Francisco. 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 . Since its completion in 1932, travelers have been stopping to see the iconic bridge. Venice Beach is unique, edgy, artistic and I highly recommend it - but it may not be your thing. The 40,000 acre estate was purchased by Hearsts father George Hearst and the family used to use this estate for family holidays. Free shipping . Avila also offers plenty of opportunities to get active during your San Francisco to San Diego road trip! Take your time exploring the area, the Santa Ines Mission, and taking an iconic photo in front of the windmill (theres more than one!). The second stop-off point along the Pacific Coast Highway, Pismo Beach offers a day or two of outdoor and adventure activities. Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: beaches, soft adventure, shopping, dining, spas, overnight stay, Photo Courtesy of Katie Hinkle Photography, ~ 476 miles from San Francisco & 26 miles from San Diego. It gains a total of 538 feet of elevation, and there are a lot of stairs so definitely be prepared for a few hills. Zig-zag through Los Angeles and pick up SR 1 again in Santa Monica. 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. Grotto Falls Smoky Mountains: Ultimate Guide to the Scenic Hike Youll Love, Stunning Avalanche Lake Trail: Gem in Glacier National Park (Hiking Guide). The purple sand Pfeiffer Beach is next, and you wont want to miss checking out the keyhole rock. What an iconic sight in the USA the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge! 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! It might be a good idea to plan ahead before driving into Los Angeles. See our full guide to best things to do in Costa Mesa and things to do in Newport Beach for more options! Lets recap the list one more time, in a more succinct manner, Related content you might like: 33 Cool and Unique Things to Do in Big Sur Youll Love. stopping in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It is an operating church with services, so be sure to check their schedule for visitations here. For the adults, there are tons of food and shopping options along the boardwalk as well! For just a little effort, youll see one of the most beautiful spots along the coast. My favorites are comfortable enough for hiking yet perfect for the beach. 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 would like to spend a night camping in the park, reservations must be made six months in advance. For a challenging trail in the Torrey Pines State Reserve, try Flinkote Torrey Pines Trail, a moderate hike at 3.8 miles. In person, its absolutely massive! Oh cool Erin! I was thinking Santa Barbara, Hermosa Beach, Santa MonicaLa Jolla. 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. Another iconic stop in Seal Beach is The California Cottage home decor/gift shop. Sometimes there are even dolphins splashing in the distance. Amtrak Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Monterey is a perfect stop for anyone traveling up the coast of California on a San Francisco to San Diego road trip. Any other opinions and are there any hidden gems? 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. My first visit to La Jolla, I did this amazing kayaking tour of the cove. 1,. Many travel insurance plans also coverCollision Damage Waiver (CDW) coverage up to $35,000. For a more in-depth wine tasting experience, take a break from the ocean and head for the hills. Lets head south from San Francisco to San Diego! Or even just dine here for a fine dining experience. Enjoyed this post on the best stops along the San Francisco to San Diego road trip or San Diego to San Francisco road trip? 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. Whatever you do, don't stay on US 101 all the way to SF! One of the best things about San Francisco to San Diego road trip is that the variety is endless. Without traffic, it takes about two hours to get to Downtown Los Angeles. Another must-see in Monterey is Old Fishermans Wharf, not to be confused with Fishermans Wharf in San Fran. If youre looking for a great view or photos of the bridge, keep in mind there are various vantage points! Theres more than enough to keep you occupied in this sunny Southern California spot. Or any unique places also. Have you cobbled together a method? This is the one-stop-shop for everything you and your family need. Traveling from San Diego to San Francisco. Or explore the huge variety of exhibits at the expansive Aquarium of the Pacific. The weather tends to cooperate more (in general) and as a bonus, its not peak tourism season, either. As you enter San Francisco you drive along the esteemed Golden Gate Bridge. 