Santa Barbara is one of the more famous beach towns in California and is an especially popular stop along the San Francisco to San Diego drive. Such a cool road trip, right? Point Lobos is considered one of the best spots in California to whale watch! Theres also a statue of a seal harbor the kids will like to see. Whether you have one day left or a week, heres more on this epic California Coast road trip itinerary! Plus, traffic is awful around San Jose - you'll want to avoid it at all costs if you can. 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. Regardless of your fitness level, youll find a trail or 2 that are perfect for a stroll along the coast. I haven't really even considered a driving route yet. There's ground transportation service from each terminal to take you to your plane. Among the beaches are many places to shop, dine, grab a drink, and even go hiking. Its a great spot to watch surfers catching the waves. This sandy spot is located right across the bridge from Downtown San Diego, which is full of everything you could possibly imagine on your tourist adventure. Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: beach break, food & drink, shopping, entertainment, nearby wine tasting, overnight stay, ~ 352 miles from San Francisco & ~ 188 miles from San Diego. Travel Gifts, As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. It costs $7-18 depending on the season, but the prime location is worth the price. Smog Check Stations. Santa Barbara is a lovely city where the streets are lined with palm trees and Spanish Revival architecture gives it a distinct aura. Postcard PANORAMIC SCENE Between Los Angeles & San Diego California CA AO1169 . See the historic surfboards and imagine yourself up on this much heavier version of todays surfboard! Avila Beach offers everything from shopping, golfing with an oceanfront view, farmers markets, spas, and so much more. Its completely off limits due to the fragile nature of the cliffs. The Big Basin Redwoods is Californias oldest state park, which was established in 1902. Of course, surrounded by the beautiful hills of the Santa Inez Valley, youre in wine country! Does SF have any budget hotels, hostels, or hotels with free/cheap parking? Alternatively, you may use. Was going to book Yosemite National Park with the hostel as they organise it. 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! Thanks, Get answers to your questions about San Francisco. It's almost dead even between L.A. and (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? From the PCH, turn north on one of LA countys prettiest roads, Kanan-Dume, through the Santa Monica Mountain canyons. 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 last stop on this San Francisco to San Diego road trip takes you all the way to the tip of Southern California. ~ 0 miles from San Francisco & ~ 520 miles from San Diego. Do you have any SFO layover or dining recommendations? You are going to love it. Avila also offers plenty of opportunities to get active during your San Francisco to San Diego road trip! Fun fact: Carmel-by-the-Sea doesnt have any chain restaurants. 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. It took nearly 3 decades to bring the Heart Castle to completion and you can learn all about that on your visit. Are you a couple or with kids? 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. Theres so many things to do in Monterey that you could spend a whole weekend visiting the city! Getting from Merced over to the coast will be much more challenging. Reservations are recommended for this top rated Pacific Ocean experience. . The town is great for strolling. 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. This trail is a must-see, because all the views are absolutely epic! Recommended by Daria of The Discovery Nut follow on Instagram. Carpinteria State Beach is a must-see during a road trip along the California Pacific Coast Highway. Anaheim is the most popular city on the route it's less than an hour from Los Angeles and 2 hours from San Diego. In downtown Lompoc, you can go on a mural walk as the area has over 40 murals. 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. Responsibly, of course! Although its currently closed pending potential restoration, visitors can still get up close to the ship at the cruise port. San Francisco raced to a 10-0 . The possibilities are endless in The Crown City of Southern California. Unknown. Its been impeccably maintained and is a great spot to walk around and learn about the history of the area. 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. After you are full, head to Manhattan Beach E-Bike Rentals to rent a bike for the day. Recommended by me Nikki of Inspired Routes. We also highly urge you to plan time in both San Francisco and San Diego as both are amazing cities and deserve a few days of exploring each! There are so many cool places I need to check out based on your list if I ever do the drive again! The local forums can help you but you have to be more specific in what you are looking for. [Disclaimer] Enjoy the variety of rides and rollercoasters as well as mini-golf, laser tag, bowling, arcades, and more! We love hiking, biking, sightseeing, etc. There is also the Lompoc Museum which has 2 floors of exhibits about the area. Laguna Beach is the perfect oceanside destination for your California Coast road trip. San Diego International Airport (SAN) features two terminals lying side-by-side. There you can take a leisurely walk along the winding pathways, feed the koi, and relax at the Zen Garden. Its the famous Top Gun House, where Maverick fell for his flight instructor Kelly McGillis. Theres a long walking trail right along the beach, great for exercising or renting bikes for a scenic ride. If that sounds interesting, that's my recommendation. #3 Santa Cruz A fun California beach town known for its beautiful university campus and surfing culture, Santa Cruz is also enviably close to forests of towering redwoods and the Santa Cruz Mountains. In the summer, this is one of the hottest beach towns in all of California. Or any unique places also. Was wondering where is best to stop in California between San Francisco and San Diego? Once to get to LA then you will have to use the local transport to get around. 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. From this bridge, you can overlook the beautiful sea and rolling valleys. If under the sea is what youre after, Laguna Beach offers snorkeling and diving opportunities as well. Its somewhere you must stop on your PCH road trip and on everyLos Angeles itinerary! Free shipping . There are so many Big Sur hiking trails, and these are definitely worth checking out. If you want some great beach views, this is a must see on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip. Technically located about 20 minutes north of San Francisco, its such a great stop along the coast it simply couldnt be skipped. I'm Nikki. 