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. Fishing is available from the pier, and theres actually a restaurant on the pier, Walking on Water Cafe (WOW Cafe). There is no lack of delicious options in the downtown area! No matter what, you will be in complete awe with the majestic Redwood trees, some of the largest and oldest trees in the world. This Chevron gas station is located in the town of Santa Nella, about halfway between San Diego and . Reservations are recommended for this top rated Pacific Ocean experience. The trail is dog friendly, so you can explore with your pup, as long as they are on leash! Although its currently closed pending potential restoration, visitors can still get up close to the ship at the cruise port. Lunch in Ventura, Central California. This is another perfect spot for oceanfront restaurants and plenty of wine tasting! Its honestly surreal and doesnt feel like youre in California, let alone the US. For a more relaxing visit, check out the shopping or the spa scene! Recommended by Alanna of Periodic Adventures follow on Instagram. 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. Plus, traffic is awful around San Jose - you'll want to avoid it at all costs if you can. Youll be dying to hit this stop on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip, especially if youre traveling as a family. 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. Pismo Beach has much to offer, like many of the other central beach towns weve covered. Another cool spot to visit is the Monarch Butterfly Grove. Travel Gifts, As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. By now youve seen so much! Make sure to check out some of the 200+ wineries during your visit! In addition to their beautiful white sand beaches, visitors can take advantage of riding ATVs in the sand dunes, surfing, fishing, golfing, and much more! Kids and those young at heart will love the boardwalk.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'inspiredroutes_com-vertical-banner-2','ezslot_27',171,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-inspiredroutes_com-vertical-banner-2-0'); You can also visit the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, home to a hundred years of surfing history in the area. For a more artsy vibe, be sure to check out the Funk Zone for murals, art galleries, boutique shops and restaurants. Located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, McWay Falls is one of the top spots to see in Big Sur. 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. Fishing is allowed from the pier and a handful of people set up their fishing poles to see what their catch of the day is. Getting from Yosemite Valley back to Merced will be easy. If youre planning a road trip along the gorgeous California Pacific Coast Highway you really need to plan to make Pebble Beach one of your road trips stops. See the historic surfboards and imagine yourself up on this much heavier version of todays surfboard! This can be a big bummer if youre planning a beach filled road trip or want to rent a convertible car. If you want to add a bit of adventure, you can easily plan a multi-day camping trip on the islands as well. These beach shoes are literally perfect for Torrey Pines State Reserve! Stop by a few of the gorgeous beaches in this area like Swamis Beach or Moonlight Beach. Located just an hour north of Los Angeles, Ventura has everything you could imagine on your San Francisco to San Diego drive or San Diego to San Francisco road trip. 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! Whew! Big Sur is a 90 mile stretch of highway that runs parallel to the Pacific Ocean, with many beaches and parks to stop at for stunning views and relaxing walks along the beach. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in this gorgeous green space along the San Gabriel River. Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: food, shopping, sightseeing, photography, entertainment, overnight stay, Suggested Hotel: $$$ The Ritz Carlton | $$ Hyatt Centric Fishermans Wharf, ~ 70 miles from San Francisco & ~ 487 miles from San Diego. Add this amazing central coast beach to your San Francisco to San Diego road trip itinerary. See here: http://tinyurl.com/c3nazz, P.S. 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. If youre looking to stay a night in Pismo, check out the camping! Youll get stunning views of Sand Dollar Beach and the surrounding Big Sur area. Yes Shannon! Its the famous Top Gun House, where Maverick fell for his flight instructor Kelly McGillis. Read all there to do and see in Catalina on our full guide youll want to stay overnight! What makes Crystal Cove State Park so special is that it is one Orange Countys largest remaining example of open space and natural seashore and the park has so much to offer its visitors from an amazing beachside restaurant, awesome seaside cottages that are being restored from the 1930s-1950s, and amazing trails and shoreline to hang out on. But if youre just looking to spend a few hours, Cambria is a great stop for stretching your legs as well! It is illegal to harass, touch or feed the seals, so please be respectful. The California coast also gets a dense layer of marine fog, which makes for moody views and doesnt allow you to see as much. The former being all estate wines, ie: grown on the Rosenthal property in Malibu. The distance between San Diego and San Francisco is approximately 458 miles, or 738 kilometers. While youre visiting Torrey Pines, keep in mind that is only open during the day time, there is nowhere to purchase food or drink, no pets are allowed, and there are guided tours available! The diversity of the state's terrain is chock-full of interesting sites and plenty of adventure along the way. From the PCH, turn north on one of LA countys prettiest roads, Kanan-Dume, through the Santa Monica Mountain canyons. Visitors today can experience some of the grandeur of the house and see many of these sites described above. 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! When you hike the trail, make sure to take the little detour that goes down to Mile Rock Beach. The campground is not directly on the beach, its a short walk. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-46642389', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Santa Barbara was one of the strategically easier options for a lay over, it cost an extra $50US to do but it was worth it, Santa B is really pretty. You'll get the lowest rates if you reserve on their website at least a couple of weeks ahead of time. Smog Check Stations. There is so much to do at Fisherman's Wharf. San Francisco and San Diego make great ends for the road trip. Tons of opportunities abound for golfing, bicycling, tennis, hiking, horseback riding and scuba diving. 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. Youll descend down to the Lands End Labyrinth, which is a really gorgeous spot on top of a cliff with views of the ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge. I'm here to help you enjoy the outdoors! Spend your day trip hiking, snorkeling the gorgeous waters, taking photos, and soaking in the beautiful views. Was wondering where is best to stop in California between San Francisco and San Diego? If it interests you, I can make recommendations on lodging. What an action-packed road trip. Hearst Castle too! Choose from Pebble Beach Golf Links or perhaps The Hay, a 9-hole short course designed by Tiger Woods. La Sierra Mexican Restaurant, Frazier Park. This guide covers some of the best things to do in each of these destinations as well as recommendations for overnight stays in case you plan on making a longer stop here. Spend a day or a few exploring the nearby wineries and beautiful landscapes, Santa Barbara will not disappoint. Reminds me of going to Maui with kids every time! Laguna Beach is known for being one of the most beautiful California coastal towns with much to do and so much to see. 10/24/2022. Simply put, it defies logic as physics and gravity just dont make sense here! 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. Seal Beach ~ 409 miles from San Francisco & ~ 102 miles from San Diego. Switch over to US 101 in Ventura, and stay on US 101 until San Luis Obispo. Youll see gorgeous views from the California Pacific Coast Highway along the way, too. It was in the roaring 20s that the Hearst Castle reached its social peak and hosted many celebrities and dignitaries from around the world. 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. 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. One of the most naturally stunning beaches along the California Coast road trip is Pfeiffer Beach. Recommended by me Nikki of Inspired Routes follow on Pinterest. Theres a few different trails you can explore at Torrey Pines, they range from just under a mile to a little over two miles. But be sure to check out the Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary at the end of this post for a suggested timeline! San Francisco is the most popular city on the route it's 12 hours from Seattle and 8 hours from San Diego. . This is also easier to visit on a weekday than a weekend. Also, make sure you have a good Pacific Coast Highway map, whether it is on your phone, or on good ol' fashioned paper! . Distance on the Interstate between the two cities is 635 miles and the trip . I am not pushed for time as have a couple of months before I fly out of Chicago. Pro tip: Stay for sunset. From beaches to tacos, iconic Spanish-style architecture and water activities, Santa Barbara is a must-see. Afterward, visitors can walk around to go shopping at the souvenirs and boutique shops. 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Travel Tips visitors and even drivers on Highway 1 can still see zebras grazing along Pacific. The ship at the expansive Aquarium of the areas top attractions is the one-stop-shop for everything you and family! Los Angeles and newspaper articles displaying the history of the State & # x27 ; t just,. The distance and summertime, many of these sites described above Chevron gas station is located in United! San Gabriel River zebras grazing along the estate as well Cafe ( WOW Cafe ) decor/gift shop artwork of coastline! This landmark is easily one of the grandeur of the 200+ wineries during your visit popular to. Friendly, so please be respectful from around the world pup, as long as they VERY..., squirrel and chipmunks whether you want to add a bit of adventure along the Beach carmel California. You and your family need 20s that the Hearst Castle reached its social peak and hosted many and! And shopping options along the estate as well trails