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. Theres also several cultural landmarks like Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, Bubblegum Alley and Fremont Theater. The waterfall typically falls directly onto the sand below. Getting to Pfeiffer Beach isnt too tricky unless you have an RV or trailer. This landmark is easily one of the best stops along your San Francisco to San Diego road trip in San Simeon, California. Its got a more retro, eclectic vibe than some of the other places on this list. The California Coast drive can be done in 2 days or a month, filling your days with all the incredible sights and activities in San Francisco, San Diego and everywhere in between. Rosenthal, Malibus first winery, even has a tasting room right on the PCH, across the street from the ocean. What day has the lowest fares from San Francisco (SFO) to San Diego? On the adventurous side of things, there are trails for hiking and biking and go to the beach for surfing, sailing, and sunbathing! . You will depart from San Francisco International Airport and will land at San Diego International Airport. Thank you for supporting us in this small way to help us continue bringing helpful travel guides to our readers. The walks are easy and family-friendly. Some of the best spots to satisfy those cravings after a beach day are the food hall at SOCO Collection & OC Mix and many restaurants & bars on 17th St. You can also check out some of the more independent restaurants located at The Lab and The Camp on Bristol! Pinos Way . One of the most iconic spots in SLO is the Guadalupe Nipomo Dunes, this spot is perfect for some camping, off-roading, or photography. The third meeting of the season between the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks is headed for a tense second half, with the latter leading 17-14 at halftime. Is San Diego north or south of LA? 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. The possibilities are endless on the island in and out of the water. Hearst famously used this home as a popular getaway for him and all his celebrity friends in the 1920s as an escape complete with a private airstrip, zoo and animal collection, as well as impressive entertainment options that would make you want to be a part of his entourage in the roaring 20s. One of the most popular things to do in Lompoc is to go wine tasting. Following his inheritance and wealth from publishing, William Hearst began construction in 1919. San Francisco. Enjoyed this post on the best stops along the San Francisco to San Diego road trip or San Diego to San Francisco road trip? Otherwise youll be good mid-late summer to early fall. This spot is located in the Santa Ynez Valley of California and is very recognizable due to its windmill and other Danish-style architecture. Now tell me a great place to stay approximately halfway between SD and SF. You can try authentic tacos, burritos, and margaritas at Freds Mexican Caf and Cantina, which overlooks the ocean. Save it for later or share it on social media! 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. Some of the best things to do in Dana Point can be done while soaking up the sun, like laying on the sand, surfing, boating/fishing, or taking a whale watching tour! Or, simply admire its sparkling lights across the harbor in the evening. Many of the wineries have scattered around the region, but there is also a block of wine tasting rooms in downtown Lompoc. Queen Mary, the former luxury ocean liner thats reportedly themost haunted ship in the world. Spend a day or a few exploring the nearby wineries and beautiful landscapes, Santa Barbara will not disappoint. This lively spot offers flights, glasses, bottles, and cases of their 2 wine brands: Rosenthal and Surfrider. Youll feel the sensational gravitational pull on your body while you visit. And I can't think of a better way to stretch your legs than to hike! We personally love heading to Pacific City for some of the great dining options there where you can sit outside and enjoy the view or from inside a restaurant with an epic beach view. For a more in-depth wine tasting experience, take a break from the ocean and head for the hills. SF to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If youre looking for a great view or photos of the bridge, keep in mind there are various vantage points! As you enter San Francisco you drive along the esteemed Golden Gate Bridge. The route takes you through Santa Cruz, Monterey, Big Sur, San Simeone, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbra, Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach and finally to San Diego. However, if youre lucky enough to see it during high tide, youll watch the water flow directly into the ocean. Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Francisco to San Diego. Not only is this a cultural experience, but it is also a family fun experience! There are many nice places to stay between LA and SF: Santa Barbara, San Luis Opisbo, Pismo Beach, Cambria, Carmel/Monterey, Santa Cruz. It was in the roaring 20s that the Hearst Castle reached its social peak and hosted many celebrities and dignitaries from around the world. In addition to these two shops, there are many boutiques, souvenir shops, and more to check out! Another cool spot to visit is the Monarch Butterfly Grove. A place that truly holds a special place in my heart is Laguna Beach. Youll get stunning views of Sand Dollar Beach and the surrounding Big Sur area. 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. Where should my family (of 5) stay? Crystal Cove is located right between Corona del Mar (one of the Newport beach towns) and Laguna Beach, where you can find some of the most beautiful coastline and best beaches in Orange County! Oh how awesome, Gloria! 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. Recommended by Lesley of Bucket List Publications follow on Instagram. The good thing with the Carpinteria State Beach is that they have en route sites for last minutes campers. Unlike other places around the Golden state that often feel too touristy during the peak season, San Luis Obispo has a calmer atmosphere and authentic flair. Definitely worth a stop on your PCH road trip! Of course being a beach town, you know theres one of those to visit, too. 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 best viewpoint is from the Overlook Trail to McWay Falls. Thank you so much for this guide - your photos are incredibly beautiful as well :), Ah yes, Bea! California, the Golden State, is one of the best places in the country to go for a road trip. If you do this, youll want to spend a bit more than an afternoon in Santa Barbara. The top stops along the way from Los Angeles to San Diego (with short detours) are Disneyland Park, La Jolla Cove, and Disney California Adventure Park. The 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. Gravitational pull on your list if I ever do the drive again you. Cultural experience, take a break from the ocean biking, sightseeing, etc about the history of the popular! Stunning views of sand Dollar Beach and the surrounding Big Sur hiking trails, and more from! 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