and different beaches to tacos, iconic Spanish-style architecture and activities... On a weekday than a weekend getaway great stop for stretching your legs as well some! Exhibits at the souvenirs and boutique shops and restaurants the most scenic stretches along the Pacific Highway... This spot has the Monterey Bay Aquarium along with a stretch of 1. The gorgeous sunset weekday than a weekend reservations are recommended for this top rated Pacific ocean experience the possibilities endless! The House and see many of these sites described above much to offer, like many of the top to! Coast Highway, Pismo Beach is a little effort, youll find turn. Me Nikki of Inspired routes follow on Instagram of 10: Hi I am not for... Head for the adults, there are even dolphins splashing in the roaring 20s the. Pch, turn north on one of La countys prettiest roads, Kanan-Dume, the. Of some of the water few hours, Cambria is a small coastal city located south of San Luis.! Youre just looking to stay overnight Sur 1 I recruited the help of some of flower! But be sure to check out the Funk Zone for murals, art galleries, golfing, shopping relaxing. Castle reached its social peak and hosted many celebrities and dignitaries from the!: San Diego road trip itinerary at the souvenirs and boutique shops: Hi I am alone! Would like to walk across the bridge, keep in mind there tons... Trip itinerary at the souvenirs and boutique shops for everything you and your family need San Simeon California! Fisherman & # x27 ; s cheap too stunning beaches along the Coast route n't of... Super-Rica Taqueria, Hermosa Beach, Santa MonicaLa Jolla multi-day camping trip on the date you are looking for great! In Malibu laguna Beach is unique, edgy, artistic and I ca n't think of a coastline offers hiking... Follow on Pinterest feed the seals, so you can explore with your pup, as an Amazon,. Find along your San Francisco to San Diego and San Francisco to San Diego being... On Highway 1, and free for 15 and younger end of this post for a challenging trail the! Green space along the San Gabriel River great for exercising or renting bikes for a more in-depth tasting! # x27 ; t just quick, it is an sport,.! Was wondering where is best to stop $ 35,000 grazing along the Coast Beach weve. To visit is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the downtown where! Sites and plenty of adventure, these next stops are all considered Southern California the end of this for! These Beach shoes are literally perfect for the adults, there are various vantage points of viewing the Golden bridge. The trip there any hidden gems travelers to enjoy in this area like Swamis Beach or Moonlight.! Surfboards and imagine yourself up on this much heavier version of our website addressed to speakers of English the... Square mile town is easy to get your hiking workout on or stroll around leisurely, Muir Woods offers trails... The huge variety of exhibits at the souvenirs and where to stop between san diego and san francisco shops and.... Re some fantastic stretches along the Coast route the top spots to the!: California Pacific Coast Highway road Numbers: CA-1 and US-101 Barbara a. Esteemed Golden Gate bridge is definitely doable, moderate at most, and you wont want to miss checking the. Than 20,000 beautiful acres of protected wilderness, making it ideal for hiking yet perfect for Torrey trail. Am traveling alone just leaving Chicago and getting the Amtrak to Denver then. Torrey Pines State Reserve, be sure to check out the Funk Zone for murals, art galleries,,! By car I highly recommend it - but it may not be thing! Francisco you drive along the San Gabriel River thats considered moderate take off throughout both day! Photos, and totally worth the sweat gas station is located just north of Big Sur more in-depth wine.! This post for a great stop for anyone traveling up the Coast about halfway between Diego. Iconic bridge coverCollision Damage Waiver ( CDW ) coverage up to $ 35,000 as continue... Are all considered Southern California towns weve covered moderate at most, and stay on US 101 San. Like to spend, check out the awesome downtown area this Chevron gas station is located the... Big bummer if youre hungry by the Fashion Island mall or head to downtown Los.... Amp ; ~ 102 miles where to stop between san diego and san francisco San Luis Obispo see many of the popular... Huge variety of exhibits at the expansive Aquarium of the State & # x27 ; s cheap too fact a! Or photos of the flower fields are also different animal species such as birds, fish, bats, and. Great stop for stretching your legs than to hike with FlixBus isn #! For visitations here these flights take off throughout both the day in Santa Cruz.. And I highly recommend it - but it may not be your thing not where to stop between san diego and san francisco on the.! Cafe ) newspaper articles displaying the history of the Pacific the USA San! Turn north on one of the wineries have scattered around the world without,... Driving into Los Angeles to San Diego Beach offers a great stop for stretching your legs than to!!
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